Glass Recycling in the Mat-Su
Contributed by Lex Kerst valleyrecycling.org
On September 9th, Valley Community for Recycling Solutions (aka, VCRS or Valley Recycling) began accepting glass. This marks the first time in over 17 years that glass has been collected for recycling in the Mat-Su. VCRS has, on site, a “big blue” Andela glass pulverizing machine, allowing them to recycle the glass into a product right in Palmer.
Glass is collected outside, near the back of the recycling center— recyclers can visit the drive-through and follow signs and cones to the glass collection area. In the first few days, over 100 people visited to drop off their collections of glass for recycling. Blue glass is separated, and the rest is placed into barrels while they await pulverization. The glass fed to “big blue” is crushed, pulverized, and deposited as glass sand. Bits of
labels are spit out one side, and a water line keeps the dust down.
This glass sand comes in two sizes—larger, pebble-sized chunks or “cullets” of glass, and a finer mix of powdery sand and fine gravel-sized pieces. The cullets are sharper and larger, but retain more color and contrast from the original bottles. The sand ends up pale and fine, with bits of green, brown and clear dotting the powder.
After being crushed, the glass sand and cullets are available for purchase right next to the collection area. There are a multitude of uses for the glass sand, such as traction sand or “glascrete” concrete additive. As an additive to soil, it increases drainage and reduces compaction. As an additive to vermicompost, it can aid in the worms’ digestion. The sand is safe to handle and biologically inert, making it an option for landscaping and gardens.
To get the best idea of the consistency of the glass sand, it’s recommended to visit and handle the material for yourself.
VCRS is encouraging those that use the glass sand to share how they’ve used it and how it’s worked. Learn more or tell VCRS how you’ve used glass sand at valleyrecycling.org, on Facebook, at the office, or by calling 907-745-5544.
“Big Blue” Andela glass pulverizing machine.
Frequency of Hope at Bryce Ray Community Center
Contributed by Jason Manalli, Development Director, SetFreeAlaska.org
We are so blessed by the incredible response and participation at our recent community events on August 21: the open house of our new Bryce Ray Community Center (7010 E. Bogard Road in Wasilla) and the private screening of our documentary Frequency of Hope. Both events had different focus and impact. The community center is
the new home of Haven, our children and family services program. This relocation increases our ability to serve more children and families with behavioral health challenges by 70%.
The open house was a time to feature the new space, connect with our friends, community partners and local delegates, and cast vision for continuing to provide world-class service to those in our care.
The community center is named in honor and memory of Bryce Ray, the late father of Ryan Ray, co-founder and emeritus board member. Bryce left a lasting impact on many Alaskans, and it was his mission to reach people with the good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ through sports and community engagement. Today, his life and legacy live on through our efforts, and we are looking forward to many meaningful community events and partnerships taking place in the new facility.
The same evening was highlighted
with the private screening of Frequency of Hope. This movie is more than a documentary—it is a catalyst and a cinematic banner for redemption and recovery, a rallying point for the movement that freedom from addiction is achievable on a personal, community and national level, and that hope can be found for every hopeless situation. It is based on one of our graduated clients who regained her life and children and went on to be an entrepreneur and force in the Mat-Su Valley. More private screenings are on the way, including one in Homer later this month and another in Los Angeles at the USC campus in November. As a result, we anticipate greater awareness of our mission and increased funding to expand our reach into the future. We are grateful for all who attended the events and for those who consistently support and champion our efforts through their dedicated partnership. Many blessings.
Wizard of Oz Trick-or-Treat Comes to Wasilla
Contributed by Crystal J. Nygard
Follow the Yellow Brick Road—Wasilla hosts its first-ever City Hall Trick-or-Treat on Friday, October 31, from 2 to 5 p.m. at Wasilla City Hall, 290 E. Herning Ave.
For the first time, Wasilla City Hall will open its doors to trick-or-treaters, inviting families to step into the magical world of The Wizard of Oz. This brand-new tradition offers families a safe and fun
place to celebrate Halloween together. Children of all ages are welcome to follow the Yellow Brick Road through City Hall, where they will meet Dorothy and Toto, Glenda the Good Witch, the Wicked Witch of the West, the Wizard, and even a few mischievous flying monkeys. Visitors will wander through Munchkin Land and beyond as staff and volunteers in costume hand out candy and help bring the classic story to life.
This free event is open to the public and designed to create a safe, familyfriendly Halloween experience. Kids are encouraged to wear their costumes and enjoy this one-of-a-kind adventure. With the Wicked Witch lurking and Glenda ready to guide the way, families are sure to find a little magic waiting for them at Wasilla City Hall this Halloween. Come join us!
Community Lost and Found: Photos in a Drawer
Contributed by Cris Tyree
A set of old photographs was recently found tucked away in a drawer. They appear to be family or personal pictures that likely have sentimental value to someone. These kinds of keepsakes often carry
important memories, and it would be a shame for them to remain separated from their original owner. If you recognize the people in these photos, or know who they may belong to, please reach out so they can be returned. Contact Cris Tyree at 1-907-631-1160.
Palmer’s Frost Fest Brings Winter Resources and Fun
scholarship opportunities designed to encourage outdoor recreation. Highlights include information tables with local organizations sharing resources on winter recreation and trails, interactive activities for all ages, gear demos on ice fishing, cross-country skiing and fat biking, and door prizes and giveaways from local businesses and nonprofits.
visit the event page on the Revel website, www.reveltreksandtours.com.
to 4 p.m. at the Palmer Train Depot. The free event connects community members with winter programs, events, and
“Winter in the Mat-Su can feel long and challenging, but it’s also a season full of opportunity,” said Taylor Raftery with the Mat-Su Trails and Parks Foundation. “Frost Fest is about bringing people together, making sure families know what resources are available, and celebrating the strength and creativity of our community.”
Revel Treks and Tours is coordinating the event in collaboration with the Mat-Su Trails and Parks Foundation. For the most up-to-date vendor list and event details,
About the Mat-Su Trails and Parks Foundation: In 2024, the foundation awarded more than $450,000 in grants to nine local organizations. In addition to its grantmaking program, it works with land managers, including Alaska State Parks, to apply for, manage and match federal and foundation grants. These projects leverage community donations to generate milliondollar investments in the Mat-Su, such as the Curry Ridge Connector Project and the preservation of Independence Mine State Historical Park. To date, the foundation has invested more than $2.35 million in grants across the Mat-Su Borough. Over the next five years, it plans to invest an additional $2.5 million to develop sustainable trails and regional parks.
Seeing with Our Hearts: Night at the Museum 2025
Contributed by Caren Ailleo
A night of cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, live and silent auctions, and a great program awaits at the Alaska Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired’s annual fundraiser. Serving the MatSu Valley and beyond, the Center is proud to be approaching 50 years of
empowering blind and visually impaired Alaskans through personalized training, rehabilitation, and support. It remains the only organization of its kind in the state, and the need for services continues to grow. This vital work is only possible because of generous partners and community supporters. The event will take place on Thursday, October 2, 2025, at the Anchorage Museum, 625 C Street, Anchorage. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Sponsorships and tickets are available. For more information, please call Caren Ailleo at 907-7714311, email cailleo@alaskabvi. org, or visit fundraiser.support/ SeeingWithOurHearts2025 to sign up through Auctria.
powerful winter storms are a part of life. Emergencies can happen anytime and anywhere, but being prepared helps protect families and communities. As part of National Emergency Preparedness Month, residents are invited to the 17th Annual Mat-Su Emergency Preparedness Expo on Saturday, September 20, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Menard Sports Center in Wasilla. This free, family-friendly event is designed to give people the skills, supplies, and confidence they need to prepare for the unexpected.
The Expo is highly interactive, offering live demonstrations, training opportunities, and hands-on learning for all ages. Participants can learn lifesaving skills in first aid, survival, and emergency response; meet with local emergency agencies and preparedness experts; explore family-friendly exhibits that make learning fun for kids
of all ages; enter the poster contest for a chance at great prizes and free ice cream; acquire preparedness supplies and build or improve emergency kits; and attend workshops like “Backcountry Prepared” presented by Alaska Safe Riders.
“Preparedness is something we can all do, and the Expo makes it easy,” said Talon Boeve, Mat-Su Borough Emergency Operations Specialist. “It’s a great opportunity for families to learn together, practice important skills, and make sure they’re ready for Alaska’s unique challenges.”
Whether you’re just starting your preparedness journey or looking to add to your family’s emergency plan, the Expo provides resources and training for everyone. The event takes place at the Menard Sports Center in Wasilla on Saturday, September 20, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is free and open to all ages.
This event is
Contributed by Debra McGhan Across Alaska, hazards such as earthquakes, wildfires, floods, avalanches, and
A Fresh Look: Houston’s Day Use Park Gets Major Upgrades
Contributed by Charlie Shupe, Public Works Clerk, City of Houston
a new playground for children, revamped walking trails, a community mini library book stand, and enhanced landscaping. The excitement in Houston is hard to miss as residents gather to enjoy the revitalized park. Families are spreading picnic blankets, children are exploring the upgraded play area, and neighbors are stopping to chat along the new walking paths. The improvements have transformed the park into a vibrant hub where people can relax, connect and take pride in their town. For many, it is more than a facelift—it is a symbol of investment in the community’s future and a reflection of Houston’s spirit.
A new mini library invites visitors to borrow and share books.
surgeries recently, so finding a park that has access for people like me is a necessity!
Thank you, Houston!” —30-year citizen of Houston
The park’s walking trails follow the quiet beauty of the Little Susitna River. One of the most charming upcoming features is the Josh the Otter Story Trail, a walking path that blends outdoor exploration with the joy of reading. As visitors stroll the route, they’ll discover colorful stands displaying pages from the children’s story Josh the Otter. Step by step, the tale unfolds, encouraging families to slow down, enjoy the fresh air and share the experience together. The Rotary Club hopes to install the story trail by fall 2025 or spring 2026.
“I’ve lived in Houston for a few years; I’ve never been to the park until recently. Honestly, I’m impressed by how beautiful it is. Whoever did this did a great job.” —Local Houston citizen
On August 9, 2025, Houston completed the renovations to the park. AARP contributed $15,000, and the local Rotary Club donated $5,000 to help fund the project. Improvements include a newly paved parking lot with multiple accessible spaces,
The City of Houston is working to welcome more visitors by giving its popular Little Susitna day use park a fresh new look. With upgraded amenities, improved landscaping, and inviting spaces for families, travelers and outdoor enthusiasts, the revitalized park is designed to be a vibrant gateway to the community. By transforming this easily accessible stop into a destination, the city hopes to showcase the natural beauty and warm hospitality that make Houston, Alaska, a place worth exploring.
“I love seeing these small libraries! I have tons of books that just sit around at my house, now they will have a new home!”
—Local Houston resident
“I’m thrilled to have a beautiful park only 5 minutes from home, my kids are going to love this!”
—Local Houston mother
New accessible parking helps those with mobility issues enjoy the park.
“I’m very thankful for the community coming together. I’ve had two knee
The City of Houston is embracing a fresh vision aimed at creating positive change and bringing more joy to the community. The recent park improvements mark just the beginning. Through its ambitious capital improvement program, the city plans to accomplish even more in the years ahead, and residents are eager to see what exciting projects come next as Houston continues to grow and thrive.
Join Us for Rotary Uncorked 2025!
Contributed by Isaac Smoldon Pack your bags and join the adventure at the 16th Annual Rotary Uncorked. This year’s theme is Around the World in 80 Days—an evening filled with international wines and beers, exotic flavors and unforgettable experiences. The journey begins on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at the Menard Center. Reserved tables open at
5:30 p.m., general admission at 6 p.m., and the event concludes at 9 p.m.
Last year’s event was a phenomenal success thanks to the generous support of individuals and organizations like you. Proceeds helped fund MY House and their mission of empowering homeless and at-risk youth, along with scholarships for graduating Mat-Su high school seniors and other impactful community projects.
This year, we invite you to become a
sponsor and travel the world with us. Dress in your best adventure-themed attire and join Phileas Fogg as he lifts off in his hot air balloon to guide us on a whirlwind journey across the globe. Individual tickets and business tables are available at wasillarotary.com. The Wasilla Rotary Club looks forward to welcoming you to what promises to be the most unforgettable Rotary Uncorked yet.
Fighting Youth Suicide in Alaska: A Call for Awareness and Action
Contributed by Michelle Overstreet
September is Suicide Prevention
Awareness Month, a time to break the silence around one of the most urgent public health concerns affecting Alaska’s youth. Suicide is not only preventable but also deeply tied to community, connection and access to support—issues that Alaskans know well.
According to the State of Alaska Department of Health, suicide rates in the state have risen dramatically over the past two decades, increasing by 32.7%. In 2022, Alaska’s suicide rate reached 61.8 per 100,000 people. That number is 247% higher than the national average during the same period, underscoring how severe and unique this crisis is in our state.
Young people in Alaska face some of the highest risks. Suicide is consistently among the leading causes of death for youth ages 10 to 24. In rural communities,
where isolation and limited resources add further challenges, Alaska Native youth are disproportionately affected. Generational trauma, barriers to healthcare and the lack of mental health resources in remote regions worsen this tragedy.
Yet beneath these numbers are real lives: sons, daughters, classmates, teammates and friends. Every statistic represents a devastating loss, but also a reminder of opportunities to intervene— with compassion, awareness and open dialogue.
Suicide Prevention Awareness Month exists to remind us that talking about mental health saves lives. Silence and stigma keep many young people locked in pain without reaching out for help. By opening conversations and creating safe spaces, communities can serve as lifelines.
Schools, families and organizations across Alaska are working this month to promote awareness, provide training
Contributed by James Grogan
and reduce stigma. Programs like those at MY House that teach youth resilience, respect cultural identity and foster peer support have been shown to make a significant difference in prevention. We invite you to stop by at 300 North Willow for information, pins, stickers, bracelets and support. You can also purchase coffee at Gathering Grounds, Blondies or Focus Coffee shops and receive a coffee sleeve with a QR code linking to the Justin Pendergrass song Stay, written as a prevention message.
