While this Betster knows that Pennsylvania’s Punxsutawney Phil and his six more weeks of winter predictions aren’t intended for Alaska, he sure called it for us this year, with snow arriving and continuing since his declaration. Maybe it’s time we integrate a Monty the Moose prediction: How many times does a local moose paw into the snow or brush? Twice for two more months of winter? Just a thought! Anyway, we’ve moved into the second week of February and if, like this Betster, you’ve been trying to keep Cabin Fever at bay, check out this list of Best Bets that includes fun activities including the Chamber’s annual Winter Carnival weekend and educational activities including films, talks, and community conversations! In honor of Valentine’s Day, all of us at the Homer News wish you a love-filled day, however you spend it!
BEST MEDICAID LUNCH N LEARN BET: Have questions about Medicaid and not sure where to start? Jennifer Williams with Alaskans Take A Stand will be at the Homer Senior Center’s Silver Lining Cafe on Thursday, Feb. 9 at 12 p.m. to share resources and offer assistance to folks who need it. For more information, contact Williams at 907-521-1887 or jennifer@standupalaska.org. To make a lunch reservation, contact Bonny at 907-235-4555 or bonny@homerseniors.com.
BEST WINTER FILM BET: Hospice of Homer’s Winter Film Series continues at the Homer Theatre with the movie Me Before You, Thursday, Feb. 9, 6 p.m. Admission is by donation with all funds supporting Hospice of Homer.
BEST WINTER CARNIVAL BET: Homer’s 69th Winter Carnival takes place Friday to Sunday, Feb. 10-12 with the theme Breaking Out Of Hibernation. The Saturday parade begins at noon, leaving the Homer High School parking lot and running the length of Pioneer Avenue to the Sterling Highway. Other weekend events include Rotary’s 5th Annual Cranium Cup at Alice’s, ice racing on Beluga Lake, and more. Find the full schedule of events at homeralaska.org or stop by the Homer Chamber of Commerce.
BEST LOVE YOUR LIBRARY BET: February is National Love Your Library Month. For the third year in a row, the Friends of the Homer Public Library Board show its love and appreciation to library patrons. Visit the library during the month of February, write your contact information on a slip of paper and drop it into the Love Your Library Box on the table near the front desk. Every Friday afternoon through the month, four names will be drawn and winners will receive a $5 coffee card. FHPL also want to hear what you love about the library — fill out a paper heart to share what you love most and the hearts will be displayed for all to enjoy. Stop by the library on Saturday, Feb. 11, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. for Puzzle-Rama — a community event open to puzzle enthusiasts of all ages, featuring a variety of puzzles available around the library. Not for prizes, just for fun!
BEST FAMILY FUN DAY BET: Caribou Hills Cabin Hoppers present Family Fun Day in Ninilchik on Saturday, Feb. 11 beginning at 1 p.m. Stop by the Gravel Pit Pavilion for a bonfire, hot cocoa, food, games, sledding and all sorts of family fun.
BEST CARNIVAL TRIVIA BET: Homer-Kachemak Bay Rotary Club presents the 5th annual Cranium Cup Trivia Challenge on Saturday, Feb. 11, 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Alice’s. Enter as an individual or a team. Fee information and registration ahead of time at homerrotary.org/event/5th-annual-cranium-cup-trivia-challenge/. Payment may also be made by cash, check or credit card the evening of the event. A Grand Prize and the Cranium Cup trophy will be awarded to the winning team. Funds raised support the Homer Area After School Program Initiative.
BEST SUNDAY FUNDAYS BET: Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies hosts Wynnter Sunday Fundays at the Wynn Nature Center every Sunday. Stop by 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. for games, hot dogs, science, s’mores, and more. On Feb. 12, enjoy Wynnter Olympics. 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 LUNCH WITH A COUNCIL MEMBER BET: Bring your questions, ideas and lunch for an informal conversation with Caroline Venuti on Tuesday, Feb. 14, noon to 1 p.m. in person at the Homer Public Library or attend by Zoom. For more info or the Zoom link, email info@friendshomerlibrary.org or visit the Homer Public Library website at cityofhomer-ak.gov/library.
BEST COMMUNITY CHORUS BET: The Kenai Peninsula Community Chorus has kicked off its spring semester and is looking for people to join in through the month of April. Led by Kyle Schneider, rehearsals for the chorus are held every Tuesday at the Homer High School Mariner Theatre, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. with the next rehearsal on Feb. 14. The purpose of the rehearsals is to gather together to sing and make music as an ensemble. For more information about sheet music and fees, visit pieronetheatre.org or email laura@pieronetheatre.org.
BEST BOOK CLUB BET: Friends of the Homer Public Library Book Club meets the 4th Tuesday each month. The book pick for February is We Are Not Free by Traci Chee. The club will meet to discuss the book on Feb. 28, 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. in person at the library meeting room and on Zoom. For more information and the Zoom address, email info@friendshomerlibrary.org.
February is Love Your Library Month (Photo by Christina Whiting/Homer News)
Footsteps in the snow along the Calvin & Coyle Trail out East End Road. (Photo by Christina Whiting/Homer News)
Fresh snowfall views of Grewingk Glacier (Photo by Christina Whiting/Homer News)
Community member Alice Porter shows an accordian book she made to participants in her class at the library last Saturday. (Photo by Christina Whiting/Homer News)
A community member checks out items in the silent auction, part of a benefit held last Saturday at the Down East Saloon for the Pariyar Family that raised more than $5,000. (Photo by Christina Whiting/Homer News)
Community members gathered at the Down East Saloon last Saturday for a benefit for the Pariyar Family who lost their loved one, Hari (Bola) in the Nepal plane crash last month, with more than $5,000 raised. (Photo by Christina Whiting/Homer News)
February is Love Your Library Month (Photo by Christina Whiting/Homer News)
Footsteps in the snow along the Calvin & Coyle Trail out East End Road. (Photo by Christina Whiting/Homer News)
Fresh snowfall views of Grewingk Glacier (Photo by Christina Whiting/Homer News)
Community member Alice Porter shows an accordian book she made to participants in her class at the library last Saturday. (Photo by Christina Whiting/Homer News)
