Civics 101

Thursday 20

TAKING IT TO THE STREETS: A VISUAL HISTORY OF PROTEST AND DEMONSTRATION IN AUSTIN The Austin History Center's latest exhibit spotlights local efforts to create social change over the decades, including the Civil Rights and Women's Liberation movements. Residents are invited to upload personal photos of recent marches and rallies for inclusion. Through Oct. 28 Austin History Center, 810 Guadalupe, 512/974-7480. Free. www.austinhistorycenter.org.

5TH ANNUAL PEACE DAY AUSTIN International Peace Day might be Sept. 21, but here in Austin we're taking 11 days to celebrate global unity. Amy’s Ice Creams is serving their signature Peace Day flavor, while organizations host special conversations on peace (see website for full schedule).
On Friday, Sept. 21, head to City Hall where Mayor Steve Adler and Austin Police Department Assistant Chief Justin Newsom will speak, along with special performances by poets and musicians. Sept. 11-21 www.peacedayaustin.org.

CREATIVES MEET BUSINESS EXPERIENCE 2018 Three days of workshops, networking, and connecting with industry experts and professionals to build skills on artistry, marketing, and storytelling. Attendees will be invited to 51 workshops, mentorship sessions, and nightly "spirited" happy hours. Thu.-Sat., Sept. 20-22 Multiple venues on East Cesar Chavez. $35-179. www.cmbxp.com.

AUSTIN CODE: BOAT DOCK REGISTRATION PROGRAM Boat dock owners are now required to properly address and register their dock with the city. Now through Sept. 30, owners can take advantage of the current grace period as there's no cost to register at this time. Through Sun., Sept. 30 www.austintexas.gov/boatdocks.

EL BUEN SAMARITANO MOBILE FOOD PANTRY A mobile food pantry providing emergency food assistance to families with financial limitations. Fresh produce, cooking help, and nutrition education available. No appointment is necessary. First and third Thursdays, 9am-noon. Del Valle Community Center, 3518 FM 973, Del Valle. www.elbuen.org/wellness/food-pantry.

CITY COUNCIL MEETING See agenda for details. 10am. City Hall, 301 W. Second. www.austintexas.gov.

HOUSING AUTHORITY MEETING See agenda for details. Thu., Sept. 20, noon Housing Authority of the City of Austin, 1124 S. I-35, 512/477-4488. www.austintexas.gov/haca.

PLANNED PARENTHOOD: LEGICATION Join staff and volunteers to visit with elected officials to discuss the nonprofit's work. A brief training, materials, talking points, and a helpful script provided. Noon-1:15pm. Texas State Capitol, 1100 Congress, 512/305-8400. [email protected], www.PPtexasvotes.org.

LATINX ATX VOTER PARTY Looking to get involved in progressive politics? Then join this group of passionate Latinx voters looking to help people make a change. All are welcome to party, register to vote, and dance to some cumbia tunes provided by DJ Canela ConSafos of Chulita Vinyl Club. 6-8:30pm. The Studio ATX, 2400 E. Cesar Chavez.

NATASHA AT STUBB'S! Jam out to raise funds for City Council District 1 candidate Natasha Harper-Madison. Performances include Wendy Colonna, the Peterson Brothers, Uh Oh Romeo, and CJ Edwards & the Funk Fellowship. 7-10pm. Stubb's, 801 Red River, 512/480-8341. $15 suggested donation. www.natashafordistrict1.com.

Friday 21

FACING RACISM: ART & ACTION SYMPOSIUM Here's a daylong symposium with artists, curators, and scholars discussing the role of the arts in addressing racism – with a keynote by Aruna D’Souza. Note: We're posting this early, so you can register now. Thu., Sept. 27, 9am-8pm Blanton Museum Auditorium, 200 E Martin Luther King Jr., 512/471-5482. Free. www.blantonmuseum.org.

