February Newsletter

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Seldovia Village Tribe P.O. Drawer L, Seldovia, Ak 99663~Phone: (907) 234-7898, Fax: (907) 234-7865 Email: svt@svt.org, Website: www.svt.org.

Volume 19: Number 1 January/February 2012

Winter Ice Cleats Watch your step be safe on the ice.

SVT Environmental Office WINS an AWARD!.

SVT Food Distribution Program for all low income households residing in the Seldovia area.

Housing Dept.

Weatherization program still available through the state of Alaska.

Tribal Marine Science Workshop April 10-14, 2012 Contact Michael Opheim

Bingo Every other Saturday & every other Thursdays at Seldovia Conference Center. Watch for signs.

Officers were elected during SVT’s 4th Prize

$100.00 regular February Council meeting cerTina Tucker tifying the 2012 Election.

5th Prize

Tribal Vest John Crawford President Crystal Collier, Dehlia Klawitter Lillian Elvsaas Vice President Lillian Elvsaas Helen Quijance 6th Prize

Tribal Vest Secretary - Trinket Gallien Seldovia Tribal Council Election BalMargaret Gauthier lots were sent out to 376 eligible votElection Prizes 7th Prize

$50.00 ing members of the Seldovia Village The Early Bird Prizes for 2012 are Liza Bieri Tribe on January 6, 2012.

Alaska Pure Berry Vinaigrettes and a 8th Prize

$50.00 Tribal Council Election 2012 Seldovia Community Calendar..

Spencer Giles Ballots that were returned by January

2012 Tribal Council Election Candidates

Results

23, 2012 were entered in this drawing.

Seldovia Village Tribe has a total of Winners of Early Bird Drawing are as 497 Enrolled Tribal Members, 376 of follows: Fred H. Elvsaas, Marie these Members are eligible Voters.

Stewman, Jashua Ellis, Sharon Bond, Michelle Harris, Shirley Janz, Tamara Thursday, February 9, 2012 the Tribal Bowdon, Ann Anderson, Brittany Election Committee convened at the Elvsaas, and Linda Meyers.

SVT Administrative Offices to count ballots. Another year of just under $$$Grand Prize$$$ 50% voter turnout was received. (158 WINNERS! ballots received-11 were invalid).

Thanks to all who took the time to re$500.00 Mercedes Blagg turn their ballot. This is a very impor$$2ND Prize$$ tant privilege of being a voting Tribal member. Those elected to Council 1 round trip ticket Anch/Hom Seats are as follows: or Cash Michelle Harris Three year terms: John Crawford Lillian Elvsaas Helen Quijance Seldovia Village Tribe Newsletter

3rd Prize

Tribal Jacket Paula Elvsaas

9th Prize

Alaska Pure Berry

Products Sean Stewman 10th Prize $25.00 Joe Carlough Sr.

Winter Ice Cleats SVT’s Injury Prevention department has 4 types of Ice Cleats for sale. Velcro Toe Stabilizers $40, Sports Jogger Stabilizers $30, Stabilizers Lite $18 and Stabilizers Overshoes $70. Extra replacement cleats are available by the bag. To purchase contact Alix Chartier IP/EMS at 435-3250.

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Program Updates: Seldovia Village Tribe proudly serving our people since 1981

SVT Presents at Alaska Forum on the Environment 2012 Anchorage, Alaska.

Tracie Merrill, SVT’s Environmental Assistant presented on the Network Node/Spatial Viewer that the Tribe has for water quality data taken in the Seldovia area. The presentation was about 40 minutes long with a live showing of the node/spatial viewer and what it could do. Tracie gave an overview of our water sampling program in Seldovia Bay and the two streams. It was given from the users perspective not from a technical side.

There were not many in attendance but those who were there were definitely interested in what we were doing and asked some very good questions.

A Job Well Done Michael Opheim, Seldovia Village Tribe (SVT)’s Environmental Coordinator since 2003, was presented with the Daniel Ellanak Environmental Excellence Award on Wednesday, February 8th. Michael was presented this award after being nominated by SVT staff. He was chosen for the award by the Regional Tribal Operations Committee because of his innovation with sharing water quality data through a web-based framework (network exchange) using a node and spatial viewer, the long hours and personal effort he has put into projects, the success of SVT’s environmental department under his guidance and direction in terms of obtaining grants to fund various projects and their successful completion. Some of the vari-

ous projects SVT’s environmental department is currently undertaking are: water quality sampling of Fish Creek, road dust monitoring of Jakolof Bay Road, an assessment of the Jakolof dumpsite, collecting and sorting recyclables from community recycle bins, getting geospatial data and water quality data from partners onto SVT’s network node, and a subsistence food survey of Cook Inlet Tribal members as well as our own Seldovia Tribal Members.

Michael can be contacted at mopheim@svt.org or 907-435-3247.

Congratulations, Michael, for all your hard work and dedication. The award is well deserved!

