Press Release
Grassroots Community Development is proud to announce a phase V of its highly successful roof repair program to help low income families with repairing their roofs. In the rainy months we receive calls from families with terrible roof problems. This fifth phase of our program hopes to address some of that need. Grassroots Community Development is finishing up the completion of 125 roof repairs for families and is starting a Phase V of these efforts.
The services provided by Grassroots Community Development Corporation are made possible in part through a grant from the City of Waco. The program is free to low-income families that live in the City of Waco. We have enough funds to repair around 15 roofs. We will open up enrollment for the program August 15th with a deadline to accept applications of October 15th. We will begin evaluating homes in October/November, then we will be hiring roofing contractors to complete the roofing projects.
Applications are available at our office or via our Website: www.GrassrootsWaco.org or we can email you an application.
For more information about the Roof Repair Program or about Grassroots Community Development call Mike Stone 254-235-7358 Ext 206
About Grassroots Community Development Grassroots Community Development was formed in 2001 and is located at 1624 Colcord Avenue. Our mission is “committed to a brighter future for children, neighbors and communities.”
Grassroots Community Development is committed to a brighter future for children, neighbors and communities. The organization operates with the mindset that cultivating healthy neighborhoods is more than just building attractive and affordable homes. Community members must work alongside each other to create sustainable change. Building intentional and authentic relationships with neighbors is at the heart of what Grassroots does. The team at Grassroots aims to bring neighbors together to work towards community driven change. Children are served through community supported reading clubs at the elementary schools. Neighbors are served through leadership development training classes, and free education and counseling to prepare families to become homeowners. Communities are served through roof and external home repair programs for the disabled and elderly, building new homes and community enhancement projects. Contact the team for how they can help you.
Visit http://www.GrassrootsWaco.org or the Facebook page https://facebook.com/ GrassrootsCommunityDevelopmentWaco to learn more information about Grassroots Community Development.
Press release –
As the Texas summer heat settles in and the index raises to triple digits, The Salvation Army reminds people about their cooling station open in downtown Waco, open to anyone seeking some salvation from the heat.
The cooling center is conveniently located at 300 Webster Avenue and remains open until 4:30pm, closing only briefly to allow the staff to prepare for dinner service when the center reopens its doors as the Community Kitchen, ready to serve anyone seeking a nourishing meal.
“The cooling center is open any day the temperature or heat-index reaches 100 degrees or higher, which it is doing pretty consistently” says Jorge Delgado, The Salvation Army Shelter Director. “Prolonged extreme heat, as is about more than discomfort, it is a public health risk. Our cooling centers are open to everyone. Guests can stay for hours, or simply stop-in to cool-off and have a refreshment before continuing with their day” said Delgado. “Our guests run the gamut” he continued, “Some may be homeless or residents living in homes without air conditioning. They may work outside or be one of the passersby strolling through downtown. The dangers of extreme heat can affect anyone, from any walk of life, which is why we welcome all to stop in our center.”
Cooling centers truly do serve the health of the community by providing two things necessary to reduce the risk of heat exposure:
- Hydration. It’s especially important for people to drink water before they get thirsty and to continue drinking throughout the day.
- Cool-down time. Time spent in air-conditioned environments helps the body cool off and lessens the likelihood of getting overheated.
Refreshments, including water and snacks, have been provided by the community. The Salvation Army is most in need of donations of bottled water or beverages so they may continue serving during these final days of summer.
This summer heat also serves as a reminder to check on neighbors such as the elderly, shut-ins, or those neighbors living in much older homes with insufficient cooling systems. The Salvation Army has several box fans available free of charge to anyone in need, thanks to a recent Fan Drive with Keith ACE Hardware locations throughout Central Texas.
Contact The Salvation Army at 254-756-7271 for additional information.
By Amy Hammerton
August has somehow sneaked up on us again, which means back to school season is in full swing. For college students, going back to school means lots of additional expenses. Between tuition, text books, and housing costs, it’s no secret that college is expensive. With all these costs, it can be hard to find room in your budget for the fun stuff like a new wardrobe for the new semester and cute dorm decor. But don’t worry because there is a solution for all your budget-conscious needs: shop at Goodwill. Thrifting is the best, most sustainable option for updating your wardrobe, decorating your dorm room, and finding just what you need to start off the school year right.