AUSTIN TRANSPORTATION: PARK(ING) DAY This annual, worldwide celebration – where folks transform parking spaces into temporary miniature parks – parklets if you will – promotes public engagement and dialogue on the need for public, open spaces in urban areas. Visitors are welcome to stop by and interact with the installations. 512/974-1150. Free. [email protected], www.austintexas.gov.

HUMAN RESOURCES BASICS A 101 on hiring employees and independent contractors, as well as HR record keeping. 9am-4pm. Entrepreneur Center of Austin, 4029 Capital of TX Hwy. S. #110, 512/974-7800. $35. [email protected].

FISCAL SPONSOR BROWN BAG LUNCH Pack a lunch and prepare to learn more about fiscal sponsorship from the arts and cultural organizations that offer it. Fri., Sept. 21, noon Cultural Arts Division offices, 201 E. Second. www.austintexas.gov.

DRIVER’S LICENSE RECOVERY CLINIC A free clinic for drivers looking to reinstate licenses lost to DPS surcharges. 3-6pm. Office of the Police Monitor, 1520 Rutherford, Bldg. 1. Free. www.austintexas.gov/department/municipal-court.

DEBATE WATCH PARTY: BETO VS. CRUZ Head to your local dive bar for a group viewing of the first Beto O'Rourke debate against incumbent Ted Cruz. Debate starts a 6pm, but we suggest arriving early. Visit austinchronicle.com/elections for more election coverage. 5pm. The Liberty, 1618½ E. Sixth, 512/514-0502. www.thelibertyaustin.com.

DEBATE WATCH PARTY Dive bars and political debates – what could be more Austin. See Beto O'Rourke and Ted Cruz battle it out for a Senate seat. 5-7pm. The Brixton. www.betofortexas.com.

DEBATE WATCH PARTY Kim Olson, candidate for Texas Commissioner of Agriculture, has partnered with Brew and Brew to host another watch party for the first of three O'Rourke vs. Cruz debates. Folks from O'Rourke's campaign will be in attendance with info on how to get involved in the November midterms and voter registration will be available as well. 5-7pm. Wright Bros. Brew & Brew, 500 San Marcos St. #105. www.betofortexas.com.

DEBATE WATCH PARTY Another watch party! For the first Beto O'Rourke vs. Ted Cruz debate. 5:30-7pm. Black Star Co-op Pub and Brewery, 7020 Easy Wind #100, 512/452-2337. www.betofortexas.com.

TRAVIS COUNTY DEMS BETO DEBATE WATCH PARTY Join members of the TCDP for the first Beto O'Rourke vs. Ted Cruz debate. The fun starts at 6pm. RSVP for details and location. Visit austinchronicle.com/elections for more election coverage. 5:30-7pm. Private residences, RSVP for location. www.traviscountydemocrats.org/tcdp-calendar-2.

OFFICIAL TRAVIS COUNTY DEMOCRATIC PARTY: BETO BINGO + DEBATE WATCH From bingo to Beto – the TCDP are getting crazy to cheer on O'Rourke's first debate against Ted Cruz. Join them, play bingo, and raise money to help get more Texans to the polls on November 6. 6-8pm. Full Circle Bar, 1810 E. 12th, 512/814-0211. www.traviscountydemocrats.org.

Saturday 22

CANCELED: PROJECT CLEAN: ROSEWOOD Canceled due to weather. Get in some community service time with Raasin in the Sun, an urban beautification nonprofit. Sat., Sept. 22, 9am-noon Doris Miller Auditorium, 2300 Rosewood, 512/476-4118. www.fb.com/raasininthesun.

TAKE A LOVED ONE FOR A CHECKUP Free health screenings, dental and vision exams, and STI and pregnancy testing, as well as activities for the whole family. Interpreters available for speakers of Mandarin, Korean, Vietnamese, and Burmese. Hosted by the Health Equity Unit of the Austin Public Health Department. 10am-1pm. Givens Recreation Center, 3811 E. 12th, 512/928-1982. www.austintexas.gov.

