Capital Chat

 Capitol Chat spotlights St. Vincent de Paul’s 15th annual “Walk for the Poor,” featuring a 5K run (reg. 8:30am, start 9:00) and 10:00am family walk from the thrift store, with hot dogs and tours at the Teal Street campus. All-ages and day-of registration welcome; donations support eviction-prevention home visits, utility and bus-pass assistance, the warming shelter, Thanksgiving food baskets, and ongoing recovery after the recent Gastineau Avenue slide. 

 Host Angel Montgomery speaks with Brenda and Steve from the Juneau Audubon Society about the grand opening of the new Planet/Bird Walk at Twin Lakes on September 21 at 2 PM. This unique project condenses the solar system into a one-mile trail, pairing each planet with a bird species—from hummingbirds to bald eagles—while combining science, nature, and community collaboration. They discuss the history of Juneau’s original 2002 Planet Walk, the partnerships that brought this new version to life, and the inspiration it offers for astronomy and birding enthusiasts of all ages. 

 Host Angel Montgomery welcomes Barbara and Rochelle from the Juneau Pregnancy Resource Center to share about their free services, including pregnancy testing, counseling, parenting classes, and their Earn While You Learn program. They discuss the center’s outreach across Southeast Alaska, the importance of community donations, and their upcoming October 3rd gala and auction— the organization’s largest annual fundraiser. The conversation also highlights the center’s goals for expanding support programs, paying off their building, and growing services for fathers and youth. 

Nathan Newcomer, Federal Campaigns Manager for the Southeast Alaska Conservation Council and Ariel Hass-Zamudio with the Juneau for Democracy and Director of the Alaska Energy Infrastructure joins Capital Chat to discuss the Roadless Rule protest.

Protests are occurring due to the Trump Administration's announced plans to rescind the 2001 Roadless Rule, which protects over 58 million acres of National Forest land from road construction and timber harvesting. Opponents cite widespread public support for maintaining protections for ecological health, clean water, wildlife habitat, and recreation, while supporters of the rescission argue the rule is overly restrictive and hinders responsible forest management and timber production. Protests have included public comments, letters from tribal governments and fishermen, and litigation challenging the rollback, particularly concerning the Tongass National Forest in Alaska. 

What is the Roadless Rule?

• Established in January 2001 by the Clinton Administration, it prohibits new road construction and reconstruction, as well as most timber harvests, in inventoried roadless areas of the National Forest System. 
• It protects vast areas of National Forests, including crucial habitats for wildlife, water sources, and popular outdoor recreational areas. 

Ana Corcoran and Sonny Mauricio join Capital Chat to discuss the new fall season.

Registration for Start Smart Sports Opens September 2

Registration for Parks & Recreation’s Start Smart Sports program (ages 3–5) opens Tuesday, September 2 at noon. Register online under the “Youth & Teen” tab. The six-week program runs Wednesdays, October 1–November 5, 5:30–6:30 p.m. at Floyd Dryden Gymnasium. Cost is $40 + tax and includes a T-shirt. Space is limited to 23 participants, first-come, first-served, with a waitlist once full. Scholarships are available, apply online by August 30. Start Smart Sports builds confidence and fundamentals in a fun, non-competitive setting where kids learn basic skills alongside an actively involved adult. For details, contact Recreation Coordinator MJ Goedeken at [email protected] or (907) 586-2635.

Hiring Recreation Workers | $17.51 to $18.70 Hourly

Parks & Recreation is looking for 10 Recreation Workers to help keep our community gyms safe, welcoming, and fun. As a Gym Monitor, you’ll work at Mt. Jumbo, Floyd Dryden, and Marie Drake Gyms. You'll open and close facilities, support events, assist the public, and help keep everything running smoothly. Pay is $17.51 to $18.70 per hour, part time, working 10 to 20 hours per week. This is a seasonal position running from September through April, with flexible hours including evenings and weekends. If you're reliable, friendly, and ready to be part of the Department of Fun, apply today.

Open Pickleball in the Floyd Dryden Gym

CBJ Parks & Recreation is hosting open pickleball in the Floyd Dryden gym every Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday beginning September 3. Players of all ages and skill levels are welcome—whether you’re new to the game or a seasoned player, it’s a great chance to play, learn, and connect with other pickleball fans in Juneau. Sessions run from 12:30–3:30 p.m. Admission is $5. Equipment is provided and no pre-registration is needed, just drop in ready to play.

