The sandhill crane colts have begun to gather together for the big migration. On the Spit, except for a few brave businesses hanging in there for one last cruise ship visit, many places have closed. At Mariner Park, Mavis Muller and her magical assistants are getting close to finishing Reach, this year’s Burning Basket.

Some people have given up on summer. Not the Betster. Just because an arbitrary holiday has passed, is that any reason to call it quits? All these signs and portents could mean it’s fall and time to call it quits. Or, it could be all the more reason to hang onto summer until the last leaf falls from a birch tree.

How soon you forget the last two winters. Remember those 55-degree days in January? Remember how barely a foot of snow fell all winter? Remember breakup lasted barely a blink? 

All of which is to say, Hey, don’t give up on summer yet. Don’t give up on wearing T-shirts on the beach. Don’t give up on the beach, period. We still have sunshine, reasonable amounts of daylight and not a lick of s-n-o-w in the forecast. Get out! Enjoy this glorious September, perhaps with some of these Best Bets:

BEST FORWARD INTO THE FUTURE BET: The Alaska state budget might be a bit tight in the next few years. Cut? Raise taxes? Learn about the options and share your ideas at Town Hall meetings with Rep. Paul Seaton, R-Homer, and Revenue Commissioner Randy Hoffbeck from 6-8 p.m. today at the Ninilchik Senior Center and 7-9 p.m. Friday at the Alaska Islands and Ocean Visitor Center.

BEST NEVER FORGET BET: Always remember. When the planes hit the World Trade Towers on Sept. 11, the stock brokers ran down the stairs and the firefighters ran up the stairs. Here’s a way to honor the sacrifices of those who died: Help out your local firefighters and medics. At 5 p.m. Friday, the Ninilchik Emergency Services holds its 13th annual 911 Benefit at the Ninilchik Fairgrounds. Proceeds benefit the department.

BEST BEYOND OUR BORDERS BET: Homer is lucky to have connections with great musicians around the world like Andres Condon. His group, Americalma, performs at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at the Alaska Islands and Ocean Visitor Center. The event also features a slide show of images by Homer photographers Mary Frische and Tom Collopy. Tickets are $15 general admission and $10 youth at Bunnell Street Arts Center.

BEST STOCK UP BET: Get ready for the winter that will eventually come by replenishing your to-read book pile. The Friends of the Homer Public Library holds its book and plant sale, with first pick for members 6-8 p.m. Friday at the Homer Public Library and 10 a.m-6 p.m. Saturday for nonmembers.

BEST GO BEYOND BET: Celebrate transitions seasonal and personal with the annual Burning Basket, Reach: A Basket of Remembrance and Unburdening.” Help build the basket from noon-sundown today-Saturday. At 1 p.m. Sunday the community art is presented to the community. Interact by adding transient art or sharing thoughts. At sundown the basket is transformed by fire.