Collaborating with KTNA’s Su-Valley Voice: December 2024 Edition
At Sunshine Community Health Center, we’re thrilled to be regular contributors to KTNA’s Su-Valley Voice, a monthly platform where we connect with the community, share updates, and dive into topics that matter most to you. This collaboration strengthens our mission to promote health and well-being across the Upper Susitna Valley.
The December 2024 edition, hosted by Trisha Costello, focused on “Staying Healthy During the Season of Excess.” This theme couldn’t be more timely as we navigate holiday indulgences and busy schedules. In this episode, we provided updates from the clinic, discussed Alaska Family Services and their vital programs, and gained insightful tips from local nutrition and health coach Aubrey Smith of Wild Health Alaska. Wrapping up the show, past resident Michelle Puryear shared her creative Holiday Ice Cube recipe—a fun, festive way to enjoy a mocktail this season.
Featured Speakers
Ronni Spaulding, Executive Assistant (Left) - Sunshine CHC
Sierra Winter, Community Relations Manager (Right) - Sunshine CHC
Lisa Boyles, Alaska Family Services WIC Program Administrator
Alaska Family Services
Alaska Family Services (WIC) plays a vital role in supporting families across the state by providing access to nutritious foods, education on healthy eating, and breastfeeding support for women, infants, and children. Their programs are designed to empower families to make informed, healthy choices and create a strong foundation for lifelong wellness.
Updates from Sunshine
Sierra Winter, Community Relations Manager (Right) - Sunshine CHC
Sierra Winter, the Community Relations Manager at Sunshine Community Health Center (SCHC), has been a dedicated team member for nearly 11 years and a lifelong patient of the clinic. Her deep connection to the Northern Valley communities and unwavering commitment to health and wellness are evident in everything she does.
As the year draws to a close, Sierra reflects on the incredible progress SCHC has made in 2024, thanks to the support of the community. This year has been filled with accomplishments, meaningful connections, and exciting growth, all driven by the shared goal of fostering a healthier and stronger community.
Welcoming New Faces
Sunshine CHC has welcomed several new team members this year, enhancing the clinic’s ability to serve its patients. The newest additions include:
Kimberly Quarry, Billing Specialist
Julie Christian, Licensed Practical Nurse
Holly Ji., Medical Assistant
Victoria Lehman, Medical Assistant
Katie Zagar, Registered Nurse
Rita Setzke, Licensed Professional Counselor
Brandi Eison, Patient Services Specialist
Angelo Mangione, Medical Assistant
Samantha Shockey, Patient Services Specialist
Additionally, SCHC is thrilled to welcome back Teresa Schweitzer, as a Licensed Master Social Worker.
Opportunities for Growth
As Sierra emphasizes, SCHC’s growth also means opportunities for others to join the team. Current openings include Behavioral Health Clinicians, Pharmacy Technicians, and more. Each position is a chance to contribute to the clinic’s mission of delivering quality care to the community.
A Season of Giving
This December, the focus is on nutrition and giving back:
Alaska Family Services will provide resources in the Willow community on December 11, with sessions at the Willow Clinic (9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.) and the Willow Public Library (1 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.).
In partnership with the Upper Susitna and Willow Food Pantries, SCHC is helping distribute holiday food boxes to families in need.
Looking Toward 2025
Sierra invites everyone to stay engaged with SCHC through social media and the clinic’s newsletter. Exciting projects are on the horizon, and monthly incentives will continue to encourage health and wellness.
Ronni Spaulding, Executive Assistant (Left) - Sunshine CHC
Ronni Spaulding, Executive Assistant at Sunshine Community Health Center (SCHC), has become an integral part of the organization. Over her three years with Sunshine, Ronni has exemplified the center's “grow your own” philosophy, advancing from a front desk position to her current leadership role. Her dedication and commitment to supporting SCHC's mission shine in every project she takes on.
Ronni recently shared a few important updates as the holiday season approaches:
Holiday Clinic Closures
To ensure the hardworking SCHC team has time to celebrate and recharge, there are a few planned closures:
Friday, December 13th: Clinics will close early at 11:00 AM for the annual staff holiday party.
Tuesday, December 24th: Closed all day for Christmas Eve.
Wednesday, December 25th: Closed all day for Christmas Day.
Wednesday, January 1st: Closed all day for New Year’s Day.
Patients are encouraged to plan accordingly for their healthcare needs during this time.
Board of Directors Meetings
Ronni also highlighted the upcoming Board of Directors meetings, which take place the first Thursday of every month. These meetings are a great way for community members to stay informed about SCHC's initiatives and are available both in person and via Zoom.
The next meeting is scheduled for:
Thursday, January 9th, at 5:00 PM
Location: Talkeetna Clinic and Zoom
Visit SCHC's Events Page for more details, including how to join virtually.
Northern Valley Health Coalition (NVHC)
Looking ahead to 2025, Ronni shared that the Northern Valley Health Coalition will resume its meetings in January. This group will provide monthly updates as they continue working to support community health and wellness across the region.
Ronni’s contributions to SCHC reflect her passion for serving the community and ensuring that everyone has access to the care and resources they need. As 2024 comes to a close, her leadership and dedication remain essential to SCHC's success and its connection to the northern valley communities.
Stay tuned for more updates, and be sure to check the SCHC website and social media for the latest news and information!
Michelle’s Holiday Ice Cubes:
In each ice cube well (or small muffin pan), add:
Cranberries
A cinnamon stick
A sprig of rosemary
An orange slice
Fill with pomegranate juice and freeze. Drop a cube into a glass, top with soda water, ginger ale, or another bubbly, fruity beverage, and enjoy a refreshing, holiday-inspired drink.
Looking ahead, future episodes of Su-Valley Voice will highlight our Monthly Health Incentives, a new initiative designed to encourage healthy habits and community engagement. Stay tuned to learn how you can participate and make positive changes in your health journey.
Catch the December 2024 episode and explore the handy links below for more:
Mark your calendars for the next Su-Valley Voice on 88.9 FM or stream it online. Together, we’re creating a healthier, happier community, one conversation at a time.
Sunshine Community Health Center
1-907-376-2273 (CARE)
*This article was written with the support of AI*