Sarah Yu

January was the warmest and wettest on record in Juneau. While many people enjoyed the mild weather, some plants and insects were jolted out of hibernation.

Since temperatures have dropped, these organisms face new challenges.

Some hardy spring bulbs have already sent out delicate green shoots. These shoots now need a lot of care.

The best method for protecting these bulbs is to cover them with branches, tarps, or old blankets, according to Master Gardener Ed Buyarski. Last week’s fog and this week’s snow—though resented by pilots and travelers alike—actually benefits gardens because it shields them from sun and temperature fluctuations.

If green tips are left exposed to the elements, they will turn brown as the plant grows. If the bulb’s flower bud gets frosted, it won’t bloom again until next year.

“The bulbs, particularly, are using energy. They are using energy out of those bulbs to grow and they get killed and then they grow some more, and maybe get killed again. Well, that weakens them, which means that you may not get as good of flowering this year and they might not survive or they may not flower, because they may not have enough good enough growth this year to feed the bulb for next year,” says Buyarski.

The record-breaking rainfall also washed nutrients out of the soil. Gardeners can protect against nutrient loss by fertilizing in the fall.

Compost, manure, seaweed and other fertilizers create a warm, fortifying environment for the bacteria and beneficial “bugs” that contribute to a healthy garden, says UAF Cooperative Extension Agent Darren Snyder.

“With these warmer temperatures, the biological activity does increase and so you might as well give them some food there to eat while they’re warm,” says Snyder.

On a positive note, this winter’s freeze and thaw cycle might be helpful in combating invasive pests. Spruce aphid hibernation is interrupted by warm weather, says Elizabeth Graham, an entomologist that specializes in forest pests at the U.S. Forest Service in Juneau.

“There are some insects that actually create an antifreeze. That’s what keeps them from freezing. Sometimes when you get these warm spells followed by freezing, what happens is that they’ll actually start to come out of that dormant state and then suddenly it’ll get cold again, and it can really mess up their overwintering strategy,” says Graham.

Many of the aphids that woke up in January were likely killed off during this recent cold snap. They will continue to feed even as the temperature drops and die when they consume ice crystals that form on and inside plants.

Gardens that have spruce aphids can still be salvaged with pesticides, power washing or by clipping off heavily infested branches.

Since Juneau’s winter may last a while, no one is entirely sure how January’s weather will affect the spring and summer. But there may be some surprises for gardeners, both good and bad.

NORAD (North American Aerospace Defense Command) has been tracking Santa for almost 60 years, but is using modern technology to engage children.

NORAD Tracks Santa became a tradition in 1955 after a Sears Roebuck store in Colorado misprinted a phone number for children to call in and talk to Santa.

The number instead went to NORAD’s predecessor. When Col. Harry Shoup picked up the phone, he was surprised to hear a little girl asking for Santa. He decided instead to tell the girl where Santa was in the sky, using radar technology.

Though originally an improvisation, NORAD Tracks Santa has since expanded into a huge operation.

The volunteers are mainly military members and their families, civilians that work at the Department of Defense, and local Coloradans. Last year, NORAD received calls from more than 100,000 children, keeping their volunteer staff of 1,250 busy all night. NORAD Tracks Santa has now gained global popularity with calls from Australia, Europe, and Asia, among others.

“And what we’ll do is we’ll staff the center—our call center—with folks that we have available that speak different languages, so if we do get somebody on that doesn’t speak English, we’ll try to give the phone call to somebody that understands their native tongue ,” says Navy Lt. Cmdr. William Lewis, a NORAD spokesman.

The system NORAD uses to track Santa is used every day of the year to watch North American air space. NORAD’s radar system does have satellites with infrared sensors capable of tracking Rudolf’s nose.

Some critics, however, feel that NORAD’s focus on military technology is inappropriate for the holidays. NORAD garnered controversy when an online video featured prominent CF-18 fighter jets flanking Santa’s sleigh on both sides. Lewis, however, says that the public shouldn’t be surprised by the prominent military symbolism on the NORAD Tracks Santa site.

“The NORAD members in Canada actually announce every year, and it’s publicly disseminated, the names of the pilots that will provide that escort for Santa once he hits North American air space,” says Lewis.

NORAD Tracks Santa 2013 Trailer on YouTube features radar tracking and fighter jets.

Children, now more tech-savvy, have started contacting NORAD in others ways.

