Dashing through the snow on your way to great events? Please drive safely, but don’t miss out on some excellent educational series, film screenings, or holiday concerts happening this week! If you’re looking to scratch that philanthropic itch, good news — the Anchor Point Senior Center, Homer Community Food Pantry and South Peninsula Hospital are seeking donated items! For details on these and more, check out these Best Bets!

BEST LIVE HEALTH BET: Join South Peninsula Hospital for their monthly health lecture series, “Down with Downey: Live at Five.” On Dec. 14, Dr. Rob Downey goes live at 5 p.m. on the Seaworthy Functional Medicine Facebook page to discuss the many dimensions of thyroid function and disease that frustrate people and have wonderful solutions. An in-depth Q&A will follow his short presentation. Sessions are recorded and available for viewing at vimeo.com/sphosp. For more information, call 907-435-3070.

BEST THRIVING HEALTH BET: Join SVT Health & Wellness Coach Jenifer Dickson on Thursday, Dec. 14 from 6-7:30 p.m. for the final installment of Thrive’s four-part series on kintsugi. Participants have learned about this traditional art practice over the past three months, redefining “broken,” “glue” and “gold.” Now it is time to break a bowl and put it back together. Whether you’ve joined for the entire series or just want to join for this session, you are welcome! All supplies will be provided by SVT Health & Wellness. 880 East End Rd.

BEST WINTER FILM BET: Join Hospice of Homer for their monthly movie night, showing quality movies about life and living every second Thursday of the month this winter! On Thursday, Dec. 14 from 6-8 p.m., the Homer Theatre will be screening “The Theory of Everything.” Admission is by donation; all funds support Hospice of Homer. December’s film is sponsored by The Grog Shop. For more information, visit www.hospiceofhomer.org/events-and-dates. 106 W Pioneer Ave.

BEST CHOIR CONCERT BET: The Homer High School Swing Choir cordially invites you to their annual “Candlelight, Carols, and Desserts” performance on Thursday, Dec. 14 at 7 p.m. at the Mariner Theatre. Spanning cultures and across centuries, this performance brings together some of the finest arrangements of a cappella holiday music available today, presented by Homer’s very own local musicians. Admission for this event is $10, with tickets available at the Homer Bookstore or at the door. For questions or accommodations, contact Kyle Schneider at 235-4607. 600 E Fairview Ave.

BEST HOLIDAY LIGHTS BET: Bear Creek Winery presents their annual Garden of Lights for two weekends, Dec. 15-16 and Dec. 22-23, from 5-7 p.m.! Experience an evening of free holiday fun for the entire family. Come take a stroll through a winter wonderland filled with delightful holiday displays and enjoy festive lights, music and hot cocoa! 60203 Bear Creek Dr.

BEST FOOD DRIVE BET: Have you got some canned goods or extra food you don’t quite know what to do with? Wonder no more! The Anchor Point Senior Center is holding a Holiday Box Food Drive until mid-December — donations can be dropped off at the Helping Hands Thrift Store or Anchor Point Senior Center on Milo Fritz Avenue in Anchor Point. Some suggested donations include meat (turkey, ham, moose, fish, etc.), eggs, pasta, rice, flour, sugar, fresh fruit, bread, crackers, snacks, butter, nuts, canned goods (milk, veggies, fruit) and pumpkin. Join the Anchor Point Senior Center in making sure everyone has great food this holiday season! For more information, call 907-235-7786. 72750 Milo Fritz Ave.

BEST CHRISTMAS MUSIC BET: Kenai Peninsula Orchestra presents “An Evening of Christmas” on Saturday, Dec. 16 at 3 p.m. in the Homer High School auditorium. This event will feature local musicians and conductor Eric Simondsen, and offer an audience sing-along. Admission for general audience is $15. Students 18 and under get in for free. Tickets are available for sale in Homer at the Homer Bookstore or at the door. 600 E Fairview Ave.

BEST WEEKLY WELLNESS BET: SPH Health & Wellness invites you to a free weekly gathering every Wednesday from 5-7 p.m. at Kachemak Bay Campus! Participants can enjoy warm soup, bread and a dose of health education from a rotating presenter, all followed by an hour of yin-style yoga with certified instructor Metis Riley. On Dec. 20, join ER Nurse Frank Klima in learning how to stop a life-threatening bleed. You’ll gain the ability to recognize life-threatening bleeding signs and how to intervene effectively. Become empowered to make a difference when a bleeding emergency occurs! Community members of all ages and abilities are welcome. Come for part of it or all of it! 533 E Pioneer Ave.

BEST DONATION DRIVE BET: South Peninsula Hospital is seeking donations for Community Resource Connect, scheduled for Jan. 30, 2024! CRC is a one-day event held in both Homer and Anchor Point, open to anyone facing financial instability or homelessness, or who is at risk of houselessness. Donate items such as gently used and clean sleeping bags, winter gear and backpacks, and new tents, pet supplies, toilet paper, nonperishable food, sleds, batteries, personal care products, cleaning supplies, water jugs and menstrual products. Donations will be accepted through Jan. 15, 2024. Drop your items off at First National Bank in Homer. For more information, call 907-235-0285 or email wellness@sphosp.org. 3655 Heath St.