PUBLIC MEETING: FLOOD RISK AND REGULATIONS Learn about the risk of flooding and proposed changes to Austin's floodplain regulations. 10:30am. Cepeda Branch Library, 651 N. Pleasant Valley, 512/974-2843. www.austintexas.gov.

COMMUNITY FORUM ON POLICE OVERSIGHT The Police Oversight Advisory Working Group hosts its second community forum in preparation for drafting recommendations for the city's police oversight system. Feedback can be submitted online as well. Sat., Sept. 22, 11am-noon Gus Garcia Recreation Center, 1201 E. Rundberg, 512/339-0016. www.speakupaustin.org/police-oversight.

TURBAN TYING Texas Sikhs host a turban tying event to teach locals more about the faith and encourage community integration. 1-4pm. Texas State Capitol, 1100 Congress, 512/305-8400. www.sikhpa.com.

CITY COUNCIL CANDIDATES FORUM: DISTRICT 5, 8, & MAYOR'S RACE Candidates discuss their views on affordable housing in Austin at this forum hosted by Austin Housing Coalition, Austin Housing Repair Coalition, Austin Women in Housing, and HousingWorks Austin. 1-3pm. Homestead Oaks Apartments, 3226 W. Slaughter. www.housingworksaustin.org.

AUSTIN PETS ALIVE!’S ANNUAL NO KILL ANNIVERSARY PARTY Celebrate seven years of No Kill to eliminating the euthanasia of healthy and treatable animals. Why? Because ATX has become the nation’s largest No Kill City, and APA! (also celebrating their 10th anniversary) wants to party for the more than 60,000 lives they’ve saved so far! 6-9pm. Palm Door on Sixth, 508 E. Sixth. $75-150. www.austinpetsalive.org.

Sunday 23

BIG OL' TEXAS POSTCARD PARTY Get creative with Indivisible Austin and March On Texas as they write to 90,000 progressive women to remind them to vote in the upcoming election. For more on the November 6 midterms follow our election coverage. 1:30-4:30pm. The Brewtorium, 6015-A Dillard Cir., 512/524-0323. www.thebrewtorium.com.

Monday 24

OFFICIAL RIBBON-CUTTING CEREMONY: THE RONALD EARLE BUILDING Attend the dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony of the Ronald Earle Building – the new home of the Travis County District Attorney's Office, with Congressman Lloyd Doggett. 10am. Travis County District Attorney's Office, 416 W. 11th. Free. [email protected], www.traviscountytx.gov.

EAST 51ST STREET MOBILITY PROJECT OPEN HOUSE You're invited to provide feedback on the proposed changes for E. 51st Street from I-35 to Berkman Dr., as well as provide input on public art opportunities. 5:30-7:30pm. AISD Performing Arts Center, 1500 Barbara Jordan Blvd. Free. www.austintexas.gov/e51ststreet.

MAYOR & DISTRICT 9 CANDIDATE FORUM Ready your questions for mayoral candidates Mayor Steve Adler and Laura Morrison as well as District 9 candidates Kathie Tovo and Danielle Skidmore. Visit austinchronicle.com/elections for more coverage. 5:30-7pm. Central Library, 710 W. Cesar Chavez, 512/974-7400. www.onevoicecentraltx.org.

MEGA DEMOCRATIC HAPPY HOUR The Liberal Austin Dems, Black Austin Dems, and Stonewall Dems are banding together to unit the local Democratic community before the November elections. Visit austinchronicle.com/elections for more coverage. 5:30-7pm. Hank's, 5811 Berkman #100, 512/609-8077. Free. [email protected], www.hanksaustin.com.

Tuesday 25

COUNTY AFFAIRS HEARING The House Committee on County Affairs hears testimony regarding county population limitations, indigent defense, family drug treatment courts, and the implementation of the Sandra Bland Act. Tue., Sept. 25 and Wed., Sept. 26. Both at 10am Texas State Capitol, 1100 Congress, 512/463-0524. www.tspb.state.tx.us.

