December 2004

UPCOMING AUSTIN PROGRESSIVE POTLUCKERS EVENT
Grey Panthers of Austin
Sunday, December 5, 2:00-5:00 p.m.
AFL-CIO, 1106 Lavaca St.
(The AFL-CIO building is at 1106 Lavaca Street on the corner of 11th and
Lavaca streets)

We've got a sweet deal for our December potluck! It's a special treat for us to join the Gray Panthers of Austin at their annual fabulous dessert potluck and community-wide social gathering.

Please bring a dessert dish that serves 6-8 people. Utensils and plates will be provided. Everybody is encouraged to bring along friends and neighbors and join in as we sample an amazing array of sweet delights. This is a potluck not to be missed!

Gray Panthers seek to bring together groups of young, old, women, men, persons of all ethnic, racial, and economic backgrounds for the study and promotion of social justice. Although often perceived as an organization comprised of only the elderly, the Gray Panthers (whose motto is "Age and Youth in Action") work on issues that affect people of ALL ages and welcome members of any age. For more information contact the Gray Panthers of Austin at (512) 458-3738, or visit the web site at www.gp-austin.org

November 2004

UPCOMING AUSTIN PROGRESSIVE POTLUCKERS EVENT

Vegetarian Network of Austin
Saturday, November 13, 7:00-10:00 p.m.
Whitehall Co-Op, 2500 Nueces St.

We're excited to join our hosts, the Vegetarian Network of Austin, at their November potluck. The theme is Thanksgiving foods but feel free to bring whatever kind of vegan foods (or drinks) you desire. After feasting, there will be a brief talk about the Vegetarian Network of Austin and then the film "The Future of Food" will be shown.

PLEASE NOTE that all food needs to be 100% vegan (no meat, eggs, dairy, honey, or other animal products). Please bring a dish that serves 6-8 and bring your own plate and utensils. We will meet at the Whitehall Co-Op, 2500 Nueces Street, near the UT campus.

For more info about the Vegetarian Network of Austin, visit their web site at: www.vegnetaustin.org. The Vegetarian Network of Austin (VNA) is open to anyone interested in a vegetarian lifestyle. The VNA hosts monthly vegan potluck meals and patronizes local vegetarian-friendly restaurants. Members also meet for social gatherings, volunteer projects, and public outreach events and activities.

October 2004

UPCOMING AUSTIN PROGRESSIVE POTLUCKERS EVENT

CODEPINK
Friday, Oct. 22nd
7:00-9:00 p.m.
8111 Briarwood Lane, Austin, 78757

You are invited to join Austin's CODEPINK, a local affiliate of the grass roots international peace and social justice CODEPINK organization, for an evening of good company, wonderful food, and informative education.

Please bring a VEGETARIAN (no meat, please) dish that serves six to eight hungry people. Also you need to bring your own plates, utensils, cups. Bring something to drink if you wish. Feel free to bring along a few friends (and more food). We will be meeting at a house located at 8111 Briarwood Lane in north central Austin. To get there, Take the Steck Exit east off of MoPac. Turn right (south) on Briarwood Lane. During the evening, there will be a brief, informative presentation about CODEPINK, their upcoming activities, and how you can get involved.

CODEPINK is a women-initiated grassroots peace and social justice movement that seeks positive social change through proactive, creative protest and non-violent direct action. To learn more about this organization, you can view the national CODEPINK web site at: www.codepinkalert.org

For information about local activities, please send an email to codepinkaustin@yahoo.com or contact Maia Thomas 447-3036.

September 2004

UPCOMING AUSTIN PROGRESSIVE POTLUCKERS EVENT

TreeFolks, Inc.
Saturday, September 18
6:00-9:00 p.m.
at the TreeFolk’s “eco-house” office
10803 Platt Lane, Austin, 78724

Please join TreeFolks, Austin's non-profit urban forestry organization, for an evening of fun, food and good company. Stroll through demonstration plantings (including a thriving fruit orchard), see the eco-friendly remodeling of a 1970's ranch house, walk the river trail for the best bird watching for many miles, take a refreshing dip at the swimming hole or, best of all, have an introduction to recreational tree climbing by instructors Carlene South and Scott Harris.

Please bring a dish that serves six to eight hungry people and your own plates, utensils and cups and something to drink. Feel free to bring along a friend. Children are welcome.

