(From Waco’s COVID-19 Community Newsletter)

We are living in unique times, but if you had the opportunity to survey any of our ancestors, they would also say they lived in unique times that were full of challenges that they had to face head on to overcome. During these days of both COVID-19 and everything being witnessed on the nightly news, I often think about my grandfather on my father’s side of the family. My great grandfather worked at Gulf Oil in Port Arthur, Texas, and upon his untimely death, Gulf Oil contacted my grandfather, who was only 17-years-old, and offered him a job. From that day, my grandfather began supporting his mother and his two siblings. Like his father before him, he earned what was considered “half wages” due to the world being enveloped in what is now being referred to as the “Great Depression.” He married my grandmother when they were both 18, but at age 20, he was drafted into the United Stated Navy due to the beginning of World War II. Once the war ended, he went back to work and retired after his 40^th year at what he called “The Gulf.”

My grandfather’s story was not unique for his time, and his generation went on to be heralded as the “Greatest Generation” this country has ever known. However, what I remember from growing up with my grandfather was the countless lectures about me being a picky eater. He would say, “Back in my day, you ate what got put on your plate!” All the while, my step-grandmother was in the kitchen grating extra cheese to put on my pizza. You gotta love grandmothers.

Today, our world, nation, state and local area continues to deal with exposure to COVID-19. I do not see myself as an expert on this matter, but I do know that it continues to be present and we must not act like it does not exist; however, I am not writing you to today to scare anyone. My intention is to let my hometown of Lorena know that the Mayor, City Council and city staff are working everyday to ensure the City of Lorena is open and providing services during this difficult time. The City of Lorena has passed 8 declarations since the beginning of COVID-19. Since the second declaration, the City of Lorena has followed McLennan County’s lead in issuing declarations, and we will continue to do so now and in the future.

I have served the City of Lorena for four-and-a-half years as your City Manager, and if you ask my staff, they will tell you that when it comes to our city, school or citizens I always tell people: “We spell Lorena with an “L”. The meaning of that statement may vary from subject to subject when applied, but during these uncertain times it means that the City of Lorena is made up of folks that are kind in heart and spirit. We will persevere, and we will handle this time in history with the grace and dignity of a community that loves and cares about each other. The same way my 17-year-old grandfather supported his mother and two siblings during the Great Depression, then served his country in World War II and returned home to work a total of 40 years before retiring to lecture me about my eating habits.

Note: Continue to Look for “What’s Happening in Lorena.” The video-based series just concluded shooting Episode 5, featuring Dr. Joe Kucera, superintendent of Lorena ISD. The video should be released the first week of July 2020 on the Lorena Police Department Facebook page and shared with other social media platforms.

By Craig Nash

“If I take my child to a summer meal site will we be taking food away from the kids who need the meals?”

I get this question often around this time of year as parents look for ways to adapt their food budgets to account for children being out of school this summer. And the question is likely even more prescient now as families navigate new realities created by an economic downturn and mass unemployment.

The short answer to this question is, “No.”

The slightly longer and often surprising answer is, “No. And, in fact, taking your child to participate in the program is actually the easiest and most sustainable way to ensure that ‘the kids who need the meals’ can continue to receive them.”

The Summer Food Service Program is a publicly funded initiative of the United States Department of Agriculture and is managed by state agencies, in our case the Texas Department of Agriculture. And most importantly, with regards to the question at hand, it is a reimbursable nutrition program, which means school districts and other nonprofits who operate the program receive anywhere from 97 cents to around $4 for every meal they serve, depending on what meal is being served and other qualifying factors. This reimbursement funds all aspects of the program such as food, labor, transportation, and paperwork.

As you might imagine, providers of these meals often operate on razor thin margins to keep the program going. Economies of scale mean that low participation makes operating the program more difficult, while high participation gives school districts and other organizations that operate the program more room to breathe. Meal sites that dip below a certain amount of kids participating each day are often at risk of closing down as the summer progresses, which leads to families who benefit the most from these programs struggling to stretch their rapidly diminishing food budgets.

