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Community Corner

🌱 Park Honors Austin Civil Rights Leader + 2 TX Longhorn Legends

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)

Good morning, Austin! Let's get this Friday started off right. Here's everything you need to know around Austin today.

First, today's weather:

Clearing and cooler. High: 57 Low: 37.

Here are the top stories in Austin today:

  1. On Thursday, Jan. 27, The Austin City Council voted "to rename Lamar Beach at Town Lake Metro Park to Volma Overton Sr. Shores at Town Lake Metro Park." The new name honors Austin's civil rights leader, the late Volma Overton Sr. who passed away in 2005, and who was also the "cousin of beloved Austinite Richard Overton." It also recognizes his "legacy and his contributions toward creating a more equitable and inclusive Austin." Kathie Tovo, council member and sponsor, said "Volma Overton Sr. is a treasured figure in the history of Austin's fight for civil rights, and his memory will be celebrated by Austinites for generations as they enjoy this park." She added, "This recognition will highlight and amplify Volma Overton Sr.'s commitment to a better and more just Austin as well as remind the broader community of the additional work and restorative actions that must be done to honor Volma Overton Sr.'s legacy and vision for a more equitable and inclusive Austin for all." For more information on the civil rights leader, please visit: (KVUE.com)
  2. A new streaming service called IVOX+ was recently launched by Houston production house IVOX Media, and it "showcases the best of Austin and the Lone Star State." The service features "original local programming, independent films, classic movies, and music" and is "available through multiple partner apps and devices." Louie Comella, IVOX founder, said, "The independent spirit that is uniquely Texas can be found in many of the IVOX+ original programs, which highlight Texas brands, businesses, destinations, and people." Local programming includes Austin City Limits, singer-songwriter Kyle Park, Deep Eddy Vodka, the Continental Club, and SoCo neighborhood. For more information, visit: (CultureMap Austin)
  3. On Thursday, Jan. 27, Texas Longhorns officials announced that this year, "UT legends Colt McCoy and Tony Brackens will be inducted into the Texas High School Football Hall of Fame." In the mid-90s, "Brackens played defensive end for the Texas Longhorns and was an All-American defensive end while at the Forty Acres." From 2006-2009, "McCoy led the Longhorns, including a national championship appearance against Alabama in his senior season." The induction ceremony will take place in Waco on Saturday, May 7 and will be a private event, so no public tickets will be available. For more information on the two Longhorn legends, and to see a video, please visit: (KVUE.com)

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Today in Austin:

  • Donate Blood and Get a Free Small Sub from Thundercloud at We Are Blood. (8 a.m.)
  • Virtual Zumba Free Online Class by Stronger Austin. (8 a.m.)
  • "Unsilenced" Movie Screening in Austin at Cinemark 20 and XD. (Noon)
  • Papadosio with Special Guest Big Something at Empire Garage. (7 p.m.)
  • Three Headed Monster at Vulcan Gas Company. (8 p.m.)
  • "The Dark Crystal" at Doc's Drive in Theatre. (9 p.m.)

From my notebook:

  • "The idea to revive the Austin Opera House requires a zoning change and therefore a vote in favor from the Austin City Council. But neighbors have filed a legal challenge that could halt the project." (Facebook)
  • "The lack of new funding means more than 12,000 Texas restaurants are in danger of closing, according to the Texas Restaurant Association. via Houston Public Media." (Facebook)
  • "A big congratulations from Literacy First to former Literacy First tutors Mr. Gamboa and Ms. Salazar, who were named Teacher of the Year at Jaime D. Padron Elementary School and Walnut Creek Elementary, respectively. We are proud of you!" (Facebook)
  • "Interested in Anderson High School or one of its programs? Come to the Anderson Course Fair Wednesday, Feb. 2 from 5:30-7 p.m. to learn more about what the school has to offer! Bus pick-up for families interested in transfer available at Northeast and Eastside.
    For event information, visit: Anderson High School Course Fair | Austin ISD." (Facebook)
  • "Austin Public Library's story time programs introduce young children to books, rhymes, music and other fun activities. Review our offerings and register at: Storytimes | Austin Public Library (austintexas.gov)." (Facebook)
  • "Foster Angels of Central Texas! Mark your calendars! Amplify Austin Day 2022 will kick off at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, March 2! In 24 hours, our goal is to raise $40,000. Schedule your donation today at: Give to Foster Angels of Central Texas | Amplify Austin Day 2022 (amplifyatx.org)." (Facebook)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Friday off right! I'll be 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!

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

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