AMOA PUBLIC TOURS
Check out the art on display with someone who knows more about what's on the walls than you do.
Saturdays, 2pm.
Austin Museum of Art, 823 Congress, 495-9224.
Free with museum admission.
www.amoa.org
ARTREACH FAIR TRADE ART FESTIVAL
International gifts from jewelry to hand-woven bags. The kids will be kept busy with activities while you might get distracted by the live music and demos.
10am-4pm.
Westover Hills Church of Christ, 8332 Mesa, 345-6386.
Free.
www.hilltribers.org
AUSTIN FARMERS' MARKET
features fresh organic produce, meats, and cheeses straight from surrounding Texas farms, plus live music every week.
Saturdays, 8am-noon.
Republic Square Park, 422 Guadalupe, 974-6700.
Free.
www.austinfarmersmarket.org
CEDAR PARK HOLIDAY BAZAAR
Crafters and vendors will be selling all manner of gifts, with the money going to a graduation party for Cedar Park High School seniors.
10am-4pm.
Cedar Park High School, 2150 Cypress Creek Rd., Cedar Park.
$2.
www.craftsfaironline.com
CEDAR PARK SHOPPING EVENT
More than 13 vendors help you find the perfect gift. Bring canned food items for local food banks and receive a raffle ticket for each donation.
9am-3pm.
Holiday Inn, 1605 E. Whitestone Blvd., Cedar Park, 512/905-0145.
Free.
www.cpholidayshow.webs.com
CHRISTMAS AFFAIR MARKET
Help raise money for the Junior League of Austin by perusing the African-inspired jewelry and other products from local vendors.
Thu.-Sun., Nov. 19-22.
Palmer Events Center, 900 Barton Springs Rd.
$12.
www.jlaustin.org
CONNALLY HIGH SCHOOL HOLIDAY BAZAAR
You know a PTA cares when they manage to bring together arts, crafts, vendors, live music, games, etc. and donate the proceeds to student scholarships.
9am-3pm.
Connally High School, 13212 N. Lamar, 923-7663.
Free.
www.chspta.org
CONVERSATION CAFE
Jo Virgil, information coordinator in the Governor's Committee on People With Disabilities, leads an open discussion with a diversity of perspectives.
Hampton Library, 5125 Convict Hill Rd, 974-9900.
www.cityofaustin.org
DOWNTOWN GHOST TOURS
offer nooks-and-crannies walking tours that spotlight the dead to bring Austin's history and geography to life.
Fri.-Sat., 8pm.
853-9826.
www.hauntedtexas.com
EMANCIPET FREE DAYS
This mobile spay/neuter clinic might be in your neighborhood today. Check www.emancipet.org to find out.
Fri.-Sat., check-in begins 8am (first come, first served).
587-SPAY.
Free.
EMPTY BOWL PROJECT PREVIEW PARTY
Just like the bigger event tomorrow but without the lines. And a bit more expensive. Live music from Susan Gibson, silent auctions, beer, wine, dessert, and, of course, soup, make it worth the extra money.
6-9pm.
Mexican American Cultural Center, 600 River St, 478-6222.
$75.
www.austinfoodbank.org
FREE CHAIR MASSAGES
to get you ready for the stressful holiday season courtesy of the Tranquility Chiropractic Studio.
2-4pm.
Tranquility Chiropractic Studio, 11673 Jollyville #202, 788-3366.
Free.
www.tranquilitycs.com
HOLIDAY TREE LIGHTING
Get in on live music, kids' activities, carolers, and more before the lighting of the 40-foot tree at 6pm and a performance from American Idol finalist Jason Castro.
The Domain, 11410 Century Oaks Terrace, 873-8099.
Free.
LA PASTORELA
This is the final street performance of this musical about the trials and tribulations of shepherds trying to reach Bethlehem. Meet the cast, have a few drinks, and enjoy this show that's way more entertaining than the nativity scene.
noon.
