RECEPTIONIST WNTD, PREF. SELF-STARTER W/ OWN FLAK JACKET: When it comes to
oxymorons, the phrase “spare cash” may well top the list. Even Howard Hughes
never said to himself: Geez, what am I gonna do with all this leftover
money, moldy old fivers cluttering up the place, useless dustcatching
sawbucks… Well, maybe he did, but the man also had 10-inch fingernails
and a file of phobias thicker than the Dallas Yellow Pages. The point is, no
matter how broke you feel, there are still some things worth anteing up for.
In the last two years, five people have been murdered in attacks against
medical centers that provide legal abortions. While Oklahoma City and O.J. have
knocked these stories off page one, the threats continue. And each morning,
all across the country, clinic workers still unlock dark offices: turn keys,
flick on lights, strain to hear the odd noise over the sound of their own
adrenaline-fueled breath. Being old news is cold comfort at such times –
especially if you’re the one who has to open up.
In response, the Planned Parenthood Federation of America is
heading a fundraising drive specifically to beef up security at 922 health
centers nationwide. The suggested donation is $35, but whatever you can afford
will be put to good use (yes, it’s tax deductible). Send checks, payable to
PPFA, to: Planned Parenthood Federation of America, PO Box 4580, New York,
NY 10163-4580. With enough help, maybe clinic workers can just go back to
coffee like everyone else.
BLUES NEWS AND DUES: New to us (and maybe
you?) is the Austin Evolution of the Blues Project, a group that aims to
infect a new generation of Austinites with the beauty and power of the blues,
both as a living art form and as an extension of African musical traditions.
Besides a history lesson, local highschoolers will get hands-on experience,
producing a cooperative composition that traces the progression of African
music through North and South America.
Find out more about the project at this Sunday’s benefit (May 21, 6-10pm,
Cedar Street Bar, 208A W. Fourth). Carl Settles and Sebastian “Bash”
Whitaker will perform pieces from the blues opera Blue Orpheus: A
Retelling of an African Myth. The night’s lineup also
includes Martin Banks, James Lakey, David Craig, Steve Vague, and
members of the Austin Blue Jazz Workshop.
Tickets are $22 at the door, a price that includes sipping rights at the
complimentary wine bar. Bring extra bucks if you want to shop the silent
auction.
SOMETHING IN A LIGHTER SHADE: Blues rocker
Ian Moore plays an opening concert for the Texas Special Olympics
Summer Games (Wednesday, May 24, 7pm, at UT’s Memorial Stadium). Tickets
are $5 a pop, available Wednesday only at all area Mr. Gatti’s and Bank One
locations. Proceeds go directly to the Texas Special Olympics. No alcohol,
cans, or coolers in the stadium, please.
WE LIVE TO SERVE: Speaking of games, now’s
the time to register for the Fourth Annual Octopus Sportfest Volleyball
Tournament, slated for June 10-11 at Bailey Park. It’s $60 for a six-person
team, with proceeds going to AIDS Services of Austin, Out Youth Austin, and the Lesbian/Gay Rights Lobby (the fabled TeamChron may even
come out of retirement for this one). For more on registration, call Bryan at
339-6315.
THE PERSONAL IS POLITICAL: The Austin
Lesbian/Gay Political Caucus meets Thursday, May 25, 7pm, at the Carver
Library, 1161 Angelina. On the agenda: election of a new steering committee and
kickoff of the Focus ’96 community project. Interested in a steering
committee slot yourself? Call 474-0750 for details.
OR VICE VERSA: Two pleas for help this
week…
- Austin Center for Battered Women needs dependable, caring volunteers
for various positions, including staffing the center’s 24-hour hotline. The
next 40-hour training program begins June 6. For more info, call
928-9070. - Ceden Family Resource Center needs volunteers to spend eight hours a
month working with pregnant teens or young women. Hours are flexible and all
materials are provided. Training will be held June 6 and 13. For details, call
477-1130.
This article appears in May 19 • 1995 and May 19 • 1995 (Cover).