Other ways to get involved include learning the warning signs such as dramatic mood changes, talking about feeling hopeless, withdrawing from friends or losing interest in activities; normalizing seeking help by encouraging young people to speak to a family member, teacher or counselor; sharing resources widely such as calling or texting 988, the nationwide Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Nightmare at the Museum returns every Friday and Saturday in October from 6 to 9 p.m. The Museum of Alaska is using frightful fun for good this month with its annual fundraiser, a haunted attraction that promises thrills, chills and a powerful purpose.
available 24/7 with trained counselors offering immediate confidential support; and staying connected, as even small gestures like checking in, listening or spending time together can interrupt cycles of despair.
Let’s move forward together. Alaska’s high rates are not destiny. Through awareness, prevention programs and accessible mental health care, communities can help reverse these troubling trends. More importantly, they can remind youth that they are valued, that their lives matter and that support is always available.
This September, let us commit to being part of the solution: listening, learning and standing together against youth suicide. Awareness is the first step—and action must follow. Prevention stickers, bracelets, pins and pamphlets are made possible by generous community donations. www.myhousematsu.org
Trains and Hayrides
Alaska,” said Executive Director Ginger Bear. “This event brings the community together in a
creative way while supporting families who need us most.”
Volunteers from across the Valley are working together to build sets, design costumes and bring the museum’s spooky transformation to life. The museum is still seeking volunteers and sponsors. Whether you’re a scare actor, set builder or donor, your support makes a difference.
For
COMMUNITY
Mat-Su Regional Medical Center Seeks State Approval for Behavioral Health Hospital
Deena Straub
by
Contributed
Mat-Su Regional Medical Center (MSRMC), in partnership with the MatSu Health Foundation (MSHF), has filed a Certificate of Need (CON) application with the State of Alaska to build a freestanding behavioral health hospital in Palmer.
The proposed facility aims to address Alaska’s growing mental health crisis by expanding timely, trauma-informed care in the Mat-Su Valley. Trauma-informed care is an evidence-based approach that recognizes the lasting effects of trauma and integrates this understanding into treatment to improve patient outcomes.
The 45-bed facility—planned for a 10-acre site east of the hospital’s main campus—would provide inpatient behavioral health care for both adults and adolescents. The application includes the relocation of 16 existing bed licenses from MSRMC and would ultimately expand regional behavioral health capacity.
“People experiencing a mental health crisis often end up in the emergency department, but we’re not always equipped to provide the specialized care they may need,” said Dr. Thomas Quimby, Medical Director of the Emergency Department at
MSRMC. “With too few inpatient behavioral health beds in Alaska, patients can wait for days or be transferred far from home. This new facility would offer more timely, appropriate care right here in our community.”
Since opening its inpatient behavioral health unit in 2020, MSRMC has seen demand dramatically outpace capacity. In 2024, the hospital received 1,253 behavioral health referrals but was only able to admit 437 patients due to limited bed availability.
Statewide, more than 132,000 adults in Alaska live with a mental health condition, and suicide rates remain among the highest in the nation—particularly for teens and young adults.
“Too often, patients in the Valley who need inpatient behavioral health care must travel to Anchorage or even out of state for help,” said James Bunch, Interim CEO of Mat-Su Regional Medical Center. “This facility is about responding to a demonstrated need we see for our community—local care when it’s needed most.”
If the state approves the project, construction could begin as early as 2026, with the facility expected to open within 24 to 36 months. The estimated $70 million project would create about 50 full-time,
living-wage jobs.
“This is a community-driven solution, grounded in data and years of preparation,” said Esther Pitts, President and CEO of the Mat-Su Health Foundation. “We’re proud to invest in behavioral health infrastructure that reflects our region’s values—and honors the many voices that have called for better care.”
The Mat-Su Health Foundation owns the proposed location for the facility at 1790 S. Woodworth Loop, east of MSRMC. The site’s proximity to the hospital would enable integrated emergency and medical services, ensuring patients receive coordinated support across care settings.
Public support is a crucial component of the state’s CON process. Community members are encouraged to submit letters of support and share their experiences to help demonstrate the project’s urgency and value. To learn more or submit a letter of support, visit lookforwardmat-su.com.
The proposed project would create a freestanding behavioral health hospital with 45 inpatient beds, including 27 for adults and 18 for adolescents, and relocate 16 existing bed licenses from MSRMC’s inpatient unit. The facility would be about 50,000 square feet on 10 acres, cost an estimated $70 million and create about 50
full-time jobs, with completion expected within 24 to 36 months of approval.
Mat-Su Regional Medical Center is a full-service, accredited hospital serving Alaska’s Mat-Su Valley. As the state’s only Level III Trauma Center and an Accredited Chest Pain Center with PCI, MSRMC delivers comprehensive inpatient and outpatient services. Core offerings include emergency care, diagnostic imaging, robotic-assisted and joint replacement surgery, cardiac catheterization, advanced wound care, sleep studies, inpatient behavioral health and two off-site urgent care centers.
In 2024, Mat-Su Regional recorded more than 197,000 patient encounters and provided over $19 million in uncompensated care. The hospital also contributed $126 million in payroll, paid $1.8 million in taxes, invested $3 million in capital improvements and generated a total community benefit of $164 million. Learn more at matsuregional.com.
Mat-Su Health Foundation is the official business name of Valley Hospital Association, Inc., which shares ownership in MSRMC. The MSHF board participates in hospital governance and invests assets into charitable works that improve the health and wellness of Mat-Su residents. Learn more at healthymatsu.org.
MY House Celebrates Recovery Month with Events Schedule
Contributed by Isaac Smoldon
Every September, MY House staff and clients celebrate Recovery Month. This month serves as a reminder that “Recovery is Possible!” and provides us with the opportunity to stop stigma, educate the community and celebrate our incredibly strong Mat-Su Recovery Community!
We accomplish this by holding events throughout the month of September, as well as featuring recovery discussions on our social media and podcast network. We will have three main recovery month events this September in partnership with community members and local recovery partners: On September 4th, we will continue
our “Recovery Discussions” at Black Birch Books, an event that we started last year. The September 4th event will feature a recovery panel made of MY House clients, staff and other recovery community members. Stop by at 5:30 p.m. for conversation, coffee and comradery!
Black Birch Books is also hosting Brad Alexander from True North Recovery on September 25th at 5:30 p.m. for a reading and signing of his Recovery Children’s books. Come and listen to Brad talk about the stories behind his books and interact with other members of our recovery community.
Our celebration of Recovery culminates with the 4th Annual Walk for Recovery on September 27th at noon. Participants
will meet at the Target parking lot in Wasilla and walk through town to the True North Recovery Outpatient Building for food, speakers and fellowship. Last year was our biggest event yet, and we can’t wait to show Alaska how the Mat-Su “Recovers out LOUD!” Participation is open to the public. Treatment and Recovery Organizations interested in participating as vendors can reach out to shanar@myhousematsu.org.
Please join us this upcoming month in celebrating recovery in our community, as we continue to support healing and hope in the Mat-Su! For more information about MY House, please contact Communications Director Isaac Smoldon at isaac@myhousematsu.org.
Opening Doors to Opportunity with Nationally Recognized Certifications
Contributed by Misty M. Dennis
Nine Star Education & Employment
In today’s fast-changing job market, the right skills can make all the difference. Nationally recognized, industry-respected certifications can help students, job seekers, and working professionals stand out. Whether exploring a new career path, enhancing current skill sets, or building a stronger resume, certification programs provide the tools and training needed to succeed.
Nine Star Education and Employment Service, Alaska’s Center for Workforce Excellence, is a community resource that provides flexible training options and a supportive learning environment to help with the next step—whether that’s landing a new job, earning a promotion, or launching a business.
Certification offerings span multiple industries and skill areas, including Adobe Pro, Agriscience Foundations, Bookkeep -
ing Professional, Cisco, Communication Skills for Business, Culinary Foundations, Digital Literacy, Entrepreneurship & Small Business, Generative AI Foundations, IT Specialist, Medical Administrative Assistant, Microsoft Office Specialist (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint), Personal Finance, Project Management, and QuickBooks. These are skills that matter and credentials employers value.
Both in-person and online certification classes are available through the Nine
Star program. All classes are self-paced, eliminating the pressure of fixed deadlines, and instructors provide knowledgeable support throughout.
Building both professional expertise and personal confidence can happen with training at Nine Star Education and Employment Service. Learn more at facebook. com/NineStarMatSu. Take the next step in personal and professional development by calling (907) 373-7833 or emailing registercfwe@ninestar.org
SERVICE PROVIDER DIRECTORY
Recycling Is Easy in Big Lake
Contributed by Patricia Fisher Recycling is easy in Big Lake, and here is why: The recycling site is simple to find, located on Hollywood Road just beyond the
of Big Lake. The bins are right in the open area at the start of the transfer site. The parking area is large and close to the bins, making drop-offs convenient. Most important, the volunteers at the site are very friendly and helpful. They will meet you at your car, help unload your recyclables and place them into the bins. They love recycling, or they would not be there working—at least one day a
month—to help others. The hours are convenient, open from noon to 3 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Best of all, recycling saves you money. It can reduce your trash expense by 50 to 75 percent, and it is not difficult to do. Big Lake Recycling takes paper, water bottles, milk jugs, aluminum cans, plastic bags, steel cans, cardboard and more. All items must be clean. Visit valleyrecycling. org/what-we-accept for full details. Come and visit us at 13582 Hollywood Road in Big Lake. We will meet you at your car and welcome you with a smile.
Major Improvements to the Learning Resource (and Testing Center) at
Contributed by Nick McDermott
The Learning Resource Center at Mat-Su College is a vital part of the valley community, providing essential support to students and serving as a fully certified testing center. The center is starting this school year with major improvements.
But what is a testing center? It’s a place where local businesses or organizations can send people to take certifying exams
in a standardized, distraction-free environment with reliable technology and consistent procedures, ensuring a fair and secure testing experience for all candidates.
The LRC’s improvements include new testing cubicles, computers, and supervision technology. Currently, it’s an authorized testing center for AK DEC, Pearson Vue, Meazure Learning, and Kryterion.
Students also utilize the testing side for
placement tests and makeup exams. The center offers logistical support, reducing stress for examinees who don’t have to manage their own equipment or internet connections, allowing them to focus solely on the exam.
On the tutoring side, students will enjoy a larger space with more tables and upgraded computers. LRC manager Becky Contreras notes, “Our highly qualified
tutors in Math and Writing help students identify gaps in learning and build a foundation for a successful college experience.”
The improved facility now matches the level of professionalism offered by the college tutors. Tutoring services are limited to UAA and Mat-Su College students. For more information about the LRC or to schedule an exam, call 907-745-9772 or email matsutesting@alaska.edu.
Recipe: Ken’s Cast Iron Italian Bake
divided.
Directions: Preheat oven to 350. Steam the cauliflower rice per package directions and let cool. In a large bowl, add cottage cheese, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper; stir in cooled cauliflower rice. Spread the mixture into the bottom of a large cast iron skillet (16). In another skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned; add tomato sauce and season
to taste. Pour half the beef mixture over the cauliflower layer, spread evenly, and top with 1 cup of mozzarella. Repeat with remaining beef mixture and mozzarella. Sprinkle the top with any extra mozzarella or Parmesan. Bake for 20 minutes. EAT IT UP!!! OH YESSSSSS!!! Ken, together with his wife, Dr. Gagliano, is helping Alaska get healthy through their metabolic health company, Healthy Together and Feeling Great. Join the FB group by the same name or email Ken at kenhagler+healthyak@gmail.com
Interactive Trunk or Treat Trek to Connect Wasilla
Contributed by Jovan Archulketa
This Halloween, a new communitywide event is raising the bar for family fun. The first-ever Trunk or Treat Trek is scheduled for Friday, October 31, 2025, from 5 to 8 p.m., offering a safe, interactive and mobile trick-or-treating adventure across Wasilla. The event centers around a free, continuous shuttle service connecting two main hubs: AMVETS Post 11 and Youth 360/ Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. To make the journey part of the fun, a
facilitator on each bus will host rounds of “Bingo on the Bus” with prizes. Families can also use a live GPS tracker to see bus locations in real time.
In addition to the main hubs, tentative Trek Stops include Yoga OM, the Home Depot parking lot, Wasilla City Hall and the Wasilla Public Library.
Beyond candy collecting, participants are invited to form teams for the Carpool Party Puzzle Scavenger Hunt. This modern challenge uses an online platform where groups complete a digital puzzle by taking group pictures at designated locations
and uploading them. To bring this largescale community event to life, organizers are calling for volunteers and sponsors. Community support is essential for an event of this scale, and individuals and businesses are encouraged to help create a memorable and safe Halloween for all.
Sponsors: Local businesses can help cover costs for buses, supplies and activities.
Volunteers: Needed for event setup, traffic control at busy stops, and hosting games or answering questions.
Trunk or Treat Cars: Families, individuals
Valley Charities Seeks Assistance with Growing Donations
Contributed by Randi Perlman
Just like the population of the Mat-Su Borough, the Valley’s iconic turn-A-leaf Thrift Store is growing all the time. The store has become well-known throughout the Mat-Su, and the kindness and generosity of the Valley community is beyond compare. During six days of each week (closed on Tuesdays), more than 100 cars come by to drop off donations. Clothing, household goods, furniture, recreational equipment, knick-knacks, and more can usually be found. These blessings from loyal donors are returned to the community in the form of affordable prices, daily specials, and a friendly staff who can help you find that one-of-a-kind treasure.
