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The challenge for all of us this Thanksgiving is letting go of what we've lost in this tough year and treasure what we still have.
We at Austonia are thankful for you. Since we launched our site in April, we've done our best to connect you to Austin, with stories ranging from the important to the delightfully superficial. Your response has been strong and we are grateful.
At this time of thanks, we have a variety of stories for you. Laura Figi writes about "a greener holiday," food trends, and Friday shopping. Emma Freer writes about a nearby annual Native American heritage celebration. And Roberto Ontiveros brings us a thoughtful piece that looks at the human toll of Austin's gentrification—the often painful flip side to having shiny new bars, restaurants, and apartments—in this case it's displacement of the Black community on East 11th Street. Finally, we ask you how you're celebrating the holiday this year.
Our best to you and your loved ones!
—The Austonia Team
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Aztec dancers perform as part of the virtual grand finale of the Sacred Springs Power on Nov. 21.
Normally, the Sacred Springs Powwow draws a crowd of thousands to San Marcos, where it is hosted each year by the Indigenous Cultures Institute.
But this year's event, like so many others, occurred online. Sixty Native American dancers competed via streamed performances on Saturday, and vendors, singers and storytellers submitted videos for the audience to view at their leisure.
<p>"This is historic," Executive Director Maria Rocha told Austonia. "No other powwow is doing a virtual (event)."</p><p><strong>Staying connected</strong> </p><p>The Indigenous Cultures Institute has transitioned its other programs—from its week-summer camp for indigenous youth to its ongoing campaign to rebury ancestors' remains currently held by the University of Texas at Austin—online since the advent of the pandemic, which has disproportionately affected local Native communities. </p><p>"Historically, indigenous practices were illegal," Garza said. "That caused some people to maintain their culture and go underground. And it caused other people to erase it."</p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-youtube">
<span class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="bd246f7b3614a9507b4ba9472d225243" style="display:block;position:relative;padding-top:56.25%;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="auto" type="lazy-iframe" scrolling="no" data-runner-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/x3yJNW0hmgQ?list=PLfk-2-CkoV4TSF_C6nJSgpgUvfCHvCjnE&rel=0" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;" width="100%"></iframe></span>
<small class="image-media media-caption" placeholder="Add Photo Caption...">Keilani Arch | Sacred Springs Powwow 2020 Dance Competition</small>
<small class="image-media media-photo-credit" placeholder="Add Photo Credit...">
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x3yJNW0hmgQ&list=PLfk-2-CkoV4TSF_C6nJSgpgUvfCHvCjnE&index=60" target="_blank">www.youtube.com</a>
</small>
</p><p>Only in the last couple generations have Native American cultural practices reemerged, on a public scale, in the U.S. But there are still challenges.<br/></p><p>"Even today, we're told, 'But there aren't any Indians in Texas,'" Garza said.</p><p>On the contrary, although there are only three federally recognized tribes in the state, Garza estimates that as many as half of Texas Latinos have Native American heritage. </p><p>"Their people, our people, have been in Texas <a href="https://www.thestoryoftexas.com/discover/campfire-stories/native-americans" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">for 14,000 years</a>," she said.</p><p>Making people aware of this legacy and maintaining indigenous cultural practices, is a work in progress. For example, the institute continues to push for Native American history to be taught in Texas public schools. </p><p>"I think that there has always been an effort to teach (this history), but it hasn't expanded visibly to people," Garza said. "Now we're talking about it because we feel that it has to be a visible part of society." </p><p><strong>A moment of opportunity</strong> </p><p>This work may resonate now more than ever given the pandemic, which has exacerbated inequities and prompted a reckoning about systemic racism and other injustices.</p><p>Fewer than 1% of Austin residents identify as Native American, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. But the population has been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19.</p><p>In the last two weeks, the local Native American population saw the highest or second highest rate of positive COVID test results of any race or ethnic group, according to Austin Public Health. It remains close to 15%, compared to the overall positivity rate of 6.5%.</p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image">
<img class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="2c210f3491253f7d4de189be69507758" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" id="642ef" type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDgwNzQ1My9vcmlnaW4ucG5nIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY0NDgyMzk3Mn0.rMqd5xhVmcZliBAMEWyhaW5HWRxZmFQ_Jsx9Oy_ypNs/img.png?width=980"/>
<small class="image-media media-photo-credit" placeholder="Add Photo Credit...">(Austin Public Health) </small></p><p>Garza attributed this to the more collective orientation of Native communities, which includes many intergenerational households.<br/></p><p>"When you have a lot of people depending on each other … that creates COVID spread because they can't stay isolated," she said. </p><p>There are other factors, as well, including higher rates of poverty and a lower likelihood of having health insurance. </p><p>Many Central Texas elders have opted to remain at home, despite COVID symptoms, to avoid dying in a hospital alone, Garza added. </p><p>But she is hopeful that the pandemic, along with the Black Lives Matter protests over the summer, will help increase Austinites' awareness of Native Americans and the issues they face.</p><p>"You see the writings of people who are doing academic writings about systemic injustice, and all of them are using the term people of color," she said. "Because we are not just talking about Black Americans. We are talking about all Americans who are not white."</p>
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(Pexels)
Make sure to fill up your tank up on Thanksgiving, as gas prices are hitting a 12-year low.
