Step into Freedom is a narcotics anonymous group that will be held at 7 p.m. every Thursday at the Glacierview Baptist Church “Big House” next to the main church. This group is for both women and men, and is open to non-addicts who would like to sit in on the meetings. For questions, call Jaclyn at 907-756-3530.
The Homer Public Library will celebrate Black History Month with storytelling by author Skywalker Payne. The library will host Mothers of Black History, a family friendly (best for children over 6) virtual storytelling series, led by Payne, as part of its mission to promote lifelong learning, cultural creativity, and community engagement. The series will be presented live on Zoom from 6-7 p.m. every Tuesday in February. To participate in the live storytellings, register for free at http://bit.ly/hstry11. The videos will be available for viewing on the library website.
The Kenai Peninsula Borough School District will be offering free screenings for preschoolers 3-5 years old (not yet in Kindergarten). The screenings will be at Paul Banks Elementary School on Thursday, Feb. 18. Staff will screen your child’s motor skills, speech/language, early learning concepts, vision and hearing. Children will be seen by appointment only. To make an appointment or for more information, call 907-260-5148 or email Childfind@kpbsd.k12.ak.us.
The nonpartisan Homer Legislative Information Office at 270 W. Pioneer Ave. is now open for the first session of the 32nd State Legislature. At this time the office is able to assist by phone or email only.
The office is a distribution site for PFD forms which can be picked up in the entry way between 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday. Please call to arrange other means of pick up. To learn more about how you can participate in the legislative process or to obtain more information on issues of interest facing the Alaska State Legislature, please contact 235-7878 or lio.homer@akleg.gov.
The Caregiver Support Group for persons caring for a family member with a disabling illness, either in or outside your home, will meet temporarily at Hospice of Homer, with maximum COVID-19 precautions provided. The first meeting at this location will take place from 2-3:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 26. The group will continue to meet on Fridays at this time until further notice. Please call Pam Hooker at 907-299-7198 or Janet Higley at 907-235-4291 if you have any questions about this group or this notice.
The Kenai Peninsula Borough Solid Waste facilities are now closed on Sundays through April 25. 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
What’s the difference between mail in voting and absentee voting? The major difference is that with absentee voting, you have to request your ballot. With vote by mail, every registered voter is automatically sent a ballot.
The Borough now has a new online application system where any voter can go and request their absentee ballot for the 2021 election. You might have gotten a postcard telling you how to do this or you can just go online to http://my.kpb.us/vote and start your application. If you don’t have internet access you can call the office at 907-714-8683. The staff at the Borough
The election office is very professional and extremely helpful. This new system makes it easy to apply for your absentee ballot. Kenai Peninsula Votes encourages all people to vote, and the more options that are available, the more voices will be heard.
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 would like to graciously request that you return any equipment not currently in use. The need in our community is increasing and we are short on hospital beds, wheelchairs, transport chairs, bedside commodes, and walkers. Thank you for helping us help our neighbors.
Widow’s Group: Losing a partner is one of the most devastating things a person can experience. Hospice of Homer has resumed its monthly 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. 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.
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
Homer Council on the Arts
Homer Council on the Arts is now accepting proposals for 2021-22 gallery exhibits. Applications for the council’s gallery will automatically be considered for the South Peninsula Hospital gallery as well. Proposals for gallery exhibits must be completed by 11:59 p.m. on April 1. Find out more and apply at homerart.org/gallery.
You’re invited to be part of a new community exhibit, “The Art of Wellness: Stories of trauma, loss, and resilience.” The exhibit will be on display in the council’s gallery during March and will also be viewable online. Works in all media (visual art, digital media, literary, performance recording) are encouraged. A portion of proceeds will support the Independent Living Center’s TRAILS program. The deadline to submit is 5 p.m. on March 1. To learn more and submit, visit homerart.org/gallery.
Kachemak Bay Campus
The Kachemak Bay Writers’ Conference returns to Homer and Kachemak Bay Campus virtually on May 15 with a faculty of award-winning authors bringing fresh perspectives and a diversity of ideas. Participants can enjoy four days of classes, conversations, public readings and a panel discussion by writers from the Peabody Award-winning PBS show, “Molly of Denali,” as well as networking and community building activities. Early registration is open now at $80 for the general public, becoming $100 on Feb. 28. Registration for University of Alaska students will remain at $50. Academic credits are available. Visit writersconf.kpc.alaska.edu or call 907-435-7743 to register.
Master 100 Ton/OUVP with Victoria Winne Wilson will take place from 5-9 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Sundays, March 5-28. Enrollment is very limited due to COVID-19 protocols. First come, first served. This U.S. Coast Guard-approved course is for those with enough sea time to earn a 100 ton USCG license or an Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessel license. The exam will be administered upon completion of the course. Full attendance is mandatory. Upon passing the exam a certificate will be issued which the USCG will accept in lieu of taking their exam. You may have more qualifying sea time than you think. Verify eligibility before enrolling. Contact KBC Marine Tech Coordinator at 907-235-1622. The fee is $705 (includes PPE).
Advanced Firefighting for Marine Certification. Do you need to upgrade your Merchant Marine Certification? Take this blended class which includes three days of classes on Zoom from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. March 11, 12 and 15, and two days of in-person skills classes in Homer at Kachemak Bay Campus, at the same times on March 18 and 19. It costs $750, which includes registration and a proctored test in Homer. Call (907) 224-6196 to speak with AVTEC administration or visit https://avtec.edu/node/1312 to register online, or call (907) 235-1622 to speak with KBC Marine Tech Coordinator.
Basics Of DC Electricity For Vessels with Adam Smude will take place from 6-9 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday from March 8-19. Enrollment is very limited due to COVID-19 protocols. First come, first served. Basic troubleshooting and theory of direct current systems on vessels. Topics include electrical terms and definitions, safety codes, fundamental diagrams, battery types and application, marine wiring and more. Includes use of vessel simulator. The fee is $180 (includes PPE). Call (907) 235-7743 or visit https://kbcnoncredit.
Marine Vessel Systems with Adam Smude will take place from 6-9 p.m. March 9 and 11. Enrollment is very limited due to COVID-19 protocols. First come, first served. Focus on what is underneath the deck and examine major vessel systems, including diesel, electrical and hydraulics. Includes hands on use of a vessel systems trainer. The fee is $50 (Includes PPE). Call (907) 235-7743 or visit https://kbcnoncredit.
Pratt Museum
The Pratt Museum is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
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.