There will be a brief, informative presentation about TreeFolks and then time to enjoy this rich, thriving environment east of IH35. It has everything but traffic and crowds! There is a full kitchen for your food warming pleasure, restroom facilities and mature pecan trees to lounge under while we eat. Carlene and Scott will have plenty of climbing gear for those interested in a tree-climbing adventure, but ask if you have a rock climbing saddle, please bring it.

For directions or questions please contact Scott Harris at scott@treefolks.org or 443-5323 (the location off of 973 and is east of Hwy. 183, north of Hwy. 71 and south of 969).

TreeFolks' grows the urban forest through tree planting, education and community partnerships. We invite businesses, schools, government, citizen groups and individuals to join us in creating a healthier environment and enhancing the quality of urban life. Learn more and check out the tree planting guide at http://www.treefolks.org/index.php

August 2004

UPCOMING AUSTIN PROGRESSIVE POTLUCKERS EVENT

Save Our Springs Alliance (S.O.S.)
Sunday, August 29
7:30-10:00 p.m.
Barton Springs Pool

Join us for an informative and fun evening hosted by Save Our Springs Alliance (S.O.S.), who have worked tirelessly for years to protect the Edwards Aquifer and our treasured Barton Springs. After we have a chance to eat and visit, we'll hear from S.O.S. Communications Director, Colin Clark, about the work they're doing (see Web link to S.O.S. below). Later, we'll enjoy music from local artists and a refreshing dip in the springs, where we'll be joining the Barton Springs Swimmers during their monthly full moon swim!

Barton Springs Pool is in Zilker Park, 2101 Barton Springs Road
(http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/parks/bartonsprings.htm). At 7:30pm, we'll meet and feast at the picnic tables in front of the pool entrance and concession area.

Please bring a dish that serves six to eight hungry people and your own plates, utensils and cups and something to drink. Feel free to bring along a friend. (Children are welcome!) There will be a brief, informative presentation about S.O.S. at around 8 p.m., followed by music and swimming. Remember to bring your suit and a towel, and also remember that the pool is free from 9-10 p.m.!

Save Our Springs Alliance is a citizens based non-profit dedicated to protecting the Edwards Aquifer and its Great Springs, with emphasis on Barton Springs. We utilize science, economics, law, and common sense to advocate for clean water and healthy democracy. http://www.sosalliance.org/

Austin Freecycle Network (AFN)
Saturday, July 17
6:00-9:00 p.m.

The Austin Freecycle Network is an innovative Internet-based group with the goal of reducing waste by connecting people who have unwanted items with others seeking those same items. Thousands of things, from cars and catamarans to bridal accessories and baby clothes, have been 'freecycled' to date, saving them from landfills while cultivating community relationships. With over 3000 members, the AFN is one of the largest groups in the fast-growing international Freecycle movement, which in little over a year has spread to 18 countries and close to 200,000 members, and received wide media coverage -- clearly, an idea whose time has come. The AFN is delighted to invite the Austin Progressive Potluckers to attend their July gathering, to learn more about freecycling, meet like-minded souls, and have some tiki-party-style fun in a suburban backyard on a lazy summer evening.

Please come early; bring a dish that serves eight hungry people and your own plates, utensils and cups. Feel free to bring along a friend and encourage them to bring something to share. (Children are welcome!) There will be a brief, informative presentation about freecycling at around 7 p.m.

A "freecycle swap" will be part of the evening; in the tradition of grab-bags and potlucks, you are requested to bring an item to freecycle (this is encouraged, but optional) -- it should be something you're willing to part with, but in usable condition and not "junk." All items will be placed in one area; you will be asked to pick a number from a bowl and will select an item of your choice as your number is called. (Post-swap trading among yourselves is certainly allowed!)

More info at http://www.freecycle.org/

ANNUAL SIERRA CLUB POTLUCK PICNIC
Austin Regional Group of the Sierra Club
Tuesday, June 1, 6.30pm-9pm
Zilker Park Rock Garden Picnic Area

Come join the Austin Regional Group of the Sierra Club in celebrating the start of Summer with an informal potluck and social event. We will gather at the Rock Garden picnic area at Zilker Park (on the far side of the hill that faces Barton Springs bath house and parking lot). The Picnic starts at 6:30 PM; potluck dinner will begin about 7 PM. Bring a dish to share that serves 6-8. Plates, eating utensils, cups and tea or lemonade will be provided.
The Sierra Club potluck is known for their wide array of delicious desserts, so be sure not to miss this one. It will probably be hot that evening so don't forget to bring a towel and swimsuit and join us for a refreshing swim in Barton Springs.