<p>According to AAA Texas' Weekend Gas Watch, Thanksgiving day gas prices will be the lowest that they have been on the holiday for the past dozen years. This projection comes after gas prices have been on a declining rollercoaster in 2020 altogether.</p><p>AAA expects prices to be more than 50 cents cheaper per gallon on Thanksgiving.</p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image">
<img class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="17dfdd327eed748c34908839f07af60a" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" id="4a340" type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDgwNzE4OS9vcmlnaW4uZ2lmIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYyNzEyODE3OH0.mi3WR6Tz9RtpaxI0HuueNlk4uEVLzM2YGVjxNbkEsUI/img.gif?width=980"/>
<small class="image-media media-photo-credit" placeholder="Add Photo Credit...">(GasBuddy.com)</small></p><p>Right now, the statewide average on gas prices is $1.79. At this time last year, a gallon of gas would run you $2.26, or 47 cents more than today. On top of that, Texas drivers are paying the second cheapest prices out of the country, just behind Missouri at $1.74 per gallon.<br/></p><p>Compared to the nationwide average, $2.10 per gallon, Texas is already paying 31 cents less.</p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image">
<img class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="64ff5bf1dbff1a4828e21f296202cf98" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" id="8e199" type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDgwNzE5My9vcmlnaW4ucG5nIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYxODc3MzgxMH0.Kk008maiKAHJMUNMz8ObnkKUPJD20uKtheDF5slka0U/img.png?width=980"/>
<small class="image-media media-photo-credit" placeholder="Add Photo Credit...">(GasBuddy.com)</small></p><p>This massive price drop comes amid officials encouraging people to stay home for the holidays, one of the biggest travel times of the year. AAA is expecting a 5% total drop in Texas travel this year—10% across the U.S.<br/></p><p>The decrease in travel will be the largest one-year drop the country has seen since the 2008 Great Recession.</p>
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With Thanksgiving a few days away, finding the perfect wine to serve during dinner can be time consuming for anyone. Whether you are looking for a full-bodied red to serve during your dinner, or a rich white wine to pair with appetizers and desserts, Texas wines have so much to offer.
