March is shaping up to be the month of music here in Waco. This weekend, Waco is showing up for the music scene in preparation for SXSW, Austin’s South by Southwest Music Festival. Waco venues all over the city will be having shows with local bands and performers. Some of our local performers will even showcase at the SXSW festival next weekend. Go out and be loud this weekend and support our local artists and music community, Wacotown!
Local artists, Pirscription and Wacotron are heading to the festival this year. ‘Script has attended SXSW for some seven years, but this time he will performing at The Smoke Out ATX’s official SXSW showcase. With a recently released album, “This is Change” hitting the Top #100 list on ITunes in all genres and ranked #3 in Rap/Hip Hop category it’s safe to say this year is off to a great start for the artist! Also, check out the Private Hip Hop Podcast with Rogue Media Network for more on local (and beyond) up and coming artists.
The Music community is continuing to grow with the recent Live Showcase Saturdays with the new addition of The Texas Music Cafe at 600 Columbus Ave. This addition to the Waco downtown sphere has been drawing musical artists and acts from across the country. Plus, the Backyard here in Waco is building quite a reputation with names like Snoop Dogg and the Rapper Nelly!
- Join in Friday March 11th for the free East Waco Music Fest held at Brotherwell Brewing, 400 E. Bridge st. Friday’s music festival will feature Pirscription & Friends, WacoTron, J Soulja, Kam KT and DQ Hampton, DJ Precyse, The DiMaggios, Ben Atkins and the Tent Revival, and American Merit. Brotherwell Brewing opens the show at 5 p.m. with music from DJ Matt At Home starting at 6 p.m..
- Usher in the spring season with Magnolia Market at the Silos along with dozens of makers, artisans, and vendors from across the country, who are bringing their passions and products right here to Waco. Shop the vendor fair from 9 am to 6 pm each day, enjoy live music from 9:30 am to 5:20 pm, and experience a whole lot more. While you shop, eat, and play on the grounds, you can enjoy live music by artists from across the country.
- The Texas Music Cafe will dedicate its next two Saturday night shows at Nexus Esports, 600 Columbus Ave., to performers with SXSW or Austin connections. This Saturday’s show, March 12th, offers well-known Waco-area musician John Dempsy, and Waco rock ’n’ roll band Far From Reach.
- Rogue Media Network is proud to host four amazing out-of-town bands with some roots to the Cen-Tex area. The bands are making the trek to Waco for an awesome night of original music and jams. We have Longmire from Conroe, TX, Cujo & the Wide Open from Spring, TX, Garden Party from Conroe, TX, and Dayblazer from Fort Worth, TX. It’s going to be a fun night of hanging and enjoying music in downtown Waco. This event is sponsored by Music Magic Art!
- Come celebrate Truelove’s 10th year with a full day of live music featuring: Richard Donavann, Leaf Village, The Hawks & The Found, Dead Horse Creek, Rewound, and The Dimaggios. After the show, the party continues as DJ Rewound spins the freshest of tunes on the back patio, Faux Maux will be offering a custom menu to commemorate the event, and the stage will be turned over to the patrons for an evening of karaoke.
- Come see LA duo, Junaco, on their road trip to SXSW for a night of music and vibes in Waco Tuesday, March 15th at Cultivate 7Twelve. Bring your friends and your family to hear mellow bursts of epiphany and pleas of gentle seduction that give way to driving grooves. Doors open at 7 p.m., and the show starts at 8 p.m..
- On March 17th hit up The Backyard for Bishop Reicher’s biggest party of the year – the Saint Patrick’s Day Bash! The featured entertainment for the evening will be The Huser Brother Band, born and raised in Waco. You will enjoy the Brother’s soulful, rockin’, country mix. In addition, there will be delicious food and, of course, plenty of beverages. Get your tickets now and get ready for a fantastic evening to help support Bishop Reicher Catholic School!
- With the newly-released debut album “Timeless Present”, singer-songwriter Ryan The Son is moving onto the scene. Fans of Indie Pop, RnB, Singer-Songwriter, and even Hip-Hop can find their voice at some point in each genre blending music project and performance. “Ry & Friends” is a collaboration between Ryan The Son and Growing Pens (a local community of writers), where the aim is to host a night of creative expression and organic connection. This will include short performances by local writers/poets, brief crowd Q&A, and a full performance of reimagined songs by Ryan The Son and his band. Join them March 18th at Common Grounds around 6:30 p.m. for a great time.
