by Peter Twitchell
Whenever I have an appointment at the Alaska Native Medical Center I invariably run into someone I know from Bethel or the Bethel area.
I was glad to see Mike Riley one day and it felt like old times when I attended Bethel Search and Rescue meetings in the 1980s!
Mike had not changed, but both Mike and I had white hair. We were older, but Mike’s smile and laughter had not changed.
Repeatedly, it is the same way when I see someone from Akiachak, Kwethluk, and Akiak. Like for instance Lillian Lliaban, Moses Owen and his family from Akiak. Albert Kawagley from Bethel, Ivan Martin Ivan who was AVCP President and many unamed friends who bring great joy to my heart.
Bethel will always be my home. I have known people from southwest Alaska who are no longer among us. They are not forgotten! They will always be in our hearts.
My friend and bandmate Chris Fisher is one special friend who I am grateful to have known. In one of our practices and jam sessions Chris played a dozen songs on his guitar instrumentally. I followed him on my bass guitar – we were flawless.
Jack Hopstad was hooting and John York was saying under his breath, “Oh man!”
I was recording this session and I will be putting our session on CD. Our gift to you if Julia at KYUK will play it.
I had lunch with former KYUK Radio and Television News Director Rhonda McBride. Alexie Isaac named Rhonda “Cangarraq”. John Active said it meant “little picky person” and Mary Gregory agreed! I communicate with Joe Chimeralrea from time to time, formerly of Bethel and Napakiak.
