Hopefully, the community of Anchor Point will have a broader appreciation of the many hours of labor, education and opportunity for the betterment of the lives of everyone in Anchor Point.

Anchor Point Senior Citizen's Inc. board president Inez Clendenen recently returned from a training program for supervisors of AMERICORP VISTA, held in Provo, Utah. Inez met some great people and stated she learned some wonderful new ideas. Inez was accompanied by Rachel Roderick, who is the second VISTA (Volunteer In Service To America) assigned to the Anchor Point Senior Citizen's Inc. Roderick will be working primarily with the Anchor Point Disaster Response Group. She will be responsible for the field work for the DRG as it works in cooperation with the Kenai Peninsula Borough Emergency Manager. The purpose of the DRG is to see that no member of the Anchor Point community will be left unaccounted for during those hours and days before official agencies, for example the Red Cross, arrive in rural areas like Anchor Point. Roderick will be compiling information in the field to establish a structure to accomplish that goal.

The Outdoor Escape Raffle drawing was held on Aug. 14 at the senior center. The winners were:

First prize, a Yamaha Kodiak four-wheeler with automatic four-wheel drive: Francis Brymer, Anchor Point.

Second prize, a two-person charter with Jerry Montgomery: Julie Murray, Nikiski.

Third prize, a five-man tent: Michael Deraitus, Homer.

Fourth prize, a Magellan 310 GPS: Victor Rachuk, Anchor Point.

Fifth prize, a Coleman two-burner camp stove: Carrie Anderson, Kenai.

Sixth prize, two tractor launches by Tractor Factor: Key Fechser, Anchor Point.

Seventh prize, two tickets to the Anchor Point Wildlife Museum: Chris Casey, Eagle River.

Congratulations to all the winners and all those who supported the Anchor Point Senior Center.

The Anchor Point Senior Center arts and crafts group is now a member of Made in Alaska. These talented and creative people are now selling their creations at the Saturday Market in Anchorage and in a shop in the Northway Mall, and this year the group will have items available at the Alaska State Fair. Last year the craft group sold over $18,000 worth of products. The crafty ladies are aiming to exceed that amount this year.

Grandma's Hope Notes generously painted the new Helping Hand Building. Thanks to the Hope Notes' efforts, the outside of the building is now as pleasant to view as the inside. While in the painting mode, the Hope Notes also painted the freezer/cooler/food storage addition to the senior center building. Not stopping there, the group willingly moved to the senior gardens to assist with work there. The Anchor Point Seniors are very grateful to this wonderful, giving family. Their unselfish giving is an inspiration to the Anchor Point community.

Friday night senior center bingo has moved into the 21st Century! Daubers and paper cards have replaced the old hard cards. There is also a new prize structure, instead of playing one card for $15, players now receive six paper cards for $20. Join the fun on Friday night for senior bingo, bring a friend and have a snack of Polish sausage, hot dog, chips, candy, soft drinks, coffee and popcorn. Invite a friend or the whole gang, make a date with your loved one and have a fun night and help the Anchor Point seniors at the same time.

This past Friday night one of the bingo committee's and fellow players favorite player, a 94-year-old lady, won the $500 prize available each week. She made the win in 51 numbers, which is a major feat in itself. Congratulations to a very lucky, and lovely grandmother.

Thursday, Aug. 28, beginning at 6 p.m., there will be a caregivers support meeting and hearing loss training seminar at the senior center.

The National Family Caregivers Support Program was created to help caregivers as they care for their loved ones. In the meetings there is sharing of information, support, training and experiences with other caregivers who may be experiencing the same or similar issues.

The Kenai Peninsula National Family Caregivers Support Program is located at 197 West Park Ave., Soldotna, or call 262-1280. Dinner will be available for $9 for non-members and $6 for Anchor Point Senior Center members.

All news for this article can be dropped off at the Anchor River Inn office.

Until sometime in mid-September when this writer's new computer arrives, the management of the Anchor River Inn has graciously allowed me the use of their computer.

Mary McAnelly is a freelance writer who covers Anchor Point for the Homer News. Items for this report can be e-mailed to her at maryt@ptialaska.net.