invites anyone grieving from the loss of a loved one to join. A new grief-related topic is discussed for each of the 13 weeks. Come to any or all of the meetings. Sundays through April 14. 3-5pm. $15 for the workbook.
Manchaca United Methodist Church, Manchaca Road & FM 1626, 280-3469
Bust out your beads for Mardi Gras and raise funds for a good cause. Jazz and Cajun food get you in a purple mood while your social conscience helps out this local food bank. 5:30-8pm. $30 ($25, advance).
Tarrytown United Methodist Church, 2601 Exposition, 744-5136
Traveling instructors from King Arthur's baking program will present free baking demonstrations on Perfect Pies & Savory Scones at 11am and Baking with Yeast & Whole Grains at 3pm. Classes include free recipes, coupons, and the opportunity to ask questions of the experts. 11am-5pm.
Embassy Suites Hotel Austin Central, 5901 N. I-35, 512/454-8004
During the weekends of Feb. 9-10 and 16-17, Delysia Chocolatier of Austin will be on hand with chocolate truffles to taste, with Becker Merlot and boxes of truffles to purchase. During the weekend of Feb. 9-10, Al's Gourmet Nuts will also have samples and products for sale.
TOFGA celebrates the organization's 20th anniversary at this conference with seminars, workshops, organic banquets, vendors, and networking opportunities. For complete details and registration, go online.
Hilton Austin Airport, 9515 New Airport Dr., 512/385-6767
The Texas Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association hosts this conference to bring practical information to consumers and producers alike, on everything from product labeling to urban homesteading. Keynote speaker is Jim Hightower. $90-$165.
Hilton Austin Airport, 9515 New Airport Dr., 512/385-6767
This anime and Japanese pop culture convention is for folks 18 and over, so we can only assume there's going to be some of that naughty anime going on. Fri.-Sun., Feb. 8-10. $35.
Take a self-guided tour of Austin's favorite swimming hole. All you have to do is download the audio files and map from the Save Our Springs Alliance website, and off you go.
Barton Springs Pool, 2101 Barton Springs Rd., 512/867-3080
Whether you need to brush up your knife skills or throw together a romantic Thai dinner for two, these guys have you covered year round with an eclectic array of classes spanning all skill levels.
Foundation Communities is providing free tax-preparation services to income-qualifying individuals and households this spring, and it's also offering low-fee refund-anticipation loans. See www.communitytaxcenters.org for hours and details on income qualifications. Free.
This weekly gathering is part farmers' market, part community meeting, and part arts exchange. Browse the local produce options while learning about local organizations, signing up for wellness opportunities, or participating in a free yoga class. Sundays, 11am-3pm.
Join the various gatherings throughout the month. Events range from explorations of meditation practices to discussions of film to dream interpretation. Go online for a complete schedule of meetings.
Victim Services Unit is seeking volunteers who are over 21 and have a reliable car and cell phone to work four four-hour shifts per month for a year. The next training session begins March 18. See website for complete details.
Review: The Great GatsbyA great American novel does not always a great movie make, but Baz Lurhmann, a director of delirious excess, certainly seems an apt fit for the Roaring Twenties.
Film Review Misses MarkPlease make a note not to print any more movie reviews of big action movies by Kimberley Jones. She gets ...
What's the Big Deal?I'm baffled by this obsession with Mueller. I drove through it out of curiosity and it's a suburban nightmare that ...
No Mystery in School Bond FailuresHow out of touch has the Chronicle become with the voting populace of this city? From the article “Bonds: Death ...
Program Is Vital ResourceI am responding to your article on ACCESS News, the program by and for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community. The ...
Finding Rail Route ComplicatedMichael King, in “The Reading Railroad”, while making valuable points, seems to state that finding an initial route for urban ...