Letters – Oct. 21

Introducing Homer’s new ‘Grange’
Almost a year ago, a small group in Homer began to explore the possibilities of developing a Grange to create and preserve sustainable ways of life within our community. At that time, 12 Granges had already been established in Alaska.
Since then, we have had continued support from the National Grange in Washington, D.C. and the State Grange of Alaska. On both levels, leaders have patiently and diligently worked with us as we have journeyed forward toward getting an official charter here in Homer.
During our first meeting, we were honored to meet Ted and Zula Bryan, Ambassadors with the Washington State Grange, along with Gaye Hunt, the President of the Alaska State Grange. These leaders addressed the history of the Grange and how it has evolved over the years to support grassroots projects all across the nation.
Last week, we were finally presented with our official charter by Gaye Hunt, along with Ed Luttrell, President of the National Grange. We were also able to meet Rusty Hunt, the leadership membership director of the Grange. He is a dedicated individual who helps bring individuals together to create teams of people who wish to better their communities.
Homer is now the 13th Grange located in Alaska. One of our priorities is to further educate others in the community as to how they can become involved and share their own concerns and ideas. We will be doing our best to discuss upcoming events about our new Grange through newspapers and radio stations.
As of now, you can find more information about the Alaska State Grange at www.alaskagrange.org, or the National Grange at www.nationalgrange.org. We are in the process of developing a local Web site to create a public forum of our own.
Eartha Lee

Garden tea brings pink success
On Saturday, Oct. 5, SVT Health Center – in partnership with South Peninsula Hospital – hosted an English garden tea to raise funds for and awareness about breast cancer.
I would like to thank the many people who made this event a success:
Kelly Dennison, Jackie Thaute, Sarah Richardson, Derotha Ferraro, Dr. Jeffrey Quam and Melany Cueva, Jill Nicolini, Marina Reutov, Sonya Montgomery, Marie Walker, Two Sisters Bakery, Alex Kaye, Jocelyn Grant, Jackie Rae, Caley Drake, Bonnie Morawitz from Homer Elks, Frances Needham from Best Western Bidarka, Anchor Point Seniors’ Center, Blackbeary Bog, Homer’s Jeans, Raven’s Nest, Organic Hair Design, Kathy Roberts, Dr. Sandra Murray, Bea and Matt Strobel, Joanne Medina, Lin Faris and Fred Hackney, Siri’s Boutique, Homer Eye Center, Wells Fargo, Vanessa Block, Greg Browngoetz and Dr. Bill Richardson.
The event raised $1,500, to be donated to the American Cancer Society. Thank you to everyone who made this a great success.
Emiley Faris
SVT Health Center Outreach Coordinator

A little food-pantry flair
It was an elegant evening for those attending the Homer Community Food Pantry’s third-annual dinner/auction fundraiser on Sept. 26. Our heartfelt thanks to Kathy and Michael Pate for hosting the 50 dinner guests in their fine home. Special thanks to Kathy, Polly Prindle-Hess and others who helped with preparation and cooking of the gourmet food. Not only was it delicious, but the presentation was also outstanding. The chefs, servers, set-up and clean-up crews all did an excellent job. Violin music by Jordan Mayforth and piano music by Shawnie Olson added much to the pleasant atmosphere.
We are very grateful to the businesses and private contributors who donated to our auction: Captain Patties, Salty Dog, Gary Lyons, Fat Olives, The Homestead, The Saltry, Sourdough Bakery, Grog Shop, Diane McBride, Shannon McBride-Morin, Alex Koplin, Dr. Edward Todd and Anne Nixon.
Diana, Ruth and Hulkia
Homer Community Food Pantry