<p>Here are 10 Texas wines you should look for at your local grocery store that will pair well with your holiday dinner:</p><h5></h5>
2018 Haak Vineyards Ensaio BDB dry, $19
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDgwNjE4MS9vcmlnaW4ucG5nIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYzNDk2MTA4OH0.SVj7i9eqim_LGO_VAJ_vN7HCQtq-rzox9hKN2jj3Dq8/img.png?width=980" id="d9dc8" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="8574b90092484c3d2a449b099cf786c6" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" /><p>Haak Vineyards provides a refreshing wine to help kick off your Thanksgiving. Filled with rich melon and pineapple notes, Ensaio has a rich finish to help you enjoy the day cooking, munching on smooth cheeses or citrusy desserts. You can learn more about this wine at <a href="https://www.haakwine.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">haakwine.com</a>.</p>2019 Calais Winery Cuvee du Rocher Reserve, $36
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDgwNjE4NC9vcmlnaW4ucG5nIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY2NDQyOTc3Nn0.nVPN96n7-rY25Qu_rAQ7Lk6VIVQ4ARP-Kwer9M0Zeyo/img.png?width=980" id="57521" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="1e9b4e2372d95616ccdfbf35a6e274af" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" /><p>Like most sauvignon blancs, this light-bodied wine offers prominent citrusy aromatics yet it is elevated and finished with ripe pear, apricot and gooseberry notes. Pair this buttery sauvignon blanc with herb-filled sides, such as stuffing and soft cheese appetizers or an apple pie to finish off your Thanksgiving dinner. You can learn more about this wine at <a href="https://www.calaiswinery.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">calaiswinery.com</a>.<br></p>2018 Brennan Vineyards Roussanne, $18
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDgwNjE5MS9vcmlnaW4ucG5nIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY1MDI5ODY5M30.xOENqjjewnhqYk7D86MjNzCijANZg3Qmddhhjwaq9NI/img.png?width=980" id="6da4a" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="8ba7caadc009a601a307dfa5f14dc226" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" /><p>This roussanne is the perfect wine to pair at your table with hearty root vegetables and roasted turkey or ham. The wine offers notes of gala apples, papaya, dry mango and key lime for a crisp and sturdy finish. You can learn more about this wine at <a href="https://www.brennanvineyards.com/" target="_blank">brennanvineyards.com</a>.</p>2018 Duchman Family Winery Vermentino, $26
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDgwNjE5OC9vcmlnaW4ucG5nIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYzNzI0MDAyMH0.Kv_5KtI6sG0kssHcoqEICRWjRpgVhi6LZuvZB8rn4Uw/img.png?width=980" id="218d1" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="7a541b69cff9368723172f7211fa3ac1" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" />Duchman Winery
<p>With so many new normals in 2020, you might want to switch up your Thanksgiving dinner by adding some seafood options. If you are looking for a wine pairing to suit your needs or to add flavor to any herb-filled dish, try this award winning vermentino. You can learn more about this wine at <a href="https://www.duchmanwinery.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">duchmanwinery.com</a>.</p>2019 Landon Winery Viognier, $20
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDgwNjIwMS9vcmlnaW4ucG5nIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYzNDAzNjA4Nn0.ai8nCQ4HtVt2p7XT57kOBXenNI6lRWXNdBfhX9yqusA/img.png?width=980" id="aaa2e" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="2d6b206fa7ac7f45ae818e3fdc847262" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" /><p>No holiday meal is complete without dessert. If you are in search of a light-bodied wine to pair with your fruit tarts and pies, this Viognier will do any dessert justice. With a peach, melon, wet stone and citrus flavors, finish off your Thanksgiving dinner with this creamy wine. You can learn more about this wine at <a href="https://www.landonwinery.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">landonwinery.com</a>.</p>2017 Bending Branch Winery Cabernet Sauvignon, $50
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDgwNjIwNC9vcmlnaW4ucG5nIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY1OTU1MTA3OH0.DVeBrH8kkdWqGOcoltQZc83LLPEZrZTfVOSXsGVteas/img.png?width=980" id="7d84d" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="70cc366c0eb003396eb22cf8b159042f" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" /><p>This 2017 vintage of cabernet sauvignon has tasting notes of vanilla, red currant, black plum, leather, copper, figs, cinnamon, black pepper and warm herbs to fill the palate with a rich, intense finish. You can pair this cabernet sauvignon with red meats and sides with heavy herb influences. You can learn more about this wine at <a href="https://www.bendingbranchwinery.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">bendingbranchwinery.com</a>.</p>2017 Pedernales Cellars TX Malbec, $40
