Lots of Sarah Palin and more this week on AK, heard statewide on local APRN stations statewide.

Download Audio (MP3, 54 min)

Original Broadcast: February 2, 2008
Updated Broadcast: August 30, 2008

Original Host: Rebecca Sheir
Update Host: Jessica Cochran

Palinography
A brief history of Governor Sarah Palin, nee Sarah Louise Heath, from her birth in 1964 in Sandpoint, Idaho, to her journalism degree at the University of Idaho, to her two-term stint on the Wasilla City Council and as Wasilla’s mayor.

The Palin Phenom
AK’s Scott Burton spoke with former governor Wally Hickel, and pollsters Dave Dittman and Ivan Moore, to find out why Sarah Palin’s approval ratings are so sky high.

• Music Button: “You’re the Top” performed by Irving Joseph from The Heritage of Broadway Vol, 2

Critiquing the Gov
Jessica Cochran, AK
In spite of the Governor’s stellar approval ratings, there are some pretty fervent critics out there, like Representative Bill Thomas, Ketchikan Gateway Borough mayor Joe Williams and former legislator Andrew Halcro.

Ode to Sarah
Leave it to folks in the state capital to be cynical about the new Governor right from the get-go. The Empty Oil Barrel Band came up with this song just a few months after she took office. Here they are, performing at the Alaska Folk Festival in Juneau last April (2007).

• Break: “The Governor” performed by Melvin Sparks from What You Hear Is What You Get

If I Could Meet the Candidates
The Alaska state caucuses are Super Tuesday, but are people taking our role in the national election seriously? Sure, Barack Obama — and Ron Paul — have opened offices in the state, but the closest we’ve come to an actual candidate was a visit from one of Mitt Romney’s sons. If Tonei Glavinic of the Alaska Teen Media Institute could get closer, he knows what he’d do.

300 Villages
Galena
Gambell

Othello in Alaska
Rebecca Sheir, AK
Lovers of The Bard won’t want to miss Othello, at Cyrano’s Off-Center Playhouse in Anchorage this month. AK host Rebecca Sheir speaks with director David Edgecombe about his production’s special Alaskan twist.

Where the Fins Meet the Frets
Jeff Brown, KTOO - Juneau
Governor’s Award for the Humanities winner Ray Troll is well-known for his graphic art. Now he’s making the jump into music. His debut CD, “Where the Fins Meet the Frets,” comes out in March.

Awww, shucks…
Wherein Palin expresses humility at the idea of being the VP nominee, 6 months before the fact.

• Break: “Sara (Karaoke Version)” performed by Boggle Karaoke from Karaoke Hits of Fleetwood Mac

Sarah Says It All
Governor Sarah Palin speaks with AK host Rebecca Sheir about her first year in office. (You can find an extended version of this interview here.)

• Music Button: “You Do Something To Me” performed by Frank Sinatra from The Best of the Columbia Years 1943-1952

Sarah P. for VP - February 2008
Rebecca Sheir, AK
Google “Sarah Palin,” and you come up with hundreds of thousands of hits, including cyber-ruminations from DC Gossip queen Wonkette, the feisty fan site Palintology.com, and a page titled simply: “Draft Sarah Palin for Vice President.” AK host Rebecca Sheir speaks with its founder, University of Colorado senior Adam Brickley.

Sarah P. for VP - August 29, 2008
Jessica Cochran, AK
We follow up with Adam Brickley; he’s thrilled, and still has confidence in Palin.

Alaskans React to Palin VP Choice
Reactions from Alaskans including Palin’s mother-in-law, Republican convention delegate Kim Skipper and Bethel resident Gary Vannasse.

A Tribute Song
Dave Stancliffe, Tok

• Closing: “Que Sera Sera” performed by Tony Evans and His Orchestra from The Ultimate Viennese Waltz Collection

When our show on Sarah Palin first aired in February, talk of Palin for VP seemed like wild speculation. Now that she is the Republican nominee, we’ll revisit that show: the kudos and critiques from Alaskans, the interview with the Governor herself.

Tune in to most APRN stations this weekend for the full story. Or download the February show now.

Photo by Jeff Medkeff. Click the image for a larger version at Flickr.

All that and more this week on AK, heard statewide on local APRN stations statewide.

Guest Host: Scott Burton

Construction 101
The Anchorage School District’s Construction Academy trains high school students in construction skills — and now, connects them with employers. KSKA’s Len Anderson visited recent graduates Justin Rhoades, who now works for Josh Sandstrum at Willowridge Construction and Laird Newgent at Alaska Premier Closet to see how it’s going.

Spinning 101
Alaska’s blanket weavers get their yarn from one woman: Elana Malford. She spins wool by hand, on her thigh. Ann Kaiser.

