Just in time for the beginning of school, we heard word that the Lab, or the Child & Family Laboratory at the University of Texas at Austin, as it is properly named, is Accepting Applications. The program is run by UT faculty and students in the university’s child development program and is well-known for its progressive, developmentally appropriate curriculum and terrific low student:teacher ratio. Needless to say, the Lab has no trouble filling its roster. Parents have been known to sign their little pups up on the waiting list even before the wee bairn is born. Recently, the Lab announced its addition of a “Five & Six-Year-Old” Room. The program runs Monday-Thursday, 9am-2pm and follows the UT calendar. 471-3974.

Funny Things Happen on the Way to Forums

Whoa. There’s a slew of meetings, gatherings, forums, workshops, etc. Here’s a quick list:

* P-FLAG meets Tue, Aug 18, 7pm at Grace United Methodist, 208 E. Monroe. A Panel of Local Gay & Lesbian Entrepreneurs will discuss success with local businesses. 451-2329.

* NAACP hosts a Workshop for Prospective Homebuyers, Thu, Aug 20, 6-10pm at their center, 2209 Rosewood, #212. Bank reps will discuss credit problems, down payments, closing costs, and mortgages. 477-5541.

* Travis County Underage Drinking Prevention Program Task Force hosts a Public Forum, Thu, Aug 20, 10:30am-noon at the Howson Branch Public Library, 2500 Exposition. 473-4229.

* Planned Parenthood hosts a Critical Issues Forum on Parental Notification & Consent Laws, Thu, Aug 27, 11:45am at the UT Thompson Conference Center, 26th & Red River. Panel features Texas State Rep. Dawnna Dukes. 472-0868.

He’s All Opposable Thumbs

Morris the Cat
Eyes as big as saucers…

Humane Society-SPCA’s first PETelethon, which aired last weekend on K-EYE-42, raised over $169,490. Spokeskitty Morris the Cat was on hand throughout the proceedings. Remember we announced that Mo’ would be stopping by area HEBs before the TV gig? Well, Mayor Kirk Watson did indeed greet the prissy, pissy pussy at Hancock Center. As it turns out, ours was the first and only city mayor to greet the finicky feline on tour. We must say that from our vantage point, hizzoner had the upper paw, and unlike Mo’, did not roll up in a limo. The well-fed kitty could barely raise a claw to high-five the mayor. In fact, we wondered aloud if the celebrity’s general malaise was somehow related to the fact that his pupils were as huge as saucers. Perhaps the life of a celebrity cat is rougher than any of us could possibly ever imagine. Perhaps, like other celebs, he has succumbed to chemical comfort. Perhaps Morris is … oh, we feel just awful even thinking it … whacked out on catnip or something. If you managed to miss the mammalian melee and did not get to donate huge cash to benefit area animals, the Humane Society is but a phone call away, or just go donate some time. 837-7985, ext. 228.

Pussies Galore …

Don’t forget! Members of the national touring company of Cats! present Cats! Who Care Evening of Cabaret Music to benefit AIDS Services of Austin, tonight, Thu, Aug 13, 11:30pm at Oilcan Harry’s, 211 W. Fourth. Follow the scent to the Auction of Broadway Memorabilia that same evening. 406-6175.

This article appears in August 14 • 1998 and August 14 • 1998 (Cover).

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