According to National Weather Service meteorologist Richard Lam, this summer broke the record for the coldest May 1 to July 29 period by being a half-degree colder than the summer of 1970. This is meteorologist speak for something we all know, this summer was the worst in 30 years for many of us! And we’re about to enter our rainiest month, October. Do you find yourself back in that mode of asking “And why do we live here?” Although the answer varies for each of us and many of us can’t fathom living anywhere else, I thought it might be helpful to re-cap some recent “Only in Juneau Moments” as we head into the horizontal rain season.
Only in Juneau do we get to listen to a world premier cellist interpret Bach through his Juneau experience within a glacier. Zuill Bailey’s encore performance of Bach’s Cello Suites at the Holy Trinity Church was truly a one of kind moment given the intimate setting for a cellist that appears with major orchestras around the world. However, our pleasure in his music leapt to a new level when Zuill explained how Bach’s Suites are so open to emotional interpretation, and how just hours before he had feared for his life as he was safely lowered by rope deep into a crevasse. We all felt how the intensity of the performance was magnified by his time in Juneau.
Only in Juneau do 30 local musicians put together an ad-hoc performance to welcome the new owner of Foodland IGA. Tyler Myers, president of the Myers Group, the new owner, said Juneau has given him a great welcome so far. “We’ve come into many communities before and we’ve never had anything like we are experiencing here,” Myers said.
Even with School Board developments we have moments where Juneau shines above all the budget rancor. A packed meeting about the construction delay at Gastineau Elementary School resulted in School Superintendent Glenn Gelbrich praising the staff and parents associated with Gastineau School. “I just can’t imagine, if we didn’t have the staff we have here, if we didn’t have the community we have here, what we’d be looking at,” said Gelbrich. “There’s one heroic tale after another of how much people have done to try and maintain some kind of normalcy.” Only in Juneau do we have heroic tales tied to normalcy.
Getting back to our rainy summer, let’s not overlook the upside …lower electric costs this fall. According to AEL&P, a household that uses 1,000 Kwh a month will now save $7.96 thanks to all the excess rain allowing AEL&P to sell surplus energy. Only in Juneau, does more rain amount to lower bills.
In addition to the ‘Only in Juneau’ stories that we all share as a community there are the ‘only’ stories that are personal. Only in Juneau do I have a neighbor who happily accepts our octopus and unexpectedly shares their fresh halibut. Only in Juneau would I have a weekend where one neighbor dropped off deer backstrap, only to be outdone by another neighbor sharing king crab. Only in Juneau would I have a girlfriend make nagoonberry pie with a chocolate covered crust. These moments all stand out as culinary treats but combine them with the generosity of friends and neighbors and they become unique treasures of why we continue to live here.
I try to hold onto all these ‘only in Juneau’ aspects as the pelting rain shortens the length of my dog walk to the minimal amount of time it takes my dogs to do their business and for me to bag and trash it. Sometimes it works, sometimes the rain and impending darkness is too much and I need something more to sustain my spirits. This is when I, like many residents turn to Alaska Airlines and the PFD Specials. Yes, I must admit that after this summer, my upcoming trip to Hawaii matters as much to my equilibrium as keenly knowing I live in a special place. And I know I’ll return to Juneau, readjusted and anxiously looking forward to the specialness of Juneau in the holiday season.
• Troll is a long-time Alaskan with more than 22 years of experience in fisheries, coastal policy and energy policy. She resides in Douglas.
Comments (37)
Add commentThe best time of year to visit Hawaii! Have a great time!
***
Well put
Kate,
I like what you wrote in your article; and I agree we have a wonderful town. I am a third-generation Juneau Boy, and I don't plan on moving. Lately, I have been running for our City Assembly, and there was one question that kind of stumped me: "What can the City do to make people want to move to Juneau?" The reason it stumped me is that I cannot imagine why anyone would want to live anywhere else. I have traveled our great country, but S.E. Alaska is the most beautiful, peaceful place I have ever known. The only negative aspect is that we are currently the most expensive town in the State; other than that, we are very fortunate to have such a wonderful home, Juneau.
-Paul
Thanks Kate
Very timely piece. Enjoy Hawaii. Wear lots of SPF.
Paul, here's a thought for you: Maybe, just maybe, Juneau doesn't need to get much larger. Maybe it's the perfect size right now.
I've seen many small towns down south grow so much that they outstripped their local resources and lost their character, becoming just another crowded, look-alike burb. I get it that constant economic growth is the definition for success in our society, but perhaps we should pause to examine that here. Does economic growth have to mean population growth?
Southeast is losing political clout because it's shrinking relative to the rest of the state. But does Juneau have to carry the burden of a rapidly growing population? Other SE towns are actually shrinking (Juneau is still growing) - maybe they need to figure out how to grow their populations. And maybe we should figure out how to help them.
Make Juneau less expensive? Great idea. But it won't happen if you increase the population. Supply and demand and all that...
And Paul, we already know you're running for the Assembly. No need to campaign for it with every posting here.
