Civics 101
Thursday 11
ANOTHER VICE PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE WATCH PARTY Watch VP Joe Biden and Rep. Paul Ryan with the Burnt Orange Report and Travis County Democrats. 7-10pm. Brew Exchange, 706 W. Sixth.
VICE PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE WATCH PARTY Join the Austin Young Republicans as they watch Paul Ryan and Joe Biden face off in this debate. Congressional nominee Roger Williams (for district 25) will be there too. Refreshments provided. 7:30-9:30pm. Third Base, 1717 W. Sixth, 887-0680. Free. www.thirdbaseaustin.com.
Friday 12
CONVERSATION ON THE DEATH PENALTY Dead Man Walking author sits down with pastors and reverends to talk about how to move our state away from a "culture of vengeance" – and what faith leaders can do to educate congregations and address capital punishment from the pulpit. 7pm. Ragsdale Center, Mabee Ballroom, St. Edward's University, 3001 S. Congress, 512/448-8796. www.stedwards.edu.
Saturday 13
WORKSHOP ON LAW AND PERSONHOOD Three sessions ask participants to recharacterize corporations through art and focus on corporate personhood in terms of "cultural lag" following the Citizens United decision. Some materials provided. noon-4pm. 5604 Manor Rd. kimberly.jarrett@sbcglobal.net, www.5604manor.org.
LEGISLATIVE CANDIDATES FORUM The Austin League of Women Voters and the Austin Coffee Party host candidates from legislative districts that cover southern Travis County: House Districts 47, 48, and 51, and Senate Districts 21 and 25. 2-4:30pm. Faith Presbyterian Church, 1314 E. Oltorf, 512/444-1314.
MACC OPEN HOUSE The Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center is celebrating its fifth anniversary with an open house. 3-8pm. Mexican American Cultural Center, 600 River. www.maccaustin.org.
Tuesday 16
PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE, ROUND 2 President Barack Obama goes up against challenger Gov. Mitt Romney for another 90 minutes. This time, the event will be a town-hall meeting format, topics will include foreign and domestic policy, and CNN correspondent Candy Crowley moderates. 8-9:30pm.
Wednesday 17
SINGLE-MEMBER DISTRICT PLANS Join the Real Estate Council of Austin for a discussion of the two SMD propositions on the Nov. 6 ballot – 8-2-1 vs. 10-1. The panel will feature supporters of Propositions 3 & 4. noon-1pm. Four Seasons Hotel, 98 San Jacinto, 512/478-4500. www.fourseasons.com.
Ongoing
ANTI-BULLYING CAMPAIGN October is National Anti-Bullying Month, and to celebrate, the Travis County Sheriff's Office is inviting K-6 students to color an anti-bullying poster for a contest.
EARLY VOTING Early voting for the Nov. 6 election continues through Friday, Nov. 2. See our endorsements or follow all our election coverage at austinchronicle.com/elections.
BLANKET DRIVE Share the warmth and donate new or gently used blankets, towels, and pillows to five area nonprofits – including Austin Children's Shelter and SafePlace – via city newcomers Sleep Experts. Through Thanksgiving Sleep Experts locations or the Girl Scouts of Central Texas.
SAVE THE DATE TO SAVE TEXAS SCHOOLS Join Diane Ravitch, former TEA Commissioner Robert Scott, and Houston's Kashmere High marching band to stand up for kids and schools on Feb. 23. Say no to brutal budget cuts, a broken testing system, and looming school vouchers. Say yes to a quality education for all kids!
INSIDE BOOKS PROJECT The all-volunteer nonprofit works to get books in the hands of inmates all year round, but it needs extra help during the holiday season. Make a financial donation online, or give your time be helping fill packages in 2013.
CHRISTMAS TREE RECYCLING Oh, tenenbaum. If you're not a curbside customer, don't forget you can recycle your Christmas tree at one of these locations around town before Jan. 12. Through Jan. 12. Monday-Friday, 7am-5pm; Saturday, 7am-noon Austin Community Landfill, 9900 Giles; Williamson County Landfill & Recycling Center, 600 Landfill Rd.
NO DRAMA DEMOCRACY This continuing ed course from ACC seeks to reform political relationships by encouraging tolerance and proving why liberal/conservative labeling is irrelevant. Limited slots available; register now. Austin Community College Continuing Education. $120. www.austin.cc.tx.us.
TRAVIS COUNTY SHERIFF VOLUNTEERS Victim Services Unit is seeking volunteers who are over 21 and have a reliable car and cell phone to work four four-hour shifts per month for a year. The next training session begins March 18. See website for complete details.
FREE TAX PREPARATION Go online for a list of locations, hours of operation, a list of forms to bring, and other helpful tips to prepare your tax returns with the help of a professional. Participants must make less than $50,000 a year. Through Mon., April 15 610-7374. Free.
SLOW MONEY AUSTIN SPRING PITCHFEST DEADLINE Slow Money Austin is looking for local food and sustainably minded business who are trying to raise money to grow. They have been soliciting short, two- to three-minute pitch videos from local entrepreneurs and the deadline is March 18. Go online for more info.
PARKS & REC LIFEGUARD RECRUITMENT The city is looking for a few good lifeguards, pool managers, and swim instructors. Call to find out more. 400 Deep Eddy Ave.
BUDGET IN A BOX How should Austin spend its money? Let city leaders know. Participants will be asked to decide to increase, decrease, or maintain current funding levels for common city services. Accumulated feedback will be taken into consideration as the city develops its proposed 2014 budget this summer. 512/974-2324.
