Capital Chat

On Capital Chat, Sharon Gaitman speaks with Annie Kail’s owner Colleen Goldrich about the gallery’s upcoming First Friday featuring Juneau artist Dave Wetzel and his paintings of Southeast Alaska landscapes. They discuss the exhibit’s original paintings, prints and cards, along with Annie Kaill’s custom framing services and its wide range of gifts, baby items, pottery, jewelry, home décor and more. The First Friday event takes place at 124 Seward Street from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.

On Capital Chat, Sharon speaks with Juno Symphony Executive Director Charlotte Truitt and former Music Director Troy Quinn about this weekend’s special pops concert. The program features original music from iconic television shows, films, sports broadcasts and news programs, including Star Trek, The Simpsons, Bonanza, I Love Lucy, Rocky and Dynasty. They also discuss season ticket specials, Sunday’s pay-as-you-can option, and the symphony’s upcoming holiday concert.

On Capital Chat, Sharon speaks with UAS Chancellor Aparna Palmer about several developments at the university, including a new floating dock and mariculture training facility at the Sitka campus. They also discuss the redesigned Master of Public Administration program and a developing partnership with the Sámi University of Applied Sciences in Norway focused on Indigenous language revitalization, with hopes for future student and faculty exchanges. Palmer also highlights upcoming short courses in areas ranging from Alaska Native Studies and welding to backcountry navigation.

On Capital Chat, Sharon speaks with Jess Gutzweiler of Southeast Radiation Oncology about “Beer for My Boys,” a free prostate cancer screening event taking place October 23 at Devil’s Club Brewing Company. They discuss the importance of establishing a PSA baseline, removing barriers to cancer screening, and encouraging men over 40 to get tested. The event is being supported by Bartlett, the Aurora Integrated Oncology Foundation, Cancer Connection, Alaska Men’s Run, and other community partners.

 On Capital Chat, Sharon speaks with St. Vincent de Paul board members Chris Gianotti and Maureen Hall about the organization’s upcoming “Walk a Mile in My Shoes” fundraiser and 5K run. They discuss St. Vincent de Paul’s housing programs, warming shelter, and volunteer-run aid program, which helps Juneau residents with needs ranging from utility bills to housing-related support. The event includes a community walk, 5K, lunch, and opportunities to tour the organization’s facilities. 

 On Capital Chat, Angel Montgomery talks with fellow Rotarian Denny DeWitt about the Rotary Club of Juneau’s Capital Brew Fest at Centennial Hall. They discuss Rotary’s community service work, the festival’s lineup of breweries and non-alcoholic options, the Friday night Beer Feast, live music, VIP opportunities to meet brewers, and how proceeds support Rotary’s charitable efforts in Juneau and beyond. 

On this episode of Capital Chat, Cliff Dumas speaks with UAS biology faculty member Nicole and students Eliza and Beatrice about research examining how warmer water and lower salinity may affect Pacific blue mussels in Southeast Alaska. The team explains how they tested mussel attachment strength, oxygen consumption and other indicators of health, and why the combination of higher temperatures and fresher water produced the most concerning results so far. The conversation also explores what those changes could mean for marine ecosystems, food sources and the future of coastal species as environmental conditions continue to shift.

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 On Capital Chat, Angel Montgomery speaks with Erin from Catholic Community Services and Christy from the Bridge Adult Day Program about the resources available to Juneau seniors, caregivers, and families. They discuss the Bridge’s role in providing respite and meaningful activities, the importance of combating isolation, Meals on Wheels and its volunteer drivers, and the Senior and Caregiver Resource Center. They also highlight the upcoming Bridge Adult Day Program open house and how community members can connect with local support services. 

Juneau Rotary is recruiting high school students for its Youth Exchange program, offering participants the chance to spend a year abroad experiencing a new culture, language, and community. The program also seeks local host families for international students. Current exchange students Teresa and Nicholas from Germany shared how their experiences in Juneau have helped them step outside their comfort zones and try new activities. Applications are due by the end of October.

On this episode of Capital Chat, Cliff Dumas speaks with Charity Anderson from NAMI about suicide prevention and the warning signs family members, friends, teachers and coworkers can sometimes miss. Anderson explains how changes in sleep, eating habits, isolation and behavior can signal that someone is struggling, and why directly asking about suicide can be an important and safe step. They also discuss how trusted adults can respond when a young person reaches out, the ACT approach used in local schools, and an upcoming September 17 community presentation at Floyd Dryden designed to give adults practical tools and resources for...

