Community Voices
Blazing New Bike Trails at Kincaid Park
Anchorage’s Singletrack Advocates are planning to build more mountain bike trails this summer – a six mile extension of the popular trails they have already built at Kincaid Park.
This ambitious goal is the way this can-do group rolls.
Celebrate National Child Care Provider Appreciation Day
The second Sunday in May has long been recognized as the day to honor mothers and their commitment to children. But, did you know the Friday before Mother’s Day, May 10, 2013, is Provider Appreciation Day?
New 90% by 2020 Education Action Report Reveals Progress
Data reveals progress is being made toward the community’s goal of a 90% graduation rate by the year 2020. Beginning in 2006 the Anchorage graduation rate was just 59%.
Today it’s grown to almost 73%. But additional attention and effort is still needed.
2012 Big Brother of the Year Joel Cooper
Joel and Little Brother Tim have been “matched” since June 2011. In that timeframe Joel has helped Tim in ways neither of them could imagine.
Love Your Local Library
The library is a wonderful, amazing place that offers programs from tots to adults all under one roof! It’s a great place to find books on almost every imaginable topic and open your imagination to magical worlds.
Here is a list of some of the great things your local library provides.
Maintaining the Highest Standards in Philanthropy
The Alaska Community Foundation is proud to announce that we have been re-certified as an organization meeting the nation’s highest philanthropic standards for operational quality, integrity and accountability.
The program is designed to provide quality assurance to donors, as well as to their legal and financial advisors, who entrust charitable assets to the organization.
DIY Naan Bread
My quest for some at-home Naan bread on a snowy day was motivated by a recent trip to Bombay Deluxe.
That, and the terrible driving conditions preventing me from getting into town during Anchorage’s spring snow offload.
Taking Steps Toward Financial Wellness
April is National Financial Literacy Month, and it couldn’t have come at a better time.
Consumers are feeling squeezed each week with rapidly increasing gas and food prices and sluggish economic growth, with many living in a down economy for the first time.
Anchorage’s Year-round Outdoor Playgroup
Skedaddle is a playgroup that meets outdoors year round. At Skedaddle, kids splash in the pouring rain, go sledding when it is -20 and run wild at playgrounds during the summer.
Initially, I didn’t think an outdoor playgroup would actually work in Alaska.
FIRST LEGO League Robotics Competition Mini-Doc
FIRST LEGO League is a robotics competition developed for upper elementary and middle school age students.
During the 2012-2013 season, there were 154 FIRST LEGO League teams across the state of Alaska, from small villages to our urban centers.
Two Alaska Library Programs Benefit Entire State
Thanks to the Alaska State Library, libraries across the state have access to two excellent programs.
The FY2014 funding for both is going through the budget process right now and I’m crossing my fingers that they make it through unscathed.
Recognizing National Mom and Pop Business Owners Day
You may not have heard of National Mom and Pop Business Owner’s Day. But, this observation day celebrates those individuals who spent hours cultivating services or products that Alaskan residents depend on.
Today, I celebrate by showcasing a local business, The Fafafel King.
Crisis in the Chicken Coop?
My hens have been confined to a small space now for several months. I’d expect anyone, including birds, to be stir crazy by this point and certainly wouldn’t be surprised to see a temporary reduction in egg production.
But, this morning when I did my usual coop check, a furtive motion by one of my young barred rocks caught my eye.
Rescued Sea Otter Finds a Home
A rescued and rehabilitated sea otter has been transferred from the Alaska SeaLife Center to its new permanent home at the Vancouver Aquarium.
Her transfer will allow the pup to receive the ongoing care and companionship she needs.
2013 Alaska Press Club Conference Community Scholarships
The Alaska Press Club and Town Square 49 are offering a limited number of scholarships for interested community members to attend the 2013 Alaska Press Club Conference, April 18-20 in Anchorage.
This world class media training opportunity will feature presenters from NPR, The Associated Press, The New York Times and more.
Recovered Polar Bear Cub At Alaska Zoo
On March 12, 2013, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service received word that a female polar bear had been taken near Point Lay, Alaska.
The adult female was accompanied by a cub, which was recovered and transferred first to the community of Point Lay.
Big Plans For Anchorage Public Library Headquarters
Anchorage Public Library is in the process of transforming itself in ways unforeseeable when the Loussac was built.
Not only will we continue to offer traditional library services, your library is evolving into a dynamic and interactive hub for community engagement.
Girl Scout Cookie Sales Have Begun In Alaska
Girl Scout Cookie sales have begun in Alaska. New this year are the cookie boxes, redesigned for the first time since 1999 to highlight the leadership and life skills girls learn by selling cookies.
In Alaska, more than 3,000 girls sell cookies and learn important lessons about setting goals, making decisions, managing money, people skills, and business ethics.
Alaskan Wild Berry Multigrain Pancakes
I am not familiar with the cultural origins of pancakes, but I know that they were a part of my family culture growing up.
Now, they’ve became part of the culture of the family I’ve created with my husband as a weekend treat–especially with maple syrup and fried eggs.
