by Peter Twitchell
The Big City of Anchorage with its many cars and people, where you are like a number, unknown, one autonomous individual where no one knows anything about you or who you are or what you do.
In a village like Bethel, at least you know what people do and have a sense of camaraderie. That is absent here. You sort of get lost in the crowd and live a life of non-existence, except to family and friends. It can be both good and bad, but you have a sense that people are good and caring.
Impanelment – a new word for me, where you can pick your own health care provider. You get same day appointments, call to get prescriptions filled, whether he/she accepts you, service is available.
This is a city where Elders can gather and have a feeling that somebody cares. I have met Elders at Southcentral Foundation’s Elders Center where you gather for lunch and share in various activities. Like for instance bingo Monday afternoon with prizes or fiddling November 17th, and Elders bus service to different points around town.
There is always something to do.
There are several locations where Elders can gather and have a sense of belonging. Still, I get the feeling of the absence of friends and family that are back home.
Last week I went to a Christmas Bazaar at the Denaina Center – dozens of vendors and it brought forth good memories of past church bazaars at the Moravian Church in Bethel.
I’m considering going to see a play or going to listen to a debate on immigration on “Arguing Alaska”. More to come about my Discoveries for you on the Delta.
