Best Bets

Published 1:30 am Thursday, May 21, 2026

The baton of the Betster is being passed on, as it has time and time again over the many years of Homer News history. For one last time, this particular Betster offers an absolutely non-exhaustive range of activities for you readers to consider joining. It’s been an honor, folks.

For details on upcoming events, check out these Best Bets. Over and out.

BEST HOMER FOOD DRIVE BET: Mayday! Mayday! The cupboards at the Homer Community Food Pantry are bare! HCFP is reaching out to the community for help with their Spring Food Drive. Weekly numbers are continuing to go up — the food pantry reports a 22% increase in clients since this time last year and more are signing up weekly. Their client numbers have gone from 165 to 180+ families, but donations are way down and their funds are at a bare bones amount as prices continue to soar. Items needed include canned fruits, proteins, tuna, chicken, fish, beef, spam, peanut butter, pasta sauce, hearty soups, ravioli, chili, baked beans and more. Anything shelf stable will be appreciated! Together we can refill the cupboard! Bare Shelves, Big Hearts, HCFP Needs YOU! Donations: 907-435-1616. The Homer Community Food Pantry is housed by the Homer United Methodist Church at 770 East End Road.

BEST SATURDAY MORNING SKATEBOARDING BET: Community members are invited to come out to the Homer Skatepark on Saturday mornings from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. for skateboarding lessons! May 23, May 30, June 6 and June 13. All ages and skill levels are welcome. Expect lots of fun with cool and talented community members! Learn warm-ups and the basics of skateboarding from 10-11:30 a.m., then get into tricks, flows and techniques from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Helmets and pads are recommended; a small number of helmets, pads and boards are available to borrow for those who RSVP — first come, first served! To reserve your spot, email homerskateparkproject@gmail.com. A $15 donation is suggested for this event. Proceeds support the Homer Skatepark Project. 450 Sterling Highway.

BEST MUSEUM FUNDRAISER BET: The Pratt Museum will hold their annual plant sale and fundraiser sale on Saturday, May 30. Stop by the museum and the Yellow House next door to shop native plants, perennials, books, art, houseplants, curiosities and more. The plant sale will be held at the museum from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and benefits the Pratt’s botanical garden improvements and programming. The garden crew will be at the sale to answer any and all questions about where these native plants will thrive in your gardens and how to care for them. The fundraiser sale will be held at the Yellow House from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. New this year is a members-only presale on Friday evening, May 29, from 4-6 p.m. Not a member yet? Don’t worry, friendly Pratt board members will be available at the presale to help you join. 3779 Bartlett Street.

BEST WEEKLY THERAPEUTIC YOGA BET: Yoga therapist and somatic coach Lakshmi Kanter will lead a series of weekly therapeutic yoga sessions, every Thursday in May from 5:30-6:30 p.m. at the SPARC. Reduce stress, relax and manage your energy through this gently, adaptive class where we’ll practice breath, awareness and movement that bolsters your immune system. This free series is supportive for those navigating cancer, chronic illness, anxiety, depression or grief. Mats are provided; drop-ins and all levels are welcome. 600 Sterling Highway.

BEST FREE OPEN WALKS EXTENSION BET: South Peninsula Hospital’s free weekly open walks at the SPARC are now extended through August! Walkers of all ages and abilities are welcome every Monday from 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. throughout the summer. For more information, call 907-235-0285. 600 Sterling Highway.