Homer Alaska - Schools

Schools aren't the only places buzzing with renewed activity this week. Boys and Girls Clubs across the Kenai Peninsula are alive with the sound of children's voices, the rumble of activities and the quiet hum of homework being done.

Homer's clubhouse is one of the six welcoming youngsters. Others include two in Kenai (one is a teen club), Nikiski, Seward and Soldotna. The Seldovia clubhouse is temporarily closed, said James Clark, executive director of Boys and Girls Clubs of the Kenai Peninsula.

"We're excited for the new year," said Kelly Jackman, Homer clubhouse director.

"It's wonderful to see the children."

The Homer clubhouse is open from 2-6 p.m. five days a week. The days it is open are the same days schools are in operation in the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District.

"Whenever school is closed, we're closed," said Jackman.

In addition to Jackman, the Homer clubhouse has a tutor to help children with homework assignments, technical support for students wanting to expand their computer know-how, space for crafts, a gym for games and, of course, there are snacks.

Jackman is currently recruiting for gym staff, as well as volunteers and additional members for the Resource Committee, people to help with finances and fundraisers.

Daily average attendance is 60 youngsters from first-grade through high school, with sign-ups numbering 140.

"We've got lots of room," said Jackman.

Due to budget cuts, the clubhouse was closed during the summer. Cost to attend through the end of the year is $20, with a rate increase expected in 2011.

Photo by McKibben Jackinsky Emily Inama, 11, works on homework Monday afternoon at the Boys and Girls Club of Homer. Emiliy is a fifth-grade student at West Homer Elementary School.

"It won't be insane," Jackman said of the anticipated increase.

Since Boys and Girls Clubs receive United Way funds, they are limited from doing any fundraising during the United Way campaign, Sept. 15-Oct. 31. Jackman is planning a dinner-auction sometime in November.

The building that houses the clubhouse is owned by the city of Homer. It had the boiler replaced in March.

During the summer, some landscaping was done, the skate park fence was replaced and other improvements were made to the building.

"Thankfully with the city we have maintenance men to maintain the building when it's empty," Jackman said. "Things are looking good."

Looking less certain is the future of the clubhouse in Seldovia, which had a history of offering services to approximately 50 youngsters.

"Seldovia is traditionally funded by the other clubs. There aren't enough dollars in that town," said Clark.

"In past years we've made cutbacks. We're at the point where Seldovia has to be one of those, unfortunately."

Clark said he has met with the Boys and Girls of America officials and with the city manager of Seldovia, "trying to find some ideas to get the club opened."

He anticipates that by mid-September he will have a better idea about the future of the Seldovia clubhouse.

"We're in one of those 'we hope' stages," he said.

Seldovia City Manager Tim Dillon said the city is working with Boys and Girls Clubs of the Kenai Peninsula to gather as much information as possible on what it will take to reopen the club.

"This is a real important part of our community, but I also understand from the funding standpoint that you've got to have the dollars to back it up," said Dillon.

"Kids are so important to us. We've got to have some place for them to play and enjoy. And not just the play side of things, but the social interaction."

Boys and Girls Clubs have been active on the Kenai Peninsula for 22 years.

Last year the clubhouses offered services to 5,200 youngsters.

For more information about the Boys and Girls Club of Homer, call 235-2772 or stop by the clubhouse, 360 Pioneer Ave.

McKibben Jackinsky can be reached at mckibben.jackinsky@homernews.com.