• Calendar of Events (”Luz” by Freshet, from Freshet)

• Break: “Deploy” by Joshua Copeland from Smooth Jazz in the Lounge, Vol. 3

Return to Unalaska
World War II veteran Lloyd Adams returned to Unalaska recently to show his wife (the girl he wrote letters home to) where he spent two years. KIAL’s Anne Hillman.

When Mom Deploys
Alaskan Sharon McBride was a single mom in the Army for 3 years; she wrote a book to help her daughter deal with her deployment. “My Mommy Wears Combat Boots” was published this spring. She spoke with AK’s Jessica Cochran.

• Music Button: “Away (Box Set Bonus Version)” by the Cranberries from The Treasure Box for Boys and Girls

Annual Meeting in Angoon
When Alaska Native Corporations hold their annual meetings, they often don’t look much like big city meetings. This year’s Kootznoowoo meeting in Angoon was the hottest gig in town. KTOO’s Weld Royal.

300 Villages
Clark’s Point
Excursion Inlet

• Break: “Miner’s Night Out” by Todd Taylor from 3-Five-N

Underground
Scott Burton followed miner Jerry Harmon for a day at Kensington Gold Mine to see what it’s like working in one of Alaska’s more controversial industries.

Fight the Fight
Alaska Teen Media Institute’s Tiana Johnson spoke to her brother and his friend — two champions in the Alaska Fighting Championship’s mixed martial arts fighting events.

RedHead Express
Palmer’s Redhead Express recently landed a major career boosting gig in the music Mecca of Branson Missouri. AK’s Ellen Lockyer spoke with them before they left.

• Closing: “Old Joe Clark” performed live by RedHead Express.

All that and more this week on AK, heard statewide on local APRN stations statewide.

Guest Host: Ellen Lockyer

Rural Providers’ Conference
Every year, the Rural Alaska Community Action Program hosts a week of workshops somewhere in bush Alaska for the benefit of village health care and social services workers. They have to deal with stressors like alcohol and mental health issues, so they need to keep up with the latest information and network with peers. AK’s Ellen Lockyer visited the latest conference in Glennallen, and came back with some powerful stories from Floyd Guthrie, Nick Gonzales and George Stone.

• Music Button: Haida chant and rattle

Yakutat Cell Phones
Reporter Ed Shoenfeld speaks with Yakutat folks about the pros and cons of mobile phones in their town. It seems Yakutat can’t get cell service, and people there really don’t care.

• Break: “Rural Renewal” by the Crusaders and Eric Clapton from Rural Renewal

Seth Kantner
Author Seth Kantner, who wrote “Ordinary Wolves”, has a new book out called “Shopping for Porcupine”. This one is an account of his own life in the Arctic. He spoke with Lori Townsend.

• Calendar of Events (”Wild Horse” by The Stairwell Sisters from Feet All Over the Floor)

300 Villages
Eagle
Egegik

Anderson Land Giveaway
Fairbanks reporter Lori Neufeld speaks with Anderson mayor Keith Fetzer, and Eric Warmer and Dave Miller, two people who took advantage of Anderson’s home-site giveaway program last year, to see how things are shaping up.

• Break: “Small Town (Karaoke Version)” by John Mellencamp from Karaoke - John Mellencamp, Volume I

One Resourceful Guy
KNOM’s Paul Korchin introduces us to Nome utility manager John Handeland: his thrifty ways are saving Nome residents lots of money on electricity.

Energy & The Farm Bill
Like the rest of the country, Alaska is facing an energy price crisis. For some that’s a reason to ramp up agriculture. The latest version of the federal Farm Bill has big bucks authorized for Alaska projects. AK’s Ellen Lockyer speaks with Congressman Don Young, the state’s Rural Development guru, Chad Padgett and others about what could make Alaska agriculture take off.

• Music Button: “Plant a Radish” by William Larsen & Hugh Thomas from The Fantasticks: Original Cast Album

Small Southeast Villages
AK’s Scott Burton spoke to the Southeast Conference, Craig manager John Bolling and Maxine Thompson of Angoon, to find out how rural Southeast towns are weathering tough economic times.

• Closing: “True Life Blues” by George Shuffler and James Allan Shelton from The Legacy Continues

All that and more this week on AK, heard statewide on local APRN stations statewide.

Guest Host: Lori Townsend

Tourism
Travel in Chukotka is an arduous business. KNOM’s Amy Flaherty spoke to people like Tandy Wallack of Circumpolar Expeditions and John Kreilkamp of Cruise West, who are already doing business there.

Old St. Nick’s
Juneau’s St. Nickolas Church is a reminder of the Russian heritage in Alaska. AK’s Scott Burton speaks with Father Michael Spainhoward and member Andy Ebona about the church’s history in Southeast Alaska.

• Break: “Russia…” by Rahul Sharma from White (The Science of Consciousness)

Unalaska Mission
Unalaska’s famed Church of the Holy Ascension is the focal point of the Russian Orthodox community there. Reporter Anne Hillman has more about the bicentennial of the beginnings of the Russian community.

