It is that time of year again when we gear up for the Thanksgiving Basket Program. Applications are available at First National Bank, the Food Bank, the Salvation Army, Anchor Point Food Bank and the Twin Rivers L.S. in Ninilchik. The Senior Center is closed in Ninilchik so we had to search for an alternate location. Please get your application in as soon as possible so the food can be ordered. If you have any questions, please call David at 310-990-3455. If you would like to help pack the boxes and/or give a donation, please contact David about volunteering and send donations to Kachemak Bay Lions at P.O. Box 1824 Homer, AK 99603.
Homer’s Kachemak Bay Quilters will award red, white, and blue Quilt of Valor lap quilts to local service members and veterans touched by war in a special ceremony at the Veterans Day luncheon at the Homer Elk’s Lodge on Nov. 11.
To get a Quilt of Valor for your treasured veteran, nominate him or her using the simple nomination form on the Quilts of Valor (QOV) website (www.qovf.org).
To nominate a veteran in Homer to receive a Quilt of Valor:
Go to the Quilts of Valor Foundation website — www.qovf.org
Click on Take Action
Click on Request a Quilt of Valor
Complete the one-page online form and submit it to the QOV Foundation.
For more information, contact Karrie Youngblood at 907-399-2085.
There will be a Veterans Day Parade at 11 a.m. on Nov. 11 starting at the corner of Lake Street and Pioneer Avenue. The parade will proceed on Pioneer Avenue, down Main Street and the highway to Islands and Ocean Visitor Center for a short service. After that, the Elks and Emblem Club will be hosting a free meal for veterans and there will be Quilt of Valor quilts presented. Come on out and say thank you to all those that have served this great country.
The Kenai Peninsula Borough Solid Waste facilities are now closed on Sundays through April 25, 2021. For more information, contact the KPB Solid Waste Department at 907-262-9667 or check their webpage at https://www.kpb.us/swd-waste/about-solidwaste.
Kenai Peninsula Votes tidbit:
Election Day 2020 is Tuesday, Nov. 3. Have you decided who will get your vote this go around? If so, you’re ahead of many voters. It is hard for most of us to know who the candidates really are, what they promise and what they can do. It is hard to get a clear picture of what our government will look like if this candidate or that candidate gets the most votes and wins the election. It’s hard to sort out the important message from the onslaught of TV ads, radio commercials, newspaper ads, slick mailers, social media, and strong opinions of dear friends or loving family members. But you still have time to check out the candidates. If you’re still unsure, you might ask yourself, “Who would I enjoy sitting at my dinner table?” Who knows, that might help sort the candidates into “yep” or “nope” columns.
Don’t forget the ballot measures. Read the fine print; it tells who is paying for the ad. Then you might know what is really at stake, and you can cast an informed vote.
With all the economic and COVID-19 distractions going on, it’s hard to remember your vote is the one thing you have under your control. No one can make you vote. No one can tell you how to vote. It is your vote. Your decision. This is your chance to stand up and be counted — to be part of the change you would like to see.
Anchor Point Senior Citizens
The Anchor Point Senior Center on Milo Fritz Avenue serves take-out meals on Thursday evenings with pickup from 5-6 p.m. Helping Hands Thrift Store is open on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and donations can be dropped off any time. The office staff are at work and available by phone for addressing needs. For information, call 235-7786.
Friendship Center
Friendship Center Adult Day Services is closed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Call 235-4556.
Homer Senior Citizens
All activities are canceled and the Homer Senior Center is closed to the general public during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Homer Senior Citizens congregate lunch is closed, but meals can be picked up at noon from Monday-Friday. You must call 907-235-7655 by 10 a.m. daily to reserve your meal.
Hospice of Homer
Hospice of Homer is in need of volunteers to help move medical equipment between their office and client’s homes. They are looking for one-time, short-term and long-term help to work alongside their experienced volunteers and appreciate whatever time you can spare. If you can help, please call Christina at 235-6899.
Hospice of Homer requests that anyone who needs to borrow or return medical equipment or to pick up disposable personal care items, call the office. Staff will check availability and arrange a time for pick up.
Anyone needing access to grief counseling or other services should also call to talk with a staff member. Staff will be available Monday-Thursday at 235-6899.
Support Group meetings have been canceled.
Hospice of Homer has had an unusually high demand for medical equipment recently and are in great need of many items. Anyone wishing to help can go to Smile.amazon.com.
Select Hospice of Homer as your charity then select Charity List and choose any of the items on our List of Current Needs. All donated equipment is loaned out free of charge to anyone who needs it in the Homer vicinity and a percentage of the purchase is donated to Hospice of Homer.
Homer Council on the Arts
Homer Council on the Arts invites all Kenai Peninsula artists to submit 5”x7” works of art for our November exhibit. You may submit up to three recent works in any medium of 5 inches by 7 inches in dimension. Please visit HomerArt.org to complete a submission form; artwork is due to HCOA no later than 6 p.m. on Nov. 2.
Vendor registration is open for the 2020 Nutcracker Faire, Homer Council on the Arts’ annual holiday market featuring Kenai Peninsula artists and makers. This year’s event will take place at the SPARC on Dec. 5 and 6, with strict COVID safety protocols in place. You can read participation guidelines and apply for a booth at HomerArt.org/2020-nutcracker-faire.