But let’s step aside from the mechanics of the program and talk, instead, about some assumptions in the original question that we would be well served to clear up. The first is that we are operating out of scarcity, rather than abundance. This scarcity mentality is widespread, and understandable during the difficult times we find ourselves in. But it is a false assumption. There is more than enough food in our country to feed every person living here three meals a day, even in harsh economic times.

On top of that, our economy operates under the principle that resources EXPAND, not diminish, as they are moved around. Every dollar that flows into the local economy to help feed someone has a rate of return that puts even the most successful investment portfolio to shame. Food service workers, delivery drivers, farmers, and untold others receive a boost from these programs. The rising tide lifts a lot of ships.

The other assumption that should be recalibrated is the idea that there are kids in our community that need the food and there are others that don’t. This creates an unnecessary stigma around public child nutrition programs that sends subtle, psychological messages to kids who participate in summer meals. If we could work as a community to eliminate this stigma by treating these programs the way we treat public education, roads, sanitation services, etc., like they are services that we all contribute to and all take part in, then unnecessary barriers to nutrition like shame and stigma can be eliminated.

So if you have kids and are able to take them to one of the many lunch sites around town this summer, you not only will be helping to stretch your budget, you’ll ensure that a program for all kids will remain viable for as long as possible. An interactive map to locate the nearest meal site can be found here: https://squaremeals.org/Programs/SummerFeedingPrograms/SummerFeedingInteractiveMap.aspx .

Help us keep these sites stustainable for all kids throughout the summer!

Reprinted with permission from the Texas Hunger Iniative’s webpage, Heart of Texas Meals.

Craig Nash is regional manager for child hunger outreach at Baylor’s Texas Hunger Initiative. He enjoys talking and writing about Waco, country music, and faith. He blogs at 17dutton.com.

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 [email protected] for more information.

NEWS RELEASE from Texas Health and Human Services Commission

AUSTIN – State-supported living centers and state hospitals across Texas are using pen pal programs to help their residents and patients stay connected with their communities during the pandemic.

“As part of our dedication to provide the best care possible at state hospitals and state supported living centers, our staff has developed unique ways to help residents and patients cope with feelings of isolation caused by the pandemic,” said Mike Maples, HHS deputy executive commissioner for the Health and Specialty Care System. “With the newly created pen pal programs, people receiving care in our facilities have been able to maintain social interactions with volunteers.”

Residents of living centers include people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and patients of state hospitals include people with mental health issues. Socialization is an important part of maintaining good mental health. Due to COVID-19, group activities, communal dining and visits with relatives and volunteers have been limited to prevent the spread of the virus.

Pen pal programs at several state hospitals and state supported living centers allow members of the community to send encouraging letters and cards to residents and patients. Volunteers can send positive messages, drawings, or stories about what they are doing for fun. Volunteers throughout Texas have already sent more than 900 cards and letters, and some have received responses as part of the program, which facility staff help to coordinate.

People who are interested in volunteering can fill out a volunteer application here. For information about how to join the pen pal program, e-mail [email protected] to learn about the participating facilities which include Austin State Hospital, Austin State Supported Living Center, Richmond State Supported Living Center and San Antonio State Hospital.

About State Hospitals and State Supported Living Centers
Texas Health and Human Services operates 10 state hospitals and 13 state supported living centers in Texas. State hospitals provide inpatient psychiatric care to adults, children and adolescents. State supported living centers provide residential treatment and training services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities who are medically fragile or who have behavioral issues.

CITY OF WACO NEWS RELEASE

Over the past two weeks, McLennan County has seen a rapid increase in number of COVID-19 cases. As Texas continues to reopen, it is important to remember that COVID-19 has not been contained.  The virus is still circulating in our community. As more people are going back to regular routines, the opportunity for exposure to COVID-19 increases.  

There are five clusters involving households.  If there is a COVID-19 positive person in your home, there are steps you can take to minimize the risk of exposure to the rest of the people in the home.