For more information, including a map to the location, check out http://www.lonestar.sierraclub.org/austin/genmeetings.html

May 2004

UPCOMING AUSTIN PROGRESSIVE POTLUCKERS EVENT

Austin Conscientious Objectors to Military Taxation (ACOMT)
Saturday, May 22
6:30-9:00 p.m.
2311 Riverside Farms Road, Austin

ACOMT is a volunteer peer support and action group for those doing or considering nonviolent war tax resistance and redirection to peace and human needs. It has been active in Austin for over 20 years. They are delighted to invite the Austin Progressive Potluckers to attend their May gathering which promises to be socially, educationally, nutritionally, and spiritually fulfulling.

Location: 2311 Riverside Farms Road, which is a private house set in a hidden and lush oasis. To get there, drive east on Riverside Drive, about a half mile past Pleasant Valley Road, and turn right at the top of the hill on Riverside Farms Road. Drive a bit and then turn left into the driveway when you see the black and green mailbox. If you get lost, call 389-0215.

Come early because rumor has it that some tasty and wonderful food will be waiting for us promptly at 6.30pm. Please bring a dish that serves eight hungry people and your own plates, utensils, and cups. Also, bring along a friend, neighbor, or stranger and encourage them to bring something to share. There will be an informative and short presentation at 7pm about ACOMT. For more information about ACOMT, please visit their website at: www.acomt.org or call 467-2946.

April 2004

UPCOMING AUSTIN PROGRESSIVE POTLUCKERS EVENT
Celebrate Earth Day

with the Austin Parks Foundation & the AustinEcoNetwork
Thursday, April 22, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
at the Zilker Clubhouse

Thursday, April 22
*** 5:30pm - 7:30pm ***

A warm round of applause to the New Music Co-op for their wonderful performance at The Church Of The Friendly Ghost! It was great to learn more about new music and get a first-hand taste of the New Music Co-op's unique sound.

Celebrate Earth Day with the Austin Parks Foundation and members of the AustinEcoNetwork. This festive potluck will take place on Earth Day, Thursday, April 22nd, at the Zilker Clubhouse from 5:30-7:30pm. This facility is located west of Zilker Park (off Rollingwood Drive) at 200 Zilker Clubhouse Road.
Bring a vegetarian dish to feed eight, your own plate and utensils and something to drink. If you play a musical instrument, please feel free to bring that too.

Please bring along a friend or a neighbor or even a stranger - the more, the merrier.

Enjoy fabulous company and a panoramic view of downtown Austin from one the Austin park system's jewel properties. You can also sign up that evening to help with It's My Park! Day the following Saturday. Kite flying, Frisbee throwing, swimming in Barton Springs and other activities in Zilker Park are encouraged prior to the potluck dinner gathering.

Austin Parks Foundation is a private, non-profit organization committed to providing resources and partnerships that create and sustain beautiful and active parks. Austin Parks Foundation was recently awarded "Best of Austin 2002" for Best Revitalization of a Park (Republic Square) and Best New Use of Public Land (Guerrero Colorado River Park). Find out more at www.austinparks.org.

The AustinEcoNetwork is a growing network of individuals and organizations committed to working together on behalf of Austin and the environment. Sign up for the free listserv by sending an e-mail to AEN@AustinEcoNetwork.org with the subject “Subscribe” or “Subscribe Digest” to get the daily summary of emails.

March 2004

UPCOMING AUSTIN PROGRESSIVE POTLUCKERS EVENT
New Music Co-Op Potluck

Saturday, March 27,2004
*** 5pm - 7:30pm ***

New Music Co-Op Potluck
http://newmusiccoop.org
Potluck Venue: The Church Of The Friendly Ghost
http://churchofthefriendlyghost.com/
209 Pedernales
Between E. 2nd and E. 3rd on Pedernales in East Austin
Click here for map

Progressive Potlucker Spring Fling with the New Music Co-op in March!

Thanks to “The Permies” for hosting one of our best-attended-yet potlucks in February at the home of Colette and Selwyn. The place was packed and we drank, ate and learned about Permaculture with the best of ‘em from the Austin area.