Valley Charities, Inc. (VCI), the parent company of turn-A-leaf, is extremely grateful for the generosity that makes its work possible. However, the huge quantity of goods received also presents an operational challenge. Each day, at least two hours must be spent moving pallets of donated items so staff can reach their workstations. Every donation must be sorted, priced, and stocked on the shelves. Staff and volunteers enjoy the camaraderie of working together and the pride of seeing customers leave with affordable treasures. But to keep up, VCI now needs more community help to process all those donations.
VCI is seeking volunteers willing to give a bit of their time. Tasks include sorting goods, hanging clothing, and testing elec-
trical or battery-operated items. No special skills are required—just a friendly attitude and willingness to serve. Training will be provided, and all are welcome if at least 16 years old. Groups such as Scouts, senior clubs, civic organizations, and church groups are also encouraged to participate. If space is available, VCI can even bring items to your location for sorting. Volunteering creates belonging, sharpens skills, provides purpose, and helps stretch nonprofit resources. For VCI, this means holding down expenses so prices remain affordable for those in need. According to the State of Alaska, each volunteer hour equals $30 in value—underscoring the impact volunteers make on both operations and grant funding
or businesses can sign up to host decorated vehicles at designated locations. A community survey has been created to gather feedback and organize participation. Residents can use it to suggest shuttle stops, volunteer, sign up to host a trunk, provide input on hub activities, or register as sponsors. Help shape this new tradition by completing the survey at forms.gle/uz5KuuPbk4RtyjNXA. For more info or sponsorship inquiries, email events@matsuteams. com or visit linktr.ee/teamsevents.
opportunities. VCI partners with United Way of Mat-Su and many other organizations to support local residents. United Way’s Day of Caring allows volunteers to join together in service, making a positive impact for nonprofits across the Valley. The current need for committed volunteers at turn-A-leaf is greater than ever, and even a few hours a week can make a Valley-wide difference.
Valley Charities, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that has served the Mat-Su Borough for over 60 years. Programs include Housing Assistance, the Mat-Su Reentry Program, the Medical Equipment Lending Program, and the turn-A-leaf Thrift Store. Together with strong community partnerships, VCI helps residents thrive and works toward a healthier, happier Valley. For more info, visit valleycharities.org or call 907-376-5740.
Building Stronger Communities: TBRI Training Comes to Alaska
Contributed by Linda Kabealo
Reach907 www.reach907ak.org
In August, history was made in Anchorage. Through the partnership of the University of Alaska Anchorage’s Family Services Training Center and the Karyn Purvis Child Development Institute, more than fifty professionals from across Alaska gathered at the Egan Center to take part in the first-ever Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) Practitioner training held in the state.
Representatives from the Department of Juvenile Justice, Anchorage School District, mental health agencies, and recovery services sat side by side—united in one mission: to learn proven tools to connect with and heal those impacted by trauma. This diverse gathering reflected a shared belief that children and families deserve more than survival; they deserve hope, belonging, and pathways toward restoration.
REACH 907 was honored to be among those in attendance. The organization has woven TBRI principles into every layer of its work—from summer camps to
counseling, from clubs to family support— because it has seen the difference it makes. When caregivers, educators, and professionals connect with children through empathy, structure, and empowerment, the ripple effect strengthens not only families but the entire community.
Today, the small staff of just over 30 includes five trained TBRI Practitioners and one certified Mentor. That means local families can access a depth of trauma-informed care right here in the Mat-Su Valley. This training marks the beginning of something bigger: a network of Alaskans
committed to creating safe, nurturing environments where youth can flourish.
REACH 907 believes that when agencies, schools, and nonprofits speak the same language of connection and trust, it changes outcomes. It breaks cycles. It gives children the chance to believe, “I am seen, I am safe, I am valued.”
As more Alaskans are trained in TBRI, the vision is for a stronger, healthier, more resilient future—one where every child knows they are loved, and every family knows they are not alone.
The Mat-Su Ski Club: World-Class Winter Trails, Right Here at Home
When snow blankets Hatcher Pass and the Valley, the Mat-Su Ski Club makes sure there’s a place for everyone to enjoy it. Whether you’re a Nordic skier, walker, fat biker, or someone who just loves to
get outside, the club provides accessible, affordable winter recreation for the whole community. Each winter, the volunteer Snow Crew puts in hundreds of hours maintaining trails at Independence Mine, Archangel Road, Government Peak Recreation Area, and the Moose Range. From crisp classic tracks to smooth skate lanes, they transform fresh snow into ski-ready conditions day after day. Many of these trails are also open for multi-use, giving fat bikers, walkers, and snowshoers the chance to share in the beauty of a well-maintained winter trail system. Grooming is the heartbeat of the club, ensuring safe, reliable, world-class access to winter recreation right here at home.
The Mat-Su Ski Club is more than
trails—it’s a community. Through Junior Nordics, children ages five and up discover the joy of skiing in a fun and supportive environment. Mat-Su Nordic programs offer year-round training for ages eight to eighty-eight, helping participants build skills, confidence, and teamwork. For adults, the Masters program offers fitness, camaraderie, and lifelong learning on and off skis. Those brand new to the sport can start with adult ski lessons and free Ski 101 clinics, an easy, welcoming way to begin gliding.
From family-focused gatherings to races that attract participants from across Alaska, events celebrate community and strengthen connections in the Valley and beyond. Every gathering is powered by volunteers and fueled by the strong Nordic
ski community. The Mat-Su Ski Club isn’t just about skiing—it’s about creating opportunities for everyone to stay active, supporting youth development, and fostering connection through the outdoors. With groomed trails, thriving programs, and welcoming events, the club makes the Mat-Su a place where world-class winter recreation is available to all.
Visit matsuski.org to learn more and get involved. Trail grooming updates, live trail cameras, program registration, and events—including community traditions like the Holiday Tree Tour—are posted online. You can also follow @matsuskiclub on Facebook and Instagram for updates and a little winter inspiration.
Iron Beauty Health & Wellness Grand Opening
Contributed by Marla Jakab
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Wasilla Area Seniors Harvest Brunch Fundraiser on October 18
Marlene Munsell
by
Contributed
Wasilla Area Seniors, Inc. (WASI) is inviting the community to gather in celebration and support at its Annual Harvest Brunch Fundraiser on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at 10 a.m. at WASI, 1301 S. Century Circle, Wasilla.
The Harvest Brunch is more than just a meal it is a time that brings neighbors together to strengthen community bonds while raising vital funds for senior services in the Mat-Su Valley. Guests will enjoy a delicious brunch, stories that highlight the impact of WASI programs, and opportu-
nities to participate in exciting online and live auction activities.
Proceeds from the event will directly support WASI’s mission to help seniors live as independently as possible, for as long as possible.
Cost of the brunch is $50 per person and
Keys to Caring for an Alaskan Beard
Contributed by R. Lance
Alaska is hard on just about everything. Boots crack, trucks rust, and jackets fade faster than expected. Beards are no exception. The same winds that strip paint off cabins can dry out facial hair and the skin underneath. Without proper care, even a thick Alaskan beard becomes uncomfortable and tough to manage.
Bob Reynolds, better known as “Bad Bob,” knows this firsthand. Raised here and calling Alaska home for more than 60 years, Bob has weathered enough winters to understand exactly what Alaska can do to a man’s face. “If you don’t take care of it, Alaska will take care of it for you,” he says—and he isn’t wrong.
Beards may look rugged, but they need attention. A strong, healthy beard requires upkeep, just like your boots, your truck, or your jacket. Dry air, freezing winds, and sudden bursts of heat can pull moisture out of anything, including your beard. Facial hair has its benefits—it helps keep
your face warm and blocks some wind and sun—but it also brings challenges. In winter, beards trap snow and frost; in summer, they collect dust, salt spray, and sun. Left without care, hair dries out, split ends appear, and the skin underneath itches and flakes. Some men shave out of frustration, others endure it. Neither is necessary. With a simple routine, a beard can stay soft and comfortable year-round.
Taking care of a beard isn’t about vanity—it’s about comfort and health. Bad Bob recommends three simple steps: wash, moisturize, and groom. Many men make the mistake of using harsh soaps or shampoos, which strip the natural oils that protect facial hair. A gentle beard wash once or twice a week is plenty, with just a rinse on other days. Moisturizing is critical in Alaska’s dry air. Beard oils and balms replace lost moisture, calm the skin, and keep hair soft. Apply a few drops of oil daily, then follow with butter or balm to lock it in. A beard comb or brush distrib -
utes oil evenly, detangles knots, and tames frizz, while an occasional trim prevents split ends.
This is the premise behind Bad Bob’s beard care line. His wash, oil, butter, and balm are the result of years spent testing what works in Alaska’s unforgiving climate. Made with natural ingredients, they lock in moisture and keep beards soft through the harshest conditions. These aren’t generic products from a big box store—they’re solutions refined by someone who has lived the challenges himself.
In Alaska, a beard is more than hair—it’s part of the uniform. Fishermen, hunters, guides, and professionals alike wear them with pride. A well-maintained beard tells a story and shows attention to detail. Whether in a boardroom, greeting tourists, or around a campfire, a groomed beard leaves a better impression.
Bad Bob has seen attitudes shift over the decades. “When I was younger, people thought beards were scruffy,” he says.
there are several sponsorship opportunities that begin at $250 and include recognition in event materials and reserved tickets. For more information or to purchase tickets and sponsorships, visit wasillaseniors.com or call 907-232-6179 or check out our Facebook page.
“Now you see them on lawyers, business owners, even people running for office. The ones that look good are the ones that get cared for.” His insight and products come from firsthand experience: “I knew what Alaska could do to my beard, and I knew other men were dealing with the same issues. So, I made something that actually works.”
Through trial and error, Bad Bob proved that even in the Last Frontier, a beard can be strong, healthy, and enjoyable. Visit
badbobsalaskanbeardproducts.com for more information!
Sun’s Out, Skin Checks In: Why It’s Time to See a Dermatologist
Contributed by Bret Willardson, MD; Robert Sorensen, MD
Mat-Su Dermatology
Summer in Alaska has wrapped up, and what a season it was—sunny hikes, long days on the water, and plenty of time outdoors. But while the sun gives us those mood-boosting rays and helps our bodies make vitamin D, it also has a downside: skin damage.
Even if you didn’t get a blistering sunburn, chances are your skin picked up more UV exposure than you think. Over time, repeated sun exposure—even from mild redness—can cause changes in your skin’s DNA. While many of these changes are harmless, some can eventually lead to skin cancer. The good news is, sunscreen and sun protective clothing protect against skin cancer, allowing us to spend more time enjoying the beautiful outdoors and less time worrying about skin cancer.
“But Doesn’t Sunscreen Block Vitamin D?” Great question! Many people worry
that sunscreen interferes with vitamin D production. But research shows that’s not the case. A 2019 study in the British Journal of Dermatology found that people using sunscreen regularly still maintained healthy vitamin D levels.
So go ahead and protect your skin—it won’t stop your body from getting what it needs, and it may prevent more serious issues down the road.
Know the Signs: What to Look For: If you haven’t been consistent with sunscreen this summer (or in the past), it’s not too late! Starting now still makes a big difference moving forward. It’s also a good idea to get your skin checked by a board-certified dermatologist. The earlier we catch skin cancer, the easier it is to treat. Start with the ABCDEs when checking any mole or dark spot: A – Asymmetry: one half doesn’t match the other; B – Border: edges are uneven, blurry, or jagged; C – Color: uneven color or new colors in the same mole; D – Diameter: larger than a pencil eraser (6mm); E – Evolution: any noticeable
changes over weeks or months. If you notice one or more of these signs, it doesn’t automatically mean cancer—but it’s a strong reason to see a dermatologist.
What About Non-Mole Skin Cancers?: Not all skin cancers come in the form of dark moles. In fact, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are the most common types, and they don’t always look like moles. They often show up as pink or red bumps that don’t go away, flaky or scaly patches that may bleed or crust, or firm spots that feel different from the surrounding skin. While these types don’t usually spread as quickly as melanoma, they can grow larger over time and cause damage to surrounding skin and tissue. The sooner they’re caught, the smaller the treatment—and the resulting scar.
Why a Professional Skin Check Matters: At-home checks are important, but they’re no substitute for a full-body skin exam by a dermatologist. Some spots can be tricky to evaluate on your own, especially in hard-to-see areas like your back or scalp.
Breast Cancer: The Significance of Early Detection
Contributed by Dr Magnuson
Anchorage Radiation Oncology
Center
This October throughout Anchorage, Alaska, and the United States, we will celebrate the women who have or have had breast cancer while raising awareness and emphasizing the importance of early detection during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. We all know or love someone who has been diagnosed with breast cancer, as 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some point in their life. Despite the improvements in systemic therapy, radiation therapy and surgical techniques, the stage at which the cancer is detected is by far the greatest determinant of whether a patient diagnosed with breast cancer will be cured. Even with all the advancements that have made in the past decade, the 5-year survivability of
stage IV (metastatic) breast cancer is only 32%, compared to 99% for stage I breast cancer and 87% for stage II or stage III breast cancer.
As a Radiation Oncologist, I meet with my patients once per week as they are undergoing treatment to see how they are doing and to help with any side effects that may arise. During these visits, patients often bring up their treatment regimen and compare it to that of their friends or family members. Patients with early-stage breast cancer may have a treatment that consists of radiation therapy and a daily pill after surgery, while some with more advanced disease may have one year of systemic therapy consisting of chemotherapy and immunotherapy, a total mastectomy with lymph node dissection and six weeks of radiation therapy. Conversely, patients with cancers caught early are of-
Body & Spirit Touch Energy Therapy
Contributed by Daniel Russell
We all need Human touch. Prolonged touch-deprivation can produce physical, and spiritual disease, according to Cohen, et al [https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/ PMC4323947/].
