Alaska Online With Libraries (OWL) Program

Presenters: Mike Folkerts (US Coast Guard) and Deb Ylijoki (State of Alaska Boating Safety)
Description: Mike Folkerts, recreational boating specialist for the Coast Guard, will discuss safety equipment boaters are required to carry on board. Make sure your vessel is properly equipped with personal flotation devices, navigation lights and sound signals.

Presenter: Glen Holt, Eastern Alaska Forester, University of Alaska Fairbanks
Description: How to cut, split, cure, and store firewood in Alaska.

Presenter: Art Nash
Description: Art Nash of the UAF Cooperative Extension Service offers alternative ways to heat your cabin without hauling as many fuel barrels.

Presenter: Sarah Moore, Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation
Description: Sarah Moore of the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation provides information on home fuel oil tanks.

Presenter: Julie Cascio, UAF Cooperative Extension
Description:Julie Cascio of the UAF Cooperative Extension Service offers advice on energy balance, body mass index, portion distortion and tips on eating right and building exercise into your day.

Presenter: Julie Cascio, UAF Cooperative Extension
Description: Two back to back programs from Julie Cascio of UAF Cooperative Extension. First part is on Radon safety and second part is on promoting activity and good eating habits in children.

Presenter: Art Nash, UAF Cooperative Extension
Description: Art Nash of the UAF Cooperative Extension provides an overview of the health effects of radon, its distribution in Alaska and what you can do about it.

Presenter: Sarah Lewis, Alaska Cooperative Extension Service
Description: Sarah Lewis from the Cooperative Extension Service will give a presentation on ways to increase family and financial resilience through strategies for paying off debt; assessing "good" vs. "bad" debt, what to pay off first, managing credit card debt and planning a debt payoff schedule.

Kate Burkhart took office as Alaska State Ombudsman in June, 2017. Her presentation was a chance to talk with her about role and responsibilities of the Office of the Ombudsman, outreach efforts, and opportunities to work together. She discussed how the Office of the Ombudsman reviews and investigates complaints about state agencies. She also shared how the Ombudsman can be a resource for library staff working with patrons seeking help in accessing and resolving problems with state services and programs.

Library staff are invited to hear Denise Daniello and Lesley Thompson from the Alaska Commission on Aging talk about government resources to help Alaska's aging seniors. Topics included Aging and Disabilities Resource Centers, Senior Benefits, Heating Assistance and applying to Alaska Pioneer Homes.