“We spend most of our time answering emails because emails are by and large now the largest thing that’s coming into the center…Those are what we have the most fun doing, that is to say my boys and I,” says Lt. Col. John Erickson, an Alaskan stationed in Colorado. He and his family volunteer with the program.

The program even has a mobile app that people can use to track Santa.

Despite being rooted in the past, NORAD Tracks Santa has been very successful in keeping modern families entertained. With over 100,000 followers on Twitter and over a million likes on Facebook, the program continues to bring people together for the holidays. It’s a tradition with a twist.

“I’ve met people that say they have been doing this for 15-20 years. Their kids grew up through the program, and now the kids are participants as well. My daughter is now a tracker,” says Lewis.

NORAD starts tracking Santa at 6:00a.m. AKST on December 24. To learn Santa’s location, people can either call 1-877-HI-NORAD or email NORAD at noradtrackssanta@outlook.com.

In the month of December, there are a lot of fun holiday celebrations happening in Juneau. Here is a short list of some of the events.

 

 

Juneau Dance Unlimited

Juneau Dance Unlimited will be performing the classic “The Nutcracker Ballet” scored by Tchaikovsky. The dance troupe will be showcasing new costumes and choreography.
December 6 at 7 p.m., December 7 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., December 8 at 2 p.m.
1639 Glacier Ave (JDHS Auditorium), Juneau
Tickets cost $15/25

 

The Nugget Mall

The Nugget Mall will have a Holiday Arts & Crafts Fair. Youth will receive a discount on rented booth space.
December 6 from 12-8 p.m., December 7 from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and December 8 from noon-5 p.m.
8745 Glacier Highway, Juneau

The Downtown Business Association

The Downtown Business Association will be sponsoring the “12 Trees of Christmas Walk for Charity.” Twelve business in downtown Juneau will be showcasing decorated trees representing a charity. The public is encouraged to vote for their favorite tree using the ballot boxes found at the participating businesses. The Downtown Business Association will donate $500 to the winning business’s charity and $500 to a charity that is randomly drawn.
Voting is December 6-21
Participating businesses are: Annie Kaill’s, First National Bank, The Jewel Box, Juneau Imagination Station, Alaskan Brewing Company Depot Store, Cycle Alaska, Red Dog Saloon, Alaska Cache Liquor Triangle Club, Trove, Hearthside Books, Shoefly, and Heritage Coffee.

 

The Nugget Mall

The Nugget Mall will hold a Ginger Bread House Competition. Deadline for entries is December 7, houses will be displayed from December 8-21.
December 7 for entries, displayed December 8-21
8745 Glacier Highway, Juneau

 

The Nugget Mall

The Nugget Mall will be featuring Visits with Santa throughout December.
December 8-9, 15-16, 18-19, 22-23
8745 Glacier Highway, Juneau

 

The Nugget Mall

The Nugget Mall and Petco will be taking holiday-themed photos of pets.
December 7, 14 1-3 p.m. (Petco)
December 8 from 1-5 p.m. (The Nugget Mall)
8745 Glacier Highway, Juneau

 

The Douglas Library

The Douglas Library will be showing the movie “Miracle at 34th Street.”
December 8 at 3 p.m.
1016 3rd Street, Douglas

 

Juneau Lyric Opera

Juneau Lyric Opera will be holding their 6th annual Holiday Pops performance, featuring Sally Smith as the conductor. All voices welcome, and singing along is encouraged.
December 7 at 7:30 p.m. at 11024 Auke Lake Way, Juneau (Chapel by the Lake Church)
December 8 at 3 p.m. at 350 Whittier Street, Suite 101, Juneau (the JACC)
Tickets cost $10 for adults and $8 for seniors and students

 

Governor’s Mansion

Governor Sean Parnell will be hosting his annual Holiday Open House. Residents can tour the Governor’s Mansion and Cabinet members will serve holiday goodies and hot cider to those waiting in line.
December 10 from 3-6 p.m.
716 Calhoun Avenue, Juneau

 

Douglas Community Methodist Women

The Douglas Community Methodist Women will be holding their Country Christmas Bazaar. The bazaar will have arts and crafts, food, and a gingerbread building station, among others. Attendees can bring a non-perishable food item to receive a $1 bazaar coupon. The bazaar’s proceeds will go toward local and statewide mission outreach programs.
December 14 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
1106 E 3rd St, Douglas

 

