Best Bets

With new directives and advice coming out about wearing facemasks, something seen only on surgeons has now become a hip fashion statement. In a press release from the Boca Raton, Florida, Museum of Art, a photographer with a show about African mask traditions talked about how masks have taken on new meaning in the pandemic.

“They are becoming a part of fashion, of our cultural landscape. Ways that people can convey messages and reflect their own personality,” said photographer Phyllis Galembo.

At a press conference last Friday, Gov. Mike Dunleavy noted how masks can help slow down the spread of COVID-19.

“If you see people with masks, they’re just trying to help you,” he said. “Because the masks, from what we understand, help limit or slow down a projection, whether it’s a sneeze or a cough. So those folks are trying to help you.”

Here in Homer, people have started to wear masks with a bit of personality. Teams of fiber artists have been creating masks that not only protect but dazzle. You can see tie-dyed masks, cosmic masks, frilly masks, silly masks and crazy masks. A few local Scots even wear tartan masks, and no, they’re not out to rustle cattle. That would be a bandana. As the pandemic goes on, expect to see more masks, at least for important trips like visiting the hairdresser.

Embrace the vibe, Betseroids. Wash your hands, cover your sneezes and keep that social distancing while you head out for these Best Bets:

BEST KEEP IT CLEAN BET: The Homer Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center’s annual May clean-up won’t have hot dogs and pop on a big day, but it will go on this month. Through May 23, pick up yellow trash bags at the chamber and pick up trash and recycling as you go about town. Or, make it a big day and team up with friends or family — using socially distancing, of course — and fill as many bags as you can. Take filled bags to the Homer Transfer Facility at the top of Baycrest Hill. Don’t forget to recycle cans, bottles and plastic.

BEST UP IN THE AIR BET: If you hear the roar of jets overhead on Friday, don’t panic. It’s just the U.S. Air Force pilots from Joint Base Elmendorf Richardson flying F-22 Raptors over the Kenai Peninsula. The flyover is part of an effort going on this week to honor health care workers and first responders in the fight against COVID-19.

Wave a flag and cheer them on. The jets pass overhead sometime between late morning and early afternoon. For the flight path and times, visit the JBER Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/JBERAK.

BEST HELLO AGAIN BET: U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan have been holding tele-town hall meetings every Thursday for the past few weeks to help answer questions from citizens about the pandemic recovery efforts. Missing your stimulus check? Trying to get unemployment? Want to navigate the complexities of the Payroll Protection Plan? They’re there to listen.

The meeting is 4:30-5:30 p.m. today. To connect , pre-register or just listen in at re-Register prior to the event, or listen to the call, at https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/live.

WASHINGTON, DC –U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan are continuing their efforts to connect with Alaskans impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic by hosting a live Teletown Hall, tomorrow. As the state of Alaska slowly begins to slowly re-open, this event will allow Senators Murkowski and Sullivan to hear directly from constituents, answer questions, and better represent Alaskans as coronavirus relief efforts continue to develop.

rom 4:30-5:30pm AKDT

HOW: Pre-Register prior to the event, or listen to the call, at

https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/live.

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