Mother’s Day. That blessed day when moms across the world get a break and have a celebration just for them. Maybe your idea Mother's Day is breakfast in bed. Perhaps it is a massage, a bubble bath or dinner out. Whatever it is, dreams of Mother’s Day are certain to involve relaxation as you revel in the love of your family. Of course, this is all fantasy.
As the days lengthen but the cool and wet temperatures drag on, the primal urge to seek signs of spring grows strong within us all. Budding trees and sprigs of green may be hard to find out in the natural world at this time of year in Alaska, but with a bit of simple modern technology and the help of some local professionals, they are simple enough to bring into your life and home.
During the holiday season, many people in the Eagle River-Chugiak area give back to their community. Not only is it the traditional time for considering your own blessings and giving a step up to those who may not have as much or may be temporarily struggling, but opportunities to give abound. Donations - it may seem - are collected on every street corner, at every business and during each credit card swipe. This seems to be a good system - collecting donations while everyone is in such a giving mood. The Chugiak-Eagle River Food Pantry in particular certainly benefits from the holiday rush, but their stock begins to taper off by the time March rolls around. That holiday surge can only last so long. That problem has not been overlooked by Greg Culbert. Dr. Culbert, who is the owner of Northern Chiropractic, had been hosting a holiday food drive through his office for nearly 20 years, but he grew concerned that holiday giving was not doing enough to support families in the community throughout the year. Eight years ago Dr. Culbert decided to start hosting a second food drive during the month of March.
As summer was winding down and we moved into August, it occurred to me…winter is coming. The initial panic was quickly replaced with determined resolve. I decided that this winter, I would have a good time. In recent years, it has been all too easy for me to get bogged down with various mundane responsibilities, causing the winter to slip by in a dark, unenthusiastic blur. Most uniquely-winter activities take planning, preparing, layering, driving and money, all things I feel hesitant to budget for when things are calling from left and right. This year I decided - enough is enough. It’s time to have some fun.
The ECHO and Alaska Massage Clinic have returned this month to present the Good People Doing Great Things award. This month’s recipient is long-time Boys and Girls Club Director Tracy Hupe. Tracy has her fingerprints all over good works throughout the Eagle River community.
Everyone knows a runner. Ask just about anyone, and they’ll be able to point to that person in their life - be it a friend, significant other or work colleague - who fits the profile. Mileage stickers on their car, ridiculously timed pre-dawn workouts and a selection of sweaty Instagram selfies are tell-tale signs. Whether you find them endearing or annoying, you may have found yourself skeptical of their claims that they “love” running and couldn’t live without it. For many runners, their activity of choice can be seen as a luxury. In today’s world, it’s not a survival necessity in a strict life-or-death sense. Most people can get through their day with minimal walking, let alone running for miles. But devout runners know there’s something more to it. Hiland Mountain Correctional Center might be the last place you would expect to find dedicated runners.
Despite my Luddite tendencies, I find the range of offerings in the new smart home category intriguing and, dare I say, somewhat inspiring. From cameras to lightbulbs to lawnmowers, having control and insight into the goings-on in my home - whether I’m there or not - offers many distinct benefits.
During the summer months, Camp Gorsuch in Chugiak is a hub of activity when Cub and Boy Scout camps are in session. In winter, the camp is home to an entirely new activity. The lodge, cabins and recreation areas are transformed with lights, decorations and a generous helping of holiday cheer into Christmas Towne Alaska.
The holiday season may be the most wonderful time of the year, but without a few safety precautions, they can turn into the most tragic time. The Consumer Product Safety Commission states that during the holiday season of 2010, 13,000 Americans visited the emergency room for injuries related to holiday decorations. Preventable falls, burns, property loss, permanent disability and even death can be the end result of neglecting to keep an eye on safety when celebrating the season.
Finding a professional who is passionate about the field of dentistry may not be your primary concern when looking for a dentist, but if it is, be sure to look up Kelly Allen in a few years. Allen is a senior at UAA with a pre-dental focus, but she was once an engineering major - despite having a long-time interest in dentistry. She grew up in Valdez, where there was no permanent dentist. A traveling dentist would visit, but her family chose to go to Dr. Lerner in Anchorage. Allen always looked forward to her dental visits and expressed interested in the profession. When Dr. Lerner heard this, he took her under his wing. He would explain procedures and tools and allowed her to shadow in the office during high school.
