Nominate a volunteer for award

Alaska is fortunate to have one of the highest rates of volunteerism in the nation. In fact, 34 percent of our residents volunteer a total of 28 million hours annually. That’s more than 55 volunteer hours per Alaskan every year.
Wherever I travel in Alaska, I meet volunteers with big hearts and helping hands. So, for this year’s First Lady’s Volunteer of the Year Awards, there are plenty of Alaskans worthy of recognition. I hope you will take a look around you in Homer and nominate someone who has demonstrated a commitment to volunteerism and who makes a significant impact in the community or across Alaska.
Nominations for the First Lady’s Volunteer of the Year awards are due by March 1. Details are available at gov.alaska.gov, where you’ll find a link to a nomination form. And, thanks to all our volunteers for making a difference across our great state.
Sandy Parnell

‘Forks Over Knives’ a success

By all measures, the showing of “Forks Over Knives” at Homer Theatre was, as one attendee put it, “a smashing success.”
Estimates put attendance at around 120 – an excellent turnout for a re-scheduled movie, and on playoff Sunday, at that. A good crowd stayed for discussion afterward, with thoughtful questions and comments.  
My sincere appreciation to Colleen Carroll, theater  production manager, for taking the initiative in bring “Forks Over Knives” to Homer, and especially for canceling a commercial (income-producing) showing to re-schedule this not-for-profit, community-service event. That demonstrated a real commitment to promoting a healthy community.
Thanks also to Mary Fries and others at South Peninsula Hospital for getting the word out about the movie and supporting CHIP with much-reduced lab fees. And, appreciation to Homer Tribune, KBBI, and Homer News for making space and time to announce and re-announce “Forks Over Knives.”
CHIP 2012 is off to a wonderful start, with 29 people signed up. Anyone interested, or who just has questions, may attend the InfoSessions. It is evident that Homer is truly ready for living healthy and taking responsibility for  personal and family health.
Check out www.forksoverknives.com, www.chiphealth.org   or www.heartattackproof.com.
 The conversation continues.
Judith James, CHIP director

Sen. Murkowski says ‘no’ to PIPA, SOPA

I want to thank Sen. Lisa Murkowski for doing the right thing and standing up for a free and open Internet by opposing the Protect IP Act and the Stop Online Piracy Act. On Jan. 18, everyday Americans spoke out and Capitol Hill listened. More than 10 million people signed a petition against both SOPA and PIPA – making it the most signed petition ever to be sent into Congress. And, congressional offices were inundated with calls and e-mails from constituents opposing the bills.
The legislation’s stated goal was to eliminate online piracy and copyright infringement, but this is a classic case of the proposed, Washington D.C. solution being worse than the problem. 
No one should be allowed to steal American ideas or products, but these bills would ultimately impose onerous regulations on Internet search engines, service providers and pretty much any website that hosts user-generated content. This means social media sites would face such liability for their users’ actions, that it would be almost impossible for a company like Twitter, Facebook or YouTube to get off the ground. 
Please thank Sen. Murkowski for joining the millions of Americans who believe the Internet is too important – to our economy, free speech and America’s history of innovation – to cripple it with unnecessary and harmful regulations.
Steve DeMaura

Learning the art of storytelling

I would like to publicly thank Jerry Falek for coming to our Language Arts and Russian classes to teach us how to tell stories and do magic tricks. They were cool. You should come more often to Voznesenka School and tell stories. I told the story “Dog and Cat,” it was embarrassing at first, but then it was funny at the end because the kids were so interested in my stories.
The scar story I told was when I broke my wrist. I learned how to use gestures, emotions, actions, sound effects, voice volume and lots of other stuff that made my story a lot better. Most of the kids who were listening to me had their eyes popped out of their heads. They were very good listeners. I think they liked my story.
Next time you come, you should tell me how to do some of your tricks. We only had you for two days, but it was still fun to have you here. That story called, “Mr. Wiggle and Mr. Waggle” actually worked. I tried this on my little nephew, and he stopped crying and started laughing. Thank you for coming. Hope you come again.
David Kalugin

Go blue and gold for Mariners

In the basketball season of 2007-08, Wasilla came to town. They toted seven buses packed with fans, bands, troupes and squads, and of course their very large teams.  They are a school of about 2,000. We are a school of less than 400. We are both considered 4A.
When I walked in the gym that evening to watch my daughter play, I saw red.  Everywhere red. Our small humble Homer crowd was stunned to silence, huddled in a small area just left of the entrance doors. We had no band that night.
Wasilla returns again to Homer on Feb. 17.  Most likely they will be wearing RED.
I am asking you, our community, to come together this day to show your support for Homer High School athletes. You don’t have to love basketball, or even like it. You just may have to have a sense of community, a sense of loyalty and support and a sense of justice for your local youth.
Come early and watch the Lady Mariners. They play at 6 p.m. But you should come by 5:30 to get your seat. The boys varsity will follow at about 7:30 p.m. Fill up the gym with blue and gold. Dig out your blue and gold clothes, raise your hands up and clap to the beat. Be creative, get wild, and be dedicated to making a blue and gold statement.
Prepare yourselves. Although we have awesome athletes and the game is fun to watch, this isn’t about winning a score; this is about supporting your young community. 
I know, for a fact, that these young people play better and feel better when they are being supported by fans who cheer them on.
Thank you in advance for adventuring out for a good cause. We have always appreciated the many and varied members of the community that have come to support the Mariners.
See you Feb. 17 at the Alice Witte Gymnasium at Homer High at 5:30 p.m.  Bring your clapping hands, your cheering voice and lightness of heart.
Kim Greer, Mariner parent and fan

Polar Plunge thank you

I would like to thank each and every person who has sponsored me this year — and every year — since I have started jumping in the American Cancer Society’s Polar Bear Plunge.
This year was brutally cold and not nice at all. The weather was in the single digits, but with the windchill, it drove the temperature down to a nasty -30 degrees. The water temperature, however, was much warmer than usual; at 38.9 degrees, getting in wasn’t as bad as getting out.
I raised $11,330 with money still coming in from some companies. I truly appreciate each and every dollar I raise, and have some people who deserve an extra special thank you. Dr. Susan Polis of Preventive Dental Services, who graciously donated $1,100 to the cause; the Department of Alaska American Legion Auxiliary, who donated $1,000 and the following, who donated $500 each: John Crandall of Cook Inlet Marine, Sons of the American Legion Squadrons 16 and 57, American Legion Post 16. Lloyd Moore of Moore and Moore Services for $250 and Betty Branson, In Demand Marine.
I would like to thank Naomi Klouda of the Homer Tribune for the coverage, Homer Theatre for allowing me to have a benefit movie night to help in my fundraising efforts. And, last but not least, my family and friends. If it wasn’t for the support of my family and friends, I could not do this event. I love helping people and this is the best event to help those in need. Again, I thank you all from the bottom of my heart.
Christie Hill

K-Bay Marine’s valuable gift

On behalf of the board of directors and members of Homer Hockey Association, I would like to wholeheartedly thank K-Bay Marine Corp League for their support of our annual Christmas Eve Skate Party at the Kevin Bell Arena.
This free community skate has become a tradition since the rink opened in 2005. As many know, operating an ice rink is not a cheap endeavor by any means and we truly appreciate the support we receive from our friends and neighbors. It is wonderful to be able to open our doors and invite everyone to come out and enjoy an afternoon of holiday skating.
Thank you again K-Bay Marine for helping HHA provide this opportunity to our community.
Tim Stage, HHA Board Member

The discouraging price of fuel oil

I have been planing to move my business to Homer for the last three years. I still want to do that, but the price of using diesel fuel or propane for shop heat, and cleaning parts, has always been discouraging. If Homer would get natural gas to the residents, future businesses would benefit.
Bob Murdock