Big shoutout to Keep Waco Loud (Katie & Jacob @ Stay Classy) , Creative Waco and the Waco Convention & Visitors Bureau!
WACO, TEXAS (FEBRUARY 11, 2022) – The Waco-McLennan County Public Health District will host 11 free COVID-19 vaccination clinics February 13 – February 19. The Johnson & Johnson, Moderna and Pfizer vaccines and boosters are available. The Pfizer vaccine for children 5 to 11 years of age is available at all locations. Parents or a consenting adult must accompany their minor children to receive the vaccine. Walk-Ins are welcome and registration for a scheduled appointment is available at covidwaco.com.
- Monday through Friday
- Waco-McLennan County Public Health District (225 W. Waco Dr.) from 8 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.
- Sunday, February 13th vaccination clinic:
- Central Presbyterian Church (9191 Woodway Dr.) from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- Monday, February 14th vaccination clinic:
- Goodwill Industries (1700 S. New Rd.) from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Tuesday, February 15th clinics:
- La Vega High School Cafeteria (555 TX-340 Loop) from 4:30 p.m. – 7 p.m. You do not need to be a student to attend this clinic.
- Valley Mills ISD High School (1 Eagle Way) from 4:30 p.m. – 7 p.m. You do not need to be a student to attend this clinic.
- Wednesday, February 16th clinics:
- Holy Spirit Episcopal Church (1624 Wooded Acres) from Noon – 6 p.m.
- Transformation Waco at Estella Maxey (1809 JJ Flewellen Rd.) from 4 p.m. -7 p.m. You do not need to be a student to attend this clinic.
- Thursday, February 17th clinics:
- Axtell ISD (308 Ottawa) from 4 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. You do not need to be a student to attend this clinic.
- Robinson Intermediate Campus (605 S. Old Robinson Rd.) from 4:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. You do not need to be a student to attend this clinic.
- Saturday, February 19th clinics:
- Robinson’s Shepherd’s Heart Food Pantry (106 W. Lyndale Dr.) from 8 a.m. – Noon.
- University High School Cafeteria (3201 S. New Rd.) from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. You do not need to be a student to attend this clinic.
February is Heart Health Month and we’re celebrating with an adventure! Show your heart some love by joining Walk with a Doc, a safe, fun, and FREE place to get some steps, learn about health, and meet new friends.
Walk with a Doc was started in 2005 by Dr. David Sabgir, a cardiologist in Columbus, Ohio. Frustrated with his inability to affect behavior change in the clinical setting, Dr. Sabgir invited his patients to go for a walk with him in a local park on a spring Saturday morning. To his surprise, over 100 people showed up, energized and ready to move. Since that first event in 2005, Walk with a Doc has grown as a grassroots effort with a model based on sustainability and simplicity. A doctor gives a brief presentation on a health topic and then leads participants on a walk at their own pace. The Walk focused on building a program that could easily be implemented by interested doctors in other cities around the country. As a result of these efforts, the reach of Walk with a Doc now extends all around the globe with over 500 chapters worldwide, including Walk with a Future Doc chapters led by medical students!
Walking is one of the best things you can do for your health. Many diseases, conditions, and ailments can be prevented or even healed by participating in regular physical activity. Fortunately, even moderate-intensity aerobic activity such as walking can provide these health benefits.
Benefits of Walking
- Physical and mental benefits
- Maintaining or obtaining a healthy weight
- Decreased risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer
- Decreased blood pressure and improved cholesterol
- Prevention and management of type 2 diabetes and arthritis pain
- Lowered risk of depression and improved mood
Our next Waco walk will be on Thursday, February 17, from 5:00 – 6:00 p.m. at the Community Gathering Space, 1610 Providence Drive. All future walks will be held on the 3rd Thursday of every month.
WACO, TEXAS (February 11, 2021) – The City of Waco is pleased to announce the selection of Michelle Hicks as the City Secretary, joining the City on May 2, 2022. Michelle began her career in municipal government with the City of Lacy Lakeview in 2003 and brings experience in a variety of government departments, including her most recent role as the Assistant City Manager/City Secretary.
Michelle is a member of the Central Texas Municipal Clerks Association, Texas Municipal Clerks Association, and International Institute of Municipal Clerks. Additionally, she is a Trustee for the TMCA Executive Board and served as the President of the Central Texas Municipal Clerks Association for two years. Michelle obtained her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration through Tarleton State University.