Buying secondhand at Goodwill means you can find stylish (even name brand!) clothes at a tiny fraction of what you would normally pay—perfect for the tight college budget. And Goodwill has something for every occasion. So whether you’re looking for workout gear, an outfit for a night out, or that pair of comfy sweatpants you’re probably going to live in come finals week, Goodwill has got you covered.
You can also find almost everything you need to deck out your dorm or apartment. Need a lamp, end table, desk, or chair? Why not check Goodwill for some of the best deals you’re likely to find anywhere. You can also find wall décor and picture frames perfect for displaying all your favorite college memories. And don’t forget to check the glassware section for storage options for all your desk supplies and knickknacks. Especially if you get a little creative with it, the possibilities are nearly endless.
Not only can you score great finds at even better prices when you shop at Goodwill, you can feel good about doing it. One of the best parts about shopping at Goodwill is that you know exactly where your money is going. Every penny you spend at Goodwill supports their many mission service programs. These programs help empower people through work, creating opportunities for those with disabilities or other disadvantaging conditions to develop the skills and resources they need to find sustainable employment. So when you shop at Goodwill, not only do you know you’re getting good prices, you know that your money is going to support the community—a great deal all around.
Amy Hammerton is a Baylor University Senior studying English Literature, Journalism and Graphic Design. This summer, Amy has worked as a Heart of Texas Goodwill Marketing Intern developing social media content, creating brand collateral and promoting the mission of Goodwill through various media outlets. In her final project, she leans on her own experience as a college student living on a budget. In this blog series; Goodwill Goes to College, Amy shares how Goodwill can serve as a significant resource for her fellow student body to save money, get organized and be socially responsible keeping unwanted items out of the landfill through donations.
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 ashleyt@actlocallywaco.org for more information.
By Garland Hancock
“But what can I do?”
I think most of us have asked that question at one time or another.
We hear a story on the radio about tensions and even violence between nations around the world and many of us think — “Why is it so hard for us to get along? We are all people. We all have the same basic needs. We all love our children. Why can’t we learn to understand each other?” And finally, “But what can I do?”
If you would like to take that question seriously and also have a wonderful learning experience for your own family, I have a suggestion – host a foreign exchange student this school year.
I have worked with foreign-exchange students — in one way or another — for nearly 20 years now, and nothing has given me greater pleasure. To watch these kids culturally mature before your very eyes is priceless. More than that, though, I am absolutely convinced that America’s foreign-exchange programs play an integral role in facilitating our diplomatic relations abroad.
This year we have an urgent need for Waco area host families for 15 students from two important exchange programs: FLEX and YES.
FLEX
The Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX) Program is a United States Department of State-sponsored program for secondary school students from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Estonia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Montenegro, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Ukraine. The program provides merit-based scholarships for students to travel to the United States, live with a host family, and attend a U.S. high school for a full academic year.
FLEX was established in 1992 and funding is provided through the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. The program was created from the conviction of former Senator Bill Bradley that the best way to ensure long-lasting peace and understanding between the U.S. and the countries of Eurasia is to enable young people to learn about the U.S. and Americans firsthand, and to teach Americans about their countries.
The primary goal of the FLEX program is to improve mutual understanding and develop and strengthen long-term relationships between citizens of the United States and other peoples and countries.
YES
The Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) program was established by Congress in October 2002 in response to the events of September 11, 2001. The program is funded through the U.S. Department of State and sponsored by the Bureau of Educational & Cultural Affairs (ECA) to provide scholarships for high school students from countries with significant Muslim populations to spend up to one academic year in the United States. Students live with host families, attend high schools, engage in activities to learn about American society and values, acquire leadership skills, and help educate Americans about their countries and cultures. The first class of YES students arrived from Egypt, Gaza, Indonesia, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan, Syria, Tunisia, Turkey, West Bank, and Yemen.
How do I get involved?