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDgwNjIxMC9vcmlnaW4ucG5nIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY2MjA4NjA0NH0.fQJ0amoXIjUsuDuLr7iX7Kgd1URmVEFQ4Zd8Q9HP0E0/img.png?width=980" id="75161" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="b1bbef5a3d4fe105689b4ddb5d71801a" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" /><p><br>It doesn't feel like a holiday dinner without a perfect Malbec to pair it with. With notes of plum, black cherry, currants, violets, earth and rosemary, this award winning Malbec by Pedernales Cellars can be a lovely pair for roasted meats and light cheese appetizers. You can learn more about this wine at <a href="https://www.pedernalescellars.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">pedernalescellars.com</a>.</p>2017 Kuhlman Cellars Zinfandel, $34
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDgwNjIxMi9vcmlnaW4ucG5nIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYyNTE3Nzg1OX0.t94GOwH-fUpKDnp9Bgbz8k3LJXdShqnwvn1ZFA_20VA/img.png?width=980" id="5c629" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="0c51053776822e0f5cfd4580994d1025" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" /><p>The savory characteristics of this zinfandel will pair perfectly with your Thanksgiving Turkey, and any other lighter meats at your dinner table. If you are a fan of lighter-bodied wines, this zinfandel will provide notes of roasted berries, dried cranberry and black tea leaves. You can learn more about this wine at <a href="https://www.kuhlmancellars.com/" target="_blank">kuhlmancellars.com</a>.</p>2013 Bending Branch Winery Tannat EM, $45
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDgwNjIxNS9vcmlnaW4ucG5nIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYyODMzNjc4MH0.PAL89dldrpFHFD4NINkRsfij4wAFAxGVix819jnEdWM/img.png?width=980" id="8e874" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="3c055c6444d0819b76911151f7199655" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" />Bending Branch Winery
<p>Amplify the rich taste of any holiday meal with this Texas tannat. Your savory dinner options, such as roasted meats and salty entrees, will happily pair with the acidity and notes of cola, spearmint, cedar and violets with this tannat. You can learn more about this wine at <a href="https://www.bendingbranchwinery.com/" target="_blank">bendingbranchwinery.com</a>.</p>2017 Kuhlman Cellars Reserve Merlot, $38
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDgwNjIyMy9vcmlnaW4ucG5nIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYyMTQ1MTkzOH0.0xAByeUklURkGx2z2EMbHkyvsrEKMEBi2gu8s3tjEeo/img.png?width=980" id="09a08" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="c35faec57e42af9bf9d76ae847660186" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" /><p>Looking for a Merlot to pair well with with a holiday roast? This classic French merlot is filled with rich aromas and significant notes of fresh figs and plums. Pair this wine with all of your favorite holiday meats such as ham, turkey or hearty sides. You can learn more about this wine at <a href="https://www.kuhlmancellars.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">kuhlmancellars.com</a>.</p>From Your Site Articles
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(Austonia staff)
A small private plane with a flat tire delayed flights out of Austin-Bergstrom International Airport for several hours on Sunday evening.
<p>The airplane, which busted its tire shortly before 6 p.m., was towed off the south end of the west side runway around 9 p.m. </p><p>During those hours it blocked part of the airport's only remaining runway, as the other has been temporarily closed for maintenance. </p><p>The blockage primarily impacted inbound flights, ABIA spokeswoman Mandy McClendon said. It also caused diversions for internal Texas flights. <br/></p><p>Some travelers affected by the delays took to social media.</p>
<div class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="05dc1322eebe689a391893078a917f8e" id="2e0ba"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet twitter-custom-tweet" data-partner="rebelmouse" data-twitter-tweet-id="1330763559073177601"><div style="margin:1em 0">@bravogolf @AUStinAirport Do you know what took so long? I was on a flight that got diverted back to DFW 3 minutes… https://t.co/dkEN8Py6Ha</div> — Doug Hjornevik (@Doug Hjornevik)<a href="https://twitter.com/rr1955/statuses/1330763559073177601">1606113731.0</a></blockquote></div>
<p><br/></p>
<div class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="3bd7c7181f7643e65cff3deb4065d5f4" id="cb10a"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet twitter-custom-tweet" data-partner="rebelmouse" data-twitter-tweet-id="1330792384238657537"><div style="margin:1em 0">@JamesMendezATX @JackFromHawaii @AUStinAirport @SouthwestAir Safe but real mad once I found out reason. Someone sho… https://t.co/hBrksrbWtJ</div> — Doug Hjornevik (@Doug Hjornevik)<a href="https://twitter.com/rr1955/statuses/1330792384238657537">1606120603.0</a></blockquote></div>
<p>More than one million people traveled by plan in the U.S. on Sunday, <a href="https://www.tsa.gov/coronavirus/passenger-throughput" target="_blank">according to TSA checkpoint travel numbers</a>. This represents less than half the number of fliers who traveled on the same day last year. </p>
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(Charlie L. Harper III)
More than eight months into the pandemic, area homeless shelters report fewer beds and volunteers due to social distancing protocols. But their clientele remains in need, so their staff have come up with new solutions, from using QR codes for donations to Thanksgiving sack meals.