On this episode of Capital Chat, host Cliff Dumas speaks with Abby McAllister from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game about bear activity across Juneau. McAllister identifies current hot spots, explains why unsecured garbage remains the biggest source of bear conflicts and discusses what residents can do as bears enter hyperphagia and begin eating heavily before denning season. The conversation also covers bear safety, the risks posed by habituated and food-conditioned animals, how visitors should respond when they encounter a bear, and resources available to help residents secure trash, chicken coops and other attractants.

On this episode of Capital Chat, Cliff Dumas speaks with Dr. Quigley Peterson and cardiac-arrest survivor Peter Metcalfe (Public Market) about the launch of PulsePoint in Juneau. The free app alerts CPR-trained community members when someone nearby may be experiencing cardiac arrest, potentially bringing lifesaving assistance to the scene before emergency responders arrive. They explain how PulsePoint works, why immediate CPR is so critical and how Peter’s own life was saved when his sister quickly began CPR. The conversation also explores the community partnerships and grant support that helped bring the technology to Juneau.

On this episode of Capital Chat, host Cliff Dumas speaks with Becca Parks from the Juneau Chamber of Commerce and introduces the Chamber’s new administrative assistant, Althea Tan. They preview upcoming candidate forums, the Chamber’s sold-out annual raffle and plans for this year’s “Juneau Grown” annual dinner, which will spotlight local businesses and their impact on the community. Becca also explains the Chamber’s role in advocacy, business promotion, networking and member support, and shares how local businesses can get involved. Plus, they look ahead to a special member networking event on the water with Allen Marine.

On this episode of Capital Chat, Cliff Dumas speaks with Vienna from Into Alaska about one of Juneau’s most unusual local adventure companies. Vienna shares how the business grew from its hot tub boat and self-drive “go boats” to a newly launched crabbing experience inspired by years of taking friends and family out on the water. They also discuss the strong response from locals, the company’s first full summer season, and how Into Alaska is creating new ways for residents and visitors to experience Juneau from the water.

On this episode of Capital Chat, host Cliff Dumas speaks with Kristen Majocha, PhD, Dean of Career Education at the University of Alaska Southeast, about preparing students for careers in some of Southeast Alaska’s most important industries. Majocha discusses UAS occupational endorsements, hands-on career training, the importance of soft skills and how programs are developed in partnership with local employers. She also shares impressions from a recent visit to the Kensington Mine, talks about her new role in Juneau and explains how students of any age can take the first step toward building a career through UAS.

On this episode of Capital Chat, host Cliff Dumas speaks with Juneau Parks and Recreation Director Mark Wheeler about several projects taking shape across the community. Wheeler shares an update on Juneau’s first dedicated pickleball courts at Adair-Kennedy Memorial Park, the opening of a new Lemon Creek playground and additional playground improvements planned near the Mendenhall Glacier and along Back Loop Road. The conversation also addresses growing safety concerns involving high-powered electric motorbikes on local trails, how they can damage mountain-bike routes and which pedal-assist e-bikes are permitted.

On this episode of Capital Chat, host Cliff Dumas speaks with Alaska Department of Transportation representatives Sonny and Travis about preparations for the upcoming glacial lake outburst flood. They explain when the Back Loop Bridge will close, why Brotherhood Bridge will remain open to vehicles but closed to pedestrians and how drivers can safely navigate the affected area. The conversation also covers drone monitoring, flood alerts and public webcams, along with an update on the Egan Drive–Vanderbilt Hill Road intersection project and the major traffic-flow changes drivers can expect when construction is completed.

On this episode of Capital Chat, representatives Ryan and Sean join host Cliff Dumas to preview the 80th annual Golden North Salmon Derby. They explain how to purchase derby tickets, outline a record prize pool valued at more than $100,000 and highlight major prizes, including a Lund boat package, a Polaris Sportsman ATV and cash awards. The conversation also explores the derby’s lasting community impact through the Territorial Sportsmen Scholarship Foundation, which has awarded more than $2 million to students pursuing college and trade-school education. Plus, hear how live digital weigh-in results will work and why longtime KINY broadcaster Kelly Pe...