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 30th Annual Kachemak Bay Shorebird Festival returns to the Homer area from May 4-8. Attendees can look forward to boat tours, kayaking, bird walks, junior and teen birder activities, art programs and more. The festival normally draws over 1,000 registrants, including locals, Alaskans from other communities, and visitors traveling from across the country to spot the thousands of migrating shorebirds passing through Kachemak Bay annually.
This year’s festival artist, Stacy Studebaker from Kodiak, created the artwork featuring the Bar-tailed Godwit. Studebaker along with many other expert guides will lead various workshops and tours.
Shorebird Festival printed programs can be found around Homer including the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center at 95 Sterling Highway. Participants can register and sign up for activities online at https://kachemakeshorebird.org.
Volunteers are crucial to making this community-supported festival a success. Volunteers don’t have to be expert guides; there are a wide variety of activities that we need help with. Contact Visitor Center Manager, Lora Haller, at lora_haller@fws.gov for more information.
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 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 sandhill cranes are winging their way north. Watch for the first arrivals soon, 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.
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 a special signup event is 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.
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.
BILL HIGHLIGHT: House Bill 168: Electronic Application for State Benefits,
“An Act requiring the Department of Health and Social Services to provide and allow submission of an electronic application for certain state benefits; and providing for an effective date.”
MEETING HIGHLIGHT: The Senate Finance committee will take public testimony on HB168 at 1 p.m. Friday, April 22. Contact the office to find out how to participate at 907-235-7878. You can also send written testimony to sfin@akleg.gov.
LEGISLATIVE TIDBIT: Did you know? The Office of the Ombudsman is based in the Legislative branch. The Ombudsman investigates citizen complaints about administrative acts of state agencies and then determines appropriate remedies. They are not an advocate and are a neutral, objective organization.
RESOURCE HIGHLIGHT: For more information on the Ombudsman, check out their website at www.ombud.alaska.gov.
Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center
Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge visitor center is now open to the public. During the week of April 25, the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge visitor center will be open Tuesday through Friday, noon to 4 p.m. Attention preschoolers and parents! Don’t miss this month’s session of Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge’s Pre-K Puffins Early Learning Program at the Islands & Ocean Visitor Center. This early learning program is designed to introduce children ages 2-5 to the marine sciences. This free program includes story time, craft, and early learning centered activities. We are so excited to be hosting this month’s session in person. Pre-K Puffins will be hosted on April 28, from 10-11:30 a.m. To join, meet us inside the visitor center to learn all about this month’s theme: Ducks & Geese.
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, hot turkey sandwich; Friday, chicken; Monday, roast beef; Tuesday, Mongolian beef, and Wednesday, pork loin.
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.
Zodiac Trio! performs at 7 p.m. today, April 21, 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.
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.
Two free events will be held this month on campus. Semester by the Bay presents its annual Conservation Ecology Marine Biology Symposium on Friday, April 22 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Undergraduate students will present, highlighting their field study including information about sea otter scat abnormalities, seastar wasting disease in Kachemak Bay, rock sandpiper behavior, behavioral ecology of moose, and cleptoparasitism and sea otters.
On Thursday, April 28, beginning at 1 p.m., learn about the amazing projects SBB interns have created and maintained with our community partners including groundfish harvest with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, sea otter response for U.S. Fish and Wildlife, environmental monitoring with the Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies, and new projects around water monitoring and climate action with the City of Homer. Both events take place in Pioneer Hall, are free and open to the public, and light refreshments will be served.
A Community Conversation about Ukraine is 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, May 3, in Pioneer Hall. Panelists include KBC History professors Dr. Jeff Meyers and Michael Hawfield, psychology professor Brian Partridge, poet and writer Kathleen Tarr, and Dr. Hannah Hennighausen from the College of Business and Public Policy at UAA. Beginning at 6 p.m., the panelists will introduce themselves and their relationship to the topic, which will be followed by a moderated community conversation. First come, first seated. For more information, call 907-235-1674.
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 registration fee is $400 through April 30 and increases to $450 from May 1-14, space available.
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.
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.
Kenai Peninsula Votes
What rights do people who have been involved with the legal system have when it comes to voting? Alaska has one of the highest recidivism rates in the country. Statistically, this means that 67% of all people released from prison will end up back in prison within three years.
If a person has been convicted of a misdemeanor in Alaska, they can vote regardless if they are in or out of prison. If they are incarcerated during the election, they will need to apply for an absentee ballot.
If someone has been convicted of a felony that involves moral turpitude (manslaughter, sexual assault, burglary, arson, etc.) they must complete their sentence, complete their probation/parole, and have been unconditionally discharged and then they may register to vote.
It is interesting to see that all states have different criteria to vote for people who have been incarcerated.
In the United States there are four different categories for voting for people who have been incarcerated. In Maine, Vermont and Washington, D.C., all citizens can vote in prison, regardless of conviction status. In 21 states they are allowed to vote after being released from prison. In 16 states (including Alaska), they get voting rights back after they have served their time and completed the conditions of parole/probation. In 11 states there are a number of stringent barriers that make it almost impossible to gain voting rights again.
It’s important that anyone who wants to vote be able to get that opportunity. In borough and city elections the voter-turnout is below 30%. Wouldn’t it be great to see as many people as possible vote because that is another way we can show we are a healthy society? Remember your vote counts and your voice matters.
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. 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 for testing. Vaccines are by appointment as supplies permit from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday and Monday. Because of increased demand, it is asked that people make appointments. 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.
