5 Things: Animation, Banjo and Sandy Volunteering

1. Have some fun. Head to LaunchPad for An Evening of Animation: Old & New. 721 Franklin Ave., 8:00 p.m. $5. 

2. Hear some music. Head to The Way Station to hear banjoist, bassist and songster Alex Mallet followed by the rock, roll and soul of Live Nudes. 683 Washington Ave. bet. St. Marks and Prospect. 9 p.m. No cover.

3. Get Rid of Your Christmas Tree. If you haven't tossed it already, bring your holiday tree to a designated city park this weekend, Jan. 12-13, for MulchFest, where your tree will be recycled into mulch that will nourish plantings across the city! There are many locations throughout the borough that you can bring your tree. Find the chipper location closest to you here. And of course, if you can't make it to the festivities, fear not: Leave your tree at the curb until Jan. 19 and it will be turned into mulch by the Department of Sanitation. 

4. Lend a helping hand. On Saturday, volunteer with Respond & Rebuild, an organization that is helping to rebuild Rockaways residents' homes. It's a dirty, meticulous job, although anyone who can do manual labor for a day can learn the proper DOH-approved methods. Those with construction skills who can commit to participating on an on-going basis are encouraged to do so. Please bring a bagged lunch. Water will be provided.

4.5. Find a co-op preschool. Old First Nursery School, a non-denominational, parent-run cooperative (501(c)3) nursery school, will be having its Annual Open House for prospective families, hosted by current OFNS families and teachers, on Saturday, Jan. 12 from 12-3 p.m. Kids of all ages are welcome, and refreshments will be provided.

5. Move the car. Sorry folks, alternate side parking rules are in effect today. The next suspension isn't until Monday, Jan. 21 for MLK Day, according to the NYCDOT.