https://www.austinchronicle.com/columns/1997-11-21/518929/

Public Notice

Join a Coat-erie

By Kate X Messer, November 21, 1997, Columns

For some people, the thought of facing the winter chill without a brand new winter wardrobe is enough to keep them inside 'til Groundhog Day or at least the post-holiday sales. God forbid they should be seen in public in something that screams 1993. Well, for most of us that's just not practical. But even for those who aren't dedicated followers of fashion, when the need arises to run out and replace a frayed coat or jacket, it's usually no big deal. Well, it's not that easy for everybody. November is the month that local service organizations find their stock of donated goods rapidly depleted due to increases in demand. And this year, the early and persistent cold snap has left groups struggling. Please do what you can to help these folks. Donate Coats, etc.

The Central East Austin Community Organization (CEACO) reports that it is receiving over 50 calls per day from families in need of emergency assistance. Right now, the organization needs gently worn coats, gloves, hats, and scarves (children and adult sizes), non-perishable food items, and cash. Drop-off hours are 8am-5pm, Mon-Fri, and 10am-2pm, Saturdays, at 1715 E. Sixth, #100. Or call to arrange a pick-up. 472-5575.

ACCESS and ARCH, divisions of the Austin Travis County Mental Health Mental Retardation Center, are hosting the First Frost Campaign from now until Wed, Dec 31. They seek donations of blankets, sleeping bags, long underwear, canned goods, can openers, coats, sweaters, socks, gloves, hats, and cash. Drop-off points include the ACCESS office, 717 W. Sixth and ARCH,
411 W. Second. 440-4051.

The Center for Battered Women is in near crisis, seeking to meet the needs of over 60 children. Warm kids clothing is desperately needed. Donate at the center's thrift store, SACKS, 4631 Airport, 10am-6pm. Cash donations to the groups are also needed. Sacks, 451-4108; CBW, 385-5181.

Barrels for coat donations will be easy to reach at the 101X-mas Bash Concert, Mon, Dec 8, at La Zona Rosa, featuring Letters to Cleo, Seven Mary Three, Kacy Crowley, and many more. Tickets go on sale today, Thu, Nov 20. Star Tix, 469-SHOW; 101X, 472-1071; or La Zona Rosa, 472-9075.

Big Wigs in the Family
Feel Good Biz

Two big-deal TV personality-author-lecturer, rootin'-tootin' therapeutin' types warm Austin with the glow of their super starpower. Turn off the boob tube and see the real deal in the flesh.

Tonight, Thu, Nov 20, 7pm, Dr. Ruth Westheimer (better known as Dok-ta ahhhRoooooooth), the Eighties icon of Luuuuuuuuv, lectures on, well... sex, of course, and families, and aging at the LBJ Auditorium on the UT campus. Dr. Ruth will be presented with an award from the Jewish Family Service, the senior services organization hosting the event. A dessert reception with the good doctor will follow. 482-0614 or 250-1043.

Then, Mon, Dec 1, 6pm, Dr. T. Berry Brazelton (better known as Dr. T. Berry Brazelton), the Emmy award-winning Eighties icon of Baby Luuuuuuuuv, lectures on, well... babies, of course, and child development at the Renaissance Hotel. And then, Tue, Dec 2, 7:45am-4pm, Dr. T will be on hand along with other noted child care experts for a Professional Seminar. The March of Dimes hosts. 477-3221, ext. 109.

1959

It's easy to forget that the work of public service organization affects more than just the general well-being of society at-large. Individuals are touched by their concern, care, and love. In the case of the Tibetan Resettlement Project and Austin Friends of Tibet, the effect is direct and the individuals number 14 Tibetans who live in Austin, separated from families and friends. And if you aren't familiar with why these people would flee Tibet at the risk of never returning, this event might be a good place to learn about the continuing oppression faced by the Tibetan people. This Sun, Nov 23 is the Celebrate Tibet Music Benefit, featuring locals and national artists Ray Wylie Hubbard, James McMurtry, Toni Price, Amy Rigby, and more, at the Live Oak/State Theatre, 719 Congress. 474-7034.

In the same spirit of "think globally, act locally," and protesting flagrant human rights violations worldwide, check out the Benefit Concert for Amnesty International, Sat, Nov 22, 9pm at the Cactus Cafe, in the Texas Union, UT campus. Sarah Hickman headlines, brandishing her arsenal of songs peppered with themes relating to human rights issues. 371-3253.

Turkeys Need Apply

Not feeling particularly fleet-footed? When it comes time for all those charity run/walks, do you feel as grounded as a gobbler? Turkeys like you are needed not only to run and trot, but also to help by setting up tables, assisting with registration, and providing entertainment along the run route for ThunderCloud Subs' annual Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving Day. The folks at Caritas of Austin (who benefit from the proceeds) hope you'll come out and volunteer, Thu, Nov 27. 479-8815, ext. 401.

Soup Is Good Food

Hopefully, the Capital Area Food Bank will get its fill at the Empty Bowls Project. Area chefs have donated what goes inside, and area potters and pottery students have donated the thing to hold it in. Over 300 handcrafted bowls will be on sale at ClayWays Pottery, 5442 Burnet, Sun, Nov 23, 11am-6pm, where local chefs will fill with your choice of mmmm... mmm... good vegetable, chicken, or cream of potato soup, topped off with a fresh slab of yum from Upper Crust Bakery. Plus Champ Hood, Marvin Dykuis, and Dave Heath will perform music to slurp by. 282-2111, ext. 114.

Did You Forget?

The Absolute Deadline for Holiday Wish List for our holiday issues is Mon, Nov 24. Please send your group's list ASAP. Hurry, by the time you read this, it might be too late. 454-5766.