• Music Button: “Faith – Instrumental Only Version” from Karaoke: Sing Like George Michael

Aleutian Invasion
Two non-native species, first foxes and now rats, have invaded the Aleutian Islands, much to the detriment of local and migrating birds. The foxes have been eradicated, and now extermination efforts are turning toward rats. AK’s Ellen Lockyer has this update on latest efforts to rid Rat Island of its namesake.

Oil Development
Alaskans and Russians are protesting oil development plans in both the North Aleutian Basin and in the Kamchatka region. KMXT’s Casey Kelly brings us the story.

Russian Elders
Athabascan Peter John lived to be 102. Here his recorded voice tells us of how he heard stories about the first Russians on the Yukon River.

• Break: “From Russia With Love – Instrumental Version” from A Tribute to James Bond

Lord Baranof
A “shame” totem pole in downtown Sitka depicts a naked Alexander Baranof. Now, some people want to change the pole to give Baranof some clothes to promote healing. KCAW’s Melissa Marconi-Wentzel explains it all.

• Music Button: “Naked Eye” by Luscious Jackson from Fever In Fever Out

300 Villages
Elim
Evansville

Russian Memories
Lori Townsend speaks with Dave Heatwole and Kathleen Tarr about their many trips to Russia during the late 1980s and 1990s. Heatwole was on one of the first Alaska Airlines jets to break the ice curtain.

The Russians are Coming!
AK’s Ellen Lockyer remembers the three day party in Cordova, when a shipload of Russian tourists came ashore and the whole town rocked.

• Closing: “National Anthem of Russia” by Swarovski Orchestra from National Anthems of the World

All that and more this week on AK, heard statewide on local APRN stations statewide.

Guest Host: Annie Feidt

The New Gold Rush
Annie Feidt, APRN - Anchorage
With gold prices at about $900 an ounce, prospecting is on the rise. Companies spent more than $1 million on exploration in Alaska last year. People like Bob Hoekzema of the Alaska Miners Association are excited about the possibilities for new mines and jobs in Alaska. But environmental groups like the Southeast Alaska Conservation Council will be watching, trying to make sure mining doesn’t negatively impact the environment.

Prepping for the Boom
Shane Iverson, KYUK - Bethel
The area around the Donlin Creek proposed mine in the Kuskokwim region is being explored by major multi-national companies. Local opinion on mining activity is divided, but most agree now is the time to learn more about it. KYUK’s Shane Iverson spoke with locals Mike William, Sr. of the Alaska Inter-tribal Council, Noah Andrews, Sr., Rose Kalistok and Cougar Gold representative Peter Drobek.

Mining Tools: The Gold Pan
Annie Feidt, APRN - Anchorage
In the first of 3 segments, recreational mining enthusiast Steve Herschbach of Alaska Mining and Diving Supply explains how to use a gold pan.

• Break: “Fields of Gold” by Robert Tardik from Without Words

Boogie Down in Pelican
Scott Burton, AK - Juneau
The 10th Annual Pelican Boardwalk Boogie took place Memorial Day weekend. Locals like Richard and Tami Lundahl and Karen Stepanankle say it brings lots of people and cash, but organizer Collette Costa says the original intent was pure entertainment.

Music Button: “Sorry I Let You Down” by the Wilders, live at Pelican’s Boardwalk Boogie Festival

Essence of Cash
Anne Hillman, KIAL - Unalaska
Single mom Amber Webb is selling lotions, potions and sex toys for the “Essence of Romance” company in Dillingham — to help people become more comfortable with their sexuality and to bring in a little cash.

• Calendar of Events (”Working in the Coal Mine” by Booker T and the MG’s from And Now!)

300 Villages
Atka
Anderson

Mining Tools: The Sluice Box
Steve Herschbach shows Annie Feidt how to use a sluice box and it’s more sophisticated cousin, the suction dredge.

• Break: “Gold Rush” by Todd Taylor from 3-five-N

Mining Tools: The Metal Detector
Annie Feidt, APRN - Anchorage
These things are so specialized they can tell the gold from a buried soda can, and find gold the size of a pin-head.

The Recreational Boom
Annie Feidt, APRN - Anchorage
Steve Herschbach’s business is booming; he tries to tell customers how hard it is to actually find gold, but they can’t get rid of gold fever.

• Music Button: “All that Glitters is not Gold” by Dinah Shore from 16 Most Requested Songs - Encore!

Listen to the Elders: Madeline Notti
Phillip Blanchett
In this segment from Koahnic Broadcast Corporation’s ‘Listen to the Elders” series, Madeline Notti recounts her family’s history of gold mining.

