With everything from Christmas tree disposals to learning about Minnesota’s history, this new year is underway and starting strong. Get ready for some poetry and music as the second weekend of January rolls in.

1. Small Business Holiday Party

5 to 9 p.m., Friday, Austin Holiday Inn

This event is for businesses with 30 of fewer employees. A social time will go from 5 to 7 p.m., with live comedy starting at 7 p.m. Cost is $20 per person. For groups with more than 15 people, there will be a $5 discount per person. Drinks, appetizers, finger food, a cash bar and prizes will be available. The event is limited to 400 people. Contact Nick at 507-433-8000 to reserve seats.

2. Found Poetry

6 to 8 p.m., Friday, Austin ArtWorks Center

ArtWorks Education and Marketing Coordinator Grace Heimsness will host a class about finding stories in everyday words — the ones from newspaper articles to restaurant menus.

Cost is $25 for AACA members, and $30 for nonmembers. For more information, call 507-434-0934.

3. Christmas Tree Pick-Up

8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, Austin

Pacelli Catholic School students and volunteers will pick up Christmas trees around Austin on Saturday. Trees should be at their owner’s boulevard by 8 a.m. with all ornaments, lights and tinsel removed. Students will come by during the day to pick up the trees. Call 507-433-8859 or email smarx@pacellischools.org to get a tree picked up. A free will donation will be collected, though it is not required.

4. Flappers, Miners, and Moonshiners — Minnesota in the 1920’s

2 to 4 p.m., Sunday, Historic Paramount Theatre

A musical history tour with Prudence Johnson and Dan Chouinard will take place Sunday. Don’t miss Prudence Johnson’s debut on the Paramount Theatre stage. Her career in music has taken her from nightclubs to Carnegie Hall, from the Midwest to the East Coast, on the theater stage and the Silver Screen productions, and regular appearances on Garrison Keillor’s Prairie Home Companion. A $10 donation is requested. For more information, call 507-434-0934.