Keep snowmachines off ski areas

The Kachemak Ski Club (not to be confused with the Kachemak Nordic Ski Club) is an all-volunteer group that runs the Ohlson Mountain Rope Tow every Sunday when conditions allow. Last Friday, several people riding snow machines parked up at the operator’s hut at the top of the rope tow, went into the hut, and left the door open – which caused the recent blizzard to blow into the operator’s hut. Then, sometime last week, people on snowmachines tracked up the majority of the ski hill. It was a fresh powder day, and criss-crossing snowmachine trails, setting up hard in the middle of the powder, created a lasting danger for skiers and snowboarders. Our volunteers work hard to maintain our facility so kids, teens and families can enjoy downhill skiing and snowboarding. If you’re accessing the backcountry by snow machine, please be advised the Ohlson Mountain Rope Tow is private property which is off limits to snow machines, except for those operated by ski club members and volunteers. There are miles and miles of beautiful country where you can ride a snowmachine – please stay off our ski area. Thank you.
Nell Gustafson

For the fun of it

The Homer Playground Project is making great progress, thanks in large part to support from the Homer community. The following businesses and organizations have sponsored playground components and will be permanently recognized with metal plaques affixed to the components at Karen Hornaday Park:  American Legion Post 16, Angie Newby/Homer Real Estate, K-Bay Marine Corps League Detachment 838,
Bear Creek Winery and Lodging, Homer Medical Clinic
Clinic and Petro Marine Services.
A huge thanks to these play sponsors and to the many individuals who have made donations, “purchased” fence pickets, bought HoPP t-shirts and are helping out in other ways. Thank you also to BP Alaska for a very generous $10,000 equipment sponsorship.
 There are still many playground components in need of sponsors and many fence pickets yet to be engraved and sold. Please visit HoPP’s website (www.HomerPlaygroundProject.org) for more information. With continued support from generous donors and volunteers, we will be building the new playground in only four months.
Miranda Weiss, Deb Cox
and the Whole HoPP crew

‘Anyone else foresee an uprising?’

Here are strong words of my opinion concerning popular politicians. President Obama is a front man, a puppet for the real ruling elite, brought on the scene by likes of Kissinger and Zignew Brazinski, surrounded by Goldman Sacks and Wall Street. Who could have seen it coming? He seems like such an honest sort.
But how many even today know about CIA importation of cocaine into Mena while Clinton was governor of Arkansas, the 50 or more murder/suicides too close to him to all be deemed coincidence, his affairs with Jen Flowers, etc.
Mitt is totally establishment, if he was a serial killer you’d never know, because the media is so controlled. Yes, it’s bad folks. Gingrich is NWO all the way, too. A vote for the above is a vote for worse than more of the same politics as usual
Lisa Murkowski, I think got in by voter fraud. Begich, whom I hoped I’d like, voted yes on NDAA also, so he too has got to go. (At least Joe Miller wouldn’t favor NDAA or SOPA).
Our Alaska congressional delegation needs to learn to tell oil company lobbyists who incessantly apply pressure to reduce oil tax on themselves, to give it up.
Everyone had better hope Ron Paul keeps in the race to the end just to keep his issues on the table. Can anyone else foresee an uprising that would make OWS look small? I love independent and defiant natures of so many Alaskans. Maybe we aren’t getting enough fluoride in our water. 
Richard Olson

Stopping the rush to war against Iran

A growing group of individuals and organizations has designated Feb. 4, as a “National Day of Action” aimed at preventing a war against Iran. The manifesto is simple: “No War, No Sanctions, No Intervention, No Assassinations.”
Nothing is more urgent than stopping the march to war now underway. Economic warfare has begun already. Sanctions and embargoes are belligerent acts under international law; such policies goaded the Japanese into attacking Pearl Harbor in 1941.
The U.S. State Department recently reassured Israeli leaders, who are in a bigger hurry for war than President Obama is, that the sanctions will devastate the Iranian economy — more precisely, the Iranian people. U.S. officials also say that Iran’s economy will be throttled by the crippling of that country’s central bank. Sanctions authorized by Obama in late December aim to stop the rest of the world from doing business with the bank, which would amount to isolating the Iranian people from world commerce. If successful, this would create indescribable misery for average Iranians.
The demanded oil boycott is accompanied by a U.S. suggestion that Iranian oil be replaced with Libyan oil, which sheds new light on the Obama administration’s intervention in the Libyan civil war and the regime change it accomplished. Not all nations can be counted on to boycott Iranian oil, but those that do not, will still be in a position to demand lower prices from Iran’s government.
Meanwhile, Iranian scientists are being assassinated, and various Iranian facilities are mysteriously exploding. This is surely the work of the CIA or the Israeli Mossad or both of them in conjunction with Iranian groups with histories of violent activity. The covert war is on.
The national day of action, with events planned in many cities, is intended to bring all of this to the attention of a complacent American people.
Yet, Iran is now subjected to low-level but deadly warfare and threats of a massive bombing campaign because it will not — and cannot — prove a negative: that it is not developing nuclear weapons.
 Does Iran represent a serious nuclear threat? Israel’s defense minister and several former Mossad directors say no. “Defense” Secretary Leon Panetta, like Israeli intelligence, is not convinced Iran has decided to build a weapon.
Then why the march to war? The U.S. and Israeli governments will not tolerate limits on their hegemony in the Middle East. Iran is a big, populous, and long-existing country that inevitably will be a major force in the region. Therefore, U.S. and Israeli dominance requires a subservient Iran like the brutal U.S. and Israeli-sponsored Shah’s regime was until it was overthrown in the Islamic revolution of 1979.
To repeat: nothing is more urgent than stopping this march to war against Iran. Let’s make Feb. 4 the day it was reversed.
Sheldon Richman,
Future of Freedom Foundation

Coal Point Trading wins Ecological Award

The EcoLogical Team, in conjunction with Homer Chamber of Commerce, would like to thank, and congratulate, the first recipient of the EcoLogical Team Award: Coal Point Trading Company.
They have worked hard to become a business with sustainable and environmentally friendly practices. These practices include having recycling available to the public, as well as recycling within their business. They also provide compostable take-home containers for the public.
Not only does Coal Point meet all the criteria for the EcoLogical Award — which can be found by contacting Homer Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center at 235-7740 — they exceeded all of them.
One thing showing this businesses’ commitment to exemplary sustainable practices is their green roof, as well as their solar panels.
We commend them for their efforts of reducing waste to the Homer Landfill, and reducing their overall energy consumption. We would like to congratulate them again, and encourage other businesses to follow their example.
Alida Dunning
EcoLogical

Board of Game declares war on wolves

The Alaska Board of Game just declared war on the Kenai Peninsula wolves; voting unanimously in favor of aerial wolf killing in Unit 15A and Unit 15C.
This was done in the face of a large outcry against it and not being supported by scientific data. We can applaud our local advisory Fish and Game Board for voting the proposal down, with good reasons that BOG chose to ignore.
The proposed budget for this killing spree is upward of $1,000,000; this in a time when Fish and Game budgets are being slashed. Not only do we have an unbalanced BOG, the Parnell Administration has given gag orders to state biologists. This political game is out of control and it is up to we the citizens to demand change.
Contact Gov. Parnell, Lt. Gov. Mead Treadwell, and your legislators and let them know we are not going to take this anymore.
Roberta Highland

Watching ‘Sprouts’ grow

Sprout would like to give a gigantic thank you to Maura’s for deliciously catering our program expansion party. It was very wonderful of them to donate the time, effort and ingredients into making an exquisite lunch for us all. We would also like to thank Loopy Lupine for donating cups.
It was an extremely pleasant event, and we were so pleased to see all the community support as we say goodbye to “Birth 2 Three” and welcome “Sprout” as our new name. We have definitely planted our roots here at Sprout and we are ready to grow.
Thanks again to everyone. It is a blessing to live and work in this caring community.
Jill Lush, executive director,
Sprout staff and board

