Even while the ever-increasing daylight hours hint at the spring to come, the new snowfall reminds us that it is still January, and still very much winter. Looking to keep cabin fever at bay? There’s plenty of fresh powder on the local ski trails and hiking trails, so load up those skis and snowshoes. There are also numerous Homer activities to be enjoyed, just check out these Best Bets that include films, talks, art exhibits, beach walks, and so much more!
BEST COMMUNITY SUPPORT BET: Donate socks to neighbors in need during the January Sock Drive hosted by The Community Resource Connect, Jan. 8 to 30. Drop off donations at Homer United Methodist Church during office hours, Tuesdays to Thursdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Call 907-235-8528 for more information. 770 East End Road.
BEST KNOW YOUR LANDS BET: “Know Your Land” talks take place at Kachemak Bay Campus in Pioneer Hall every other Thursday. Thursday, Jan. 19, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. will be High Tunnels 101. This free series is brought to you by the Homer Soil and Water Conservation District, the NRCS, and KBC. For more information call 907-235-8177 ext. 5. 533 East Pioneer Avenue.
BEST THRIVING THURSDAYS BET: SVT hosts another Thriving Thursdays series this winter. On Jan. 19, 6:30-7:30 p.m., Sharon Geraghty, mental health nurse practitioner, will facilitate a community conversation: “How are the children?” This conversation will focus on how Homer’s youth are doing and ways they can be supported. Everyone is welcome to join for a bowl of soup and conversations about some of the issues children are facing, from autism to social media. SVT’s Wellness Wing, 880 East End Road.
BEST DEMENTIA INFORMATION BET: Hospice of Homer and Alzheimer’s Resource of Alaska host “Talking Dementia,” an online talk followed by questions and answers. Join dementia educator Debbie Chulick for a discussion about The Invisible Diagnosis and Disabilities of dementia. A time for questions will follow tips on communication ideas. Friday, Jan. 20, 4 to 5:30 p.m. To join, www.bit.ly/3VH9d0w. For more information, 907-561-3313, email dchulick@amzalaska.org.
BEST COMMUNITY ART BET: Join the Community Driven Art Group for participant-inspired projects with all abilities welcome on the first and third Friday of every month. Sponsored by Independent Living Center’s TRAILS program and hosted at Homer Art & Frame. Next gathering is Friday, Jan. 20, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. For more information, 907-235-7911. 4001 Lake Street.
BEST SAFE SITTER BET: South Peninsula Hospital hosts a two-day Safe Sitter course on Jan. 21 and 22, 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. This nationwide program is designed to prepare students in grades 6 to 8 to be safe when they are home alone, watching younger siblings, or babysitting. Registration fee is $50 and scholarships are available upon request. Students will need to attend both days and registration is required at 907-235-0285 or email wellness@sphosp.org.
BEST MOUNTAIN FILMS BET: Mountainfilm on Tour comes to Homer on Saturday, Jan. 21 at the Homer High School Mariner Theater. Come by for an evening of inspiring and captivating films handpicked from the Mountainfilm Festival in Telluride, Colorado. Mountainfilm on Tour in Homer will feature a collection of culturally rich, adventure-packed and engaging documentary short films that align with Mountainfilm’s mission to use the power of film, art and ideas to inspire audiences to create a better world. A Mountainfilm presenter will guide the audience through the program providing insight on the films, filmmakers and subjects. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the show kicks off at 7 p.m. Tickets available at the Homer Bookstore and at the door.
BEST SUNDAY FUNDAYS BET: The Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies hosts Wynnter Sunday Fundays at the Wynn Nature Center. Come hang out every Sunday, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. for games, hot dogs, science, s’mores, and more. On Jan. 22 learn tracking, and on January 29, winter crafts. Free and everyone is welcome. More information at akcoastalstudies.org or 907-235-6667. Wynn Nature Center is located at mile 1.5 East Skyline Drive.
BEST CITIZEN SCIENCE BET: Beach walkers are wanted for a COASST Beached Bird training session on Saturday, Jan. 28, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Islands & Ocean Visitor Center. Join COASST, the coastal observation and seabird survey team and help monitor the marine environment. COASST participants collect data on beach-cast carcasses of marine birds on a monthly basis to establish the baseline patterns of bird mortality on Alaska’s beaches. Beach surveys are best conducted in groups — please come with a partner in mind or plan to join a team during the training. For more information, 206-221-6893, coasst@uw.edu, www.coasst.org.
BEST BOOK CLUB BET: The Homer Public Library and Friends of the Homer Public Library’s Book Club meet the fourth Tuesday of the month, 4:30-6:30 p.m. in the library meeting room and via Zoom to discuss that month’s book. January’s book is Fuzz: When Nature Breaks the Law by Mary Roach. For more information and the Zoom link, email: info@friendshomerlibrary.org.
BEST HOMER YOUTH PROGRAMS BET: The Homer Public Library hosts the live action role playing group on Fridays, 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. For more information, email info@friendshomerlibrary.org. The Homer Public Library is looking for teens with ideas to join their Teen Advisory Board to work with the Youth Services Librarian to plan fun and exciting events and programs for teens at the library. The board meets the second Wednesday of the month, January through April, at 5 p.m. Upcoming meetings are Feb. 8, March 8, and April 12 in person at the library. For more information, email cnofziger@ci.homer.ak.us.
Sculpted salmon skin seals made by participants in a recent HCOA workshop with artist June Pardue (Photo by Christina Whiting/Homer News)
Painted wooden snowmen of various sizes and colors have been placed around town (Photo by Christina Whiting/Homer News)
Freya Bartlett makes earrings from salmon skin leather during a recent workshop with artist June Pardue at HCOA. (Photo by Christina Whiting/Homer News)
Alutiiq_Inupiat Artist June Pardue (right) demonstrates beading salmon skin leather to participant Amanda Campbell (left) during a recent workshop at HCOA. (Photo by Christina Whiting/Homer News)