This need is often ignored, because our addiction to smart-phones and social media is so strong that often there is no time
for human touch. Touch-deprivation, unhealthy diet, chronic stress, smoking, drug & alcohol addiction, and lack of aerobic exercise all contribute to a diseased state. I started Body& Spirit Touch Energy Therapy in Anchorage to provide human touch, as an antidote against diseased states resulting from touch-deprivation. I offer you the following modalities of touch: Full-body application of almond oil, lotions,
ten able to avoid chemotherapy, undergo a partial mastectomy (instead of a total mastectomy) and receive shorter courses of radiation therapy. Early detection allows these patients to endure fewer side effects, have less disruption to their day-to-day lives and get back to their pre-diagnosis quality of life much sooner than those who must receive more intensive treatment regimens.
While some women may forego screening mammography due to cost, public health programs and recent legislation have addressed this barrier to care. For patients who meet income guidelines or are uninsured, multiple programs throughout Anchorage and Alaska can provide access to free mammograms. For patients who have insurance but are concerned about the cost of a mammogram or additional imaging that may be required after the
salts, or powders to remove toxins, tension, stress, and pain; Chakra point energy centering to move and center your life-force energy at the hara (tanden, or CV-6 tsubo); Aromatherapy; Light touch; Reiki; Spiritual laying-on-hands; Silent prayer to ask for Holy Spirit; Reflexology of hands, feet, ears. We elevate the consciousness and change the mind to stimulate the body and spirit to heal. Fear stops healing, by turning off our parasympathetic nervous system and turning on our sympathetic
At Mat-Su Dermatology we’re here to help. Our team is comprised of two board certified dermatologists with the expertise to detect the earliest signs of skin cancer. They are also board certified in Mohs surgery so that in the case we do identify a skin cancer, you have the leading experts to provide treatment options tailored to your specific need. Treatments range from topical remedies to skin surgeries, including Mohs surgery right here in our local clinic.
We’re now accepting new patients and can offer expedited appointments for Medicare Part A and B patients—no referral needed.
Schedule Your Skin Check Today: Don’t wait until something looks or feels wrong. A quick screening could give you peace of mind—or help catch skin cancer early before it spreads, and when it’s easiest to treat. Call Mat-Su Dermatology today and let us help you protect the skin you’re in.
screening mammogram, the passage of SB134 eliminates out-of-pocket costs for diagnostic and supplemental breast cancer screening services. SB134 also applies to those who meet income guidelines or are uninsured.
The United States Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF) recently changed their recommendations from starting breast cancer screening from age 50 to age 40 because more women in their 40s are being diagnosed with breast cancer, as well as the fact that early detection saves so many lives. If you are reading this and grew up watching Scooby Doo or The Simpsons, remember playing Oregon Trail in school, or the sound of dial up internet, you are of the age where a screening mammogram is an integral part of your healthcare. If you have never had a mammogram or it has been more than a year since your most recent mammogram, please schedule your mammogram today.
nervous system (fight-or-flight response). Since, 100% faith removes all fear, one can replace fear with faith to engage the healing process. I invite you to come and bring a friend or relative to receive 2-hand, 4-hand, or 6-hand energy touch for free. There is no charge! House calls may also be scheduled.
The author is ordained, certified energy/ Reiki therapist, consultant, and biophysicist in Anchorage, Alaska. Contact Dan at: 907-4445647 or email dnrussellms@gmail.com
Free To Be Offended, Offended To Be Free
Whenever we abandon civil discourse, whenever we refuse peaceful and charitable debate, and instead allow our disagreements to erupt into violence, bloodshed, and war, we are proving the authoritarians right. We are proving the totalitarians right. Their political philosophy rests on this assumption: that ordinary people are incapable of governing themselves. But a free society is founded on the opposite conviction - that self-government is possible. Our democratically elected representatives exist for no other purpose than to deliberate in public, to engage in discourse, to wrestle with disagreement on our behalf. Through them, our perspectives should re-presented, tested, and weighed against one another in search of consensus. And when we ourselves enter into debate about laws, policies, or the norms of our society, we are practicing the very same art of self-government.
But when we lose our composure, when we trade charitable debate for contempt, and discourse for death, we fail in that art. We prove the authoritarian correct in his charge that we are unfit for liberty. This is precisely what the monarchs once said. By the doctrine of divine right, kings claimed authority over us, declaring that only they could rule, because the rest of us could not. Only they could speak freely, only they could author society - that’s why it’s called author-itarianism.
Later, the totalitarians discarded the divine right but clung to the same contempt for the people. In their repackaged authoritarianism, the only law was power itself: whoever could seize it was entitled to wield it. Might makes right instead of Divine Right. In this way, the Marxist and the Fascist both broke with the doctrine of bloodlines and heirs, but only to embrace the doctrine of conquest. Two branches of the same tree, each declaring that the people cannot govern themselves, that governance is nothing but a struggle for domination.
Yet we stand in a different tradition. Ours is the tradition that defeated monarchy, that resisted communism, that broke the back of fascism. Ours is the tradition that pried liberty from the hands of the few and placed it in the hands of the many. That tradition has a name: liberalism. The monarchs hated it. The fascists hated it. The Marxists still hate it. And they are right to hate it, for it is the one tradition that proves them wrong.
“The freedom of speech may be taken away, and dumb and silent we may be led,
like sheep to the slaughter.”
- George Washington
Offense as the Proof of Freedom
Liberalism allows all people to say all things. But don’t expect safety from offense. Expect to be offended. In fact, if you are never offended, then you are not truly exercising liberty, nor are you participating in self-government. You are merely insulated, protected from the responsibility of freedom, which means you are not free at all.
Offense is not the enemy of freedom—it is the proof of it. To hear another person say something that strikes at your deepest convictions, and yet to answer them with words rather than weapons, is the highest demonstration of self-rule. That is the essence of true liberalism.
The authoritarian avoids offense by silencing speech. The totalitarian avoids offense by enforcing conformity. But the liberal tradition embraces offense as the necessary friction of free people governing themselves. To govern yourself is to master your passions enough to hear even the most offensive word and to answer it not with violence, but with reason.
“If liberty means anything at all it means the right to tell people what they do not want to hear.” - George Orwell
The Right to Be Offended
Those who live under authoritarian or totalitarian rule have no right to be offended. Offense assumes the freedom to respond, the freedom to organize, the freedom to speak back. In such societies, there is no mechanism for genuine dissentno public discourse, no open debate, no lawful means of challenging authority. To be offended in these systems is meaningless, because the right to speak on that offense has been stripped away.
Authoritarian systems are built on the assumption that a select few are best suited to govern, and thus authority must be concentrated in their hands. The people are expected to obey, not to deliberate. By contrast, free and liberal societies rest on the opposite conviction: that the people themselves are best suited to govern. This requires discourse. It requires debate. It requires intentional, proactive tolerance of offense. Without the capacity to be offended, and without the freedom to voice that offense, there can be no true self-government.
Offense as Civic Duty
In liberal societies, offense is not a breakdown of the system - it is the beating heart of it. To be offended is to recognize that another human being has spoken a word contrary to your own convictions. And your response, whether to argue, to persuade, or to dismiss, is the very act of self-government. Offense is the signal that you are alive within the grand experiment of individual liberty.
That is why tolerating offense is not only a civic virtue, but a civic duty. If you silence every voice that offends you, you are not governing yourself - you are demanding that those in power author the limits of society. You are asking for an authority to step in and set the boundaries of speech, to create silence through suppression. That is the path back to authoritarianism, the very thing liberalism was born to defeat.
To endure offense, to respond with reason instead of violence, and to continue the conversation - that is the burden of freedom. It is heavy, and it is hard, but it is also the proof that we are capable of governing ourselves.
“Liberty means responsibility. That is why most men dread it.”
- George Bernard Shaw
The Duty Betrayed
To refuse offense, or to demand protection from it, is not treason, but it is dereliction of duty. In a free society, the duty of every citizen is to endure the discomfort of hearing what they would rather not hear, and to respond not with violence but with reason. This is the discipline of selfgovernance.
When we abandon that duty - when we lash out in anger, or silence our opponents through force - we surrender the very proof that we are capable of liberty. We hand back the argument to the monarchs, to the fascists, to the Marxists. We confirm their suspicion that the people cannot govern themselves, and that authority must once again be concentrated in the hands of the few.
But when we bear the sting of offense with patience and intentionality, when we answer with words instead of weapons, we are living proof of liberalism’s promise: that free people are capable of governing themselves.
“The price of liberty is eternal vigilance.”
- Thomas Jefferson
The Long March Tested
The greatest threat to liberty is not always the sudden coup, but the slow erosionthe long march through our institutions. Authoritarians know that free people will never hand over liberty in a single moment. But they also know that tired people, distracted people, divided people will let it slip away, piece by piece.
And yet, the Constitution was built for this. Its checks and balances are obstacles to the patient tyrant just as much as the violent one. But paper barriers are not enough. Liberty lives only when free people take on the challenge of being free.
That is why self-governance is not a luxury, it is a discipline. We must debate, argue, persuade, and yes, offend each other - not to tear the house down, but to keep it strong. When radicals march through our institutions, our duty is not to imitate their methods of suppression, but to outshine them with truth, to outlast
You can respond to what you’ve read, or write what matters to you.
them with perseverance, and to expose their flawed, illiberal logic with courage.
Because liberalism cannot be defeated from without unless it is first abandoned within.
“To extend the base of the student movement, Rudi Dutschke has proposed the strategy of the long march through the institutions: working against the established institutions while working within them, but not simply by ‘boring from within’, rather by ‘doing the job’, learning ... how to teach at all levels of education, how to use the mass media ... how to organize production ... at the same time preserving one’s own consciousness in working with others.”
- Herbert Marcuse
“Revolution is a long complicated process in which people have to change, and such change is effected only by a long march through the institutions.”
- Rudi Dutschke
The Proof in Blood
And now we see the terrible consequence of forgetting this responsibility. The assassination of Charlie Kirk is not only the silencing of a man, but the silencing of debate. It is not merely the end of a voice, but an attempt to end the very tradition of open discourse. The assassins gun was aimed at intimidating anyone else from debating the very issues that have been propagated by those who have enjoined our institutions. Disagreement is the lifeblood of liberty, and public debate is the jugular vein that circulates within the body politic. Even though Kirk was a conservative, what he was doing on that stage was profoundly liberal. He was practicing the basic tenet of liberalism: speaking freely, before the public, in the open contest of ideas. Free expression is truly the primary principle of the philosophy of liberalism, because without it, we cannot affect selfgovernance. Agree with him or not, his presence at that debate was proof that selfgovernment is possible - that we can still answer words with words, offense with argument, disagreement with debate.
His assassin rejected all of that. With one shot, the assassin attempted to prove the monarch right, the fascist right, the Marxist right - that we are incapable of governing ourselves with words, and must be ruled instead by force. That bullet was not aimed only at Kirk, but at the very heart of liberalism itself. And if we respond in kind, if the rest of us respond with violence, leading to widespread civil conflict, martial law will ensue. Totalitarianism will be forced upon us all. That is the true aim of this assassination, to bring about a de facto authoritarianism.
But here’s the truth: if we allow this to be the final word, then liberty itself is lost. If we allow assassination to replace debate, then the authoritarians were right all along. But if we refuse, if we answer violence not with more violence but with deeper commitment to discourse, then we prove the promise of true, historical liberalism. Liberalism is not the property of one party, nor one man, nor one nation. It is the inheritance of all free people. And every time we endure offense, every time we debate rather than destroy, every time we govern ourselves by words instead of weapons - we prove the monarch wrong, the fascist wrong, the Marxist wrong. We prove the liberal tradition still lives.
“Those who make peaceful revolution impossible will make violent revolution inevitable.”
- John F. Kennedy
Two Trees
They do not know the truth of it
Those who want their freedom And have not done due diligence And books they do not need them
They’d rather rant and rave all day When something doesn’t suit them And rattle sabers, these rifle wavers Who lack resolve to shoot them
They haven’t taken time to learn And so they are not fit to fight
Thinking that the battle’s won By men with arms and brutish might
But the tree of liberty Is planted in the mind at first Watered there with thoughtful care
Lest the tree should die of thirst
While the tree of tyranny It grows without the willful hand And spreads its seeds without the thought Or the artifice of man
And when these trees grow side by side Both to yield their kind of fruit One you prune with loving care The other you strike at the root
We must learn now to be free Which only comes from learned toil Freedom won’t come naturally We must coax it from the soil
ABOUT: “Joshua Fryfogle, the owner of The People’s Paper, Make A Scene Magazine, and Liberty, Liberally, is heavily involved in the local community. In addition to creating a monthly paper that prints what community members submit, he also owns 95.5 The Pass, KNLT, one of the only stations in the nation to play local music in regular rotation! Josh is a lifelong singer/songwriter, and serves as booking agent and sound engineer for countless other Alaskan musicians.”
To Use These Liberal Arts
By Joshua Fryfogle March, 2021
The founders, they were learned men They freed themselves with books With bayonets and bullets, too But that’s not what it took
Freedom wasn’t won with guns But first it was the thought That we could think and freely speak If only we were taught
The founders, they made war with words Long before gun powder And in the silence of their mindsBut cannon fire was louder
Liberty was rising up From broadsheet; pamphlet; pen For many years before the Crown Would force them to defend
The founders, they declared each life As given from on high And as such they would guarantee That each could live their life
Exactly as their conscience bade them
There within their hearts
And share what’s there, as they would dare To use these liberal arts
From the Journal of Joshua Fryfogle
POLITICS & OPINION
Feast of Trumpets Celebration
Contributed by Wellspring Ministries
All are invited to join us as we celebrate the Biblical birth of our Messiah. Those interested in being part of the production may reply to this email or call the office at 907-563-9033.
The event begins with “making a joyful
noise” at Flattop Overlook (Blueberry Loop) at 6 p.m., praying and blowing trumpets over Anchorage. Following, we will gather at Wellspring Ministries, 2511 Sentry Drive, Anchorage, for the celebration at 7 p.m. Questions? Call 907-563-9033.
