Events AUSTIN HOME & GARDEN SHOW Have you got a dream home in mind but you just can't get a clear picture? This weekend you don't have to leave it to your imagination. You can take a good close look at some ideas, plans, products, and people that can make your dream into a reality. You'll meet Laura Dellutri, the hilarious "Queen of Clean," view the stunning "Old World Gardens" landscape design showcase, and pick up dozens of tips from the "Bring It All Home Tour" featuring Brian "The Wall Wizard" Santos. "The Green Connection" will fill you in on the latest earth-friendly tips and products. Fri, Jan 22, 2-9:30pm; Sat, Jan 23,10am-9:30pm; Sun, Jan 24, 11am-6pm, at the Austin Convention Center, 500 Cesar Chavez. $6 adults, $2 kids 6-12. 218-9118. MAYA ANGELOU SPEAKS As the crowning event in the Sixth Annual MLK Celebration, Dr. Maya Angelou, poet laureate and human extraordinaire, will speak at the Omni South this Friday. If you've never had the opportunity to hear her speak, it can be a life-changing experience you shouldn't miss. Witty, warm, and thrillingly insightful, Dr. Angelou is peerless as an artist and leader of our time. Tickets are free, but you must have a ticket to attend the event. They are available at Mitchie's Fine Black Art, 5312 Airport. Fri, Jan 22, 7pm, at the Omni Hotel South. Free. 323-6901. RICKY WILLIAMS PARADE Starting at Congress and Third and winding around to Waterloo Park at Red River and 15th, this is a celebration of the golden boy of Austin sports. (See box for more info.) 499-2250. YELLOW BIKE PROJECT I'd like to buy the world a bike -- that's what these folks want to do, cover the Austin area with free yellow bikes so anyone and everyone can get around without polluting the air. Call them dreamers, but they're making it happen one bike at a time. Saturday marks the Grand Opening of their East Austin location and the second birthday of the Project. Party at the new location at 1182 Hargrave from noon to 5pm with trick bikes, clowns, and live music, then move over to 2211-A Hidalgo from 5pm to 3am for a huge birthday bash with bands, food, drinks, and fun. Find out about volunteer opportunities and free bike workshops as well. Sat, Jan 23, noon-5pm, 1182 Hargrave; 5pm-3am, 2211-A Hidalgo. 457-9880. TEXAS FOLKLIFE RESOURCES SIDEWALK SALE This ought to prove a treasure trove of unique, funky, exotic items for the home and office. You'll find folk art, joke art, and broken art, not to mention office furniture, clothing, household items, bikes, and loads of other stuff you just can't live without. The sale benefits TFR, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the traditional arts of the Lone Star state. They work directly with folk artists and communities to document living traditions and to present them to the public through concerts, exhibitions, and educational programming. Donated items may be dropped off at the office on Fri, Jan 22. Sat, Jan 23, 9am-3pm, at Texas Folklife Resources, 1317 S. Congress. 441-9255. AUSTIN ETHNIC FAIR Take a dip in the pool of diversity surrounding the Austin community in this celebration of the many cultures that give our city its rich and varied flavors. The Austin Ethnic Fair provides a swirling smorgasbord of colors, sounds, and tastes; musical and dance performances, handcrafts, demonstrations, and authentic cuisines from numerous ethnic and cultural groups make for a fascinating afternoon. Sat, Jan 23, 11am-7pm, at Woltman Activities Center, Concordia University, 3400 N. I-35. 486-1192. BORDERS BOOKS EVENTS Learn how to weave your way through the Kafka-esque maze of the modern hospital with nurse Diane Barnet. She's written a book called What You Need to Know About Hospitals, giving you the lowdown on consumer health care issues. She'll present her material on Saturday at 3pm. All day Sunday is Teacher Appreciation Day; thanks to some of the hardest working folks around. At noon Rose Peña of Random House presents the latest teachers' guides and children's books. Activities are planned throughout the day, culminating with a Songwriters' Round in Cafe Espresso. Sat-Sun, Jan 23-24, at Borders Books, 10225 Research. 795-9553. SHARED HERITAGE: A CULTURAL MOSAIC Teachers and museum curators looking for ways to expand their teaching resources will want to find out about the many options available through the Smithsonian and its wide network of museums. The "Shared Heritage" program is a Smithsonian Regional Workshop brought to town by the Austin Collaborative of Cultural and Education Sites and Schools (ACCESS). On Friday, area museums open their doors to workshop participants wishing to explore and expand the local cultural network. A reception and keynote address will follow at the Ransom Center from 7-9pm. On Saturday from 8am-4pm at Austin High School (1714 W. Cesar Chavez), local and national speakers will share specific workshops on social studies, music, language arts, science, and bilingual education, complete with educational materials and a Directory of Museum Resources. Fri-Sat, Jan 29 & 30, various locations. $35. 414-1274.