With everyone being advised to limit interactions this Thanksgiving, Austonia takes a look at how Austin's shelters are coping with COVID.
<p><strong>Fewer shelter beds and volunteers </strong></p><p>Jason Whaley, communication manager for Austin's Salvation Army, said the pandemic has made their shelter space scarce. </p><p>"We had to reduce our overall shelter capacity just based off CDC guidelines," he said. "You know, we've made beds, separated them into over six feet apart."</p><p>But the changes have been effective. </p><p>"Now fortunately we have not had to deal with a COVID outbreak at any of our shelters so that's a very good thing, and I believe that the protocols had a lot to do with that," he said. <br/></p><p>That said, implementing safety procedures has cut down the number of badly needed volunteers. </p><p>"It certainly reduces the amount of volunteers we can actually have in the warehouse so we are most certainly cutting back in terms of just the amount of people for safety reasons," Whaley said, adding that this year those iconic red Salvation Army donation kettles will include QR codes, "so the people don't actually have to touch cash or touch the kettles."</p><p><strong>A move from downtown </strong></p><p>Monte Osburn, the executive director of The Foundation for the Homeless, said the pandemic has affected every aspect of his organization but especially its Feed My People program, which serves free breakfast every Tuesday and Thursday in downtown Austin.</p><p>"We would serve somewhere between four and six hundred per breakfast before COVID, and now it's down to maybe a hundred, 150, just because the population experiencing homelessness and needing that breakfast have kind of moved away from downtown into some other areas," he said. </p><p>Elaborating on the importance of the socializing aspect of the Feed My People program, Osburn said: "One of the draws for our clients to come in to have these breakfasts, it's not so much of the food, which is one type of sustenance, but they miss that connection with someone that they can speak to and just sit for a while and have a conversation with somebody rather than just surviving." </p><p>Volunteering at the foundation has been curbed significantly as well, as at other local organizations. But Osburn stressed that there are other ways to help beyond volunteering, including donating money and items such as masks and travel-sized personal hygiene products. </p><p>Another option: "Just becoming more knowledgeable about the issue," she said.</p><p><span></span><strong>Seeking warmth</strong></p><p>Amy Price, of Austin's Front Steps, said that another way to help the local homeless population is to donate a blanket through the organization's annual winter drive. </p><p> "Every year as winter arrives, there is a steady demand for blankets," she said. "We distribute blankets to shelter clients, individuals (who are) unsheltered and living in camps and outside places, and through the other nonprofits who work with people experiencing homelessness."</p><div class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="f507206fecaac07e6e2f6f40e1ddb4f3"><div class="fb-post" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/FrontSteps/posts/3316852551722087"></div></div><p>The goal this year is to get 1,300 blankets, and as Price explains, "We really need specific blankets, because the size and what the blankets are made of matters so much."<br/></p><p>After taking some time to talk to clients and staff, Front Steps learned which blankets worked best and what blankets did not work at all. </p><p>"Wool blankets are a no-go, because most people living rough have skin damage and the wool is terribly irritating to wind- (and) sun-burned skin. Cotton blankets are a no-go because they soak up moisture from dew, rain (and) sleet and they become too heavy to carry and there is no way to dry them. Small blankets don't keep out the wind and cold," she said. "Our clients are adult men, and they know those small fleeces won't keep them warm." The blankets to donate to Front Steps should be twin- or full-sized.</p><p><strong>Increased need </strong></p><p>Antwon R. Martin, of the SAFE Alliance, an organization which offers shelter and housing as well as counseling for at risk individuals, says the pandemic has increased the number of people seeking shelter from abuse. "There are more people coming to SAFE for support, but the amount of shelter space we have, as always, is extremely limited," says Martin.