“Don’t like the weather in Alaska? Wait five minutes!” That’s the old joke that pretty accurately describes the last couple of weeks here in Homer. It’s spring. No, winter. No, spring. No, winter. Have no fear, the Betster is here to reassure you that warmer weather and longer daylight hours are on their way, and with them the return of the sandhill cranes, opportunities for fiddlehead and stinging nettle foraging, and dusting off your gardening tools. In the meantime, there’s no shortage of activities to keep you informed and entertained. Just check out these Best Bets!

BEST KNOW YOUR LANDS BET: Homer Soil & Water Conservation District hosts Know Your Land Talks at Kachemak Bay Campus. “Soil Health: Magic Under The Surface” will be discussed on Thursday, March 30, 6-7 p.m. Learn about soil health and the factors that contribute to it, what organisms are living under the surface and what can you do to encourage them. Join in person at Kachemak Bay Campus or via Zoom. For the Zoom link or more information, visit homerswcd.org or call 907-235-8177, extension 5. Kachemak Bay Campus, 533 E Pioneer Avenue.

BEST THRIVING THURSDAYS BET: SVT hosts Thriving Thursdays. Stop by March 30, 6-7 p.m. for a potluck and discussion with Willy Dunne about the new nonprofit, Kachemak Bay Recovery Connection (KBRC). Learn how KBRC is aiming to support people affected by addiction on the Southern Kenai Peninsula, followed by the documentary, “Anonymous People.” Meet in person at the Wellness Conference Room. For more information, 907-226-2228. SVT, 880 East End Road.

BEST STORYTELLING BET: Bunnell Street Arts Center hosts Yup’ik Storyteller, Quentin Simeon, with “Qanemcikangqertua: I Have Stories to Tell.” Since graduating with a BA in English from UAA in 2006, he has been working in higher education and cultural education while serving as an Alaska Native cultural liaison and intercultural communication specialist. During this event, Simeon will read, recite and reenact some of his writings and a pair of traditional stories on March 31, 7 p.m. Tickets and more information@bunnellarts.org. Bunnell Street Arts Center, 106 W Bunnell Avenue.

BEST 3D FILM SERIES BET: Pratt Museum and Park hosts Diving Deep into Discussions “3D” film series every Tuesday at 7 p.m. Free and open to the public, films relevant to the Kachemak Bay region will be featured and participants are invited to discuss the topics together with our Director of Lifelong Learning Experiences. On April 4, “The Fish On My Plate – A Journey with Paul Greenberg” (2017), 60 minutes. Films will be shown in the Downstairs Classroom Gallery. Please access the classroom directly from the lower South Parking Area as the museum’s main entrance will not be used for this event and there will be no access to exhibits on the upper floor. For more information, email education@prattmuseum.org. Please feel free to bring your own refreshments to enjoy or share. Pratt Museum, 3779 Bartlett Street.

BEST PET GRIEF SUPPORT BET: Join others in a supportive online environment as you grieve the loss your pet and discover the best ways to begin processing your painful loss. Hosted by Hospice of Homer, Tuesday, April 4, 4 p.m. Zoom link – https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81967561265. For more information, call Hospice at 907-235-6899.

BEST COMMUNITY CHORUS BET: The Kenai Peninsula Community Chorus spring semester gathers weekly through April and new members are still welcome to join in. Led by Kyle Schneider, chorus gatherings will be Tuesdays at the Homer High School Mariner Theatre, 7-9 p.m. on April 4, 18, and 25. The purpose of the rehearsals is to gather together to sing and make music as an ensemble. For more information about sheet music and fees visit pieronetheatre.org or email laura@pieronetheatre.org. Homer High School, 600 E Fairview Avenue.

BEST REPORT THOSE CRANES BET: The sandhill cranes are winging their way north. Watch for the first arrivals in the next few weeks and let Kachemak Crane Watch know when, where, and how many you see. 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. Visit online at http://www.cranewatch.org.

BEST ARTABILITY GROUP: Homer Independent Living Center hosts Artability every Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Homer Art & Frame. Everyone is welcome to stop by and make art together. Projects and mediums change monthly and include participating in local events and art entries, such as Kachemak Bay Shorebird Festival, Alaska license plate entry, pop-up markets, and more. Art experience not required. Working on an art project of your own and looking for some inspiration? Everyone welcome. Homer Art & Frame, 4001 Lake Street.

BEST VOLUNTEER SANDBAG FILLING BET: Volunteers meet every Saturday at Public Works to fill sandbags for the Parks staff to spread on various trails around town to help maintain safe pedestrian transportation routes throughout the winter. All equipment and materials are provided, as well as coffee and snacks. Meet at Public Works every day through April 12, noon to 1 p.m. Event Supported By Homer Drawdown. For more information, homerdrawdown@gmail.com. Public Works, 3575 Heath Street.

BEST STRONG SENIORS BET: Homer Senior Center hosts numerous weekly activities: Strong Seniors Fitness Classes Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, 11 a.m. to noon. Join in for weekly slow-motion weight lifting and stretching classes that promote strength and mobility training. Stop by Tuesdays, 10-11 a.m. for Zumba Gold classes. Participants must complete the consent form and physician authorization form, available at homerseniors.com or in person at the office. Call 907-235-4555 or email bonny@homerseniors.com to register. Also at the senior center, stop by for board games every first and third Thursday, noon to 4 p.m. and card games on Mondays, noon to 4 p.m. Homer Senior Center, 3935 Svedlund Street.

BEST PLATE PAINTING BET: Bunnell Street Arts Center is holding their annual Painted Plate Project. Community members can stop by Bunnell Mondays to Fridays, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. through April 14 to paint onsite or take a plate home to paint. Completed plates will then be competitively selected by new and renewing members. For more information, 907-235-2662. Bunnell Street Arts Center, 106 W Bunnell Avenue.

Potter Paul Dungan, right, looks on as Gary Lyons paints during the Ptarmigan Arts scholarship fundraiser at Grace Ridge Brewing on Saturday. (Photo by Christina Whiting/Homer News)

Janet Higley, right, looks on while Lisa Talbott weaves and Leah Dunn, rear center, paints during the Ptarmigan Arts scholarship fundraiser at Grace Ridge Brewing on Saturday. (Photo by Christina Whiting/Homer News)

Lynn Naden (front left) paints scarves and Valisa Higman cuts paper during the Ptarmigan Arts scholarship fundraiser at Grace Ridge Brewing on Saturday. (Photo by Christina Whiting/Homer News)