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. From 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday it holds a grand opening and celebration of its three-year anniversary. There will be door prizes, and Le Truck, a food truck, will be in the parking lot for the day. See story, page 2.
The Homer Native Plant Society holds a field trip to view rare louseworts at Basargin Fen at 1 p.m. Saturday. Meet at McNeil Canyon Elementary School to carpool for this trip, led by Mike Gracz. The plants will be viewed at two sites: at a disturbed site and by taking a moderately strenuous 2-mile round-trip walk to view the plant in its bog setting. Everyone is welcome to view the plant in the disturbed site. A limit of 12 people will be taken to the bog site. Wear rubber boots and bug protection, dress for the weather, and bring water, snacks, camera, collecting materials and anything else you think you’d like to have along depending on the weather forecast. For details, email mike@kenaiwatershed.org.
The Kachemak Bay Birders’ next trip is an evening trip at 7 p.m. Saturday to the Anchor River. Meet at 6:30 p.m. at Alaska Islands and Ocean Visitor Center parking lot to carpool or 7 p.m. at the campground by the boat launch at the Anchor River. This trip is timed so that the tide will be right to find returning shorebirds feeding along the rocky beach there. The tide will be high enough for good sightings of birds out on and over the water, with the possibility also to look for some songbirds. George West’s “A Birder’s Guide to Alaska” says that this area has the best birding of anywhere in Alaska that you can drive to, with almost always good birds to be found. Bring binoculars, field guide and scope if you have one. There is no charge and everyone is welcome. All trips are cosponsored by the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge. The trip leader is Michael Craig.
The city of Homer at 5:30 p.m. Monday holds a town hall meeting to discuss and workshop the Homer city budget. City Manager Koester will outline the city’s current financial deficit before convening breakout sessions for community members to discuss specific city-provided services with department heads. Additional input will be collected during the evening through keypad polling and a questionnaire. Results from the meeting will be compiled and shared with Homer City Council members and the public at the Aug. 10 council meeting. The city also holds a short, 5-minute online survey to gather input on core services, budget cuts and potential new revenue streams. To take the poll, visit www.surveymonkey.com/s/6TQLB6L.
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. Cline 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.
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.
Cooperative Extension Service
Water is a vital nutrient for the life of every cell. Without it we simply cannot survive. In fact, the adult human body contains approximately 60 percent water, which it uses to lubricate joints, flush waste from our tissues, and metabolize our food. Is your body getting enough water to function healthfully or are you filling it with sugary beverages instead? The average American takes in about 400 calories per day in beverages. Many people consume more. Replacing your drinks with water can help you manage calories, save money and improve health. Consider keeping a pitcher of water in the refrigerator so it’s always cold and accessible. Adding slices of lemon or oranges gives water a refreshing, enjoyable taste that may encourage you to drink more. Stop buying sodas and sugary beverages, and remember to carry a water bottle with you on the go. When you do crave a sweet drink, 100 percnet juice is a great option. For tips on making better beverage choices, visit the Cooperative Extension Service online at www.uaf.edu/ces/districts/kenai/ to find this publication and more. Print copies are available at the Kenai Peninsula office at 43961 Kalifornsky Beach Road, Suite A, Soldotna, AK 99669. Hours are 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday. For more information call 907-262-5824.
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.
