Civics 101

Thursday 24

YMCA EARLY LEARNING READINESS PROGRAM A free community program for qualifying low-income families that focuses on preparing children ages 2-4 for school, while providing their caregivers with the tools to facilitate their child’s development. Classes are offered twice a week in English and Spanish and last one hour. English: Mondays & Wednesdays, 9am; Tuesdays & Thursdays, 10:30am. Spanish: Mondays & Wednesdays, 10:30am; Tuesdays & Thursdays, 9am. Online, 512/322-9622. Free. austinymca.org.

TRAVIS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COURT WORK SESSION See agenda for details. 9am. Online. www.traviscountytx.gov/commissioners-court.

BUFORD THE BOOK BUS Free books will be available in both English and Spanish for all levels from toddlers to young adults. 10:30am-12:30pm. Oak Springs Elementary, 3601 Webberville, 512/414-4413. Free. www.austinisd.org.

TRAVIS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COURT WORK SESSION Commissioners will be briefed on public and private collaborative efforts to address homelessness. 2:30pm. Online. www.traviscountytx.gov/commissioners-court.

AISD BOARD OF TRUSTEES REGULAR VOTING MEETING The agenda will be posted at least 72 hours before the meeting, which falls at the end of business on Tuesday. 5:30pm. Online. www.austinisd.org.

KITCHEN COMPOST COLLECTOR PICKUP: DICK NICHOLS PARK Austin Resource Recovery customers who were part of the most recent curbside composting service expansion may pick up a free kitchen compost collector and compostable bags. 6-7:30pm. Dick Nichols Park, 8011 Beckett. Free. www.austintexas.gov.

INDEPENDENT CITIZENS REDISTRICTING COMMISSION MEETING Meeting goals are interviewing and finalist candidates for the legal counsel and administrative manager staff positions for the committee. 6pm. Videoconference. www.austintexas.gov.

Friday 25

DRIVE-UP HIV/STI TESTING No appointment is necessary. Tests offered: HIV, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis. Questions? Call 512/972-5580. 9am-Noon. Rosewood-Zaragosa Neighborhood Center, 2800 Webberville Rd.. Free. austintexas.gov/health.

MARKETING ESSENTIALS WEBINAR This class gives you tips, tricks, and best practices for marketing your small business. 9am-4pm. Online. Free (registration required). www.austintexas.gov/smallbiz.

WINTER STORM REVIEW TASK FORCE MEETING Planning and preparation for the task force’s final report and Council work session presentation on community members’ experiences during and in the aftermath of Winter Storm Uri. 11am. Videoconference. www.austintexas.gov.

Saturday 26

DRIVE-THROUGH PPE EVENT Pick up PPE (masks and hand sanitizer), a box of nonperishable food, pillows, and fans. 10am-2pm. CommUnityCare East, 211 Comal St. Free. austintexas.gov/health.

LOCATING AND ACCESSING RESOURCES FOR CAREGIVERS SEMINAR Natalie Alcorta, AGE’s Resources & Information Manager, will explain local community resources that are available to family caregivers, including programs available through AGE of Central Texas. 10-11:30am. 512/600-9275. Free. ageofcentraltx.org.

Sunday 27

NATIONAL HIV TESTING DAY Know your status and get tested with Austin Public Health. 1-5:30pm. 15 Waller St.. Free. austintexas.gov/health.

LGBTQIA POP-UP VACCINE CLINIC Join Austin Public Health and local queer community partners to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. 2-6pm. Givens Recreation Center, 3811 E. 12th. Free (registration required). austintexas.gov/health.

Monday 28

YMCA EARLY LEARNING READINESS PROGRAM A free community program for qualifying low-income families that focuses on preparing children ages 2-4 for school, while providing their caregivers with the tools to facilitate their child’s development. Classes are offered twice a week in English and Spanish and last one hour. English: Mondays & Wednesdays, 9am; Tuesdays & Thursdays, 10:30am. Spanish: Mondays & Wednesdays, 10:30am; Tuesdays & Thursdays, 9am. Online. Free. austinymca.org.

