Happenings

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THURSDAY, MAY 24

COMMUNITY MEETINGS: PROPERTY TAXES Discuss concerns about property value, exemptions, special appraisals, and rights to protest. Hosted by PODER. 6-8pm. Terrazas Library, 1105 E. Cesar Chavez. 472-9921. poder@austin.rr.com.

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FRIDAY, MAY 25

ARAB, MUSLIM, AND SOUTH ASIAN INDIVIDUALS' RIGHTS: ACCOMPANYING FBI INTERVIEWEES A continuing ACLU legal-education workshop. E-mail to RSVP. Noon-1:30pm. Carmelo's Italian Restaurant, 504 E. Fifth, 477-7300 x104. $30. kskotak@aclutx.org.

FATALITY FREE FRIDAY encourages all road users to think and drive safely. www.fatalityfreefriday.org.

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SATURDAY, MAY 26

WAKE UP AND SMELL THE SOLAR The first of Alternatex's Saturday Solar Concert Series has four local bands on a 100%-solar-powered stage, electric and biodiesel vehicles to check out, plus info on solar energy and Austin Energy's solar rebates. 11am-5pm, Jo's Coffee, 1300 S. Congress.

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SUNDAY, MAY 27

AMALA FOUNDATION hosts a benefit supporting several global humanitarian service projects and featuring local, organic food; live music; and photography. Proceeds go to the Living Water Project, the Global Youth Summit, and Austin's Camp Indigo. 5pm. 1006 S. Eighth, 476-8884. $15 donation (free, kids 12 & under). www.amalafoundation.org.

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MONDAY, MAY 28

ENOUGH DEATH CodePink Austin hosts a silent Memorial Day protest of the war in Iraq. 1-3pm. Highland Mall, 6001 Airport (meet outside in front of the middle entrance on Airport), 448-3090.

MEMORIAL DAY SERVICE Daughters and Sons of the American Revolution sponsor this annual event featuring patriotic music and a musket salute from soldiers in Revolutionary War dress. 9:40am. Texas State Cemetery, 909 Navasota. kathi@hastings.com.

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TUESDAY, MAY 29

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS: FOSTERING NEW BEGINNINGS Rep. Elliott Naishtat and Center for Public Policy Priorities' F. Scott McCown wrap up Foster Care Awareness Month. Teddy Bears That Care will collect bears for the Helping Hand Home for Children. 2-3pm. Helping Hand Home, 3804 Ave. B.

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WEDNESDAY, MAY 30

METROPOLITAN BREAKFAST CLUB The Texas Department of State Health Services' Susan Penfield discusses Strategic Planning for Pandemics. 7-8:30am. UT Club, Darrell Royal Memorial Stadium, sixth floor. $15 (members/first-time guests). www.mbcaustin.org.

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THURSDAY, MAY 31

AUSTIN GI RIGHTS HOTLINE is available for service members who want to ask questions about their rights regarding things like the "don't ask, don't tell" policy, conscientious objection, dealing with family hardship, or complaint procedures. Counselors who work at the Rights Hotline discuss their work. 8pm. MonkeyWrench Books, 110 E. North Loop, 452-6245. austingirights@gmail.com.

WORKERS' COMPENSATION EDUCATIONAL SESSION An open-forum session on disability management, sponsored by the Texas Department of Insurance. Call to register, and bring lunch. 11:30am-12:30pm. Milwood Branch Library, 12500 Amherst, 933-1899. Free.

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ONGOING

AISD UPCLOSE Register to take this new course about the academic challenges, business operations, and services at Austin Independent School District, in order to serve as AISD representative to the community at large and take part in AISD committees and task forces. Registration deadline: June 8. 414-3992. www.austin.isd.tenet.edu/inside/initiatives/upclose.

CAPACITY BUILDING GRANT The St. David's Community Health Foundation requests proposals from nonprofits that might benefit from the chance to attend a September "capacity building" retreat to discuss strategic management and budgeting, governance, marketing, and other important means to running an effective nonprofit. Deadline: June 1. www.sdchf.org/grant_type.htm.

'THE NATION' STUDENT WRITING CONTEST High school and college students are invited to write 800 words answering the question, "What is the most important issue for young people in the 2008 presidential campaign?" The prize: $1,000 and a byline in The Nation. Deadline: May 31. www.thenation.com.