Both of these programs are incredibly selective. Only 3 percent of those who apply and submit essays are actually admitted. Which is to say these are cream-of-the-crop, “yes ma’am, no ma’am” kids who are hyper-focused on developing skills here in America that will allow them to assume leadership roles once they return back home. They arrive here full of vigor and purpose. And all are proficient in English.
Why the urgency? Students from around the world have been accepted into these highly competitive programs; but with the school year nigh upon us, many of these kids are still in need of host families or, at least, “welcome families.” So, as a coordinator with American Councils for International Education, I am working around the clock to make sure these well-deserving kids can pack their bags for Waco!
So, what are your costs/responsibilities should you decide to host one of these wonderful kids? Hosts must assure their students have transportation to and from school; so, if you are on a bus route, you are already set. Other than that, you simply provide room and board. And anytime the student might dine outside the home — for example, at the school cafeteria, or when accompanying your family to a restaurant — he or she is on his or her own.
Plus, the students come fully insured; and with the scholarship dollars they receive through acceptance into the FLEX/YES programs, they are required to budget for all personal expenses — entertainment, toiletries, school supplies, etc.
I am sure you have questions so please call me at your earliest convenience — today would be great! — at (254) 216-0460.
These kids are driven. They inspire. And they will win your heart. The bond you forge will last forever. The worst thing about hosting is that one day soon you will have to say goodbye. Best of all, you can rest assured that your student will ultimately pay it forward – hosting one student can start a chain reaction that can touch hundreds or even thousands of people back in their home communities. That’s what you can do that will really make a difference.
Garland Hancock is a free-lance journalist who publishes the Texas-based magazine J.D. Mayo’s Full-Court Press. In his free time, the China Spring resident and amateur percussionist travels the world to feed his passion for live, indigenous music. Garland has been working with foreign-exchange students for nearly 20 years and, as a part-time Language Arts tutor who specializes in ACT/SAT prep, he dedicates much of his schedule to helping ESL learners realize their dream of attending an American college.
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 ashleyt@actlocallywaco.org for more information.
By Flor De La Garza
Although the Texas heat continues, summer is quickly coming to an end. While summertime may steer most of us into unusual schedules, August is the busy month when we try to get back to a daily routine and prepare for the “back-to-school” rush. Unfortunately, unhealthy eating patterns are often paired with busy schedules. When planning for the fall season, don’t forget to plan for healthy food choices. Understanding nutrition labels and using the USDA “My Plate” guidelines can lead you to choose healthier meals for yourself, your children, and family!
Understanding Nutrition Labels:
As of 2016, the FDA approved a new Nutrition Facts label for packed foods. This new nutrition label aims to make it easier to make better and healthier food choices. Most large food packaging manufacturers are required to adapt their products to the new labels, but smaller manufacturers have until 2021 to fully comply with this new regulation. (See an example of the new label below.)
There are six main parts to the label: 1) serving size, 2) calories, 3) saturated fats, 4) added sugars, 5) sodium, and 6) nutrients.
The “serving size per container” tells you how many portions are included in the container. This is important because if there are supposed to be three servings per container, and you eat the whole thing – then all the nutrition facts, such as calories, triple. Paying attention to calories consumed makes a big difference whether you are trying to lose, maintain or gain weight.
The type of fat, the amount of added sugars, sodium, and the different nutrients in a serving size help you understand whether the item is healthy or not. When determining the value of these three categories, the percent daily values (%DV) can indicate if the category is low or high for the serving size. If a category has a %DV that is “5% or less” it is classified as low and if it is “20% or more” it is classified as high. Therefore, within the food consumption in one day, it is advised to not go over 100% for fats, sodium, and added sugar and it is encouraged to reach 100% of the nutrients.
Source: https://www.fda.gov/food/food-labeling-nutrition/changes-nutrition-facts-label
Using USDA MyPlate Guidelines:
Using the MyPlate guidelines can help you make sure you are eating a healthy variety of foods. MyPlate is composed of five main food groups: fruits, vegetables, grains, protein, and dairy. Incorporating vegetables and fruits to fill up half of your plate for breakfast, lunch, and dinner can increase your vitamins and minerals intake while decreasing your caloric intake as most fruits and vegetables are low in calories. When one has a small rush of cravings between lunch and dinner time, a small piece of fruit can satisfy as a snack or dessert. As stated last month, all fresh, frozen, canned, and dried fruits and vegetables count towards your MyPlate guidelines!
