Best Bets

Ah, spring — that time of year when the snow starts melting, the sun stays out longer, you can almost feel summer coming — and you lose an hour of sleep. The Betster hopes everyone is adjusting well, or well enough, after daylight saving rolled the clocks forward this past Sunday. Speaking of time and clocks, if you’re looking for things to fill your schedule this week, look no further than here! For details, check out these Best Bets!

BEST VIRTUAL AUTHOR TALK BET: Did you secretly want to be a dragon rider when you were growing up? Don’t miss out on this great opportunity to hear from one of the literary world’s best-selling fantasy authors! On Thursday, March 14 from noon to 1 p.m., the Friends of the Homer Library is hosting a virtual author’s talk with Christopher Paolini, author of the “The Inheritance Cycle” series, recently continued in “Murtaugh.” For more information and to register, visit libraryc.org/homerlibrary.

BEST LIVE HEALTH TALK BET: Join Dr. Rob Downey on the Seaworthy Functional Medicine Facebook Page on Thursday, March 14 at 5 p.m. for a live, virtual talk in which he shares insights into the critical importance of sleep for your health and immune resilience. Learn how to have your best sleep! Stay for an in-depth Q&A after Downey’s short presentation. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/SeaworthyFunctionalMedicineClinic/.

BEST FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYERS BET: Do you feel left out of the Homer real estate market? Are you wondering where you might fit in and what you can do to get your foot in the door? Wonder no more — join the Friends of the Homer Library and Red Knot Real Estate for a “First Time Homer Buyer Class” on Thursday, March 14 at 6 p.m. at the Homer Public Library. Realtor Susannah Webster, mortgage lender Steven Gist and home builder Jason Weisser will present two hours of education, creative brainstorming, tough love and future planning. For more information, contact Susannah Webster at 907-299-4317, susannah@redknotrealestate.com, or visit www.homeralaska.org/event/red-knot-real-estate%3A-first-time-home-buyer-class/1510/. 500 Hazel Ave.

BEST KNOW YOUR LAND BET: The Homer Soil & Water Conservation District partners with Kachemak Bay Campus for the 2024 Know Your Land talks on alternating Thursdays from 6-7 p.m. On March 14, hear from longtime Homer landowner Bill Bartee in this week’s Local Grower Spotlight presentation. Bartee grows in his two high tunnels to feed his family fresh local food, manages the forest on his property for firewood, lumber and wildlife, and keeps some chickens as well. Come learn about his management principles and overarching philosophy to grow food and steward land. Join in person at KBC or virtually via Zoom. The “Know Your Land” series of talks is a free event brought to you by Homer SWCD, the USDA-NRCS Homer field office, and Kachemak Bay Campus. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/homerswcd. 533 E Pioneer Ave.

BEST SEA DUCK CELEBRATION BET: Join the Kachemak Bay Conservation Society to celebrate the inspiring sea ducks of Kachemak Bay on Friday, March 15 from 5-7 p.m. at Beluga Lake Lodge! Hear from speakers on sea duck life history, population trends in Kachemak Bay, and conservation opportunities. Food and live music by Atz Lee Kilcher and John Cottingham will also be available. For more information, visit www.kbayconservation.org/events/k-bay-sea-duck-party. 204 Ocean Dr.

BEST WINTER SPORTS BET: Kevin Bell Arena is hosting broomball every week on Sundays from 7-9 p.m.! Broomball is similar to hockey, played with a ball on ice but with special shoes instead of skates. All are welcome to play, no experience or equipment is required. Your first time playing is free! For more information, call 907-299-8210 or email homerbroomball@gmail.com. 3150 Homer Spit Rd.

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 yoga with Karen Roush. On March 20, join licensed massage therapist and personal coach Kate Henry for a discussion about exploring self-awareness and a roadmap for accessing a feeling of balance, wholeness, and bliss in everyday life through Ayurvedic philosophy. Community members of all ages and abilities are welcome. Come for part of it or all of it! 533 E. Pioneer Ave.

BEST WRITERS CONFERENCE BET: Registration for the 2024 Kachemak Bay Writers’ Conference is now open! This year’s theme is “Wonder in the Wounded World.” This year’s conference, held at Kachemak Bay Campus, will feature four days of craft classes, panel discussions, readings, agent and editor meetings, and lots of opportunities for strengthening the supportive community for which the conference is known. For more information or to register, visit writersconf.kpc.alaska.edu/. 533 E Pioneer Ave.

Mt. Augustine is visible in the distance looking out across Kachemak Bay as the sun sets on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024 in Homer, Alaska. (Callie Steinberg/Homer News)

Mt. Augustine is visible in the distance looking out across Kachemak Bay as the sun sets on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024 in Homer, Alaska. (Callie Steinberg/Homer News)