Dr. Kelly Cline will present “Mystery of the Martian Plumes,” a free public science lecture, at 7 p.m. July 29 in the Homer United Methodist Church Sun Room. Kelly is associate professor of mathematics and astronomy at Carroll College in Helena, Mont., where he presents a monthly public lecture series, “Discovering the Universe.”
The annual Pratt Museum Ritz gala fundraiser celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, with the Ritz held on Nov. 7. The museum holds a contest seeking ideas for this year’s theme. Themes over the years have included Carnaval, A Starry Starry Night, Black and White, Rags to Ritz, License to Ritz, Chez Ritz, Cirque du Ritz, Roaring Ritz, Ancient Ritz: A Night on the Nile, The Fabulous 50s, Winter Palace, Moulin Rouge, and, most recently, Day of the Dead. The traditional commemorative gift for a 30th anniversary is pearls, the modern commemorative gift is diamonds and the commemorative flower is a lily. Enter theme ideas by July 30 by sending suggestions to development director Michele Miller at mmiller@prattmuseum.org or 435-3343. The winner receives a $50 gift certificate at the Pratt Museum Store.
Zumba Education Specialist Madalene Aponte will conduct a Zumba Master Class from 6-7:30 p.m. July 24 at Homer High School’s gym. Cost is $20 for advance tickets or $25 at the door. Tickets are available at all local Zumba classes, online at mcssl.com or at the door.
Sandhill crane colts have started to appear. If you spot crane chicks, please report the sighting to Kachemak Crane Watch at 235-6262 or reports@cranewatch.org. Include the number of colts, date and location of your sighting, as well as your name and number if more information is needed.
Hospice of Homer holds a “Celebrate Hospice!” gathering from 3-6 p.m. Aug. 8 at its new offices on Pioneer Avenue. Join Hospice of Homer as it celebrates its 30th anniversary in Homer and support its annual membership drive. This event will feature information booths about who they are and what they do, with food and beverages, music, raffles, welcoming camaraderie and a few surprises.
Homer Thrift, the resale store operated by South Peninsula Haven House, has moved to a new location on Ocean Drive near the Homer Farmers Market. It now is open for summer hours 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday.
ASSE International Student Exchange Programs (ASSE) seeks local families to host boys and girls between the ages of 15 to 18 from a variety of countries, including Norway, Denmark, Spain, Italy and Japan. ASSE students are enthusiastic and excited to experience American culture while they practice their English. Host families welcome these students into their family, not as a guest, but as a family member, giving everyone involved a rich cultural experience. The exchange students have pocket money for personal expenses and full health, accident and liability insurance. ASSE students are selected based on academics and personality, and host families can choose their student from a wide variety of backgrounds, countries and personal interests. To become an ASSE Host Family or to find out how to become involved with ASSE in your community, call 1-800-733-2773 or visit www.host.asse.com.
Friendship Center
Friendship Center Adult Day Services is open 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Friday with extended hours for special situations. Programs are offered daily, including story time, crafts and musical performances. Call 235-4556.
Homer Senior Citizens
Homer Senior Citizens lunch is open to seniors and guests and is served noon-1:30 p.m. Monday-Friday. The lunch menu for this week is: today, roast turkey with mashed potatoes and gravy; Friday, coriander cod; Monday, baked chicken pasta marinara; Tuesday, pork paprika; Wednesday, beef tacos; next Thursday, country style roast pork.
Strong Women classes are 1:30-2:30 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday at the Homer Senior Center. The cost is $3 for members and $6 for nonmembers per class.
Zumba Gold classes with Maria are 11 a.m.-noon Tuesdays and 1:30-2:30 p.m. Thursdays at the Homer Senior Center. The cost per class is $4 members, $6 nonmembers.
Duplicate Bridge meets at 1 p.m. Thursdays. Tai Chi classes are Thursday at 3 p.m. The cost per class is $3 for members and $6 for nonmembers. Call Daniel Weisser at 235-4555.
Caregiver Support Group meets 2-3:30 p.m. the second and fourth Thursday in the senior center conference room. Call Jacquie Thaute at 299-2924 or Daniel Weisser at 235-4555.
Kachemak Bay Campus
To earn a GED or improve basic reading, writing and math skills, call 235-1606.
Registration for all fall classes and workshops for general public and degree-seeking students is now open online at www.kpc.alaska.edu. Degree-seeking students can call for advising appointments at 235-7743. Register now and pay later.
Pratt Museum
Summer gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week. Business offices are open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday.
“Watermark,” a duo exhibit by Asia Freeman and Michael Walsh, is on exhibit through Aug. 2. Freeman, who works in oil paints, and Walsh, who works in digital video, have shared a studio for several years and also share a sensual language of mark making with a focus on water as media and muse.
The Pratt is showing a series of prototype exhibits in the lower galleries. These are works in progress and opportunities to collect feedback on text, design and interactive components. There are questionnaires available to provide direct input. Currently, visitors can see a small prototype, “Community Connectors — Radios, Telephones and Pathways.”
Road Construction
Expect delays on these lower Kenai Peninsula road projects:
• Sterling Highway Mile 135 to 137 improvements: Road construction continues through mid-September. Expect single-lane traffic, 20-minute delays, flagging and pilot car operations on the Sterling Highway 24 hours a day, Monday through Saturday through September. Be alert to heavy equipment and construction workers on the shoulder of the Sterling Highway from Mile 135 to 157, 24 hours a day.
• Homer rehabilitation, East End Road from Kachemak Drive to Waterman Road: Road construction continues through July. Expect single-lane traffic, flagging and pilot car operations until July 17 due to paving. Expect heavy equipment and construction workers on the shoulder from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday.
For more information, visit AlaskaNavigator.org.
SVT Health & Wellness
SVT Health & Wellness offers classes covering all aspects of wellness every Thursday at 6 p.m. Today’s class is “Mindfulness for Busy People” with Skywalker Payne, registered nurse and life-long practitioner of mindfulness. She will share basic techniques for practicing mindfulness in our busy daily lives.