Assay Me This
Ellen Lockyer, AK - Anchorage
An assayer’s job is to assess the purity of gold and ther precious metals. There were once dozens of offices around Alaska, including one at Knik being investigated by Fran Seager-Boss of the Mat-Su Borough. Now, Oxford Assaying (www.oxfordmetals.com) is one of the only ones left. Ellen Lockyer paid a visit to co-owners Toni Logan Goodrich and Gene Pool.

• Closing: “Heart of Gold (Karaoke Version)” from Karaoke Boys from the 70’s and 80’s, Part I

All that and more this week on AK, heard statewide on local APRN stations statewide.

Forget-Me-Not
Alaska’s official state flower is tenacious. The little blue flowers are well-loved by people like the Pioneers of Alaska, author Jackie Pels and songwriter D.A. Noonan, but not quite so loved by gardeners like Jill Shepherd. AK Host Rebecca Sheir has more.

• Music Button: “Forget Me Not” by Furry Waters from Streams of Passion

The Charles W.
This old wooden fishing boat played a big role in Petersburg’s shrimp fishery, and in the life of the family who fished her. But when restoration funds couldn’t be raised, she had to be scuttled this spring. Matt Lichtenstein spoke with Barb Grenier — whose husband, Bill, captained the boat - along with friends Kurt and Sheri Wohlheuter, and Friends of the Charles W’s Jeanie Norheim, and brings us this remembrance.

• Break: “I’ll Remember (Instrumental)” by Madonna from Karaoke - Sing Hits of ‘94 V. 2

Living with Alzheimer’s
Alzheimer’s disease causes devastating memory loss and is eventually fatal. But families like Ralph and Zee Junker, and caregivers like Alzheimer’s educator Kitty McGuire, told KCAW’s Melissa Marconi-Wentzel that there’s an upside: you learn to take each day as it comes, and value every moment.

Memory Foods
Research into what makes human memory tick is pretty intense these days. Scientists say that what we eat could have a huge effect on our brain health, and as AK’s Ellen Lockyer learned after speaking with Doris “Ningy” Andersen, “Capt.” Bob Palwoski and Dr. Maureen McKenzie, Alaska is the natural home to two of the planet’s top-rated brain foods: blueberries and fish.

• Music Button: “Blueberry Hill (Single)” performed by Louis Armstrong from The Best of the Decca Years, Vol. 1 - The Singer

300 Villages
Atmautlauk
Anchor Point

Time Capsule: 1993
Students at Anchorage’s Susitna Elementary School recently dug up a 1993 time capsule to find a gooey Hershey bar, troll dolls, and other favorites from 15 years ago. Then they buried a time capsule of their own. AK Host Rebecca Sheir was there.

• Break: “Those Memories of You” from Pickin’ On Dolly Parton: A Bluegrass Tribute

Putting up Fish on the Kenai
Hazel Felton painstakingly documented her family’s method of canning Kenai river salmon in a how-to book full of photos and illustrations. Interview with AK’s Jessica Cochran.

One Man’s Elvis Museum
Juneau resident Joel Orelove has a personal collection of Elvis memorabilia worthy of a museum. He told AK’s Scott Burton that he only collects items that have personal or social significance, and that help explain the social history of the time.

• Calendar of Events (”It’s Now or Never” performed by The Instrumental Orchestra from Instrumental Memories of Elvis Presley)

Winter Bear
Athabascan elder Sidney Huntington is 93, and has a hard time hearing and getting around. But his stories won’t be forgotten; they take shape on stage in a new play by Anne Hanley. The Winter Bear is based loosely on Huntington’s life, and students at Fairbanks Effie Kokrine School, along with professional actor Frank Yaska, premiered the play this week. KUAC’s Libby Casey has the story.

• Closing: “Don’t You (Forget About Me) [Instrumental Version - Karaoke in the style of Simple Minds]” performed by Easy Karaoke Players from Easy Instrumental Hits, Vol. 134 (Karaoke Version)

All that and more this week on AK, heard statewide on local APRN stations statewide.

Tradio
Americans send 251 million tons of trash to the landfill each year. But part of that so-called “trash” could be someone else’s treasure. And by calling your local swap-and-sell Tradio show, you could make some treasure of your own. AK host Rebecca Sheir talks with local Tradio hosts Justin McDonald (KBYR) and Jake Thompson (KSRM) to find out more about this on-air garage sale.

Recycling at the Airport
Airports across the country generate millions of pounds of waste each year. Efforts to recycle at least part of that tonnage have picked up and now Anchorage International Airport recycles cardboard, scrap metal, even asphalt. APRN’s Annie Feidt speaks with recycling advocate Tom Johnston and “garbologist” Meredith Sorenson about how to reduce, reuse and recycle whilst flying the friendly skies.

• Calendar of Events (”Wasted On the Way” from Karaoke - Sing Lost Classics, Vol. 16)

• Break: “Waste” from Karaoke - Contemporary Male Pop - Vol.2

Wasted Fish
With summer comes fishing. And for years that meant Dan Przywojski and his family headed out to their set-net site in Bristol Bay. For them, fishing was about being out in nature; the fish were a bonus. But one summer in the late 1980s, that bonus was a little too big.