BASICS ON BUSINESS LENDING A workshop on different types of business financing and lending, led by Amplify Credit Union's Shirley Sheffield. Email to register. 10-11am. Asian American Resource Center, 8401 Cameron, 512/407-8240. Free. [email protected], www.austinasianchamber.org.

SMALL BUSINESS MEET & GREET: MAKING CONNECTIONS WITH AUSTIN ENERGY Austin Energy's open house for small businesses. Parking at Palmer Events Center. 1:30-4pm. Town Lake Center, 721 Barton Springs Rd.. Free. [email protected], www.austinenergy.com.

AUSTIN FAST START SMALL BUSINESS PITCH COMPETITION A pitch competition between four finalists in the sustainability business. Audience vote determines the winner of $7,000. 5:30-7pm. Central Library, 710 W. Cesar Chavez, 512/974-7800. www.austintexas.gov.

AFTERSHOCKS: BORDER SEPARATIONS, TRAUMA, AND POC A roundtable discussion with UT's Immigration Clinic Director Denise Gillman, Néstor Rodríguez, author Irma Guadarrama, and the E.D. of Texas After Violence Project Gabriel Solis on family separation, detention, and how Latinos are treated in America. 6-7:30pm. Gordon-White Building on UT campus, 210 W. 24th. Free. [email protected], www.liberalarts.utexas.edu/cmas.

PIZZA, POSTCARDS, AND PHONE BANKING Indivisible Austin hosts a weekly phone-banking, post-card writing pizza party to help build Texas' blue wave on Election Day. For all or our coverage leading up to the Nov. 6 midterms, visiting our Elections landing page. Tuesdays thru Nov. 6; 6:30-8:30pm ADAPT of Texas, 1100 S. IH-35 Frontage Rd, 512/632-2708. Free. [email protected], www.indivisibleaustin.com.

NORTH SHOAL CREEK CONTACT TEAM BYLAWS ADOPTION & OFFICER ELECTION MEETING North Shoal Creek residents are invited to vote on bylaws and elect officers for the Neighborhood Plan Contact Team. 6:30-7:45pm. First Texas Honda, 1301 W. Koenig, 888/348-9804. www.austintexas.gov.

Wednesday 26

CITY COUNCIL MEMBER GREG CASAR MEET & GREET The District 4 CM discusses aging in Austin with folks from Parsons House Austin Independent and Assisted Living. 10:30-11:30am. Parsons House, 1130 Camino la Costa, 514/454-0524. Free. [email protected], www.parsonshouseaustin.com.

CENTRAL TEXAS DEMOCRATIC FORUM Hear from the Austin City Council candidates for Districts 8 and 9. RSVP via email. 11:45am-1pm. Austin Bar Association, 816 Congress #700, 512/472-0279. [email protected], www.centraltxdemocraticforum.com.

AUSTIN B-CYCLE FOR ALL SIGNUP Learn more about the B-Cycle for All program – available to residents with a household income of less than $28,500 per year who are not full-time students. Through the program, low-income residents can get an annual membership for $5. 3-4pm. Dewitty Job Training and Employment Center, 2209 Rosewood Ave.. Free. www.austinbcycle.com.

DRAFT UNVEILING OF MOBILITY AND SAFETY RECOMMENDATIONS Austin Transportation Department hosts the third of four open houses to collect resident feedback on proposed recommendations to repair Davis Lane from Brodie Lane to West Gate Boulevard, and Leo Street to Manchaca Road. 4:30-6:30pm. Cowan Elementary School, 2817 Kentish Dr., 512/841-2700. www.austintexas.gov/davislane.

SMALL BUSINESS FINANCING WORKSHOP An info session with Sue Malone on current trends in accessing capital for small-business owners. 5-8pm. Entrepreneur Center of Austin, 4029 Capital of TX Hwy. S. #110, 512/974-7800. Free. [email protected].

