2024 has come in with a bang — and a lot of bright flashy colors, if you were at Mariner Park this past weekend for the annual crowdfunded Fireworks Fantastical. Let’s hope the year continues in such a spectacular manner, highlighting the community ties that bring us all together as we celebrate being alive and calling this place home. If you want to keep up the momentum, how about checking out some of these upcoming events, like weekly Jam Sessions at HCOA, health talks with free wellness tips, or wintry snowshoe adventures? For details on these and more, take a look at this week’s Best Bets.
BEST JAM SESSION BET: Join Homer Council on the Arts for weekly Community Jam Sessions on Thursdays from 6:30-9 p.m. in the gallery! On Jan. 4, grab an instrument and come make music with other locals in this free program. Facilitated by Cathy Stingley on the fiddle, sessions are open to all instruments and abilities and will explore a range of genres based on attendees’ interest. Light refreshments will also be available. Community is built through relationships, place-making, pride in original work, collaboration and creativity. Music in an informal setting is a way to connect creatively and build relationships. Be part of the creative community! Find out more at homerart.org/event/jam-sessions-at-hcoa/2023-12-28/. 355 W Pioneer Ave.
BEST GUIDED SNOWSHOE HIKE BET: Join naturalists at the Wynn Nature Center for a guided snowshoe hike through pristine winter landscapes on Friday, Jan. 5 or Saturday, Jan. 6 from 2-3:30 p.m.! Learn about the winter ecology of coastal forests, explore frozen ponds and creeks, and follow snowshoe hare and moose tracks while wandering through snow-laden spruce trees at the Wynn Nature Center. These beginner friendly hikes cover about a mile of easy walking and are a great introduction to snowshoeing. Snowshoes are provided, but you’re welcome to use your own. Call 907-235-6667 or visit the Carl E. Wynn Visitor Center for more information or fees. Mile 1.4 Skyline Dr.
BEST WEEKLY SPEAKERS BET: Mark your calendars for the return of Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies’ winter weeknight program, Tuesday Night Lights, in January! This free rotating event series at CACS headquarters will feature a new special guest giving a talk or hosting an activity every week. On Tuesday, Jan. 9 at 6 p.m., come check out “The Coast Guard in Alaska, in Homer, and in My Life,” where special guest Lt. Cdr. Shea Winterberger will be giving a presentation about the Coast Guard in Homer and her own career path. Make sure to check out the full schedule for other amazing speakers at www.facebook.com/ConnectingUwiththeNatureofAlaskasince1982/. 708 Smoky Bay Way.
BEST WEEKLY WELLNESS BET: SPH Health & Wellness invites you to a free weekly gathering every Wednesday from 5-7 p.m. at Kachemak Bay Campus! Participants can enjoy warm soup, bread and a dose of health education from a rotating presenter, all followed by an hour of gentle, Hatha-based yoga led by certified instructor Britt Huffman. On Jan. 10, Dr. Rob Downey will delve into the non-conventional causes of fatigue often overlooked by traditional medicine. During this informative session, Dr. Downey will explore the root causes of fatigue, such as nutritional deficiencies, hormonal imbalances, and chronic stress, and offer practical tips and integrative approaches for restoring energy and vitality. Community members of all ages and abilities are welcome. Come for part of it or all of it! 533 E. Pioneer Ave.
BEST LIVE HEALTH BET: Join South Peninsula Hospital for their monthly health lecture series, “Down with Downey: Live at Five.” On Jan. 11, Dr. Rob Downey goes live at 5 p.m. on the Seaworthy Functional Medicine Facebook page to discuss menopause as a new beginning or a positive next chapter in a woman’s life. Learn ways to make the transition smoother and more enjoyable! An in-depth Q&A will follow his short presentation. Sessions are recorded and available for viewing at vimeo.com/sphosp. For more information, call 907-435-3070.
BEST DONATION DRIVE BET: South Peninsula Hospital is seeking donations for Community Resource Connect, scheduled for Jan. 30, 2024! CRC is a one-day event held in both Homer and Anchor Point, open to anyone facing financial instability or homelessness, or who is at risk of houselessness. Donate items such as gently used and clean sleeping bags, winter gear and backpacks, and new tents, pet supplies, toilet paper, nonperishable food, sleds, batteries, personal care products, cleaning supplies, water jugs and menstrual products. Donations will be accepted through Jan. 15, 2024. Drop your items off at First National Bank in Homer. For more information, call 907-235-0285 or email wellness@sphosp.org. 3655 Heath St.
BEST ICE CRAFTING BET: Join the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge on Wednesdays and Fridays at 12:30 p.m. in helping to make ice lanterns! Meet at the AMNWR Visitor Center, and be prepared to work inside and outside. If you would like to donate containers to help those making the lanterns, they can be dropped off at the Visitor Center desk during regular operating hours. Ice lantern making will continue, leading up to the Ice Lantern Walk on the Beluga Slough Trail on Saturday, Jan. 20, sponsored by AMNWR. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/AlaskaMaritimeNationalWildlifeRefuge/. 95 Sterling Highway.
BEST CALL FOR ART BET: Homer Council on the Arts is partnering with Friends of the Homer Library to put together a show inspired by Jess Walter’s novel, “The Cold Millions,” and based on the 2022-2023 NEA Big Read theme, “Where we live.” This exhibition asks creatives, “What does home mean to you?” and, more specifically, “How do you make the Homer area your home?” Submissions are open to all ages and abilities through Jan. 20, 2024. For more information, visit homerart.org/event/big-read-america-call-for-art/.
A stand of dried pushki stalks overlook the mountains across Cook Inlet on Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023 in Anchor Point, Alaska. (Callie Steinberg/Homer News)
Fireworks explode in bright colors during the New Year’s Eve fireworks show hosted by VFW Post 10221 and Greatland Worship Center on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2023 in Anchor Point, Alaska. (Delcenia Cosman/Homer News)
New Year’s Eve fireworks shoot off during the New Year’s Eve fireworks show hosted by VFW Post 10221 and Greatland Worship Center on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2023 in Anchor Point, Alaska. (Delcenia Cosman/Homer News)
Fireworks light up the night sky during the New Year’s Eve fireworks show hosted by VFW Post 10221 and Greatland Worship Center on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2023 in Anchor Point, Alaska. (Delcenia Cosman/Homer News)