Walking The Talk
Contributed by Vlastic MAREK
As I’m reading joke pools about who shall I vote for Governor, all assuming I’m stupid and I need to be told, I can’t but to remember only Edna DeVries was out there
defending Grand Jury institution before it was popular to defend Grand Jury. Is she too old for Governor? I would rather have good governor for weeks then another talker for years. Think for yourself and quit eating all that sugar. It is important.
America’s Gun Crisis: How Alaska Can Lead the Way to Change
Levesque
Contributed by Everett
America’s first school shooting was in 1840—we can’t pretend this is new: The first recorded school shooting in the United States occurred in 1840 at the University of Virginia. Joseph Semmes, a disgruntled law student, shot and killed Professor J.A.G. Davis, a respected faculty member. Even in an era when gun violence was rare, this tragedy provoked outrage and calls for justice. That tragic event was the beginning of a long and troubling history of school shootings in America. This is a crisis that continues to escalate. Unlike other nations, the U.S. has repeatedly failed to enact meaningful policies to prevent further
tragedies.
Other countries act, and it works: Australia implemented sweeping reforms, including a national gun buyback program and bans on certain firearms. Canada strengthened its licensing process, and the UK banned most handguns after the Dunblane school massacre. Norway and Switzerland didn’t ban guns outright, but made access more responsible with stronger background checks, restricted certain weapons, and enforced safer storage of ammunition. These countries show that common-sense gun laws save lives.
Alaska should lead by example: Alaska has always taken pride in its frontier spirit, individual freedoms, and strong sense of
community. But those values don’t conflict with responsible gun ownership. In fact, they demand it. With one of the highest gun ownership rates in the U.S., Alaska is uniquely positioned to prove that safety and freedom can coexist. Leadership starts with universal background checks, safe storage laws, red flag provisions, and mandatory safety training. We can’t afford to wait for another tragedy to hit closer to home. It’s time to act.
Call to action—contact your Alaska lawmaker today: If you’re concerned about the safety of our schools and communities, speak up now. Visit akleg.gov and use the “Who Represents Me?” tool to find your district; go to your representative’s page for contact details; reach out by phone,
address, or web contact form; or visit
Information
(LIO) for help. Tell them you support common-sense gun safety laws and want Alaska to be part of the solution.
Closing statement: The current status
America at a Financial Crossroads: The Case for Real Money
Contributed by Alexander Harmon
America is at a turning point. Our financial system is unraveling, and the very idea of what money is—and what it should be—is being hijacked. For decades, the U.S. dollar has been inflated, manipulated, and hollowed out by the very institutions meant to protect it. The dollar in your pocket today has lost over 90% of its purchasing power in the last century. And now, with the rapid push toward digital currencies, the danger isn’t just inflation—it’s control. The fraud of the banking system: Most Americans don’t realize that our banking system is built on debt and illusion. When you deposit money in a bank, it doesn’t sit there waiting for you. The bank loans it out, leveraging your savings multiple times over, creating money from nothing. This “fractional reserve banking” is legalized
fraud—printing digits on a screen while real value erodes. The Federal Reserve, a private central bank, fuels this process by endlessly creating more dollars. Every time more dollars are printed, your savings shrink in value. This isn’t just mismanagement—it’s a theft of your labor, a silent tax that makes slaves of working Americans.
The Constitution’s answer—real money: Our Founding Fathers understood the dangers of paper money. That’s why the U.S. Constitution is clear: Article I, Section 10: “No State shall… make any Thing but gold and silver Coin a Tender in Payment of Debts.” The law of the land is not fiat currency. The law of the land is gold and silver. For over a hundred years, we’ve been living outside this standard, using paper promises instead of real, lawful money. And now, with central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) looming, the last scraps of financial
freedom are at risk.
The threat of digital slavery: Digital currency may sound convenient, but it is the ultimate tool of control. Imagine a world where every transaction is tracked, where your access to funds can be shut off with a keystroke, where dissent can be silenced by freezing your money. That’s not freedom—it’s financial slavery. The death of the dollar paves the way for this system, unless Americans take action now.
The Goldback solution: There is hope, and it comes in the form of real money— Goldbacks. Available at goldback.com, these beautifully designed, spendable notes are made with real, physical gold woven into each bill. Unlike paper dollars, Goldbacks are not backed by promises or debt—they are gold. They represent true, tangible wealth in a form you can hold, trade, and use in everyday life. Goldbacks
allow Americans to step outside the collapsing fiat system and reclaim the use of lawful money. They are divisible, practical, and instantly recognizable as real value. Every Goldback you hold is a shield against inflation and a vote against financial tyranny.
A call to action: America is running out of time. The dollar is dying, the banks are tightening their grip, and digital currency is on the horizon. If we do nothing, we march willingly into a system of total control. But if we act, if we return to gold and silver— the money of the Constitution—we can preserve our wealth, our freedom, and our future. The solution is simple: educate yourself, take responsibility, and secure real money. Don’t wait until the system locks you out. Start today by holding what cannot be faked, printed, or deleted: Goldbacks.
A Hobbyist, a Jew, and a Future U.S. Senator Walk into a Grocery Store
Contributed by Dorene Lorenz
The unlikely trio behind the protest that gave Alaska its Human Rights Commission. No one was expecting to change Alaska, but that’s precisely what happened when three men with backbone—a civil rights hobbyist, a Jewish grocer, and a rookie legislator with something to prove—walked into the Gambell Carrs. Together, they turned a picket line into policy and created one of the longest-running human rights commissions in America.
In 1962, over 30% of the store’s customers were Black, yet there wasn’t a single African American working in a public-facing role. In a letter, co-owner Bernard J. Carr, Sr. admitted to employing “two Negro employees” as a janitor and a garbage collector, but insisted, “The time is not right to hire a Negro checker.” Activist Pat Berkley recalled, “Carrs didn’t want to hire any Blacks... Pop Carr wasn’t about to hire
another after one got too friendly with a white girl.”
When negotiations failed, the Alaska NAACP organized the second picket in Anchorage’s history. A Pearl Harbor survivor, Willard Bowman, a self-described civil rights “hobbyist,” coordinated dozens into a 24-hour picket line that lasted nearly two weeks. Berkley led women during the day while men marched at night. “Cars and pedestrians booed and laughed at [us],” she recalled.
The protest worked. Carrs agreed to hire one Black employee immediately, a second in 30 days, and a third in 60—all in customer-facing roles. Carrs missed the deadlines, but the NAACP persisted. Richard Watts, Jr., the son of a protester, was eventually hired as a bagger. Watts stayed for over 50 years, retiring as a district operations manager.
Bowman wasn’t satisfied. If progress required a picket line, Alaska’s constitution
wasn’t working. To his surprise, one of the men across the table agreed.
Two years earlier, Barney Gottstein had merged his grocery business with Larry Carr’s, forming an empire. Gottstein, a WWII Army Air Corps veteran, had returned to Alaska to work in the family business after he was told no airplane manufacturer would hire a Jew. The protest frustrated him. Dialogue should have resolved the issue, not protest signs.
Bowman and Gottstein, once adversaries, found themselves aligned. They wanted something permanent, a process to uphold Article I, Section 3 of Alaska’s Constitution, which prohibits discrimination based on race, creed, or national origin. But three years into statehood, the legislature had done nothing.
Fortunately, Barney knew a guy. That November, he helped elect his real estate partner Mike Gravel to the Alaska House.
The Power and Prestige of Voting
Contributed by John Alcantra
My mother, Patricia Alcantra passed away this summer. She was super in every way, including being a super voter. She did not just vote in 19 presidential elections (yes, every election from 1952 until 2024) but EVERY election. This means every primary and every local election and special election throughout her life. She passed this on to her 10 children as well. I am currently one of five candidates running for the office of Mayor in the city of Palmer. I have been to hundreds of doors
this campaign season in an effort to win election, but also to drive a decent turnout to the polls. By the end of the campaign, I will have knocked on well over 1,000 doors in the city of Palmer. Of course, I want people to vote for me for the office, but most importantly I want them to vote. My goal is to get the total number of voters over 1,000. People say that will never happen, but I think it can, and it should. Every person has one vote in each election, and they should cast that vote. I was in the audience in 2006 when Bryce Edgmon and Carl Moses tied in a state
house primary with 793 votes each. The winner had to be determined by coin flip and Mr. Edgmon emerged victorious, when Representative Moses (The incumbent) called heads and it fell tails. Bryce Edgmon has been in the State House ever since and became the first Alaska Native Speaker of the Alaska House of Representatives for multiple terms. If one more vote would have shown up for Rep.Moses, history would have been rewritten. Another time in Fairbanks back in 2008, Rep. Mike Kelly beat out Karl Kassel 5,018 votes to 5,017 votes for a State House Seat.
Gravel drafted the Alaska Human Rights Act, which created the State Commission for Human Rights. Introduced by Governor Bill Egan, it was one of the first bills passed in the 1963 session, signed into law on March 19.
Bowman became the Commission’s first executive director. Gottstein served as one of the original five commissioners. In 1970, Bowman made history again, becoming one of Alaska’s first Black state legislators.
The closing of “The People’s Carrs” marks more than the end of a neighborhood store—it’s the quiet shuttering of a site where real change began. Because once, a civil rights hobbyist, a Jewish businessman, and a young man with presidential ambition didn’t just walk into Carrs. They walked into history. They turned protest into policy and outrage into infrastructure. Thanks to them, Alaska didn’t just talk about equality; it built something to protect it.
Yes, with over 10,000 votes cast the margin was one vote. If a single Kelly voter would have voted Kassel, Kassel would have served in the Alaska State House. These are Alaska examples and more recently we have seen a Palmer Mayor’s race decided by three votes and a Palmer City Council race decided by four votes. I want to challenge everyone who lives in Palmer to get out and vote either on October 7th or during early voting beginning on September 22 and running through October 6th at Palmer City Hall. I have always had the utmost respect for my mother and her continuous record of voting. I know my mom will be looking down and hoping for a big turnout and a mayoral victory for her son.
POLITICS & OPINION
A Bold Choice for Palmer’s Next Mayor
Contributed by Cachet Garrett
First, I want to give honor where honor is due. I am up for Mayor in this current election cycle alongside four other service-oriented leaders. I wish to offer each of them deep respect for their courage in stepping up in leadership over our precious community, and I thank them for their service in Palmer on the Council and in the numerous other ways that they serve us. Their cumulative years of experience speak volumes to what the voters are looking for. Candidates, you are very much appreciated and I honor you. Service is no easy task—it is a labor of love—and I hope that you are regularly receiving the appreciation that you deserve for your efforts.
The council experience that each of my mayoral colleagues bring to the table (and the mayoral prowess of one, in particular) is certainly important but not required of the incoming Mayor. Rather, what is required of me is that I understand how to lead, in general, and how to lead with love and compassion, specifically. Voters will want to know that I understand what Palmer is
all about and the direction in which the people want our hometown to go. What we are about in Palmer is homegrown pride in the way we live life here, the high value we place on our small size, and the sense of protection regarding becoming more like our neighboring cities. We adore that we have a proper downtown and that we can walk around it with relative ease. That being said, I am distressed and saddened that a pedestrian was killed today, just blocks from my home. I lift up prayers and condolences for all involved and call on the great Comforter to ease the suffering of the family and friends of our deceased community member. I raise this as an issue of extreme importance for our Council—addressing pedestrian safety as a topmost issue. One mutual goal of our community is that our streets are safe to walk, comfortable to drive, and immune to traffic nightmares.
I was born and raised here in Palmer.
Launched as a life-long learner, as a lover of the arts, as a leader, and as a volunteer—all here. All of my early experiences here constituted me as a Palmerite firstly and then
as an Alaskan. Palmer formulated me as a leader and public servant. Palmer is in my blood; it is in my bones. I am made of this land, this land is within me, and when I die my body will go back to this land.
While my co-leaders in the mayoral race have more experience in a city governance format than I, I believe that I alone have the exact leadership skill set to uplift the people of Palmer in the unique way that I do and in how it is desperately needed at this time. My platform is “Love and Healing,” something we can all get behind as absolutely essential, and I put my all into embodying these values as my modus operandi.
My work background is in health education, group facilitation, public presentations, fundraising, and advocacy. My career as a massage therapist means that I help people to feel better in their bodies and minds and to increase their sense of well-being. This is the kind of mayor Palmer needs right now. My scholarly pursuits in communication, leadership, cross-cultural studies, and sustainability are evidence of the importance of each of these in my life. This is the kind of mayor Palmer needs right now. My current endeavors as a student in both chaplaincy and ministry
Are We Losing Our Freedoms? Come Hear the Experts
Contributed by David Boyle
How much freedom do you really have and are you losing it? Do you believe your kids and grandkids are getting quality public education? And how will Artificial Intelligence impact your children’s critical thinking skills and possibly your job? Does the government own your body, or do you have a say into what goes into your body? These are all very important questions that will affect your daily life. Alaskans 4 Personal Freedom, formerly the Alaska Covid Alliance, is hosting speakers at an
event that should answer many of these questions.
Leslie Hiner from the premier Ed Choice organization will tell you about the newly passed Federal Tax Credit Scholarship program. Guess what? You can save $1,700 off your federal taxes just by donating to an authorized scholarship granting organization. Now that’s good news for parents. The impact of Artificial Intelligence on your child’s ability to think is coming. Will your child lose critical thinking skills and creativity skills to AI machines? Will AI replace you in your job? Well known au-
Charlie Kirk Was Assassinated Today
Contributed by Representative
David Eastman
Today, I saw a great American, Charlie Kirk, assassinated live on camera while taking questions from students at Utah Valley University. He was 31. His wife Erika, their 4-year-old daughter, and 2-year-old son, now get to pick up the pieces. I do not recommend watching the video. It was a public execution.
