The Christian Science Society of Homer holds a Thanksgiving service at 10 a.m. Nov. 24 at 3774 Bartlett Street. The service will be comprised of hymns, prayers and readings from the King James Bible with correlative passages from Science and Health with key to the scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy. Time will be set aside for sharing testimonies and expressions of gratitude. All are welcome at this hour-long service.
The annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony will be 5:30-7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 1, at the Homer Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center. See the tree light up, meet Santa Claus, enjoy a perfomrance by the Homer High School choir and enjoy s’smores, hot cocoa and cupcakes.
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.
The Homer End of The Road Group of Alcoholics Anonymous meets every day at noon and every evening at 8 p.m. at 126 W. Pioneer Ave., Suite 1. For more information, contact 907-283-5722.
Co-Dependents Anonymous (CoDa) meets at 1:30 p.m. Wednesdays and 6:30 p.m. Sundays in the Hillas Building, 126 W. Pioneer Ave., Suite 1 (next to the Homer Theatre). The contact number is 907-756-3104.
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 Area Caregiver Support Group meets in the activity room at the Homer Senior Center from 2-3:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Thursdays of each month. This group is for family caregivers of individuals suffering from a debilitating illness and requiring full-time care, either in the home or in a facility; caregivers who assist with care of a loved one who lives out of state are also welcome. This is a time to receive support and wisdom from others who are on the same journey as well as to benefit from presentations provided by speakers well versed in subjects related to care giving, such as exercise, communication, self-care and available resources. Newcomers are welcome, always. For questions, please call Pam Hooker at 907-299-7198 or Louise Rempel at 907-399-1262. Remember: You are not alone.
Anchor Point Senior Citizens
The Anchor Point Senior Center on Milo Fritz Avenue serves take-out meals on Thursday evenings with pickup from 5-6:30 p.m. Tuesday is soup night, serving from 4-6 p.m. Walk ins are welcome or call ahead at 235-7786 to reserve. 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. For reservations, call 907-235-7786. Visit www.anchorpointseniorcenter.com for more information. Meals and programs are open to the public and do not require membership. Call 235-7786 for more information.
Homer Senior Citizens
The Silver Linings Cafe offers congregate meals with COVID-19 protocols. Resident dining is 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and public dining is 12:30-1:30 p.m. If there is any overlap between the residents and the community, they are asked to wear a face mask until they are seated. Today the kitchen is serving mongolian beef; Friday is fish and chips day; Monday will be andouille sausage; Tuesday teriyaki chicken is served; Wednesday its pulled pork sandwiches; Next Thursday the meal is a Thanksgiving special.
Hospice of Homer
Hospice of Homer – Circle of Caring – Neighbors Helping Neighbors. Do you fit the profile to be a Hospice of Homer volunteer with an hour or two, perhaps even a morning or an afternoon? Could you assist with one of these activities? Visit or call someone who has become socially isolated, provide time for a caregiver to leave home for an errand, drive someone to an appointment, shop or pick up necessities for a homebound individual, share a meal, walk a dog, move a bed, fix a lawnmower, install a grab bar, cut a branch or clear a path.
There are isolated members of our community who benefit immeasurably from a cheerful “check in” or a kind gesture. Can you envision yourself giving time and attention to someone in need? Call 907-235-6899 to become part of our pool of people willing to help and choose your own volunteer match. Thank you for your help.
At Hospice of Homer we believe in coming together with others, in a safe and non-judgmental setting, to explore the meaning of significant losses in our lives. Talking it out can release sorrow and provide comfort. It can help us to move forward and to regain a sense of serenity while honoring those we have lost to isolation, distance or death.
We fully understand how difficult taking that first step can be. For this reason, HOH offers a bereavement correspondence series. We will provide you, or your family members, with a monthly letter dealing with loss and the mourning process.
These letters are designed to help you transition into the new reality which was created by loss.
At present HOH is offering opportunities to engage in conversation about our individual and collective grief experiences. You do not need to be a client of Hospice to access these conversations. There is no charge for attending the meetings or for the correspondence program. See below for meeting times and call the office or email Office@hospiceofhomer.org to participate in the Correspondence program. Widow/widower’s Group every Tuesday at 1:30 p.m. Conversations on Loss first and third Saturday.
