Rain, rain, go away, come again another day! Or don’t — between the rain and all the potholes cropping up on the roads, it isn’t very fun to be going out and about! Still, there’s some great things happening this week that shouldn’t be missed — for details, check out these Best Bets!

BEST AUTHOR TALK BET: Join the Friends of the Homer Public Library on Thursday, Jan. 23 form 6-7 p.m. in the Fireplace Reading Lounge for a reading by local author Harold Shepherd from his new book, “Return to Ekeunick’s Time: Defending Waters and Tradition in the Arctic.” Shepherd will also share a slideshow presentation, take time for Q&A with the audience and sign books. “Return to Ekeunick’s Time” is available for checkout at the Homer Public Library or purchase at the Homer Bookstore. Copies of the book will also be for sale at the reading. Learn more at friendshomerlibrary.org/. 500 Hazel Ave.

BEST FREE VACCINE BET: The Homer Public Health Center is offering free measles/MMR vaccines to the public through Jan. 24, available by walk-in or appointment from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, call 907-235-8857. Free MMR vaccines are also offered Monday through Friday from 2-5 p.m. at the Homer Medical Center, South Peninsula Family Care Clinic and West Wing Clinic. No appointment needed for adults, but please call in advance if coming as a family unit or with multiple children. Homer Public Health Center, 195 E Bunnell Ave., Suite C.

BEST DRY JANUARY BET: Kachemak Bay Recovery is partnering with Recover Alaska to host a no-cost Alaska Dry January series on Saturdays this month. This event series creates a sober inclusive space for people to have a fun and social evening out without consuming alcohol. On Jan. 25 from 6-9 p.m., stop by the Sober Lounge for a performance of the old-time string band sound of the Spit City Slickers. Non-alcoholic beverages and snacks will be provided; everyone is welcome to come make new friends, socialize, enjoy beverages and snacks and play games. For more information, visit Kachemak Bay Recovery on Facebook or Instagram or check out their website at kbayrecovery.org/. 111 W Pioneer Ave.

BEST HEALTH AND WELLNESS BET: Join South Peninsula Hospital for Wellness Wednesdays, a free evening of health education, food and yoga held weekly on Wednesdays at Kachemak Bay Campus from 5:30-7:30 p.m. On Jan. 29, Michelle Fellows, associate professor of psychology with Kenai Peninsula College, will present “Every Emotion Matters: How Both Positive and Negative Emotions Shape A Full Life.” Fellow’s discussion will be followed by an hour of yoga with Sarah Estabrook. For more information, visit the SPH Facebook page or contact wellness@sphosp.org or 907-235-0285. 533 E Pioneer Ave.

BEST COMMUNITY RESOURCES BET: Community Resource Connect is around the corner! Mark your calendars for Tuesday, Jan. 28 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. This year’s CRC will be held in two locations: in Homer, head to the SPARC at 600 Sterling Highway. In Anchor Point, visit the VFW Post 10221 at 72551 Milo Fritz Ave. Anyone in need of resources is invited to attend this free, one-day event! For more information, contact 907-235-0285 or wellness@sphosp.org.

BEST PLATE PAINTING BET: Bunnell Street Arts Center invites you to paint a commemorative art plate for the upcoming 31st annual Plate Project fundraiser! Visit Bunnell during normal gallery hours to paint, or take a plate home to paint. Free! 106 W Bunnell Ave.

Signs from the Homer Women’s March on Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025, are displayed during the afterparty at Kachemak Bay Campus in Homer, Alaska. (Delcenia Cosman/Homer News)