Neighbors

Glacier Swim Club begins fundraising event

Starting today, the Glacier Swim Club is diving into its annual fundraising event, Aqualaps. Over the next few weeks, swimmers in the program will collect… Continue reading

  • Mar 10, 2018
  • By Juneau Empire
The Book of Esther, also known in Hebrew as “the Scroll”, is a book in the third section of the Jewish Tanakh and in the Christian Old Testament. (123rf.com Stock Photo)

Lessons we (should have) learned from the book of Esther

History and faith can teach us many things if we are willing to listen and learn. If we are brave enough to have them, discussions… Continue reading

  • Mar 10, 2018
  • By CHAVA LEE
The Book of Esther, also known in Hebrew as “the Scroll”, is a book in the third section of the Jewish Tanakh and in the Christian Old Testament. (123rf.com Stock Photo)

Guns don’t kill people; mail order tactical knives kill people

Let me start by saying there’s nothing funny about gun violence. Well, except maybe that movie “The Naked Gun,” by the people who made “Airplane!,”… Continue reading

  • Mar 10, 2018
  • By Geoff Kirsch
The author, Clint J. Farr, and family attend the play “Hamilton” at Pantages Theatre in Los Angeles. Coincidentally, the author transmogrified into his grandfather that very same weekend. Courtesy of Clint J. Farr

Review: ‘Hamilton’ as seen in L.A.

Peer pressure can be a positive force in a child’s life. For a year, my daughters were indifferent to the hit play “Hamilton.” I played… Continue reading

The author, Clint J. Farr, and family attend the play “Hamilton” at Pantages Theatre in Los Angeles. Coincidentally, the author transmogrified into his grandfather that very same weekend. Courtesy of Clint J. Farr

Jeff Lund: Hold the excitement…there’s more winter

November of 2009 was the second time I had run California’s “Run the River” half marathon course, so I knew what to expect. The American… Continue reading

It’s discussion time in literature and the Environment class. (Photo by Gabe Donohoe)

Getting lit in the environment

Last weekend, Kevin Maier’s University of Alaska Southeast Literature and the Environment class hiked out to Camping Cove cabin to continue building on class discussions,… Continue reading

It’s discussion time in literature and the Environment class. (Photo by Gabe Donohoe)
A detail of William Dall’s 1870 Alaska map, from “Alaska and its Resources.”

A scientist’s view of Alaska, 150 years ago

One year before Alaska became part of America, 21-year old William Dall ascended the Yukon River on a sled, pulled by dogs. The man who… Continue reading

A detail of William Dall’s 1870 Alaska map, from “Alaska and its Resources.”
A raven lands near a hawk owl, harassing and calling loudly. (Photo by Jos Bakker)

Why do birds mob other birds?

The northern hawk owl that has often been seen this winter, out at the edges of the wetlands, is a solitary hunter. It usually preys… Continue reading

A raven lands near a hawk owl, harassing and calling loudly. (Photo by Jos Bakker)

Thank you, Sealaska

Thank you, Sealaska Thank you, Gunalcheesh, Haw’aa, Ndoyk’shun. On March 1, Healing Hand Foundation Board held a celebratory luncheon to thank Sealaska for completing two… Continue reading

  • Mar 8, 2018

Planet Alaska: Jellies and jams with Labrador tea

There are three species of Labrador tea. Rhododendron tomentosum (previously Ledum palustre), Rhododendron groenlandicum (previously Ledum groenlandicum), and Rhododendron neoglandulosum (previously Ledum glandulosum). The common… Continue reading

The carcass of a young brown bear that was shot by a hunter. (Photo By Bjorn Dihle)

A carcass in a salmon stream

The first bear I remember was lying in a salmon stream on Admiralty Island, reduced to bones and tendrils of flesh. At the time —… Continue reading

The carcass of a young brown bear that was shot by a hunter. (Photo By Bjorn Dihle)
Megan Chalfant. Courtesy image.

From Indiana to Juneau: Megan Chalfant

After Megan Chalfant graduated college, she moved from Indiana to Juneau to pursue art. Juneau was on the map for her because as she grew… Continue reading

Megan Chalfant. Courtesy image.

