Alaska State Parks is currently accepting applications for vacancies on three Kenai Peninsula state park advisory boards. The Kenai River Special Management Area, Kachemak Bay State Park, and Seward State Parks advisory boards are seeking volunteers to serve three-year terms, beginning July 2022. The advisory boards are the primary method that Alaska State Parks incorporates public involvement with park management. Volunteers that serve on these advisory boards help park managers better understand concerns from local communities and stakeholders. Those selected will serve from July 2022 through June 2025. The board typically meets once a month between September and May.
To apply for a position on an advisory board, fill out the Alaska State Parks Advisory Board Application provided at http://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/misc/boards.htm. Applications are being accepted through March 31, 2022. For more information, please contact the Kenai Peninsula/Prince William Sound Region State Park office at 907-262-5581.
The Kachemak Bay Birders hold and Shorebird Identification class through Zoom at 7 p.m. on April 4. Aaron Lang, a local birder and owner of Wilderness Birding Adventures, teaches the class. in Homer. This Zoom presentation will cover all the shorebirds likely to be seen in the coming migration — and a few like the red knot and bristle-thighed curlew that we are birders area always hoping to see in the coming migration. Lang has excellent photos and a narrative which provide information about physical characteristics, voice, behavior and habitat. His presentation could be an introduction to shorebirds or a review to brush up for volunteering as a shorebird monitors. Enjoy the beautiful, instructive photos. The shorebirds are on their way. The link for this Zoom event will be on the Kachemak Bay Birders website at www.kachemakbaybirders.org a few days before the event.
South Peninsula Haven House holds its Women of Distinction awards ceremony on April 9 at Alice’s Champagne Palace, with a hybrid style event and a live stream being available for those that would prefer to stay home. For more information, visit https://havenhousealaska.org/women-of-distinction.
The Southern Kenai Peninsula Democratic Party’s 2022 House District virtual caucus is at 10 a.m. April 9 via Zoom. At the caucus, Democrats ill elect new House District officers, as well as delegates to the 2022 Alaska Democratic Party State Convention in Seward. To attend the caucus, register online at https://akdems.org/register. You do not need to be a registered Democrat to attend the online caucus, but you do need to be a registered Democrat to participate in the caucus. And you can register at the time of the caucus – registration forms will be available you can fill out online.
Note: The district maps have been redrawn for the state. The new district for the southern peninsula will become House District 6, unless altered by court decisions in the next few weeks. The district will once again include the south side of Kachemak Bay, from Halibut Cove to Seldovia; it does not include Port Graham or Nanwalek. Our caucus includes any Democrat from this new District 6. For district boundaries, visit https://www.akredistrict.org/map-gallery/web/final-redistricting-map.html. You may also register if you would like to be a delegate to the State Convention, which will be held on May 6 to 8 in Seward. There will be a parade and a glacier dinner cruise. If you cannot attend the caucus, you can still run to be a delegate to the convention, or be a House District Officer. Please contact the Alaska Democratic Party at info@alskademocrats.org prior to the caucus to submit your name.
Homer AARP tax aides provide tax assistance to anyone, free of charge, with a focus on taxpayers who are older than 50 and have low to moderate income. Call 907-299-4231 to make an appointment.
The sandhill cranes are winging their way north. A report from Washington state indicates they are well on their way. Watch for the first arrivals in the next few weeks, and let Kachemak Crane Watch know when you spot them. Report your sightings to Kachemak Crane Watch by calling 907-235-6262 or emailing reports@cranewatch.org. This is the most reliable way of making sure your important sighting makes it into our citizen science information for the year.
Jehovah’s Witnesses have returned to in-person meetings. After two years of only virtual gatherings, the Homer Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses and all others around the globe will meet in person again, barring government restrictions, starting in April 2022. The Homer Congregation meets at 7 p.m. Thursdays and at 10 a.m. Sundays. The Kingdom Hall address is 850 Sterling Highway. Among the first events scheduled are:a special talk titled “Where Can You Find Real Hope?” on April 10 and the Memorial of Jesus’ Death on Friday, April 15. For more information, visit JW.org.
Due to COVID-19 concerns, the Cook Inlet Regional Citizens Advisory Council’s (CIRCAC) Prevention, Response, Operations and Safety (PROPS) Committee meeting will be held virtually at 10 a.m. Friday, April 1. For questions or a meeting agenda, email Candice at candiceelias@circac.org. For more information about CIRCAC, please visit https://www.circac.org.
