Avé Photo

Kotzebue, Alaska

oscar — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 21:30:44 +0000

Going to school in Kotzebue

oscar — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 06:36:32 +0000

Italia

okiave — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 07:07:06 +0000

Immigration and Photography

oscar — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 10:00:23 +0000

Winter has arrived

okiave — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 17:13:04 +0000

World Refugee Day in Alaska

oscar — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 06:30:24 +0000

June 20th is the international day for recognition of World Refugee day. On this self-assignment I set out to explore and interact with the people who came out to Mountain View Lions park to celebrate and recognize the stories and individuals who now call Alaska home. The diversity of people, and my innate attraction to color and movement made this event even more gratifying. My favorite moment was the energy the Sommali youth brought to the dance and how it triggered others (including myself) to dance.

Alfred Hanisch, life-long student and friend of KSKA

oscar — Thu, 19 May 2011 18:13:08 +0000

On a rainy Wednesday afternoon in early May, I had the opportunity to explore the home and propertyof Alfred Hanisch with his longtime friend Bob Leach, videographer and KAKM Production Manager,John LaFournaise, and APTI’s Director of Individual Giving, Kris Rognes. Alfred shared his small log cabinin Spenard with his dog, along with a collection of personal items that affected him – books, magazines,newspapers, and KAKM and KSKA mugs. Alfred lovedhistory and learning. After retiring, the life-long student enrolled at UAA where he continued his studieson the subject. His professors, recognizing Alfred’s valuable contribution, would often ask him to speak.Alfred’s legacy of community contributions continues through the donations he made of his WWII memorabilia to his hometown of Roseville, California and charitable contributions of his remainingassets to four beloved community institutions including Alaska Public Telecommunications, Inc. He alsodonated his extensive collection of KSKA and KAKM coffee mugs to the station.Alfred lovedhistory and learning. After retiring, the life-long student enrolled at UAA where he continued his studieson the subject. His professors, recognizing Alfred’s valuable contribution, would often ask him to speak.Alfred’s legacy of community contributions continues through the donations he made of his WWII memorabilia to his hometown of Roseville, California and charitable contributions of his remainingassets to four beloved community institutions including Alaska Public Telecommunications, Inc. He also donated his extensive collection of KSKA and KAKM coffee mugs to the station.

I find it fascinating to think about the connection I share with individuals like Alfred who were instrumental in setting the foundation for an incredible radio station that I would first be introducedto at the age of 17, just at the turn of the 21st century. It becomes even more impressive when I think about the evolution in transmission and delivery of the programs that has happened in his life time to mine. One day, I too will be able to say that I remembered when cell phones first came out. They didn’thave built in radio tuners till later. Not to mention apps that pull the radio down to the smart-phone in my from internet cloud. My hope is that when I call on these memories in the future, I too will have a legacy of helping to build and grow communities. Thank you Alfred.

William Curry Memorial Ride

oscar — Sat, 14 May 2011 18:32:20 +0000

There is an understood level of camaraderie and bonding that comes through sharing mutual interests and activities in the same time and place. My four-and-a-half years as an Anchorage bike commuter, I never meet William Curry. From the impressive 200 or so cyclists who came out for his memorial ride on Friday, April 15th, I can imagine that he and I probably shared at least one connection with the small but strong circle of Alaskan cyclists.

The Alaskan saying “big state, small town” reminded me at this event me just how vital each individual is to the Alaskan sense of community. However, small populations have their downside: for one, there is often a resonating sadness that is felt in the air when a member of the community exits unexpectedly because of a tragic event. This was the case with the silence throughout what would typically be a social gathering had it not been centralized around a death. We rode the 1.6 miles down C Street from Raspberry Road where William worked to the Tudor and C Street intersection where he was struck and killed.

Despite disadvantages, one of the greatest advantages to smaller populations is that it is much more feasible to influence individuals therefore, influencing a larger population to awaken at those who are present and part of their community. The ghost bike at the Tudor and C Street intersection serves as a visual reminder to both cyclists and motorists about the dangers and responsibility that come with commuting on public roads. Bicycle Commuters of Anchorage has helped bridge this gap in education between cyclists and motorists. They also arrange and organize public community bike events in the Anchorage area, including the quickly approaching Bike-2-Work day event on May 20th. So with William in mind, and the balance of population and community in mind let’s share the road this summer. See you out there.