When choosing your grains, choose whole grains that are listed as the first of second on the ingredients list. Oatmeal, popcorn, corn tortilla, whole-grain bread, and brown rice are a healthy alternative to incorporate in one’s grain consumption. When choosing healthy alternatives for dairy, low-fat, fat-free, or non-dairy calcium-fortified products can taste just as good as regular whole-fat dairy products. Many have the perception that meat is necessary to complete a meal. However, not all meats are healthy because of the high-fat content. Opting for lean meats, such as turkey, chicken, and seafood, and plant-based protein, such as beans, peas, unsalted nuts, seeds, soy products, and eggs can complete the protein component of MyPlate.
Source: https://choosemyplate-prod.azureedge.net/sites/default/files/tentips/mini_poster.pdf
Recipes
This month we have three easy recipes! The recipes come from the USDA – “What’s Cooking?” website. Below are some easy recipes that can serve as a lunch or dinner option for you or your children. They are simple, quick, and healthy!
Chicken Salad and Peach Sandwich
Ingredients
- 4 slices of whole grain bread
- 1/2 cup cooked chicken (diced)
- 1/2 cup canned peach slices (drained and diced)
- 1 small celery stalk
- 1/2 cup apples (Fuji, Gala, or Braeburn)
- 1 small onion
- 1 1/2 tablespoons mayonnaise (nonfat)
- 1 tablespoon chopped walnuts
Directions
- Mix together the chicken, apples, peaches, celery, onions, walnuts and mayonnaise in a small bowl.
- Spoon mixture onto 2 slices of the bread.
Falafel with Yogurt Sandwich
Ingredients
- 1 cup dry garbanzo beans (chickpeas, sorted and rinsed)
- 3 cups water
- 1/4 cup oil
- 1 garlic (clove, crushed)
- 1 onion (medium, chopped)
- 1/3 teaspoon parsley (1 sprig or about 1 teaspoon, chopped)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 1/3 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
- 1 cup plain yogurt (low-fat)
- 1 onion (medium, chopped)
- 4 Whole Wheat Pita bread (pockets)
- Flour to sprinkle
- tomatoes, sliced (optional)
- lettuce (optional)
Directions
- Put beans and water in large pot and soak by the overnight or quick-soak method.
- Cook until tender, about 2 hours. Add more water if necessary. Drain.
- Slowly heat oil and sauté garlic and onion until tender (5 to 7 minutes).
- Mash cooked beans, sautéed vegetables, parsley, salt, lemon juice and hot pepper sauce until smooth.
- With floured hands, form ovals with bean mixture (about 1/4 cup each). Roll in flour.
- Fry falafel, with the remaining oil in skillet, until golden brown. Drain on paper towel.
- Combine yogurt with remaining onion.
- Serve falafel in pocket bread topped with yogurt.
Chicken Salad
Ingredients
- 1 can canned chicken (drained, about 12 ounces)
- 3 tablespoons mustard
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 cup apples (diced)
- 1⁄4 cup raisins
- 1⁄4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons parsley or cilantro (chopped, optional)
Directions
- In a large bowl, combine chicken, mustard, honey, and apples. Mix well.
- Sprinkle raisins and pepper on top of salad. If using parsley or cilantro, add that too.
- Serve on a lettuce leaf or on a slice of homemade bread.
Flor De La Garza is currently pursuing a Master of Public Health degree at Baylor University. She is completing her summer practicum with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service in McLennan County and is working with the Better Living for Texans program. Flor is originally from Denton, TX. and has lived in Waco for about four years now. She especially enjoys learning how Waco’s organizations are working together in collaborations to reach the overall goal to improve the health and quality of life of McLennan County residents! In addition, she loves Cameron Park hiking trails, the local restaurants and food trucks!
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 ashleyt@actlocallywaco.org for more information.
