The Betster has been tucked in these past days working on my taxes, my office window open ever so slightly to let the fresh air in and to hear the sounds of the sandhill crane pair that recently returned to my neighborhood. Nothing says spring like taxes and migratory birds! Check out these Best Bets for just a few of the Homer happening this coming week, and keep an eye and an ear out for the sandhills!

BEST REPORT THOSE SANDHILLS BET: The first sightings of sandhill cranes have been made. If you spot them, 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 their citizen science information for the year. Visit online at cranewatch.org.

BEST WALKING CHALLENGE BET: Registration is now open for South Peninsula Hospital’s seventh annual Homer Steps Up community walking challenge. Walk to win with weekly drawings for Homer Bucks and end of challenge cash prizes. For more information and to register your team, visit homerstepsup.com.

BEST FOOD HUB BET: The Alaska Food Hub online marketplace is open for customers. Local producers list their products for sale and customers place orders Fridays at noon through Mondays at 10 p.m., with confirmed orders ready for pick up on Wednesdays at the Homer United Methodist Church. Available now are poultry, micro greens, fermented veggies, sourdough bread, eggs, smoked salmon, sweets, and more. Order online at alaskafoodhub.org, click the button “Shop the Market!”

BEST SENIOR ACTIVITIES 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: There’s still time to get in on Bunnell Street Arts Center’s Painted Plate Project. Stop by Bunnell Mondays to Fridays, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. through April 14 to paint on site 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.

BEST COWBOY CABARET BET: The Kachemak Bay Equestrian Association hosts this fundraiser to benefit the Cottonwood Horse Park. Poetry, music, food and fun for the family at Alice’s Champagne Palace, Saturday, April 8, 5-8 p.m. Tickets at the door. To purchase table reservations in advance or to sign up as a performer, call Tom, 907-299-0931.

BEST SECOND SUNDAY SHAKESPEARE BET: Presented by Kachemak Bay Campus, Friends of Homer Public Library and Pier One Theatre, join the free monthly readings that begin at 1 p.m. in Pioneer Hall or online at us02web.zoom.us/j/6148777956. Text available at opensourceshakespeare.org. April 9 is Pericles. For more information, call 907-235-1674.

BEST COMMUNITY CHORUS BET: The Kenai Peninsula Community Chorus is looking for people to join in. Led by Kyle Schneider, rehearsals are Tuesdays at the Homer High School Mariner Theatre, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Upcoming dates for the spring semester include April 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.