Michelle received her certification from the University of North Texas through the Texas Municipal Clerks Association in January 2015 and completed the CPM (Certified Public Manager) program through Texas State University’s William P. Hobby Center for Public service in 2017.
The City Secretary is responsible for the maintenance of all official City records, manages the community’s annual municipal elections and is a critical member of the City leadership team; providing guidance to the Mayor, City Council, and staff throughout the organization.
City Mayor Dillion Meek said, “I am excited to announce the hiring of Michelle for this key leadership role with the City of Waco. Michelle brings expertise in ensuring open and transparent municipal government, and we look forward to having her work collaboratively with elected and appointed city leaders in serving the community.”
It is no surprise that if you ask Wacoans if they know Alfred Solano, CEO of the Cen-Tex Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, they will enthusiastically say, “Yes!”. Solano has spent the past three years championing the mission of the Hispanic Chamber, and will now transition into a new role within the Waco community.
Alfred Solano’s tenure with the Hispanic Chamber will end this February, but his legacy will live on. Characterized by his strategic ability to build bridges within the community and across a wide intersection of businesses, Alfred has served the organization well.
“The past three years and eight months have been a dream, and I believe that my time as the President/CEO of the Hispanic Chamber has advanced our mission,” said Solano. “I have been presented with a fabulous local opportunity to continue to serve the Central Texas community.”
The Hispanc Chamber serves as one of the region’s leading advocates for economic and civic interests, with a key focus on promoting the economic, educational, and social development of the business community in Waco and Central Texas. The Hispanic Chamber has held numerous events over the years in order to engage businesses and local hispanic leaders, such as the Hispanic Leaders Network. Recently, the chamber has expanded its efforts to focus on the LaSalle Corridor development with a newly-hired Director of Economic Development.
“Alfred really came in and took the reins of this organization during a difficult time and lifted the Cen-Tex Hispanic Chamber to heights we never could have dreamt of.” Board President, Jonathan Olvera says, “Our membership growth and engagement from the community grew because of him. He really put the Hispanic Chamber on the map, not just because of the visibility, but through his passion and the trust he built within the community. He really was the leader we needed.”
While reflecting on the Hispanic Chamber’s intent and purpose, Solano remarked, “One of the main objectives of the Hispanic Chamber has been to ready leaders for the moment when an opening is present so that they can take a chance. Now it is time for me to take that chance. An official announcement will be forthcoming in the near future. I am extremely appreciative of the support of my staff, board of directors, businesses and funding partners,” Solano said.
The Hispanic Chamber board of directors are now searching for the next CEO. All applicants can apply wacohispanicchamber.com and submit their cover letter and resume. The application period will close February 14.
Transformation Waco Health Services Communications
Vision Center – English
All students ages 6 and up at Transformation Waco and Waco ISD campuses can receive a FREE eye exam and glasses at the Bernard and Audre Rapoport Vision Center at the Greater Waco Advanced Health Care Academy. Exams are held during school hours and transportation is provided for students. All you have to do is contact your child’s school nurse for an exam, and they will help set up an appointment. Here’s a short video about what you can expect from a visit with our staff optometrist.
For more information, visit transformationwaco.org/vision-center.
Vision Center – Spanish
El Centro de la Visión Bernard y Audre Rapoport en la Academia de Atención Médica Avanzada de Waco ofrece exámenes de la vista y anteojos gratuitos a todos los estudiantes del Distrito Escolar Independiente de Waco mayores de 6 años. Los exámenes se llevan a cabo durante el horario escolar, y se proporciona transporte para los estudiantes de Transformation Waco. Todo lo que tienes que hacer es contactar a la enfermera de tu escuela para un examen y ellos te ayudarán a programar una cita. Aquí hay un breve video sobre lo que puede esperar de una visita con nuestro optometrista personal.
Para obtener más información, visite transformationwaco.org/vision-center.
Telehealth for Schools – English
All Transformation Waco students have access to a service called Telehealth for Schools, where a safe and confidential video visit with a Waco Family Medicine clinician is possible right on the school nurse’s computer. Telehealth for Schools is like a regular doctor’s office visit at Waco Family Medicine but with the added convenience that appointments are conducted at a student’s campus. This service is affordable and is free for students on Medicaid. Here’s a short video about what you can expect from a visit.
