Mmmmmmmmm, Austin, what a babe of a summer you have offered up this year — delicious, dripping with dew and wrapped up with warm summer breezes. It’s been a “Grazing in the Grass” kind of languid kind of “Soulful Strut” kind of sprawl out on the lawn and talk to the moon kind of season. Yum. Even for those of us who haven’t even had the chance to get out and enjoy the thing, she’s been a delight: a season for reflection, contemplation, and falling in love — even if it’s just with yourself — again. Yet, even with summer’s lure, above her beckoning call to stick around for a while, seasons change, and many folks do welcome this. For to some, despite competition from words like sarong and sangria and sandal, the three sweetest words in the English language are Back to School. Heh heh. Yup. Some folks just can’t handle the luscious summer heat (so, move back to Portland, whydoncha?) and the pitter patter of clunky pre-junior-high feet raiding the Sunny-D stock and leaving the fridge wide open to thaw in the blaze. Personally, we could use another summer; we just can’t get enough. Oh, well.
� Austin Family magazine is throwing their first ever Early Childhood Fair this Sat, Jul 31, 9:30am-2:30pm at the First United Methodist’s Great Hall at 1300 Lavaca, that big architectural marvel one block west of the Capitol. Seems like this family fun event — brimming with classes, activities, a kiddie fashion show, food, entertainment, prizes, and all sorts of resources for parents and parents-to-be — could be a perfect cool down for the slow launch into autumn. Donations will be taken at the event for CEDEN Family Resource Center. In addition to warm, soft ‘n’ fuzzy cash, they need diapers, formula, “gently worn” infant and maternity clothes, baby blankets, bath and safety items, and anything else new parentals in need might need. The grand prize of the day is something that any parent could use: a weekend at the Victorian Hotel in Galveston, so you can set out the chaise lounges, relax at the beach, and bask in what’s left of summer. 442-7979×14.
� The Central East Austin Community Organization (CEACO) is throwing a Back to School Celebration, Wed, Aug 4, 1-3pm at the Santa Rita Courts development — part of the city of Austin’s Housing Authority. The celebration will feature plenty of refreshments and games for the little ones, and plenty of info about CEACO and other resources to ponder for the big ones. Kids ages six to 12 are invited to join the residents of the neighborhood, many of whom participated in CEACO’s Success Kids Summer Program. Some of the program’s kids will receive awards for their various achievements. You can help by sending along donations: again, warm, soft ‘n’ fuzzy cash is always appreciated, but they are also collecting new school supplies for the kids. 236-8961 or 472-1454.
Tax Takes a Holiday
The Texas Lege said No Sales Tax on most Back to School items for a limited time. And it’s going to happen Fri-Sun, Aug 6-8. According to the Texas Comptroller’s Office, “The tax holiday will be held every year on the first Friday, Saturday, and Sunday of August. … Most clothing and footwear priced at less than $100 will be exempt from sales taxes.” This year both state and local sales taxes will be waived. Some items on the list are: belts, cowboy and hiking boots, bras, coats and wraps, adult and baby diapers, dresses, gym suits and uniforms, jackets, jeans, pants and trousers, raincoats and ponchos, shirts, shoes, sandals, shorts, slippers, sneakers, sweaters, swimsuits and trunks, work clothes and uniforms, and underclothes. Some items not on the list include: hair accessories, like barrettes and elastic ponytail holders, wallets, watches, backpacks, climbing, fishing, or rubber work boots, most sports accessories, cloth and lace, yarns and fabrics, handbags and purses, bicycle or motorcycle helmets, personal flotation devices (!), and much more. For a full list of exempt items, see the Comptroller’s Web site. http://www.window.state.tx.us/taxinfo/holiday/#list or 800/252-5555.
Trumpets, Not Strumpets
This is the last weekend to donate instruments for this fall school session. LINKS is a nonprofit which collects Donated Musical Instruments and matches them with the school district of the donor’s choice. The Donation Drive lasts through Sat, Jul 31. Make yours at the Austin Convention & Visitors Bureau at Second & San Jacinto, or at either Brooks Mays Music stores, 4211 S. Lamar in Austin or 1601 S. I-35 in Round Rock. 583-7228.
E-mail: pnotice@auschron.comMail 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.
This article appears in July 30 • 1999 and July 30 • 1999 (Cover).