Chess in the Park is back at the 2024 Chris Riley Memorial Wooldridge Square Tournament. The event, which will feature a K-12 student section and an open section for all ages, will take place on Nov. 3. The tournament has been officially renamed after former City Council Member Chris Riley, who passed in July and was a dedicated supporter of community chess, volunteering to organize matches most Saturdays at Wooldridge Square Park from 2003 to 2023 and co-founding the project. This year’s tournament will take place at the park  from noon until 5 p.m., with registration required. That registration is now open and can be found here.

This Saturday, Oct. 26, Travis County and the Drug Enforcement Administration will collect unwanted prescription drugs from the public as part of National Take Back Day. The day helps people safely dispose of expired, unused or unneeded medications in an effort to help make communities safer. According to a press release from the county, “the misuse and improper disposal of expired and unwanted drugs is a growing problem nationwide and also threatens local water supplies.” On Saturday, residents can drop off medications (barring syringes) anonymously and at no cost at any of the five Travis County Constable Precincts between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

If you’re contemplating launching a small business, or transitioning your existing online business to brick-and-mortar, the city is here to help. BizAid Business Orientation, a program of Austin’s Economic Development Department, is “an introductory class designed to equip aspiring business owners with the knowledge and resources to kickstart their entrepreneurial journey seamlessly.” The class will help you to “navigate the intricate landscape of city, state and federal regulations and gain invaluable insights” into the city’s development process. Sounds like a no-brainer to us. Register on Eventbrite. 5202 E. Ben White Blvd., Suite 300, Wednesday, Nov. 6, 9-10:30 a.m.

Why not skip the crowds and long lines on Election Day (Nov. 5), and vote at your convenience? Early voting in Texas begins Monday and ends Friday, Nov. 1. There are dozens of early voting locations across Travis County: Here’s a list that includes addresses and hours of operation. You may vote wherever you see the “Vote Here/Aqui” sign displayed. Want to know what your ballot will contain before you skip merrily off to vote? Just enter your name and birthdate in the nifty voter lookup, and you’ll get to see your very own personalized sample ballot.

Not many people may know this, but poll worker isn’t the only election job available during next month’s election. If you’re interested in being an election worker, Travis County has many paid positions available, from early voting poll worker to ballot-by-mail clerk to supply preparation worker and truck driver, at multiple locations throughout the county. Workers must be registered to vote in Travis County and be able to attend a training before starting their jobs. Being bilingual (English and Spanish) is a huge plus, but not required. The pay is $20-$22/hour. You can find descriptions of all the positions and apply online here.

Mayoral candidate Kathie Tovo and Mayor Kirk Watson are both advertising parties to get their supporters excited about voting. And Tovo is hoping to add more money to her campaign fund. Tovo has announced a “pre-election bash” at Batch Kolaches at 3220 Manor Road on Thursday, Oct. 17, from 6 to 8 p.m. She’s calling it a party to thank volunteers who have worked on her campaign, though she notes she’s still looking for additional donations. At Watson’s event, a “get-out-the-vote rally,” he’ll be joined by March for Our Lives co-founder David Hogg, Travis County Democratic Party Chair Pooja Sethi, City Council Member Zo Qadri and the University Democrats. West Mall at UT, Tuesday, Oct. 22 at 4 p.m. Candidates for mayor also include Doug Greco, Carmen Llanes Pulido, and Jeffery Bowen. Early voting starts Monday.

With the sun blazing overhead it may not feel like it, but we’re on the cusp of flu season once again. Getting the flu is a truly miserable experience, but it’s entirely avoidable with just a quick jab. Austin Public Health has several convenient clinics scattered around the city offering free flu vaccines for kids and adults. The next clinic will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 15, from 9 a.m.-noon, at the Blackland Neighborhood Center, 2005 Salina St. You can find a schedule for flu clinics at different locations around the city over the next few months here.

Another weekend in Austin, another huge, festive, traffic-snarling event. But those who enjoy moving their bodies will rejoice at the news that the 28th annual Livestrong Challenge is coming to town this Sunday. Cyclists may choose from 20-, 45-, 65- or 100-mile routes while runners and walkers will be challenged by timed 5K or 10K courses around Lady Bird Lake. All routes wind up at Auditorium Shores, where participants are welcome to partake of festivities, enjoy food and drink, and snag their very own event T-shirt. Find details, registration info and start times here. Sunday, Oct. 20, 7:30 a.m.

Stalwart environmentalist Mary Ann Neely, who has served on the boards of a variety of environmental organizations and worked for environmental causes for more than a quarter of a century, will be receiving a lifetime achievement award from TreeFolks. In addition to advocating for the environment with TreeFolks, Neely was a member of the city’s Environmental Commission from 2007 to 2020 and was state director of Clean Water Action. She has served on the boards of the Save Barton Creek Association and Barton Springs Conservancy. In addition, she spearheaded the Zilker Gateway Median Project to beautify the entrances to the park and was vice president of the Barton Hills Garden Club. She is still active with a variety of Democratic organizations, including Austin Environmental Democrats. Several years ago, she retired from the Lower Colorado River Authority, where she worked in community relations. She also spent some time with Austin Energy and was campaign manager for Roger Duncan during his successful 1981 and 1983 campaigns for City Council. Neely will be honored at TreeFolks’ Root Ball Gala, at Pecan Springs Ranch, from 6-10 p.m. Oct. 17. Find ticket info and more details here.

Capital Metro is seeking participants for an online survey to help the agency craft its Transit Plan 2035, which is intended to identify the area’s transit needs through the next decade. The survey is open until Oct. 18, and there is a community open house scheduled for 4-8 p.m. Oct. 10 at Millennium Youth Entertainment Complex. Online survey participants are eligible to win a $100 HEB gift card. The public participation process is scheduled to run through next spring, followed by final recommendations. Adoption by relevant local bodies is expected by fall 2025.

The city is encouraging local schools to participate in Wednesday’s National Walk and Roll to School Day, which invites students, teachers and staff to use pedestrian-friendly options to start the school day. Organizers tout the health benefits of walking as well as its role in reducing traffic and air pollution from vehicle exhaust fumes. The city’s Safe Routes to School Program will provide the standard crossing guards and other resources to help participants navigate safely to their neighborhood school. As of Monday, 36 schools in Austin had registered to participate in the effort.

Austin is ready for its first-ever poet laureate, and applications are now open through Nov. 30. The selected poet will serve a two-year term starting April 2025. Applicants for the position must be published, at least 21 years old and must have worked or lived in the city for at least three years, with plans to continue living here throughout their poet laureate term. They will receive an annual salary of $25,000, plus $10,000 for program expenses associated with establishing and leading poetry- and literacy-related programming at Austin Public Library. More information about the program, application process and selection criteria can be found here.