Wasted Fish, Explained
The Alaska Department of Fish and Game says those occurrences are rare; processors and fishermen usually work together to ensure that processors won’t waste any fish. Slim Morstad, manager of the Naknek/Kvichak area of Bristol Bay for Fish and Game, explains.

Fish Waste
At fish processing plants, there’s a bit of dumping involved: i.e. the parts of the fish no one wants. And for about 30 years, fish processors have used a certain method to dispose of their waste. But what if the solution is worse than the original problem? Krestia De George spoke to Jim Thorne of the Prince William Sound Science Center and Lindsay Guzzo of the EPA to find out.

• Music Button: “Throw It All Away” by Zero 7 from The Garden

Waste Not, Want Not
The City of Bethel was recently launched into political unrest after council member Willy Keppel was fined almost $19,000 for using a honey bucket. Now, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Alaska is assessing violations of the constitution. Shane Iverson has the story.

Much A-doo About #2
In recent years, dog owners have increasingly been expected to pick up after their dogs. But some owners have had a hard time adjusting. Like Tony Bickert.

• Break: “Black Dog” performed by The West 52nd Street Buddha Lounge Ensemble from Buddha Lounge: Renditions Of Led Zeppelin

Wasteland
When parks and wilderness areas were created in Alaska, places suspected of being useful for their resources were excluded. But if land is put to use as a park or wilderness area, and no one visits the place, does that make it a “wasteland”? Johanna Eurich, along with Ralph Tingy, Katherine Johnson Ring Smith, and Brian Hoffman, introduce us to the least-visited national park in Alaska: Aniakchak National Monument and Preserve.

• Music Button: “Home (And I’m Staying This Time)” by Cecilio & Kapono from Elua

Recycling in the Valley
For folks in the Matanuska Valley, recycling might be getting easier, thanks to a passionate group of recycling devotees: Valley Community for Recycling Solutions. As AK”s Ellen Lockyer tells us, executive director Mollie Boyer is a woman who’s made waste reduction her mantra.

Drumming Up North
A few weeks ago, we featured a story about a steel drum band in Palmer. Immediately, our brethren in Fairbanks let us know that their fair city is home to the world’s farthest north steel drum community — and they’re thriving, hosting guest stars like Ray Holman. Lacie Grosvold checked it out, and brings us this story.

• Closing: “Ain’t Wastin’ Time No More (Karaoke Version)” performed by Stingray Music (Karaoke) from Karaoke Hits: In the Style of the Allman Brothers Band, Vol. 2

All that and more this week on AK, heard statewide on local APRN stations statewide.

Teaching Moms-To-Be
More than 1,200 teenage girls give birth in Alaska every year. Many find themselves wondering: what happens next? Katie Zager of the Alaska Teen Media Institute (ATMI) introduces us to the Power Teen Clinic, an organization that helps answer that question, as well as others.

Deborah Randall
Anchorage resident Deborah Randall has three children: Kalli is graduating from high school this year and Tanner has his own knitted clothing line and studies fashion design in New York. But Deborah’s most well-known child is her oldest: cross-country skier Kikkan Randall. AK host Rebecca Sheir talks with Deborah about the family’s adventures, past and present.

• Break: “Motorcycle Mama” performed by Sailcat from Karaoke: Sunny 70’s - Singing to the Hits

Therapeutic Foster Care
Sometimes children getting out of residential treatment programs need a “step down” before returning to their biological families. AK host Rebecca Sheir visits the home of Marilyn and Dennis Moore, therapeutic foster parents licensed through Alaska Childrens’ Services.

• Music Button: “Your Mother Should Know” performed by Kenny Ball and His Jazzmen from The Pye Jazz Anthology

Sinrock Mary
AK’s Ellen Lockyer tells us about a 19th century Alaskan woman who never had children of her own, though by all accounts she adopted several of them. Sinrock Mary made an indelible mark on Alaska’s history, as a successful businesswoman in a man’s business world.

• Calendar of Events (”Pistol Packin’ Mama (Karaoke Version)” performed by Stingray Music from Karaoke - In the Style of Al Dexter and His Troopers, Vol. 1 - Single)

On Beauty
A couple of weeks ago, poet performers gathered in downtown Anchorage to mark National Poetry Month. But one poet, Corinna Delgado, was also eulogizing her mother.

• Break: “When You’re Good to Mama” from Karaoke - Sing Chicago Movie Musical

My Two Moms
When Woodrow Wilson declared Mother’s Day in 1914, there probably weren’t many two-mom families like the one led by Martha Murray and Jenifer Shapland of Juneau. They’ve been together for almost 23 years and are raising two boys. AK’s Scott Burton spoke to the family about life with two moms.

