There will be a Nordic Gala dinner and auction to benefit ski racers of high school age at 7 p.m. Saturday, at the Barn (the residence of Pauli and Harmon Hall). This event is for past, present and future supporters of ski racing in Homer. Tickets are $80 on sale at the Homer Bookstore. Call 235-1091 for information.

Cinema 127 Studios is presenting the documentary "Black Gold" at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, at 127 Bunnell Street.

An Arthaven creative workshop will feature Elizabeth Petersen doing mixed media collage from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, at the Bunnell Street Arts Center. No experience is necessary, just bring your creative self. Haven House staff and clients may attend at no cost; all others, please register by calling 235-4801. A fee of $30 covers supplies and materials that will be provided.

Beginning and intermediate cross-country ski lessons for women will be held from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Sunday, at the Lookout Mountain ski trails on Ohlson Mountain Road (please park in parking lot). Get ready for the Kachemak Ski for Women race or just get out for fun and learning. A $20 minimum donation is suggested, and Kachemak Nordic Ski Club membership is appreciated. Call at 299-3532 to register.

Paul Shero, who preaches for the Southgate Congregation of the Church of Christ in San Angelo Texas, will be at the East Homer Church of Christ. Paul will be teaching three lessons discussing "Faithfulness and Committment" at 10:00 a.m. Sunday for Bible study, and for worship at 11:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, the lessons will be at 7:00 p.m. at the East Homer church of Christ.

For directions or transportation please call 907-235-7606.

A 13-session boating skills and seamanship course will be Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7-9:30 p.m., Jan. 20 through March 3. The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Homer Flotilla is offering the course through Homer Community Schools at Homer High School. Call 235-6090 to register, or for more information, 235-6398.

There will be an Inauguration Party at Alice's Champagne Palace 5-10 p.m., Jan. 20 , open to the public and non-partisan. Music, food and replay of the Inauguration. Suggested donation is $5, with all proceeds benefitting Haven House and the Independent Living Center.

Seams To Bee has a class with Dana Lewis from 6-9 p.m. Jan. 20, building a colorful crazy Ray's quilt. Fee is $40. Call 235-6555.

Alaska Islands and Ocean Visitor Center presents Alaska's seabirds Discovery Lab 3-5 p.m. Jan. 21 at the Center. Learn about seabirds and how they survive the dynamic marine environment. All ages are welcome. For more information, call 226-4659.

The 6th annual Kachemak Ski for Women will be held Feb. 1 at the Lookout Mountain trails on the Ohlson Mountain Road. Registration begins at noon, and the race starts at 1 p.m. A short, fun women's Nordic ski race benefits the Haven House. There is a minimum $15 donation, and there will be prizes for costumes. Call 399-4413.

The Ohlson Mountain rope tow hours of operation are 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Sundays, conditions permitting.

The Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies has a free snowshoe loan program 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday, at 708 Smokey Bay Way. Call 235-6667.

Nominate your hero for Haven House's Annual Women of Distinction Awards Banquet recognizing women who contribute to our community. Deadline for submissions is Feb. 15. This is a community event with dinner, entertainment and an auction March 27 at Land's End. Nomination forms can be picked and dropped off at Alaska USA, the Homer Bookstore, Latitude 59, Two Sisters and Haven House.