Three strikes and we’re out

It’s now or never.
A group of concerned citizens and business leaders have formed a task force to once again try and demonstrate to our Governor the importance of the Natural Gas Line to Homer. An average of at least 38 percent savings in our energy costs would be realized with the current plan being submitted this year. Last year the Governor and Legislators only received 50 letters in support of this project from our community of 8,000 residents.
If you feel strongly about clean, reliable, and affordable natural gas and would like to get involved to help make it happen this year please contact Phil Morris at 235-8383 or Dave Weber at 235-5527.
Dave Weber

Managing wildlife for commercial hunters

During the Govs. Palin/Parnell era, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game has, with its abundance based ideology (i.e. game ranching), become a socialistic entitlement agency that wants to put a moose/caribou in every hunters’ freezer – regardless of conservation principles or hunting ethics. 
To make matters worse, the Board of Game is aggressively trying to privatize Alaska’s wildlife resources by passing regulations that favor commercial hunting and commercial services for hunters, particularly non-resident hunters who can afford expensive guided trips. What is lost in this resource grab is the Alaska Constitutional mandate that says wildlife is a common use resource that needs to be managed for sustainability and diversity as well as abundance.  All user groups deserve both respect and opportunity.  
Speaking as both an Alaska hunter and wildlife observer, I don’t think my non-consumptive use of wildlife is given respect by the reigning ideology.  Furthermore, as a hunter who prefers to use skills instead of motors, I think my opportunities to hunt are compromised by BOG regulations that favor the industrial approach to hunting. The Corey Rossi debacle makes clear that it’s time for change.   
George Matz   

Time for real change

In the Jan. 4 Homer Tribune, there were two great Point of View pieces from Alan Boraas and Ethan Martin, both dealing with the “personhood” of corporations and the Occupy Movement, among many other things.
Without dragging out all the reasons and arguments again, I would just like to voice my appreciation and support for what they said. I think that we are in a critical time of choice; when the burden on millions of Americans gets heavier, job prospects are grim, and yet corporate profits soar. The gap between the “one percent” and the rest of us continues to widen dramatically. It’s time for a real change.
Charlie Gibson

Wells Fargo Insurance supports arts

Thank you Wells Fargo Insurance for your generous donation and continued support for the Homer Council on the Arts after school youth art classes. Participation in the arts is essential to the healthy development of our children. It is so important to help meet this need in the community as the availability of art in schools diminishes with budget cuts. Support from businesses, grants and community members are what make it possible for HCOA to offer youth programming.
HCOA offered after school “Art for Kids” for many years, most notably thanks to Renee Jahnke.  Lynn Naden took over briefly until Marie Alexson stepped in over the past two years and developed “ArtQuest”.  Thank you to these wonderful and dedicated art teachers.
HCOA welcomes our newest teacher, Alayne Tetor, who will start teaching Jan. 31 on Tuesdays for grades K-3, and Thursdays for grades 4-8.  Financial assistance is available. The board and staff at HCOA look forward to the creativity and laughter of children back in the gallery after the holiday break.  Thank you Wells Fargo Insurance for keeping art alive and available for our youth. For more information about ArtQuest call 235-4288.
Gail Edgerly, HCOA executive director

Rotary partners with families

Homer Kachemak Bay Rotary is sponsoring another 8-week series of Conscious Discipline classes for parents, teachers, and others who work, live, or play with young children. With the Rotary’s generous support and partnership with Families First and Homer Head Start, the class will be offered at no cost to participants. Call 235-4322 for more information and say “thank you” to our community Rotarians.
Terri Mach
 

Cruising into safety

As a former naval officer; officer-of-the deck underway, independent and formation steaming; and qualified marine navigator and instructor, I have questions concerning the grounding of the cruise ship Costa Concordia off the coast of Italy.
Was the captain on the bridge exercising control of the ship? If so, why was the ship so close to the rocks? If not, who was on the bridge conning the ship? What were their qualifications? Was there a maritime pilot on the bridge? The most dangerous period in peacetime for a ship underway is when it is leaving and entering port or traversing in close proximity to land. This is when you have to be on full alert.
Why did the Costa Concordia only hold emergency evacuation drills once every 15 days? During a 15-day period the ship would normally visit a number of ports and embark new passengers. A drill should be held prior to leaving every port.
The maritime industry should evaluate the viability of lifeboat systems which fail when a ship takes on a significant list that makes it very difficult or impossible to launch lifeboats. More attention must be paid to the safety of passengers and crew.
Donald A. Moskowitz

Dear Governor Parnell …

As a local business owner in Homer, I am writing to you in support of the Homer/ Kachemak gas line extension. The economy in Alaska has held up reasonably well compared to many areas in the Lower 48. Like many others in Homer, our business is subject to increasing energy costs, especially heating oil costs during the winter months. The proposed gas line will directly affect us by saving several thousand dollars per year, which is significant when you are operating on the slim profit margins that are common in our business. We employ eight local people year round in Homer and any cost savings we can make enhance our ability to continue in business as the economy falters. We are more than willing to consider conversion to gas if the cost is competitive to our current heat source. If the cost of the transmission line makes the conversion uneconomic, we of course would not be as enthusiastic. We appreciate any support you can give to this project, and can assure you it will be an important contribution to our ability to continue to provide $350,000 in annual payroll in this community.
Phil D. Morris

Pick, click, give to AP library

As you enjoy your Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend this fall, keep this in mind: the Anchor Point Public Library is now on the list for Pick.Click.Give.
Please remember us this month when you apply for your next PFD. Help us build your new library.
Debra Spencer

Appreciation for Schwiesow support

I would like to share some heartfelt words of appreciation to the community of Homer for Doug Schwiesow. In his last few years Doug dealt with ALS, a degenerative neuromuscular disease. Doug remained active and vibrant in our community up to the last minute, thanks to countless friends that offered their time to help him in so many ways. Combined with some very kind and skilled caregivers, he continued to live large.
He also had assistance from two local agencies, Hospice of Homer and the Independent Living Center. Both of these local nonprofits helped Doug adapt to changes he was facing. They offered him free equipment from their loan closets as well as being a huge support for advice, compassion, and helpful information. He constantly borrowed equipment, tried it out, and often changed and improved it to his needs and for others to use later.
The outflow of support for Doug, when he needed it, is mostly a reflection of Doug’s connection to the community as well as our community itself. The Independent Living Center and Hospice, with their compassionate and positive staff, help so many every day. Hopefully, you may never need these groups in your life, but at some point a friend, family member, neighbor, or even you may need assistance. These organizations reflect us and the strength of the Homer community. I urge you to support them in your own way, and be glad that they are here in our town. Thank you Homer.
Lisa Krebs

Cook Inlet risk assessment underway

For well over a decade, the concerns about navigation risks in the Cook Inlet have simmered. The Cook Inlet Regional Citizens Advisory Council, pilots, harbor masters and many others have voiced those concerns formally and privately, and through two separate forums sponsored by Cook Inlet RCAC on the subject of navigational hazards and risk assessments.
In October 2010, due in large part to the Council’s efforts, the United States Coast Guard’s Congressional Reauthorization included a mandate to conduct a Cook Inlet Risk Assessment.
Early this year, $250,000 in initial funding from the State of Alaska became available through a grant from the Kenai Peninsula Borough. A management team was formed, consisting of Mike Munger, executive director of Cook Inlet RCAC; Captain Jason Fosdick, captain of the Port, U.S. Coast Guard; and Steve Russell, program manager, Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation. Nuka Research was retained to serve as project manager.
Shortly thereafter, an additional $180,000 was directed to the effort through the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. A third funding source that materialized was the Prince William Sound RCAC, which contributed an additional $20,000. Most recently, Tesoro has now pledged $20,000 as well.
Stakeholder groups were solicited in August to fill the seats of an advisory panel of experts with vast credentials and local knowledge.
These individuals were chosen from applications received to represent commercial fishing, pilots, shipping and ports, salvors, oil producers, Alaska Natives, environmental managers and others. The panel’s first meeting was in October, and featured a presentation of the Vessel Traffic Study. It is expected the full assessment will take up to two years and cost just under $1 million to perform.
The assessment will analyze the risks present to navigation in the Inlet.
It will further project the nature of the consequences these risks are likely to create, and the measures necessary to reduce the likelihood of an event and to mitigate the consequences. The advisory panel will recommend measures to federal and state agencies and industry to achieve these goals.
All documents, reports and notices may be found at www.cookinletriskassessment.com
Jerry Rombach
Director of Public Outreach
Cook Inlet Reg. Citizens Advisory Council