Energy Assistance 2012 Seldovia Village Tribe has applications for 2011 Energy Assistance.

Those Native households residing in the Seldovia area that are having trouble meeting their heating bills this winter are welcome to apply. For an application contact Debbie Cameron @ 435-3255 or come to the Administrative Offices Monday-Friday 9am5pm.

Seldovia Village Tribe Newsletter

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SVT Food Distribution Program tions. It is hard on everyone to however the meetings are held The Food Distribution Program is a federal program that provides commodity foods to low income households residing on or around an Alaska Native Tribal Village.

Eligible households are certified based on income and resource standards set by the federal government and must be re-certified at least every 12 months.

What Foods Does the Program Offer?

Each month participating households receive a food package to help them maintain a nutritionally balanced diet.

Participants may select from over 70 products including: Canned meats, poultry, and fish Canned fruits and vegetables, Canned soups, spaghetti sauce, Macaroni & Cheese, pastas, cereals, rice, and other grains Cheese, egg mix, nonfat dry or evaporated milk, Flour, cornmeal, bakery mix, reduced sodium crackers, Low-Fat refried beans, dried beans, instant potatoe Canned juices and dried fruit Peanuts, Peanut butter, and much more.

How do I Apply?

Applications for the SVT Food Distribution Program are available from Debbie Cameron, set an appointment by calling 435-3255 Monday-Friday. ***************************************

Family After Care: It’s a Continuing Situation for All

By R. Alene Hidecker CDCI, BHA II

Families involved with Drug, Alcohol or any recovery program have a common burden they share. It is emotionally difficult to accept the fact that they need to continually monitor the recovering person, other family members and themselves for problems that can include new and delayed reacSeldovia Village Tribe Newsletter

realize that a family member’s addiction has affected and still affects the whole family in sometimes deep and hidden ways. The unresolved issues surface sooner or later.

Professionals have learned that treatment and education of a recovering person’s family members is not only crucial to creating a healthy lifestyle for the individual but vital for sustaining recovery.

The family truly involved in the recovery plan is also involved in family therapy sessions and support groups. The combination of family therapy sessions and support groups create a positive and continuing healing process for all concerned.

This may sound overwhelming however there are support groups available to assist everyone through the rough spots. Support groups help us to handle the unexpected emotional pitfalls that can surprise us, give us a new perspective on things and comfort the weary. Al Anon is a good example. It is a family support group that has been an important piece of the successful Alcoholics Anonymous Program.

I encourage everyone to have a resource list to use in time of need.

Some good phone numbers and websites to have as a resource are: AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) Homer (907) 235-6822 http://www.usrecovery.info/AA/ Alaska.htm Al Anon ( for family members of Alcoholics) No phone number

Thursday nights starting at 6:15PM in the Homer United Methodist Church, located at 770 East End Road, Homer, AK 99603 http://www.al-anon-ak.org/ Alaska Region of Narcotics Anonymous – Helpline 1-866-2586329 http://www.akna.org The Center (Community Mental Health Center) 235-7701 Seldovia Village Tribe: Seldovia Office: 234-7898 Seldovia Village Tribe Health Center: 226-2228

Eye Doctor Coming April 2012 Sarah Stienbarger, OD, FAAO, from Southcentral Foundation Optometery Department will be in Homer and Seldovia for vision testig.

Homer dates are Monday April 2nd and Tuesday April 3rd.

Homer appointments can be scheduled by calling 226-2228 Seldovia Dates are Wednesday April 4th and Thursday April 5th.

Seldovia appointments can be scheduled by calling Debbie Cameron at 435-3255.

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SVT Scholarships, Applications Available It’s that time of year again already, Scholarship applications are available. To be eligible for a Tribal Scholarship you must be enrolled in the Seldovia Village Tribe.

SVT Achievement & Student Exchange Scholarships deadline is May 1, 2012. To obtain an application visit our website: www.svt.org or contact Trinket Gallien, (907) 435-3248.

Seldovia Village Tribe Newsletter

Seldovia Village Tribe Drawer L Seldovia, Alaska 99663

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Housing Department

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SVT Health & Wellness Opening for services February 23, 2012 SVT Contract Health will cover Naturopathic services.

Recommended remedies or supplements will be patients responsibility.

• Naturopathic Medicine Just a New Year's reminder Tribal Housing can help with HUD sponsored renovations, weatherization, student housing costs, emergency rental expenses and some first time home purchase expenses. These programs are for qualified Native Americans. Income levels, for program qualifications have been rising, so you may want to check. We also have information on housing loans and application procedures.

Contact Rod Hilts @ 435-3260.

Healing through natural remedies

• Behavioral Health

Integra2ng the mind into health care through counseling services, goal se6ng and individualized therapy

• Nutri5onal Services

Holis2c health through diet and nutri2on Open every other Thursday and Fri-­‐ day. To make an appointment please call our Homer office at 226-­‐2228.

Volume 19: Number 1 January/February 2012