Best Bets

The Betster hopes you enjoyed the first lunar spectacle of 2023, the wolf moon. According to the Farmer’s Almanac, so named because wolves were more likely to be heard howling this time of year due to winter hunger. And with daylight hours increasing by the minute, 6 hours and 22 minutes to be exact, there is so much time to take in the gorgeous sun rises and sun sets, skate on Beluga Lake, take a beach walk, ski local trails, and enjoy your winter fire pit. When you are done enjoying all the beauty of nature that surrounds us, step indoors for some fun and educational activities happening around town, from films to talks to art and music classes, and more.

BEST WINTER FILM SERIES BET: Hospice of Homer continues its Winter Film Series. On Thursday, Jan. 12, 6 p.m., join HOH for A Man Called Ove, a story of love, grief, and love. Playing at the Homer Theatre, admission is by donation with all proceeds to benefit Hospice of Homer. 106 West Pioneer Avenue.

BEST SALMON ART BET: Learn traditional and sustainable fish leather crafting techniques with Master Artist June Pardue at Homer Council on the Arts. Build your own soft sculpted animal on Friday, Jan. 13, 5:30 to 8 p.m. HCOA member 18 & under $20; 18 & under general $22; HCOA adult member $30; adult general $32. Create beaded earrings on Saturday, Jan. 14, 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. HCOA member 18 & under $30; 18 & under general $32; HCOA adult member $50; adult general $55. Register for classes at homerart.org/events. Become a HCOA member at homerart.org. More information at 907-235-4288. 355 West Pioneer Avenue.

BEST SHAKESPEARE BET: The Friends of the Homer Public Library host a public showing of King Lear, as performed by the Royal Shakespeare Company in 2016. Shakespeare’s classic tale of treachery, vanity, and familial loyalty comes to life in this high-definition recording. The Blu-ray disc comes directly from the library’s collection and is available for checkout. Friday, Jan. 13, 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. in the Fireplace Lounge. Coffee, tea, and snacks will be available. Free event, and donations will be accepted. 500 Hazel Avenue.

BEST LIGHTED WALK BET: Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge hosts a Lantern Walk on Saturday, Jan 14, 3:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Come by for candles, an outdoor fire pit, indoor crafts and hot chocolate, and a Friends of the Maritime National Wildlife Refuge information table. 95 Sterling Highway.

BEST SUNDAY FUNDAYS BET: The Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies hosts their 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. 15 learn fire building, on Jan. 22, 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 KNOW YOUR LANDS SERIES BET: Every other Thursday, Know Your Land talks take place at Kachemak Bay Campus in Pioneer Hall. 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 IRISH MUSIC BET: Enjoy a live performance of traditional Irish music with the Irish Trio on Thursday, Jan. 19, 6 p.m. at the Homer Theatre. Beer and wine will be for sale. $20 HCOA member; $25 general; $10 youth (parent/guardian 21+ required). Tickets available at homerart.org. For more information, 907-235-4288. On Wednesday, Jan. 18, 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at HCOA, the Irish Trio will offer an Irish music workshop for mandolin, tenor banjo, fiddle, and vocals. $20 HCOA member; $25 general. Space is limited. Register at homerart.org. 355 West Pioneer Avenue.

BEST FREE YOGA BET: Stop by SPARC for free beginner-level yoga every Wednesday in January, 6 p.m. 7 p.m. Drop in for all ages and abilities welcome. Bring a yoga mat if you have one, and a water bottle and wear loose clothing or layers. Sponsored by South Peninsula Hospital. Check out the SPARC activity schedule at sparchomer.org. For more information, 907-299-5115. 600 Sterling Highway.

Homer youth artist Leah Dunn, right, and her friend Kyla Palin stand in front of Dunn’s exhibit during First Friday, on display at Grace Ridge Brewing through January. (Photo by Christina Whiting/Homer News)