Top 10 “Most Opened” Blog Posts of 2019: # 8
by Mandie Meier
As the students at McLennan Community College’s Cosmetology program are making over their clients, their salon is getting a makeover as well.
In 1988, the cosmetology building at MCC moved from the main campus in the Applied Science building to the Community Services Center. Since then, only the reception area has been remodeled. Now, the salon is finally getting a renovation.
During phase two of construction, which began in May, the salon is being completely gutted. The walls have been knocked down, leaving one big floor plan. Construction will also be cutting in windows.
“Every countertop, every styling chair, every station,” said Laura Hays, Program Director and Esthetician Professor. “Everything is brand new.”
Hays, who has worked at MCC for 29 years, is proud to say the program has come a long way in the past several years.
“Enrollment right now is at an all-time high,” Hays said. “We are at capacity. That’s probably one of the biggest changes, I think.”
Not only is enrollment high, but so is the success rate for students taking board exams. Both programs have a 100 percent pass rate on state examinations.
Hays said she is most excited for the students to have a nicer salon to work.
“Really and truly, I know that the community is extremely important,” Hays said. “But, just for our students to be able to be in a cosmetically up-to-date modern salon environment, it just gives them a nice, updated place to come and learn. That’s just so important. They’re so excited. They can’t wait.”
Sidney Smith, a third semester MCC cosmetology student, was well into her cosmetology education at another institution before deciding to start over with MCC.
“Before coming to MCC, I had the opportunity to see that a beautiful school doesn’t mean there’s a good education,” Smith said. “However, here, your teacher is there with you from start to finish with whatever help you need.”
Although she believes a beautiful salon doesn’t necessarily equal a good education, she thinks the renovations will improve the overall atmosphere and give everyone something to look forward to. She also said that cosmetology and aesthetics go hand and hand.
“I just feel like with hair, you have to stay up to date with things, so I feel like the aesthetic environment also needs to be up-to-date,” Smith said.
Kayla Hardin, another third semester cosmetology student, said people will take the school more seriously with the new salon.
“I think people will feel more comfortable getting their hair done there because they’ll think it’s a more professional environment,” Hardin said.
Hardin also said the new salon will provide clients with quicker visits.
“I think we’ll get more clients in and out quicker because we’re going to have 10 shampoo bowls versus the two we have right now,” Hardin said. “There won’t be any lines.”
The targeted completion date for the renovation is before August 26th — the day fall semester begins. Be on the lookout for these changes and more to the cosmetology department coming in the future.
Interested in studying cosmetology at MCC? Visit //mclennan.edu/cosmetology. Students may earn certificates in Cosmetology, Cosmetology Instructor or Esthetician Specialist.
The general public is invited to take advantage of the services offered by the MCC School of Cosmetology including manicure/pedicure, and haircuts. To schedule an appointment, call 254-299-8701. A full list of services and prices is available here: http://www.mclennan.edu/cosmetology/docs/CosmetologyMenu2017_V2.pdf
Mandie Meier is a student journalist at the University of Texas at Austin. She has worked at ORANGE Magazine and Afterglow ATX in the past. She mainly covers music, but also has reported on the food and drink section of ORANGE Magazine. She served as a marketing and communications intern at McLennan Community College this summer.
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 ashleyt@actlocallywaco.org for more information.
By Meredith Palmer
What makes Waco, Waco? Is it the booming business climate? Maybe it’s the wide array of philanthropic organizations? Or the up-and-coming arts sector? The Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce hopes to give people a glimpse of how Wacoans live through its second annual “Find Your Waco event.”
Find Your Waco is a “Life Fair” and a great place to learn about all things Waco. The purpose of the “Life Fair” is to connect attendees to different components of the community. The 2019 Find Your Waco Life Fair will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 16 from 2 to 6 p.m. at the Freedom Fountain and Waco Convention Center.
How does Find Your Waco differs from the “old-school” job fair? While this event does feature businesses and organizations offering employment opportunities, it also focuses on other outlets that make the Waco area an exciting place to live.
Find Your Waco consists of four “quads” which attendees are encouraged to explore. These include Find Your Tribe, Find Your Career, Find Your Space, and Find Your Flavor.