BETO'S BIRTHDAY BASH! Celebrate Senate candidate Beto O'Rourke's 46th birthday with a fundraiser to get him elected. Beto beer on sale for $4.60 and on-site voter registration. For more on the midterm elections, see our ongoing coverage at austinchronicle.com/elections. 5-8pm. Circle Brewing Co., 2340-B W. Braker, 512/814-7595. Free. [email protected], www.circlebrewing.com.

COUNCIL DISTRICTS 1 & 3 CANDIDATE FORUM The city's many chambers of commerce invite residents to learn more about the City Council candidates for Districts 1 and 3. 5:30-7pm. Millennium Youth Entertainment Complex, 1156 Hargrave, 512/472-6932. www.austinchamber.com.

DIVERSITY IN TECH: ELEVATING WOMEN OF COLOR Networking, cocktails, and a panel on diversity in the industry, hosted by Bumble Bizz and General Assembly. Bumble profile required for admission. 5:30-8pm. WeWork, 801 Barton Springs Rd..

BRIDES MARCH A protest in memory of Gladys Ricart, who was killed by her ex-partner on her wedding day on Sept. 26, 1999. Ricart is one of thousands of women killed by intimate partner violence. March in solidarity to end domestic violence. Organized by Black Lives Matter. 6-8pm. Pecan Springs Park, 3100 Rogge Ln.. www.fb.com/blacklivesmatteraustin.

CRYSTALBROOK FLOOD WALL MEETING Discussion of the Crystalbrook Flood Wall and Central Texas' likelihood of severe weather as indicated by the National Weather Service's Atlas 14 study. 6:30pm. University Hills Branch Library, 4721 Loyola, 512/974-9940. www.austintexas.gov.

Thursday 27

TEXAS TRIBUNE FESTIVAL Hosted by the Texas Tribune, the festival offers a chance to help community activists and leaders learn more about State as well as National issue in a civil setting. See Texas Tribune Festival 2018 for our full coverage. Thu.-Sat., Sept. 27-29 www.texastribune.org/festival.

AMURICA TX PHOTO BOOTH REGISTERS YOU TO VOTE Everyone's favorite quirky photo booth can now take your picture and get you registered. Visitors can check the status of their voter registration, update their address, or register – no photo purchase required.

Find them at Cheer Up Charlies, Thursday, Oct. 4; at Violet Crown Fridays (Sept. 28 and Oct. 5) before the Oct. 9 deadline; and Saturday, Sept. 29, as the official VIP photo booth for the Turn Out for Texas Rally at Auditorium Shores.

Bonus: for every picture purchased featuring a "Beto" sign, Amurica will donate $1 to Beto O'Rourke's campaign against incumbent GOPer Ted Cruz.

Sept., 27, 28, & 29; Oct. 4 & 5 Around town. www.amuricatx.com.

DRAFT UNVEILING OF MOBILITY AND SAFETY RECOMMENDATIONS Austin Transportation Department hosts the final open house to collect resident feedback on proposed recommendations to repair FM 1626 from Manchaca Road to I-35. 5-7pm. Manchaca United Methodist Church, 1011 FM 1626. www.austintexas.gov/FM1626.

YOUNG PROFESSIONALS FUNDRAISER TO RE-ELECT PIO A fundraiser to re-elect District 3's City Council Member Pio Renteria, who will discuss issues facing the community and share why he's running for re-election. 5:30-7:30pm. Native Hostel - CLOSED. $25 suggested donation. www.D3ForPio.com.

COMAL POCKET PARK COMMUNITY MEETING Austin Parks and Rec seeks community input on plans for the redevelopment of Comal Pocket Park. 5:30-7pm. Chalmers Courts, 1801 E. Fourth. Free. www.austintexas.gov/parks.

INTERVIEWS AND HIRING EMPLOYEES A crash course on hiring for small-business owners. 6-9pm. Entrepreneur Center of Austin, 4029 Capital of TX Hwy. S. #110, 512/974-7800. $35. [email protected].