I was proud to know Charlie as a peer. We were each Claremont Institute Fellows and were classmates in Claremont’s Telos Academy. Viriginia legislator Nick Freitas, another great American I am proud to know, put it this way:
“Charlie was the best of us. They didn’t
murder Charlie Kirk because he was an extremist or a fascist or a threat to democracy or inciting violence, or any of the other reasons that they are now trying to put out on X and TikTok and everywhere else. They murdered him because he was effective. He was effective. The man made incredible arguments while at the same time always trying to seek out common humanity. He might have disagreed with arguments, but he didn’t hate anyone. And they murdered him. That’s what happened.”
It now goes without saying that Charlie stood courageously on the front lines in today’s political scene. His wife and kids are now without a husband and father because he did so. We rightly honor our
thor Michael Ashley will tell you about the future of AI and its serious impact on your kids and your jobs. There will be several medical doctors bringing you up to date on healthcare public policy issues. Mary Holland from Childrens’ Health Defense (founded by Robert F. Kennedy Jr.) will discuss vaccine mandates and their violation of basic human rights. Is it your body or the government’s?
Dr. Pierre Kory, our keynote speaker, will address the medicine that saved millions and could have ended the pandemic. His
military veterans who served honorably on our behalf in our nation’s military. We do well to bestow similar honor on those few brave souls currently putting themselves in harm’s way by standing on behalf of their fellow countrymen in the political sphere. Do not hear me to say that politicians are deserving of honor. Being elected is not a mark of courage in 2025. If anything, it is the mark of someone who has no courage. People get elected for many reasons; courage is not usually one of them. Those few who do have courage, and are standing on behalf of others, instead of themselves, are easy to pick out in 2025. I expect this to only be more true in the coming years.
Our current political establishment bears them unending antipathy. To have courage and to stand for someone or something other than yourself is incredibly destabiliz-
Re-Framing: Government vs Business
Contributed by Kassandra Rees
A recent article, Borrowed Authority and Borrowed Money on Borrowed Time, outlined several related issues of concern: government jobs were perceived as “sacred, more important, and paid more than private sector equivalents…simply because they work for the public, ” that “the government exists because the private sector exists,” and that governments should follow businesses practices of adapting and innovation to ensure “efficiencies.”
This article exemplifies the “government as business” ideology, which misses important differences in purpose, function and results of two completely different entities, an apples-to-oranges comparison, and points to one solution for significantly different problems. An expanded frame reveals that a one-size-fits-all solution does not fit the problem.
Government-should-be-run-like-a-business ideology began as business leaders adopted and applied Frederick Taylor’s scientific management efficiency research, finding it to be highly profitable. Musk and Zuckerberg, modern technology business leaders, add innovation and profit-driven efficiency language to influence us into believing that “efficiency” should take precedence over “effectiveness,” and that being a good (?) businessperson qualifies someone to run a country. Powerful business leaders lobby and influence our government leaders, promoting “innova-
tions” such as privatization, deregulation and outsourcing as solutions to “bureaucratic inefficiencies” - while inserting profit for businesses who take on these public issues. The buzzword “efficiency” (minimize waste, maximize output/profit, with speed, cost-cutting, and return-on-investment metrics) is hyper-focused on money and profit, while “effectiveness” gets far less consideration.
Definitions matter: Businesses exist to serve themselves and their shareholders by providing goods and services to the community in exchange for money, with the end-goal of profit, including those with contracts from the government for privatization initiatives. Governments exist to govern, defined as making and administering public policy and managing affairs of an entire nation, state, city, etc. American government is designed to be Of the People, By the People, and For the People – a representative institution that exists to govern all of the People (business owners included). Governments are NOT businesses, not FOR businesses, and not OF businesses – nor should they be run LIKE a business. Government services are NOT “products-for-profit,” its citizens are human beings NOT “customers,” and competition and profit motives do NOT improve public sector outcomes.
Mission matters: Business’ mission: profit. Changes in ownership, M&As, management failures, economic and natural
Annexation Wrong Move for Palmer
Contributed by Amanda Lee
Annexation is one of the most consequential actions a city can pursue. It permanently alters who votes in city elections, who pays city taxes, and who depends on the city for basic services such as police protection, water, sewer, roads, and airport access. According to Alaska’s Local Boundary Commission (LBC), annexations must serve “the best interests of the state” and meet strict criteria—not just a city’s desire to expand.
At this moment, the City of Palmer is in
no position to shoulder the burdens annexation would bring. A look at Palmer’s recent history of legal, financial, and management struggles makes it clear that annexation would be irresponsible.
Over the past two years, Palmer has cycled through multiple city managers in a storm of controversy. In 2024, the city hired Stephen Jellie, who quickly raised alarms about internal policies and financial practices. His tenure lasted only 53 days before he resigned, leaving with a $75,000 severance payout. The departure came on the heels of repeated warnings from the city
certificate programs exhibit my desire for lifelong service in the upliftment of others. As a future chaplain of Hospice my main ministry is a ministry of presence, to be there to listen to what the patient and the patient’s family are going through. These are critical skills in a leader and are at the forefront of the skills that Palmer needs in its next mayor. I also endeavor to open a massage studio in Palmer and would prefer to share the space with other licensed therapists. I am eager for the people of Palmer to experience my dual life callings: as a bodyworker and as an exemplary leader of the People.
In spite of the collective experience behind my co-runners in the race, what I understand Palmer to need right now is new leadership, bold leadership, leadership that exhibits honor, respect, and encouragement at all times. I am exceedingly appreciative of the leadership experience of our older candidates, and I am thrilled for the ongoing development of our younger ones. Let us endeavor to always work together for the betterment of all. Love and healing are what is needed. Thank you for reading my words. Reach Cachet at (907) 888-LOVE (5683) or cachettravelstheworld@gmail.com.
newly published book tells the story of “The War on Ivermectin”. Dr. Kory will the use of Ivermectin and other repurposed drugs to treat long Covid and cancers. And that’s not all! For all you farmers and those who want nutritious and chemical-free food, Dr. Meryl Nass will provide information on how the large global conglomerates have taken over much of America’s food supply and farmland. Will these foreign entities control the food you put on the table?
Save the date, October 11 at the University of Alaska, Wendy Williamson Auditorium. You can hear all these nationally known speakers by registering at ak4pf.org/2025-conference
ing in a political environment like Juneau or DC where an honest politicians is one who, when he’s bought, stays bought. In 2025, no political figure deserves honor who does not bear the mark of the antipathy that the reigning political establishment, both Democrat and Republican, invariably dish out. Charlie bore that mark before he was assassinated. Do not honor him because of the manner of his death. Honor him because he was so courageous and so effective that they could find no better way to shut him up than to murder him. Rest in peace Charlie.
Rep. David Eastman represented the Mat-Su Valley in the Alaska House of Representatives from January 2017 to January 2025. Visit davideastman.org for more information.
disasters, cause businesses to fail, or require reorganization to ensure the accomplishment of its singular mission – profit. Government’s mission: justice, security, public welfarethe greatest good for the greatest number of its citizens. The job is never finished, as serving the needs of People never ends.
Leadership matters: Business leaders are hired and well-compensated to quickly drive profitable results for business owners; priorities are monetarily driven and self-serving. Government leaders are elected as representatives of their citizen constituents and are expected to uphold human rights, balance and safe-guard legal rights, listen to dissent, and attend to the needs of all human citizens under their care.
Functions matter: Business functions modify inputs into outputs, through various ways and means, to provide goods and services for private profit; efficiencies in multiple areas facilitate that drive for profit, serving a particular business and its stakeholders. Government functions support all citizens through Public Goods and Services - fire departments, disaster relief, public education, and more – none of which are “market-driven” – they do not generate profit, are focused on long-term effectiveness rather than “efficiencies” to serve everyone, and require collective responsibility. Effectiveness is influenced by due process, public deliberation, and checks and balances – designed to slow things down to avoid abuse of power and
attorney about potential legal violations tied to his directives. Earlier, Palmer had already dismissed a previous manager under similar tension over financial transparency.
This revolving door of leadership is more than just embarrassing—it reflects structural instability at the top of city government. Annexation would double the city’s population overnight, yet Palmer has struggled to retain stable leadership even for its current size.
The Palmer Police Department and dispatch system are in flux. In 2024, city leaders pushed to move dispatch services to Mat-Com, despite the city attorney’s warning of “imminent” legal risk tied to employment and policy changes. At the
serve as legal protection from potential negative impact.
Effectiveness matters: Business results are measured by short-term, shareholder focused metrics, looking for quick wins that benefit just a few. Government results are measured with a long-term focus, calculating benefits and harms, aiming for the overall consequences of the greatest good for the greatest number of those they serve.
Obligations matter: Business obligations – pursuit of profit – require a moral minimum of legal compliance, while ethical concerns lag. Governments are obligated to serve everyone even when there is no financial “return,” or the consequences are not immediately apparent, and the lens widens to thoughtful ethical considerations – what is the right thing to do?
An experiment on “government efficiency” by businesspeople is under way now: cutting government jobs with questionable legality through highly disruptive, chaotic practices, have already led to confusion and concern. Public service providers – education, healthcare, public information resources and others –are forced to focus on how to move forward to serve the public with fewer resources in funding and personnel rather than doing their jobs as intended.
Bottom line: Citizens must engage to consciously consider definitions, functions and management of these two separate, fundamentally different entities, determine and analyze the actual problem, then engage in appropriate, effective solutions.
same time, the police department faces fresh scrutiny: in August 2025, a video surfaced showing a Palmer officer repeatedly striking a man during an arrest at the Alaska State Fair. While investigations are ongoing, the incident exposes the city to likely litigation and public trust concerns. If Palmer cannot resolve questions about dispatch and policing for today’s residents, how can it promise adequate services for thousands more through annexation?
Palmer’s wastewater treatment plant has long been under federal and state scrutiny. For years the facility failed to comply with Clean Water Act permits, leading to a $200,000 penalty in 2017 .. READ MORE ON THE NEXT PAGE
Hudson for Palmer
Contributed by Victoria Hudson
When I chose to run for city council, it was not out of political ambition, but from a profound sense of duty to my neighbors and community. Before moving to Alaska, I homeschooled my children and devoted my life to family, faith, and service, which instilled in me values of perseverance, honesty, and commitment. When local business owners and residents urged me to step forward, I could not decline, and my guiding principle has remained simple yet unwavering: listen to the people, act decisively on their concerns, and lead with integrity.
Too often in politics we hear promises repeated endlessly but rarely fulfilled. I determined early on that my record would be measured not in rhetoric, but in outcomes. That is why four of our roads are now scheduled for paving in the summer of 2026, a direct consequence of raising concerns and pressing for action. It is why I pressed for safety improvements around Sherrod and Swanson Elementary Schools, securing a stop sign at Gulkana Court and advocating further for a crosswalk across Eagle and Gulkana, ensuring that children
walking to school may do so with greater protection. I have pushed to advance the paving of a proper parking lot at the Matanuska River trailhead, not only to improve access for families but also to alleviate traffic congestion that burdens parents, buses, and students at critical pickup and drop-off hours. Each of these efforts reflects my conviction that the well-being of our families, and particularly our children, must remain central to public service.
I have also been committed to supporting economic vitality and downtown renewal. Palmer’s heart is its historic downtown, yet today we see approximately eight vacant storefronts that diminish both opportunity and vibrancy. In response, I have led the initiative to revise outdated parking codes that had long burdened small businesses. Combined with the addition of fifty new downtown spaces at no added maintenance cost, this change is designed to encourage commerce, remove barriers to growth, and create an atmosphere where entrepreneurs can once again fill those empty windows with thriving shops and restaurants. It is not enough to preserve downtown as a relic; we must equip it to flourish for the next generation.
Public safety has likewise remained an unwavering priority. I have worked in close
Jim Cooper for Palmer Mayor
Jim Cooper
Contributed by
Who is Jim Cooper: I have lived in Alaska for 44 years. I grew up in Juneau in a Coast Guard family. I continued that tradition with a 26-year Coast Guard career myself. During that career, my wife and I lived in many coastal communities in Alaska: Juneau, Douglas, and Kodiak. Upon retirement, my wife, Cheri, and I moved to Palmer in 1995 and purchased the Just Sew fabric store, which we operated for 11 years. During that time and since then, we became thoroughly committed to the community.
Why Jim Cooper: I am a current Palmer Councilman, a former Palmer Mayor and Councilman, past co-chair of the Palmer Pride & Special Events committees, past president of the Greater Palmer Chamber of Commerce, past member of the Palmer Planning and Zoning Commission, past chairman of the Palmer Community Development Task Force, current board member for Palmer Community Foundation and
the National Brain Tumor Society, a 26-year Coast Guard veteran, and Palmer Citizen of the Year.
Beliefs: Palmer has a sense of community. Those who live here or near here feel at home and feel safe. We need projects that continue to improve the quality of life, ones that will stand the test of time and last well into the future. People appreciate the view, the people, the small shops, the walkability. Some of the issues and priorities we need to guarantee for Palmer and her residents include maintaining the charm and integrity of downtown while encouraging and assisting businesses to locate and prosper here; promoting customer service from the City and involving business owners in decisions that affect them; upgrading our current infrastructure by fixing and adding sidewalks and crosswalks and paving remaining roads within the City; ensuring the Palmer library meets the needs of the community; prioritizing walkability for all ages and abilities by increasing existing
collaboration with our city leadership to bring forward a ban on sidewalk and street camping, ensuring that Palmer does not repeat the mistakes of larger cities whose inability to balance compassion with order has left their communities struggling with disorder. Safety, lawfulness, and dignity go hand in hand, and as mayor, I will continue to insist that Palmer remain a city where families and visitors alike feel secure.
My commitment has never been limited to policy. When Palmer faced flooding, I was not behind closed doors, but out in the community with my husband, clearing drains and stacking sandbags. When the opportunity arose to nominate a recipient for the Golden Heart Award in 2025, I was the only council member to do so, proudly putting forward our Palmer Fire and Rescue Chaplain. In these instances, I sought not recognition, but to model the principle that leadership is most authentic when it is active, and personal.