WHAT THE CONSTITUTION MEANS TO ME
By Heidi Schreck
Directed by Leslie Ishii

Director Leslie Ishii and lead actor Allison Wade join Capital Chat to talk about the new season.

Anax Yaa Andagan Yé / Juneau: September 12 to 28, 2025
Dgheyay Kaq’ / Anchorage: October 17 to 26, 2025

Heidi Schreck was not a typical teenager. Growing up, she spent her free time traveling across the United States and entering constitutional debate competitions to earn college tuition money. Yes, the Constitution. As in the Constitution of the United States. Now, as an adult, Heidi takes a closer look at the document that defined so much of her coming-of-age. This award-winning play offers a profoundly personal look at our nation’s most debated document and how it could evolve to fit our modern times. Hilarious and hopeful, this play resurrects Heidi’s teenage self and connects four generations of women to the founding document that shaped their lives.

In this episode of Capital Chat, we sit down with Jim Duncan, former Speaker of the Alaska House of Representatives, public servant, and union leader, for an honest and insightful conversation about his memoir, Making Sausage: A Life in Public Service.

From his humble beginnings on a farm in Illinois to decades of shaping policy in Alaska, Jim shares powerful stories of political battles, leadership lessons, and the pivotal 1981 oil taxation showdown that reshaped the state’s fiscal future. He opens up about the creation of the Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend, the challenges of navigating bipartisan politics, and why he believes healthcare should be a right, not a privilege.

Whether you're a student of politics, a civic leader, or simply curious about how real change is made behind the scenes, this episode offers a rare, behind-the-curtain look at what it truly means to “make sausage” in government.

Matt Carle from SEARHC joins Capital Chat to talk about their 50th anniversary party this Saturday at 3100 Channel Drive from 1 till 5.

The SouthEast Alaska Regional Health Consortium (SEARHC) is a distinguished non-profit health consortium dedicated to providing comprehensive healthcare services to the residents of Southeast Alaska. Established in 1975 under the provisions of the Indian Self-Determination Act, SEARHC has played a pivotal role in advancing the health and well-being of the Alaskan communities it serves.

SEARHC’s history is one of resilience, innovation, and community collaboration. What began as a response to the unique healthcare needs of Alaska’s remote and diverse populations has evolved into a model of integrated care that encompasses medical, dental, behavioral health, and community-based services.

Emma Jobsis joins Capital Chat today to update us on Cade's progress and events that are coming up to support their effort to raise money to support research. Donate at cureforcade.com. This is Cade's story:

Cade Jobsis is 3 years old and has been the happiest kid who brings joy to everyone he meets, but he has
always fallen behind his peers in meeting milestones. In the summer of 2023, we participated in a genetic
sequencing study with hopes that it would shed light on Cade’s slow progress. The tests revealed that he was
born with an ultra-rare genetic disease called AP4 Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia(SPG50). We were
devastated to learn that the disease is degenerative and without treatment will progress to a loss of motor
and cognitive function. We will do everything in our power to defy the odds and ensure a different future for
our son. 

In the depths of our despair there is hope. Cade’s disorder can now be treated with a new gene therapy,
however the program responsible for putting together the clinical trials has recently fallen short of the
funding needed. In an effort to ensure he gets the treatment he desperately needs, we are doing everything we can to raise the funds.

As we are swallowed by grief, our only comfort is found in Cade who is still the happiest child we know. We
live for his smile. It reminds us every day of how lucky we are to be his parents. To save Cade and other
children sharing his condition, they need to get treatment as soon as possible due to the degenerative nature
of the disease. Their only obstacle is funding. The medicine they need already exists.

Your generosity can make a significant difference in our efforts to access this life-changing gene therapy. You
can contribute directly through Venmo or our GoFundMe page, linked below for your convenience. For those
seeking a tax-deductible option, donations can also be made through Jacks Corner Foundation, a registered
non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to supporting healthcare advancements for  kids with SPG50.
Your support, in any form, brings us closer to achieving our goal and offering hope to those in need. Thank
you for considering our cause and for your kindness in advance.

Thank all you for your love and support. We can’t do this without you!

Jessica Grey joins Capital Chat to discuss Suicide Prevention month and the incredible support offered by NAMI in Juneau. This September, we invite you to come together with our community for a series of events honoring Suicide Prevention & Awareness Month. These gatherings are opportunities to connect, remember, learn, and show support for one another. 

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All activities are free and open to the public. We encourage you to join us in honoring the lives of those we’ve lost, supporting those who are struggling, and working together to prevent suicide.