</p><p>Due to the pandemic, volunteers are down and even basic fundraising has become a problem for the organization. </p><p>"Because of COVID-19, we couldn't hold our big fundraising events in person this year," Martin said. "Our annual gala raises more than $1 million each year, but we had to convert it to a digital event, which raised about $620,000. So we're doing everything we can to provide a high level of support to survivors of violence and abuse while finding ways to offset the decrease in donations."</p><p>The pandemic, with its shelter-in-place strictures, has made it particularly difficult for individuals who are risking abuse by simply staying at home.</p><p>"For many, home isn't a safe place," says Martin. "When someone is isolating inside a home with a partner or caregiver who uses abuse, the chance to reach out for support may never happen."</p><p><strong>Building community</strong><br/></p><p>Alan Graham, the founder and CEO of Mobile Loaves and Fishes, is used to organizing a big Thanksgiving meal in downtown Austin, but this year things will be different.</p><p>"We're doing it outside, and we'll end up making some simple sack meals that people can come and pick up and take away," he said. "So the intimacy of what we do has got to be postponed for this year and hopefully we'll be back next year."</p><div class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="ee3a82aae9565713faa188d4c69dd10f" id="d72bf"><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-version="4" style=" background:#FFF; border:0;
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</div></blockquote></div><p>For Graham, whose organization not only brings out food to people daily but also runs Community First Village in far East Austin, the communal aspect is key to his work.</p><p>"Our belief in what homelessness is is not that you're without a house," he said. "We believe that housing is important, we believe housing is necessary but it is still insufficient as far as what the human person needs. And we have a saying at Mobile Loaves & Fishes that housing will never solve homelessness but community will."</p>
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With COVID-19 cases surging in Travis County and a return to Stage 4 of Austin Public Health's risk-based guidelines, Austin ISD is considering a return to remote learning, according to an email sent to parents on Friday.
<p>Austin ISD Superintendent Stephanie Elizalde said the district was "evaluating the option of temporarily transitioning to remote-only instruction" in the week following Thanksgiving and that a firm decision will be announced no later than Wednesday. </p><p>Elizalde added that after eight months of the pandemic the district has learned that sometimes health guidelines sometimes call for quick pivots. She also urged parents to have their children bring school supplies home with them today.</p><p>Her full statement is <a href="https://www.austinisd.org/announcements/2020/11/20/message-from-superintendent-stephanie-s-elizalde-staying-prepared" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">posted here</a>.</p><p>Between Nov. 9 and Nov. 15, AISD reported more COVID-19 cases than any other school district in Travis County: nearly a quarter of total student cases and more than half of staff cases reported that week, according to Austin Public Health. </p><p><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/8W1bZnFGzkFX2NzBtJ3tCLB1C3uW8q8paGZlcz0UKaB6unopQ578H2sqlXduOAq4KoKghvzLWQyNED12Qb6yyO-UqIa7tClfha1hHfYKw-PPe3Xymup4EYcC8Xxouydu91s0diLK"/></p><p><a href="https://www.kxan.com/news/local/austin/austin-high-school-shifts-to-remote-learning-after-steady-rise-in-covid-19-cases/" target="_blank">AISD also paused in-person learning</a> at Austin High School on Nov. 16, resuming remote-only classes, after school officials grew concerned about the growing number of COVID-19 cases on campus.</p><p>AHS was only closed for three days; it was the first and only campus AISD closed again since opening back up. The school also offered drive-thru testing.</p><p>Austin-Travis County's COVID-19 dashboard shows that almost 4,500 children aged 1-19 have had the virus with no deaths, and local health officials have said the classroom setting is still safe for children. Most cases have been traced to extracurricular and social activities. </p><p>Hospitals in the Austin metro are reporting 79% occupancy, and officials are again sounding the alarm that area ICUs could soon be at capacity if residents don't take more precautions, especially over the Thanksgiving holiday. <br/></p><p>Dr. Mark Escott, Austin-Travis County Public Health's interim health authority, said that if Austin isn't careful, "Thanksgiving is going to be bad and Christmas may look worse."<br/></p>
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