South Anchorage Hillside Living - Best Version Media

15/04/2025

If you are a local business owner, no doubt you understand the impact of being involved with the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce. Headed by President and CEO Kathleen McArdle, the Chamber is a shining star in our community by playing a pivotal role in advocating for a robust economic environment while fostering growth and collaboration. We are proud supporters of the Chamber, and proud to highlight their role in our community this month.
Thank you, Kathleen and team!
~Janna Hardy, Publisher

27/03/2025

Hello friends, sponsors, and followers!
If you've ever wanted to know a bit more about my publications, please check out the landing pages for each of my publications.

https://www.bestversionmedia.com/magazines/southanchoragehillsideliving
https://www.bestversionmedia.com/magazines/coastaltrailneighbors
https://www.bestversionmedia.com/magazines/eagleriverliving

If you'd like to dive a little deeper or have questions, kindly give me a call or send me a message.

Thank you kindly!
~Janna Hardy

Jannese Hardy began publishing Eagle River Living in September 2024. Jannese enjoys connecting the community by sharing family-friendly content and shining a spotlight on local families every month. Eagle River Living is proudly sponsored by local businesses that want to make a positive impact and e...

05/02/2025

Somos Amigos Spanish Immersion School has been at the forefront of Spanish language and cultural education in Anchora since 2004. This vibrant and welcoming school is headed up by two energetic sisters, Denise and Karim Otaegui, and their supportive mother, Vilma Gibaja. Offering three distinct learning opportunities to the community--early learning, after school immersion, and adult learning programs--Somos Amigos is designed to meet the needs of learners at different stages of life, and they are fully engaged with the culture and context of this Spanish-speaking community. Viva Somos Amigos!
~Janna Hardy, Publisher

04/02/2025

With a shared love of the outdoors, Jane and Greg Tibbetts have created a life that is rich in experience and steeped in nature. Jane and Greg met while focusing on fitness, and together their journey of adventures has taken each of them on paths they might never have dreamed of taking. For Jane life helped her overcome her fear of large animals to then take on dressage. From there she became a bird photographer by simply focusing on the bird paradise she created around her home. For Greg, life's adventures took him to the mountains, water, and beyond. As a world class runner, Greg was even on the cover of Runners World. He continues to maintain his fitness and running today, which he shares with his workout partner, Skye Bleu, his loyal Border Collie. Together, Jane and Greg have created a life that's as wild as and beautiful as the Alaskan wilderness they call home!
~Janna Hardy, Publisher

03/02/2025

We did a fun feature story in November. We met with the general director of the Anchorage Opera, Ben Robinson, wrote an awesome story about what is going on in the opera world, and put it in both of my Anchorage magazines, South Anchorage Hillside Living, and Coastal Trail neighbors, with a different cover photo on each. Ben is definitely pushing the creative boundaries for Anchorage Opera. Here is the SAHL issue for you to enjoy...
~Janna Hardy, Publisher

06/12/2024

Such an honor to be a part of such a company that has this kind of outstanding leadership. Congratulations to Kevin O'Brien!!!

Best Version Media CEO Kevin O’Brien has been named the Gold Winner in the Executive of the Year category in the 12th Annual Best in Biz Awards International. When asked about the award, Kevin said, “This type of recognition is only possible because of the outstanding teams we have in place.” Read more here: https://www.bestversionmedia.com/kevin-obrien-executive-of-the-year-best-in-biz-international/

22/10/2024

"Two peas in a pod" is how these sisters embody being identical twins, including their working and personal relationships together. Meet Angelyn Starr and Enjoli Strait where family comes first for these two, but twin-time takes top priority. Their families both respect and appreciate that fact. In the working world, they remain side by side with their business ventures, which ironically also complements one another's business. These Fun-loving women lead full lives with business, family, and recreational activities. However, if you could pick one attribute that celebrates them both it would have to be their artistry. When it comes to quilting, these women reign as queens! If you're a quilter in town, you no doubt know who they are.
Thank you for such an uplifting story, ladies!
~Janna Hardy, Publisher

16/10/2024

Hello readers and friends! Looks like I got a bit behind with my posts recently so I'll catch up with the latest issues.

Brittany and Aubin's love story is built on shared adventures, unwavering support, and a deep-seated commitment to family. They have seamlessly woven their lives together, creating a vibrant and joyous home filled with laughter and love. Meet the Quesnell family--Brittany, Aubin, and their three daughters, Suzie, Phoebe, and Rosie. Their home has become the natural gathering place for family during the holidays and for the neighborhood kids alike. Between juggling two busy careers and three beautiful daughters, this loving couple still manages to put family first and find time for travel and adventure. Enjoy!