Homer Council on the Arts
HCOA’s long-anticipated ceramics program is kicking off this month with several class series for ages kindergarten to adult. More programming is coming in 2023! To find out more and register, visit homerart.org/education/ceramics/
HCOA is accepting applications from new and returning vendors for the Nutcracker Faire to be held Dec. 3 and 4. The Faire offers Kenai Peninsula artists and makers a venue to connect with customers during the holiday season. Participation guidelines and application are available in the HCOA gallery and online at homerart.org. Apply by Nov. 11 to avoid a late fee.
We are in need of volunteers for a variety of tasks at this year’s Nutcracker Faire! Let us know if you can help out with this event or other volunteer opportunities by completing the form at homerart.org/volunteer
It’s time for the 25th Kenai Peninsula Writers’ Contest, open to KPB residents of all ages. For contest rules and entry visit homerart.org. The deadline to participate is 11:59pm on Friday, December 16th.
Homer Foundation
YAC is back!: Homer Foundation Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) is back for fall 2022. The YAC has begun meeting to formulate their grant program for this year. Each year this youth lead and youth focused program establishes their objectives for granting to youth related issues. This year the YAC will again have $10,000 to grant in the Foundation’s service area. Thank you to all of the funds which contribute to this award winning program. If you want be a part of youth focused philanthropy you can give to support the YAC Grants. please follow the link below and when asked “What is your donations for?” make sure you select “Youth Advisory Committee ” the or call the office at 907-235-0541.
The Pratt Museum & Park
The Pratt Museum & Park is open to the public from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday.
New Exhibition: “Salmon Culture” runs through Dec. 17 and is a visually rich exhibit that celebrates the connections between salmon and Alaska Native peoples through contemporary, historical and archaeological works of art. A complementary exhibit, “Salmon Culture: Kachemak Bay Connections,” shares stories of salmon connections the have helped shape the culture, economy and ecology of Kachemak Bay.
The Pratt Museum & Park, located at 3779 Bartlett Street in Homer, Alaska, is open 11 a.m to 4 p.m., Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
South Peninsula Hospital
South Peninsula Hospital will again offer free community yoga from 6-7 p.m. every Wednesday in October and November at SPARC. The classes are open to all skill levels. Please bring a yoga mat, layers, water bottle and blanket. SPARC is located at 600 Sterling Highway next to Homer Middle School.
Safe Sitter Class at 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, Dec. 22 and 23, 2022. Safe sitter is designed to prepare students in grade six through eight to be safe when staying home alone, watching younger siblings, or babysitting. This fun instructor-led class if full of game, activities and even includes CPR and choking rescue practice on medical manikins! Email wellness@sphosp.org for registration information.
South Peninsula Hospital’s COVID-19 Test and Vaccine Clinic at 4201 Bartlett Street is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, and closed on weekends.
PCR COVID-19 testing is offered at the walk-up clinic, no appointment necessary. PCR Testing at the SPH COVID-19 Test and Vaccine Clinic is no longer free. Insurance will be billed for testing. Those uninsured or not using insurance will be charged $50, and can pay at time of service or be billed. Test results will be provided on South Peninsula Hospital’s electronic health portal, and are normally available within 24 hours.
Testing is recommended for individuals experiencing COVID-like symptoms, for those with known exposure to an individual who tested positive for COVID-19, for travel requirements, with a provider referral and in advance of medical appointments. In addition to the PCR testing offered at the hospital’s walk-up clinic, free home-test kits are available at the hospital’s main entrance 24/7, at the Homer Chamber of Commerce, and for purchase at numerous local retailers.
COVID-19 vaccinations are offered for free at the site on Bartlett Street by appointment only. Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines are available for individuals ages five and over, and boosters are offered to eligible groups as recommended by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and as made available by FDA under emergency use authorizations.
