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Community Corner

🌱 Austin ISD Mask Mandate + Austin Animal Center Needs Your Help

The quickest way to get caught up on the most important things happening today in Austin.

Gabriela Cantu Couvillion's profile picture
Gabriela Cantu Couvillion, Neighbor
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(Patch Media)

Happy Saturday, people of Austin! Let's get this day started. These are the most important things happening today in town.

First, today's weather:

Breezy in the morning. High: 49 Low: 36.

Here are the top stories today in Austin:

  1. On Thursday, Feb. 10, the Austin Independent School District (Austin ISD) announced that fine arts and athletic events were going to open immediately, however, all guests would be required to wear masks to the events. The decision was made because district officials feel that their students deserve a celebration, "especially with playoffs and other end-of-year performances coming up." Again, "masks are still required" inside Austin facilities, including stadiums and performing spaces. This mandate applies to everyone in district, and those coming in from other districts as well. For the complete press release in English and Spanish, please visit: (Austin, TX Patch)
  2. The Austin Animal Center is seeking the public's help, as they are back at critical capacity and don't have kennels for large and medium dogs. Deputy Chief Animal Services Officer Jason Garza said, "Despite making every effort to get as many dogs out as possible through adoption, foster, and rescue partners, stray dogs keep pouring in." He added, "To be a no-kill community means we need the community's help." The staff is working hard to find places for the dogs, but unfortunately, they have had to put them in crates, which is causing a great deal of stress and heartbreak. An adoption event will be held on Saturday, Feb. 12 from noon-2 p.m. at the Austin Animal Center, located at 7201 Levander Loop. All adoption fees will be waived if you adopt an animal. For more details visit: (FOX 7 Austin)
  3. Although Valentine's Day isn't until Monday, why not start celebrating your loved one this weekend? One place where you can do that is at Jimmy John's garden restaurant, located at 515 Congress Ave., Ste. 1200 in Austin. As of Friday, Feb. 11, the venue offers "a one-time-only, romantic outdoor pop-up restaurant" experience referred to as "Chateau Jé Jé," and it goes on until Saturday, Feb. 12. The 4-course dining experience comes "complete with chip and soda sommeliers and, of course, beer and wine." Reservations are required and there is a waitlist. If you're not able to find reservations, you can also order for pick up or delivery at Jimmy John's | Order Sandwiches for Delivery or Pick Up (jimmyjohns.com). Happy Valentine's Day! (KEYE TV CBS Austin)

Today in Austin:

  • "What Everyone Needs to Know About Divorce" Workshop at 4214 N Capital of Texas Hwy. or online. For more information and to register, visit AustinDivorceWorkshop.com. (8:30 a.m.)
  • Virtual Zumba Free Online Class by Stronger Austin. (10 a.m.)
  • APA! Palentines 5k at Austin Pets Alive! (Noon)
  • Pre-Valentine's Day Speed Dating for Austin Singles (30-45) at The Belmont. (8 p.m.)
  • The Office: Love and Paper at the Globe Drive-In Theater. (9 p.m.)
  • Pre-Valentine's Day Stoplight Silent Disco at The Belmont. (10 p.m.)

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Thanks for following along and staying informed! I'll see you back in your inbox tomorrow with a new update.

— Gabriela Couvillion

About me: I'm an active mom of two grown sons and lifelong San Antonio resident. I received a BA in Spanish from the University of Texas at San Antonio, and in my free time I immerse myself in creative writing. Thanks for reading Patch, and feel free to reach out if you have any news and happenings you think may appeal to our readers!

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?

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