Iron Gate Lounge, 1111 E. Sixth, 473-0431.
www.lapastorela.org
MONARCH COMMUNITY GARAGE SALE
Antiques, prints, clocks, books, china, and much more for your gifting enjoyment. A portion of the proceeds goes to the Arc of the Capital Area.
Sat.-Sun., Nov. 21-22, 9am-6pm.
Monarch Event Center, 6406 N. I-35 #3100, 371-1711.
$2 (children free).
www.monarcheventcenter.com
MONTHLY BIRD WALK
The folks at Travis Audubon show you how to walk and bird-watch in style.
7:30am.
Hornsby Bend Bird Observatory, 2210 FM 973 S, 300-2473.
Free.
www.travisaudubon.org
(Volunteer Calls)
PANAMÁ CANTA Y BAILA
Folklore y Ritmos de Panamá invites you to commemorate Panama's independence from Colombia with traditional dance, along with other celebratory entertainment.
7pm.
Reagan High School, 7104 Berkman, 331-1764.
$25 ($20, advance).
www.panamaenaustin.org
SUNSET VALLEY FARMERS MARKET
has all the locally produced fresh foods you could ever want, plus lots of nice local farmers to sell 'em to you. Consistently voted to be among the top farmers' markets in the country (most recently by the Audubon Society and Eating Well magazine), SVFM is celebrating its 10th year, so stop by, and tell them happy birthday.
Saturdays, 9am-1pm.
Toney Burger Center, 3200 Jones Rd., 280-1976.
Free.
www.sunsetvalleyfarmersmarket.org
TEXAS BAMBOO SOCIETY
Get to know the different types of bamboo that thrive in Austin, and groom some bamboo yourself in the Taniguchi Japanese Garden. Hand clippers, loppers, a saw, and gloves are recommended.
10am.
Zilker Botanical Garden, 2220 Barton Springs Rd, 929-9565.
Free.
www.bamboocentral.net
(Meetings & Instruction)
THE REAL MEN WHO STARED AT GOATS
Meet the man who partly inspired the new George Clooney film, The Men Who Stare at Goats. Austinite Paul H. Smith was assigned to the military psychic espionage program and wrote a book about it, Reading the Enemy's Mind. So crazy, it has to be true.
7pm.
BookPeople, 603 N. Lamar, 472-5050.
Free.
www.ionsaustin.org
UT VS. A&M BLOOD DRIVE
This doesn't seem very fair, but the Blood & Tissue Center of Central Texas will be pitting UT blood donors against A&M bleeders to see who comes out on top. Let's capitalize on our home advantage by calling for donation locations and making appointments. One lucky donor will walk away with tickets to the big game.
Sat.-Wed., Nov. 21-25.
206-1266.
www.inyourhands.org
(Call for Donations)
WOMEN & FAIR TRADE SALE
American Friends Service Committee hosts this gathering of eight cooperatives from around the world to share their stories of the adverse effects of globalization while selling handcrafted textiles, toys, pottery, and more.
Sat.-Sun., Nov. 21-22, 10am-6pm.
1221 E. Sixth, 474-2399.
www.womenandfairtrade.org
AUSTIN CARSHARE
Become part of the solution to our carbon-choked air and our traffic-clogged streets: Enroll in Austin CarShare, the first car-sharing program in Texas.
448-4477.
www.austincarshare.org
BARTON SPRINGS AUDIO TOUR
Take a self-guided tour of Austin's favorite swimming hole. All you have to do is download the audio files and map from the Save Our Springs Alliance website, and off you go.
Barton Springs, 2101 Barton Springs Rd, 476-9044.
www.sosalliance.org
CENTRAL MARKET COOKING SCHOOL
Whether you need to brush up your knife skills or throw together a romantic Thai dinner for two, these guys have you covered year round with an eclectic array of classes spanning all skill levels.
Central Market North, 4001 N. Lamar, 206-1000.
www.centralmarket.com
(Meetings & Instruction)
CITIZEN POLICE ACADEMY
Learn about the many functions and operating procedures of the Austin Police Department. The next session starts March 2. For more information or an application, visit the APD website, www.cityofaustin.org/police.