Doing it for the youth 

The Homer Foundation Youth Advisory Committee is now accepting letters of intent from local nonprofit organizations who promote fun, healthy and educational activities for the youth of Homer. If your organization would like to apply for a grant, we invite you to submit a letter of intent not to exceed two pages. The letter should include the following:
• The name of your organization
• Tax exempt status
• Name, phone number and e-mail address of contact person
• A description of how your organization would use the YAC grant
• The project’s total cost and how much you are asking from YAC
• How your project is intended to benefit youth in Homer
Final determination for awards will be made by March 31. Awards will range from $400-$2000.  Mail letters of intent to the Homer Foundation, YAC, PO Box 2600, Homer, AK  99603.  For more information, contact Joy Steward at the Homer Foundation, 235-0541.
Alaine Miller
Homer Foundation Youth Advisory Committee

Pick. Click. Give.

Starting Jan. 1, applications for the annual Permanent Fund Dividend will be available online.
The Homer Foundation would like to remind everyone that when you file online for your PFD, you may also choose to make a charitable contribution through the Pick.Click.Give. charitable check-off program to support many of your favorite charities.  In just three short years Alaskans have injected over $3 million to charities statewide.  It is simple, safe, and even kind of fun. To preview the list of eligible charities in the Homer area go to www.PickClickGive.org.  And then go online to complete your PFD application.  Please consider including the Homer Foundation when you Pick.Click.Give., you will be helping us grow philanthropy and address the ever-changing needs of our community. For good, forever.
Joy Steward, executive director
The Homer Foundation

Movement fights corporate ‘personhood’

I am involved with the Education/Move-to-Amend Working Group of Occupy Homer. I support the nationwide movement to amend the U.S. constitution to make it absolutely clear that corporations cannot be legally considered “persons.” The current legal interpretation by the U.S. Supreme Court is that corporations are protected under the Bill of Rights as “persons.” This impacts many local, national and international problems I care deeply about. Amending the U.S. Constitution to abolish “corporate personhood” would not automatically fix these problems, but it would make legislative solutions possible.
Here is just one example. Industrious people in Homer work in fishing, own their own businesses, or create the artwork that helps enliven our local economy, but are unable to afford health insurance. Health care costs are driven up in part by pharmaceutical, medical equipment, and insurance companies maximizing profits from human illness and suffering. Because of their enormous profits, these companies can afford to spend millions on lobbying and advertising to defeat any legislative attempts to make a more efficient and fair health care system in the United States. According to the current Supreme Court interpretation, money equals speech, and because corporations are “persons” their rights to free speech cannot be limited.
I am so grateful to Sen. Mark Begich for recently co-sponsoring a proposed joint resolution “… to expressly exclude for-profit corporations from the rights given to natural persons by the Constitution of the United States, prohibit corporate spending in all elections, and affirm the authority of Congress and the States to regulate corporations and to regulate and set limits on all election contributions and expenditures.” 
For a copy of the resolution, visit: http://sanders.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/Saving-American-Democracy.pdf
Together we can build a saner world.
PeggyEllen Kleinleder, R.N.

Remember Native history?

In response to Val McLay’s letter (Dec. 28, Homer Tribune), a brief history lesson might be in order. It is disheartening to read the result of his amnesia, which is likely a collective amnesia of American people.
The reason Alaska Native protections for such rights as to fish for salmon were asked for is to help us be assured of that food source. At the time, commercial fisheries of salmon were depleting runs, and a historic, documented food source for us was at stake. As you see, we didn’t win any “special rights” not allowed of others as well. Witness even the dip net fishery also called “subsistence” and you will see Alaska Native people aren’t guaranteed exclusive rights to that resource.
Alaska Native peoples don’t ask for “special rights.” We do receive “free” medical that is misnamed because American Indians and Alaska Natives paid that price in exchange for lands that were forcefully taken from them. Medical help is assured due to agreements that were broken often and after thousands of America’s indigenous people were killed off due to small pox, other diseases, and infected blankets meant to cause genocide.
The “trust relationship,” as the U.S. government calls it, establishes a responsibility. The Snyder Act of 1921 (25 USC 13) and the Indian Health Care Improvement Act (25 USC 1601) of 1976 provide specific legislative authority for Congress to appropriate funds specifically for the health care of Indian people. Notice the dates – long after the harm to and deaths of thousands.
Alaska Native corporations formed 40 years ago under the Alaska Native Claims Act in order to improve on the reservation system in the U.S. The act is an agreement worked out prior to North Slope oil development so that oil companies could gain access to oil fields. Two weeks after ANASCA was signed, the oil companies moved in.
Who, in this scenario, is asking for special rights? Historically, European-Americans didn’t ask. They just took. All we are doing is trying to hold on to our own. You are right to believe yourself to be an Alaskan. But you are do not share my people’s history.
Cassy Wainright

Wrapping up Christmas

The ladies of Homer’s American Legion Auxillary would like to thank Scott Ulmer and staff for once again hosting our Christmas gift wrap station. We would also like to thank the media, both print and radio, for letting the public know about our service. And most of all, we would like to thank you, our customers for patronizing our gift wrap booth. See you all again next December.
Jackie Norvell and
Carolyn Turner, co-chairs

Don’t forget Joy Post

The article on the local bookstores was very good, and it is good to know that this town in lucky to have three bookstores thriving when so many communities in this country are seeing their bookstores close; however, in the section on The Homer Bookstore you left out a significant portion of its history.
There was a period of at least 20 years during the 1980s and early 1990s when The Homer Bookstore was owned and operated by the wonderful Joy Post, the mother of Lee and Sue Post. Joy worked hard to make The Homer Bookstore grow and be relevant to the community. The Homer Bookstore that exists today owes a great deal to her stewardship during the period of time that she owned it. It is a period in the history of the business that should not be overlooked nor considered irrelevant and Joy deserves some recognition for all she gave to both the business and the community.
 Marilyn Dugdale

Open letter to Sen. Stevens

Happy New Year to you and your family. Thanks for all your good work on behalf of Alaskans.
You are facing a tough battle on Alaska’s Clear and Equitable Share this year. Hold the course. Your speech to the state chamber was right on. Keep channeling Jay Hammond. His words in “Diapering the Devil” need to be spread loud and clear at every opportunity. Texans remember the Alamo. Alaskans need to read Jay Hammond and remember Amerada Hess, Exxon Valdez and Bill Allen. 
The other advice I would offer, is to introduce a reserves tax limited only to the original Prudhoe Bay field. To get the oil out, the field has to be perforated. I like to use the straw in the milkshake analogy. Most of the field was originally perforated at 160 acres; then 80 acres, 40 acres, 20 acres, etc. Part of the original field containing 600 million barrels of oil has never been perforated. The oil companies have been warehousing 600 million barrels they discovered in 1967 and have had a pipeline to since 1976.
Thirty-five years later, they need to perforate this section of the field or be taxed on it. Go for $3 a barrel annually, which is about what the governor wants to give away. This will immediately create a number of jobs and is the absolute quickest way to put oil in the pipeline. Introduce that bill and open the discussion. Sometimes the best defense is a good offense. This is one of those times.
A gas line is not our only option for future revenues. There are more than 20 billion barrels of known reserves of heavy oil on the North Slope. This fact needs to be promulgated to the people. With 20 billion barrels of proven reserves, the oil companies will not let the pipeline run dry. Any tax deal on heavy oil should be on percentage of profits with separate accounting. 
Before the pipeline was even completed, then Senate President Chancy Croft passed a percentage of profits tax, only to be sold out in the very next session by legislators trading billions in revenue for peanuts in campaign contributions. Heavy oil has high extraction costs. Development requires a petroleum profit tax based on the Norway model, with triple damages for false accounting. (Remember Amerada Hess). Heavy oil will ensure jobs and an income stream for generations. 
A small tweak at the very top end of ACES is acceptable, but make them pay large at the low end. I doubt we will ever see the low end again, so giving a dollar at the top should be worth five dollars at the bottom.
Number one on my Christmas wishlist this year is a gas line to Homer. For 50 years, we have been exporting Cook Inlet gas to Japan, but we can’t get Anchor Point gas to Homer. Hard to believe. Then again, Alaska elected Gov. Parnell. 
Good luck this session. I am thinking Alaskans back you 100 percent.
Brad Faulkner