LITTLE WALNUT CREEK GREENBELT: PUBLIC MEETING Join Parks and Rec to discuss the master plan initiative for Little Walnut Creek Greenbelt. 6-8pm. Education Service Center Region 13, 5701 Springdale, 512/919-5313. www.austintexas.gov.

DISTRICTS 5 & 8 CANDIDATE FORUM Get to know your City Council candidates thanks to a partnership between the city, the Ethics Review Commission, and the League of Women Voters. District 5 starts at 6pm. District 8 starts at 7:30pm. 6pm. South Austin Senior Activity Center, 3911 Manchaca Rd.. www.austintexas.gov/department/10-one.

A POLITICAL PARTY WITH JULIE OLIVER Good Politics hosts party for Austinites to get to know Julie Oliver, the Dem candidate for Texas' 25th congressional district. Plus, voter registration will be on-site. 6-8pm. Lustre Pearl East, 114 Linden St.. www.goodpolitics.co.

DISTRICT 8 CANDIDATE FORUM Candidates vying for the City Council D8 seat will answer questions from the League of Women Voters moderator. 7:30-9:30pm. Austin City Hall, 301 W. Second, 512/974-2220. www.austintexas.gov/10-one.

Ongoing

REGISTRATION OPEN FOR SUMMER SWIM LESSONS Swim lessons for all ages and skill levels, provided by the city of Austin Parks and Recreation Department’s Aquatic Division. $57, residents; $66, nonresidents. www.austintexas.gov/parksonline.

LEGALLINE Call 512/472-8303 for free legal advice concerning family law, criminal matters, traffic problems, consumer issues, landlord/tenant issues, and employment law. Attorneys who are bilingual (English/Spanish) are also available. First Tuesdays, 5:30-7:30pm 512/472-8303. Free. [email protected], austinlrs.org.

YWCA GREATER AUSTIN WARMLINE Call 512/548-9922 for support amidst the isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic. Mondays-Thursdays, 9am-8pm; Fridays, 9-5pm; Saturdays, noon-4pm Citywide. ywcaaustin.org.

DRIVE-THROUGH VACCINE CLINIC VOLUNTEERS If you're interested in volunteering at Travis County's drive-through vaccine clinic at COTA, sign up here. Clinic open: Fridays-Sundays Travis County Expo Center, 7311 Decker. centraltxvaccs.org.

AUSTIN TRANSIT PARTNERSHIP ADVISORY COMMITTEES APPLICATIONS Applications are now open to join the following committees: Engineering, Architecture, and Construction; Finance and Risk; and Planning, Sustainability, Equity, and DBE Advisory. The governing body of the agency created to build out Project Connect, ATP will oversee funding, designing, and implementing the $7.1 billion mass transit overhaul. Ongoing Online. atptx.org.

AUSTIN PARKS AND RECREATION SUMMER CAMP LOTTERY REGISTRATION Applicants can register for a random lottery drawing for limited in-person camps. In-person camp costs $120 per week with $20 due upon acceptance of lottery spot. April 19-May 16 Online. www.austintexas.gov/parksonline.

WINTER STORM REVIEW TASK FORCE SEEKS PUBLIC COMMENT Share your experiences and recommendations related to Winter Storm Uri, which will then be incorporated into a final report for City Council. Provide feedback online via the SpeakUp Austin website, or to speak remotely at the task force meetings, call (512/974-6339) or email no later than noon the day prior to the meetings on May 14 & 28 and June 11 & 23. Ongoing Remote. [email protected], www.speakupaustin.org/winter-storm-uri-community-feedback.

I-35 CAPITAL EXPRESS NORTH PUBLIC HEARING Review the draft environmental assessment and the recommended alternative for improvements to I-35 from SH 45 N. to Hwy. 290 E. Through June 10 Online. capexnorth.mobility35openhouse.com.