As we look toward Palmer’s future, we must also grapple with questions of fiscal responsibility and sustainability. Within city limits, Palmer has 5,904 residents. Yet our fire, rescue, water, and sewer services extend far beyond those limits, serving over 32,000 residents across Palmer and the greater Palmer area. This discrepancy is
walking and bike paths and adding others throughout the City; having more community conversations to involve citizens in decisions; managing the growth that continues to come to Palmer and the Valley; becoming more proactive rather than reactive to issues; collaborating with the Borough and State to improve infrastructure that surrounds Palmer; and continuing to keep our downtown core area attractive and livable.
I think my improvements can be summarized into one word—Proactive. The City needs to be more inviting to its users, improve the website, and have better and more personal interface. We need to invite more people to join the boards and commissions, but more importantly, listen to them and take their recommendations seriously. We also need to improve relations with businesses, have an open-door policy, and accept business involvement and suggestions for how to make things better or easier for them—regardless of where the owners live. We need to continue to make Palmer a destination, the best place to live, work, and play.
For over 30 years, I have been a public
Robber Barons vs. Industrial Statesman: But Are They Patriots?
Contributed by Doug Ferguson
As an observer, you can’t help but seeing all the powerful opposition to President Trump and his administration’s attempts to restore and save our unique democratic republic. From extended delays through drawn out lawfare against his tariffs and other executive orders, false media stories regarding his health and mental state, and in many cases reporting on well-known celebrities’ and others suggesting or even calling for his assassination and the endless false rumors about his cabinet members, if you are someone who loves this country and it’s unique freedoms, you can’t help but be concerned.
All this has made me reflect on a radically different time and place in our history in which I lived. In engineering college in the late 1950’s, we had to take a significant number of credit hours of “Western Civilization” in our sophomore and junior years to broaden our outlook on an otherwise technical and science-based education.
This was taught by an outstanding group of professors brought in from well known liberal arts colleges for that purpose.
It was in one of those semesters that I remember a unique learning experience that in our current environment resonates with me today. For homework we were given a great deal of reading material on some of the biggest industrialists and businessman in the history of the U.S. and then were required to write an essay to discuss in class on whether they were “Robber Barons or Industrial Statesman”.
As we discussed the histories of John D. Rockefeller, Andrew Carnegie, Henry Ford, the “railroad barons” and the like, we had very lively debates as to which “camp” they belonged! Our professor encouraged this kind of debate as long as we argued in a logical fashion from the facts we were given, or that we may have additionally researched ourselves. Not sure many such open conditions could exist in our colleges today!
Looking back, regardless of where you
end up on the “Robber Baron vs. Industrial Statesman” debate and any questions you may have about their personal biases or prejudices, you can see they were all American Patriots. Their industrial goals made the average citizen’s life easier and more productive through access to affordable cars, trucks, tractors, fuel, plus access to markets, etc., and in the process made our country the showplace for innovation, standards of living, and upward mobility regardless of class.
Toward the end of their lives many used their power and wealth with various projects like establishing libraries, colleges and educational foundations to help the future of their country that gave them such opportunities to begin with. They did this as a “payback” to ensure that the freedoms of opportunity that they had enjoyed were available to all.
These men would be turning over in their graves if they could see the complete disregard for their country that the majority of today’s U.S. CEO’s and oligarch’s have.
Predatory Lending in Disguise: The Truth About Payday Loans in Alaska
Contributed by Trevor Storrs
Payday loans in our community are like seawater to the thirsty — they may seem like relief at first but ultimately cause more harm than help.
Recently, an op-ed was published claiming that payday loans are somehow “positive” and “supportive” for our community. Let’s be clear: there is nothing positive about trapping struggling families in cycles of debt with interest rates that range from 194% to 512% APR. To put that in perspective, most unsecured personal loans have APRs around 12–14%, and secured loans like auto or home loans are closer to 5–8%. Even credit cards — which are often criticized for high interest — average around 21–24% APR, a fraction of what payday lenders charge. Calling payday loans “supportive” ignores the reality — they exploit people at their most vulnerable moments and drain resources from the very communities they claim to help.
According to Alaska Public Interest Research Group, the average payday loan
ANNEXATION WRONG
MOVE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10 and a federal consent decree requiring costly upgrades. Even with extensions granted by the Department of Justice in 2021, compliance remains a challenge and a financial strain.
At the airport, the Federal Aviation Administration has reminded Palmer of decades-old grant obligations. The city must eventually expand runways into land currently used as a golf course—or repay the
is $440 with a 421% APR. With this payday loan, it would cost $127 to keep up with the first month’s interest and could cost more than $1200 to repay in 5 months. When one payday loan payment is missed, it forces even higher fees which only grow bigger each day onto the borrower. Even when borrowers manage to repay these outrageous loans, they do nothing to help build credit or improve long-term financial stability. In one devastating example in the village of Minto, 50 miles northwest of Fairbanks, one payday loan borrower wrote that they had to pay $4,167 on a $1,200 payday loan. If this is not predatory lending – what would you call it?
About 15,000 Alaskans take out payday loans each year and are at high risk of falling victim to predatory interest rates. The average number of loans for a payday borrower in Alaska is 5.4 unique loans, indicating that the Alaskans who rely on payday loans use them as a risky financial tool to keep themselves and their families afloat in the face of continued financial
FAA at modern market value, a potentially multimillion-dollar burden. Palmer has also paid dearly for past missteps: in 2011, the city resolved a federal False Claims Act case over airport grant statements with an $857,000 settlement. These obligations aren’t optional. They are federally enforceable, and they will demand priority long before Palmer can credibly expand its borders.
According to the 2020 Census, Palmer had just under 6,000 residents, with mod-
neither equitable nor sustainable. Annexation, approached thoughtfully, would broaden our tax base so that those who benefit from city services also contribute to maintaining them. This is not about overburdening taxpayers; it is about fairness, stability, and ensuring that Palmer can continue to provide reliable services without exhausting its limited resources.
Leadership must be anchored in transparency, because secrecy breeds mistrust and erodes the foundation of government. Palmer deserves a mayor who speaks truthfully, acts decisively, and places the community above personal ambition. My record proves that I confront challenges directly, lead with integrity, and consistently put Palmer first.
On October 7, 2025, the people of Palmer will make a choice that defines the future of our city. I ask for your trust, your support, and your vote for mayor. Together, we can ensure that Palmer remains a city that honors its history, safeguards its families, revitalizes its economy, and prepares boldly for the future. Leadership is not about rhetoric or recognition; it is about stewardship, about leaving our city stronger than we found it. That is the kind of leadership I promise to bring as your mayor.
servant. I have a history of working with all people and making decisions which benefit the whole of Palmer, not just those who vote for you. I also have a history of getting things done—new taxiway, new wells, new sewer treatment plant, paved streets, waterline to the hospital, an ice rink, to name a few—all things that have a positive lasting impact on the city and the people who live here.
I am committed to ensuring the decisions made by the Council are in the best interests of all the residents of our great city, and I will continue to strive to keep Palmer—“Alaska at Its’ Best.”
Remember the City of Palmer election is on October 7, 2025. Polls are open from 7:00 am to 8:00 pm. For more information on polling places and candidates visit palmerak.org/elections. Early voting begins September 22. Absentee ballots are also available. Contact the City of Palmer for more information at 907-761-1301. Please contact me with any questions, concerns, or clarifications: justsew@mtaonline.net or 425-736-7175. It is time for a positive change for Palmer. “Dare to make a Difference.”
In many cases they even work against it as they either support “One World” government powered by people like them, or else by just working to maximize by any means their publicly held company’s stock value in the short run. This latter group apparently does this to increase their large investment in it at retirement before they cash in and steal away to a “hideaway” somewhere in the Caribbean, leaving our countries’ future and that of their company’s to fate!
To anyone objectively looking at the situation today can see that despite any disagreement they may have with each other, Donald Trump, Elon Musk, and a few notable others, are such patriots as the ones mentioned. They have nothing to gain and everything to lose, sadly including their lives, by dedicating themselves to trying to reverse the downfall of our country and make it free, prosperous and safe again for every citizen.
The very least we as citizens can do, is to support their brave efforts and vote for those local, state and national political candidates who do also as well as for the reform policies they put forth. Do your part and help save our nation!
instability. Borrowers who are already financially struggling are dug into a deeper hole by predatory payday loans.
More and more payday loans in Alaska are made online by out-of-state companies, annually extracting about $29 million from vulnerable Alaskans. When Alaskans cannot pay for their loans, payday lenders can go to small claims courts and take their PFDs. From 2017 to 2022, payday lenders made over $3.7 million from Alaskans’ PFDs.
Bipartisan legislation passed this session that would cap payday loans at 36%. The legislation did not stop payday loans from existing – it stopped predatory lending. The legislation aligns with the federal Military Lending Act which requires payday loans to be capped at 36%. By capping interest rates encourages safe, regulated forms of credit.
In the twenty states and the District of Columbia that have passed rate caps, former borrowers’ express relief and report a range of resources available to cover
est growth since then. Annexing nearby neighborhoods could double that number overnight. That means doubling demand for water and sewer capacity, street maintenance, public safety, and administrative support.
Yet Palmer’s track record—unstable leadership, costly legal settlements, compliance struggles, and public-safety turmoil—shows a city already stretched thin. Expanding boundaries now would not solve problems; it would magnify them.
financial emergencies that do not have the harms of payday lending. The Center for Responsible Lending reports that since the implementation of South Dakota’s 36% cap on payday loans, South Dakotans have been able to access other options to payday lending, including small dollar loans and other financial strategies. Community-contributing businesses such as credit unions have expanded to meet the remaining needs. In Illinois, the Woodstock Institute indicates that nearly two-thirds of low-income adults and more than twothirds of adults overall were able to borrow money after their 36% rate-cap took effect. Borrowers and voters of all political parties in South Dakota and Illinois continue to show strong support for a 36% cap and strong concern if the state legislature were to repeal it. Restricting payday loan APRs to 36% is not just a reasonable rate cap, it is a policy designed to protect the most financially vulnerable in Alaska. By curbing exploitative lending, we promote financial stability, prevent cycles of debt, encourage safer credit alternatives, and help more Alaskans access affordable, regulated loans.
Annexation should never be rushed. It must follow demonstrated stability, financial capacity, and trust in governance. Palmer has none of these right now. Instead, it faces federal consent decrees, FAA obligations, a revolving door of city managers, and mounting public-safety challenges. The responsible path is clear: Palmer must put its own house in order before it tries to expand. Annexation can wait. Accountability and stability cannot.
FALL HARVEST FESTIVAL
Golf Simulator
HEALTH & WELLNESS
The Next Alaska Whole Life Festival
Calzada
Contributed by Cindy
The Alaska Whole Life Festival fall event is coming up the first weekend in October, on the 4th and 5th, at the Coast Inn on Lake Hood in Anchorage from 11am to 6pm. Cost is $10 per day, or $5 per day for seniors 65+, students, and military with ID. Admission includes entry
into the Lecture Series happening all day, both days, beginning at 11:30am.
Keynote lectures will be presented by the National Guild of Hypnotists, who also have a table at the festival. They’ll give one-hour lectures each day at 1pm, teaching about hypnosis and how it can
help. Attendees will also have the chance to sample hypnosis themselves. Other lectures are offered every half hour on a wide range of topics.
If you get hungry, the Coast Inn’s restaurant, Pipers, serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Many readers and healers will also be on site, offering sessions throughout the day. It’s a good idea to sign up early, as vendors keep lists at their tables and can book up quickly. In addition, vendors will
be selling unique products. Lectures end at 5pm, and from 5–6pm there is no charge to enter the festival if you’d like to stop by and purchase something magical, mystical, or healing to take home.
For the vendor list and lecture schedule, visit the Alaska Whole Life Festival Facebook page. The final line-up will be posted a few days before the festival begins. Hope to see you there!
Synergistic Nutrients for Pain Relief, Recovery, & Improved Mood
Contributed by Terry Talks Nutrition
Many nutrients deliver safe and effective options for pain relief, mental well-being, and overall vitality. But two of the most helpful are palmitoylethanolamide, also known as PEA, and the enzyme serrati peptidase. Working together, these nutrients influence multiple pathways in the body and mind for an impressive range of positive effects, including relief of acute and chronic pain, better physical recovery from injuries, intensive workouts, and surgery, reduced systemic inflammation, strengthened immune response, and improved mood, focus, and cognition.
Many nutrients can reduce pain, improve mood, and inhibit inflammation throughout the brain and body. But two that I highly recommend are palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) and serrati peptidase. Working as a team, they can stop inflammation and pain, enhance your state of mind, and help you recover faster from workouts, surgery, and injuries.
Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) is found in egg yolks and other foods and can be synthesized in the body from palmitic acid, found in meats, cheeses, and butter. Research shows this endocannabinoid-like nutrient has potential to address muscle
pain and recovery, arthritis symptoms, mobility, cognitive health, and mental plasticity, plus concerns including allergic and respiratory symptoms and the lingering effects of COVID-19 or fibromyalgia.
Because of the anti-inflammatory actions of PEA, researchers have investigated its ability to relieve pain in conditions including sciatica, osteoarthritis, neuropathy, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain. In a clinical study of individuals with sciatic nerve compression, PEA at two dosage levels, 300 mg and 600 mg daily, was compared to a placebo for three weeks. By the end of that test period, the higher dosage of PEA at 600 mg daily was a clear winner, reducing pain significantly.
There is clinical work showing that PEA may be useful for maintaining lean muscle mass and protein synthesis as we get older, all while reducing pain. Unlike prescription or over-the-counter drugs, it doesn’t interfere with muscle maintenance or injure the liver or stomach. In scientific research on osteoarthritis, PEA lowered levels of inflammatory markers, slowed damage to cartilage, and reduced knee swelling.
