Editor’s Note: MAPP, Mobilizing for Action through Planning &Partnerships, is a local coalition that aims to use and build upon our strengths to improve our individual, family and community health. Health is defined broadly to include cultural, economic, educational, environmental, mental, physical and spiritual health.
With a new year upon us, we mark a new season of Pick.Click.Give., the charitable check-off program that allows all Alaska Permanent Fund filers to give back to causes that they care most about. It is hard to find an easier way to pay it forward.
Note: I wrote this Opinion Piece two weeks ago. At that time I had been instructed to submit
On Feb. 27, the community of Homer missed an opportunity to reaffirm in one collective public voice that which it has always professed itself to be — inclusive, welcoming, live and let live.
Editor’s Note: MAPP, Mobilizing for Action through Planning &Partnerships, is a local coalition that aims to use and build upon our strengths to improve our individual, family and community health. Health is defined broadly to include cultural, economic, educational, environmental, mental, physical and spiritual health.
A mid-winter musing and suggestion. I would like to suggest a direction HEA could take. Call it whole control, which has a nice ring. You can repeat it if you wish.
I love this community and I love America. I have friends and acquaintances with varied political and religious beliefs who have always treated me well. Although I have a very good life, it does not mean my family has not been touched by prejudice in Homer. Each of us has his own life experiences and we often don’t know the details of those of others.
Skin in the game? I’ll say. Big oil is trying to skin us again. Our skin, their game, if they get their way. Their turn to pay. The worm has turned. Or have we?
To the Homer City Council:
The results of the recent presidential election left some in our nation in a state of shock, disbelief, appall, uncertainty, and even fear. Others were pleasantly surprised, jubilant, and sighed a breath of relief that the Washington elite were finally put on notice.
Editor’s Note: MAPP, Mobilizing for Action through Planning &Partnerships, is a local coalition that aims to use and build upon our strengths to improve our individual, family and community health. Health is defined broadly to include cultural, economic, educational, environmental, physical and spiritual health.
This question gets to the heart of the matter. What is it we really want Alaska to look like? What kind of Alaska do we want 20 and 40 years from now?
In his opinion piece published in the Homer News Feb. 9, Mr. Karl Johnstone, presumably from his home in Arizona, gave a eulogy at the graveside of Cook Inlet commercial salmon fishing.
The Alaska of today is not the Alaska of statehood. The 49th state has grown and changed radically. The economy of the state is wholly different, and yet Alaska salmon management continues to be treated as if we just became a state.
Editor’s Note: Every month to accompany the Pay It Forward column, which is coordinated by The Homer Foundation, the Homer News runs a list of needs from area nonprofits. If you see a need you can fill, we encourage you to contact the agency and help pay it forward.
On January 21, hundreds of thousands of people will join in the Women’s March on Washington, D.C. They will stand together in solidarity with their partners and children for the protection of our rights, our safety and health, and our families, while recognizing that our vibrant and diverse communities are the strength of our country. This March will send a bold message to our new administration on their first day of office and to the world, that women’s rights are human rights.
During a recent visit to the Homer Public Library, a Paul Banks kindergarten class took over the children’s room. Many in the group were already familiar with the space thanks to storytimes and regular visits with family members to check out books or DVDs. For others, this visit was not just fun, but also a vital introduction to the many opportunities that the library offers.
Winter is upon us and we would like to take a moment to celebrate the efforts of the Pioneer Avenue Revitalization Task Force, businesses and property owners, the City of Homer, artists, gardeners and community partners.
This cross-sector partnership has met since January to engage Homer’s arts, recreation and agricultural sectors to strengthen the economic, social and physical fabric of our historic downtown corridor.
Last week, I sent a letter to the Legislative Budget & Audit (LB&A) Committee, giving members the required 45-day notice of my intention to accept additional federal and Mental Health Trust Fund Authority funds to expand Medicaid. Before signing the letter, I met with the LB&A chair to explain my intentions.
There’s one more thing that’s as certain as death and taxes and that’s the fair vs. unfair debate that’s bound to erupt when taxes/fees/rates of any kind change.
Generally, if the change means you’ll pay less, the change is fair. If the change means you’ll pay more, the change is unfair.
Take Homer’s water-sewer rates, for example. A task force has released a new draft schedule proposing some changes. Most people would see a drop in what they pay for water and sewer services, but not everyone — particularly users on the Homer Spit.
