Now that the holidays are over, it’s time to discuss taxes. That, and losing weight. I’m not sure which is worse, dealing with tax returns or dropping those 10 extra pounds of eggnog and glazed ham. Neither are fun. But, preparing for April 15th doesn’t have to be bad. In fact, it can be good if we get creative in reducing our tax liability. Think boats.

Life at the lake means one thing: lots of them. Do you have one you’d like to unload? Are you in the market for a new one and don’t want to deal with the hassle of selling? Read the full story

Allie Coker

Davidson College graduate Allie Coker will be at Summit Coffee in Davidson Saturday night to read and sign copies of her new book “What I learned at Davidson.” Ms. Coker is a 2010 graduate who now lives in Durham. Her book includes interviews and insights from dozens of professors, students, and alumni about their experiences at Davidson.

The reading will include a Q&A and discussion with the author. It’s scheduled from 5 to 6:30pm at Summit Coffee, 128 S. Main St.

Info: 704-895-9090 or visit www.summitcoffee.com.

A live “radio” production of “The Maltese Falcon” runs this weekend only at Warehouse PAC.

An Organ at Davidson concert with local organist Jane Cain, wine tastings and live music, and a program on beekeeping are among the events on our schedule this week. Coming up this weekend, a three-night production of a live radio play version of the classic film “The Maltese Falcon,” at Warehouse Performing Arts Center in Cornelius, and the Rocky River Road Club’s annual Polar Bear 100k and 50k bike rides, starting from Ingersoll Rand in Davidson. Read on for the details.

And don’t forget the movies: Our Town Cinemas has “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey,” “Jack Reacher,” “This is 40″ and “Les Miserables” this week, with openings Friday for “Gangster Squad” and “Zero Dark Thirty.” See showtimes at right on this page. Read the full story

Davidson College’s calendar of public events begins this week with a performance by local organist Jane Cain, in the Organ at Davidson series at Davidson College Presbyterian Church. On Monday, Jan. 21, the college hosts a series of events related to Martin Luther King Jr. Day.  Other events this month include a two-day opera theater workshop, a children’s theater production of “Jack and the Beanstalk,” and a visit by pianist Phillip Bush. Also ahead: Music and dance performances, lectures and films. Here’s the schedule:  Read the full story

Grievous Angels play Saturday at Summit Coffee.

It’s a good weekend for music, with local performers at Summit Coffee in Davidson and The Wine Cellar and Rusty Rudder in Cornelius, among other venues. And don’t forget Bella Love Inc.’s open mic night Thursday at Kadi Fit in Cornelius. The first Davidson Farmer’s Market of the new year is Saturday from 9 to noon next to Town Hall in Davidson. It’s National Bird Day at the Carolina Raptor Center, and Historic Latta Plantation has a winter Civil War Encampment.

At the movies: Our Town Cinemas has “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey,” “Jack Reacher,” “This is 40″ and “Les Miserables.” See showtimes at right on this page. Read the full story

Are you a singer? Two Lake Norman area community vocal groups are seeking members this month. The North Mecklenburg Community Chorus holds its winter open house on Sunday, Jan. 13, while the interdenominational gospel choir Jubilation! starts rehearsals on Jan. 20. Details below: Read the full story