The work of one of Andrews Elementary Children's Photographic Collective kids (Photo By Daisy Ortega)
No Pun
We wondered aloud if it were possible to write about this weekend's upcoming
O. Henry Pun-Off, Saturday, May 19, noon-5pm, at
and to benefit the
O. Henry Museum, 409 E. Fifth, without succumbing to the pun beast within, while still, somehow, making it a relatively interesting read for the reader. Within range of our unyielding yammering, of course, is wordsmithy and punster deluxe, Wayne Alan Brenner, who voiced interest in giving it the old college try. Mr. Brenner has strong feelings about puns -- and as his officemate, we can tell you that they slip from his tongue like sonnets from a blue-balled bard -- but don't take it from us. Here, here's the lad in his own words:
"Oh dear. It's time again for this fair city to be subjected to the pervo-lexical agony yclept The O. Henry Pun-Off. This'll be the 24th annual instance of folks gathering to do to the English language what the lower end of one's digestive tract does to one's Wheaties and enchiladas and tom yum gai and so on, held outdoors in the heart of the entertainment district, featuring a variety of competitive forms meant to provide a modicum of method to the madness, and potentially enjoyable to all within earshot -- even those who'd likely spell the eponymous author's name with an apostrophe instead of a period. There'll be live music, too, from Bill Rowan & the High Rollers, and food and drinks for sale; so do come on down and help support the Friends of the O. Henry Museum." 472-1903.
Photo Finish
The kids from Andrews Elementary and the
Children's Photographic Collective are at it again. Their works from this school year are
Showing at the Texas State Capitol building now through Sunday, May 20. This year class instruction has expanded from manual 35mm lessons to include all sorts of cool stuff like digital photography, solar prints, photo etchings, helping decorate an art car, and even constructing their own pinhole cameras. Watch out, Wolfson, these tots are hot shots.
462-0559.
Heavy Petting Zoo
The Tejas Miata Club is holding a Pet Food Drive this Saturday, May 19, 10am-3pm, at the Arboretum PetCo, 9828 Great Hills. Bring your cans and bags of kibble and chow and chunks to benefit Northwest Rescue, Mixed Breeds Rescue, Austin SPCA, and Animal Trustees of Austin. 462-0559.
The Sanctuary at J&M Aviaries is holding its first ever Friends of a Feather this Saturday, May 19, noon-9pm, at J&M, 8647 Hwy. 290 W. (21é2 miles west of the Y in Oak Hill). The fun, family fundraiser will feature camel rides, a petting zoo, Bobbi Colorado's world famous performing parrots, movie star animals, and more, and will benefit the newly formed Austin's Avian Rescue & Rehabilitation. 288-2199.
Don't Let the Sun --
The days of carefree tanning all day under the sun are long gone. Skin cancer's as real as the flitty flakes of a summer's first sunburn. Good thing local dermatologists are providing a Free Skin Cancer Screening, this Saturday, May 19, 8-11am at three locations: Brackenridge Hospital, 601 E. 15th, day surgery, first floor, west entrance; North Austin Medical Center, 12221 MoPac N., north entrance lobby and ambulatory care center; and Seton Lakeway, 1602 Lohman's Crossing. No appointments are necessary, and there will be plenty of free parking. www.seton.net or 919-1720.
Candle in the Wind
The Global Health Council in cooperation with a load of local orgs like AIDS Services of Austin, HIV Wellness Center, Project Transitions, and more, presents the AIDS Candlelight Service, "One Voice, Many Faces -- United for Life," this Sunday, May 20, 8-9pm, at Republic Square Park (Fifth & Colorado). The service will be held in conjunction with observances being held around the world, in 300 communities in 60 countries. www.candlelightmemorial.org or 707-2384.
Help!
Project Transitions needs about 100 Volunteers to help out with their annual Texas Swing happening Friday, June 1, and featuring live C&W, dancing, and barbecue. They also need dedicated Volunteers for Doug's House, residential hospice, Roosevelt Gardens living facility, Top Drawer Thrift Store, and more. 454-8646.
Pioneer Farm Summer Day Camp is putting out the word that they need Youth Volunteers (ages 14 & up) to assist with their summer program. Pioneerfarm.org or 837-1215.