City showed confidence in chamber

The Homer Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center would like to thank the city council for their continued confidence in the chamber/visitor center as the administrator of marketing funds for the City of Homer.
The 505 diverse members of the chamber/visitor center represent a broad section of our community. We will continue to market the City of Homer as a great place to visit, do business, raise a family and/or retire.
Every person in the community benefits from this marketing. Not only do visitors and new businesses bring fresh dollars to circulate through our community, but a look at the City of Homer website 2010 audited financial statements will show that two-thirds of all city tax revenues consistently come from sales tax.
On the Kenai Peninsula Borough website, you can see that $2,000-3,000 of all sales tax is collected in the two quarters that span the summer months. Without visitors, we would all be paying much higher property taxes and receiving fewer services.
The Homer Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center is a member-based community association and proud to continue community events like the upcoming Winter Carnival, Clean-up Day and the annual Fourth of July parade. All of these events are paid for by our members through sponsorships and dues.
Again, we thank the city council for their continued confidence in our organization. Happy holidays from the Homer Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center.
Monte Davis
Homer Chamber executive director

Open letter to Gov. Parnell

As governor of a mineral-rich state, your efforts would be better served by protecting Alaska’s wilderness areas from mining interests, rather than selling us out to the highest bidder. Keep your assurances to yourself and do something constructive to prevent interest in our state’s mineral wealth from becoming another gold rush.
Haven’t you heard? Coal and oil are soon to be obsolete as green energy options enter the mainstream. Do your research and follow examples of Arctic nations who have embraced green energy to their benefit, while at the same time saving their environment from permanent destruction. Man up Gov. Parnell, and protect this state like you promised you would when you were voted into office.
Alice Bugni

People born in Alaska aren’t native?

The issue of Alaska Native rights keeps coming up as the state focuses on the 40th anniversary of the Alaska Native Interest Lands Claim Act. I feel the need to address this from my perspective.
First of all, America didn’t steal Alaska from the Alaska Natives. Russia had already taken control of Alaska by barter, trade and power, and we Americans bought this from the controllers and/or owners. The Alaska Natives had taken control of the land from the former owners in the same way.
I was born in Seward in 1946, and have been here ever since. So, I am an Alaska native, even though I am not an Alaska Native.
In 1963-1964, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game was trying to develop a limited-entry program for salmon fishing in the state, and one of the biggest priority points was to be an Alaska Native. I wrote letters to our representatives and state senate stating that I was an Alaska native and should have as much rights as an Alaska Native. Why should an Alaska Native have more rights than me, who was born and raised here? Maybe I helped win the case that would have given priority for salmon to Natives at the time, but the battle continues.
When the Native Land Claim’s Act came into being, the Alaska Natives asked to be equal with all other Alaskans. We, as Americans, agreed with this and signed this agreement. Now we are still fighting the battle with Alaska Natives that think they should have more. I had six children, all born and raised in Alaska, but as things continue, Alaska Native children born 50 years from now will have more rights than my five grandchildren, who are the third generation born and raised in Alaska. What is right about this?
Val McLay

Gas Line is not the answer

Many continue to see natural gas in Homer as a panacea to the onslaught of issues brought on by peak oil. Once again, I disagree.
The world of natural gas continues to accumulate data showing:
An environmentally dangerous process off extraction.
An industry incapable of regulating itself.
There are a number of studies showing contamination of shallow and deep ground water around drilling sites throughout the country, water that many rely on for drinking, irrigation and hydrating their livestock.
Recently, there have also been articles uncovering an industry that was created on overstated claims and maintained by accounting trickery.  As profits have failed to materialize, the original operators are now moving into joint ventures with deep-pocketed partners. However, deep pockets cannot change a faulty foundation with unprofitable market economics without a market, or manipulated, adjustment in price.
Best case scenario: the gas pipeline is extended to Homer and we have, for some period of time, a “clean” and “affordable” energy source. Worse case scenario: the industry decreases flow and adjusts pricing up in order to turn a profit coupled with contamination of ground water that runs through to the Anchor River. Industry track record, current data and one’s definition of “clean” and “affordable” gives worse case, or partial worse case, a much higher probability.
A town the size of Homer should have the ability to quickly change its energy strategies toward alternative sources with better economics and environmental outcomes than natural gas. Once again, I would suggest that we put our focus and energies onto these alternatives instead of gas and oil.
Kevin Kreitz

SPH long term care impressive

Through an interesting set of circumstances, I (Leander) recently had occasion to spend a month as a resident of the Long Term Care facility which is a part of South Peninsula Hospital.
Nothing I had experienced in life had prepared me for this month. I think it would be a very healthy exercise for all of us to spend a month in the loving care of this facility. For one thing the view of Kachemak Bay is outstanding.
That, however, is not what this letter is about. I had the opportunity to observe the some 50 staff under the direction of Susan Shover in practical action, where the rubber meets the road – and I was impressed. The residents get quality care with love thrown in for good measure. The staff work in this facility by their own volition – and it tells.
Breakfast is served almost “as you like it.” Once a month the staff, not the culinary staff, cook breakfast for the residents. You can order eggs, cooked any style, with bacon, hot cakes and sausage or bacon, porridge or cereal. Also, once a month they have a candlelight banquet to which you can invite a family member.
We had a whole month to observe them and we were deeply impressed with the loving care that is manifested here.
Homer has much to be proud of in its long term care facility.
Leander and Louise Rempel

It’s all for the birds

We want to say a huge thank you to Islands and Ocean Visitor Center for the use of their facility and help with the Christmas Bird Count.
Thanks also to the help of so many people counting. This is citizen science at its best. We estimate possibly close to 40 people participated, some covering an area and some feeder-watchers.
Success came also because of excellent leadership. Dave Erickson has been leading it for 36 years — and he’s done it every single year!
We found 64 species for sure, and may pick up one or two more from feeder-watchers who hadn’t reported in yet. The rough-legged hawk and chestnut-sided chickadee were least expected. Unfortunately, we did not find the emperor goose or the McKay’s bunting, which we were hoping for.
It was a very wet and blustery day, with rain and snow in town, and very wet snow up in the higher elevations. So, visibility was not so good, and many birds hunkered down. Also, icy conditions underfoot were difficult to deal with. But as our motto reads: “It’s always a good day to bird!”
As to my own day, I woke up at 3:30 a.m. (because snow was sliding off the roof) and heard a great horned owl. I was then instantly 100 percent awake, so I went down and listened out the back door to be sure. Yes it was — the first bird!
Somewhat clear skies with the moon shining down on all those bunnies probably got his attention. I was also inspired around 2 p.m., when things were getting quite dim, the rain was pouring and the wind had whipped up. There was an American robin in the top of a tree! You just have to smile when you see a robin in December — especially when you’re all wet and cold.
Lani Raymond
Kachemak Bay Birders
  

