Letters

Free computer basics classes provided
This month at the Homer Public Library, people learned essential computer skills that will help them function in our technology-dependent world — for free.
A recent grant from the Clifford Jenson Fund and the Unrestricted Fund at the Homer Foundation has helped to fund a year’s worth of monthly classes for Homer area residents to learn vital skills such as using the Internet, word processing and e-mail functions.
The Friends of the Homer Library, a nonprofit that supports library programs and services, hired Ryan Ridge to teach once-a-month free classes in computer basics to the Homer community on a first-come, first-serve basis. The next class will be held 3:30 p.m. Nov. 20, and future classes will be on the third Friday of each month.
As one of the only places that provides free access to computers and the Internet, the Homer Public Library is becoming even more essential than ever before. Without computers, Internet access and the knowledge to use them, people are handicapped in their ability to perform essential tasks, like apply for jobs and look for housing. This grant from the Homer Foundation will help meet the needs of those in the community who face challenges when working with technology. We are thrilled and excited to provide this service to the community, and thankful to the Homer Foundation for helping fund the endeavor.
Carey James
Friends of the Homer Library coordinator

Job well done
Nov. 1-7 is National Shelter Appreciation Week, and the Homer Animal Friends would like to thank Sherry Bess, manager of the Homer Animal Shelter, and all her hard working volunteers.
They have worked tirelessly for many years to ensure the safety and welfare of Homers’ animals. Animal shelters serve their communities in many ways.
You can help the Homer Animal Shelter by donating needed supplies, volunteering, reporting animal cruelty or neglect, spreading the word about the importance of responsible pet ownership and choosing your next pet from the Homer Animal Shelter.
Pat Boone and Robyn Smith
Homer Animal Friends

No tricks, just treats
Just a year ago Halloween, I screamed, “This pain is the worst ever,” and promptly fainted. When 911 was called, medics were kind, careful and thorough. Perhaps because emergency room physician, Dr. Tortora, recognized my symptoms as a classic subarachnoid hemorrhage (just below the brain itself.) I am here today to tell this story. Pronto I was flown to the only surgeon in Alaska who can do the safest intervention, a “coiling” procedure.
Halloween is for a little playful scaring, right? This was neither play nor was I afraid. I was nurtured and cared for all the way. I learned a lot about our town and hospital, from the inside out. I learned that if I had to be ill any place in the world, I would choose our quality Homer hospital. When a new procedure is required, they thoroughly sought out the technical wisdoms from big city specialists, but they had time and space and a heart to care about me. They knew where to send me, and did, when my unique prognosis surpassed their knowledge.
Cards and calls of well wishers reminded me that Brother Asaiah’s Cosmic Hamlet by the Sea’s eloquent love music is still alive, warming our wintering soul. Though Brother Asaiah left his body and us almost 10 years ago, I have rediscovered his public passion for our town in Kyra Wagner’s Sustainable Homer report on the Farmer’s Market. How Brother would love our caring, sustainably for our beautiful village.
Last Wednesday, long after the official Farmer’s Market closed, there were still farmers selling their abundant garden produce in the rainy cold.
After Halloween, we have Thanksgiving. Thankful I am indeed to be here and share with you our beautiful villa. Aum Mani Padme Hum.
Martha Ellen Anderson

Give – so others can be thankful
This is a follow up to my previous letter to the good citizens of Homer. I would like to remind you again that Thanksgiving is just around the corner and we are going to need all the help we can get this year. I have a feeling it will be a tough one for a lot of people. Please consider sending a donation for this very worthy cause. Make your check payable to Kachemak Bay Lions and mail to P.O. Box 1824, Homer, AK. We appreciate any help you can give.
This year, we are again going to try to implement the Adopt-a-Family program. If you, or your organization, would like to participate in this program, please contact me at 235-8761, and leave a message and I will get back to you. We are also going to ask for people to bring turkeys on packing day, which is the Nov. 21.
To those of you who will need an application, they will be available for you to pick up at Wells Fargo Bank starting Nov. 2, and will be available until Nov. 19. Please be sure that you fill out the application and return it as soon as possible to the box provided, so we are able to make an accurate count for buying the items needed.
Again, if you have any questions, please contact me at 235-8761.
Thank you for all you do for our community.
Fran Van Sandt, Kachemak Bay Lions
Community chairman

Come fly with me
On behalf of the Kachemak Ski Club, I’d like to thank ERA Aviation and Homer Station Manager Julie Davis, for donating an airline ticket to our ski lift inspector. This donation will conserve money that can be better spent up at the rope tow.
Thank you.
Bill Wiebe

Tents for rent
The Homer Chamber of Commerce wants to sincerely thank the Homer Foundation for the $4,000 grant awarded to the Chamber this year to purchase two large community event tents.
The tents that have been used already this year by several organizations for community events including: the Homer Council on the Arts Street Fair, “Save our Seas” demonstration, the Alaska State Chamber Conference and Oktoberfest.
The tents are available for rent through the Chamber of Commerce for events that are open to the public.
Thank you again to the Homer Foundation, “providing for the care and comfort of the community.”
Tina Day
Executive director
Homer Chamber of Commerce

Children enriched
Each year, the Homer Emblem Club No. 350 purchases thousands of books for our area schools to enable our young students to participate in the statewide Battle of the Books competition.
In the past, through fundraising and contributions, the Emblem Club has solely supported thiseffort. In light of the current financial atmosphere, we had found ourselves lacking in funds to supply each school and participating student(s) with the appropriate number of books they were needing.
How absolutely wonderful that these schools and students won’t have to do without thanks to the overwhelming generosity of the Sons of the American Legion Squadron 16. These members not only gave with their pocket book, but gave with their heart. Our special heart-felt “thanks” back to them for stepping in and working with us to benefit our schools and children.
Thank you, thank you, thank you to each and every one of you “special” guys.
Fran McCampbell
Literacy Committee Chairman
Linda Etzwiler
Homer Emblem Club #350

Thank you for Amy’s care
In memory of Amy Thompson, and on behalf of our family, we would like to take this opportunity to thank the many people who gave Amy such wonderful care. It would be impossible to mention all who touched her life, so we apologize if we forgot anyone’s name.
Colleen McNulty, a very special thank you for making it possible for Amy to stay in her own home at Friendship Terrace Assisted Living. Your unfailing support, always going the extra mile, was such a gift and for that we are truly grateful.
Thank you to the exceptional nursing staff, Pat, Margaret and Maureen. You lifted our spirits and brought comfort.
To those of you who worked with Amy – such as Fran, Marilyn, Mira, Angie, dear friend Ginny Lyda, and so many more – you went above and beyond daily. Your cheerful and caring attitudes did not go unnoticed.
Our very deepest gratitude to Polly Gordeev. You brought so much joy to Amy, always bringing out her humor and wit. There are no words to describe how much we appreciate your dedication to her and what a difference you made to all of us over these last few years.
Amy was fortunate to receive the help of the South Peninsula Hospital Home Health staff as well.
Vanessa Bale, you were very special to Amy; the donuts on Saturday were a hit. Thank you for making her time with you so enjoyable.
Tammy Greenwell and Anastasia, thank you. Amy Thompson passed away on Oct. 14. She was an important part of our family for 33 years and we will always miss her.
As Amy preferred not to have a memorial service, we wanted to let you know that each of you has been such a blessing to both Amy’s life and ours.
Warmly.
Jim, Teresa, Maria, Courtney
and Bo Calhoun

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