The Loved & Lost Memorial Bench is being created to honor all those missing around Alaska, the nation, and the world. Three artists, 250 pounds of clay and more than five months in the making, work continues on the bench with a goal of placing it in its permanent spot outside the Homer Public Library. A memorial for Duffy Murnane and bench dedication event will be open to the public via Zoom, with details to be announced soon.
If you have a missing loved one and would like their photo included on the bench during the dedication event, please email a photo along with their name and date/location they went missing to Christina at lovedandlostmemorial@gmail.com. Fundraising efforts are ongoing with $10,000 still to be raised. Donations can be made online at gofundme.com/f/lovedandlostmemoria AND homerumcalaska.org/donate, and by check payable to HUMC, mailed to HUMC, 770 East End Rd, Homer, AK 99603 with memorial bench in the subject line.
You can also continue to drop dollars and change in donation jars around town – Chevron, Coles Market, Latitude 59, SBS, Ssafeway, Ulmers and Wild Honey Bistro. If you’d like to support the bench as a major donor and receive name/logo recognition in a variety of ways, please contact Christina for more details and the donor form – lovedandlostmemorial@gmail.com, 907-435-7969.
Duffy’s family would like to share the modeling clay that has been used to create the 12 sculptures that will be depicted on the bench. If you are a local or statewide artist, school or arts organization interested in re-using some of the 200 pounds of clay, please contact Christina, 907-435-7969.
Anchor Point Group of Alcoholics Anonymous continues to meet in person at the Anchor Point Chamber of Commerce at 34175 Sterling Hwy (north of Chapman School) on Wednesday and Friday at 7 p.m. These are open meetings, and alcoholics and non-alcoholics are all welcome. For more information, call 907-223-9814.
The Homer Unity Group of Alcoholics Anonymous meets every Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday at 6:30 p.m. downstairs at Homer United Methodist Church, 770 East End Road. All meetings are open to anyone wanting to learn more about recovery from alcoholism. More information and online links to meetings can be found at www.aahomer.org.
Co-Dependents Anonymous is meeting in person at Homer Methodist Church, located at 770 East End Road. Please contact Kay at 907-399-6243 for more information. All are welcome.
Step into Freedom is a narcotics anonymous group that will be held at 7 p.m. every Thursday at the Glacierview Baptist Church “Big House” next to the main church. This group is for both women and men, and is open to non-addicts who would like to sit in on the meetings. For questions, call Jaclyn at 907-756-3530.
The Kenai Peninsula Borough Solid Waste facilities is closed on Sundays for the winter through April 24. For more information contact the KPB Solid Waste Department at 907-262-9667 or check their webpage at https://www.kpb.us/swd-waste/about-solidwaste.
Homer Legislative Information Office
The Homer Legislative Information Office at 270 W. Pioneer Ave. is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. We are here to help you learn about, participate in and track matters facing the State Legislature. Masks are required and provided.
Our office is a distribution site for Alaska Permanent Fund dividend applications and can assist with questions. We verify passports and birth certificates for the Permanent Fund Division so you do not need to mail original documents.
BILL HIGHLIGHT: House Bill 272: Increase Base Student Allocation and HB 273: Increase Base Student Allocation by Inflation.
MEETING HIGHLIGHT: Starting at 9 a.m. Friday, April 1, the House Finance committee will take public testimony on HB 272: Increase Base Student Allocation and HB273: Increase Base Student Allocation by Inflation. Written testimony can be sent to hfin@akleg.gov. Meeting times are subject to change; call 235-7878 to verify.
LEGISLATIVE TIDBIT: A fiscal note is a statement itemizing estimated costs beyond those included in an agency’s regular budget if the bill were to become law. Bills with a fiscal impact are assigned to the Finance Committee for review in addition to any other committee assignments.
RESOURCE HIGHLIGHT: You can find fiscal notes for a bill by going to www.akleg.gov. Type the bill number in the search bar. For example, type “HB272” and then select the “Fiscal Notes” tab. Be sure to read the explanation found on the 2nd page.
Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center
Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge visitor center is now open to the public. Hours for the month of March are noon to 4 p.m., Wednesday through Friday. Attention preschoolers and parents! Don’t miss this month’s session of Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge’s Pre-K Puffins Early Learning Program at the Islands & Ocean Visitor Center. This early learning program is designed to introduce ages 2-5 to the marine sciences. The program includes story time, craft, and early learning centered activities. We are so excited to be hosting this month’s session in person. Pre-K Puffins will be hosted on March 31, from 9:30-11:00 a.m. To join, meet us inside the visitor center to learn all about this month’s theme, “Walruses!”
Anchor Point Senior Citizens
The Anchor Point Senior Center on Milo Fritz Avenue serves take-out meals on Thursday evenings with pickup from 5-6 p.m. Monday is Homemade Soup and Bread night. Serving two different soups to-go each week, from 4-6 p.m. Quart’s $12 / Pints $7. Reservations not required. Tuesday is Kickin’ Fried Chicken night. Serving from 4-6 p.m. Buckets or three-piece meals. With or without Coleslaw and Biscuits. Walk in’s welcome or call ahead 235-7786. Thursday night is Home Cooked Dinner Night. Each Thursday is a different meal. Dine in or Take out. Served from 5-6:30 p.m. Reservations 235-7786.
Helping Hands Thrift Store is open on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and donations can be dropped off any time. The office staff are at work and available by phone for addressing needs. For information, call 235-7786.
All of our meals and programs are open to the public and do not require membership. Call 235-7786 for more information.
Homer Senior Citizens
Homer Senior Citizens Inc. is closed to the public due to the high spread of the virus in our community. We are being very COVID-conscious due to the vulnerability of the people we serve. Please follow the signage on the entrance doors, which follow our mitigation efforts based upon community levels of spread. We are planning on reopening our doors in April. Stay tuned. In the meantime, you may order a takeout meal from the Silver Lining Café or you may receive a meal at your home (if you do not have transportation at this time). Just call 235-7655 to reserve your meal.
The Terrace Assisted Living welcomes visitors. Face masks and screening are required. All visits must occur in a resident’s apartment only.
Friendship Center Adult Day Services is open. Contact Liz, ADS Manager, at 235-4556 to register.
Please join us in our concentrated efforts to reduce the spread of this virus by wearing a mask and avoiding indoor gatherings. Choosing to get vaccinated is the single most important action you can take to protect yourself and our community. We care about our community and are eager to rejoin it safely.
Hospice of Homer
Hospice of Homer seeks to start a general Bereavement Support Group. This will be a facilitated group that will meet in person and be subject to our current COVID guidelines. Hospice has specific groups for those who’ve lost a life partner or child, but this group would welcome anyone dealing with loss. If you’re interested in joining, please contact the office at 235-6899 to be added to the list. Day/time information will be sent to you directly once we have an understanding of group size.
The Bereaved Parents Support Group is a support group and mutual assistance self-help group offering friendship, understanding, hope, encouragement and healing to all bereaved parents. Our purpose is to provide support, share and emotionally assist parents through their grief. The group is intended to serve both newly bereaved parents and those who are continuing on their grief journey. Anyone that has lost a child knows, you don’t just stop grieving. A parent’s grief is as timeless as their love. For more information, please email thomasklingensmith@yahoo.com or call 303-949-8969.
Hospice of Homer has resumed its monthly Widows Support Group. This group is a place for those who have lost their partner to share and heal. It is a safe place for coming to terms with the powerful feelings and experiences only those who are walking the same path can truly understand. Participants will be following all COVID-19 protocols. RSVP is required if you plan to attend so organizers may plan accordingly for social distancing and group size limitations. Call 907-235-6899 to respond.
Homer Council on the Arts
The Jubilee exhibit will be on display at Homer Council on the Arts and satellite locations around town from April 1-30.
Tickets are on sale now for a live chamber music performance by Zodiac Trio! Thursday, April 21 at 7 p.m. at Faith Lutheran Church. Purchase tickets at homerart.org or at HCOA, 355 W. Pioneer Ave.
Kachemak Bay Campus
The searchable schedule for the Fall 2022 semester is online and available for viewing. Look for the KBC printed schedule in the mail in mid-April. General registration will open on Monday, April 18. To preview what we have on offer for fall, visit https://kpc.alaska.edu/academics/schedule/
Here is your chance to take Cycles of Nature with Ed Berg. The class meets weekly on Tuesdays, 6-8:45 p.m, April 5-26, with a field trip on Saturday, April 17. Many natural processes occur in cycles ranging from galactic, to geological, to seasonal, and daily. Some are well understood such as ocean tides and tree rings. Others are long-standing puzzles, such as banded chert in sedimentary rock, glaciation, snowshoe hares, voles and shrews, spruce bark beetles, and salmon returns. Learn about a wide variety of natural cycles from one of Homer’s most beloved scientists. For more information about this one-credit class call 907-235-7743.
