Student News

The Gen. Buckner American Legion Post 16 invites high school students in grades 9-12 to compete in the National High School Oratorical Contest. The subject is on some phase of the U.S. Constitution, emphasizing the duties and obligations of being a U.S. citizen. An oratorical information sheet is due to the Legion commander before Jan. 9. Each contestant must have an oration prepared of 8-10 minutes long, and be ready to speak on one of the 3-5 minute assigned topics. The Homer contest is Jan. 14, the Kenai district contest is Jan. 28 and the state contest in Anchorage is Feb. 25. Prizes range from $50 at the local level to $18,000 at the national level. For more information, call Bill Sheldon, Post 16 Commander, at 235-6789, or contact school guidance counselors or government teachers.

Announcements

The Friends of the Fishing Hole is looking for volunteers to help with fund-raising for the silver salmon enhancement program at the Nick Dudiak Fishing Lagoon on the Homer Spit. Call Nicky Szarzi, 235-8191.

The Homer Chamber of Commerce is soliciting nominations for its Community Awards Program. Awards presented are Citizen of the Year and Business of the Year. Nominations will be narrowed down to an official ballot, with voting open to the public and taking place in January. Forms can be picked up at the chamber offices, faxed on request or downloaded from the chamber Web site at www.homeralaska.org. Call 235-7740.

The chamber also celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Homer Winter Carnival Feb. 10-12. This year’s theme is “In Those Days,” a tribute to the Pioneers of Alaska. Activities and events are being solicited. To sign up, call 235-7740.

The Homer Foundation Youth Advisory Committee offers $5,500 in grant funds to projects to promote fun, affordable, accessible and healthy activities for youth. Minimum grant awards are $1,000. Applications are available through the foundation. Call Joy Steward at 235-0541 or e-mail jsteward@homerfund.org.

Until Dec. 1, first-class global phone cards can be purchased at the Homer Post Office and donated and sent to Alaska military members serving overseas so they can call home for the holidays.

The National Alliance of the Mentally Ill (NAMI) Homer affiliate holds a weekly support group, NAMI CARES (Consumers Advocating Recovery through Education & Support) for individuals facing the challenges of recovering from serious and persistent mental illness. Facilitated by trained NAMI members, the group meets at 6:30 p.m. Thursday evenings (except Thanksgiving) at the Circle of Wings Drop-In Center, 601 E. Pioneer Ave, Suite 110. Depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and anxiety disorder are only a few of the diagnoses of people who have found a supportive place within NAMI CARES. Call Jean at 235-5284 for information. A potluck dinner precedes the meeting from 3-6 p.m. Call Scott or Ron at 235-5284 or e-mail namihomer@alaska.com.

Community School

The Inlet Wind Band is back in action, with music director Shawnie Olsen. The band meets 6-8 p.m. Mondays in the high school band room. For musicians of all ages, the band is $20 for the fall session.

Scrabble Night is at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 23, in the Homer High School library. Call 235-6090 for Community School information.

Kachemak Bay Campus UAA

The spring semester schedule is now online at www.homer.alaska.edu. Upcoming classes include Beginning Sculpture, Intermediate ASL, Global Climate Change, Grant Proposal Writing, Calculus, EMT I, Quilting, AutoCAD, 6-pack License Preparation, CNA, Wire Welding, Arc Welding, Master Gardener and Biology of Fish. Registration for degree-seeking, admitted students begins Nov. 28. Online registration for the general public begins Dec. 13.

The foreign film series continues, with shows at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. at the east campus. There is no film this week. Upcoming films are “Boudo Saved from Drowning,” Dec. 2; “The White Dawn,” Dec. 9 and “Character,” Dec. 16.

Ferry Schedule

The M/V Tustumena returns to Homer April 16, 2005. The M/V Kennicott provides limited winter service to Homer starting Dec. 3. For last-minute changes, more detailed schedules and information about fares, visit www.akmhs.com or call 235-8449 or (800) 382-9229 outside of Homer.