Civic Interest PUBLIC AFFAIRS FORUM What's the verdict? Ask Judge Jeanne when she speaks on "Children and Families in the Courts" at the next forum in this popular continuing series at the First Unitarian Church. Judge W. Jeanne Meurer presides over the 98th District Court and her presentation will focus on issues affecting families and children. Sun, Jan 24, 11:15am, at First Unitarian Universalist Church, 4700 Grover.
452-6168. GOVERNOR'S VOLUNTEER AWARDS NOMINATIONS Know someone who's been a shining star volunteering for the community? Someone who's been a real point of light? Now you can return a little of that light to shine on them. The Guv will be honoring Texans whose commitment to community and service to others is exemplary. Anyone can nominate themselves or someone else for awards in several categories including youth, adult, senior, family, group, corporate/business, partnership/collaboration, and lifetime achievement. To request a Nomination Form, call the Governor's Volunteer Awards Hotline. Deadline: Feb 15. 475-4432. HALF PRICE BOOK DRIVE FOR CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL Clear yourself some shelf space and help the kids while you're at it; Half Price Books is sponsoring a book drive to build a "Half Pint Library" for children being treated at Children's Hospital of Austin. Customers can donate new or "gently used" books through March 21 at any Half Price Books location. The library will open this spring and serve the thousands of children who spend time in the hospital. Half Price Books, 13492 Research, 3110 Guadalupe, 8868 Research, & 2929 S. Lamar. 451-4463. INTERNATIONAL EXCHANGE COORDINATORS NEEDED International exchange programs help to bridge the gaps between cultures by letting young folks get firsthand experience of life in foreign lands. If you'd like to be a part of this exciting experience, the Educational Resource Development Trust wants you! They are seeking coordinators in the Austin area to work with local high schools, American host families, and international students to promote international exchange. They offer extensive training and a stipend to cover expenses. 800/414-3738. AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY "ROAD TO RECOVERY" The American Cancer Society thinks of everything. One of the most taxing aspects of cancer treatment is getting to and from the doctor; many patients have to make the trip several times a week. Not only is transportation a stress on the patients, but also on family and friends who must juggle schedules to help out. Through the "Road to Recovery" program, volunteer drivers agree to drive patients to scheduled appointments. Volunteers must have a vehicle, current insurance, a valid driver's license, and good driving skills. Flexible schedules can be arranged; most patients need transportation during business hours Monday through Friday. 919-1800.
Benefits INDIGENOUS AND COMMUNITY RIGHTS It's a poetry slam to bring down the Man, man! This get-together will support the conference being held on issues of indigenous and community rights. The event features the poetry of Tammy Gomez, Laura Pichardo, and Corrie Sublett-Berrios as well as music by the Blimp. Donations taken at the door. Fri, Jan 22, 8pm, at Pueblos Unidos Community Media Center, 2211 Hidalgo (behind E. Seventh). 462-9596. FAMILIES BENEFIT DANCE What do you get when you mix dance with political activism? Who knows? You'll have to stop by Nia Space to find out. Bring family and friends to dance for the safety of all families. The purpose of the dance is to bring attention to two bills currently in the Legislature which would ban gays or lesbians from adopting, even if the adoptees are relatives who have lost parents in emergencies. Tap your feet and write letters to lawmakers, and leave a little dough for the Lesbian Gay Rights Lobby, who will be fighting this ban. Sat, Jan 23, 4-9pm, at Nia Space, 3212 S. Congress. 441-8334.