AUSTIN RESOURCE RECOVERY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN SURVEY Share your feedback on ARR reaching its zero waste goals to help guide departmental efforts to measure Austin’s zero waste progress. Deadline: June 1 Online. www.austintexas.gov/department/austin-resource-recovery.

PALM DISTRICT PLANNING SURVEY Austin’s Palm District is located on the eastern edge of Downtown between I-35 and Trinity St., running from Rainey St. to 15th St. The city's Housing and Planning Department seeks public input on the future of the area as it develops the final Palm District Small Area Plan. Explore the area, take a survey, and ask questions on the city’s project website. Ongoing Online. [email protected], www.speakupaustin.org/palmdistrict.

SHOAL CREEK AUDIO WALKING TOUR SURVEY The Shoal Creek Conservancy is seeking public input to determine which stories to include in its free, self-guided tour along Shoal Creek. Deadline: June 7 Online. [email protected], www.shoalcreekconservancy.org.

TCSO VICTIM SERVICES VOLUNTEERS The Travis County Sheriff's Office Victim Services Unit needs volunteers to offer immediate assistance to victims of various criminal and crisis circumstances. Those interested must complete a training program from July 31-Aug. 28 (Mondays, virtual, 6-9pm; Thursdays, virtual, 6-9pm; Saturdays, in-person, 9am-5pm). Ongoing Online. www.tcsheriff.org.

2021-22 BUDGET ENGAGEMENT The Budget Office’s website includes explanatory videos in English and Spanish about the city’s FY 2021-22 budgeting process, as well as a short survey for residents to share their thoughts on spending priorities. The mayor and City Council are scheduled to adopt Austin’s FY 2021-22 budget and tax rate between Aug. 11-13. Ongoing Online. [email protected], www.austintexas.gov/budget.

DRIVE-UP HIV/STI TESTING No appointment necessary for free and confidential tests for HIV, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis. Through July 23. Fridays, 9am-noon Rosewood-Zaragosa Neighborhood Center, 2800 Webberville Rd.. Free. www.austintexas.gov/health.

APA! POURS FOR PETS Austin Pets Alive! puts the "fun" in "fundraiser" this month: For $40, you can purr-chase a passport to use participating locations throughout July, and at each stop, pick up a coffee, beer, glass of wine, or even a refreshing agua fresca. The nonprofit animal shelter is partnering with Austin favorites like Irene’s, Hank’s, Cosmic Coffee, Yard Bar, and more, and proceeds go to pets in need. July 1-31 Citywide. $40 donation. austinpetsalive.org.

SUMMER LUNCH FOR TEENS AND KIDS Central Health is providing children ages 18 and under with free weekly meal packs that include breakfast and lunch for the entire week. Through Aug. 12. Thursdays, noon-2pm Central Health Southeast Health & Wellness Center, 2901 Montopolis Dr.. Free. fb.com/southeasthealthandwellnesscenter.

ARC OF THE CAPITAL AREA WILDFLOWER PROGRAM In collaboration with Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, The Arc offers classes for adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities focusing on social-emotional growth, vocational studies, life skills, active recreation, and Texas nature. Tuesdays & Thursdays, 9am-2pm Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, 4801 La Crosse. $150-300 per month. arcaustin.org/wildflower.

ACA SPECIAL ENROLLMENT DEADLINE Sunday, Aug. 15, is the deadline to sign up for health insurance through the federal Health Insurance Marketplace. Enroll online, via phone, or find local certified help in your area at localhelp.healthcare.gov. Deadline: Sun., Aug. 15 800/318-2596. healthcare.gov.

I-35 CAPITAL EXPRESS CENTRAL PROJECT FEEDBACK Review the Texas Department of Transportation’s $4.9 billion project by Sept. 24. TxDOT proposes to add two HOV lanes in each direction along I-35 from U.S. 290 E. to Hwy. 71/Ben White Blvd. Extended Deadline: Sept. 24 Online. my35capex.com.

