Thursday 26

SOLAR STAKEHOLDER MEETING This meeting will tackle proposed residential rate structures and options for ramp-down schedules for production-based incentives and residential rebates. 8:30-10am. Town Lake Center, 721 Barton Springs Rd.

UT PROFESSOR DANA CLOUD discusses her new book, We Are the Union: Democratic Unionism and Dissent at Boeing, which "analyzes the opportunities and forces at play in modern unions." 7-9pm. 5604 Manor Rd. www.5604manor.org.

Friday 27

HIDDEN BATTLES SCREENING This documentary tracks five soldiers as they contend with the psychological fallout of killing. Afterward, volunteers will discuss Operation Recovery, which provides support to traumatized veterans. 7pm. 5604 Manor Rd. $10 suggested donation. www.5604manor.org.

Saturday 28

COMMUNITY CONVERSATION Mayor Pro Tem Sheryl Cole hosts a panel discussion of how the proposed energy rate hike would affect Austin's low-income families and public schools – and how to mitigate those effects. 9:30-11:30am. ACC Riverside, 1020 Grove, Rm. 8100. www.austincc.edu.

Sunday 29

STAND UP FOR OCCUPY If you enjoy standing up for a cause as well as stand-up comedy, Occupy Austin puts the two together in this night of entertainment. 9pm. Hole in the Wall, 2538 Guadalupe. www.holeinthewallaustin.com.

Monday 30

PLASTIC BAG FORUM This moderated forum will put discussion about the issues surrounding the proposed plastic bag ban in one convenient (and not disposable) place. 6pm. Austin City Hall, 301 W. Second. www.austintexas.gov.

SUMMER PLAYGROUND PROGRAMS MEETING The Parks and Recreation Department seeks input on the community's priorities for summer programming around town. 6:30-8pm. Rosewood Recreation Center, 2300 Rosewood.

Tuesday 31

SUMMER PLAYGROUND PROGRAMS MEETING The Parks and Recreation Department seeks input on the community's priorities for summer programming around town. 6:30pm. Northwest Recreation Center, 2913 Northland.

Wednesday 1

COURT PLANNING MEETING A consultant will discuss financing and development options for the site of Travis County's new courthouse across from Republic Square Park, and residents are invited to give their input. Travis County Commissioner's Courtroom, Granger Building, 314 W. 11th.

SUMMER PLAYGROUND PROGRAMS MEETING The Parks and Recreation Department seeks input on the community's priorities for summer programming around town. 6:30pm. Gus Garcia Recreation Center, 1201 E. Rundberg.

Thursday 2

UT ENERGY FORUM Oil exploration and renewable energy are just two of the topics these bright minds plan to tackle in their annual forum. Etter-Harbin Alumni Center, 2120 San Jacinto. Free.

CHARTER REVISION COMMITTEE MEETING You can get in on some citywide redistricting fun while we wait to hear from the Supreme Court about the state maps. 6:30pm. Austin City Hall, 301 W. Second, Boards and Commissions room. www.austintexas.gov.

SUMMER PLAYGROUND PROGRAMS MEETING The Parks and Recreation Department seeks input on the community's priorities for summer programming around town. 6:30pm. Dove Springs Recreation Center, 5801 Ainez. www.ci.austin.tx.us.

Ongoing

SHERIFF'S CITIZENS' ACADEMY APPLICATION Apply now to be a part of the Citzens' Academy to learn how deputies work. The 13-week course meets Tuesday nights and is open to people who are 21 and older who live or work in Travis County. The next session starts Feb. 21. 854-4989. Free. vincente.galloway@co.travis.tx.us.

FOUNDATION COMMUNITIES is recruiting volunteers to help low-income residents with income tax preparation. Apply online.

HSWC CHILI COOK-OFF Register now for the third annual chili cook-off fundraiser for our furry friends at the Humane Society of Williamson County. Humane Society of Williamson County, 10930 E. Crystal Falls Pkwy., Leander.

HOST A FOREIGN EXCHANGE STUDENT The World Heritage Student Exchange Program is seeking families, couples, and individuals to apply to host students from throughout Asia and Europe for the 2012-13 school year. 947-1417, 773-5953.

DEEP EDDY CONSTRUCTION The portion of the Lady Bird Lake Hike & Bike Trail between the MoPac pedestrian bridge and Eilers Park will be closed for construction at Deep Eddy Pool. Through March 15 Lady Bird Lake Hike & Bike Trail. www.ci.austin.tx.us.

FREE TAX SERVICES 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, or just call 211. 2600 W. Stassney.

WDP SEEKS INTERNS Apply now for a summer internship with the Workers Defense Project. There's a wide range of openings for enterprising youths; learn about all the opportunities online. Workers Defense Project, 5604 Manor Rd.. www.workersdefense.org.

PHOTOS OF TEXAS VIETNAM WAR HEROES Texas saw one of the greatest number of losses in the Vietnam War – 3,417 Texans were lost in combat. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund seeks photos of those men and women for display on the National Mall.

VOLUNTEER: IT'S MY PARK DAY Registration is now open for volunteers seeking to reserve a spot at their favorite park or sign up to host an event for It's My Park Day, March 3. Citywide.

MILLENNIUM YOUTH ENTERTAINMENT CENTER COMMUNITY SURVEY Help the MYEC management better meet your needs by taking this survey. jemtz123@gmail.com.