Greetings from the south
Morning Paul, as a recent transplant back to the lower 48 (after 13 years in Alaska), I thought I would provide my 1.25 cents (adjusted for regional cost differences). I agree that my heart yearns for my days/years in Juneau, but my wallet is a bit happier here. The reality of it is that a house costs exceptionally high in Juneau (my 2,500 sqft house here at $175k would cost about $450+ there). Also, having spent $1,000 a month for child care didn’t help. Many people would state that you should know that when you have kids (who plans for kids based upon their affordability?). I also enjoy the relative cost savings for all forms of travel here, from gas to flights. I will admit the rain and cold, didn’t help.
By the way, gas is $3.66 a gallon hear and milk is about the same.
Too Crowded Now
"Rain Baby Rain"
Summers like we just had are great for population control. Juneau needs fewer not more people.
Only in Juneau....
Do you need a PFD special to afford an airline ticket anyhow.
Oh how great we have it!!
I would easily give up my PFD things were more affordable like travel on our only airline.
I want to move but the cost of living is so high I can't gt my savings account full enough to do a move.
Daycare is so expensive we just opted to be a one income family because whatever my husband were to make would cover daycare at best, so he's a Stay At Home dad.
Oh the joys of Juneau
It is all too easy to say 'I like it just the way it is'.
I grew up in Juneau and raised my kids here. And their kids are being raised here.
But we will lose them, as I did, because our 'Mayberry' USA cannot compete.
Fine. But a community of our size is looking in the wrong directions. When positions open up within our school, police or other 'administrative' positions we put out national appeals for the 'few, the proud and exceptional' applicants. Why?
Because we seek those unaffiliated with Juneau. Why?
Because we want an unbiased, unconnected and national stature to fill these seats and that is exactly what we get.
When 'locals' are hired we herald them. They are the exception to the rule but the community becomes elated when we hire, or advance, locally.
Lat: I grew up in downtown Juneau...my first real success as a young teen (13) was shining shoes at the Sportsman Barbershop after making my bones on the streets with a shoeshine box.
Kids could not skip school and visit the streets of Franklin without being ratted out by some neighbor friend of their parents.
I remember my three sisters (ten- years my junior) wearing home-spun centennial dresses and my father with his 'sourdough' beard celebrating Alaska's Centennial in the streets.
But I also remember my father lamenting that the community did not invest in the valley where the population was growing (he was a downtown businessman).
I remember my 7 yr. old sister being kept alive in an 'oxygen tank' in the ICU, with her mother at her bedside, after falling into winter waters, as the community debated the validity of the Augustus Brown indoor swimming pool.
I remember when the skate-board 'Pipeline' was proposed, and shot down, requiring volunteer work to achieve because it was feared that allowing teenagers to congregate in a single area would invite 'unruly behavior'. The same premise was relied upon to shoot down virtually every private enterprise seeking a common area for teens to congregate. These proposals were 'gateway' venues for unruly teen activities.
Zach Gordon youth center faced even greater opposition. I knew Zach. He was a remarkable man.
In fact, my memories of growing up in Juneau is replete with how the community's youth was denied the amenities of the 'outside' world because the adults wanted to retain 'Mayberry'.
Be careful. 'Mayberry' may be all you will have left...populated with seniors sharing fond memories of the 'good times'.
'Our children are our future'. What is the cut-off age for investment, graduation?
P.S. Are 1000 more boots (and booties) on the ground really growth? Juneau has been stagnant for decades.
Ak_Mom: It is ironic that my wife and I were facing the same
trade-off in the '80s in Juneau as you and your husband are facing together today. I was the 'stay-at-home' Dad for the very same reasons. Funny how as much as things change they stay the same. Of course today stay-at-home Dads are viewed in a better light than I was.
I should have added the negative nillies
I should have added the negative nillies giving the thumbs down to everything. My post was an honest statement on my views, why the thumbs down? I know, it's becuase I left and you all miss me. Thanks, :-)
Raininak: Be patient...the day is young.
Juneau is not fond of those who choose to leave Mayberry much less hear from them (unless it is in a telephone poll). It's kind of like loosing your citizenship.
Raininak: Thumbs up!
Glad to know you are happy with your decision. My family and I often weigh pros and cons...so far the former outweigh the latter, but no guarantees for our future happiness. Always working on improving our quality of life - whether locally or geographically. Take care down there!!!
Ken - your posts are refreshing...
Appreciate your story. Thanks for sharing!
bigtall
Serious question: Why not convince your girlfriend to move with you to Sun Valley? Seems like you'd be happier there.
And if you keep up your whiney attitude, that great girlfriend will get fed up with you.
Ken
Population growth over the past decade has been pretty stagnant at a little over 2%. But the previous decade was near 15%, and the decade before that was 37%.
Your statement that "Juneau's been stagnant for decades" is demonstrably incorrect.
Lat: You can throw all the numbers you want. I don't buy it.
I would add...'stagnation' is as much a sense of community as it is number crunching.
BS Ken
You were referring to population growth. And you were wrong.
"Are 1000 more boots (and booties) on the ground really growth? Juneau has been stagnant for decades."
