AustinTalks (http://austintalks.org/tag/community/page/11/)
Reesheda Graham Washington, the keynote speaker at this year’s multi-faith Thanksgiving service organized by the Community of Congregations and held Sunday night on Facebook Live, urged nearly 100 attendees to pattern their lives after Jesus. “How might we get curious about living a more abundant life?” asked the serial entrepreneur who operates Live Café in Oak Park.
Turkeys will be distributed on a first come, first served basis starting at 11 a.m. Nov. 23 at 5713 W. Chicago Ave.; and beginning at 12 p.m. at Michele Clark High School, 5101 W. Harrison St., and 5744 W. Chicago Ave. If you aren’t able to stop by one of the Austin sites during these times, turkeys are being distributed elsewhere throughout the city.
The event, held virtually and at the Kehrein Center for the Arts and presented by the Austin Renaissance Council, highlighted the importance of storytelling with panel discussions, poetry and musical guests. It prompted uncomfortable conversations, emphasizing the importance of Austin residents taking control of their narratives.
The testing will take place Nov. 8 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 5051 W. Chicago Ave. In addition to testing, other community services, including a mask giveaway, haircuts for children, a pre-Thanksgiving meal and Narcan distribution, will occur.
The Kehrein Center for the Arts will be hosting the event on Thursday, Nov. 5 to discuss systemic racism and the history of disinvestment in Austin. The symmposium will be held virtually from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Register now.
The Westside Health Authority will hold a fall festival and groundbreaking ceremony from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 24 at the corner of Chicago and Lockwood avenues. All are welcome!
The 15th Policer District hosted a Zoom meeting last week, seeking community input on the district’s policing strategy for the upcoming year. Residents expressed a need for more transparency, and they want officers to work to build better relationships with the community.
Participants were encouraged to complete the 2020 census, which a judge recently extended until the end of October. It can be completed online, by calling a toll-free line or by mailing back the paper questionnaire. There is no citizenship question on the census, and all information is kept confidential.
Ride for peace Friday night and Sunday morning in two separate events. Friday’s ride begins at 8 p.m. at 819 N. Leamington, while Sunday’s ride starts at 9 a.m. at Columbus Park, 500 S. Central Ave.
The Austin peace ride will take place Sept. 19. Meet at the BUILD Chicago office at 5100 W. Harrison St. at 9 a.m.; the ride begins at 10 a.m. Water and light snacks will be provided. Bring your bike; a limited number of Divvy bikes will be available.