Real Music: Southeast musicians give the rest of us a great excuse to live here

Editor’s note: This week we’re introducing the monthly column: “Real Music.” Written by Libby Stringer, a former staff writer (Dec. 2008-June 2010) and editor (Oct.… Continue reading

Dan, played by Chris Murray, and Diana, played by Margeaux Ljungberg, rehearse in Juneau Douglas Little Theatre’s production of “Next to Normal” at McPhetre’s Hall on Monday, Feb. 26, 2018. (Michael Penn | For the Capital City Weekly)

Motherhood and mood stabilizers: Juneau Douglas Little Theatre’s ‘Next to Normal’

Suburban motherhood and mental illness might not seem to go hand-in-hand at first blush. But Juneau Douglas Little Theatre’s upcoming musical “Next to Normal” throws… Continue reading

Dan, played by Chris Murray, and Diana, played by Margeaux Ljungberg, rehearse in Juneau Douglas Little Theatre’s production of “Next to Normal” at McPhetre’s Hall on Monday, Feb. 26, 2018. (Michael Penn | For the Capital City Weekly)
123rf.com Stock Photo

Bridges built in snow

Snow. I woke up this morning to find Juneau blanketed in snow. At night, Mother Nature had pulled its white covers over our town, lulling… Continue reading

  • Mar 2, 2018
  • By TASHA ELIZARDE
123rf.com Stock Photo
Rev. Tari Stage-Harvey board chair and Shannon Fisher Executive Director thank Rev. Douglas Dye (left) and church administrator Jessica Rider (right) for Chapel by the Lake’s support of Family Promise

Thank you, Chapel by the Lake

Family Promise of Juneau is a community response to local family homelessness. We utilize faith and civic communities to provide overnight hospitality to families experiencing… Continue reading

  • Mar 4, 2018
  • By Juneau Empire
Rev. Tari Stage-Harvey board chair and Shannon Fisher Executive Director thank Rev. Douglas Dye (left) and church administrator Jessica Rider (right) for Chapel by the Lake’s support of Family Promise
Juneau-Douglas High School Business Education Teacher Lesslie Knight (center) was awarded the 2017-18 Outstanding Business Education Teacher of the Year by the Alaska Association for Career and Technical Education. Knight was presented with the award by PE and health teacher Kelly McCormick (left) and Career Technical Education Coordinator Carin Smolin.

Photo: Career Technical Education month

February was Career Technical Education month in schools. The Juneau School District is proud to recognize two educators for their excellence.… Continue reading

  • Mar 4, 2018
  • By Juneau Empire
Juneau-Douglas High School Business Education Teacher Lesslie Knight (center) was awarded the 2017-18 Outstanding Business Education Teacher of the Year by the Alaska Association for Career and Technical Education. Knight was presented with the award by PE and health teacher Kelly McCormick (left) and Career Technical Education Coordinator Carin Smolin.
Tayler Shae and Becky Roth

The year of kindness for kids celebrates kindergarten to fifth-grade children in March

We are all co-creators of our community. Each of us bring our interests, beliefs, our unique talents, our history and culture, our challenges and needs… Continue reading

  • Mar 4, 2018
  • By Tayler Shae
Tayler Shae and Becky Roth
Marc Wheeler is treating the members of the Eaglebots (FIRST LEGO League team) to ice cream sodas using paper straws. Wheeler is switching from plastic to paper straws thanks to the project the Eaglebots did for this year’s FIRST LEGO League competition. (Courtesy photo)

Gastineau elementary students help bring paper straws to Juneau

The members of the Eaglebots, a FIRST LEGO League team in Douglas, sparked some interest in Coppa co-owner Marc Wheeler when he judged their project… Continue reading

  • Mar 4, 2018
  • By FOR THE JUNEAU EMPIRE
Marc Wheeler is treating the members of the Eaglebots (FIRST LEGO League team) to ice cream sodas using paper straws. Wheeler is switching from plastic to paper straws thanks to the project the Eaglebots did for this year’s FIRST LEGO League competition. (Courtesy photo)

We are all spiritual beings

Leah Lebar is someone who does a myriad of interesting things. I sat down with her to discuss her involvement with the Unity Church, but… Continue reading

  • Mar 4, 2018
  • By CORINNE CONLON