CENTRAL HEALTH 2022 BUDGET ENGAGEMENT Submit your questions or comments on Central Health’s proposed FY 2022 budget and a member of Central Health’s staff will get in touch. Ongoing Online. participate.centralhealth.net/2022budget.

ZILKER PARK VISION PLAN COMMUNITY SURVEY As part of the engagement process for the first-ever Zilker Park Vision Plan – the guiding framework for the park’s restoration and future development – community members are invited to share their thoughts on the park’s programming. Deadline: Sept. 30 Online. austintexas.gov/zilkervision.

ACL ZILKER PARK ACCESS Beginning Sept. 20, the Parks and Recreation Department will close Zilker Park and select roads and street lanes in preparation for the Austin City Limits Music Festival (Oct. 1-3 & 8-10). View the city’s interactive map for more details and a schedule of park and road closures. Sept. 20-Oct. 17 Zilker Park, 2100 Barton Springs Rd.. austintexas.gov/page/pard-facilities-closures.

SOUTH PLEASANT VALLEY ROAD IMPROVEMENTS SURVEY The city is gathering comments from residents about how they currently use South Pleasant Valley Road between St. Elmo Road and Onion Creek Park and how they would like to use the road to help guide future changes to the corridor. Deadline: Oct. 10 Online. data.austintexas.gov/stories/s/South-Pleasant-Valley-Road/b375-n8jt/.

DRIVE SAFE 2 SAVE COMPETITION Safe 2 Save, in partnership with Austin Transportation’s Vision Zero program, is hosting a competition to find Austin’s “safest driver” to discourage distracted driving and phone use. The competition features weekly cash prizes of $500, with the top three winners receiving prizes at the end. Through Oct. 15 safe2save.org/greater-austin-safe-driving-competition/.

TRANSPORTATION CRITERIA MANUAL UPDATE The TCM defines the rules, requirements, and technical guidelines for building mobility infrastructure in Austin. The city’s Transportation Department has worked to update the manual over the past two years; the current draft of the revised TCM is available for public review now through Nov. 1. Deadline: Nov. 1 Online. austintexas.gov/street-design.

AUSTIN STRATEGIC MOBILITY PLAN SURVEY Austin Transportation Department seeks community members’ feedback on three new policy changes to the Austin Strategic Mobility Plan, the city’s first comprehensive, multimodal transportation plan. Ongoing Online. austintexas.gov/asmp.

TPWD COMMUNITY OUTDOOR OUTREACH PROGRAM GRANT TPWD’s CO-OP grants provide funding to tax-exempt organizations for programming that engages under-served populations in TPWD mission-oriented outdoor recreation, conservation, and environmental education activities. Deadline: Nov. 1 Online. tpwd.texas.gov.

FORD BUILD TO CONNECT This multiday outdoor event includes displays of Ford’s all-electric F-150 Lightning truck and Mustang Mach-E SUV models. Oct. 15-24. Mon.-Fri., noon-9pm; Sat.-Sun., 9am-8pm Republic Square, 422 Guadalupe, 512/381-1147. Free. fordautoshows.com/built-to-connect.

AUSTIN LGBT CHAMBER HOLIDAY TOY DRIVE Austin’s queer business chamber hosts its annual drive for new (and unwrapped) toys, clothing, and shoes for local children. Donations will go to children and families enrolled in LifeWorks programs and CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) of Travis County programs. See here for a list of drop-off locations and suggested donations. Through Dec. 10 Multiple locations. austinlgbtchamber.com/toydrive.

PRIMARY ELECTION DAY WORKER Over 600 spots need to be filled at polling locations for the March 1 primaries; this is a paid position through Travis County. traviscountydemocrats.org.

WIC MOBILE UNIT Resources and info about Austin Public Health’s Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) supplemental nutrition program for qualifying pregnant women, new mothers, and young children. Check online for current schedule Various locations. Free. austintexas.gov/wic.

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