• The sick person should not leave the house.  Have a someone else run errands for the sick person.
• As much as possible, have the sick person stay in a specific room and away from other people and pets in the home.  This includes all actives including eating meals or watching TV together.
• Assign one person to take care of the sick person.  This person should maintain a 6 ft distance when possible, wear a cloth face covering and wash their hands after each interaction with the sick person.  
• If possible, the sick person should use a separate bathroom.  It that is not possible, keep the sick person’s personal items, like a toothbrush and towels separate and disinfect high touch areas after every use.
• If the sick person needs to be around other people or animals, they should wear a cloth face covering.

COVID-19 is a virus that is spread person-to-person through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks.  It is also possible that the virus can spread by touching surfaces or objects that have the virus on it and then touching the eyes, nose, and mouth. The best way to protect yourself from COVID-19 is to continue to follow the tried and true methods of social distancing. These simple steps can significantly influence the rate of increase in McLennan County.

The Executive Order issued by Waco Mayor Kyle Deaver on June 19, 2020 is an important measure to slow the spread of COVID-19 by requiring all employees and visitors of a business to wear face coverings. This simple step along with the other social distancing guidelines are the best protection we have against COVID-19.  By following them, you protect yourself and your community.

Social Distancing guidelines:

• Keep 6 feet apart from others.  Respiratory droplets generally can travel 6 feet in the air. The closer you are to a person the easier it is for the droplets to reach you.

• Wear a face covering to lessen the spread of respiratory droplets when you speak.  The face covering creates a barrier that stops the droplets before they spread to another person.  Your face covering protects the people around you.
• Washing your hands.  If you have the droplets on you hand and you touch your face, you are putting the virus into your body.  Washing your hands frequently removes the virus from your body.  
• Clean and disinfect surfaces. Keep surfaces like door handles and counters clean to stop contamination by the virus.

Compiled by Karol Hardin, Associate Professor of Spanish, Baylor University

• Las estadísticas en Waco / Waco statistics

• La conferencia de prensa más reciente en Waco con traducción en español / Waco’s most recent press conference with Spanish translation

• Recomendaciones del estado de Texas / Texas State Recommendations

• Recomendaciones del estado de Texas para individuos / Texas State Recommendations for individuals (attached document)

• Información del CDC sobre las pruebas para detectar el COVID-19 / CDC information about testing for COVID-19: 

• Videos del CDC sobre COVID-19 / CDC videos about COVID-19:

• Recomendaciones del CDC para protección de la cara / CDC recommendations for face coverings

• Organización Mundial de Salud / World Health Organization

• Folletos educativos y mensajes para la radio sobre el COVID-19 (del estado de Carolina del Sur) / COVID educational flyers and radio messages (State of South Carolina)

• Centro de Salud Familiar (Family Health Center), Waco — Protocolos para auto-aislamiento y cuarentena / Family Health Center, Waco protocols for self-isolation and quarantine

• Libro para niños sobre el COVID-19 (en español) / Children’s book about COVID-19 (in Spanish): 

• Página de Facebook para Family Health Center, Waco con videos en español e inglés—entrevistas con médicos, una abogada, etc. relacionados al coronavirus / Facebook page with videos in English and Spanish—interviews with doctors, immigrant lawyer, etc. related to coronavirus