Northern Light United Church

The Northern Light United church will be hosting “Sweet Songs of the Season,” featuring performances by Alaskapella and the Little Orca Singers. A holiday reception will follow the concert.
December 14 from 7-8:30 p.m.
Tickets cost $10 per person or $25 for a family of four
400 W 11th St, Juneau

 

Crossroads Church

Crossroads Church will be holding their annual Crossroads Christmas party. Bring a white-elephant gift for the gift exchange. Light refreshments provided, finger foods requested.
December 15 at 6 p.m.
1512 3rd Street # 7, Douglas

 

Shepherd of the Valley

Shepherd of the Valley will be holding a Christmas Program.
December 15 at 10:30 a.m.
4212 Mendenhall Loop Road, Juneau

 

Juneau Arts & Humanities Council

Juneau Arts & Humanities Council will be hosting their “Hit the JACC Putt” miniature golf range, sponsored by Alaska Marine Lines. The range can be enjoyed on an individual basis or booked for a party. The theme this year is “Movies,” and they are still looking for ideas for holes.
December 18-30 from noon-9 p.m.
Tickets cost $5 per person per round, $50 for groups of up to 15 people, or $110 an hour for private parties
350 Whittier Street #101, Juneau

 

Catholic Diocese of Juneau

The Catholic Diocese of Juneau will be hosting a Christmas reception headed by Bishop Edward J. Burns. Appetizers and light refreshments provided. RSVP is required.
December 16 to RSVP (dioceseofjuneau@gci.net)
December 20 from 4:30-7 p.m.
430 Fifth Street, Juneau (St. Ann’s Parish Hall)

 

The Canvas

The Canvas will be holding a gingerbread house making party. Gingerbread walls and roofs are provided. Participants can use the candy offered at the party or bring their own to decorate their house.
December 21 from noon-4 p.m.
Tickets cost $35 per house
223 Seward St, Juneau

 

Filipino American Association of Juneau

FilAm will be hosting a Christmas party. Donations will be collected for the communities affected by Typhoon Haiyan.
December 21 from 6-9 p.m.
9055 Atlin Drive, Juneau (St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church)

 

Aldersgate United Methodist Church

The Aldersgate United Methodist Church will host “The Darkest Night,” an interfaith service to support people experiencing difficulties during the holiday season.
December 21 at 7 p.m.
9161 Cinema Drive, Juneau

 

Auke Bay Fire Station

Auke Bay Fire Station will be holding a Christmas open house. Chief Etheridge will be reading Christmas stories and Santa will be making an appearance. Santa will also be riding on the Auke Bay Fire Department Truck after the open house.
December 21 1-3 p.m. for open house, 4:30 p.m. for fire truck route
11900 Glacier Highway, Juneau (open house)
Back Loop Rd, Juneau (fire truck route)

 

The Gold Town Nickelodeon

The Gold Town Nickelodeon will be playing the movie “Rare Exports,” a Finnish movie about an archeological dig that goes awry when the remains of Santa Claus are unearthed and children begin to go missing (Rated R).
December 22 at 2 p.m., December 23 at 4 p.m., December 24 at 2 p.m., December 26 at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.
Tickets cost $9 for adults, $7 for seniors and students, $5 for children 12 and under
171 Shattuck Way, Juneau

 

Auke Bay Bible Church

The Auke Bay Bible Church will have a Christmas Eve Candle Light Service.
December 24 at 7 p.m.
11970 Glacier Hwy, Juneau

 

The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army will be holding a Christmas Eve Service.
December 24 at 7 p.m.
439 West Willoughby Avenue, Juneau

 

St. Brendan’s Episcopal Church

St. Brendan’s Episcopal Church will be having carol singing and a candlelight Eucharist and Reception.
December 24 at 7 p.m.
4207 Mendenhall Loop Road, Juneau

 

Resurrection Lutheran Church

Resurrection Lutheran Church will be holding a Christmas Eve Candlelight Service.
December 24 at 11 p.m.
740 West 10th Street, Juneau

 

St. Paul’s Catholic Church

St. Paul’s Catholic Church will hold Midnight Mass on Christmas Day.
December 25 at midnight
9055 Atlin Drive, Juneau

 

St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church

The St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church will be holding a Nativity of the Lord service on Christmas day.
December 25
326 5th Street, Juneau

 

If you know of any more events that you would like included in this list, please email them to sarahyu@ktoo.org.