TWC’S Children’s Advocacy Center (Irniamta Ikayurviat) along with several collaborative partners sponsored the 6^th Annual Children’s Fair in honor of “APRIL – Child Abuse Awareness Month”. Each partnering agency had their own informational and activity table which included games, prizes, healthy walk (with healthy prizes). Door prizes were given every 15 minutes for kids and adults.

The grand prize, a round trip airline ticket went to Sean Harry Nicholas, son of Tommy Peter and Anna Nicholas.

Participants had fun planting sweet peas at the Association of Village Council Presidents’ table, and learning that “kids don’t float” from Family Infant Toddler Program. Many kids joined the “Two Bite Club” at the Women, Infants, and Children table. Nicotine Control showed a smoker’s black lung versus a healthy lung, encouraging youth to see that  “Tobacco is not our culture.”  Participants learned about food groups from Public Health’s nursing staff and the need for flu shots from the Bethel Family Clinic.  Teens from the 4-H youth Center shared information about their after-school and summer programs. Many were surprised as to how many teaspoons of sugar are in different types of drinks at the Family Nutrition Program table. Kids enjoyed the pinwheels that OCS shared, stuffing Easter eggs with the Lions’ Club, and having their faces painted by TAAV.  There were over 100 children and almost as many adults.  Thank you to all the volunteers, agencies that donated door prizes and drinks, and everyone who helped to make the event a success!

Members of the Bethel community marched in solidarity with Alaskans across the state on Thursday, March 27 as part of Governor Parnell’s Choose Respect initiative.

The event began at TWC where TWC employees Jamie Heinz and Susan Taylor welcomed the large crowd. TWC elder Mary Beaver spoke about how animals are role models for people in the way that they care for their young.  Rose Dominic offered words of encouragement about how everyone has a part in preventing domestic violence and sexual assault. General Mike Bridges of the Alaska National Guard was Governor Parnell’s representative in Bethel for the occasion. The walk ended with a potluck hosted by KUC.

Local media coverage of the event included:

“Bethel Rallies to Choose Respect” by Daysha Eaton

“Bethel Residents Rally to Stop Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault” by Ben Matheson

TWC employee, Elena Dock, participated in Kipnuk’s Choose Respect Walk.

This year’s PFD is expected to be twice as large as last year’s — approximately $1,800! Please consider supporting causes that you care about some more, especially TWC.

If you have already filed for your 2014 PFD, you can make adjustments to your Pick.Click.Give donation by visiting http://pfd.alaska.gov/

For the first time ever, ten people who give a portion of their PFD to Pick.Click.Give recipient organizations will receive an additional check equal to the amount of the 2014 PFD! To see the full contest rules, click here or visit the Click.Pick.Give website. Alaskans have until March 31 to file for their 2014 PFD.  

Supporters have pledged $9,475.00 to TWC so far during this year’s Pick.Click.Give drive. Alaskans have until March 31 to file for their 2014 PFD.

For the first time ever, ten people who give a portion of their PFD to Pick.Click.Give recipient organizations will receive an additional check equal to the amount of the 2014 PFD! To see the full contest rules, click here or visit the Click.Pick.Give website. 

TWC is looking for the names of elders in the Yukon Kuskokwim Delta who have shared their wisdom and taught others in the community through their personal or professional lives.

The Yukegtaaq Committee will choose an individual or individuals who will be recognized at our celebration on April 12 in Bethel.

Nomination forms can be found at AC, Swanson’s, and the Cultural Center. Please submit completed forms to TWC by March 7.