S. Emerson Moffat filled some mighty honkin’ go-go boots in 1990 when she took
the “Public Notice” helm from Kathleen Maher, who had developed the column in
the early Eighties and given it a voice. Moffat debuted in “PN” on November 16,
1990 and pummeled the Austin activist community with her dry wit and snappy
repartee. Moffat is off to free-time land (wherever that space is in
full-time mommydom…) and has no excuse not to pen epic features. See more
about this transition at the end of this column.
Go as a Human…
As the Shaggs once warbled, “It’s Halloween!” Bloodlust aside, if thenightmare slashfests aren’t your cup o’ toxin (i.e.: you have little ones),
consider these fun-filled events and do some good at the same time:
Capital Area Social Activities Coordinators Association (CASACA) in
conjunction with Austin Area Nursing Homes have a new tradition: Safe
Halloween for the tykes and a cheery time for the residents of seven local
nursing retreats. The best way to get love is to give love, and these seniors
are going all out with candy, “haunted” houses, and carnivals. Call Emily
Barrera: 444-6708.
* Sun., Oct. 29, 2-4pm, Pflugerville Care Ctr., 512/251-9978. Tricks &
treats and a carnival.
*Tue., Oct. 31, Halloween, call for info:
Heartland Health Ctr., 4:30-6:30pm, 335-5028; Lolla Convalescent Ctr.,
6:30-8:30pm, 477-0768; Marbridge Villa, Manchaca, 6-7pm, 282-1811; Retirement
& Nursing Ctr., 6:30-8pm, 452-5717; Sierra Health Center, 10am, 444-6708;
Southwood Care Center, 6-8pm, 440-0883.
Pe�a Like It’s 1999
…Or at least until all your skin falls off and you look just like one ofthose cute little calaveras, a la Dia de los Muertos. And
speaking of which, this particular Last Sunday of the Month Pe�a is in
honor of said holiday, and pays homage to the noble, albeit imminently doomed
Chicago House. Show up (Sunday, October 29, 4pm, 607 Trinity, $5) in costume,
bring objects for the altar, and pe�a-down with Lourdes P�rez,
Centzontle, Correo A�reo, and more. All funds benefit Chicago House. Go
back for more, Monday, Oct. 30 to the ACC Riverside Auditorium, 1020 Grove
Blvd., 7pm for a free pe�a with the same crowd! Call 442-5986 or
495-7167 for more info.
The Cans Film Festival to benefit the Capital Area Food Bank will treat
movie-goers to free admission to any ACTIII/Presidio Theatre film showing on
Thursday, November 2 with a minimum donation of three canned goods. The
festival includes all shows that day. 181 area charitable agencies will receive
the goods. A goal of 15,000 pounds has been set for this year, and that doesn’t
even include the free popcorn.
You’re History
October is Happy Lesbigay History Month and one significant date in history isthe founding of Out Youth Austin in 1990. To ensure the continuation of their
peer support and educational services for gay and lesbian teens, sign up for
Out Youth’s Volunteer Training, November 3-5. Call 326-1234 for a fabulous
schedule.
Welcome to My World and a Half
Back in 1990 when I (see byline) still lived in Florida, I’d eagerlyanticipate my weekly installments of The Austin Chronicle. After
snatching it out of my mailwoman’s hands, I’d first rip to the back of the book
to read “Ask Bud” then pour myself a cup of tea and settle into “Public
Notice,” another of my faves. Maher and Moffat colored my perspective of this
town. They painted a portrait of a community which takes care of its own — a
community I so very wanted to call my own. So here I am with the
requisite last name beginning with “M,” your new Public Notice Servant. I only
hope I can fill this tiara… now, back to the editorial “we.”
Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes:
Please Note: Deadline for “Public Notice” items has changed (see below). Itemsmust be mailed or dropped by our offices (corner of 40th Street and southbound
I-35). Faxes are highly discouraged; no phone calls, please. n
This article appears in October 27 • 1995 and October 27 • 1995 (Cover).