Curbside trash pickup customers can place their real trees (not in bags) out with their regular trash to be composted into Dillo Dirt. Want rid of it sooner? Drop it off at the Zilker Polo Fields from 10am-2pm this weekend and next. Jan. 5-6 and 12-13, 10am-2pm.
Whether you're looking to remodel your house or merely gawk at the work of professionals, this gathering of experts and vendors has the goods. Apart from the usual products and giveaways, there will be various sources of info for remodelers and new homeowners. James Cameron of DIY network's Desperate Landscapes supplies the star power. Fri.-Sun., Jan. 11-13. $8.50.
Some of the hottest young culinary talent in the country will be cooking in Austin during Indie Chefs Week. Foreign & Domestic chefs and co-owners Ned and Jodi Elliot have invited chefs who inspire and encourage them to come to Austin for four nights of taste-tempting and thought-provoking dinners. Austin and Houston will be represented as well as Portland, Los Angeles, Providence, Charleston, Chicago, San Francisco, and Nantucket. Dinners on Wednesday through Friday will include eight courses prepared by eight chefs for $125 per person with a complementary cocktail and wine pairings. Dinner on Saturday night is a 21-course blow-out prepared by all the chefs for $200 per person with wine pairings. For a complete list of participating chefs each evening and to buy tickets, go online. Jan. 9-12, 7pm.
provides an annual count of homeless people in Travis County. Volunteers count homeless men, women, and children to assess the Austin area’s homeless population and help secure federal funding for Travis County’s homeless service providers. Attend a training session to become one of those volunteers. noon-2pm. Free.
St. Martin's Lutheran Church, 606 W. 15th, 247-8678
These monthly meetings tackle a different subject that addresses issues for those recovering from addiction. This month, learn to how fitness and nutrition can help you get back on track. 10am. Free.
Small businesses and homeowners looking to make their lives a bit greener are invited to join this gathering of speakers and exhibitors offering their tips and tricks to saving the planet. 10am-4pm. Free.
Smithville Heritage Hall, 213 Main St., Smithville
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.
Oh, tenenbaum. If you're not a curbside customer, don't forget you can recycle your Christmas tree at one of these locations around town before Jan. 12.
Austin Community Landfill, 9900 Giles; Williamson County Landfill & Recycling Center, 600 Landfill Rd
This mobile spay/neuter clinic might be in your neighborhood today. Check www.emancipet.org to find out. Fri.-Sat., check-in begins 8am (first come, first served). Free.
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.
This continuing ed course from ACC seeks to reform political relationships by encouraging tolerance and proving why liberal/conservative labeling is irrelevant. Limited slots available; register now. $120.
Austin Community College Continuing Education, 223-7542
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