Res Publica

Thursday17

BICYCLE ADVISORY COUNCIL holds monthly meetings to discuss advising City Council on bicycling issues; all are welcome. 6:30-8:30pm. One Texas Center, 505 Barton Springs Rd.

BUBBLES & BURGERS FUNDRAISER Singer/songwriter Larissa Ness and former NFL quarterback Jeff Blake head up this silent auction to raise money for the Austin Children's Shelter. 5:30pm. The Hub, 3815 Dry Creek Dr., 432-5390. $25 ($20, in advance). www.austinchildrenshelter.org.

ENDING MOUNTAINTOP REMOVAL IN APPALA­CHIA Scott Parkin of the Rainforest Action Net­work discusses actions being taken to end this form of strip mining, which literally blows the tops off mountains. 7pm. MonkeyWrench Books, 110 E. North Loop. Free.

NORTHEAST METRO PARK OPEN HOUSE Learn about the second phase of construction on this Pflugerville park, set to have hike-and-bike trails, a skate park, and more. 6:30pm. Travis County Com­missioners Courtroom, Granger Bldg., 314 W. 11th.

Friday18

POINT FOUNDATION LGBT SCHOLARSHIPS Hey students! Apply to the nation's largest scholarship-granting org for LGBT students of merit. Applications available now. Deadline: Fri., Feb. 12, 2010. www.pointfoundation.org.

Saturday19

RAISING ORGANIC EGGS Are the kids asking for a puppy this holiday? This class will sway them toward a more productive pet: a chicken, teaching the benefits of and how to care for laying hens. 10am. PermaCulture Center, 12 Lone Oak Trail, 423-1050. $15 suggested donation. www.docjody.com.

Sunday20

GIVE & RECEIVE FOR STEPWISE All that holiday shopping got you stressed out? Take a break with brunch, appetizers, drinks, spa services, and a silent auction, to benefit Stepwise, a nonprofit working with orphans in East Africa. 1-4pm. Sabia, 1213 W. Fifth, 469-0447. $45. www.hosteriaverde.com.

REI BIKE DRIVE All day, REI will be accepting bike parts and donations for the Yellow Bike Project. 601 N. Lamar, 482-3357. www.austinyellowbike.org.

WASSAIL 2009 A fundraiser for Kids for Kids, a charity helping children in Darfur. Carolers, magicians, poets, minstrels, and stories, all for a good cause. 5:30pm. Sri Atmananda School, 4100 Red River, 451-7044. $10 (kids free). www.samschool.org.

Monday21

SANTA'S TOY DRIVE Bring the kids for a photo op with Santa, and don't forget a new toy for Opera­tion Blue Santa. 2pm. Monte Siesta Nursing & Rehabilitation, 4501 Dudmar, 892-1131. Free. www.daybreakventure.com.

Tuesday22

WALLER CREEK TUNNEL PROJECT MEETING The Parks and Recreation Department is holding a public meeting to discuss tree mitigation related to the Waller Creek Tunnel Project. Participants will walk through the park to discuss particular trees, so dress for the weather. 5pm. Waterloo Park, 403 E. 15th. patrick.corona@ci.austin.tx.us.

Ongoing

BARTON SPRINGS SURVEY The Parks and Rec­reation folks need your input on Barton Springs. Survey is at www.surveymonkey.com/s/ksgyrbw.

BROWN SANTA needs volunteers to help receive and deliver toys and food to families this season; call 24-SANTA. Or donate nonperishable food, books, unwrapped toys (new or gently used), and cash. Drop off at Brown Santa Warehouse, 15400 Long Vista #101, mail to Brown Santa, PO Box 207, Aus­­tin, TX 78767, or donate online: www.brownsanta.org.

COMPREHENSIVE PLAN SURVEY The city of Austin wants to know what you love and hate about our town. www.imagineaustin.net/survey.htm.

H1N1 FLU CLINICS You may be eligible for a swine flu shot if you're under- or uninsured, pregnant, a caregiver for an infant, or have a chronic disorder; exceptions are made on a case-by-case basis. Call 972-5520 with questions or to make an appointment. www.cityofaustin.org/health.

SHOP LOCAL! Homegrown businesses all over town are holding holiday specials to celebrate the season. Visit www.ibuyaustin.com for info, and support your local economy!

SPONSOR A FAMILY FOR THE HOLIDAYS 'Tis the season for charity. Register online to find a family or individual to help this holiday season; last day to volunteer for Christmas is Dec. 23. Christmas Bureau of Austin & Travis County, 7301 Burnet Rd. #108, 453-3950. www.cbofaustin.org.

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. Conserve now, and save money for all of next year. See www.cityofaustin.org/water for details.