NOW IS THE TIME OF THE YEAR to give serious thought to who of your female relatives and friends is the most worthy community volunteer. You guessed it. For the 61st time, Women of Achievement is calling for nominations for its annual awards. The deadline for nominations is midnight, Monday, Jan. 11. Find the criteria and the nomination form online at woastl.org. For questions call 314-584-6020. 

Since time immemorial — well since the event started 61 years ago — women of diverse cultures, roles and accomplishments who have worked as volunteers for the betterment of the St Louis region, have been nominated. These women have volunteered in various areas such as — but not limited to — education health and human services, arts, youth and family, philanthropy, social justice and advocacy. The 10 honorees will be recognized at the 2016 Women of Achievement luncheon on Tuesday, May 10 at the Ritz-Carlton in Clayton. 

‘BAD JEWS’ AT THE NEW JEWISH THEATRE performed by four exceptionally talented actors, has been so enthusiastically received that it has been extended for an additional three performances in December. You can buy tickets online at newjewishtheatre.org or call 314-442-3283. 

DAVID ROBERTSON, music director of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, is one of the most delightful, animated conductors I have ever experienced. He especially comes to life for the New Year’s Eve concert, which he designs and creates and presents to the audience as a great surprise, declining to reveal the program or the artists. For good reason this concert sells out. So if you want to witness the Maestro’s musical hijinks on Thursday, Dec. 31 at 8 p.m. reserve your seats before they are all sold. For tickets call 314-534-1700.

EVER SINCE I TOOK A COURSE IN FICTION WRITING at Washington University’s Lifelong Learning Institute, I have been hooked on the idea of older men and women taking courses in creative subjects. It turns out that the St. Louis Artists’ Guild offers several art courses that seem to fit my requirements and yours. Four eight-week courses sounded perfect. They are portrait drawing, watercolor painting, figure drawing and acrylic painting, two at night and two during the day. The classes are held at the Artists Guild, 12 N. Jackson Ave. at Forsyth Blvd. For a description of the courses and their schedule, call the Artists Guild at 314-727-6266.

NEW LINE THEATRE, often called “The Bad Boy of Musical Theater,” is celebrating its 25th anniversary season with “25 to Life!” — an evening of songs from its first 25 years. It’s a two-night-only event on Jan. 5 and 6 at the Sheldon Concert Hall and will feature 16 of New Line’s all-stars. Artistic Director Scott Miller will direct and serve as pianist for the concert. All tickets at $10 are available through MetroTix at 314-534-1111 or online at MetroTix.com.