974-5941.
dennis.farris@ci.austin.tx.us
(Civic Interest)
CLASSES FOR COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS/NONPROFITS
The Austin Community College Center for Community-Based and Nonprofit Organizations offers a variety of classes to help philanthropic organizations achieve success. Visit their website for details.
5930 Middle Fiskville Rd., 223-7076.
www.nonprofitaustin.org
(Meetings & Instruction)
COATS FOR CUBS
is accepting real fur – be it a coat, trim, or other type of clothing – to be used as bedding for orphaned or injured wildlife. From now till Earth Day ( April 22), you may drop off your furs at Buffalo Exchange (just tell them they're for Coats for Cubs).
Buffalo Exchange, 2904 Guadalupe, 480-9925.
www.humanesociety.org
(Call for Donations)
COLLEGE STUDENTS WITH ASPERGER'S, ADHD, AND LEARNING DISABILITIES
Take advantage of the academic, independent-living, and social-skills assistance provided by College Living Experience. CLE's services are now available for special-needs students who attend ACC, UT, St. Edward's, or Concordia.
800/486-5058.
www.cleinc.net
EDGAR ALLAN POE: FROM OUT THAT SHADOW
The Harry Ransom Center has teamed up with the University of Virginia to present this Edgar Allan Poe show – an expansive and remarkable collection of manuscripts, letters, first editions, illustrations, and other storied ephemera concerning one of the country's most famous writers. Exhibition: Sept. 8-Jan. 3.
Harry Ransom Center, 300 W. 21st, 471-8944.
www.hrc.utexas.edu
ESTATE & MEDICAID PLANNING WORKSHOPS
Got questions about living trusts, wills, protecting assets, reducing estate taxes, powers of attorney, or Medicaid eligibility? Then one of the Greening Law Firm's free seminars is probably right for you. Go online for a schedule with locations and times.
476-0888.
www.greeninglawfirm.com
(Meetings & Instruction)
FAMILY ELDERCARE
Help Family Eldercare prevent exploitation of disabled adults and the elderly by volunteering as a bill payer or guardian advocate. Eldercare's clients have neither family support nor the ability to fully manage their own care or financial management; it takes as little as two hours a month for volunteers to make a big difference in their lives. No experience necessary; training is provided.
Family Eldercare, 2210 Hancock, 483-3582.
www.familyeldercare.org
(Volunteer Calls)
FINANCIAL COACHING
Mondays through Saturdays, individuals earning less than $25,000 and families earning less than $50,000 can get free, one-on-one help reducing debt, fixing credit, and clarifying other money matters.
Foundation Communities, 3036 S. First #200, 610-4026.
financialcoach@foundcom.org
www.foundcom.org
FREE COUNSELING FOR WOMEN VETERANS
Women interested in mental health counseling from the YWCA should call or go online for more information.
326-1222.
www.ywcaaustin.org
(Announcements)
GERMAN SHEPHERD RESCUE OF CENTRAL TEXAS
needs volunteers to help feed and care for the animals, assist with coordinating special events, and other duties.
Dripping Springs, 512/264-2478.
www.gsdrescuectx.com
(Volunteer Calls)
HABITOURS
Habitat for Humanity now offers free, once-a-month tours of recent and past home-building sites. See how much they've accomplished, and find out what's yet to be done. Call or e-mail to reserve a seat.
Tours begin and end at 310 Comal, 472-8788 x401.
snance@ahfh.org
HELPING HANDS CENTER
needs strong, dependable males to help load/unload groceries twice monthly.
Helping Hands Center, 1151 San Bernard St, 472-2298.
(Volunteer Calls)
HOST A CREEK CLEANUP
Is the creek you love filled with beer cans and six-pack rings? All you have to do is gather some friends to clean it up, and Keep Austin Beautiful and Watershed Protection and Development Review will give you all the guidance and materials you need.
391-0617.
