What standards are utilized to determine the “Public Notice” Top Ten? Weeeeelllllllll… None, really. It’s all fairly random, actually. Maybe we
thought a benefit concept was stellar. Perhaps some spark of genius inherent in
the event inspired us to write silly things. Or maybe we just really dug the
headline… We tried to give a fair cross-section of Austin Public Service 1996
here; so if you are missing from this list — nothing personal. These are just
10 things we really liked.
We went ahead and included the phone numbers for these groups and printed the
approximate time of year for the event. Feel free to call to see what they are
up to this month.
1. Bambi, the Buck Stops Here
Last January, Hunters for the Hungry encouraged hunters to call thehotline for referrals to local processors who participate in programs to feed
the less fortunate. Part of the End Hunger Network, the five-year-old,
fresh meat distribution program has sent out over 250,000 lbs. of venison to
agencies across the state. So, if you hadn’t earmarked all that fresh flesh for
venison chili, or venison stew, or venison cupcakes for a Super Bowl party,
then we hope you called. Hunters for the Hungry: 800/992-9767. End Hunger
Network: 713/963-0099.
2. The Apple Doesn’t Fall Far From the Hairdo
Almost two years into the game, the Texas Freedom Network (TFN) isstill doing its darndest to counter the extreme agenda of the “religious”
right. Actually a consortium of various statewide organizations, the Network is
spearheaded by Cecile Richards, who has spent the greater part of her
professional life as a dedicated labor organizer. Unnerved by the success of
fear-baiting tactics used by conservative political extremists, Richards could
no longer ignore evidence that these tactics were not symptoms of isolated
cases but part of a larger, frightening outbreak. A watchdog group of sorts,
TFN acts as a statewide clearinghouse, monitoring and documenting the
activities of extremist groups. Although their statewide conference sold out,
TFN celebrated its First Birthday Bash, last February, with a very
special guest, former Texas governor Ann Richards (Maybe you’ve heard of her?
She’s Cecile Richards’ mom…). 322-0545.
3. Waiting to Inhale Breakfast
Six East Austin women called “Five,” Future Investors with Visions toEmpower (FIVE), hosted a Waiting to Exhale Breakfast, last
February. Admission was a breakfast dish that served several folks. 929-3429
or 480-8076.
4. Compassion’s No Ordinary Word
Just in time for Mother’s Day, Foundation for a Compassionate Society hosted the superb Feminism in These Times last May. The main publicforum, Feminist Family Values, hosted dynamo guest speakers Gloria
Steinem, Angela Davis, Mar�a Jim�nez of the National Committee
for Democracy in Mexico, and Mililani Trask, Native Hawaiian land-rights leader
and board member of the Indigenous Women’s Network in an unforgettable evening
of some of the most acute wisdom this side of an owl. Earlier in the day, a
panel comprised of local women and girls addressed Challenges of Today’s
Feminists. The Foundation offers a video tape and a book of the
proceedings. 473-8899; fax: 472-1043.
5. Poolwatch
The neighbors of Shipe Pool decided to do something about the ridiculouslyearly scheduled closing date of their cool, summer respite spot. So, instead of
just flagging and bitching in the heat, they hosted the first-ever Hyde Park
Splash Benefit to raise cash to pay for lifeguard services themselves. Some
serious contenders in the dunking booth, like Councildude Daryl Slusher and
Chronicle Publisher Nick Barbaro were not really all wet, and by the end
of the festivities, raised enough to stay open through Labor Day. Perhaps this
industrious neighborhood will inspire other communities to do the same.
459-5411.
6. Here Come the Brides
The Lesbian Avengers were righteously pissed about the so-called“Defense of Marriage Act” passed by the U.S. House of so-called Representatives
last summer. You were invited to meet ’em for a procession to the Mock
Wedding at the governor’s mansion (well, outside of it, actually…)
We hope you brought a date, got mock-married, smooched your significant other,
and savored a mock honeymoon, to boot! 458-2377.
7. You Go, Ghoul!
Waterloo Counseling Center woke the dead at its annual HalloweenCostume Ball, one of those “see & be seen” deals (and what better way
than in cognito?!), the biggest fundraiser of the year for the local
counseling center. What a great place to show off your original outfit,
designed at Project Transitions’ Costume Creation Carnival at Top
Drawer Thrift Shop. 329-9922.
8. Gleaming, Waxen, Flaxen
Where there’re men, there’s hair. And there was Hair o’ Plenty flowing inthe Hairy Man Contest at last October’s Hairy Man Festival. The wacky
gathering celebrated the follicles of the Y-chromosome set while taking canned
food donations for the Williamson County Area Food Banks. The contest
included “a cut, stuff, and buff package to the winner.” 459-3442.
9. Hey! I’m Using That Thing!
The Research, Action & Information Network for Bodily Integrity ofWomen (RAINBO) threw a party last fall at the Manor Road Coffeehouse to
benefit RAINBO, which opposes Female Genital Mutilation. The hosts of the party
promised no “depressing lectures or sensationalist slide shows — only a
festive party with informational literature available.” 474-2505.
10. Gabba Gabba Ho!
The cream of Austin’s Gabba Gabba scene (Wannabes, Sixteen Deluxe, Tallboy,Hormones, Handful, El Kabong, Spot, and Miss Xanna Don’t) all pogoed what was
left of their brains out this past December for a good cause. This Ramones
Hoot Night benefited the Blue Santa Project, punk. 477-5599.
Resolved!
For 1997, we promise to:1. Check and answer our e-mail and voice mail more often.
2. Make it damn clear that we are just silly and light-hearted and have a
nervous sense of humor and don’t really intend to offend anyone or seemingly
trivialize your earnest efforts.
3. Eat more veggies.
4. Go to more of your fabulous events when invited and sent free tickets.
5. Relax more and work less.
Yeah, right. Good luck with yours, too!
Email: pnotice@auschron.com Mail 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 January 10 • 1997 and January 10 • 1997 (Cover).