It’s spring. It’s winter. It’s spring. It’s winter. What more can the Betster say? No matter the weather, sun or snow or both, get out and enjoy all the fun, interesting, and educational activities taking place in and around Homer. Just check out these Best Bets.

BEST SPRING CLEANUP BET: Join the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge in celebrating Earth Day by helping to clean up the area around the Islands & Ocean Visitor Center and Beluga Slough on Saturday, April 22, 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Hot drinks, trash bags, and gloves will be provided. Prize for most unique trash found. Please R.S.V.P. your participation at 907-226-4624 or info@islandsandocean.org, or stop by the front desk at 95 Sterling Highway.

BEST GRIEF DISCUSSION BET: Hospice of Homer hosts a free screening of the film “Speaking Grief” with discussion to follow on Saturday, April 22, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Kachemak Bay Campus. Moving away from the idea that grief is a problem that needs to be fixed, “Speaking Grief” validates the experience of grievers and guides those wishing to support them. For more information, contact Hospice of Homer at 907-235-6899 or office@hospiceofhomer.org.

BEST COMMUNITY BAND BET: Directed by Eric and Mary Simondsen, the City of Homer Community Recreation presents a free concert of the Inlet Wind Community Band, Saturday, April 22, 7 p.m. at the Homer High School Mariner Theatre. The following performances are planned (subject to change): Sweet Land of Liberty, James Sochinski; Drums of the Saamis, Samuel Hazo; Vesuvius, Frank Ticheli; Montana, Jan van der Roost; Nostalgia, Rossano Galante; When the Spring Rain Begins to Fall, Randall Standridge; Into the Joy of Spring, James Swearingen; An Hour of Hallowed Peace, Steve Danyew; Sedona, Steven Reineke; and The Thunderer, John Philip Sousa.

BEST CONTRA DANCE BET: Join in the fun as dances are called on Saturday, April 22, 7:30-10 p.m. at SPARC, 600 Sterling Highway. Clean shoes and socks required, bring water. For more information, homerakcontra@gmail.com.

BEST K BAY BIRDERS BET: Join the Kachemak Bay Birders for their spring meeting and Shorebird Festival fundraiser film, “The Birders: A Melodic Journey Through Northern Colombia” on Monday, April 24, 5:30-7 p.m. at the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge. Following a very short meeting, the film will be shown, which is a documentary about bird diversity and birding in Colombia. Everyone is welcome and the event is free, but donations are appreciated to help support the Kachemak Bay Shorebird Festival. Masks are encouraged. For more information, contact Lani Raymond at 907-399-9477 or lanibirder@gmail.com. For more information on Kachemak Bay Birders, visit kachemakbaybirders.org. AMNWR is located at 95 Sterling Highway inside the Alaska Islands & Ocean Visitor Center.

BEST MENOPAUSE INFORMATION BET: Whether you’re in the throes of menopause or just want to prepare for what may be coming, Kachemak Bay Family Planning Clinic is hosting Myth-Busting Menopause, a panel discussion with KBFPC providers on Tuesday, April 25, 6-8 p.m. at Kachemak Bay Campus, 533 E Pioneer Avenue. Everyone welcome. For more information, contact KBFPC, 907-235-3436, info@kbfpc.org.

BEST COAST GUARD INDUSTRY DAY BET: Join the U.S. Coast Guard for a presentation about safety on our waters, with presentations on commercial fishing vessel exams, small passenger vessel inspections, reporting marine casualties, drug and alcohol testing, fire fighting, and getting a 100 Ton or Six Pack license. Snacks and beverages provided. Wednesday, April 26, 10 a.m. at Kachemak Bay Campus. For more information, call the Marine and Safety Detachment at 907-235-3292.

BEST FREE YOGA BET: South Peninsula Hospital presents Free Community Yoga. Wednesday, April 26, 6-7 p.m. at SPARC, 600 Sterling Highway. All ages and abilities welcome. Bring a yoga mat if you have one, water, and extra layers. For more information, wellness@sphosp.org.

BEST YOUTH ARTS SCHOLARSHIP BET: The Ron Senungetuk Summer Youth Arts Scholarship is open to Homer area students in grades 6 to 11. The scholarship supports student tuition to a summer arts program or private instruction for any artistic medium during the summer of 2023. Applications are available through Homer Council on the Arts, at homerart.org and must be received at HCOA by 5 p.m. on Saturday, April 29. Paper applications are also available to pick up Monday through Saturday at Homer Council on the Arts, 1-5 p.m. at 355 W Pioneer Ave. For more information, call HCOA at 907-235-4288 or stop by.

BEST YOUTH COURT TRAINING BET: Kenai Peninsula Youth Court presents training classes for new Youth Court volunteers, every Monday evening through May 8, from 7:30-8:30 p.m. The free classes will be on Zoom and available for any interested student from grades 7 to 12. Once completed, the classes will qualify the youth to serve as volunteer attorneys and judges in minor cases involving their peers. For more information or to register and receive the Zoom link, contact Ginny Espenshade, Kenai Peninsula Youth Court Director at 907-398-4027 or kpycalaska@gmail.com.

Johnny Sheffler prepares to hit the waves on the Homer Spit on Saturday, April 15, 2023 in Homer, Alaska. (Photo by Christina Whiting)

Homer High School freshman Hannah Klima holds a yard sale sign for the fundraiser for HHS Mariner softball on Saturday, April 15, 2023 in Homer, Alaska. (Photo by Christina Whiting)