Homer author releases third book

Homer Author Jeannette Aragones introduced her third book with a reading on Monday, Jan. 13, to Long Term Care residents at South Peninsula Hospital. “How Does It Get Any Better Than This” continues the adventures of Aragones’ pet ferrets, Oscar and Cosmo. Aragones works as a certified nursing assistant at SPH and volunteers teaching children to dance.

15th annual Backcountry Film Festival is Feb. 6

The 15th annual Winter Wildlands Alliance Backcountry Film Festival returns at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 6, at the Homer Theatre. All proceeds will benefit Kachemak Nordic Ski Club and the Alaska Quiet Rights Coalition. Produced each year as a celebratory backcountry community event by the Winter Wildlands Alliance, the film festival line-up of snowy, cinematic adventure is “sure to inspire both the local backcountry and general communities,” according to a press release.

The Winter Wildlands Alliance is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and preserving winter wildlands and a quality human-powered snow sports experience on public lands. By partnering with groups like Kachemak Nordic Ski Club and Alaska Quiet Rights Coalition at a local level, the Winter Wildlands Alliance raises funds for these groups and communities through the annual Backcountry Film Festival national tour. All funds raised directly benefit local projects and programs that perpetuate access and stewardship of public lands.

Films in this year’s program include “Can’t Ski Vegas,” by Joey Schusler, Ben Page and Thomas Woodson; “Drawn to High Places,” by Elise Giordano and Outdoor Research; “Endless Winter: Chapter 1,” by Nikolai Schirmer; “Khutrao,” by Agreste Chile; “Leave Nice Tracks,” by Marius Becker, Dan Cirenza and Kyle Crichton; “A Climb for Equality,” by Caroline Gleich and Rylo; “Colter’s Route,” by Sawyer Thomas, Riis Wilbrecht and Dynafit; “Backflippers,” by Luigi Dellarole; “Climate Change in the Kennels,” by Denali National Parks, and “Peak Obsession,” by Cody Townsend and Bjarne Salen.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the screening beings at 7 p.m. Admission is $15, with kids 8 and under getting in free. Tickets can be purchased at the door.