For more information, visit transformationwaco.org/telehealth.
Telehealth for Schools – Spanish
Todos los estudiantes de Transformation Waco tienen acceso a un servicio llamado Telehealth for Schools, donde una visita por video segura y confidencial con un médico de Waco Family Medicine es posible directamente en la computadora de la enfermera de la escuela. Telehealth for Schools es como una visita al consultorio médico habitual en Waco Family Medicine, pero con la conveniencia adicional de que las citas se llevan a cabo en un campus del estudiante. Este servicio es barato y gratis para estudiantes en Medicaid. Aquí hay un breve video sobre lo que puede esperar de una visita.
Para obtener más información, visite transformationwaco.org/telehealth.
From the City of Waco
Five Waco’s have filed for the May 7 City Council election. Positions on the City of Waco ballot include City of Waco Mayor, Council District I and III. Also, the District II special election filing period began Feb. 2 and will differ from the general election filing.
Listed below are the names of those who have filed as of 5 p.m. Feb. 2.
| Mayor Date Filed: 1/19/2022 Dillon Meek 3317 Castle Ave. Waco, TX 76710 Phone: 361-782-8480 Occupation: Attorney | |||
| District I Date Filed: 1/25/2022 Andrea Jackson Barefield 2205 Lindsey Hollow Rd. Waco, TX 76708 Phone: 254-307-9407 Occupation: Executive Director | |||
| District II Date Filed: 2/2/2022 Armando Arvizu 1705 Park Ave. Waco, TX 76706 Phone: 254 413-3417 Occupation: Caregiver | District II Date Filed: 2/2/2022 Tiffany Vidaña 3001 Mildred St. Waco, TX 76706 Phone: 254 717-3987 Occupation: Substitute Teacher | District III Date Filed: 1/19/2022 Josh Borderud 3115 Austin Ave. Waco, TX 76710 Phone: 254 710-4244 Occupation: Attorney |
The last day to file for the General Election is Friday, Feb. 18, at 5 p.m. The last day to file an application for the Special Election will be Monday, March 7, at 5 p.m. Applications should be filed with the city secretary at the City of Waco City Secretary’s Office, 300 Austin Ave., 1st floor of City Hall. Contact the City Secretary’s Office during normal business hours of Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 254-750-5750 to schedule an appointment.
The Act Locally Waco blog publishes posts with a connection to these aspirations for Waco. If you are interested in writing for the Act Locally Waco Blog, please email the ALW team — [email protected].
By Deneece Ferrales
Feb. 7 is National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. Uriah Robertson and the team at Waco-McLennan Public Health District who work in the clinic for HIV/AIDS services are preparing to use the occasion to raise HIV/AIDS awareness and encourage testing.“
Studies show that African Americans make up about 45 or 47 percent of new HIV diagnoses,” Robertson said. “Amongst women, we are seeing that African American women are 57 percent of new diagnoses. So, how do we decrease the numbers? We have to educate, advocate, encourage routine testing and so much more.”
As a risk reduction specialist, Robertson said his job is to “work with the community to provide intervention and prevention tools. We even perform HIV testing and encourage the importance of knowing your status.” Risk reduction specialists “have those conversations that others are afraid to have. We work to build rapport with our clients so we can get out into the clinic so that we can get the word out about our services while also working to break down the walls of stigma about HIV/AIDS.”
According to HIV.gov, a website managed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, he first Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day was held in 1999 as a grassroots opportunity to raise awareness in minority communities. In 2001, the day was given national status. This became needed as the number of new infections were disproportionately affecting people of color, particularly Black communities. At that point, new cases of HIV were escalating so quickly in the Black community that national leaders and the Centers for Disease Control began concerted efforts to combat the spread of HIV/AIDS in communities of color. According to the CDC, the history of these efforts includes:
- In 1998, the Congressional Black Caucus joined African American leaders from all over the U.S. to declare a “state of emergency” and created the Minority AIDS Initiative to offer funding for prevention efforts in Black communities. The CDC launched an array of prevention efforts aimed at preventing the spread of HIV among African Americans as a result of this funding.
- In 2000, HIV cases among Black and Latino men exceeded cases among White men, which was disproportionate to the general population, thus calling attention to health inequities surrounding the spread of HIV/AIDS.
- In 2007, the CDC launched its expanded HIV testing initiative to increase testing opportunities, primarily among African Americans.