HEA appreciates energy fair participation

Homer Electric Association would like to thank everyone who helped make our recent Energy and Conservation Fairs a great success. The fairs at Kenai Middle School and West Homer Elementary attracted more than 800 people who received information about energy efficiency, renewable energy, recycling and other topics related to this year’s theme, “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.”
There is a long list of folks who deserve special recognition, starting with our 2011 Fair Sponsors: Wisdom and Associates, Stanley Ford, Alaska Craftsman, Inc., Home Depot, Alaska Housing Finance Corporation, Kenai Peninsula Builders Association, and Spenard Builders Supply.
This year’s door prizes were graciously provided by ERA Alaska, Froso’s and the Alaska Railroad and were very much appreciated.
Thank you to the following businesses that participated in the fairs and shared their expertise with HEA members: Dan’s TV and Appliances, Alaska Warm Wood, Wood Heat Fire Stone, Wisdom and Associates, Alaska Wind Industries, Kenai Peninsula Energy Efficiency Advocates, State of Alaska Heating Assistance Program, Kenaitze Indian Tribe, Greenstar, Central Peninsula Gardening Club, ABS Alaskan Inc., Stanley Ford, Alaska Craftsman Inc., Home Depot, Alaska Housing Finance Corporation, Four D Carpet One, Ron’s Rent It Center, Regroup, Kenai Peninsula Builders Association, Inc., Kangen Water, Triangle Recycling, USDA Rural Development, Alaska Community Development Corporation, Brown’s Electric, and Ocean Renewable Power Company, Alaska Geo Energy, Renewable Energy Alaska Project (REAP), Amso’s Carpets & Interiors, Sustainable Homer, and T & T Toyo Service.
A big thank you to the Kenai High School Girls Soccer Team and the Homer High School Cross Country Running Team who helped serve food. Kudos as well to Kaladi Brothers Coffee and McDonalds for their donation of refreshments and to United Rental for help with tables.
In addition, I would like to thank the administration and staff at Kenai Middle School and West Homer Elementary. They were incredibly accommodating and their assistance was invaluable.
Homer Electric is committed to providing our members with as much information as possible to manage their energy use. We are already looking forward to our 2012 Energy and Conservation Fairs, and if you have any suggestions on how to improve our fairs, we would love to hear from you.
Brad Janorschke
General Manager, HEA

Bed tax unfairly targets lodging businesses

In response to Angie Newby’s Point of View in the Homer Tribune Dec. 14, this is a reprint of a letter I wrote last time we visited the bed tax issue. In lieu of a bed tax, I would like to propose a tourist industry tax.
A tourist industry tax allows for a lower percentage, is broad-based and had been proven effective in the Lower 48. This type of tax would be on tourist service businesses, where the majority of their sales truly come from tourists.
Examples would be hotels, motels, B&Bs, sightseeing tours, bear-viewing trips, marine wildlife-watching tours, fishing charters and river rafting. As this is a “service” tax, the purchases of hard goods (fishing lures, T-shirts, souvenirs, etc.) would not be taxed.
The advantages of a tourist industry tax are many: less of the taxes are paid by local residents, it generates more income in taxes, provides greater long-term flexibility for Borough revenue, spreads out cost evenly, reaches everyone and it’s almost invisible. It’s just an increased sales tax, not a separate tax line item for visitors.
Revenue from tourism has been growing significantly on the Kenai Peninsula. According to the Kenai Peninsula Borough Situation and Prospects, over the last five years, retail taxable sales have increased 20 percent, yet the population has only grown 1.5 percent. It’s obviously the tourists who have fueled the majority of this growth.
A bed tax, on the other hand, is a less appealing option because it puts greater burden on peninsula residents in their local travels, recreation, shopping, school activities, sports, and business. And it singles out a very small percentage of business involved in tourism who already are more than paying their way.
Within the tourism industry, lodging already pays the highest percentage of borough taxes in the form of property taxes. My hotel, The Ocean Shores, was recently assessed at $1.5 million dollars, giving me the honor of paying $20,000 annually in property taxes.
On the other hand, due to the Borough’s flat tax program on vessels and aircraft, a corporate-owned $2.5 million dollar fjord tour boat pays a maximum of $1,000 in property tax.
I understand and agree with the program in place to keep boats and planes on the peninsula. However, this vividly demonstrates that lodging businesses are paying their way and other businesses could contribute more. Lodging owners in general are not against new taxes. We are, however, opposed to the targeted “bed tax.” We would support a more equitable tax that evenly distributes the burden across all tourism service businesses.
I would recommend the Assembly appoint a task force to research the return and feasibility of this proposed tourist tax. Several of us in the lodging industry are prepared to volunteer to serve on and support this task force in any way.
Mike Warburton

Rope in some good skiing

The Kachemak Ski Club runs the rope tow at Ohlson Mountain every Sunday when snow and weather conditions permit.  The Kachemak Ski Club is one of Homer’s oldest nonprofits, and over the years, KSC has provided great downhill skiing and snowboarding opportunities to thousands of kids, teens and families. Over the past few years, we’ve upgraded the entire facility with the help of the Homer Foundation and other supporters, and we offer the only downhill skiing and snowboarding facility on the Kenai Peninsula.
This year, the Homer Foundation’s Youth Advisory Committee and the Ashley J. Logan Fund provided additional grant support to help us purchase beautiful helmets to help make downhill riding even safer. 
We truly appreciate this wonderful support, and we hope anyone interested in downhill skiing or snowboarding will join us Sundays at Ohlson Mountain.  Call 235-SNOW or find us on Facebook to check current conditions.  
Bob Shavelson, President
Kachemak Ski Club

‘Children of the Spills’

Every May and June, the “Letters to the Editor” section is flooded with letters from local graduates grateful for the support of the Homer community. Six years ago, I wrote such a letter.  Today, I am even more overwhelmed by the support of this community.
I have recently embarked upon a project called “Children of the Spills” to compile and share the stories of young people affected by oil spills. The project focuses specifically on the memories of Alaskans who were kids during the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill, and the experiences of young people along the Gulf of Mexico affected by the BP/Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill. 
When I first thought of this idea, I was hoping some organization would take on the task. Family and friends encouraged me to embark on the project myself. So here I am, wrapping up Alaska interviews, and preparing to travel to the Gulf States this spring. 
None of this would have been possible without the generous support of the people in my hometown and state. Primary funding for this project in Alaska was provided by the Prince William Sound Regional Citizens’ Advisory Council; Youth Involvement Program. 
The rest of the financial and in-kind support to make this project a reality has come from a number of local organizations and people, including the Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies, Cook Inletkeeper, Deb Lowney and Ralph Brosches, Bob Shavelson and Miranda Weiss, Francie Roberts, Pat and Chris Moss, Jack and Susan Cushing, Sue Mauger, Paul and Tina Seaton, Ben Gibson, Paul Mackie and Tracy Asselin, and my little sister, Erika Gavenus. I am so thankful for their support, as well as the myriad of people in Homer who have provided encouragement, guidance, and constructive criticism throughout this process. 
And finally, my sincere thanks to the local “kids” (almost all older than me) and community members in Homer, Seldovia, Port Graham, and (next week) Nanwalek who have given their time and energy to share these stories of the oil spill. 
This place is special. No matter how far I travel for college, work, or fun, I always end up back in Homer. I consider myself very lucky to have always known it as my home. Thank you to everyone who makes Homer much more than just a mid-sized dot on the map.
I’ll be around until Christmas if anyone else wants to contribute their story to the project. If you are interested in seeing some of the interviews or learning more about the project, you can check out the website at http://childrenofthespills.org. I’m also still accepting advice, encouragement, donations and (hopefully constructive) criticism. 
Katie Gavenus