The SPH COVID-19 Test and Vaccine Clinic also is offering free COVID-19 bivalent booster shots by appointment. These mRNA boosters contain vaccines against the original strain of the virus that causes COVID-19, and the newest Omicron BA.5 variant. Anyone over 12 years of age is eligible for the new booster, so long as they have completed the primary vaccine series and it has been more than two months since their last dose of any COVID vaccine (primary series or booster). Pfizer is approved for individuals 12 years of age and older, and Moderna for 18 years and older. Both of these bivalent boosters are available under FDA Emergency Use Authorization and recommended by the Centers for Disease Control as a way of staying “up to date” in a person’s vaccination status.
Appointments are required and can be made at www.sphosp.org for the SPH Vaccine and Testing Site. Appointments at the Vaccine and Testing Site are available Tuesday-Saturday, and can be made by clicking here and scrolling down to Bivalent Boosters.
In addition to the stand-alone clinic on Bartlett Street, both COVID-19 testing and vaccinations are offered by appointment at Homer Medical Center and the hospital’s Family Care Clinic. For more information on SPH Covid-19 services and care, visit www.sphosp.org and click on the covid tab, or call 907-235-0235.
Free Flu Shots offered with deeply discounted blood tests
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10221
The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10221 holds burger night from 5-7 p.m. every Friday. Monday night tacos is 5-7 p.m. The VFW is open to the public; you do not need to be a member to attend. Dine in or take out. Call 235-5582 to order ahead. The VFW is located at 72551 Milo Fritz Ave. in Anchor Point.
Homer United Methodist Church
A Community Thanksgiving Potluck is from 1-4 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 24 at the Homer United Methodist Church. If able, bring a dish to share or games to play with your neighbors — everyone is welcome!
Kachemak Gun Club
The 2022-2023 Membership Meeting is at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 3, 2022 at the club house,35640 Ibensen Road, Anchor Point. Election of officers and budget discussion. All members and past members urged to attend, and its open to the public — great opportunity to join! Dedicated to safe and responsible firearms use. For information call Doug at 907-435-4006.
Hospice of Homer
A Film Screening of “A Man Called Ove” is 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 17, at the Homer Theatre. Admission is by donations, and all proceeds benefit Hospice of Homer. The movie based on the novel by Fredrik Backman is about an angry old man dealing with the loss of his wife and the arrival of his new neighbors. This is a beautiful story of grief, love, and living life. If dark humor isn’t your thing, please join us at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 8, for the film “Love Actually.”
Hospice will be a part of KBBI’s Coffee Talk on Wednesday, Nov. 23 at 9 a.m .for a discussion on grief and depression during the holidays.
Talking Dementia will begin on Saturday, Nov. 19 at 10 am, Alzheimer’s Resource of Alaska and Hospice of Homer will join together for a conversation series on Zoom. This month’s conversation topic will be “How to support someone with Dementia during the Holidays.” We will discuss communication tips, how to travel with someone with dementia, and gift tips. There will also be time for questions.
Join us at Ano Kissaten at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 11, for Into the Dark: An Open Mic on Grief and Loss, and use your art to express yourself.
Celebrate a loved one who has died or share a message of hope with your community by purchasing a luminaria for our third annual Light Up a Life event at 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 15. Last year we lit 100 luminaria and came together to bring light to the darkness. This year we’re hoping for 200.
Are you experiencing grief? Hospice of Homer offers our Widow’s group weekly every Tuesday at 1:30 pm, and we have our Conversations on Loss on the first and third Saturdays at 1 pm. For those who have experienced the loss of a pet, we will have a pet grief support group on Monday, November 28th, at 1 pm.
If you’re looking for a way to contribute to your community through Hospice of Homer, there are many options this holiday season. Help to fill up gift boxes for Hospice clients in need by pulling a star off of the tree at the Homer Truffle Company or off of the memorial heart at the Hospice office. These Little Stars contain small items that can be purchased and dropped off at Hospice or the Homer Truffle Co. Hospice volunteers will distribute the boxes to those in need this holiday season. Our holiday candy fundraiser will feature boxes of See’s Chocolates and gourmet bars from the Homer Truffle Co. Join us in supporting some of the women who bring strength and joy to the community with the purchase of a calendar. Women of Worth will be available in early December. Pre-order on our website or at the office and we’ll call you when they arrive. We’ve already sold 50 copies!
For more information please visit the Hospice of Homer website at www.hospiceofhomer.org, our Facebook page, or call the office at 235-6899.
