Best Bets

It seems that April Fool’s decided to show us what for, what with the several inches of snow that came falling again from the sky. Or perhaps the Betster counted on spring a little too early. Regardless, winter is still on its way out, so don’t hole up in your houses! It’s time to get on out there and participate in some great community events. Curious about what there is to do? Check out this week’s Best Bets!

BEST COMMUNITY CAFE BET: The Alaska Food Policy Council and other local partners are hosting a Community Cafe at Kachemak Bay Campus on Saturday, April 6 at 11:30 a.m.! This event is free and open to all Homer community members ages 14 and up. The cafe will include a home gardening lesson as well as a nutrition and cooking demonstration, with light hors d’oeuvres provided. Participants will be able to take home their own seed starts, as well as information and resource handouts. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/Kachemakbaycampus/. 533 E Pioneer Ave.

BEST LOCAL STATE PARK MEETING BET: Join the Kachemak Bay State Park Trails meeting on Wednesday, April 10 at 4 p.m. at the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center. The Trails meeting will be followed by a State Park Citizen’s Advisory Board meeting at 5:30 p.m. Come learn what is happening in Kachemak Bay State Park and give your input. If you are interested in attending the meetings by Zoom, contact Park Ranger Jason Okuly at 907-435-7595 or Jason.Okuly@alaska.gov. Kachemak Bay State Park Trails meetings are held on the second Wednesday each month — come get informed and share your voice! 95 Sterling Highway.

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 yoga with Rachael Mannix Schmoker. On April 10, join family practice physician Dr. Emma Mayfield as she shares all about osteopathic manipulation treatment! OMT is used to treat mechanical pain such as muscle, tendon or bone pain due to structural imbalance and a wide range of health conditions. It is also used to diagnose and prevent disease and help your body function better. Although OMT is most often used to treat lower back pain, everyone from babies to children to adults and elders can benefit from it! Join to learn more in this informative evening. Community members of all ages and abilities are welcome. Come for part of it or all of it! For more information, visit www.facebook.com/SouthPeninsulaHospital. 533 E. Pioneer Ave.

BEST LIVE HEALTH TALK BET: On Thursday, April 11 at 5 p.m., join Dr. Rob Downey for another installment of Down with Downey: Live at Five on the Seaworthy Functional Medicine Facebook Page as he shares ways for menopause to be a great next chapter in women’s lives! An in-depth Q&A will follow his short presentation. If you have a question about a talk or are interested in a topic, community members are encouraged to send questions or topic ideas to fmc@sphosp.org. If you’ve missed a previous talk, recordings of past Down with Downey talks are available at vimeo.comsphosp.

BEST EARTH DAY CELEBRATION BET: What better way to celebrate Earth Day than to spend the day taking care of our planet? Mark your calendars for the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge’s annual Earth Day celebration and clean-up on Saturday, April 20 from 9-11 a.m.! Spend time outside with fellow conservation enthusiasts and help clean up the Refuge. Along with providing an opportunity for stewardship, AMNWR will be giving away prizes to volunteers! For more information, visit www.facebook.com/AlaskaMaritimeNationalWildlifeRefuge/. 95 Sterling Highway.

BEST BIRDING FESTIVAL BET: This event hardly needs an introduction, so the Betster will keep it brief — registration for the 2024 Shorebird Festival is open! Taking place May 8-12, this year’s festival will feature over 100 events for all ages and abilities. Find out more information and register at kachemakshorebird.org/!

BEST COMMUNITY SPORTS BET: Kevin Bell Arena is hosting broomball every week on Sundays from 7-9 p.m.! Broomball is similar to hockey, played with a ball on ice but with special shoes instead of skates. All are welcome to play, no experience or equipment is required. Your first time playing is free! For more information, call 907-299-8210 or email homerbroomball@gmail.com. 3150 Homer Spit Road.