Tomorrow is one day closer to the weekend and perhaps you're traveling in a few days to go skiing or heading downtown for city festivities. Well, Thursday you don't have to stray far from home. Here are just a handful of ideas: 

1. First things first, if you haven't already, register for the fourth annual Symphony of Food -- Chefs' Showcase Dinner event at 6 p.m. on Jan. 28, at Bella Sera. According to publicity chairperson, Julia Black, tickets are selling out, so purchase them fast! You can call 724-514-7176 for tickets, which are $75 a piece (a tax-deductible, non-refundable donation). Master of Ceremonies is KDKA's Brenda Waters and there will be an entertainment act, a Chinese auction and Sarris' chocolate ecstasy dessert. For more information visit the Women of Southwestern Pa.'s website.
2. Did you know the Community Recreation Center's first session of classes for the year began on Monday, Jan. 3? This could be the perfect way to get your child involved with other children their age, or a possibly a family activity, too. Specifically Jan. 6, there are classes such as, Yoga for Teens, Joyful Movement and Play, Basketball for Children, Little Picasso's Junior Art Gallery, Silly Science and Choi Kwang Do -- Martial Arts Instruction. See our events page for details. Maybe your kids just want to shoot hoops? Call the CRC for court times and also any questions about events at 724-942-5000.
3. We hear that Bado's Cucina has $5 lunches Tuesday through Thursday. Could this be true? Oh, yes it is. Our very own freelancer, soon-to-be columnist, Michael Buzzelli, suggests half of a veggie panini and a cup of crab bisque. He says, "it's the best cheap meal [he's] ever eaten!"
4. Unsure where to put that great workout resolution to use? Anytime Fitness (in Donaldson's Crossroads) has a few awesome deals going on currently. If you join now, on any pay-monthly annual membership, your first month is free and bonus: you get  free t-shirt and...it gets better -- you get half off of the initiation fee. "New Year's is a great time to concentrate on getting fit and healthy," said Owner Allen Berliner, who's been in the health club business for 29 years. "Anytime of the day, 24 hours, we're at your convenience." So what are you waiting for? Continue to follow their listing for updates.
5. Recycle, recycle, recycle! Instead of placing that bare Christmas tree on your curb for garbage pick-up, why not recycle it? Take it to Peterswood Park and return in the spring to collect free mulch. For details, visit last week's Peters Patch article. FYI: Peters Township is participating in the South Hills Recycling Competition, which kicked off Jan. 1 and lasts the remainder of the year. Visit the township website to see what you should and shouldn't recycle.