Find Your Tribe helps attendees connect with people and organizations in the area. There will be a variety of organizations present including, churches and religious groups, non-profits, fitness facilities, networking groups, and sporting groups.
Find Your Career encourages attendees to get plugged in with local employers. Participating employers may be looking for full time, part-time, or internships candidates from a range of fields such as education, healthcare, tech and manufacturing.
In Find Your Space, attendees can find out what life is like in Waco and look for a place to call “home.” Several real estate companies, apartment complexes, hotels, construction and roofing companies, banks and school districts will be present to inform attendees about the living climate in the area and explore financial options.
Find Your Flavor gives attendees a taste of the unique food services, culinary practices of the area. Industries represented will include restaurants, bars, wedding venues, sporting activity companies, grocers, and car dealerships. Find Your Waco is proudly partnering with Waco Food Hub, a local start-up creating a multi-station shared kitchen space for Waco food artisans, to showcase the variety of different eateries, wineries, craft breweries and food trucks in the area. This year, attendees can sample food and drinks from exhibitors in the Find Your Flavor quadrant.
Last year, around 500 attendees participated in the Find Your Waco life fair. Jennifer Branch, Director of Existing Industries & Workforce Development for the Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce, said this number exceeded expectations and demonstrates the need for such an event in Waco’s growing community. There is no charge for people to attend Find Your Waco and the Chamber is hopeful the event will draw in a large and diverse group of attendees to the life fair again this year.
Recent graduates, transitioning military veterans and their spouses, area visitors and traditional job seekers are encouraged to attend Find Your Waco. Last year, buses transported military veterans and their families between Fort Hood and Waco, so they could participate in Find Your Waco.
For locals, Find Your Waco is a great time to learn about different ways to get plugged into the community. Branch said she hopes attendees will learn about different things Waco has to offer from the wide range of exhibitors featured in the different sections of Find Your Waco.
Exhibitors who participate in Find Your Waco have the opportunity to find their next great employee, team member or volunteer and to network with other businesses and potential customers. For Manpower Central Texas, a career placement and development agency, Find Your Waco proved to be a great return on investment. Jodi Morgan, Business Manager for Manpower in Central Texas, said Find Your Waco opened up a new market for Manpower to explore. Over 110 people filled out interest forms at Find Your Waco, and Manpower was able to add nearly ten companies to their pipeline. “For any business that is on the fence about Find Your Waco, I’d encourage them to try it. You’ll get face time in a potentially untapped market,” Morgan said.
So, if you are new to or looking to move to the Waco area, have been here your whole life, or are somewhere in between, Find Your Waco is a great opportunity to show off your business or organization, network with others and learn more about Waco.
Businesses that are members of the Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce and of the McLennan County Chamber Alliance (MCCA) will receive discounted exhibitor booth prices. To register as an exhibitor or learn more about the Find Your Waco Life Fair, visit the Facebook event page (https://bit.ly/2LbOBNC) or contact Jennifer Branch at jbranch@wacochamber.com or (254) 757-5625.
Meredith Palmer had the opportunity to intern at the Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce this summer for the Marketing & Communications Team. She is a local Wacoan and graduated from China Spring High School. Meredith is a rising senior at the University of Texas at Austin where she is studying journalism. Meredith enjoys spending time with her family and friends, traveling and reading.
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 ashleyt@actlocallywaco.org for more information.
Top 10 “Most Opened” Blog Posts of 2019: # 4
By Bethel Erickson-Bruce
Right now the perennial question for the Waco Downtown Farmers Market is: WHEN ARE YOU GOING TO MOVE BACK TO THE RIVER? I answer by deflecting, like a good politician. (If you really want the answer to the question of the river, please continue reading about all of the projects related to local food we are actually excited about – the river is addressed at the end).
First off – if you haven’t been to Market since we relocated to the Courthouse, you’re missing out. Yes, it’s hot in summer. But we have more space for more vendors than we did down by the riverside. And much higher visibility than down by the good old riverside.
