Public Notice

S. Emerson Moffat filled some mighty honkin' go-go boots in 1990 when she took the "Public Notice" helm from Kathleen Maher, who had developed the column in the early Eighties and given it a voice. Moffat debuted in "PN" on November 16, 1990 and pummeled the Austin activist community with her dry wit and snappy repartee. Moffat is off to free-time land (wherever that space is in full-time mommydom...) and has no excuse not to pen epic features. See more about this transition at the end of this column.

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Go as a Human...

As the Shaggs once warbled, "It's Halloween!" Bloodlust aside, if the nightmare slashfests aren't your cup o' toxin (i.e.: you have little ones), consider these fun-filled events and do some good at the same time:

Capital Area Social Activities Coordinators Association (CASACA) in conjunction with Austin Area Nursing Homes have a new tradition: Safe Halloween for the tykes and a cheery time for the residents of seven local nursing retreats. The best way to get love is to give love, and these seniors are going all out with candy, "haunted" houses, and carnivals. Call Emily Barrera: 444-6708.

* Sun., Oct. 29, 2-4pm, Pflugerville Care Ctr., 512/251-9978. Tricks & treats and a carnival.

*Tue., Oct. 31, Halloween, call for info:

Heartland Health Ctr., 4:30-6:30pm, 335-5028; Lolla Convalescent Ctr., 6:30-8:30pm, 477-0768; Marbridge Villa, Manchaca, 6-7pm, 282-1811; Retirement & Nursing Ctr., 6:30-8pm, 452-5717; Sierra Health Center, 10am, 444-6708; Southwood Care Center, 6-8pm, 440-0883.

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Peña Like It's 1999

...Or at least until all your skin falls off and you look just like one of those cute little calaveras, a la Dia de los Muertos. And speaking of which, this particular Last Sunday of the Month Peña is in honor of said holiday, and pays homage to the noble, albeit imminently doomed Chicago House. Show up (Sunday, October 29, 4pm, 607 Trinity, $5) in costume, bring objects for the altar, and peña-down with Lourdes Pérez, Centzontle, Correo Aéreo, and more. All funds benefit Chicago House. Go back for more, Monday, Oct. 30 to the ACC Riverside Auditorium, 1020 Grove Blvd., 7pm for a free peña with the same crowd! Call 442-5986 or 495-7167 for more info.

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Hey, It's Gwyneth & Brad!

The Cans Film Festival to benefit the Capital Area Food Bank will treat movie-goers to free admission to any ACTIII/Presidio Theatre film showing on Thursday, November 2 with a minimum donation of three canned goods. The festival includes all shows that day. 181 area charitable agencies will receive the goods. A goal of 15,000 pounds has been set for this year, and that doesn't even include the free popcorn.

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You're History

October is Happy Lesbigay History Month and one significant date in history is the founding of Out Youth Austin in 1990. To ensure the continuation of their peer support and educational services for gay and lesbian teens, sign up for Out Youth's Volunteer Training, November 3-5. Call 326-1234 for a fabulous schedule.

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Welcome to My World and a Half

Back in 1990 when I (see byline) still lived in Florida, I'd eagerly anticipate my weekly installments of The Austin Chronicle. After snatching it out of my mailwoman's hands, I'd first rip to the back of the book to read "Ask Bud" then pour myself a cup of tea and settle into "Public Notice," another of my faves. Maher and Moffat colored my perspective of this town. They painted a portrait of a community which takes care of its own -- a community I so very wanted to call my own. So here I am with the requisite last name beginning with "M," your new Public Notice Servant. I only hope I can fill this tiara... now, back to the editorial "we."

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Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes:

Please Note: Deadline for "Public Notice" items has changed (see below). Items must be mailed or dropped by our offices (corner of 40th Street and southbound I-35). Faxes are highly discouraged; no phone calls, please. n