Well folks, it’s officially breakup season — no, not that kind of breakup. The Betster means the kind we look forward to all winter long, where the temperatures warm up and stay warm, and the snow and ice steadily melts away. Spring is coming for realsies, and Homer is gearing up for all kinds of seasonal events and activities. For details, check out this week’s Best Bets!
BEST PUBLIC FEEDBACK BET: It’s finally here! Get on over to the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center on Thursday, March 28 at 6 p.m. for the first Homer Comprehensive Plan Community Open House! Project leaders want your help to kick off the process of revising the comprehensive plan that will guide Homer residents, leaders, organizations, and partners over the next 10 years. Come and share what you value most and what could make life better in Homer and learn about the comprehensive planning process and how your ideas will help shape the revised plan. Come be a part of Homer’s future. For more information, visit homercompplanupdate.com/. 95 Sterling Highway.
BEST NAVIGATING LIFE BET: South Peninsula Hospital introduces “Chaos Compass,” a free six-week program for teens aged 14-18. Ready to navigate life’s chaos with confidence? Join Homer Medical Center’s Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Devry Garrity, in exploring a brain-based understanding of yourself and others. Journey through techniques to strengthen your mind, sharpen focus, manage emotions, make wise decisions, and cultivate deeper connections. Learn to navigate life’s waters with a skillful mind! This event will take place at Kachemak Bay Campus on Thursdays, beginning March 28 through May 2, from 4:15-5:15 p.m. For more information, contact wellness@sphosp.org. 533 E Pioneer Ave.
BEST SEED WORKSHOP BET: Homer Soil and Water is hosting a series of free weekly Seed and Soil Workshops at the Homer Public Library. On Saturday, March 30 from 3-4:30 p.m., join for a free presentation on Beginning Seed Saving and get the basics on seed saving so you know what to save and what not to save. Learn how to save the easy crops. For more information and to register, visit www.teachgardening.com/beginning-seed-saving-1. 500 Hazel Ave.
BEST SOBER COMMUNITY FUN BET: Kachemak Bay Recovery Connection is hosting a Bishop’s Beach Bonfire for their monthly Sober Event on Saturday, March 30 from 6:30-8 p.m. Hot dogs, s’mores, cocoa and coffee will be provided. All are welcome to attend this event to have alcohol-free fun in the Alaskan outdoors. For more information, call 907-756-3530.
BEST LIVE THEATRE BET: Pier One Theatre presents “Every Brilliant Thing” on Friday, March 29 and Saturday, March 30 at 7 p.m. at Homer Council on the Arts. Curtis Jackson performs in the play by Duncan Macmillan, with Jonny Donahoe, about depression and the lengths we will go to for those we love. Tickets are available at the Pier One office at 332 E. Pioneer Ave. #3, or online at www.kbbi.org/community-calendar/event/every-brilliant-thing-14-03-2024-19-48-20. Community members are invited to stay after the show for a conversation with Lise Kirsis from South Peninsula Behavioral Health about the play’s themes and community mental health resources. 355 W Pioneer Ave.
BEST SHOREBIRD ID BET: Join the Kachemak Bay Birders for their next meeting on Monday, April 1 at 5:30 p.m. at the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Headquarters Visitor Center Auditorium. Following a very short business meeting, Aaron Lang, local birder and owner of Wilderness Birding Adventures, will give a presentation on shorebird identification. Lang will cover all the shorebirds likely to appear in the coming migration. His excellent photos and narrative provide information about physical characteristics, voice, behavior and habitat. This presentation is an excellent introduction for new birders or a review for folks planning to volunteer for Shorebird Monitoring, which starts in mid-April. For questions regarding this free event, contact Lani Raymond at 907-399-9477. 95 Sterling Highway.
BEST BIRDING FESTIVAL BET: This event hardly needs an introduction, so the Betster will keep it brief — registration for the 2024 Shorebird Festival is now open! Taking place May 8-12, this year’s festival will feature over 100 events for all ages and abilities. Find out more information and register at kachemakshorebird.org/!
BEST COMMUNITY 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 Road.