Free.
www.keepaustinbeautiful.org
(Civic Interest)
HUMAN POTENTIAL CENTER
This South Austin nonprofit has oodles of classes and workshops – from yoga and Reiki to art classes and dream interpretation – just waiting to maximize your potential. Check out the website for more info.
Human Potential Center, 2007 Bert, 441-8988.
www.humanpotentialcenter.org
(Meetings & Instruction)
INDEPENDENT TEXANS MEETING
The organization that seeks to mobilize independent and split-ticket voters. See their Web site for details on their bimonthly meetings.
454-7200.
www.indytexans.org
(Meetings & Instruction)
LAND GRANTS OF THE TEXAS REVOLUTION
The latest exhibit, "A Hero's Reward," displays artifacts and historical documents that illuminate how soldiers of different races and backgrounds were compensated for their participation in Texas' struggle for independence.
Capitol Visitors Center, 112 E. 11th, 305-8400.
Free.
www.texascapitolvisitorscenter.com
NAMI WINTER CLASSES
The Austin chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness offers classes for individuals affected by severe mental disorders. Classes are taught by volunteer family members who have experienced the issues being discussed. Call for a schedule or to register.
420-9810.
Free.
www.namiaustin.org
NATURAL HEALTH CENTER
has workshops in locations all over town, most of which are free of charge. Learn to balance hormones and alleviate allergies and migraines the natural way. Call for upcoming courses.
892-3366.
www.naturalhealthaustin.com
OTHER WORLDS EXHIBITION
The Ransom Center's new current exhibition traces the evolution and role of astronomy in the modern world. See rare books and papers from some of history's astronomical heavy hitters. The exhibit runs through Jan. 3, 2010.
Harry Ransom Center, 300 W. 21st, 471-8944.
www.hrc.utexas.edu
PODER FUNDING CRISIS
People Organized in Defense of Earth and Her Resources, a group that empowers East Austinites to advocate for a healthy and safe environment, is in serious financial straits. Help them out with a tax-deductible donation via the website or snail mail.
PO Box 6237, Austin, 78762.
www.poder-texas.org
(Call for Donations)
PROJECT HELP
is an initiative from the Austin Independent School District that matches generous locals with needy families, providing them with gifts for the holidays. Call 414-3690 to register and receive a family's wish list. Wrapped gifts should be brought to the Alternative Learning Center, portable #451 at 901 Neal on the Eastside before Wed., Dec. 9.
(Call for Donations)
SANTA'S RANCH
Santa's tired of waiting for global warming to catch up to the North Pole. He's spending most of his time among the 1.5 million lights of Santa's Ranch. Get in the car, and join in the festivities.
Through Jan. 2, 6-10pm.
9561 N. I-35, New Braunfels (two miles south of Tanger Outlet Mall), 830/743-1293.
$20/car.
www.santasranch.net
TALK TIME
features conversation practice for English-language learners hoping to fine-tune their skills in a nonthreatening atmosphere. Call or go online for a schedule of times and locations.
974-7529.
www.cityofaustin.org
(Meetings & Instruction)
URBAN FARM BICYCLE TOUR
Edible Austin and the Bicycle Sport Shop invite families to jump on their bikes and take rider-friendly routes to farms and community gardens all over town. Tour stops include children’s hands-on gardening activities, henhouse tours, farm tours, and samplings. Tours leave from three spots: Bicycle Sport Shop, 517 S. Lamar; Sunset Valley Farmers Market, 3200 Jones; Austin Farmers' Market, Fourth & Guadalupe. Proceeds benefit Urban Roots youth-development program. Tickets can be purchased online.
Sat., Dec. 5, 10am.
$25 ($45/family).
www.bicyclesportshop.com
WASTEWATER AVERAGING
The Austin Water Utility has begun its annual wastewater averaging cycle, which means your billing rates will depend on your usage over the next few months. If you weren't conserving already, now's the time to do it and save money for all of next year. Go to www.cityofaustin.org/water to find out more or learn the specific dates for your averaging.
(Announcements)
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