Public Notice

Check out ways to help the Houston flood victims, get a free HIV test, and find out what's up this week in Pride.

By Kate X Messer, Fri., June 22, 2001

Washed Out

Hell and high water came to Houston in the form of Tropical Storm Allison. Now the lovely realities of burgeoning mosquito populations and massive cleanups are setting in as those affected try to rebuild their properties and their lives. Austin knows from this particular type of watery Hades, so we should be particularly generous and understanding in their time of need. Here are some ways you and yours can help.

The United Methodist Committee on Relief, Texas Conference is pulling together Emergency Response/Relief for the Flood Victims of Tropical Storm Allison. UMCOR is coordinating with FEMA to distribute to folks most in need. The efforts are funded entirely by Donation. That, of course, is where you come in. Donations of funds, emergency goods/ supplies can be sent to: UMCOR, 475 Riverside Dr. #330, New York, NY (please mark it with the following: "Advance#982350-4 -- 2001 Storms") or deliver to any local United Methodist Church.

"Tropical Storm Allison is a wake-up call for everyone who lives in hurricane or flood-prone areas," says Steve Crisman, CEO for the local Chapter of the American Red Cross of Central Texas. "Allison wasn't even a hurricane, yet the devastation is immense, and thousands of lives have already been harmed." You can Donate $$ or Volunteer your time directly to the Red Cross, or enjoy a ball game while you help.

The Round Rock Express Baseball Club has launched a fundraising project with the American Red Cross to help flood victims in Southeast Texas, beginning with last Thursday's game against the Arkansas Travelers. Red Cross representatives will be at the games to collect donations for the relief effort. Any fan that makes a donation to the relief effort will be entered into a drawing to throw out the ceremonial first pitch before the 2001 Double-A All-Star Game on July 11 at the Dell Diamond. This promotion will go through July 2. The Express is also donating 10% of the "Home Run" dollars that are collected by the fans when a player hits a home run.

Here's a list of the upcoming games: Monday, June 25, Wednesday, June 27, and Thursday, June 28 against Shreveport, 7:05pm; Saturday, June 30, Sunday, July 1, and Monday, July 2 (featuring Fourth of July Fireworks) against Arkansas, 7:05pm.

Consider going online and donating directly to the American Red Cross of Central Texas www.redcrossaustin.org or 928-4271 or 800/HELP NOW.

Oakwood Homes has set up a slew of collection sites (37 in Texas and two in Louisiana) to collect items requested by the Salvation Army to deliver to flood victims in Houston. They particularly need baby-related items such as diapers, formula, personal hygiene products, and non-perishables. The company is also donating building supplies, and may be a good resource for info should you have building materials to donate as well. Their Austin drop-off locations are at 1601 E. Slaughter, Lot 98, 6017 E. Ben White, and 6400 E. Ben White. 389-0440 or 389-3780.

It Never Hurts to Check

This Wednesday, June 27, is National HIV Testing Day. The Center for Disease Control estimates that approximately 200,000 Americans are not aware that they are infected with HIV. Free HIV Testing will be available through Austin/Travis County Health Department who will have a mobile unit at Pease Park, 10am-6pm. Also, CARE will have a mobile unit parked at Sixth & Henderson behind Whole Foods. See "About AIDS," p.141, in this week's issue, fo mo info. 458-AIDS.

Proud to Be Human

Saturday, June 23 is turning out to be quite the Austin Gay Day. There are a ton of things going on in town that are not only of interest to the gay community but to the general community sick and tired of fellow humans being marginalized by other segments of society on sick power trips and dominance struggles. Here's a challenge to all the straight-identified folks in Austin: You like the happy, tolerant luv vibe that our town oozes? Then go out and support one of these events.

Viva Las Vegas, featuring casino games, prizes, "Elvis," and "Madonna," benefits AIDS Services of Austin this Saturday, June 23, 8pm-midnight, at the Austin Music Hall, Third & Nueces. www.ASAustin.org or 406-6157.

L80s Night featuring those lovable tunes from that dreaded decade happens at Gaby & Mo's to benefit Gaby & Mo's and KOOP Radio, Saturday, June 16, 9:30pm. 457-9027.

KOOP's Summer Fruit Festival happens throughout the week with a number of events and all over their frequency, 91.7FM (see Community Listings, p.74). It's all to benefit KOOP Radio. 926-6535.

ALLGO's Pride Fandango, a Gay Pride Baile featuring a variety of hot, happening musical genres to make you shake your cha-chas happens the Clubhouse Patio, 1109 S. Pleasant Valley to benefit ALLGO, Saturday, June 16, 9pm-1am. 472-2001.

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