Do you have a master’s degree? Have you ever thought of teaching a college class? KBC is seeking qualified adjuncts that would be willing to share their expertise with University of Alaska students. Stop by campus at 533 E. Pioneer Ave. (parking lot accessible from Heath St.) or call (907) 235-7743 for more information.
The Kachemak Bay Writers’ Conference will be held May 14-17, 2022 at Kachemak Bay Campus. The 2022 keynote speaker will be Jericho Brown, 2020 Pulitzer Prize-winning poet, winner of the American book award, and a finalist for the 2020 National Book Award. Joining Jericho are the amazing Victoria Chang, Christina Chiu, CMarie Fuhrman, Toni Jensen, T. Geronimo Johnson, Tynan Kogane, Marie Mutsuki Mockett, and Anjali Singh. The conference also includes 4 days of in-person craft classes, conversations, generative workshops, panels, readings, opportunities to form a writerly community, and more. For information on speakers and tuition packages, visit https://writersconf.kpc.alaska.edu/ and register today.
The Pratt Museum & Park
The Pratt Museum & Park is now open to the public from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday through Saturday.
In the Community Gallery will be “Homer’s Nutcracker: A Community Portrait,” photographs by Rafael de la Uz. “Homer’s Nutcracker” tells the story of the town’s ballet in the midst of a pandemic. The exhibit depicts the effort and dedication the community invests in this traditional performance. Homer’s children work to provide several nights of joy and beauty. Photographs will be available for purchase.
Alaska landscape painter David Rosenthal will have a show of his work in the special exhibits gallery, with a First Friday opening reception from 4-6 pm. Free entry, sparkling water and snacks.
The paintings in this exhibit can be appreciated individually as works of art. As a whole, they stand as evidence of the unfolding tragedy of global warming. Through interpretive panels, Rosenthal ties together his fine art with the science that plays a role in its creation and contributes to his understanding of the landscape. Rosenthal, of Cordova, studied physics and ended up as an artist. He has traveled widely with the U.S. Coast Guard Art Program; the U.S. Antarctic Artist and Writer Program; the Alaska State Artist Program; and as a science tech and contractor. His art is informed by experiences at the Arctic Polar Ocean and ice cap, Greenland and its ice cap,the Northwest passage sand in Antarctica.
South Peninsula Hospital
South Peninsula Hospital offers free wellness walks the first and third Saturdays of the month from 9-10 a.m. at SPARC. Please bring clean indoor walking shoes and be prepared to answer covid screening questions at the door. The topic at the Saturday, April 2, walk will be Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection (SCAD), and presented by Karen Northrop, PT, DPT, OCS, Physical Therapist and Director at South Peninsula Hospital’s Rehabilitation Department. SCAD can occur at any age, but most cases occur in otherwise healthy people between the ages of 30 and 50. Northrop will address ways to detect advance warnings of SCAD from your body, in hopes of preventing serious outcomes.
The Saturday, April 16, walk will focus on balance, and be hosted by Rich Kleinleder, physical therapy assistant at South Peninsula Hospital Rehab Department. Suitable for all ages, Rich will teach balance activities and structured movement you can easily do at home to improve balance.
Free blood pressure checks and door prizes are offered at walks. Please bring indoor shoes, and refrain from attending if you are experiencing any covid-like symptoms. Masks are optional. Walks are at SPARC located at 600 Sterling Highway. For more information, call SPH Health and Wellness at 907-235-0285.
South Peninsula Hospital offers free testing and vaccinations for COVID-19. Free testing is offered daily 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the test site on Bartlett Street. No appointment is necessary. Vaccines are offered walk-in or by appointment as supplies permit from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday and Monday. Appointments can only be made online at www.sphosp.org. Vaccinations are open to anyone 5 years and older for Pfizer, and 18 years and older for all other brands. Call the COVID nurse at 235-0235 to discuss symptoms, or the COVID vaccine info line at 435-3188 for recorded updates. Free testing is now offered for anyone who recently attended a social gathering or who was in a crowded indoor space and close to others. Details are in the weekly newspaper ad, at www.sphosp.org or at 907-435-3188.