Please note the following highlights from the March Potluck announcement below:

• Please bring your own plate, cup and utensils!
• Just like Feb…the March 27th Potluck starts early – 5 PM – but this one will also wrap up earlier too…so the night will be young for “progressing” on out to additional East Austin fun!
• There will be a very short “sampler” musical performance at 6:00 PM that you won’t want to miss.
• Net, net…COME EARLY AND REMEMBER TO BRING YOUR STUFF…

Please Bring:

• Your own plates, cups and utensils
• An “omnivore” main, salad or dessert to feed 6-8 people
  (Vegetarians please label your dishes so you can find each other’s food!)
• Beverages …beer or wine if you wish

New Music Co-op is a grass roots community organization made of up of composers and performers from the Austin area dedicated to increasing awareness and understanding of new music. We create opportunities for performance, education, and composition of adventurous sound. The NMC advocates and presents a wide range of innovative and compelling new works and provides a unique environment for collaboration and the free exchange of musical ideas.

Click here for map

February 2004

UPCOMING AUSTIN PROGRESSIVE POTLUCKERS EVENT
Permaculture Potluck

February 21,2004 (Saturday), 5pm-9pm

At the home of Selwyn Polit (selwyn @ austintx . com - 512-926-7876) 5509 Delwood Drive (near the old airport)

Join us for a Permaculture celebration! Bring drinks, a dish, salad or desert as well as silverware and join in the fun. We will also have the BBQ aflame if you want to cook something. You are invited whether you are an experienced permie or you just want to know what Permaculture is. This will be a great chance to connect and reconnect with permies.

In this next phase in learning about Permaculture, you will get to meet Permaculture instructors and course participants. We will have a series of 15-minute slide presentations where people will discuss their projects, ideas and inspiration. There will be plenty of time to ask questions and find out more for yourself.

Feel free to bring a home-grown, home-made, surplus (no/low cost) Permaculture Gift to swap (P/C gifts could include: seed you harvested (or extra you've got around - well labeled, please), late-season veggies or herbs, herb/garlic vinegar or olive oil in a pretty bottle, a surplus but good garden tool, a houseplant from your collection, a potted tree from your nursery, a book on the subject of _____, cookies, etc.. Please use your imagination - the only rule is you can't buy it and you or Nature have
to make it. Hope it will be fun. Those giving will receive. It will be our program, plus tales and treasures of P/C travels.

Perma-what? Permaculture is a term coined by Australian, Bill Mollison, in the mid-70's to describe techniques of first gathering local information by the patient observation of Nature and asking and listening to natives, indigenous, and elders. It then provides a framework for designing sustainable human systems that emulate Nature, that efficiently utilize local energies and resources, that create as small a human "footprint" as possible, and that provide abundance, relaxation, and joy to all. Permaculture relates to gardening, food production, agriculture, shelter, life styles, resource (soil, water, energy, climate) conservation and stewardship of the environment. Its ethics are: Care for the Earth, Care for People , and Creating and Sharing of a Surplus, while respecting the rights and dignity of all living beings. For more info check out www.AustinProgressiveCalendar.com/permaculture.htm

January 2004

UPCOMING AUSTIN PROGRESSIVE POTLUCKERS EVENT
Texans for Midwifery
January 31,2004 (Saturday), 5pm-9pm

H a p p y N e w Y e a r P o t l u c k e r s !

Hope that you were one of the lucky one's to make it to our Holiday Party and "Almost-Anniversary" potluck in December! Thanks again to our hosts, Selwyn Polit and Colette Henricks, who opened their home, and toasty sauna, for our enjoyment! Now a drum roll for our inaugural potluck of 2004...At the home of Bridget and Daniel Brown's : 9001 Sam Carter Dr. (Located off of Hwy 290 West towards "The Y" in Oak Hill) Contact: Bridget Brown (512) 301-0125 or email: Browns@texas.net

*** Please Bring *** A vegetarian dish to share that feeds 6-8 people, Something to drink and your own plate and eating utensils. Feel free to invite your friends, relatives and neighbors. *** Please Bring ***

TFM - Austin is a consumer-based group working to inform families, the medical community and decision-makers about midwives and midwifery care. They promote The Midwives Model of Care© as a valuable birth option that should be available wherever women choose to birth, both inside and outside the hospital.

The group was formed in response to the firings of the hospital midwives
here in Austin. They are shocked and embarrassed that Austin is now the only major Texas city without midwives in the hospitals. Accordingly, they are now working to reinstate midwifery as an option in our fair city.

TFM - Austin members always look forward to meeting with others to highlight this issue because it affects our entire society. For example, the latest brain research has shown that the most crucial time in the development of the human brain is the first 40 minutes after birth - the time of bonding with the mother. With the supportive, understanding care of the midwife, these precious moments are kept sacred.

Please see their website for more info: http://texansformidwifery.org/austin/