Homer’s Best Bets

Decades ago when the Betster started building the family cabin one chilly fall, Mama Betster had these words of advice.

“Inch by inch, life’s a cinch,” she said. “Yard by yard, life’s hard.”

Mama Betster sometimes talked in Zen koans, althouigh she was a good old fashioned New England Congregationalist. In other words, if you look at a project by manageable parts, you can get things done and won’t be overwhelmed by the immensity of the task. Frame the wall. Put in a window. And so on.

Maybe that’s how we get through these challenging times. Focus on the simple things. Keep your punch list small. Get through Thursday morning and then maybe the afternoon. Next thing you know, it’s the weekend and time to enjoy life, maybe with these best bets:

BEST SCHOOL SPIRIT BET: Show off your Mariner pride and support the Homer High School hockey team this Thursday for senior night against Bartlet. The Mariners tip off at 7 p.m. at Kevin Bell Arena. The team is also in action on Friday and Saturday at home against Dimond and Chugiak. Friday’s game begins at 7 p.m., and Saturday’s game is at 12:30 p.m. So put on your blue and yellow and go cheer on the Mariners to victory!

BEST IRISH MUSIC CONCERT BET: What better way to spend an evening than listening to live Irish music with concessions and drinks to enjoy! This Thursday from 6-7:30 p.m., join the Homer Council on the Arts at the Homer Theater to watch Pat Broaders, Brenda Castles and John Walsh perform traditional Irish music. Concessions will be open with beer and wine for sale. Tickets can be purchased at HCOA or at homerart.org/performances, and cost $25 for general entry, $20 for HCOA members and $10 for youth, who must be accompanied by a guardian 21 years and older. Masks or proof of vaccination are required.

BEST SOIL SAMPLING BET: Learn the ins and outs of soil sampling this Thursday at 6 p.m. with the first online session of the Homer Soil & Water and USDA-NRCS’s series “Know Your Land.” Justin Ross, USDA-NRCS soil conservationist, and Monica Kopp, Homer Soil & Water Agriculture Program manager, will lead the meeting. The workshop is free and participants can learn about soil test reports, interpretting nutrient recommendations, the science behind applying fertilizer to garden beds and more! Join the discussion online at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88485730538 or by phone at +1 312 626 6799, +1 646 558 8656, +1 301 715 8592, with the Meeting ID: 884 8573 0538.

BEST SKIFF CHICK ART BET: In collaboration with Homer Art and Frame, Skiff Chick Custom Designs is hosting two art classes this weekend, including a tape resist paint class on Friday and a large mosaic salmon class this Saturday at Homer Art and Frame. The tape resist art class begins at 7 p.m., and participants will create beautiful paintings with unique designs by painting over tape and removing it. The class costs $40 per person and those interested can reserve a ticket at www.eventbrite.com/e/tape-resist-painting-on-canvas-tickets-240584353277. The salmon mosaic class will begin at noon on Saturday, and participants will build beautifully colored glass salmon decor. The class costs $75 per person. To reserve a ticket, visit www.eventbrite.com/e/large-salmon-mosaic-class-tickets-240593771447.