Because of poor ice conditions, Homer Hockey Association Inc. has canceled Skate the Lake and will shoot for holding it on Feb. 13 for Winter Carnival. Email prez.kevinbellarena@gmail.com with any questions.
The Kachemak Bay Quilters are looking for donations of new teddy bears and plush toy animals of all sizes (Beanie Baby up to 36 inches) to pair with 100 teddy bear-sized quilts they have made. These comfort items will be given to children at Haven House who have experienced domestic violence. Contact Jane at 435-7006 to arrange pickup.
There is a Hazardous Waste Collection Day from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. this Saturday, Jan. 9 at the Homer Transfer Facility. This event is for households and small businesses. All businesses must pre-register with NRC Alaska. Households with 55 gallons or more total must also pre-register. NRC Alaska manages this event; the Kenai Peninsula Borough Solid Waste Dept. provides the location. For specific questions regarding disposal, fees and to pre-register, call NRC Alaska at (877) 375-5040. For general questions, call Kenai Peninsula Borough Solid Waste Dept. at (907) 262-9667.
The Western Emergency Service Area Board meets on Jan. 13. Visit the service area’s Facebook page for more information.
The South Kenai Peninsula Hospital Service Area Board will hold its regular monthly meeting virtually via Zoom at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 14. The Committee of the Whole will meet at 5:30 p.m. before the regular meeting. The South Kenai Peninsula Hospital Service Area Board is an elected board that oversees local tax dollars for a healthier community. Learn about the workings of your hospital. The public is welcome to attend both meetings. The Zoom link is available on the Kenai Peninsula Borough website at https://www.kpb.us/service-areas/south-kenai-peninsula-hospital-service-area and by emailing Devony at dlehnerediting@gmail.com.
The Kachemak Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve is hosting its 3rd annual beer label design contest. Design a beer label for the Grace Ridge Brewing ‘64 Afterbock beer and have your art displayed on each bottle. The theme this year is resiliency. The deadline for submission is Jan. 15. Submit all artwork to Dana Nelson by email, ddnelson4@alaska.edu, or by mail, 2181 Kachemak Drive Homer AK 99603. The winning artist will be announced at 6 p.m. on Feb. 5, with all submissions on display at Grace Ridge Brewing and showcased virtually following CDC guidelines. Contact Nelson for more information.
The Anchor Point Fire & Emergency Medical Service Area Board will hold its next board meeting at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday Jan. 20, 2021 through Zoom. For meeting information, visit the service area page on the Kenai Peninsula Borough website at https://www.kpb.us/service-areas/apfesa. Details will be posted on the KPB website and on the department Facebook page.
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.
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 seeking new board members. Are you interested in using your compassion, enthusiasm, and love of community to help your neighbors in their times of need? The organization hopes you’ll consider joining the Hospice of Homer Board of Directors.
Qualifications:
Prior knowledge of nonprofit boards is helpful but not required—just an interest and willingness to participate in monthly meetings, occasional fundraising events and community outreach.
Time Commitment:
Meetings are once a month for 1.5 – 2 hours on the third Wednesday of the month. The board expects members to attend these monthly meetings as well as to be an active participant on sub-committees as needs and interests warrant. Sub-committees include areas such as finance, personnel, events, and policy review and revision.
Interested? For more information or to express your interest, please contact Board President Charlie Franz at Kachemakcharlie@gmail.com
To learn more about Hospice of Homer and to find a more detailed description of board member job expectations, please visit their website at hospiceofhomer.org
Widow’s Group: Losing a partner is one of the most devastating things a person can experience. With the coming of the new year, Hospice of Homer will resume the monthly meeting of the Widow’s Support Group.
This group is a place for those who have lost their partner to share and heal. It is a safe place for coming to terms with the powerful feelings and experiences only those who are walking the same path can truly understand. Please join from 1-2 p.m. at the office located at 265 E. Pioneer Avenue Suite 3, Homer, Ak 99603 on Jan. 16. Participants will be following all COVID-19 protocols. RSVP is required if you plan to attend so organizers may plan accordingly for social distancing and group size limitations.
Kenai Peninsula Votes Tidbit
In 1890 Mr. John Fiske wrote the preface for his book, “Civil Government In the United States Considered With Some Reference To Its Origins,” wherein he states, “It seemed desirable to adopt a historical method of exposition, not simply describing our political institutions in their present shape, but pointing out their origin, indicating some of the processes through which they have acquired that present shape, and thus keeping before the student’s mind the fact that government is perpetually undergoing modifications in adapting itself to new conditions. Inasmuch as such gradual changes in government do not make themselves but are made by men — and for better or for worse, it is the obvious that the history of political institutions has serious lessons to teach us. The student should as soon as possible come to understand that every institution is the outgrowth of experiences.”
These words still ring true today as our nation prepares for a newly elected governing body that will work with past experiences even as they are coming to know new experiences that may require past solutions or fresh, perhaps untried means to resolve old and new issues. Some we will agree with and some will make us wonder what our leaders could possibly be thinking. History indicates that, given time, most wrinkles get ironed out, and that is an important part of our democracy. Our heads of government are elected through free elections to represent We, the People by casting their votes for or against new laws or changes to old laws, and so much more. Don’t forget to let them know how they can best represent you. And please, wish them well— it can’t hurt.
Kachemak Bay Campus
Registration for Spring 2021 is now open. Kachemak Bay Campus has new classes in business and science as well as the arts, history, writing across subjects and more. Visit kpc.alaska.edu and spend your spring with Kachemak Bay Campus.
KPC is now offering UAA’s fast-track certificate in Business Leadership that students can achieve in one or two semesters! If you are looking for a quick way to boost your resume or to make a career shift, this Occupational Endorsement Certificate (OEC) is for you. Perfect for individuals in entry-level leadership roles and people wanting to build skills and stand out in a crowd, and for the Spring 2021 term, applicants may be eligible for financial awards up to $1,000. The OEC includes six classes that cover key business concepts in business foundations, supervision, selling, computer skills, leadership and communication. Students will also learn principles of finance, establishing goals and problem solving, marketing, and spreadsheet applications. Some of these classes are part of the general education requirement so if you have already taken one or more you are well on your way. General registration began Nov. 23. Interested parties can call KBC at (907) 235-7743 to be connected to an advisor.
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 is closed during January.
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
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 Avenue 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.