Stagnant in other ways? Identify them. I see new businesses, new construction, an amazing array of entertainment, cultural, volunteer, and education opportunities for a community this size and this isolated.
If you find Juneau "stagnant", I suggest you look within for the source.
You are sounding like next year's visitor brochure Lat.
***
Not visitors, Ken
People who actually live (and participate) in this community.
Go live in a small community down south for awhile. You'll see Juneau through new eyes.
I suggest you expand your horizons within our own
community for a broader vision. Don't forget to listen as well.
Ken
Don't think lattie can do that (listen). Always needs the last word.
Correction, denny
I listen a lot. I just don't listen to the same mind-numbing stuff that you and Ken do (Limbaugh, Beck, Hannity, Savage...)
Now, do you have anything to add to this discussion besides personal attacks?
Love the discussions
I have to add that "only in Juneau", can an opinion article (or any article for that matter) garner so much discussion. Where I live now (population about 5-6 times that of Juneau, the local paper only has an occasional comment posted. Lame, huh? Keep it up everyone from Lat to Ken, from AK_mom to Persnickety.
No matter your political or social leanings stay involved.
Miss you all!
Raininak
I do envy you. My daughter and her husband just moved away a week ago, taking my 2 grandchildren far away from me. But I understand it was the best move for them. Even on 2 salaries, they couldn't make it here. Now they're renting a 3 bedroom house for $750 a month. I would love to live somewhere that I could actually grow my own food in the yard and jump in my car for the long road trip to visit friends and family. But, Juneau rain courses through my veins, my son is still in high school, and I must know at least half of the 30,000 (or so) residents of this wonderful little town. That's what really keeps me here - the people. Enjoy the weather and the extra money in your pocket! Someday, I feel certain, I will join you....
Lat: In all my postings I think I have referred to 'Rush' only
once or twice, in passing, and I did not even quote the man. I did admit to listening to his program, along with a list of liberal talk-show hosts.
"I listen a lot". I beg to differ. Sounds like you have selective listening skills.
As a courtesy perhaps you could remove me from this 'box' you have placed me in. It is stifling.
Great article Kate -
Ken & Lat, you 2 STFU and argue on a more contentious article, not one that talks about all the great things Juneau has to offer - geez - You are detracting from the piece and making me want to relocate - not because of Juneau! Lol!
It is good for me to be reminded of all the wonderful things I enjoy by living in Juneau. I need these reminders you see, because even though I've lived here all my life, it seems that each and every year during the rains and cold, I get into a "I-can't-stand-this-cr@p-anymore" binge. We all know how beautiful it is to live in Juneau, but we all have our grumbling moments also... It does make it all the nicer though, when I see the sun break out!
What a great little town - God's own country! Thanks for the positive dish on Juneau!
wolfmagic2012: You are absolutely right. My apologies.
***
No apologies, wolf
Go back and read Raininak's comment.
Ken and I were having a discussion largely related to this article (admitedly with a few minor tangents). Just because Kate posted a gooey article gushing on Juneau's virtues (which I agree with), doesn't mean that we have to sit on the sideline with hushed, respectful voices.
The future of Juneau is something that should be discussed, debated, argued over, and disagreed on at length, in public venues such as this. That's what a vibrant community is all about. Deal with it.
@latitude58
Are feeling ornery today? Lots of negativity buddy.
Anyway, I see your point about the campaigning; but look at it from my perspective: that is all I have been thinking about for the past 2 months, so it is intertwined in my thoughts. I did not put my email or web address, and had not really considered it to be putting myself out there again, just what came to mind. I am not the typical politician, and I did not realize it would be so much work to try and work for free for all of us.
About Population: I am not looking for a boom, I have watched this town grow for the last 35 years; and I wasn't happy when my tree house was cut down because a new neighborhood was going into the forest behind my house when I was 7. And my grandmother tells me about when the population was under 5000 and they did not want it to grow (and that would have left out a lot of good folks that have made this there home if she had her way back then [she now thinks differently]). We cannot grow too big for our britches because there is only so much room, so where would people live? The number of housing space is finite. That limit will prevent the town from getting much bigger. I know Juneau has shown growth lately, but the years before we were decreasing in population. If our population was to shrink to a certain degree we would be up the proverbial creek with no paddles. I only seek balance Lat, I love how Juneau is as well; and I do not think your wants differ from mine all that much. I want people's (grand)kids to be able to stay here in affordable homes, if they choose; not be forced to move Down South for affordable living. That is all. Dang it Lat, now you do have me campaigning on this article. Either way, smile my friend; life is for the living.
@raininak
Yes, that is my point exactly, this is the most expensive city in the most expensive state when it comes to housing. That is why if I get myself elected I am going to try my best to reverse this trend and have our housing costs lowered.
On the other hand...
there are a multitude of 'torch-bearers' willing to extoll the virtues of "God's own country".
I do not need 'reminding' why Juneau is a great place to live.
Over fifty years of residency trumps any demand to "STFU".
My membership dues are paid in full...in fact I feel I have a lifetime membership.
Lat: I appreciate your take on this. Bring it on. I am certain you have more to add.
Sorry, can't help myself.