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Community Corner

🌱 HHSC Women's Health Week Events + COTA Food Drive + Crawfish Boil

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

(Patch Media)

Rise and shine, Austin! Let's get you all caught up to start this day off on an informed note. Here's everything you need to know in Austin today.


First, today's weather:

Hot with abundant sunshine. High: 101 Low: 74.


Here are the top stories today in Austin:

  1. National Women's Health Week begins on Sunday, May 8, and during that time, Texas Health and Human Services (HHSC) representatives will be "encouraging women and girls across the state to take care of their physical and mental health." Lindsey Rodgers, HHSC associate commissioner for Health and Developmental Services, said, "We hope to motivate women this week to make time for important health screenings, including mammograms and cervical cancer screenings. At HHSC, we know the importance of participating in wellness programs that prioritize physical and mental health." During the week, a free Women + Aging Webinar will be held for the public on Wednesday, May 11 at noon. At that time, "HHSC presenters will focus on the importance of physical, mental, social, and financial wellness for women and resources to promote healthy aging." To register for the webinar, visit this webpage, and for more information go to: (Texas Health and Human Services)
  2. A food drive to benefit the Central Texas Food Bank, hosted by Circuit of the Americas (COTA), will take place on Sunday, May 8 from noon-4 p.m. Participants are invited "to take a spin on its 3.41-mile track to benefit community members in need of food." To access the track, "register online and bring a nonperishable food item or contribute a cash donation at the event. Guests who donate will be able to coast the track at a maximum speed of 20 miles per hour." According to COTA, each dollar raised will provide four meal contributions to the community. For more details visit: (KVUE.com)
  3. Crawfish season is here and to celebrate, Fiesta Gardens at 2102 Jesse E. Segovia St. in East Austin will be holding a Keep Austin Weird Twist 'N Snap Crawfish Boil inaugural event on Saturday, May 14 from 11 a.m.-8 p.m. The event "will feature more than 10,000 pounds of crawfish for guests to enjoy," as well as "food trucks, live music performances, games, an artisan marketplace, themed photo ops, and crawfish-eating contests." The funds from the event will benefit "Good Work Austin, a socially responsible community of local businesses invested in creating good jobs for all workers, ensuring a quality workplace, and supporting and amplifying the voices of like-minded businesses." General admission tickets are $14.99 and include "access to the full program of festivities with crawfish for purchase on-site. General admission + $39.99 tickets include "3 lbs. of crawfish, a beer, and a dedicated line." VIP tickets are $69.99 and include "4 lbs. of crawfish, three drinks, a dedicated line, and exclusive use of the tented VIP lounge." For more information visit: (FOX 7 Austin)

Today in Austin:


From my notebook:

  • "Some neighbors at Texas Oaks South just moved into a new house and are looking for a couch in good condition for about $350. If you have one for sale, please contact them via the Nextdoor site." (Nextdoor)
  • "Some neighbors in Spillman Ranch have two tickets for Donna Summer for Saturday, May 7 at the Bass Theater. They have an out-of-town emergency and won't be able to use the tickets. The tickets are $226 and are in Orchestra Row N center seats 123 and 124. If you are interested, please text them at 954-850-6571." (Nextdoor)
  • "A neighbor from Anderson Mill - El Salido is looking for an electrician or a handyman to install a ceiling fan. There is no attic access and no wiring in the area, and it's at least 12 feet high. If you have any recommendations, please let them know via the Nextdoor site." (Nextdoor)
  • "A neighbor from Overlook Estates recommends JP's Pancake House at the Valero gas station on Thomas Springs and 71. According to the neighbor, it's fantastic and a great small business to support locally in Oak Hill! They are open Monday-Saturday from 5-11 p.m." (Nextdoor)
  • "BV Home Remodels & Painting in the Fairway Ridge area are devoted to providing quality work at an affordable price! Give them a call at 512-586-4125." (Nextdoor)

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You're all caught up for today. I'll see you back in your inbox tomorrow morning 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!

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Austin Daily? Contact me at DowntownAustin@patch.com

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