Public Notice

... but make sure that nipple is on good and tight, so as not to waste one li'l drop of life's precious essence. The Mothers' Milk Bank at Austin (MMBA) at 900 E. 30th, is throwing a Grand Opening Party this week, Tue Jul 20, 2-6:30pm. There's been a lot of buzz (slurp?) about the opening of this facility. And who will argue against mama's milk? Not WHO (the World Health Organization), that's for sure. Heck, not even the formula-fed medical establishment. Even that industry-driven health junta has come around to publicly admitting that for babies who've Got Milk™, human milk is the best source of nourishment going. There's nothing like a strong snort of mom juice to set a kiddie on a straighter-toothed and immuno-boosted path. There are only seven other milk banks in the U.S., so this is extra special. Governed by local doctors and nurses, this nonprofit is asking for your time as Volunteers, as well as for Donations of cash and of the luscious liquid commodity itself. Bring the kids; the free grand opening shindig will feature a set by Sara Hickman, a ribbon-cutting ceremony, and fun for all ages. 494-0800.

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Ooh, Baby Baby

Boy, oh, boy! Girl, oh, girl! Speaking of babies, and speaking of liquid libations, and speaking of speaking ... The Speakeasy is the place, 412 Congress (enter from the lovely smelling alley behind Gilligan's), for a swingin' Benefit Show featuring Tom Husak & the ACC Big Swing Band, this Sat, Jul 17, 7:30-10pm. It's only $5 at the door, with all proceeds going to Any Baby Can. The remaining upcoming benefit shows will be Sat, Jul 24, and Sat, Jul 31. 454-3743.

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The Kosovars Are Coming

No, Georgie, not the Kosovinians, not the Kosovinos, not the Kosovites, not even the Kosopudlians. No, dear suffixiently deficient governor, in just over two months, 80 Kosovars will come to Austin. Austin Metropolitan Ministries, Caritas, Catholic Charities, Islamic Center of Greater Austin, Muslim Student Center, Jewish Federation Jewish Family Service, and United Way/Capital Area have just created the Inter-Religious Fund for Kosovar Refugee Relief & Resettlement to help raise the funds necessary to help the refugees rebuild their lives and acclimate to our, a-hemmm, unique culture. Donations may be made by check or cash, through the mail or in person at any Liberty Bank branch or by writing to the bank at the address below. Credit cards are accepted on the Web site. http://www.kosovoaustin.com or Liberty Bank, AMM Kosovar Refugee Relief Fund, PO Box 2195, Austin, TX 78767. 349-7723 or 344-2043.

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The ABCs of APD!

In a few weeks, we'll be hippin' you to a new acronymic slew of programs through our Austin Police Department. For the time being, we'll tell you about APD's VIPs. The VIP program, Volunteers in Policing,is one woof! short of McGruff the Crime Dog™ yet one step beyond Neighborhood CrimeWatch. Put your talents to work making our community a safer place. APD is recruiting VIPs for daytime hours to do groovy things like tag abandoned vehicles, retrieve stolen, lost, or found property, and scream at the top of your lungs when you see a non-handicap-tagged car parking in a handicap space. You should have a current Texas driver's license and personal liability insurance for all those Streets of San Francisco moves you'll be pullin' in West Campus in your LTD. 459-4309.

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Say, Say, Oh, Playmate!

Every year we yammer about this very cool fundraiser, and every year, they deserve it by topping all expectations based on their previous, exceptional successes and impressive, small-scaled architectural prowess. Casas for CASA(Court Appointed Special Advocates) again brings together brilliant concept and skillful execution in the form of kids' playhouses set for raffle. This year's theme, "That's Entertainment," is evident in a number of the playhouses: the Circus Tent, Pinocchio & Friends' pad, the Muppets' Pirate Ship, a screw-loose Dr. Seuss (is it painted puce?) cottage, and a box officey marquee called "That's the Ticket." The blueprints look very cool, and as the time gets closer to the unveiling, we hope to be able to report that the final products are as well. The Preview Party for playhouse sneak peeks isn't until Sat, July 24, 7pm, and the general showing of the funhouses, this year at Barton Creek Square and Lakeline malls, isn't until Thu, Jul 29, but we thought we'd tell you now. RSVPs for the preview party are due by tomorrow, (eek!) Fri, Jul 16. casatc@aol.com or 459-2272.