Kathie Smith
AK host Rebecca Sheir interviews Kathie Smith, the mother of mushers Jason and Lance Mackey, and 18-year-old Wesley. In 2001, Lance was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma. In 2007, he became the first person to win both the Yukon Quest and the Iditarod in the same year. He did it again in 2008. But Kathie says that her boy has always remained humble.

• Music Button: “My Mom” performed by Tony Bennett from The Playground

Listen To the Elders: Bill Barnes
Alaska Native Elder Bill Barnes, originally from Cordova, talks about his mother. Series produced by Phillip Blanchett for Koahnic Broadcast Corporation.

Rika Murphy
Hazel Felton lives in Anchorage and works for CIRI, but she grew up on the Kenai Peninsula. Her mother was the first chief of the Kenaitze Indian tribe. She spoke with AK’s Jessica Cochran.

• Closing: “Papa Loves Mambo (Mama Loves Mambo)” performed by Xavier Cugat & His Orchestra from The Originals: Xavier Cugat and His Orchestra - Latin Rhythms for Dancing (Remastered)

All that and more this week on AK, heard statewide on local APRN stations statewide.

Retire Anchorage
Where To Retire magazine recently named Anchorage as one of America’s top “tax heavens.” But as AK host Rebecca Sheir finds out, after talking with geriatric nurse Brenda Brown, Medicare recipient Carolyn Smith and Senior Information Office director Judith Bendersky, the city - and Alaska as a whole - aren’t necessarily an all-around paradise for retirees.

• Music Button: “Wouldn’t It Be Nice” performed by Rockabye Baby! from Lullaby Renditions of the Beach Boys

Me, Retire?
A growing number of older workers are looking forward to retirement, but not so that they can take it easy. They plan to continue working post-retirement by starting their own businesses. AK’s Ellen Lockyer speaks with two such seniors: Laura Chase and Elise Patkotak.

• Break: “Young At Heart” performed by David Reinhardt, Christian Escoudé & Jean-Baptiste Laya from 20 ans de Trio Gitan - Le nouveau Trio Gitan

Listen to the Elders: Ron Brower
In this selection from the ongoing “Listen to the Elders” series, Ron Brower looks back on the North Slope elders who taught him myths and legends. Ron Brower is an ivory carver and oil painter: he’s served on his native corporation board and as vice-president of the Inuit Circumpolar Conference. He’s currently on staff at the Alaska Native Language Center at UAF. Series produced by Phillip Blanchett for Koahnic Broadcast Corporation.

25th Anniversary
Anchorage poet KP (a.k.a. Keith Liles) puts his spin on couples aging together.

Longtime Companions
It takes a heap of commitment to stay married for more than half a century. AK’s Scott Burton talks to Dr. William and Jean Rogers, a Juneau couple who will celebrate their 66th anniversary this year.

• Calendar of Events (”When I Grow Too Old to Dream” performed by Nashville Mandolins from Play Their 100 Best)

300 Villages
Alakanuk
Anaktuvuk Pass

Listen To the Elders: Ben Snowball
Ben Snowball, from Stebbins, is the founder and leader of the Kicapuk dancers. He’s also involved with the Native Youth Olympics. But his favorite role might be that of “grandfather.”

• Break: “I’m Old Fashioned” performed by Doug Raney from Back In New York

Listen to the Elders: Marie Meade
Yupik Marie Meade is an author and educator who has taught her culture in elementary schools and universities. She says elders lived their spirituality every day; it was reflected in things like knowing how much to sleep, or how to prepare food.

Listen to the Elders: David Chanar
David Chanar, another founder of the Kicapuk dancers, is a musician from the Lower Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta. He’s also a linguist helping to translate Yupik languages. He says his elders taught him to have respect - by showing it.

Betty McDonald
AK’s Rebecca Sheir speaks with retired educator Betty McDonald, who arrived in Alaska in 1960 and became one of the first African-American teachers in Anchorage.

Just Playin’ Jazz
A bunch of Matanuska Valley middle and high school musicians are trading hip hop for the big brass sound of the 1940s jazz era. AK’s Ellen Lockyer speaks with band leader Hank Hartman, and with a half dozen teen musicians who are hitching their hopes to a musical future.

• Closing: “You Make Me Feel So Young” performed by Oscar Peterson Trio from A Jazz Portrait of Frank Sinatra (Remastered)

Lending out Trust
The local library can speak volumes about the community in which it’s located. In Coffman Cove, on Price of Wales Island, the library’s lending policy represents just how tight-knit the village of 200 people really is. CoastAlaska’s Ed Schoenfeld stopped in.

Where the Caribou Are
In about a month, caribou calves will start to appear on the Arctic Coastal Plain, where they live in the summer. On a recent hunting trip with her friend Jeremy Carlson, Emily Schwing found the Central Arctic herd traveling northward along the Dalton highway. Biologist Steve Arthur helped her understand how they live.