For chronic idiopathic axonal polyneuropathy (CIAP), a slow moving form of neuropathy that causes a “pins and needles” sensation and greatly affects mobility, PEA is an effective intervention. One clinic reported using PEA at relatively high doses of
1,200 mg per day for two weeks to reduce pain by 30 to 50 percent, and in some cases, PEA reduced pain by 50 percent in just one week. They also found that PEA could be recommended alongside standard pain relievers or as a stand-alone medicine.
The discomfort and lack of jaw mobility of TMJ makes eating and speaking difficult, causes intense headaches and stress, and creates a feedback loop of yet even more occurrences of TMJ. For relief, many people use over-the-counter drugs like ibuprofen, but that takes a toll on the kidneys and stomach lining. A clinical study found PEA relieved pain more effectively than ibuprofen and improved maximum jaw opening, showing it relaxed muscles in the jaw better than the drug.
While PEA isn’t quite classified as an endocannabinoid when synthesized in the body, it helps preserve levels of anandamide, one of the key endocannabinoids responsible for positive mood, focus, and cognition. In a placebo-controlled, double-blind study, individuals diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD) were divided into two groups: one receiving 600 mg of PEA plus citalopram (a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor commonly prescribed for depression) or a placebo plus citalopram. The combination with PEA was effective even within the first two weeks, and by the end of the six-week study, 100
percent of the participants in the combined PEA and drug group saw a reduction in their symptoms versus 74 percent of those in the placebo and drug group. PEA has also been investigated for its ability to relieve symptoms and restore the sense of smell in those suffering from long COVID. This is because of the actions PEA has on mast cell release (as seen in allergy triggers) and its ability to shift microglial cells—immune cells in the central nervous system—from a pro-inflammatory to an anti-inflammatory mode. The result is less inflammatory damage to the olfactory bulb and the nerve and brain signals that recognize smells.
Scientific studies have found that PEA preserves brain cells, stops oxidative stress, improves motor skills, and enhances cognition in models of Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and stroke. PEA and serratiopeptidase will help you get the most from your days, mentally and physically. Start adding them to your regimen, and you’ll see better results from your workouts, smoother recovery from injuries, and benefits for your state of mind.
When in doubt, always consult your physician or healthcare practitioner. This article is intended to provide you with information to maintain your health. www.allaboutherbs.com
Metabolic Moment: Signs of Diabetes and Heart Disease Show Up in Your Mouth
Contributed by Coach Ken Hagler, Dr. Lauren Gagliano
Diabetes doesn’t just show up in your belly or your blood. Dentists can often see the first warning signs—right inside your mouth.
When you eat carbohydrates, saliva begins breaking them down into sugar. That process signals the brain that sugar is coming, which tells the pancreas to release insulin. Insulin acts like a fleet of tiny dump trucks, picking up sugar and delivering it to the body’s cells. But when sugar is consumed too often, the system is overloaded. The “dump trucks” work overtime until they become less effective. Over time, the body stops responding to insulin properly, leaving sugar to build up and get stored in the liver, muscles, blood, brain and even reproductive organs. This condition—insulin resistance—is a major driver of diabetes.
Excess sugar also fuels harmful bac-
Nature: The Original Pharmacy
Contributed by Alexander Harmon
For thousands of years, humans have looked to the natural world for healing. Every culture on Earth developed traditional systems of medicine—using plants, fungi, and minerals to restore health. In fact, many of the modern medicines we know today didn’t begin in laboratories; they began in the forest, the field, or the garden. While science has advanced in extracting, synthesizing, and standardizing compounds, the roots of nearly all medicine can be traced back to nature.
Aspirin (Willow Bark): Long before aspirin tablets, healers brewed tea from willow bark to ease pain and reduce fevers. The bark contains salicin, which inspired the creation of aspirin, one of the most widely used medicines in the world. Morphine & Codeine (Opium Poppy): The opium poppy has been cultivated for millennia for its powerful pain-relieving properties. From it, morphine and codeine
were derived—still critical today for managing severe pain.
Quinine (Cinchona Tree Bark): Indigenous people in South America used the bark of the cinchona tree to treat fevers. Quinine, the compound within, became the first effective treatment against malaria.
Digitalis (Foxglove): The foxglove plant may look ornamental, but it gave rise to digitalis, a heart medication that helps regulate irregular heartbeats and improve cardiac strength.
Penicillin (Mold – Penicillium notatum): One of the greatest breakthroughs in modern medicine, penicillin, came from a simple mold. This discovery revolutionized the treatment of bacterial infections.
Taxol (Pacific Yew Tree): Found in the bark of the Pacific yew tree, Taxol became a leading anti-cancer drug, particularly effective against breast and ovarian cancers.
Caffeine (Coffee & Tea Plants): Beyond its role as a morning pick-me-up, caffeine
teria in the mouth, creating cavities and inflamed gums that become red and sore. Bacteria from periodontitis (gum disease) has been found in the blood of patients with heart disease, diabetes and Alzheimer’s.
There are simple steps you can take now: drink water; eat whole foods; avoid constant snacking. These changes give insulin time to rest, helping it work the way it should—and helping you feel better.
Healthy Together & Feeling Great is your
is used in medicine for stimulating the heart, improving alertness, and even in newborn care to treat breathing problems.
Ephedrine (Ephedra Plant): Used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine, ephedra provided ephedrine, which is still used in certain asthma and decongestant treatments.
Artemisinin (Sweet Wormwood): Discovered from the Artemisia annua plant, artemisinin is now one of the most effective treatments for malaria worldwide.
Reserpine (Rauwolfia Serpentina): This Indian snakeroot plant was once used traditionally for snakebites and madness. It led to the development of reserpine, one of the first medications for high blood pressure.
By seeing how modern medicine owes its very existence to the natural world, we are reminded of an important truth: nature has always been, and continues to be, humanity’s greatest pharmacy. While doctors and medical systems are important and can save lives, self-education empowers us to take a more active role in
local metabolic health team. We provide one-on-one coaching with nutraceuticals, in-service presentations for local businesses and CEU credits. Visit alaskahealthy.live, email alaskahealthy@gmail.com, or call/ text 707-533-4536.
FREE Metabolic Health Seminar: Saturday, September 27, noon, at MatSu Evangelical Covenant Church, 5201 E. Mayflower Ln., Wasilla, immediately following the Alaska Health Fair at the same location.
our own health. Understanding the origins of medicine can help us make better decisions, ask better questions, and seek out safer, more natural alternatives when appropriate. Learning about natural remedies does not mean rejecting doctors or modern medicine altogether. It means becoming informed, curious, and proactive. Knowing that aspirin came from willow bark or that quinine came from tree bark gives us perspective—showing that much of what is “new” is really just rediscovered wisdom. The more we educate ourselves about the plants and natural sources that shaped modern medicine, the more empowered we become to balance traditional wisdom with modern science. In the end, health is too important to leave entirely in someone else’s hands. By studying nature’s gifts, we reclaim part of that responsibility.
You can find many of the herbs and natural formulas mentioned above at your local health food or wellness store in Wasilla, like Nature’s Remedies. Call (907) 357-4367 for more information.
PETS & ANIMALS
Adopt Isabella
Located in Southcentral, Isabella is three years old, Spayed Female, Petite Lab Mix (35 ish lbs), Vaccinated and Microchipped.
Isabella loves her humans and kids! She does not like cats or very small creatures. She does well with most dogs but needs careful introductions as she can be insecure and needs additional training on appropriate responses to new dogs. She is pretty quiet and loves to snuggle. Isabella is used to using a dog door with no accidents. She would excel as the only
Adopt Tinkerbell
I am a very friendly and affectionate girl with a beautiful golden orange coat - an unusual ginger girl. And I have all the best qualities of a family cat.
I am gentle, sweet, patient, loving, GREAT with people, and I do great with other cats. I am about 2 years old and would do best in a home with a cat friend.
I don’t know how I would be with dogs, but it is possible that I would be fine with a gentle canine friend.
I will need a safe yard area where I can go outside and feel my feet in the grass and leaves. I might even want to climb a tree!
Adopt Gier
I am a super sweet snuggle bug and am very friendly and playful. I am about 14 weeks old. I get along well with children, other cats, and dogs.
I love to sleep on your chest and snuggle all night. You won’t have to worry about chilly nights with me! I must have a feline friend in my new home, as well as a safe place to explore outside with my family.
Paws for Justice
Calling all animal shelters, rescues, and vet clinics — Paws for Justice, a local community initiative sponsored by Crowson Law, wants to partner with you! We’re building a community campaign to help local pets find loving homes. Local organizations will feature the adoptable pets in the pages of The People’s Paper and on the airwaves of 95.5 The Pass KNLT-FM—and we’ll help coordinate free adoption events, promote them, and cover adoption costs or other services to help our furry friends find forever homes.
To learn more about Paws for Justice or to sign up to help today - call (907) 373-2698. That’s 3732698. Brought to you by Crowson Law Group— defending the injured and giving Alaska’s rescue pets a voice. Visit crowsonlaw.com to learn more.
dog in the home for someone looking for an easy-going calm companion.
Adoption fees cover alter, vaccines given in rescue, microchip, medical expenses and ensure we can continue to help other animals in need. Details contained within this posting including breed, adult size, and behavior are not guaranteed, and are
the most accurate information we have at the time, and for the current environment.
Adopt Bingo
Located in South-Central, Bingo is a two
To meet me, please call or text 907980-8898. To see other adoptable kitties, please visit https://clearcreekcatrescue. org/ or https://www.facebook.com/clearcreek.catrescue.
Adopt Cecelia
I am a beautiful kitty with the look of a beautiful Nebelung cat, a long-haired Russian Blue with golden eyes. I have a magnificent coat that is silky soft. I am about two years old. I am every cat’s best friend. I help the uncertain ones feel secure and the shy ones feel wanted. I also like nice dogs. With people, I tend to hang out more on the perimeter of activity. When things settle down, I am there, lounging on the ottoman. Petting is good but only on request. I’ll tell you when to pet and when to stop petting. I have respect for you; I won’t bother you when you want your space.
I am an easy housemate from day one. I am the kind of kitty who just wants to live a quiet, happy life without chaos. I have great house manners and have no problem with the litter box or cause conflict with others. I do take a while to get to the point of being totally comfortable in the house. But, while I am getting used to the human pattern of activity, I will be helping the shy or lonely cat in the house feel like they have a friend.
If you are hoping to find a feline who
and a half year old, Spayed Female Husky Mix, Vaccinated and Microchipped. Bingo is truly woman’s/man’s best friend. She is sweet and spunky and tries to catch your eye and a friendly pat by waving her legs at you when you walk by. What she makes up for in the friendly outgoing department with people, she lacks a bit on social interaction with dogs larger than her. She seems to prefer the company of smaller dogs. Bingo was formerly an outside dog, so is learning how to be a house dog still, but very quick! She is eager to please and gentle. No cats/small critters/chickens for this gal though. They look like too much fun!
Adoption fees cover alter, vaccines given in rescue, microchip, medical expenses and ensure we can continue to help other animals in need. Details contained within this posting including breed, adult size, and behavior are not guaranteed, and are the most accurate information we have at the time, and for the current environment. To apply to adopt: Bfarak.org/adopt/ To view our other animals available for adoption: Bfarak.org/animals/
Contributed by Dawn Wright
will be your cat’s best friend and also be your beloved spirit cat, I would be the best. I am in Anchorage but could make the trip to the Valley for the right family.
Adopt
Babushka
I am patiently waiting for my forever family. I am about 10 years old and have waited my whole life for that one home where I will be the special beloved family cat. It’s way past time.
I am an affectionate loving girl who will be the best kitty for my humans. A settled home with my people and no other cats or dogs would be perfect. I am so happy to be snuggled up with my people, snoozing the day away. But I also love to wander around the yard on nice days. I am the perfect all-around girl who can easily be a peaceful, easy going house cat and a competent hunter. If you are looking for a fabulous feline to join your family...forever...please meet me. I am in Anchorage but could make the trip to the Valley for the right family. To meet me, please call or text 907-980-8898.
Contributed by Kelleigh Orthmann To meet me, please call or text 907-9808898. To see other adoptable kitties, please visit clearcreekcatrescue.org or facebook.com/clearcreek.catrescue.
PETS & ANIMALS
Alaska Needs Wildlife Overpasses
Contributed by Everett Levesque
Every Alaskan driver knows the feeling—that sudden heart-stopping moment when a moose appears on the highway. Too often, it ends in disaster. Each year, Alaska averages around 500 moose–vehicle collisions, with more than 200 on the Glenn Highway alone. These crashes aren’t just statistics. They take human and animal lives, leaving lasting scars on families and communities. We don’t have to accept this as usual. Other places have solved this problem.
Across Canada, wildlife overpasses paired with fencing have reduced collisions by up to 80%. They’re wide, natural-looking bridges planted with vegetation and trees. Animals are guided to them, cross safely, and continue their ancient migrations without interruption. Drivers arrive home without tragedy.
Alaska should lead in this effort. We face more wildlife collisions than most states and provinces, yet we’ve invested little in long-term solutions. Meanwhile, our moose are already trying to tell us
what they need. In Eagle River, multiple moose have been documented generationally using pedestrian overpasses to cross busy roadways—one even got stuck on one. These majestic animals are intelligent enough to sense safer routes. We can give them the right ones. The benefits go far beyond compassion for wildlife. Every collision avoided saves money—on emergency response, vehicle repairs, medical bills, and yes, even the grim tasks of clearing animal carcasses and grieving at loved ones’ funerals. Preventing accidents spares both pocketbooks and heartache.
The data clearly shows where these crossings are most needed: around Anchorage, the Mat-Su Valley, the Kenai Peninsula, Fairbanks, and the roads that connect them. These are the choke points where moose and people collide most often. Alaska has always been a place of big ideas and bold solutions. Building wildlife overpasses isn’t just about roads—it’s about honoring the wild heritage of this state, protecting lives, and creating a safer future. The research is done. The success stories are proven. What’s missing is the will to start.
We can give our moose, our communities, and ourselves a safer path forward.
