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Community Corner

🌱Law Officers Receive Awards + Black History Bike Ride + KittyPalooza

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

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Gabriela Cantu Couvillion, Neighbor
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(Patch Media)

Hi all! I'm back in your inbox this morning with everything you need to know about what's happening in Austin these days. Let's do it.

First, today's weather:

Hot; breezy in the afternoon. High: 105 Low: 76.

Here are the top stories today in Austin:

  1. Five "law enforcement officers" from Austin and surrounding areas were presented with "State of Texas Law Enforcement Achievement Awards" by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE). They were among 48 honored at the Texas Capitol on Friday, June 10. Awards were based on "outstanding achievements in public service, professional achievement and valor." TCOLE executive director Kim Vickers said, "It is a tremendous honor to recognize these amazing officers for their vision, their leadership, and their heroism." (KXAN Austin)
  2. "A motorcycle 'collision' in west Austin" was the cause of one death on Saturday, June 11. According to "the Austin Police Department," the victim, who was a man, "was ejected from his motorcycle," but no further details were disclosed. (KXAN.com)
  3. The 3rd annual Black History Bike Ride took place in Austin on Sunday, June 12. The event occurred "one week before Juneteenth," which commemorates "the emancipation of enslaved African Americans" in the United States. Despite the heat, hundreds participated in the event. Event founder Talib Abdullahi said, ""We have to really, you know, honor the fact that when all of our ancestors were freed from slavery, it was also hot. It was June back then, so that's why we keep the tradition on this date." (fox7austin.com)
  4. When you enter Caribbean restaurant Canje in East Austin, you'd think it was actually the Caribbean! That's because of the "potted plants dangling from the high ceiling like tropical earrings; the palm fronds and banana leaves painted on the walls; the woven chairs and low-back bar stools; and a bumping soundtrack emitting tunes from musicians like Bermudian reggae artist Collie Buddz." But once you taste the food, your taste buds take you to a tropical paradise! Chef-partner Tavel Bristol-Joseph features dishes from his native Guyana, like plantain chips and jerk chicken. Read more about him and the restaurant at: (austin360)
  5. The 13th annual "KittyPalooza" event will be held on Saturday, June 25, from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Austin Animal Center, located at 7201 Levander Loop. Kittens will be available at a "mobile adoption vehicle that will be parked on the front lawn" of the building. In addition, "the line-up and party will also include all other ready to go kittens and cats throughout the shelter from 11 a.m.-7 p.m." For more details, go to www.AustinAnimalCenter.org or visit www.facebook.com/AustinAnimalCenter and: (AustinTexas.gov)

Today in Austin:

From my notebook:

  • "From now until June 29, families can select Austin ISD campuses to help them with support and resources to get their child registered for the 2022-23 school year. They can go on any campus enrollment day to get help in enrolling their child at any campus or grade level. Spread the word to other families, and let's get our students ready for the 2022-2023 school year!" (Austin ISD via Facebook)
  • "Another pair of Longhorns walked away from Hayward as All-Americans in 400m Track & Field/Cross Country! They are Kennedy Simon who came in third (50.69), and Stacey Ann Williams in fifth place (51.13). Hook Em!" (Texas Longhorns Track & Field/Cross Country via Facebook)
  • "Do you want to connect with Nature? Would you like to learn more about Central Texas ecology? Do you wish to share your love of nature with others? If so, the Texas Master Naturalist program might be for you! To become a Texas Master Naturalist, attend 40 hours of in-depth training in wildlife and natural resource management. Then keep learning by taking advanced training in topics that interest you. Along the way, you contribute at least 40 hours of volunteer services annually. The Balcones Canyonlands Texas Master Naturalist chapter is now taking applications for the fall at https://bctxmn.org/join-our-chapter." (Nextdoor)

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Alrighty, you're all caught up for today! See you all tomorrow morning for your next update.

— Gabriela Cantu 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 that you think may appeal to our readers!

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

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