Civics 101

Thursday 4

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.

COFFEE & VOTER REGISTRATION Get registered to vote while enjoying a cup of coffee from the Texas Rising team. 8am-1pm. 504 W. 24th. fb.com/texrisingut.

CITY COUNCIL MEETING One resolution to watch relates to the city’s agreement with Austin Pets Alive! and also directs the city manager to negotiate certain terms for the operation of APA!’s Town Lake Animal Center. 10am. City Hall, 301 W. Second. austintexas.gov.

Friday 5

WOOD RECLAMATION For community members wanting large logs for art projects or milling. 9am-2pm. John Treviño Jr. Metropolitan Park, 9501 FM 969. Free. austintexas.gov.

ZILKER PARK VISION PLAN POP-UP: DISTRICT 7 Speak with the project team behind the restoration and future development of Austin’s beloved park and learn more about potential design scenarios. 3-6pm. North Village Branch Library, 2505 Steck. austintexas.gov/zilkervision.

COLLEGE STUDENT COMMISSION SPECIAL CALLED MEETING See agenda for details. 3pm. City Hall, 301 W. Second. austintexas.gov.

Saturday 6

AUSTIN EMPTY BOWL PROJECT The 25th annual event is largely virtual, meaning two weeks to make an impact for those experiencing hunger. Go online to shop the store, bid on the silent auction, or make a donation to benefit Central Texas Food Bank and Meals on Wheels Central Texas. Those who buy bowls can pick them up at a drive-through Nov. 21 at CTFB. Through Nov. 20 Online; pick up bowls at Central Texas Food Bank, 6500 Metropolis. austinemptybowl.org.

HISTORIC MONTOPOLIS SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE Community members are invited to join Parks and Recreation Department staff to learn more about the school’s history and future. The city acquired the school in 2019 to serve as a museum. 10am-Noon. 500 Montopolis Dr.. austintexas.gov/montopolisschool.

Sunday 7

AUSTIN EMPTY BOWL PROJECT The 25th annual event is largely virtual, meaning two weeks to make an impact for those experiencing hunger. Go online to shop the store, bid on the silent auction, or make a donation to benefit Central Texas Food Bank and Meals on Wheels Central Texas. Those who buy bowls can pick them up at a drive-through Nov. 21 at CTFB. Through Nov. 20 Online; pick up bowls at Central Texas Food Bank, 6500 Metropolis. austinemptybowl.org.

ZILKER PARK VISION PLAN POP-UP: DISTRICT 6 Speak with the project team behind the restoration and future development of Austin’s beloved park and learn more about potential design scenarios. Noon-3pm. H Mart, 11301 Lakeline. austintexas.gov/zilkervision.

Monday 8

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.

AUSTIN EMPTY BOWL PROJECT The 25th annual event is largely virtual, meaning two weeks to make an impact for those experiencing hunger. Go online to shop the store, bid on the silent auction, or make a donation to benefit Central Texas Food Bank and Meals on Wheels Central Texas. Those who buy bowls can pick them up at a drive-through Nov. 21 at CTFB. Through Nov. 20 Online; pick up bowls at Central Texas Food Bank, 6500 Metropolis. austinemptybowl.org.

AUSTIN ORGANIC GARDENERS CLUB MEETING John Dromgoole, founder of the Natural Gardener, will discuss why it's important now more than ever to grow our own food. He’ll explain the differences between a kitchen garden and a food garden, how to start a food garden, and ways to encourage others to do the same. Second Mondays, 7pm Online via Zoom. www.fb.com/austinorganicgardeners.

LGBTQ QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING See agenda for details and meeting location. 7pm. Location TBA. austintexas.gov/content/lesbian-gay-bisexual-transgender-and-queer-quality-life-advisory-commission.

Tuesday 9

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.

AUSTIN EMPTY BOWL PROJECT The 25th annual event is largely virtual, meaning two weeks to make an impact for those experiencing hunger. Go online to shop the store, bid on the silent auction, or make a donation to benefit Central Texas Food Bank and Meals on Wheels Central Texas. Those who buy bowls can pick them up at a drive-through Nov. 21 at CTFB. Through Nov. 20 Online; pick up bowls at Central Texas Food Bank, 6500 Metropolis. austinemptybowl.org.

TRAVIS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COURT SPECIAL SESSION Austin Public Health briefs commissioners and council members on the state of COVID-19 in Austin and Travis County. 9am. Travis County Commissioners Court, 700 Lavaca. traviscountytx.gov/commissioners-court.

CIVICS ROUNDTABLES: PEOPLE & POLICY Join the Austin Young Chamber’s Economic Development Committee in a special nonpartisan roundtable event with Central Texas elected officials, including reps from City Council, the Texas House and Senate, and more. 5:30-7:30pm. UT Club, Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium, sixth floor. $10-20. [email protected], austinyoungchamber.org.

Wednesday 10

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.

AUSTIN EMPTY BOWL PROJECT The 25th annual event is largely virtual, meaning two weeks to make an impact for those experiencing hunger. Go online to shop the store, bid on the silent auction, or make a donation to benefit Central Texas Food Bank and Meals on Wheels Central Texas. Those who buy bowls can pick them up at a drive-through Nov. 21 at CTFB. Through Nov. 20 Online; pick up bowls at Central Texas Food Bank, 6500 Metropolis. austinemptybowl.org.

MYATX WATER VIRTUAL COMMUNITY MEETING Learn about Austin's new citywide smart water meter program benefits and have your questions answered. 6pm. Online.

Thursday 11

AUSTIN EMPTY BOWL PROJECT The 25th annual event is largely virtual, meaning two weeks to make an impact for those experiencing hunger. Go online to shop the store, bid on the silent auction, or make a donation to benefit Central Texas Food Bank and Meals on Wheels Central Texas. Those who buy bowls can pick them up at a drive-through Nov. 21 at CTFB. Through Nov. 20 Online; pick up bowls at Central Texas Food Bank, 6500 Metropolis. austinemptybowl.org.

2021 VETERANS DAY CLOSURES City administrative offices and other municipal facilities, including all City Council offices, Austin Public Library locations, and the Austin Animal Center, will be closed Thu., Nov. 11, in observance of Veterans Day. Normal business hours will resume Fri., Nov. 12. Thu., Nov. 11 austintexas.gov.

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.

VETERANS POCKET PARK RIBBON-CUTTING CEREMONY City officials celebrate the completion of the Veterans Pocket Park improvements. 9:30-10am. 2200 Veterans Dr.. austintexas.gov.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.