Public Notice

A World Without Gender. Amen.

By Kate X Messer, Fri., April 17, 1998

Club Casanova's Lucky 7

Don't forget, tonight, Thu, Apr 16, 7-11pm Club Skirt lesbian singles party brings Club Casanova -- three dashing drag kings (and one babe named Bob) from NYC -- to the monthly fundraiser for Cornerstone Gay & Lesbian Community Center at Fiesta Gardens. Last week we reported that the price of admission went up to $15. Well, right as we went to press, we heard that Club Skirt Happy Hour is 7-8pm, during which admission is only $10! The well-hung Casanova cads will hit the stage around 9pm. If you are a dude and you'd like to check out the competition, the Club stud muffins will play later the same night (midnight) at the Electric Lounge. 708-1515, ext. 2.

Respect the Right

JANE performed 12,000 safe, affordable abortions in the Midwest during the late Sixties and early Seventies, when abortions were illegal and often deadly. JANE, a secret women-run abortion service, assisted women from all walks of life. "Her" story is told in the documentary, Jane: An Abortion Service, Thu, Apr 30, 7:30pm at the Dobie. The screening of the Sundance veteran will benefit the Texas Abortion and Reproductive Rights Action League (TARAL) Education Fund, the league's educational arm which works to educate the public on reproductive rights issues, train citizens in grassroots organizing, and administers the Rosie Jiménez Fund, which provides grants for abortion services to women in need. taral@mail.io.com or 462-1661.

A Strong Week

National Volunteer Week begins Mon, Apr 20. And we appreciate the hell out of ya. Austin's volunteer community is undeniably strong, as evidenced by the constant support for benefit events and even by the presence of this column. As far as we know, no other weekly paper covers the public service realm as its own beat in its own column. Sure, we're proud of that fact, but really, you -- the volunteers of Austin -- should be. There is so much in the way of good causes going on in town at any given time. The ideas and events run the gamut from the standard walk- bowl- marathons, to elaborate theme night shindigs. Hell, if you are reading this, you already know the story.... Speaking of volunteers, Austin has a group of volunteer leaders from organizations around Central Texas. It's DOVIA, Directors of Volunteers in Austin. Shar McBee, DOVIA's prez, has released a book and video series entitled To Lead Is to Serve: How to Attract Volunteers & Keep Them. The purpose of the series is to inspire and (as the back cover says) "rekindle enthusiasm among volunteers." 800/814-8827.

Safe at Home

Well, that's certainly a goal of SafePlace, Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Survival Center, the recent merger of Austin's Center for Battered Women and Rape Crisis Center. Coming up this weekend is one of the group's largest fundraisers since the merger. Walk for Safe Families begins at noon, Sun, Apr 19 at Wooldridge Park, 10th & Guadalupe. 469-9300.

Child's Life

There are still some events scheduled for Child Abuse Prevention & Awareness Month. This weekend sees two: Sat, Apr 18, 10am-4pm is the Children's Fair at Northcross Mall featuring activites, entertainment, and info (Don't they all? Hey! Don't give me grief! That's all the press release says...); then, on Sun, Apr 19, Austin's El Gato Negro, Ruben Ramos, performs to benefit the Austin Child Abuse Prevention Coalition. There will be a Celebrate Kids activity booth for the young pups, as well. 258-4579.

Wild, Wild Life

Just a reminder: Wildflower Days Festival is this weekend, Sat-Sun, Apr 18-19, 10am-6pm. The annual bloomin' bash benefits and is at the newly renamed Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center (nee National Wildflower Research Center), 4801 La Crosse, out near the Veloway.The keynote address will be delivered by Jean-Michel Cousteau (hmmm... Cousteau... where have we heard that name before? Pink Panther? No, that was Inspector Clouseau...). Native plant and wildlife experts, authors, artisans, and photographers will join in the celebration. The kids will enjoy the maypole dance, Great American EcoAdventure, storytellers, puppets, musicians, magicians, and more. Free shuttles will run from Bowie High. No parking on-site during the festival. http://www.wildflower.org or 292-4200.

Are You Now or Have You Ever Been...?

...a staffer at KVRX-FM (or KTSB), Austin's beloved college radio station? The current crew hopes to reunite as much of the old staff as possible for a big blowout party. See, last Sunday (Easter) was their official 10 Year Anniversary. Due to the holiday, they've opted to celebrate this weekend, Fri-Sat, Apr 17-18. So if you are now or ever have been a KTSB/KVRX staffer, e-mail or call Richard the Great. r.why@mail.utexas.edu or 707-9952.

Email: pnotice@auschron.com Mail to: "Public Notice," The Austin Chronicle, P0 Box 49066, Austin, TX 78765. Deadline: Wednesday, 6pm, eight days prior to publication. Phone calls have a .001% chance of being returned.