Res Publica

Thursday30

CEMETERY STAKEHOLDERS MEETING Got something to say about the operation and maintenance of Austin's municipal cemeteries? Of course you do. 6-7:30pm. Northwest Recreation Center, 2913 Northland, 974-6742. Free. www.cityofaustin.org/parks/cemeteries.htm.

MOPAC IMPROVEMENT PROJECT Learn about the new sound walls proposed along portions of MoPac. Everything from design and location to height and color will be discussed. 6-8pm. O. Henry Middle School, 2610 W. 10th, 832-7218. www.mopacexpress.com.

PUBLIC HEARING: REDISTRICTING Find out how new boundaries under consideration for constable, justice of the peace, Travis County Com­mis­sioners Court, and voting precincts could affect you – and let county commissioners know what you think. 5pm. Precinct 1 Richard E. Scott Building, 4717 Heflin Ln. 854-9754. www.co.travis.tx.us.

Saturday02

RACE INCLUSION CONVERSATION Join in this public discussion of race relations in our city, led by minister Robert Muhammad of the Nation of Islam. 9-11:30am. St. James Episcopal Church, 1941 Webberville Rd., 926-6339. Free.

Monday04

KERRVILLE'S 4TH ON THE RIVER Head down the road a bit for some patriotic fun with – wait for it – fireworks! Noon-9pm. Louise Hays Park, Thompson Drive & Highway 16. Concert, $20; all other activities, free. www.kerrvilles4thontheriver.org.

Tuesday05

INTERFAITH ENVIRONMENTAL NETWORK shares tips on how you and your religious group can get greener with a little help from the state of Texas. 7-8pm. Friends Meeting of Austin, 3701 E. MLK, 789-4652. Free. www.interfaithenvironment.org.

LOUISA MAY ALCOTT'S CIVIL WAR Gretchen Murphy takes a look through the Alcott lens at the changing roles of women during the Civil War. 7pm. Howson Library, 2500 Exposition, 974-8800. Free. www.cityofaustin.org/library.

Wednesday06

INTERNATIONAL SOCIALIST ORGANIZATION MEETING Follow up Monday's fireworks with a little old-fashioned socialism. 7pm. Genuine Joe Coffeehouse, 2001 W. Anderson, 220-1576. Free. www.genuinejoecoffee.com.

TEXAS NORML hits the highs and lows of the latest developments in marijuana-law reform. 8pm. Flamingo Cantina, 515 E. Sixth, 494-9336. Free. www.texasnorml.org.

Ongoing

CITYWORKS ACADEMY Want to know what really makes this city's clock tick? Sign up for 11 weeks of this municipal insiders boot camp. Weekly classes begin Tuesday, Sept. 13. 974-2969. Application deadline: Aug. 8. www.cityofaustin.org/cityworks.

TEXAS CONSERVATION ACTION PLAN Fill out Texas Parks & Wildlife's online survey (www.tpwd.state.tx.us) and help develop a plan to encourage the preservation of Texas' natural heritage. Through July 8. www.tpwd.state.tx.us/landwater/land/tcap.

ACCESS AWARDS NOMINATIONS The Commit­tee for People With Disabilities requests nominations of businesses that strive to be accessible to everyone. Deadline: July 8. www.cityofaustin.org/ada/access_nomform.htm.

AUSTIN WOMEN'S HALL OF FAME Nominate your favorite kickass lady. Call City of Austin Com­mis­sion for Women, 374-9723. Deadline: July 15. www.cityofaustin.org/help/halloffame.htm.

COUNTY REDISTRICTING Even if you can't attend one of the public hearings (see Thursday, 6/30), you can still weigh in. Call 854-9754, email [email protected], or check out www.co.travis.tx.us. Through July 15.

ONLINE BUDGET FORUM After you read this week's feature (see "Room for the Unexpected"), visit www.speakupaustin.org and tell the city how to hammer together a 2012 budget.

NEIGHBORHOOD HABITAT CHALLENGE Get your neighborhood organized and start making your yards more hospitable to wildlife. (But watch out for "blind corners" – see "Nature Violates City Code.") Through Nov. 15. 974-4009. See details at www.keepaustinwild.com.