NEWS RELEASE The Deep in the Heart Film Festival announces its 2020 film program, including a selection of films, music videos, and screenplays coming to the Waco Hippodrome, Aug. 6-9.  “With all that is going on in this world, it’s important for us to listen to each other’s stories — what better way than through film? We see Deep in the Heart as an opportunity to bring communities together,” says Samuel Thomas, artistic director.  The fourth annual festival will attract artists and filmmakers from all over the world for four days packed with entertainment, learning, and the celebration of film as an art form.   This year, with concerns over COVID-19, the festival will operate as a hybrid event, with live in-person screenings at the Waco Hippodrome, as well as an online streaming component.   “We’re working with our venues and sponsors to host a safe and healthy event. We know our audience will make the best choices for themselves, and we are happy to be able to share these films with our Waco audience both in the theater and online.” says Thomas.   Film highlights include:  “Seven Short Films About (Our) Marriage” — Baylor University film professor Chris Hansen directs a tempestuous romantic drama in seven vignettes that chronicle an interracial marriage, telling a story of turmoil and tenderness as two people try to make their relationship last. This screening at the Deep in the Heart Film Festival will mark the first time local audiences will be able to see it on the big screen. It was filmed throughout Waco in 2018. Q&A with the director to follow.  “Anna” — It’s the story of a single, middle-aged mother who lives in war-torn eastern Ukraine, raises her daughter, and desperately seeks change. “Anna” is a surprising short film with lots of heart and laughs. It premiered at the Cannes Film Festival and won the prestigious BAFTA award. “Lockdown” — The threat of a shooting closes a middle school, but the true nature of the lockdown adds layers of depth and an exploration of self. This Sundance short film marks the return of alumni filmmakers Celine Held and Logan George, winners of last year’s Best Short Film, “Caroline.”  “Dream With Me” — This feature-length Texas documentary follows Saba, one of more than 800,000 “Dreamers” who took advantage of the DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, an Obama-era program) in 2012. Now, with the Trump administration’s decision to rescind DACA, her immigration status is once again in limbo, and Saba must face a new set of challenges. Deep in the Heart celebrates excellence in independent film, both around the world and in Texas. Many of the films selected have played notable festivals, such as Cannes, Sundance, Austin, Clermont-Ferrand, and Cork. We are proud to bring these quality films to Central Texas. Additionally, for the first time, Deep in the Heart will host live readings from its screenplay contest. For a full list of films, videos, and screenplays, please visit our website, DeepInTheHeartFF.com. About Deep in the Heart Film Festival Set in Waco the Deep in the Heart Film Festival runs Aug. 6-9, 2020, and will feature engaging, independent short films, music videos, screenplays and features from Texas, the U.S., and the world. We want to inspire audiences, foster beneficial networking for filmmakers, and show all of our guests some authentic Texas hospitality. For more information visit www.deepintheheartff.com.  About the Waco Hippodrome The Waco Hippodrome Theatre is a 100-year-old theatre in the heart of downtown Waco. The theatre has survived many trials and tribulations including a fire and the devastating tornado of 1953. In 2012 the Hippodrome was bought and renovated after sitting vacant and dilapidated for several years. It reopened its doors in 2014 as a dine-in movie theatre, bar, restaurant, and entertainment venue featuring live music. The Hippodrome looks forward to serving its community for another 100 years. See what we have going on each day at www.wacohippodrometheatre.com and follow them on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter: @wacohippodrometheatre. Samuel Z. P. Thomas  Artistic Director  Deep in the Heart Film Festival 712 Austin Ave Waco, TX 76701 [email protected] 817-800-0643

NEWS RELEASE

The Dr Pepper Museum & Free Enterprise Institute is launching a new exciting experience for Dr Pepper super fans. The Extreme Pepper Experience is an exclusive tour of the entire Museum. Guests will hear the stories behind the legendary soft drink and see handpicked items pulled from the museum’s extensive collection.

Your Experience includes exclusive access to both historic museum buildings while an Expert Experience Guide gives you the inside scoop on your tour, including the best photo ops throughout the museum. You also get a glass bottle of Dr Pepper, a large Dr Pepper float, and your choice of four different Dr Pepper gear packs filled with awesome merchandise from the gift shop.

Plus, you get to flex your soda jerk skills and make your own Dr Pepper at our soda fountain. Each experience also includes hands-on time with historic collections items representing different aspects of the soft drink industry. 

WHEN – June 25 – July 31 before or after normal operating hours 

Thursday: 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. 

WHERE – Dr Pepper Museum & Free Enterprise Institute, 300 South 5th Street, Waco

COST – $125 per ticket (limit 6 per group) 

Tickets must be purchased online in advance. 

About the Dr Pepper Museum & Free Enterprise Institute: Built in 1906, Artesian Manufacturing and Bottling Co. was the first building dedicated to the manufacturing of Dr Pepper. Creating a Dr Pepper Museum was the vision of a few devoted enthusiasts of both Dr Pepper and its history. Artesian became the Dr Pepper Museum in 1989, then the Dr Pepper Museum and Free Enterprise Institute in 1997. Today, it is the museum’s largest artifact and a tribute to the imagination and talent that fueled Dr Pepper’s success throughout the years. 