Kachemak Bay Campus
“Obituaries and Eulogies: Why They Matter and How to Write Them,” a virtual writing workshop with Heather Lende, will be held from 5-7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7. As part of this year’s Alaska Reads program, acclaimed author Heather Lende will draw from her 20 years experience writing obituaries for the Chilkat Valley News in Haines which produced “Find the Good,” one of her books. To register, please visit https://kbcnoncredit.asapconnected.com or call 235-1674.
Attention future college students (and their parents): Are you undecided about whether college is right for you or overwhelmed by all the choices? Do you have trouble finding the information you are looking for on websites? Do you have questions about the different kinds of financial aid available? Would you like to learn how to create an academic resume? KPC will be hosting the following three, free virtual “College 101” classes in November that will address these questions and more. These are free.
1. Resources for Exploration will take place from 6-7:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 9. Review websites and other resources for exploring colleges, majors, careers, and scholarships. This includes visiting college websites, submitting requests for more information, taking physical and/or virtual tours, using sites like Career Coach and AKCIS for career information, and more. The free class will also cover the basics of creating an academic resume for college and scholarship applications. To register visit https://kbcnoncredit.asapconnected.com or call 235-1651.
2. Admissions Timelines and Financial Aid will be held from 6-7:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 16. Learn about admissions timelines for both high school seniors and adult students returning to school. The class will guide this discussion but plan to cover the various options for college admissions. Also included in the discussion: placement testing, financial aid, registration, and other deadlines. Includes a comparison of the similarities and differences between high school and college. To register visit https://kbcnoncredit.asapconnected.com or call 235-1651.
3. Tips and Tricks for Succeeding in College will take place from 6-7:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 23. Whether this is a first attempt at college or a return to college after a break in education, this class will discuss tips and tricks to help make your first semester a successful one. Everything from attending orientation, to finding and utilizing valuable campus resources, and connecting with your advisor. To register visit https://kbcnoncredit.asapconnected.com or call 235-1651.
Marine Electronics with Mark Zeiset will be held from 6-9 p.m. on Nov. 11 via Zoom. This is a free class. Basic troubleshooting and theory of direct current systems on vessels. Topics include electrical terms and definitions, safety codes, basic diagrams, battery types and application, marine wiring and more. This session will meet online and will not include access to equipment. To register visit https://kbcnoncredit.
A Master 100 Ton/OUVP Course begins Nov. 13. This is a USCG-approved course and exam to earn a 100 Ton USCG license or an Operator of Uninspected Vehicle license. For a limited time, Homer Marine Trades Association is offering full scholarships in advance for people who can demonstrate financial need. There is one spot left. Call 235-1622 to confirm eligibility.
The Kenai Peninsula Borough Homer Annex is open with some restrictions at 638 East Pioneer Ave. in the Homer Borough Maintenance building east of the Homer Volunteer Fire Department. Please limit visits to one person at a time and wait in the parking lot or in vehicles while other people are inside. Masks are recommended but not required. The office is staffed for help by phone or email. For more information call 235-9837 or email Tamarron Baxter at tbaxter@kpb.us. Forms for property tax exemptions or appeals are available outside on the door, and a dropbox is available for completed forms.
Pratt Museum
The Pratt Museum’s fall hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday through Saturday.
“Shifting Tides: Convergence of Cloth” is on exhibit through Nov. 28.
These hours are subject to updates in compliance with CDC State/Federal Public Health Guidance.
For the safety of guests, members and staff:
• Face masks required for entry.
• Visitor log sign-in required upon entry.
• Social distancing guidelines include maintaining 6 feet of distance at all times.
• Capacity limited to 10 guests in the museum at one time.
Face masks and capacity limits do not apply to outdoor spaces including gardens, forest trails, and Homestead cabin; however, staff do request that visitors respectfully comply with social distancing guidelines.
Alaska Islands and Ocean Visitor Center
The Alaska Islands & Ocean Visitor Center operations are temporarily suspended, but please visit virtually and take a 3D tour by going to http://ow.ly/hf3f50Bf4HB. The Beluga Slough Trail and other outdoor areas on the refuge will remain open to provide healthy options for recreation and relaxation. Kids can download the Agents of Discovery App and play an interactive learning game on the trail.
To reach refuge staff call 907-235-6546 or email alaskamaritime@fws.gov.
South Peninsula Hospital
Homer Medical Center and the West Wing Clinic are co-sponsoring a free Drive-Thru Flu Shot Clinic on Halloween (Saturday, Oct. 31) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Family Care Clinic parking at 4201 Bartlett Street in Homer.
This is just below South Peninsula Hospital’s Bartlett Street entrance. Follow the signs. All ages 6 months and up are welcome, and Brittnay Akee, Medical Assistant from Homer Medical Center’s West Wing Clinic will be administering the children’s doses. And plenty of high dose vaccine for seniors will be available.
For more information, call (907) 235-0397.
Free COVID-19 tests are offered 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week at the lower level of the SPH Specialty Clinic, at 4201 Bartlett Street, Homer. Please use the Danview access. Tests are for those who have had recent travel out of state, have been exposed to someone with a confirmed case of COVID-19, they have new onset of any symptom related to COVID-19, or have a provider referral. See complete list of eligible individuals at www.sphosp.org or call the COVID information line at 235-0235. Please call and pre-register before coming if and when possible.
