Okay, two quick orders of in-house biz, then together we blast into a frenzied
November.

*Through the holidays, look for “Blue Lights Anonymous,” here in this column
for holiday shopping with a conscience. Heck, we might as well do some good
while over-stimulating the economy and making those spirits bright.

*Organizations: Submit holiday event/gift info early. Space is tighter
than an elf on ‘nog.

Gettin’ Merry Like Christmas

The Austin Family House is a healthy decompression zone, of sorts. Its unique,
12-month residential treatment program serves as a safe space for women
recovering from chemical dependency. Participants may keep their kids with them
at the facility, while completing this innovative program. Austin Family House
presents an evening with orator, poet Maya Angelou, Mon., Nov. 20, 7pm, at the
UT Bass Concert Hall. Her last appearance in Austin sold out — hence this
early notice. Two uplifting openers join the bill: Believe in Me! and
Huston-Tillotson College Concert Choir. The Austin Junior League is providing
tickets for 1300 local high school students. It should be quite a soul-stirring
evening. Tickets are flying. UTTM: 477-6060.

Main Courses

[[perthousand]]The season opener of the interactive theatre troupe Teen Life
Theatre Company is free to the public, Wed., Nov. 15, 7-9pm, at Zach Scott
Theatre. In cooperation with Planned Parenthood, Teen Life is a crew of Austin
high school kids who use drama to address teen issues and problems.
476-4610.

[[perthousand]]Luis Argueta’s The Silence of Neto, the first feature film for
worldwide distribution to come out of Guatemala, premieres with a gala
reception for the director ($10 advanced; $12 at the door) at the Dobie
Theatre, Fri., Nov. 10. The film benefits Guatemala Support Network and runs
through Nov. 16. 453-0089, 304-1335.

[[perthousand]]Casa Marianella is gearing up for its annual fundraising
�Fiesta! at San Jose Church, Sun., Nov 12, 6pm. Austin’s own Statue of
Liberty (think: safe and sane haven for huddled masses), Casa has had its doors
open to political refugees, recent immigrants, and other homeless since 1986.
385-5571.

ASA Kicks A-S-S

Three high-vis fundraisers from ASA:

*Through the holidays, the annual drive for Helping Hands Pantry is in full
swing. ASA collects Randall’s Turkey Bucks, cash donations, and non-perishables
to deliver turkey con trimmings to all their clients. 406-6153,
406-6161.

*Hudson’s-on-the-Bend hosts the five-course Red Ribbon Dinner, Mon., Nov. 13
$100. 406-6157.

*Beaujolais Nouveau Debut — Wine Tasting at Barton Creek Country Club benefits
both ASA and Chris House, Thur., Nov. 16, 7-9pm. In addition to the fine
sloshing, there will be hors d’oeuvres, live entertainment, and a silent
auction. 479-0257, 406-6175.

A Day in the Life

[[perthousand]]Wed., Nov. 15, Texas Recycles Day is not just for cans and
bottles anymore. Habitat for Humanity’s RE-Store resells donations of
construction supplies to benefit Habitat’s affordable housing. 478-2165.
Texas Recycles: 800/648-3927.

[[perthousand]]Thur., Nov 16, National Philanthropy Day. The local chapter of
the Society of Fund Raising Executives holds a symposium, 7am-5pm at the
Wyndham Austin Hotel. 476-2628.

More-Than-Blood Brothers

The Gift of Life Foundation and the Society of Black Engineers sponsor a Bone
Marrow Donor Registration Drive, Sat., Nov. 11, 11am at the Huston-Tillotson
Student Center. Donors who match recipients are notified and tested at a later
date. Members of minority groups are encouraged to attend. 832-5053,
891-2467.

Shots for Hot Shot Tots

Didn’t it always hurt worse when mom said, “Now, this won’t hurt a bit…”?
That lie doesn’t fly — try bribery. Free immunizations: Mon., Nov 13,
People’s Community Clinic and Gethsemane Lutheran Church. Additional times,
dates, and locations: 469-2188.

Heal Thyself

Studies support that one out of four families have a gay or lesbian member.
Yet, stereotypes and hatred still seem to rule the roost. Where is the safe
environment to confront these biases and to learn to live beyond them? Lisa
Rogers and Steve Siefert of Out Youth present Healing Homophobia: Creating
Healthy Schools and Families, Sat., Nov. 18, Grace Unitarian Church. Cost
includes lunch and CEU credits. 326-1234.

Meetings of the Minds

Forgive this dense list of dates and times:

*Annual Meeting, Save Barton Creek Association, Mon., Nov. 13, 6-11pm, Zilker
Clubhouse, 328-2481.

*Annual Meeting, WALK Austin, Mon., Nov. 13, 6-7:30pm, Hancock Rec Center,
499-0526 or jwalk@mail.utexas.edu

*Taxing Our Water: Pollution & Public Spending in the Barton Springs Zone,
Wed., Nov. 15, 6:30-8:30pm, Joe C. Thompson Conference Center- UT,
477-1729.

*Earth Plasters & Earth Floors, Sustainable Building Coalition, Wed., Nov.
15, 7pm, $2,Community School, 1701 Toomey Rd., 478-5819.

*Texas Abortion Rights Action League (TARAL), Wed., Nov. 15, 7pm,
462-1661.

*Low-Income Policy in a Changing National Terrain, annual conference, Texas
Alliance for Human Needs, Sat., Nov 18, St. Edward’s University Main Bldg., $30
registration includes lunch and materials, 454-5019.

Blue Lights Anonymous

Get some holiday shopping out of the way:

*Extend-A-Care, the safe, afterschool activity program for local kids is
selling Holiday Cards. Packs of 12 cards go for $4.95. 472-9929.

*HOBO commemorates National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week with Art
From the Streets, a sale and show of client artists, Sat. & Sun., Nov 11
& 12, noon-5:30pm. 400 pieces going for $10 and $25 will be on display.
476-1004, 440-0839, or 444-6139.

*Hurry out to the grand opening of the Women and Their Work gallery shop for
tonights Celebrity T-Shirt Auction, Thur., Nov. 9, 6-9pm — T-shirts designed
by local, luminaries. 477-1064.

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