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Senior citizens, family caregivers, senior service providers and other people interested in senior issues are encouraged to attend the Alaska Commission on Aging meeting Tuesday, Feb. 12, at the Alaska Permanent Fund Corp. (Goldbelt) Building, Suite 302.

The Alaska Commission on Aging, one of the governor's boards and commissions, advocates for Alaskans to age successfully in their homes, in their communities, or as near as possible to their communities and families.

Commission members from throughout the state will convene for their annual meeting in Juneau, beginning Tuesday morning and ending around noon on Thursday, Feb. 14. On Tuesday and Thursday, the Commission and members of the general public who attend will hear a variety of reports from local and state experts on programs and issues affecting older Alaskans. The Senior Benefits Program, Alzheimer's Disease and dementia, Medicaid, the Pioneers Homes, health issues of Alaska Native elders, and gaps in services for seniors are examples of the topics to be discussed. "Come to the meeting," encourages Denise Daniello, executive director of the commission. "It's all good information which will help us best support our senior citizens."

There will also be several opportunities for senior citizens and those who care about them to express their concerns to the Commission members. Public testimony will be taken at the commission meeting from 3 to 3:45 p.m. on Tuesday. The commission staff has also arranged for Community Coffee Chats to take place at the Douglas and Juneau Senior Centers from 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. on Tuesday. "Everybody is welcome," explains Denise. Persons age 60 and older are invited for lunch, although they are asked to make meal reservations on or before Monday, Feb. 11, by calling 463-6196.

Also on Tuesday, the commission will discuss their Legislative Priorities and prepare for visits with Alaska legislators which are planned for Wednesday. The commission 2008 Legislative Priorities include the following:

1) The Family And Community Elder Supports (FACES) Initiative-this priority asks the Legislature to increase funding for senior grant services such as home-delivered meals, transportation, chore, respite, and adult day services which help seniors continue living at home.

2) The Alaska Commission on Aging "sunrise" legislation to continue the existence and work of the Commission.

3) State funding for the Community Health Centers which, in some Alaskan communities, are the only medical providers willing to see Medicare patients.

4) Alaska Housing Finance Corp. Housing Trust to provide supportive housing for homeless individuals in Alaska.

On Thursday, the Commission members will report on their visits with over 30 legislators. After returning to their home communities, the Commissioners will continue to work with people around the state to advocate for the well-being of older Alaskans. During the legislative session, the commission holds teleconferences to discuss bills of interest to Alaskan seniors. Citizens learn what actions they can take to make a difference, for example, where to send a letter asking for continued funding of the Senior Benefits Program. The meetings take place through 20 host sites around the state on Thursdays from 9:30-11:00 am and everyone is welcome to participate.

For a copy of the commission's Juneau meeting agenda or for more information about the legislative teleconferences, call 465-3250.

• Marianne Mills is the program director of Southeast Senior Services which offers home- and community-based services for older Alaskans throughout the region. SESS is a part of Catholic Community Service and assists all persons regardless of their faith.