March 8, 2002
Volunteer Ryan Conarro produces a series of KNOM Profiles on the impact of modern technology in bush Alaska.
One of the persons Ryan speaks with is Barb Pungowiyi, coordinator of Native programs for Nome Public Schools. “Some people might say technology is one of the reasons why our culture is being lost,” Pungowiyi tells Ryan, “but I think it can be used to an advantage.”
A familiar (and smiling) face graced KNOM studios last month: that of volunteer alumnus Ben Matheson, who donated a week of vacation time to help our mission with our coverage of the Norton Sound 450 (described in more detail elsewhere in our March newsletter).
Ben’s presence within our studios was invaluable. A two-year veteran of all things KNOM and rural Alaska, Ben brought his zeal for reporting and for the Arctic to our newest generation of radio volunteers. Ben guided them through the details of each race broadcast, and like all KNOM staffers, he was on hand for the myriad other duties that arise during the day.
Thanks so much, Ben!
Our feature series on KNOM volunteer alumni continues with Matthew Smith, our public affairs director from 2010 to 2012 who is now continuing his career in news broadcasting with KTVA television in Anchorage. Here’s Matt, in his own words, on what KNOM has already meant to him:
While I’ve only been a KNOM alumnus for a few months, I’m amazed at what the mission has made possible.
I learned about work, community, and myself during my time with KNOM. I learned how to be a reporter, how to find stories and write them in a way that was relevant to listeners in Western Alaska. From interviewing Iditarod mushers to meeting the Russian crew of the Renda as they made the first-ever winter fuel delivery to Nome (pictured at right), my experiences with KNOM made me the reporter I am today.
My time at KNOM also taught me what it means to be part of a small community. As a volunteer EMT, I remember taking blood pressure readings at the community health fair, giving residents of Nome access to blood work and medical exams that were otherwise simply unavailable. I never could have guessed how much being a part of the community in Nome would shape my years of service.
KNOM shaped my spirit, too. The people I met, the stories I heard and told, the connections I formed with roommates, co-workers, and friends: they have enriched my life in uncountable ways. I’m proud – and humbled – to have been a part of the mission, and I can’t wait to see where it goes in the coming years.
As always, we’re so grateful for the people who make our volunteer program possible. As you can see, KNOM continues to change lives: both those of our listeners and of our staff. It’s all thanks to you!
December 18, 1992
KNOM volunteer music director John Albers suddenly finds himself in a red suit, filling in for an ailing Santa. John portrays the jolly old elf on a National Guard flight to the village of Elim, about 100 miles east of Nome.
Somewhere in the cargo containers you see above (recently unloaded from a massive barge shipment at Nome’s port) are the materials we’ll soon use to continue construction on the Tom and Florence Busch Digital Studios. We so appreciate all who have given their time, talents, and treasure to allow this project to move forward. The empty lot you see pictured at bottom will soon be filled with the skeleton of our new studio annex – thanks to you!
A regular part of our mission is to send our hardworking volunteers to the rural, isolated villages in our listening area, especially when events rally those communities together around a particular cause.
Last month, volunteers Eva DeLappe and Lucus Keppel visited one of the communities closest to KNOM: Teller, a village on the coast of the Seward Peninsula (pictured at top). Both went to gather material for their respective jobs at KNOM. Lucus recorded voices and other material to be used in spot production. Eva (as pictured) reported on a news event, a pancake dinner benefit that featured a local author, Claire Kennon, whose novels address a problem that is tragically rampant in rural Alaska: domestic violence. Here’s Eva in her own words:
It was amazing and inspiring to meet such a courageous woman. In her powerful presentation, Claire shed light on the mindset of a domestic violence survivor; the message was that we cannot judge women who stay in harmful situations, but we can help them.
I also did my first interview for Elder Voices (KNOM’s program featuring the stories of respected Alaska Native elders). I spoke with James Okpealuk (ahk-bee-YAH-look), an 80-year-old Siberian Yup’ik man born and raised in the village of Diomede (DYE-yuh-meed). He told me stories about seal hunting, his father’s love of Eskimo dancing, and his own passion for ivory carving. He was kind and generous, and I felt honored to listen to his stories firsthand.
The drive was fun! It was a two-hour drive on a long, quiet dirt road. And we could tell winter is definitely here. We passed half-frozen streams, saw snow-white mountains, and drove through snow flurries.
Thank you for making trips like this possible! (Additional photos, below: artwork in the Teller school celebrating Native culture and decrying domestic violence.)
Father Armand Nigro, S.J.
The first dusting of snow has fallen on the hills just north of KNOM. Soon, the tundra will be covered with a carpet of snow and ice. With the change of the seasons, critical weather reports on KNOM can help save lives and keep families safe. We are blessed with this opportunity to serve KNOM’s listeners 24 hours a day, especially during the very trying winter months.
Recently, a 12 year old girl who had not returned home was reported missing to the Nome Police Department. An officer reached out to KNOM with an official announcement detailing her description and contact information. After several hours of frequent announcements on KNOM, the young girl was found. We thank everyone who helps us assist families during their most difficult times.
Father Armand Nigro, S.J. (pictured) has been offering prayers and Masses for many years for the intentions of thousands of KNOM’s supporters. He now needs your prayers. Please join us in prayer for his health and well being.
As the snow falls, thanks from a listener
Temperatures – and snowflakes! – continue to fall, and the ground is solidly frozen. Cold mornings and evenings are highlighted by beautifully colorful sunrises and sunsets. We are truly blessed to be a part of this radio mission serving Western Alaska.
Last week, we received a phone call from a listener. She thanked us for the companionship that KNOM offers, and she said:
We wish you could have heard her thankful voice to experience, first hand, her appreciation for everyone in the KNOM family. We pass on her kind comments and thanks to all who serve through our radio mission.