What a wonderful town we live in

On Saturday, Nov. 19, we put together 190 Thanksgiving boxes for those in need in our community. The number of workers who showed up was amazing and we can not thank you enough for all your help. With that many boxes, we of course went way over what was collected, but we want to thank the wonderful people who were able to contribute:
Homer Emblem Club No. 350; Young Marine Detachment; Kachemak Bay Rotary, Catholic Women’s Guild; Share the Spirit; Cosmic Kitchen; American Legion Post 16; and the American Legion Auxiliary. There were so many individuals who donated that I almost lost track. Each one of you know who you are and know how very grateful we are to get your help. The members of the Methodist church have been very supportive of this venture and we thank them very much.  We were able to put together the boxes and distribute them from the Methodist Church basement and it was great to have the extra room with so many more applications this year. Our thanks also to Diane and her crew at the Community Food Pantry. They were very helpful.
All of the Kachemak Bay Lions would like to wish each of you a blessed and most joyous holiday season. Don’t forget the Salvation Army bell ringers and Share the Spirit for the month of December.
Fran Van Sandt and Amy Shumaker
Thanksgiving Basket, Kachemak Bay Lions
 

Business leaders mentor students

In our school we had the opportunity of having several businesses coming to our school to interview us as one of our assignments for applied communications. I am writing publicly to thank South Peninsula Hospital Human Resources Department for conducting some of the interviews. I enjoyed hearing what Jessie Cashman had to say about what she does at the hospital, and it elevated my interest in working at the hospital by hearing what she had to say.
I would like to thank Jessie Cashman for coming all the way to Voznesenka to interview us and tell us about what she does at the hospital. We appreciate it very much.
Neonila Reutov
Voznesenka School

Students appreciate efforts to teach

I am writing to publicly show my appreciation for Andrea Peterson for her help with my applied communications class on Fri., Nov. 18th.
Your driving the treacherous roads to come out to Voznesenka School to do mock interviews with the class of ’12 was something we all are very thankful for. Taking part in such an instrumental exercise with young adults was quite generous of you. Not only did we learn about the processes involved in interviewing for a job, but also about the structure of the City of Homer.
Zinon White        
Voznesenka School

Giving students a lot to think about

A couple of weeks ago, our school organized a week’s worth of interviews for all the seniors to prepare for the future. We had several companies come in to interview us. One of them was Mrs. Killfoile, a coach from Project Grad. She showed us which colleges and what classes would be perfect for us. She also explained if we went to the Project Grad summer institute for two years, we would get a $4,000 scholarship. So I’d like to publicly thank Mrs. Killfoile. She has certainly given me a lot to think about.
Anna Kasachev
Voznesenka School

Government has too many secrets

Consider Rothschild, a family said to be worth $500 trillion. That’s about half the money on earth. The heirs of “Lord Rothschild” had instructions to hide gold and took control of banks in various countries becoming wealthy from interest and foreclosure. They were the instigators of the famed illuminati (who plan to rule the world).
George Washington (himself a Mason) had unkind concerns about the illuminati. Long ago, Rothschilds bought Reuters and AP, our main sources of news. You won’t be hearing about Rothshild from lame-stream media because BP is the largest contributor to PBS. What kind of coverage would you expect from PBS on the gulf spill? See how this works?
John F. Kennedy gave a same speech at three different times — press conferences — shortly before his death. He was pleading with the press and public to investigate and expose some secret societies conspiring to undermine our nation.
It begins; “The very word secrecy is repugnant in a free and open society” (please look it up if unfamiliar). He goes on trying to expose a conspiracy of secret societies to undermine our nation. When everyone in U.S. is as familiar with this speech as say, Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “I had a dream” speech, a curtain will lift. Bitter struggle may come, but in the long run, methinks we’ll be better.
Andrew Jackson campaigned on throwing out our central bank successfully saying, “You are a den of vipers and I’ll rout you out.”
Our private, secretive “Central Bank” (Federal Reserve) sneaked back in 1913 with the IRS while most of congress was out for Christmas break. Shortly after Woodrow Wilson signed this into law, he realized and admitted he had unwittingly sold his country down the tubes. For this Christmas, Murkowski and Begich helped throw out Posse-commitatus and our bill of rights with Senate bill NDAA sec.1031.
Rev. Richard Olson

HoPP receives generous gifts

The Homer Playground Project is pleased to report a huge upwelling of community support for the new playground at Karen Hornaday Park.
Businesses are stepping up to the plate to “buy” a component, including the Homer Medical Clinic and Angie Newby/Homer Real Estate. Thank you.
Businesses and individuals who sponsor equipment will be recognized on an attractive plaque permanently affixed to “their” component. And other donors are coming forward to provide critical cash support, including most recently, at the $1,000 and up level, Church on the Rock Homer, Susan and David Oesting, and Bob Shavelson and Miranda Weiss.
Scores of families, individuals and businesses are buying engraved fence pickets — many as a lasting holiday gift for family and friends — to help support the new playground. And hundreds of folks have already said they’re eager to lend a hand during Build Week, May 21 and 27, 2012. Get your picket before they sell out on Saturday from 3 – 6 p.m. at Ulmer’s, or pick up a picket form at North Wind Home Collection and mail it in.
It takes a community to build a great playground. With generous community support, we will have a new playground for kids by May 2012.
Deb Cox, Miranda Weiss,
and the whole HoPP Crew

Stocking stuffers offer thanks

Pratt Museum would like to thank everyone in the community who participated in our holiday events this season. Thank you to all our amazing volunteers who helped make this year’s Stocking Stuffer Party at the Pratt Museum a fun-filled day for the entire community.
We would especially like to thank the following major sponsors: Save U More, Safeway, Kachemak Bay Lions and Fred Meyers.
Many thanks go out to the fabulously fun folks of all ages who led the children’s art activities and the building of the graham cracker houses.
Thank you to Kien Wilkinson at West Homer Elementary School and Josh Lockwood at McNeil Canyon School who helped us collect and wash milk cartons. Thanks to the Girl Scouts of Homer for making the cutout cookies and a big thanks to all the wonderful local cookie bakers who donated all of the goodies at the refreshment table.
We are grateful for our volunteer Santa in the Homestead Cabin and the photographers capturing these memories.
Diane Converse
Museum Director  

Fresh crab a nice surprise

I would like to thank the Homer High School Girls Volleyball Booster Club for the gift of crab that my family won in their most recent raffle. We were the proud recipients of 25 pounds of fresh Alaska King Crab that was generously donated by Stephanie and Ian Pitzman.
It has been delicious. Thank you to Hayley Patton and her mom, Lyn, for selling me that winning ticket, and providing me the opportunity to support the girl’s volleyball efforts. We are thrilled to have all this crab, and look forward to next season’s terrific volleyball action.
Faith Cozadd-Pearson

Another Nutcracker in the books

The Nutcracker Faire was once more a great success. Thank you to all the vendors who brought us your wares and to all of those who came to visit and shop, eat and enjoy the community spirit.
Thank you to the musicians who played on the stage and to Joy Steward and Carol Comfort for organizing this wonderful addition to the Faire. HCOA had over 30 volunteers helping with set up, clean up, manning the food booth and all the details in between.
Special thanks to Lars Bell, new to Homer, for his loading dock mastery, Ken Domela as the Faire assistant, and Cindy Nelson for her fabulous organizational skills.
Thank you to the Homer News, and Homer Tribune for your coverage and KBBI for your fabulous community calendar service.
And I cannot acknowledge the Faire with out mentioning the Nutcracker Ballet. These are two major events that weave together in a remarkable way bringing visitors all the way from Anchorage.
We have an amazing facility in the high school between the commons, gymnasium and the Mariner Theater that can accommodate so many people doing so many activities. Thank you to Dr Gee, Doug Waclowski and the custodians for working with us, dealing with the inevitable issues and keeping everything clean, functioning and as safe as we can considering the climate we live in!
And thank you to the Nutcracker Productions for offering not only a great show, but a profound opportunity for the youth (and adults) in our community to contribute to the creativity, quality, and mastery of the show, to participate in this enormous team effort, and to exercise discipline, and respect for themselves and every one involved of all ages. What a gift. Thanks to all and have a peaceful and restful holiday.

Gail Edgerly
Homer Council on the Arts
Executive Director

E-mail difficulties
Editor’s note: 
Our office experienced an email problem the past weeks resulting in difficulty receiving mail. If you sent a letter or message to us that was not responded to, we apologize for this inconvenience. We encourage readers to resubmit items and we will do our best to run them.