Kids STORYTIME AT BOOK STOP Do you ever look at your kids going nuts and wonder where the madness comes from? Maybe it's the rabbits in their heads, telling them not to stop hopping! Bring them to Book Stop for Bunnies in My Headby Tricia Tusa. Make 'em stop, Ma, make 'em stop! All Monday Story Times are followed by a craft, so if you can get the kids to sit still through the story, they get to make something fun. Mon, Jan 25, 11am, at Book Stop, 4001 N. Lamar. 452-9541. PIONEER FARM Bring the little pioneers out to the farm for Candle Making Day. There will be plenty of tallow and wax on hand; let there be light! Kids love the costumes and the rustic atmosphere out at the farm; y'all come on down, y'hear? Sun, Jan 24, 1-5pm, at Jourdan-Bachman Pioneer Farm, 11418 Sprinkle Cutoff. $3 (kids 3-12, $2). 837-1215. "I HAVE A DREAM, TOO" ESSAY CONTEST If parents have ever dreamed about their little budding author making enough dough to take the family on a vacation to the nation's capital (and what parents haven't?) then those dreams could come true. The Lawry's Foods corporation is sponsoring a nationwide contest in celebration of Martin Luther King Day. Kids age 8-13 can submit essays of 100-150 words on the topic, "I Have a Dream, Too." Essays will be judged on originality, creativity, and relevance to the theme. First prize is a trip for three to D.C. and a thousand bucks to spend. Send essays along with a 3"x5" card with child's name, address, date of birth, and parent/guardian name and signature to: Lawry's/Fox "I Have a Dream, Too" Essay Contest, PO Box 8836, Maple Plain, MN 55593-8836. 818/846-5318.
Game Plans FOR THE WEEK OF JAN 22-28
by J.C. Shakespeare HORSEFEST IN TEXAS All the pretty horses will be in Belton this weekend. The Texas Equestrian Trail Riders Association sponsors this convention which hosts specialists and speakers in all areas of equine arts. Saturday night plans include a dinner and show entitled the "Texas Mane Event," showcasing various versatile breeds; there will be Morgans driving carts, an Arabian Nights show, the George and Martha Mule Team (who's afraid of Virginia Mule?), Andalusians, a Charro show (hoochy-coochy in the saddle?), bridle-less natural horsemanship, and a presentation by the "You're Never Too Old to Ride" team. Fri-Sat, Jan 22-23, at Bell County Expo Center, Belton, TX. $2.50. 292-1607. UNION UNDERGROUND BOWLING The Union Underground is proud to unveil the QUBICA scoring system, now up and running on all 12 lanes. The system features high-tech graphics like 3-D animation, ball speed detection, sound effects, touchscreen controls, and interactive animated games. Each lane also has a 14" monitor in the pit and a 34" big screen overhead; it's practically cyber-bowling. Get underground, man! The Underground also features 13 pool tables, a video arcade, big-screen TVs, and Texadelphia serving up hot subs. Open seven days a week. 475-6651. A PLACE TO SKATE Take the last board to Clarksville ... skateboarding is not a crime, dude, but those baggy pants ought to be. Austin's Parks and Recreation Department, tired of seeing those punks terrorizing parking decks all over downtown, has finally created a park just for skating. The park is open and supervised on afternoons and weekends. For a minimal fee, kids can skate there; helmets are required. 10th Street, one block east of West Lynn. 472-7343. UT WOMEN'S BASKETBALL Continuing the wonderful tradition of corporate involvement in college sports, we have the Supercuts Shootout on Saturday and the American Airlines Showcase on Wednesday. Oh, who are they playing? It's a week of Midwestern invaders; Oklahoma rides in on Saturday, and the Kansas Jayhawks show up on Wednesday. Come on out and holler for the Lady 'Horns. Sat, Jan 23, 2pm, Wed, Jan 27, 7pm, Frank Erwin Center, Red River & 15th. 477-6060. UT MEN'S BASKETBALL In wonderful tradition of first-year coaches getting off to rocky starts and then kicking serious butt, Mr. Barnes' boys are on a roll. The Longhorns were on a six-game winning streak before losing to Kansas. Check out the action as the Oklahoma State Cowboys try to wrangle the Horns. Sat, Jan 23, 8:30pm, Frank Erwin Center, Red River & 15th. 477-6060. AUSTIN RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB Feel like a road trip? Austin's woolly warriors ride north for the Dallas Harlequins Anniversary 10's Tournament at Glencoe Park in Dallas. Feel free to tag along for the ride. And if you've got rugby in your blood (hey, you got your blood in my rugby!), you're welcome to attend their regular training sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Burr Field, 6013 Loyola Lane, just east of Ed Bluestein, just north of MLK. The newly formed high school team will also be practicing on Mondays and Wednesdays, 5pm, at Zilker Park. 926-9017, orhttp://www.austinrugby.com. |
