Whether things went the way you wanted them to or not, Homerites waking up on Wednesday morning should have rejoiced in the fact that we, as a community, went through the most democratic of processes on Tuesday.

We used our voices, we made them count. We made our Founding Fathers proud — we participated in an election.

For those who did not, the die has been cast, the decisions made — and no amount of griping or arguing can change the fact that a missed vote is a missed opportunity to be part of something much bigger than oneself.

Some might look upon at Homer’s voter turnout (28 percent) with pity or frustration, but, indeed, it was much better than the borough-wide turnout of just about 17 percent.

If there’s one thing you can say about people in Homer, it’s that they care. I mean they really, really care. Meetings until midnight, marching in the streets and hour-long discussions about the minutia of city government kind of care.

And as overwhelming as all that passion can seem sometimes, it’s a good thing. It means that no matter where we may land on a particular issue, we all have our community’s best interests at heart.

Now is not the time to argue or grow farther apart from one another. It’s a time to celebrate that we exercised our rights to vote for a better Homer and a better tomorrow.

Now, let’s roll up our sleeves and start working on the next thing that’s going to make Homer a better place.

While you’re at it, take a look at these Best Bets:

BEST FISHY BET: Curious about salmon hatcheries in Alaska. Wishing you know more about how they worked? Head over to Kachemak Bay Campus on Friday for a presentation on Alaska’s approach to salmon hatcheries: intersection of science and policy with Dani Evenson. This free event is from 3:30-4:30 p.m. This presentation will address the role of science in the precautionary plans, permits, and policies that have guided salmon enhancement in Alaska over the last 50 years. The event is part of the University of Fairbanks’ College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences weekly Friday seminar series, which are live videos hosted in room 219 in Pioneer Hall at KBC. Call 234-7743 for more information.

BEST BUNNELL BET: The Qaspeq / Kuspuk / Atikluk Invitational Exhibit Opening is from 5-7 p.m. Friday at the Bunnell Street Arts Center. Bunnell presents “Qaspeq / Kuspuk /Atikluk” an invitational exhibit of innovations in traditional Yup’ik wearable art created by Indigenous Alaska artists. The exhibit runs Oct. 4 – Nov. 4. Featured artists include: Amber Webb, Bobby Itta, Carla Gingrich, Erin Gingrich, Nita Rearden, Darlene Wright and more.

BEST BENEVOLENT BET: Show a little love for the kids by attending the McNeil Canyon Elementary 6th Grade Garage Sale Fundraiser from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday at the school, located at 52188 E. End Road.

BEST BETTER HEALTH BET: Walk with a Doc is back with another short lecture and walking hour at the SPARC. From 9-10 a.m. on Saturday, hear from a medical professional on a different health topic each session. Spend the rest of the time walking and asking questions. Free blood pressure screenings are also available. Please bring your clean, indoor walking shoes to change into. Walk with a Doc is always free and all are welcome – SPARC is accessible for walking, running, stollers, wheelchairs, walking poles, etc. All ages and abilities can join for a healthy Saturday morning activity, with snacks and coffee provided. Please contact wellness@sphosp.org or call the SPH Health & Wellness Department at (907) 235-0970 with any questions or suggestions.

BEST BOW-WOW BET: Want to keep your pet happy and out of the vet’s office. An upcoming Pet Wellness Workshop will help with that! Learn tips to keep your pet feeling their best and receive information about common causes of vet visits at this workshop at 4 p.m. Sunday at Homer Dog Trainers. To register, please call Homer Animal Friends at 907-235-7729

BEST BAGGED LUNCH BET: Lunch with a Council member is coming up again at the Homer Public Library. Have some burning questions for your local representatives? This is the time to ask them and find out more about how the city works. The next lunch is at noon on Monday, Oct. 7 with council member Caroline Venuti. This is an informal opportunity to meet your local elected officials. Each month a different city council member will address your ideas, concerns, and questions at the Homer Public Library. Bring your lunch, questions and concerns.