Second, we started a new thing. Can’t make it on Saturdays to buy groceries? We’ve got you covered. Now you can pre-order through our online store called Market in a Box. We have all the local things – from honey to heavy whipping cream, mini loaves to mushrooms, peaches to purple hull peas. We even have conveniently packaged $15 produce bundles – featuring 1 seasonal fruit and 4-5 seasonal veggies. Think of it as a multi-farm CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) box without a subscription. Through this new online system we are able to work with local producers who are unable to participate at Saturday market – while reducing time expenditure of the producers and increasing everyone’s access to local produce and carefully crafted artisan food goods. We hope to expand to more convenient bundles (like a Breakfast bundle with coffee and breakfast sausage) – and add more items like gristmill grains and bread subscriptions. Take a gander at our current offerings at: http://waco.localfoodmarketplace.com.
Third, we now distribute WIC vouchers to be used for locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables for families currently receiving benefits. Without getting too high up on my political soapbox, let it be known that the amount of fresh produce (or canned) that a family on WIC receives is ridiculous. Like $11 for the month for a family of 2 eligible WIC recipients. (I speak from my personal experience.) Through our partnership with Grow North Texas in Dallas, the Texas Department of Agriculture sponsors $30 in WIC vouchers for each eligible family member. We can only distribute the vouchers once person Market season (defined by TDA as April-October) but as most families know, every dollar counts. As a recovering social worker, I’m delighted by any and all opportunities to increase access to – and affordability of – locally grown fruits and veggies while at the same time supporting livelihoods of the farmers and their families growing our food.
Fourth, the rye bit. If you love the market but: A) can’t wake up early on Saturday or B) can’t remember to place your online order by Monday at noon – we’ve got just the opportunity for you. Join us at Balcones Distilling on Thursday, August 8th from 6-8pm for “Grains & Growers, a farmers market friend-raiser.” It costs $40 but you’ll receive a free cocktail a la Balcones or a mocktail a la Luna Juice. And we have all the tastiest of finger foods from our friends at Milo All Day, Brazos Valley Cheese, Falk Bakery, Heritage Creamery. You’ll also be supporting the work of the Waco Downtown Farmers Market to strengthen our local food system – from the farmers to the folks on a food budget and the friendly faces opening fancy food establishments. Tickets can be purchased through our Square page here: https://squareup.com/store/wdfm.
And now for the answer, you’ve all been waiting for – MAYBE IN TWO YEARS. MAYBE NEVER. And you know what, that’s okay. We’ll happily keep running the farmers market each Saturday between the corners of 5th and 6th street in the shadows of the iconic Courthouse and ALICO buildings until some magical, farm-friendly, family-friendly opportunity presents itself.
Bethel Erickson-Bruce likes to eat and grow vegetables, run around with her wild little humans – Jasper Jack and Angus Augustus, and star-gaze with her husband (and Rapoport teacher) Jonathan. She also runs the Waco Downtown Farmers Market.
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 ashleyt@actlocallywaco.org for more information.
By Melissa Mullins
Unless you’ve been living under a rock or in a cave (no judgement if you do), you probably hear quite a bit of talk, at least in the public sphere, about climate change. You may have heard it come up in politics. You may have heard your neighbor say he doesn’t believe in it. You may hear it invoked when there’s threats of bigger, badder weather events. You may, if you are like me, sometimes feel overwhelmed by it all.
The truth is, both government and industry scientists have known for over 50 years that carbon dioxide levels are increasing in our atmosphere, that the increase is due to human activity, and that this will have impacts on the Earth’s climate system*. And most Americans now believe this to be true. Recent research shows that we are not a nation of climate deniers, but we are a nation of climate avoiders. Because we think it’s too big, we can’t do anything about it, we just avoid it. Most Americans don’t discuss global warming with their friends and family, and many reasons are given in surveys for why this is: it doesn’t come up, they think everybody already agrees, or conversely, are not interested in it, it is too political, or people feel like they don’t know enough to talk about it.
How can we avoid avoidance? Michael Smyer suggests that we picture a place that we care about, picture it being affected by climate change or extreme weather as well as how we’d like it to look in 50 years, then think about something we can do NOW to work towards our desired future vision. It’s that last part that’s hard sometimes. One thing that you can do TODAY is register for the Sustainable Waco conference, which will be held Monday August 5th.
