Homer’s Best Bets

November 11, 2021 1:30 am
Tags:
Snow has fallen on the higher elevations of Poot Peak and the Kenai Mountains, as seen from the Homer Harbor on Friday, Nov. 5, 2021, in Homer, Alaska. The snow also makes visible the image of the bear on the side of Poot Peak. Poot Peak and China Poot Bay were named for Henry “China” Poot. According to Janet Klein’s “A History of Kachemak Bay,” she wrote that Clem Tillion said Poot was an Alaska Native of mixed heritage who associated with Chinese workers in the area who packed salmon. Poot’s nickname was “China.” (Photo by Michael Armstrong/Homer News)
Snow has fallen on the higher elevations of Poot Peak and the Kenai Mountains, as seen from the Homer Harbor on Friday, Nov. 5, 2021, in Homer, Alaska. The snow also makes visible the image of the bear on the side of Poot Peak. Poot Peak and China Poot Bay were named for Henry “China” Poot. According to Janet Klein’s “A History of Kachemak Bay,” she wrote that Clem Tillion said Poot was an Alaska Native of mixed heritage who associated with Chinese workers in the area who packed salmon. Poot’s nickname was “China.” (Photo by Michael Armstrong/Homer News)

If you’re keeping track of the latest weather developments at Latitude 59 degrees and some change, here’s what’s up:

• O’ dark hundred comes an hour earlier thanks to Daylight Saving Time. OK, that’s not a weather thing but a human manipulation of time thing.

• The temperatures have gotten a bit colder. That might have something to do with daylight hours being fewer and the angle of the sun to Alaska and other stuff. In other words, it’s winter even though we’re technically in fall.

• Beluga Lake and other local ponds have begun to freeze. Get our your skates unless there’s a big dump of snow.

• Speaking of skates, go Mariners Hockey Team!

• Almost all the leaves have fallen except for that persistent golden birch on West Hill Road.

• The snow keeps creeping down the hillside, but there still isn’t enough for skiing unless you think your rock skis haven’t been trashed enough.

• Otherwise, the season has been proceeding more or less on schedule.

Of course, you can always expect some little spanner thrown into the works. A Chinook storm could roll in and wipe out everything, but in the meantime, get out and enjoy these Best Bets:

BEST VETERANS DAY BET: In honor of Veterans Day, events begin with a ceremony at 11 a.m. Thursday at the Homer Emblem Club Veterans Memorial at the corner of Lake Street and Pioneer Avenue. A parade of veterans organizations starts after the ceremony, and proceeds west on Pioneer Avenue to Main Street, down Main Street to the Homer Bypass, and then east on the bypass. The parade ends at the American Legion Post 16 General Buckner Veterans Memorial at Alaska Islands and Ocean Visitor Center and is followed by a short service.

BEST FIRESIDE READING BET: The Betster can’t think of a better way to conclude Veterans Day than sitting next to a fireplace, listening to the stories of a World War II veteran. In honor of Veterans Day, local author Doug Dodd will give a talk about his latest book, “Hero Unaware: Letters Home from a Navy Corpsman During WWII,” at 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 12 at Homer Public Library. The book presents a collection of letters from his father, who served in the Pacific from 1942-1945. This is the story of how a farm boy from Montana ended up at Saipan and Iwo Jima, and the effect his wartime service had on the rest of his life. The book is available at the Homer Public Library. Check it out today. This event is planned to be in-person in the fireplace lounge at the Homer Public Library. It will also be broadcast over Zoom. The Zoom link is listed on the Homer Public Library webpage. If COVID-19 numbers remain high, the event may switch to Zoom-only. Contact the library’s front desk (235-3180) for current information.

BEST CHRISTMAS PRESENT BET: In need of the perfect Christmas presents for loved ones but not sure where to start? Check out Homer Council on the Art’s “Fun with 5×7” show to purchase locally made artwork that your families are sure to love!

BEST FUREVER HOME BET: There are so many animals in need of their furever home at Alaska Mindful Paws animal shelter! Last week, the Homer News’ Pet of the Week was quickly adopted, and now it’s time for the other animals to find a loving human for themselves. Call Alaska Mindful Paws at 907-235-3141 to meet your new furry friend. The animal shelter is located across from the Public Works Department off the Sterling Highway. The shelter’s business hours are noon-7 p.m. Tuesday, noon-5 p.m. Wednesday-Friday, and 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. Closed Mondays.

BEST CHEERFUL BET: If you are at South Peninsula Hospital anytime before February, check out a new exhibit on display that is sure to bring a cheerful note to your visit. Marjorie Scholl’s “My Friends’ Kids” is on display through Jan. 31, 2022, and features portraits of neighborhood children who the artist hasn’t seen because of the pandemic. “This unexpected collection of work has surfaced in reaction to not being near our weekly visitors for the last couple of years,” writes Scholl. “Missing the sounds of surprise visits from neighbor kids running in and up our stairwell. Less coffee dates, no work parties, high risk buddies, not even the Dicksen kids taking pockets full of crab apples from our tree. This prompted me to retaliate against this Pandemic by gleefully bringing their cool spirits into my studio. Until the real thing, we shall meet again old friends!” While hospital access is restricted at this time, the gallery can be viewed online at www.homerart.org/calendar/scholl.

Lighthouse Village is reflected in an extreme high tide in the Mariner Park lagoon on Friday afternoon, Nov. 5, 2021, in Homer, Alaska. (Photo by Michael Armstrong/Homer News)

Lighthouse Village is reflected in an extreme high tide in the Mariner Park lagoon on Friday afternoon, Nov. 5, 2021, in Homer, Alaska. (Photo by Michael Armstrong/Homer News)

Tags: