Women of Distinction Gala & Silent Auction

Celebrate women of distinction in our community;

Recognize women whose work (paid and/or volunteer) has benefited the lives of women and children in Juneau; Honor unsung SHEroes of the community, as well as those with publicly recognized achievements; Support and encourage community members and groups to recognize women of distinction within their organizations; and raise funds to support AWARE’s work with victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.

For additional information regarding Women of Distinction, contact Mandi Canady by email at wod@awareak.org or by phone call at 907-586-6623, ext. 227.

Representatives from the Southeast Alaska Conservation Council and Southeast Alaska Land Trust joined the program to voice opposition to the proposed Cascade Point development. They expressed concern that $28.5 million has been committed before key environmental reviews, tribal consultation, and permitting processes are complete. The groups outlined ecological, cultural, and ferry system funding impacts tied to the project and promoted a public forum at the JACC aimed at informing the community and gathering broader input.

The Juneau Douglas Ice Association (JDIA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and an affiliate in good standing with USA Hockey and the Alaska State Hockey Association (ASHA). JDIA is dedicated to providing a developmental and recreational youth hockey program.

JDIA holds its practices, instructional sessions, scrimmages, and games at Treadwell Ice Arena. Use of this facility is based on rental agreements, and scheduling is subject to change at the discretion of the Rink Manager, CBJ-Parks and Recreation Department.

JDIA offers a safe and fun hockey program for youth ages 4–18. We promote fair ice time for all players during JDIA games. Coaches are encouraged to make every effort to distribute ice time equitably among team members. This policy generally applies to goalies as well, though coaches have discretion in rotating goalies on teams with more than one. Travel team coaches are granted greater flexibility in managing player ice time.

JDIA follows the American Development Model (ADM), a nationwide framework developed by USA Hockey to help young athletes reach their full potential. The ADM ensures equal opportunities for all players to succeed by encouraging athletes of all skill levels to play together. This inclusive approach allows players to learn from one another and benefit from high-quality coaching.

In alignment with ASHA, JDIA has adopted the ADM across all age groups. A key component of the ADM is promoting balance. Research shows that top-performing hockey players often participate in a variety of sports and activities—not just hockey. For this reason, we encourage year-round athletic participation in multiple disciplines.

The ADM also emphasizes individual skill development. JDIA practices focus on helping each player reach their full potential while maintaining a fun and engaging environment. Practices often include small-area drills and games, which improve puck handling and skating skills. Since hockey games are typically won through small battles in corners and in front of the net—not just breakaways—this approach better prepares players for real-game scenarios.

JDIA remains committed to incorporating ADM principles into its hockey program to support the development of well-rounded, skilled, and confident players.

This program is partially funded by the citizens of the City & Borough of Juneau through sales tax revenue.

The planned rebuild of Marine Park will begin on Monday, March 2. Construction is expected to last through 2026 with estimated completion in April 2027. During this time, pedestrians will need to follow signs around the construction site. A map of pedestrian routes, along with information about the project, can be found at bit.ly/MarineParkProject.

Reconstruction of Marine Park is funded entirely by Marine Passenger Fees, which are fees and taxes the City and Borough of Juneau (CBJ) collects from the cruise ship industry. The funds are restricted by the U.S. Constitution to projects benefitting cruise ships and their passengers.

Planning for the Marine Park rebuild began in 2023, when CBJ received over 1000 public survey responses and input from multiple public meetings. Based on the public input received, the final park was designed to provide a central gathering place for use in all seasons and by all ages, with the flexibility for a variety of community events and activities. The park will include an open plaza area with Northwest Coast formline inlay, a covered performance stage, ADA accessible picnic tables, seating overlooking the Juneau Seawalk, two vendor kiosks and a small play area.

CBJ is working to relocate regular vendors to new areas during the construction. Construction is being completed by Dawson Construction LLC.

For more information about Marine Park and the Marine Park Master Plan, contact CBJ Parks & Recreation at parks.rec@juneau.gov or 907-586-5226.

Capital Chat talks with Bethany Gassen about her new “Be a Pearl” initiative, a coaching and speaking program focused on helping women live authentically and reconnect with their true identity. Bethany shares the inspiration behind the concept and previews her upcoming women’s workshop on April 18 at The Huddle in Juneau. The event promises fun activities, meaningful connection, and a relaxed atmosphere for women of all ages. Bethany also discusses her expanding coaching work, future plans for marriage-focused programming, and invites the community to support the event through door prizes and participation.

Mike Clasby sits down with Lion's Club Members Sandra Lujan "Treasure/Co-Chair and Tim Wilson "Co-Chair/Past President.
In this episode Lion's member talk on the history of the Gold Medal Tournament, notable moments, and announce the brackets for the 77th Juneau Lions Club Gold Medal Basketball Tournament. For more information visit the Lion's Club website at https://juneaulions.org/

Southeast Alaska EV Transportation Solutions Panel is happening February 11th on live stream at RenewableJuneau.org. Featuring AMHS Director Craig Tornga, AML President Don Reid, Representative Jeremy Bynum and others. This panel will discuss the EV transport, ferry access and policy solutions.

John Bressette is Juneau’s new avalanche advisor, and he stepped into the job at a wild moment. Tasked with tracking weather and avalanche risk along the capital’s urban paths, Bressette arrived just before record snowfall hit the city. What followed was rain, flooding, a disaster declaration, and evacuation advisories in downtown Juneau — putting his role to the test almost immediately. This is his story.