The McLennan Community College Sustainability Committee, with support from Waco Friends of Peace-Climate and Baylor University-Center for Reservoir and Aquatic Systems Research, has been hard at work organizing Waco’s first ever community-wide conference on climate and sustainability that is open to everyone, and YOU are invited. Conference organizer Michaela McCown says the reason for having the conference is so that our entire community can become more sustainable. “We want to help people understand that there are lots of things individuals can do, and actions that communities can take, to make a difference in saving money, helping our planet, and making Waco a better place to live.”
The conference is only $15 to attend which includes lunch, and CPE credits are available for educators. Speakers from Waco and other communities in Texas will give presentations on a wide variety of sustainability topics, including recycling, city-wide composting, solar for residential use, of course climate change, and many others. To register, call 254-299-8888 or go to https://cereg.mclennan.edu/ and search “Sustainable Waco”. You can also find the event on Facebook for all the latest updates.
* Check out “Losing Earth: The Decade We Almost Stopped Climate Change” by Nathaniel Rich- it’s at the Waco-McLennan Co. Library, engagingly written, fascinating and infuriating.
Melissa Mullins coordinates education and outreach at Baylor’s aquatic research center. She serves on the Project WET (Water Education for Teachers) USA Network Council, which has recently developed climate change education resources for K-12 audiences. Water and climate are intricately linked! The views expressed here are solely those of the author.
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 ashleyt@actlocallywaco.org for more information.
Press release – July 19, 2019 –The United Way of Waco-McLennan County (UWWMC) is pleased to announce its affinity group, Women United, has awarded scholarships to two female graduates from the Adult Literacy and Education Heart of Texas. Both recipients are working mothers pursuing nursing degrees at McLennan Community College.
“Women United mobilizes a diverse network of women in McLennan County to strengthen the community by investing in local programs that enable women to achieve their goals and positively impact their lives,” said Women United Waco Chair Kris Kaiser Olson. “Money raised by Women United through membership dues and fundraising events provides funding to support education scholarships for women.”
Data from the Global Partnership for Education shows educating women has a multiplier effect. According to research, educated women tend to be healthier, earn more income, and provide better health care for themselves their children. These benefits also are transmitted from generation to generation and across communities at large, making women’s education one of the best investments a community can make.
Women United scholarship funds are managed in partnership with the McLennan Community College Foundation. MCC Foundation staff will manage the disbursement of the scholarship funds for the recipients to oversee tuition payment, books, uniform and equipment purchases as needed. Any remainder of the scholarship will be available to the student through an emergency grant application for unexpected barriers.
“This partnership is breaking new ground for us at the MCC Foundation,” said Executive Director Kim Patterson. “Our Adult Education students have shown tremendous perseverance and are perfectly suited to succeed in college. With this new funding from Women United, we can now provide scholarship support for these women, giving them the opportunity to change the social and economic trajectory for their entire family.”
The Adult Education and Literacy program provides English language, math, reading, writing and workforce training instruction to help adult students acquire the skills needed to succeed in the workforce, earn a high school equivalency certificate, and enter and succeed in college or workforce training.
“Attaining your GED as an adult and pursuing college can seem like a daunting task for women already juggling busy lives,” said Adult Education and Literacy Transition Specialist Michelle Telg. “Scholarships like the Women United Scholarships help traditionally underserved students overcome the barriers that keep them from an education to better their lives and the lives of their families.”
As an integral part of UWWMC, Women United is committed to creating an effective female-driven philanthropic force to improve life for women in McLennan County. The Waco Chapter is part of a growing, global network of women leaders, over 70,000 strong across more than 165 communities in six countries.
The work of Women United Waco is aligned with UWWMC’s Impact Framework, by providing women with access to education and job skills training needed to obtain a sustainable job and increase their family’s financial stability and economic status.
Scholarship recipients will also participate in financial literacy training classes taught in partnership with First National Bank of Central Texas. Participants will receive customizable financial literacy training based on their personal needs and financial interests.
For more information about Women United Waco, visit www.UnitedWayWaco.org.