Tuesday 29

YMCA EARLY LEARNING READINESS PROGRAM A free community program for qualifying low-income families that focuses on preparing children ages 2-4 for school, while providing their caregivers with the tools to facilitate their child’s development. Classes are offered twice a week in English and Spanish and last one hour. English: Mondays & Wednesdays, 9am; Tuesdays & Thursdays, 10:30am. Spanish: Mondays & Wednesdays, 10:30am; Tuesdays & Thursdays, 9am. Online. Free. austinymca.org.

TRAVIS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COURT VOTING SESSION See agenda for details. 9am. Online. www.traviscountytx.gov/commissioners-court.

INTRODUCTION TO QUICKBOOKS DESKTOP WEBINAR Learn accounting basics, tracking revenue and expenses, bank reconciliation, and file setup using QuickBooks Pro accounting software. Tue. & Thu., June 29 & July 1, 2-5pm Online. Free (registration required). www.austintexas.gov/smallbiz.

ZILKER METROPOLITAN PARK VISION PLAN COMMUNITY MEETING The Zilker Park Vision Plan seeks to establish a guiding framework for the restoration and future development of one of Austin’s most-loved parks. Hear from PARD staff about the recent site analysis and needs assessment, small group discussion feedback, and a community survey. 6-7:30pm. Facebook Live. fb.com/austincityparks.

Wednesday 30

YMCA EARLY LEARNING READINESS PROGRAM A free community program for qualifying low-income families that focuses on preparing children ages 2-4 for school, while providing their caregivers with the tools to facilitate their child’s development. Classes are offered twice a week in English and Spanish and last one hour. English: Mondays & Wednesdays, 9am; Tuesdays & Thursdays, 10:30am. Spanish: Mondays & Wednesdays, 10:30am; Tuesdays & Thursdays, 9am. Online. Free. austinymca.org.

FREE MINDS PROGRAM APPLICATIONS The Foundation Communities program offers a free, yearlong college course in humanities to adults who have faced barriers to education. Deadline: July 9 Free. freemindsaustin.org.

COLONY PARK POOL COMMUNITY MEETING A design team showcases the top concept for the Colony Park aquatic facility. 5:30-7pm. Facebook Live. fb.com/cpsci.

Thursday 1

YMCA EARLY LEARNING READINESS PROGRAM A free community program for qualifying low-income families that focuses on preparing children ages 2-4 for school, while providing their caregivers with the tools to facilitate their child’s development. Classes are offered twice a week in English and Spanish and last one hour. English: Mondays & Wednesdays, 9am; Tuesdays & Thursdays, 10:30am. Spanish: Mondays & Wednesdays, 10:30am; Tuesdays & Thursdays, 9am. Online. Free. austinymca.org.

FREE MINDS PROGRAM APPLICATIONS The Foundation Communities program offers a free, yearlong college course in humanities to adults who have faced barriers to education. Deadline: July 9 Free. freemindsaustin.org.

AISD WAREHOUSE POP-UP SALE Open to the public. Items include foodservice equipment, classroom furnishings, AV equipment, and more. 7:30am-3:30pm. AISD Central Warehouse, 3701 Woodbury. www.austinisd.org.

BUFORD THE BOOK BUS Free books will be available in English and Spanish for all reading levels – from toddlers to young adults. 10:30am-12:30pm. Blazier Elementary School, 8601 Vertex Blvd.. Free. www.austinisd.org.

INTRODUCTION TO QUICKBOOKS DESKTOP WEBINAR Learn accounting basics, tracking revenue and expenses, bank reconciliation, and file setup using QuickBooks Pro accounting software. Tue. & Thu., June 29 & July 1, 2-5pm Online. Free (registration required). www.austintexas.gov/smallbiz.

GIVENS POOL COMMUNITY MEETING Staff present the top concept for the renovation of the Eastside pool. 5:30pm. Facebook Live. fb.com/austincityparks.

CONTROVERSY & CONVERSATION: REQUIEM FOR THE AMERICAN DREAM Robert Jensen, professor emeritus in the School of Journalism and Media at UT-Austin, will lead a discussion on the doc in which Noam Chomsky discusses how the concentration of wealth, and thus the concentration of power, is leading to higher tensions between socioeconomic classes. 7:30pm. Online via Zoom. Free. liberalarts.utexas.edu/humanitiesinstitute/events.

Ongoing

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.