Listen to the Elders: Art Theodore
Every so often in upcoming weeks, we’ll be hearing about life in Alaska from the perspective of native elders, in a series produced by Phillip Blanchett for Koahnic Broadcast Corporation. We’ll start with Athabascan Arthur Theodore, talking about his home.

• Break: “In My Life” performed by Jack Jezzro from The Beatles On Guitar

Arctic Village Guides
Tourists heading to the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge often make a pit stop in Arctic Village. Not many venture off the airstrip, and few community members profit from the visitors passing through. But a new program from The Origin Institute is trying to change that. Led by teachers like Becky Hansen, it trains local teens to be back-country guides. Libby Casey has the story.

• Music Button: “Wild World” performed by Monte Montgomery from Acoustic Whirlwind

Bienvenidos a Alaska
Anchorage-based entrepreneur Arturo Herrera is using his Alaskan expertise, and language skills, to lure Spanish-speaking “turistas” to the Great Land. AK’s Ellen Lockyer has more.

300 Villages
Allakaket
Akutan

• Calendar of Events (”On the Street Where You Live” performed by Ray Conniff & His Orchestra from Broadway in Rhythm)

AEA: Coming Soon to a Community Near You…
Beginning April 28th, the Alaska Energy Authority will hold a series of Town Hall meetings across the state. AK host Rebecca Sheir speaks with AEA Executive Director, and State of Alaska Energy Coordinator, Steven Haagenson about the 25-community tour.

• Break: “Theme from ‘The Apartment’” performed by Tito Rodriguez from Ultra-Lounge, Vol. 16: Mondo Hollywood

Aurora Square
Alaska — and Anchorage, especially — isn’t exactly known for great architecture. Particularly when it comes to housing developments that sell in the middle of the price range. But a new project going up on the east side of the city may help change that. It’s called Aurora Square, and it’s the brainchild of architect Ron Bateman. APRN’s Annie Feidt paid a visit.

Green Building
To combat rising energy costs, many people are turning to more energy-efficient structures, like the building that AK’s Scott Burton visited not too long ago. Designed by architect Paul Volkers, it may very well represent the future of construction.

Listen to the Elders: Peter John
Today, the notion of a permanent home with solid walls and a sturdy roof is pretty essential for most of us. But that hasn’t always been the case. Elder Peter John recalls quite a different lifestyle from his youth.

• Music Button: “Dan In Real Life” by Sondre Lerche from Dan In Real Life - Original Soundtrack

Tougher in Alaska
Starting May 8th, the world will find out even more about Where We Live, as the History Channel premieres a new show: “Tougher in Alaska.” The reality series is hosted by well-known radio commentator and columnist Geo Beach, who actually steps up to the plate and participates in some of the gritty jobs that make Alaska synonymous with endurance. He recently spoke with AK’s Ellen Lockyer.

• Closing: “Alaska’s Flag” performed by Little Lippi from Coolidge 50

Biking Anchorage
Biking to work isn’t just good for your health, it’s good for the Earth. In Anchorage, people like Steve Cleary of the Bicycle Commuters Alliance of Anchorage, and Bob Ritchie of ABR are trying to promote the habit.

• Music Button: “Bicycle” by Pfilbryte from Preservatives Affirmative!

Veggie Oil Power
At the Westmark Baranof Hotel in Juneau, Andy Crone converted the heating system to run on used veggie oil long before it was trendy. Now, Will Taygan of the Alaska Bio-Diesel and Straight vegetable Oil Network are hoping to make it easier for more people to use it in their cars. AK’s Scott Burton.

• Break: “It’s the End of the World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine)” performed by Pickin’ On Series from Pickin’ On R.E.M.: The Bluegrass Tribute

Sustainable Agriculture
An annual conference in Fairbanks brings growers like Mike Emers together with lower 48 experts like Lynn Byczynski, an din-state innovators like Jeff Werner to figure out help farmers succeed at producing more of Alaska’s food in-state, and help farmers. Amanda Compton.

• Music Button: The Barn Owl Trio from Ballroom Sessions, Track 6

Recycled Crocs
For a couple of years now, Crocs have enjoyed soaring notoriety: people either love the colorful plastic shoes, or they hate them, with a passion. Now, with a little recycling, there’s a way to give them more than one life. AK’s Ellen Lockyer.

300 villages
Holy Cross
Lake Louise

• Calendar of Events (”I Feel the Earth Move (Karaoke Version)” performed by APM Karaoke from Karaoke Hits - Carole King)

Poetry Out Loud, Continued
For National Poetry Month, we’re airing selections from the statewide “Poetry Out Loud” recitation contest. Today, Berett Wilber with “Scary Movies” by Kim Addonizio.

