AK Rundown: May 3rd-4th, 2008
“Elders”
Host: Rebecca Sheir
Intro/Credits/News
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. Package. 6:15 (with intro)
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. Package. 5:02 (5:22 with intro)
Break #1: “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. Interview. 1:30 (2:06 with intro)
25th Anniversary. Anchorage poet KP (a.k.a. Keith Liles) puts his spin on couples aging together. Poem. 1:43 (2:27 with intro)
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. Package 5:48 (6:10 with intro)
AK’s Calendar of Events. AK’s weekly rundown of community events. (Music: “When I Grow Too Old to Dream” performed by Nashville Mandolins from Play Their 100 Best) 1:27
300 Villages. AK’s weekly trip around the state. This week, Alakanuk at the mouth of the Yukon River, and Anuktuvuk Pass, in the Brooks range north of Fairbanks. 3:40
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." Interview. 1:35 (1:58 with intro)
Break #2: “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. Interview. 1:37 (2:13 with intro)
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. 2:00 (2:27 with intro)
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. Host interview. 5:55 (6:39 with intro)
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. Package. 5:13 (5:39 with intro)