28/08/2024

28/08/2024

With the start of school this month, I felt this story was befitting. Luke Almon and Carrie Hailey have been on a public service journey from Indiana to Alaska. Carrie oversees aviation meteorology with the National Weather Service, and Luke is the principal of South Anchorage High. Public service is the cornerstone of their lives. They appreciate the power of community and of giving back to that community for the benefit of all. Together they cherish the adventures and unique opportunities that Alaska has offered them. We appreciate their leadership and service.

17/07/2024

From their Color Art Printing business to playing golf in warmer places, Richard and Deanna Teders work hard and play hard--together. With a blended family of four and aa new grandson, family plays an important role in their lives, and Richard and Deanna celebrate their children's unique successes as well as their own. Deanna enjoys art-focused fundraising events and has launched a variety of local events on her own to showcase numerous artists and their varied talents. Richard strives to perfect his game of golf. It's all about staying active and engaged for the Teders family. We appreciate their family bond and community spirit of giving.
Thank you, Richard and Deanna!
~Janna Hardy, Publisher

27/06/2024

When your great-grandfather was once the Alaska Native Chief on Attu Island, one is destined to have a remarkable journey in life. Such has been the case for Helena Schmitz and her husband Brad. From the repatriation of her family's remains and the founding of her non-profit "Atux Forever," Helena focuses on community remembrance and hope. Brand compliments Helena's heritage preservation work with his dedication to education and community engagement. Brad initiated a global network of pen pal involvement from Alaska, in addition to social welfare impact with his mission to combat food insecurity. Together, this husband and wife duo is moving mountains. Thank you to you both!

08/05/2024

"Twenty-four years and counting" is how our feature couple describe their enduring love story. As transplants from Washington state, Melody and Russell Price are relative newcomers to Alaska, although it was Melody's dream since childhood. From running a pet supply business to running a non-profit, Melody prioritizes serving her community. She recognized early on that Alaska requires thinking outside of the box, and that is what she does best. Russell helps local businesses thrive with engineering needs for their fluid power needs. "Know yourself and remember to give back" is the mindset that enables Melody and Russel to synchronize their lives with their core values and prioritize opportunities for philanthropy. What a great story!
Thank you to you both, Melody and Russell.
~Janna Hardy, Publisher and Community Connector

01/04/2024

From New Zealand to Alaska, George and Jessica Schmuke carry the spirit of adventure wherever they go, and in everything they do. George enjoyed being part of the rowing team when he was in college, and Jessica has conquered more than 25 marathons. Together, they summited Mount Kilimanjaro in 2021. Today, many of their adventures include their children: 11 year old Juliana, and 8 year old Acton. The family is involved with skiing all winter, and they hike and bike in the summer--in addition to their worldwide travels. This family's love for adventure will undoubtedly create vivid memories for a lifetime. Savor the moments....
Thank you to George and Jessica!
~Janna Hardy, Publisher

27/02/2024

"Sisterhood" is the focus of our feature story this month. Janna Beasley and Kristine Whitford are but 16 months apart in age, however, their sisterhood has made them inseparable as best friends. These women not only have husbands that are also best friends, but homes that are a block apart, and a career with the Anchorage Fire Department dispatch unit. They embrace family, community involvement, and support for the challenges that face all complicated and engaged families. Their commitment and dedication goes well beyond their career. We thank these women very much.
~Janna Hardy, Publisher

30/01/2024

For the love of dogs, we have a very exciting feature story this month--just in time for mushing season!

As you know, Anchorage is steeped in sled dog tradition, dating back to Alaska's romantic gold rush era as early as 1915, the dawning of our new city. Initially, it was all about working dog teams. Then in 1918, the first sporting contest on 4th Avenue set the stage for the enduring passion that underlies Anchorage's relationship with racing sled dogs. Now for decades, the colorful Fur Rendezvous world sprint racing championship and the start of the Iditarod--the "Last Great Race on Earth"--have been glamorously staged here.

"Where is the famous starting line?" has been by far the most frequently posed query by the approximately 100,000 summer visitors that wander down 4th Avenue looking for an iconic marker. Addressing the puzzling year-round invisibility for Alaska's most internationally famous events, the Anchorage Fur Rendezvous Board of Directors appointed prominent architect and board member Jim Huettl to head up and arch committee under Fur Rondy guidance. In 2017, they became a non-profit corporation titled the Anchorage Mushing District, Inc. Once the money is raised, a permanent steel arch is planned, located west of 4th Avenue and D Street, which will feature a steel truss adorned with a dog musher, sled, and team of dogs--the perfect iconic symbol for the Mushing District.
~Janna Hardy and Sue Todd