2026 Juneau Volunteer Appreciation Blog

In November, the Juneau Community Action Team (CAT) volunteers toasted an incredible 2025 with a celebratory luncheon. Between good food and great company, the team looked back on a year packed with community-building and advocacy. They raised a glass to two big milestones: completing Juneau’s Age-Friendly Plan and gearing up to submit the first age-friendly status report.

In partnership with R.L. Mace and the City of Juneau, the volunteer team hosted a Design for Life webinar for Juneau residents ready to be part of the solution to the community’s housing crisis. Scott Ciambor, Planning Manager for the City and Borough of Juneau (CBJ), broke down what’s happening with housing right now and what’s coming next, while consultant Richard Duncan (R.L. Mace) delivered practical Universal Design ideas that make homes work better for people of every age. Next, the team rolled up their sleeves in a CBJ–sponsored scenario planning exercise, helping gather input for the City’s Comprehensive Plan update.

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Whale Walk to the Downtown Library

Courtesy of Juneau Community Action Team and AARP Alaska

Summer 2025 was part book club, part walking club, as the Juneau Community Action Team teamed up with Juneau Parks & Recreation and Juneau Public Libraries to turn the summer months into a “walk-and-wander” tour of Juneau’s libraries. Each month, 10 to 15 walkers trekked to the Valley Library via the Brotherhood Bridge Trail (June), followed the Treadwell Trail past a historic dam to the Douglas Library (July), and wrapped up with a walk from the Whale to the Downtown Library (August). Walkers were welcomed with snacks and swag at each event. The libraries put together book displays on aging, the benefits of walking, and walking paths around the world, and helped participants renew library cards, check out books, and learn about library services. The group also helped plan Walk Southeast, a similar program designed to get residents in Southeast moving.

The Juneau CAT and Friends of the Juneau Public Library received a LIFT (Local Impact Funds for Towns) grant from AARP to launch a library series that’s equal parts book club and Juneau adventure. It kicked off with a group read of Mary Roach’s FUZZ, a funny, fascinating look at what happens when people and wildlife cross paths, then continues with lively conversations featuring Forest Service staff and other local voices on real-life wildlife encounters in Juneau. The goal is simple: bring younger and older community members into the same room to exchange ideas, learn from each other, and strengthen relationships across generations. It’s a project rooted in connection, curiosity, and well-being—plus a little Juneau-style wildness.

Team at the 90th Anniversary Celebration for Social Security

Courtesy of Juneau Community Action Team and AARP Alaska

This group also marked the 90th anniversary of Social Security with a birthday-style celebration at the Douglas Library in August 2025! Community members played Social Security trivia, enjoyed cake, and socialized. Special guests included Alaska State House Representative Andi Story, Juneau Assembly Members Maureen Hall and Wade Bryson, former Juneau Mayors Bruce Botelho and Sally Smith, and Deborah Craig, Chair of the Juneau Commission on Aging.

Barb and Sue delivering Cupid Crew roses on Valentine’s Day

Courtesy of Juneau Community Action Team and AARP Alaska

On Valentine’s Day, Juneau CAT volunteers Linda, Sue, Barb, Leslie, and Jeff shared a little extra love by delivering Cupid Crew roses to ten senior services providers, with special stops at the Pioneer Home, Riverview Senior Living, and Bridge Adult Day Program.

AARP at the Cancer Connection luncheon

Courtesy of Juneau Community Action Team and AARP Alaska

The AARP Community Action Team is all about helping older Alaskans feel their best.  You’ll spot them tabling at health fairs and gatherings in Juneau and Wrangell, sharing resources and real-life tips. They’ve also teamed up with Bartlett Regional Hospital for community favorites like Patient Safety Week and Coffee, Tea & Storytime, and they stay plugged in with fall-prevention efforts and senior-focused presentations from community partners.