Honoring Dennis Novak

After Dennis Novak’s tragic death Homer newspapers and city council honored Novak for his work on the council, and in other groups, to make Homer a better place. I, also, want to honor him for doing something that government officials sometimes fail to do – encourage public protest.
I participated in a group that presented the Homer City Council with a resolution against federal government actions  based on a petition signed by hundreds of Homer citizens. Mr. Novak was the most supportive. Dennis strongly believed in the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution which says in part, “Congress shall make no law … abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for the redress of grievances.”
In Homer, we’ve seen street protests from the left and the right: Women in Black (a peace group) and VFW members who were pro the Iraq War, and people who were pro and con annexation. The council, city manager, mayor and police never interfered.
While living in Anchorage, I participated in demonstrations in the ‘60s and early ‘70s. The police never stopped us from marching, speaking or holding up signs. Unfortunately, the Anchorage City Council recently passed an ordinance against sitting on the sidewalk.   
This month, officials in many U.S. cities and universities have instructed police to pepper spray, and in some cases, beat-up protesters, including some who were sitting. This is a horrible example for people in the Middle East demonstrating for democracy. 
If Homer faces the issue of people marching, standing, or sitting in peaceful assembly, whether it is the Tea Party, Occupy Homer, or some other group, let us keep our Homer tradition of allowing free speech and peaceful demonstrations.
If Dennis Novak is looking down at us, he will be proud.
Amy Bollenbach

Kenai River dam shows poor thinking

Milli Martin makes some excellent points in her letter concerning Homer Electric Association’s misguided plans to construct a hydropower dam on the headwaters of the Kenai River.
Milli is right to ask HEA’s board of directors to look critically at their Grant Lake/Creek hydro project, and to cancel it based on overwhelming public opposition. The project is opposed by many on the eastern Kenai Peninsula because it would negatively impact our tourism-dependent economies that depend in great measure on the health of the Kenai River.
Milli is also right to assert that HEA has an ethical responsibility to the public in light of significant opposition to their plans to develop publicly owned  lands, waters and resources including fish and wildlife. HEA should do the responsible thing and abandon their project in favor of other projects to develop renewable energy projects.
The Battle Creek addition to Bradley Lake would improve electrical generation at the existing hydropower facility, avoid negative impacts to the Kenai River and supply enough new renewable electricity to power the City of Homer.
HEA’s bylaws require it to act as a good neighbor to the communities in which it operates and to conserve and protect publicly owned natural resources. Continuing to pursue the Grant Lake/Creek hydro project will do neither.
HEA management has pursued this project for several years, and it is finally time for HEA’s board of directors to responsibly act to cancel the project.
Mike Cooney
Moose Pass

Restore constitutional rights

There is a federal government takeover, a coup, underway – a worldwide banker-engineered takeover, too. We, the people, and our bill of rights are collateral damage. Your new government is money. Our criminal traitor senate seems to have been paid off, bribed because of things they have to hide, kept in office by vote fraud — or just a misled public. The executive and supreme court sold out, too. Egypt is trying to finish the job they started, using pacifism to throw out their military dictatorship. Al-Qaeda is the same as the Muslim Brotherhood. We, the U.S., quietly reversed our stance against them and installed them in Libya and gave them tons of surface-to-air missiles.
Masses of “sheeple” are now rapidly awaking. I hope this waking grows. The U.S. Senate passed a law allowing use of military force and policing on Americans citizens (NDAA sec.1030), to arrest and detain as enemy combatants to national security.
What happened to Joe? Oh, I saw a military SWAT team pull up in his driveway and I haven’t seen him since. He was conspiracy-theory crazy anyway. A FEMA Gulog will do him good. It seems prophecies of labeled extremists like Eustus Mullens, Aeron Russo, Alex Jones and even Lyndon Larouch turn out correct one after another.
Soft-speaking, fair-sounding NPR (and others) feeds gentle propaganda, mind manipulation and diversion. If you want the real news and understanding, just dig. You will find more dirt. War drums beat for Syria and Iran and world war. Restoring and re-enforcement of our constitution/bill of rights would be much easier than revolution. 
Love and merry Christmas.
Rev. Richard Olson

We need safe and responsible mining

I beg to differ with Gov. Parnell’s office stating that Bristol Bay is a “local area.” It covers hundreds of square miles and thousands of people.
This comment is in reference to Parnell’s press aide, Sharon Leighow’s response to a question from the Homer Tribune concerning your lawsuit against the Lake and Peninsula Borough initiative to stop further development of huge-scale mining.
That initiative may have been voted on by residents of Bristol Bay, but it concerns everyone in this state. To trade a wonderful, life-giving food resource for precious metals is fool hardy, penny wise and pound foolish.
Having lived in Egegik, Ekwok and New Stuyahok, I understand the necessity of salmon as opposed to metals. Take away salmon from the Bay area and it won’t make any difference if there are a few jobs created — the residents will not thrive.
Please also consider that the State of Alaska gets a pittance in resource tax revenue from any mining venture. The tax law (circa 1800s) drastically needs revision. I am not against mining.
We need to develop resources, but it has to be done in responsible ways. Pebble Mine is not a responsible, safe proposal no matter what the owners are saying. There is too much risk of catastrophic damage.
In closing, I implore you to withdraw this suit and do all your office can possible do to halt this particular mining development.
Shirley Forquer

Hydro Plans for Grant Lake and Creek

Over the past four years I have watched as the initial Homer Electric Association plans to create hydroelectric projects on five tributaries of the Kenai River has been cut back to one, being Grant Lake and Creek.
It is interesting to me, that the board of directors would look so seriously at projects that could, would impact the precious watersheds of the Kenai Peninsula’s biggest economic engine, namely the Kenai River, yet there does not seem to be public concern about it.
In addition, every one of these project are located outside of the HEA service area. But of course, those folks are not members of HEA, and their voices have been ignored. What this has created is a polarization in the Kenai Peninsula, that is growing and pitting the eastern portion of the Peninsula against the west.
Being a Homer resident of long standing, I can recall other instances of the polarization, and fought it for so many years. Up until these projects were proposed, that polarization by and large was under control. But it is back, and I am so sorry to see that. It does not bode well for the borough.
The Grant Lake/Creek project, and the others are not Bradley Lake, which was located within the HEA service area, and did not impact a major anadromous waterway.
If the Grant Lake/Creek project is approved, it will set the precedent, and open the door for approval of all the projects. Folks, for those of you dependent on the Kenai River, I hope you will pay attention. HEA has already applied for a grant to build the project, even though they, at this time, do not have permission to build it. Obviously, they have confidence that they will.
For the BOD, I respectfully request you look at this project long and hard, and consider the damage that will be done, in relationships in the borough, and damage to our precious Kenai River.
HEA does not service the entire borough, but it has a moral responsibility to act in the best interest of the entire borough. I ask, please, withdraw these plans. There are other, better ways to generate electricity.
Milli Martin

Donation helps recruit more ‘Bigs’

A huge thank you to the David and Mary Schroer Fund, a donor-advised fund at The Homer Foundation, for their donation to Big Brothers Big Sisters.
Because of their generosity, we have been able to continue our media campaign to recruit more Big Brothers and Big Sisters for the children who are patiently waiting for a “Big.”
Susan Kirn, community director
Big Brothers Big Sisters

Navigating ‘Thrill Hill’

As anyone who travels the south end of North Fork Road knows, at times driving this road can be a challenging experience, especially the area known as “Thrill Hill.”
However, we would like to express our appreciation to Randall Jones and his crew at the State of Alaska Road Maintenance Department for their ongoing effort to improve and maintain this stretch of gravel highway in these past years. They have also gone the extra mile by removing an abandoned vehicle and blocking off an area that was quickly becoming a dumping spot and an eyesore.
Jim and Debby Anderson