- In 2008, the Black AIDS Institute reported that if Black America were its own country, it would rank 16th in the world in terms of number of people with HIV. It was estimated that 1 in 16 Black men would contract HIV/AIDS in their lifetime (approximately 6% of the population) and 1 in 32 Black women would contract HIV/AIDS in their lifetime.
- In 2010, the Obama Administration released first National HIV/AIDS strategy for the United States, which called on the nation to focus HIV prevention efforts on those at greatest risk, including African Americans.
Despite these efforts, sadly, this has not changed in the past 23 years. African Americans, more than any other race, have the highest rates of HIV infection in the nation. Black Americans account for approximately 14% of the U.S. population, but nearly half of those living and dying with HIV and AIDS are Black. Within this population, gay and bisexual men are the most affected, followed by heterosexual women. AIDS is the third leading cause of death among Black women aged 25–34 and 35– 44 and among Black men aged 35–44 (CDC).
Not only does this health inequity appear in the number of African Americans contracting HIV/AIDS, it also appears in the treatment of HIV/AIDS. Compared to all other persons with HIV, African Americans had the lowest rates of viral suppression. According to the CDC, out of every 100 Black persons living with HIV, only 63 are receiving some type of HIV care, 48 of 100 were retained in HIV care, and 51 of 100 were virally suppressed. This means that little more than half of all African Americans living with HIV received any type of treatment.
Though HIV is preventable, prevention remains the biggest challenge and further calls attention to the health inequities around this disease in Black communities. The challenges to prevention efforts include the stigma of a positive HIV status, people not having awareness of their HIV status, homophobia, racism, and mistrust of the healthcare system.
Lack of awareness of one’s HIV status can also lead to poor HIV treatment outcomes. Further, STI rates among African Americans are higher than among any other minority group, and there is a link between being diagnosed with other Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) and contracting HIV.
Lastly, persons experiencing poverty, which is higher in Black communities, are less likely to have access to quality healthcare for HIV, stable housing, and HIV prevention services.
So where do we start in addressing this health inequity? The most important place to begin is to encourage testing. If HIV is left untreated, chronic illness and death are the likely outcomes.
The first step to preventing this is for a person to know his or her status. Knowing one’s status can also prevent the further spread of HIV. Health professionals must continue to partner with Black community leaders to make outreach efforts aimed at more testing and increased awareness of prevention.
HIV treatment and prevention has come a long way in the past three decades. On Feb. 7, it is important to increase awareness of the continued need to address HIV prevention and treatment, particularly in Black communities. This is also a great day to encourage testing and the importance of knowing your status. Together, we can continue that fight to eradicate HIV/AIDS.
Deneece Ferrales, Ph.D., is director of health initiatives for Prosper Waco.
The Act Locally Waco blog publishes posts with a connection to these aspirations for Waco. If you are interested in writing for the Act Locally Waco Blog, please email the ALW team — [email protected].
The Bridge2Health Program is aimed at reducing the burden of obesity and chronic diseases in Waco-McLennan County to improve population health and quality of life. The Waco-McLennan County Public Health District will be offering two free classes starting in February to promote healthy living and prevent chronic disease among community members, Health 360 and Create Better Health.
Starting February 10th, classes are every Thursday from 6-7 pm via zoom.
Sign Up Now
Health 360 is a 1-year class for people that are at risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes to help them prevent or delay Type 2 Diabetes through nutrition and physical activity. Health 360 starts on February 8th and will meet every Tuesday with two session options, 1-2PM and 6-7PM.
Create Better Health is a 16-week class that helps people gain the skills to be active and eat healthy on a budget.
Sign Up Now
If you have any questions call: 254-750-5435
Four Waco residents filed for places on the City of Waco ballot in the May 7 general election. Positions on the ballot include mayor and council member for Districts I and III. Also, a special election will be included to select someone to fill an unexpired term for District II.
The following candidates filed by 5 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 19:
Mayor — Dillon Meek, attorney
District II — Armando Arvizu, caregiver, and Tiffany Vidaña, substitute teacher
District III — Josh Borderud, attorney
The last day to file is Friday, Feb. 18, at 5 p.m. to have the name of the candidate placed on the ballot, should be filed with the City Secretary in the City of Waco City Secretary’s Office, 300 Austin Ave., 1st Floor of City Hall. Because City Hall is closed due to COVID-19 restrictions, call the City Secretary’s Office during normal business hours of Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 254-750-5750.