NEWS RELEASE

McLennan Community College is diligently preparing for the Fall 2020 semester as the COVID-19 pandemic continues.

MCC is finalizing guidelines to ensure a safe environment for students, faculty, staff, and all campus visitors. These guidelines will include smaller class sizes and proper cleaning techniques.

Due to everchanging and new restrictions set by federal, state, and local governments, MCC acknowledges a possibility that some or all fall classes may go fully online for a period of time. In preparation, the college has adjusted all face-to-face classes to blended/hybrid formats to allow for an easy transition, if necessary.

Students in blended/hybrid classes will experience instruction both in a traditional classroom setting and online formats, including through Zoom videoconferencing. These classes will be accessible to all students through MCC’s online platforms.

Campus computer labs will continue to support students with technology needs as most services will continue to be offered primarily in online formats.

NEWS RELEASE from the City of Waco — May 29, 2020

The Waco-McLennan County Public Health District is working with LakeShore Village Healthcare Center to investigate a positive case of COVID-19 in their facility.

The Public Health District received positive confirmation of the case Thursday, May 28, and began planning with LakeShore Village to test all residents and staff. All residents and family members were notified of the situation. Because of the serious nature of the virus, testing all staff and residents regardless of symptoms is necessary to stop the spread of the virus within the facility.

The testing was conducted on Friday, May 29^, by Health District staff and the Waco Fire Department. 228 individuals were tested that included all resident patients and staff. The Texas Department of State Health Services lab in Austin will be testing the samples.  

The Public Health District has begun the contact tracing process. Any resident with COVID-19 symptoms will be isolated within the facility and any staff member with COVID-19 symptoms must self quarantine away from the facility and must test negative before returning to work.

If you have a family member at a long-term care facility and are concerned about the facilities COVID-19 plan, ask the facility the following questions:

• What their COVID-19 plans are? 
• What are they doing to protect residents?
• What will they do if someone in the facility has COVID-19?

The Texas Department of Health and Human Services regulates long-term care facilities.  Call 800-458-9858 to reported suspected abuse or neglect that occurs in a nursing home, assisted living facility or day activity and health services.

A Message from Dr. Iliana Neumann with Family Health Center

May 29, 2020

From Waco Strategic Communications Workgroup (led my Counsel Member Hector Sabido and Natalie Kelinske of Waco Foundation):

Central Texas has done a great job as a community to slow the spread of COVID-19. However, the virus is still a threat, so we’ve listed some preventive measures below to help manage the risks of contracting COVID-19.

Celebrations

• Virtual and drive by celebrations are still the best.
• If you are celebrating in-person, the recommendation is to maintain a group size less than 10.
• Outside is preferable.
• Use disposable single use utensils.
• Stay 6 feet apart and use face coverings.
• Consider having a face covering contest in your small group to see who has the most creative mask.
• Air hugs and elbow bumps are preferable to hand shakes and other contact.
• Have hand sanitizer available.
• Soap and water is also great.
• Wipe down frequently touched surfaces such as door knobs and table tops.

Sports

• Non-contact is preferable (baseball over basketball).
• Pools are okay, but limit the number of people in the pool and maintain physical distance.

Travel

• There are no current restrictions, but it’s important to weigh risks.
• Travel in your personal car may be safer than plane or bus in terms of contact with others.
• Pack healthy snacks such as fruit, nuts, protein bars and water, so you don’t have to stop at convenient stores frequently.
• Travel with hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes.
• Consider travel to areas that are less crowded.
• If traveling to a relative’s house, consider camping in the backyard if possible to avoid overcrowding.
• If you need to stop at restaurants, call ahead to avoid peak hours.
• Whatever activities you engage in, consider the people in your circle. If someone in your household is older or has underlying health conditions, remember that whatever you are exposed to you bring back home. You may want to consider self-quarantine for two weeks to protect your loved ones if you feel you were at higher risk of exposure.

We are all in this together! Stay safe.