Community

Living in Alaska means learning the language. You have to know the difference between seemingly similar holidays, things and places.

You’ve likely heard of the River Watch Bear Cam in Katmai National Park, but what about the live puppy cam in Denali National Park and Preserve? It shows live video of sled dog puppies. No, we’re not kidding.

Have you ever wondered how our great state got its name? Alaska comes from the Aleut word “aláxsxaq,” meant to reference an object at which the sea is directed. In this case, it refers to the peninsula and mainland.

This year commemorates the 243rd birthday of the U.S. Navy, which was established on Oct. 13, 1775. The U.S. Navy has played a critical role in Alaska’s history and is now the largest naval force in the world.

The annual Alaska Federation of Natives Convention is a time to honor the past and look to the future. From Oct. 18-20, 2018, 6,000 Alaskans will gather to discuss land use and other challenges.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported a record number of deaths during the 2017-2018 flu season, with the death toll reaching more than 80,000 people in the United States alone. It is important to get a flu vaccine because:

Digital screen use may be causing negative effects on reading comprehension, attention, memory and cognitive capabilities. When screen reading, the habit is to skim, thereby reducing the time allocated to get the general gist of the content.

PFD season means a welcome funding boost for Alaska organizations through the Pick.Click.Give. program. Pick.Click.Give. allows Alaskans eligible for a PFD to pledge online to donate to a nonprofit organization in increments of $25. In 2017, more than 26,000 Alaskans contributed $2.7 million dollars to important causes.

What do Alaska’s Permanent Fund, Peyton Manning, Apple Computer Company and “Rocky” have in common? All were created in 1976.

Donations from Alaskans’ PFDs make a difference for nonprofits working to support indigenous people across the state. If you haven’t selected a charity to support yet through Pick. Click. Give., here are eight nonprofits that are improving Alaskan communities through preserving tradition, expanding access for people with disabilities, art, education, culture, history and more. After you get your PFD, you can make a donation on Oct. 8 to mark Indigenous People’s Day.

PFDs are often spent on big-screen TVs and shopping sprees. But your PFD can also go a long way toward improving the lives of Alaska’s youth. Consider donating part of your PFD to nonprofits that ensure young people across the state are fed, educated and physically active.

This month, the GCI Women’s Network partnered with Habitat for Humanity Anchorage and members of the Wells Fargo Women’s Team Member Network to build a duplex on Anchorage’s east side. Volunteers did construction work, ranging from trimming boards to raising walls, to help provide safe, affordable housing to families in need.

September is National Recovery Month. Recover Alaska and organizations around the state are hosting a number of events dedicated to increasing awareness and understanding of alcohol and substance misuse in honor of Recovery Month.

Shiver me timbers. Sept. 19 marks International Talk Like A Pirate Day, and Alaska has a storied pirate history.

NFL football kicks off Sept. 6. Make sure you never go hungry and your beer never runs dry at some of Alaska’s best sports bars.

It probably won’t come as a surprise that the Arctic and sub-Arctic animals living at the Alaska Zoo, such as gray wolves, Amur tigers and moose, thrive in cold weather. As the temperature continues to drop, they become more active – a treat for zoo visitors.

With school back in session, many families deal with the sniffles that accompany having children. A health savings account from Fidelity Bank can help you better prepare for unexpected medical expenses. An HSA can be used only if you have a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) — generally any health plan with a deductible of at least $1,350 for an individual or $2,700 for a family.

The trauma of surviving a disaster can impact mental health for decades. Studies show that meditation can help reduce feelings of depression, anxiety and even physical pain following trauma related to surviving a disaster. Meditation offers tremendous healing benefits, including stress reduction. It also aids in coping with flashbacks, allowing people to better focus on the present.

Labor Day weekend in Alaska can be taken with a glass half-empty or glass half-full approach. It may mark the end of Alaska’s glorious summer season, but it’s also a long weekend to check off the last items on your summer to-do list.

We’re all looking for ways to save time and make our lives easier. Here are some of our favorite tricks to give ourselves extra time to play outside:

With one of the highest rates in America, too many Alaskans are personally affected by suicide. In 2017, GCI launched its Suicide Prevention Grant Program to combat the issue. The results were so successful that GCI extended funding for 2018.

Epic encounters with moose and bears often come to mind for Alaska wildlife viewing, but don’t forget the woolly mammoth descendant still roaming the 49th state. Found in several Alaska regions, musk oxen can reach 800 pounds.

The Sitka History Museum originally opened its doors in 1967 to provide educational programs and exhibits to the community. It temporarily closed for renovations and officially celebrated its grand reopening at Harrigan Centennial Hall on July 26.

I sit in my office with phones and internet down. Staff has scattered to coffee shops, and our provider cannot service us until tomorrow. I feel anxious, angry and out of touch. Disconnected is distressing.

The new school year is here. A time of chaotic morning routines — packing lunch, wrangling shoes and hoping our son makes the bus. But be sure safety is on your mental checklist, including these tips to keep in mind all year.

Anchorage-area students can now participate in the Alaska Native Science & Engineering Program full time with Acceleration Academy (UAA). This component, which supports students of all career interests, is possible in large part thanks to a partnership between ANSEP and Anchorage School District.

The start of the school year does not mean learning must be confined to workbooks and science projects. From Lyutik the majestic polar bear to George the talking magpie, Alaska Zoo residents are eager to help guests better understand their species, habitat and more.

The hunt for the hottest back-to-school fashion and trendy footwear is on. Recent high school graduate Deven Jackson launched a store specializing in vintage clothing and rare sneakers called League.

Finding and retaining Alaska-trained teachers is a continuous challenge in Alaska where 70 percent of teachers come from elsewhere. Cultural differences and infrastructure can be challenging to new-to-Alaska teachers, especially in rural areas where turnover is high.

Going back to school is exciting, no matter the age. Everyone tries to get cool, new supplies to stand out among their peers. Consider these options: