The South Kenai Peninsula Hospital Service Area Board will hold its regular monthly meeting virtually via ZOOM at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, April 14. The Committee of the Whole will meet at 5:30 p.m. All are welcome to attend either or both meetings. The ZOOM link is available on the Kenai Peninsula Borough calendar found at https://www.kpb.us/service-areas/south-kenai-peninsula-hospital-service-area or by emailing Devony at dlehnerediting@gmail.com.
The Kachemak Bay Conservation Society holds its anual Earth Day celebration starting at 6 p.m. Friday, April 22, at the Bishop’s Beach pavilion. The event includes a barbecue with salmon and burgers, live music, a raffle, and a scavenger hunt for kids.
Cook Inletkeeper holds its annual Electronics Recycling event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 30, at Spenard Builders Supply. Mark your calendars and plan to stop by to recycle any obsolete or malfunctioning computers, communications equipment, or other electronic devices. For a full list of accepted electronics, go to https://inletkeeper.org/recycling/. If you are a business or organization with more than a few items, please call or email them ahead of the event to pre-schedule a drop-off time. This will help prepare for your haul. Per the pricing of the recycler, $15 will be charged for each TV and monitor dropped off. All other electronics are free; however, donations are appreciated.
Individuals and households do not need to pre-schedule a drop-off time. To pre-schedule a drop-off time or learn more about the event, please contact Satchel Pondolfino at recycle@inletkeeper.org or 907-235-4068, ext. 26.
AMSEA is conducting a Fishing Vessel Drill Conductor class from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, April 30, at Best Western Bidarka Inn, 575 Sterling Highway. The cost for the class is $125 (including sales tax) for commercial fishermen and $175 (including sales tax) for all others. This class meets the U.S. Coast Guard training requirements for Drill Conductors on commercial fishing vessels. Register online at www.amsea.org or call 907-747-3287.
The Homer area Caregiver Support Group (sponsored by Homer Senior Citizens Inc.) is up and running again. It meets from 2-3:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month at Homer United Methodist Church. The next meeting is today, April 14, and the meeting after that is April 28. The group is to assist the family caregivers in our community by offering support and wisdom of other caregivers as well as to learn about available resources in our community. Guest speakers are arranged once a month on a variety of subjects: Application for financial support and respite; The Magic of Music; Legal Information on Financial Planning; Medical experts on Stages of Dementia and other debilitating diseases, and Diets, to name a few. A professional group facilitator is provided. Masks are suggested and will be available. For more information, call 907-299-7198.
The Alaska Wildlife Alliance, Kenai Peninsula College and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service will hold a Kachemak Bay Marine Mammal Forum Monday, April 18, to Thursday, April 21, at Land’s End Resort. This forum is intended to give the public, especially water-taxi services and tourism operators, an in-depth knowledge on what is being seen in Kachemak Bay, some science of marine mammals, and information for how operators can ethically watch wildlife and become Whale SENSE certified. The event is free, with an option to attend virtually through Zoom. For more information and to register, visit https://www.akwildlife.org/kbay.
Homer AARP tax aides provide tax assistance to anyone, free of charge, with a focus on taxpayers who are older than 50 and have low to moderate income. Call 907-299-4231 to make an appointment.
The sandhill cranes are winging their way north. Watch for the first arrivals in the next few weeks, and let Kachemak Crane Watch know when you spot them. Report your sightings to Kachemak Crane Watch by calling 907-235-6262 or emailing reports@cranewatch.org.
Jehovah’s Witnesses have returned to in-person meetings. After two years of only virtual gatherings, the Homer Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses and all others around the globe will meet in person again, barring government restrictions, starting in April. The Homer Congregation meets at 7 p.m. Thursdays and at 10 a.m. Sundays. The Kingdom Hall address is 850 Sterling Highway. For more information, visit JW.org.
Anchor Point Group of Alcoholics Anonymous continues to meet in person at the Anchor Point Chamber of Commerce at 34175 Sterling Hwy (north of Chapman School) on Wednesday and Friday at 7 p.m. These are open meetings, and alcoholics and non-alcoholics are all welcome. For more information, call 907-223-9814.
The Homer Unity Group of Alcoholics Anonymous meets every Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday at 6:30 p.m. downstairs at Homer United Methodist Church, 770 East End Road. All meetings are open to anyone wanting to learn more about recovery from alcoholism. More information and online links to meetings can be found at www.aahomer.org.
Co-Dependents Anonymous is meeting in person at Homer Methodist Church, located at 770 East End Road. Please contact Kay at 907-399-6243 for more information. All are welcome.
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 Kenai Peninsula Borough Solid Waste facilities is closed on Sundays through April 24. 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.
Registration is now open for the Homer Steps Up! 2022 free community wide steps challenge that runs from May 1–28, 2022. Anyone residing in the southern Kenai Peninsula is eligible to participate and enter for a chance to win great prizes.
Last year in 2021 there were more than 600 total individual participants on 40 teams who took a total of 164 million steps together. This year the community step goal is 175 million steps in May.
Enrollment is free. Great cash prizes are awarded to first, second and third place individuals, and the winning team takes the trophy. Random prizes are given away throughout the challenge. This year the team sizes are limited to five to 25 members, and there is only one team category.
Online registration is now open, and special signup events will be held Saturday, April 16, from 9-10 a.m. at SPARC, and again Saturday, April 30, at the Homer Chamber of Commerce from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Complete information is online at homerstepsup.com. Call 235-0285 or email wellness@sphosp.org for questions or more information. The Homer Steps Up! Community Challenge is cosponsored by South Peninsula Hospital, South Peninsula Behavioral Health, SVT Health and Wellness, The City of Homer and SPARC, and made possible with a grant from South Peninsula Hospital Foundation.
Homer Legislative Information Office
The Homer Legislative Information Office at 270 W. Pioneer Ave. is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. We are here to help you learn about, participate in and track matters facing the State Legislature. Please call 907-235-7878 for more information. Masks are required and provided.
BILL HIGHLIGHT: House Bill 5: Sexual Assault; Definition of “Consent”
MEETING HIGHLIGHT: The House Judiciary committee will take public testimony on HB5 Friday, April 15th, starting at 1pm. They will also take testimony on the Governor’s appointee to the AK Police Standards Council. Come to the office to testify, or to participate from home please contact the office at 907-235-7878 for call-in information. You can also send written testimony to hjud@akleg.gov
LEGISLATIVE TIDBIT: There are over 100 boards and commissions. When a seat becomes vacant, the governor appoints a member. Board members, appointed by the governor and subject to Legislative approval, are vetted by various committees of the Legislature. Near the end of session, both the House and Senate convene in joint session to vote on each board member. If a member is not approved the seat becomes vacant and the governor will appoint another member who will be vetted once the Legislature convenes again in regular session.
RESOURCE HIGHLIGHT: More information, including board details, can be found at: https://gov.alaska.gov/services/boards-and-commissions
In addition to providing legislative information, we assist the Permanent Fund Division by verifying passports and birth certificates so you do not need to mail original documents.
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. Monday is Homemade Soup and Bread night. Serving two different soups to-go each week, from 4-6 p.m. Quart’s $12 / Pints $7. Reservations not required. Tuesday is Kickin’ Fried Chicken night. Serving from 4-6 p.m. Buckets or three-piece meals. With or without Coleslaw and Biscuits. Walk in’s welcome or call ahead 235-7786. Thursday night is Home Cooked Dinner Night. Each Thursday is a different meal. Dine in or Take out. Served from 5-6:30 p.m. Reservations 235-7786.
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.
All of our meals and programs are open to the public and do not require membership. Call 235-7786 for more information.
Homer Senior Citizens
The Homer Senior Citizens Inc. Silver Linings Cafe has reopened. Hours are 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m for high-risk seniors and 12:30-1:30 p.m., masks optional. Reservations are required 24 hours in advance; call 235-4555. This week’s menu is Thursday, walnut crusted pork; Friday, fish of the day; Monday, beef strogonoff; Tuesday, glazed salmon, and Wednesday, beef brisket.
The Terrace Assisted Living welcomes visitors. Face masks and screening are required. All visits must occur in a resident’s apartment only.
Friendship Center Adult Day Services is open. Contact Liz, ADS Manager, at 235-4556 to register.
Hospice of Homer
Hospice of Homer seeks to start a general Bereavement Support Group. This will be a facilitated group that will meet in person and be subject to our current COVID guidelines. Hospice has specific groups for those who’ve lost a life partner or child, but this group would welcome anyone dealing with loss. If you’re interested in joining, please contact the office at 235-6899 to be added to the list. Day/time information will be sent to you directly once we have an understanding of group size.
Hospice of Homer has resumed its monthly Widows 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. Call 907-235-6899 to respond.
Homer Council on the Arts
The Jubilee exhibit will be on display at Homer Council on the Arts and Ano Kissaten Coffee Roasters through April 30.
Tickets are on sale now for a live chamber music performance by Zodiac Trio! Thursday, April 21 at 7 p.m. at Faith Lutheran Church. Purchase tickets at homerart.org or at HCOA, 355 W. Pioneer Ave.
Learn Chinese brush painting techniques with Sharlene Cline! Registration is open for a class on painting Mountains and Mist on Friday, April 22 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at HCOA. Details and registration at homerart.org/education.
Kachemak Bay Campus
The searchable schedule for the Fall 2022 semester is online and available for viewing. Look for the KBC printed schedule in the mail in mid-April. General registration will open on Monday, April 18. To preview what is on offer for fall, visit https://kpc.alaska.edu/academics/schedule.
Information about voting in Alaska is 4-5 p.m. today, April 14, via Zoom. Kenai Peninsula Votes is here to help you understand what is going on with elections in Alaska for 2022. They will cover the dates and pertinent information about upcoming primaries and ranked-choice voting to help guide you through the new election laws. Zoom meeting ID: 84137948162. Call 907-235-1674 for information.
Berry Shrub propagation workshop is 1-3 p.m. Saturday, April 16; free. The Homer Soil and Water Conservation District is offering this hands-on event at Kachemak Bay Campus where they will show you how to select, trim and store cuttings from berry shrubs, and how to care for them until it’s time to grow roots. Take cuttings of berry bushes home to plant. No registration necessary. For more information email monica@homerswcd.org or call 907-235-8177 ext. 5.
Deckhand Skills is back, May 7 and 8, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Learn practical job skills for becoming a deckhand on any vessel this summer. Includes safety, survival skills, line handling, knots, gear, basic navigation, crew roles, helm, wheelhouse expectations,and more. $95. Register by May 1 at https://kbcnoncredit.asapconnected.com or call 907-235-1674.
Do you have a master’s degree? Have you ever thought of teaching a college class? KBC is seeking qualified adjuncts that would be willing to share their expertise with University of Alaska students. Stop by campus at 533 E. Pioneer Ave. (parking lot accessible from Heath St.) or call 907-235-7743 for more information.
The Kachemak Bay Writers’ Conference will be held May 14-17, 2022 at Kachemak Bay Campus. The 2022 keynote speaker will be Jericho Brown, 2020 Pulitzer Prize-winning poet, winner of the American book award, and a finalist for the 2020 National Book Award. Joining Jericho are the amazing Victoria Chang, Christina Chiu, CMarie Fuhrman, Toni Jensen, T. Geronimo Johnson, Tynan Kogane, Marie Mutsuki Mockett, and Anjali Singh. The conference also includes 4 days of in-person craft classes, conversations, generative workshops, panels, readings, opportunities to form a writerly community, and more. For information on speakers and tuition packages, visit https://writersconf.kpc.alaska.edu/ and register today.
The Pratt Museum & Park
The Pratt Museum & Park is now open to the public from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday through Saturday.
Sky Bergman’s “Lives Well Lived: Celebrating the Secrets, the Wit, and Wisdom of Age” remains on exhibit through Saturday. April 16 will be the last day to view this exhibit.
Alaska landscape painter David Rosenthal’s show, “Painting at the End of the Ice Age,” is now showing in the special exhibits gallery through May.
Stories & Crafts for Families: Treasure Hunt & Map Exploration is 1-2 p.m. Saturday, April. Please join us every third Saturday of the month from 1–2 p.m. for crafts, treats and storytime. Saturday, April 16, will be cartography-themed. Did you know? The Pratt has more than 270 individual maps and nautical charts in our permanent collection. Join us for a treasure hunt and map exploration.
This is a free, family fun event. All are welcome. Masks are optional.
South Peninsula Hospital
South Peninsula Hospital offers free wellness walks the first and third Saturdays of the month from 9-10 a.m. at SPARC. Please bring clean indoor walking shoes and be prepared to answer covid screening questions at the door. The Saturday, April 16, walk will focus on balance, and be hosted by Rich Kleinleder, physical therapy assistant at South Peninsula Hospital Rehab Department. Suitable for all ages, Rich will teach balance activities and structured movement you can easily do at home to improve balance.
Free blood pressure checks and door prizes are offered at walks. Please bring indoor shoes, and refrain from attending if you are experiencing any covid-like symptoms. Masks are optional. Walks are at SPARC located at 600 Sterling Highway. For more information, call SPH Health and Wellness at 907-235-0285.
South Peninsula Hospital offers free testing and vaccinations for COVID-19. Free testing is offered daily 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the test site on Bartlett Street. No appointment is necessary. Vaccines are offered walk-in or by appointment as supplies permit from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday and Monday. Because of increased demand, appointments are recommned. They can only be made online at www.sphosp.org. Vaccinations are open to anyone 5 years and older for Pfizer, and 18 years and older for all other brands. Call the COVID nurse at 235-0235 to discuss symptoms, or the COVID vaccine info line at 435-3188 for recorded updates. Free testing is now offered for anyone who recently attended a social gathering or who was in a crowded indoor space and close to others. Details are in the weekly newspaper ad, at www.sphosp.org or at 907-435-3188.