• Break: Big Yellow Taxi” performed by Sly & Robbie from Foundation

Poetry Out Loud, Again
Final installment in our series of poems from the Poetry Out Loud recitations contest: Alaska winner Alev Kelter of Chugiak with ‘Agoraphobia” by Linda Pastan.

A Week Without Plastics
Alaska Youth for Environmental Action sponsors a week without plastics. Host Interview with Megan Waggoner and Zoe Fuller.

Bisphenol A
There’s been growing concern in the last year over leaching from plastic bottles. Now, the government’s National Toxicology Program has sided with scientists concerned about the effects of bisphenol A, a substance used in products like water bottles, baby bottles and food storage containers. Researchers are worried that BPA interferes with human hormonal systems. AK’s Ellen Lockyer.

• Music Button: “Plastic” by P.M. Dawn from The Bliss Album

A Frenchman Remembers the Yukon
Ester resident John Lyle once had the pleasure of meeting marine explorer Jacques Cousteau on an airplane.

• Closing: “What a Wonderful World” performed by The Tropicals from Liming On the Island

Mt. Bether Bible Center
Mt. Bether Bible Center, a cousin to the Dry Creek community near Dot Lake, and Covenant Life out of Haines, was founded in Southeast Alaska in 1975. Since then, the farm community has been home to more than 300 people and countless animals. AK’s Scott Burton stayed on the farm and was shown around by community president Bob Clark, and his wife, Judy.

Klukwan Beliefs
Klukwan elder Joe Hotch says teaching children a strong belief system is an important part of Tlingit culture. He shares one particular story with Ann Kaiser.

• Break: “Losing My Religion” performed by Pickin’ On Series from Pickin’ On R.E.M.: The Bluegrass Tribute

Passover on the Last Frontier
Just around the corner is the Jewish holiday of Passover, commemorating the Israelites’ exodus from Egypt, and liberation from slavery. AK host Rebecca Sheir explores Passover traditions around the state - from halibut gefilte fish in Homer to do-it-yourself seders in Bethel.

• Music Button: “Dayenu” performed by Gary Lucas from Busy Being Born

Anchorage Zen Community
For nearly 25 years, the Anchorage Zen Community has been offering silent meditation sittings, book discussion groups, even a film series. Anchorage writer Jonathan Bower’s renewed interested in silent meditation recently brought him back to the group, in its new home, where he met its new resident priest, Koun Franz.

Faith-Based Initiatives
The Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives was established in 2005. Michael Curran is a project coordinator there. He told AK’s Scott Burton that much of his job involves connecting different groups so they can share resources to provide services. One initiative links Anchorage’s homeless population with a wide array of resources.

• Break: “Have a Little Faith In Me” from Karaoke - Teen Female Pop - Vol.4

Russian Orthodox Turmoil
In mid-March, the highest leader in Alaska’s Russian Orthodox Church, Bishop Nikolai, was asked to voluntarily step down while church leaders back east investigated complaints against him. Since then, he’s been removed from his post, and reinstated again. Ralph Gibbs of the Kodiak Daily Mirror has been watching the issue closely; he speaks with AK host Rebecca Sheir.

• Music Button: “Kt” by Bexar Bexar from Haralambos

Multicultural Choirs
In the Roman Catholic Church, music has long had a place in the liturgy. The American Catholic Bishops even have guidelines for a choir’s part in the Mass celebration - though they don’t specify how the choir’s music is culturally expressed. On a recent Sunday, AK’s Ellen Lockyer attended Our Lady of Guadalupe and St. Benedict’s to hear some of Anchorage’s faithful lift their voices, and their spirits.

• Calendar of Events (”Leap of Faith” performed by Pickin’ On Series from Pickin’ On Big & Rich: A Bluegrass Tribute, Vol. 2)

Poetry Out Loud: Continued
For National Poetry Month, we’re airing selections from the statewide “Poetry Out Loud” recitation contest. Today: John McCullough of Petersburg High School, with Edgar Allen Poe’s “Alone,” and Juneau Douglas High School’s Scott Schuler, with “Sonnet 18″ by William Shakespeare.

• Closing: “Faith” from Karaoke - Sing Like George Michael

Organ Transplants
April is National Donate Life Month. AK host Rebecca Sheir takes a look at organ transplants in the state of Alaska, where 180 people are awaiting donors. We hear from Bruce Zalneraitis of Life Alaska Donor Services, along with veteran kidney specialist Dr. Tom Wood, and Sherry Badillo Moreno, a Wasilla woman whose daughter, Sharday, died in a car accident in 2003; her tissue and organs helped 48 people get a new chance at life.

Uncle Dave
Aaron Weeks’ Uncle Dave passed away just before Christmas. But the memory and legacy of this amiable transplant recipient live on.

• Music Button: “That’s Life” performed by The George Mann Orchestra from That’s Life

Save The Rhubarb
“Germplasm” is what you need to regenerate a plant: