You child may be eligible for free prekindergarten! Want to learn more? Check out the above flyers and attend the WISD Pre-K Registration Roundup Fun Fest on April, 23!
LUNCH WITH THE MASTERS
Wednesday, April 20, 2022, noon to 2 p.m.
at MCC’s Emergency Services Education Center, 7601 Steinbeck Bend Dr, Room 105.
Topic: The Lake Waco Wetlands and its partnership with the Heart of Texas Master Naturalist Chapter
Presenters: Nora Schell & Rebecca Simanek
Nora Schell, who is thelong-time Program Coordinator of the Lake Waco Wetlands and is President of the Heart of Texas Master Naturalists, will explore the projects local Master Naturalists are involved in at the Lake Waco Wetlands, 180-acre is working, living lab, full of educational opportunities for all school aged children and adults.
Nora will be joined by Rebecca Simanek, who prior to moving to Texas, worked as a gardener at Cheekwood Botanical Gardens in Nashville for two years. She is both a Master Naturalist and a Master Gardener, who will talk about flowering plants like those in the wetlands garden, host plants and general garden practices that are good for pollinators and birds.
Be sure to bring your lunch to this free session. Everyone is welcome,
For more information: visit https://txmg.org/mclennan/ or call the Texas AgriLife extension office,
254/757-5180.
The City of Waco offices will be closed on Friday, April 15. Details follow concerning some specific services and departments:
The Solid Waste offices and the Cobbs Recycling Center will be closed on Friday, April 15. The landfill will only be open for Franchise Haulers on Friday. Trash scheduled for Friday will be picked up on Wednesday, April 13.
The Waco-McLennan County Library system will close all branches on Friday, April 15 and Sunday, April 17, but will be open regular hours on Saturday, April 16.
The following will operate regular hours: Waco Transit, Cameron Park Zoo, the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum, Cottonwood Creek Golf Course and the Waco Mammoth National Monument.
STARRY will be hosting for parents who are in recovery from PTSD and/or Substance Abuse. As you know, STARRY is a non-profit organization that serves children and families. We are trying to move upstream in our services and work more with parents who need supports. The provider who will be facilitating this group is Amber Chesser who is a Licensed Professional Counselor. This group is open to individuals in Waco and all STARRY’s service areas, which encompasses 31 counties. Please see the above flyers, QR codes, and website for referrals https://www.starry.org/groups/
Nearly 80 Waco-area employers will be looking to hire at the ninth annual Career Fair sponsored by McLennan Community College’s Career Services and the University Center at MCC. The fair will be Wednesday, April 13, from 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. outside the Michaelis Academic Center on the MCC campus.
The fair is free and open to the public. Employers will be offering internships as well as long-term employment. Job seekers are encouraged to dress to impress and have copies of their resume.
For more information, contact the University Center at 254-299-8882.
Today, on April 8, 2024, the Sun will be completely eclipsed by the Moon in a celestial event that won’t be visible again from the continental United States until 2045. The path of this total solar
eclipse will run directly through Waco, Texas, making it an ideal location for viewing this rare celestial display. Four storied organizations: Lowell Observatory, the City of Waco, Baylor
University, and Discovery are partnering to create an on-site public event that will be broadcast around the world: Eclipse Over Texas 2024: Live from Waco.
On April 8, 2022 two years to the day before the eclipse happens partner members of Eclipse Over Texas 2024: Live from Waco will hold a press conference to announce plans for the 2024 event.
What: Press Conference to announce plans for April 8, 2024, Eclipse Over Texas 2024: Live from Waco.
When: April 8, 2022, 1:30-1:50 p.m. CDT
Who: Representatives from Lowell Observatory, the City of Waco, Baylor University, and media partner Discovery will discuss Eclipse Over Texas 2024: Live from Waco and answer questions.
Where: Media may attend the press conference either virtually or in-person.
● Virtual: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NLUBekXUXy8
*Viewers will have the opportunity to ask questions via the YouTube chat feature.
● In-person: McLane Stadium, Baylor University
1001 South Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd., Waco, TX 76704
DIRECTIONS TO MCLANE STADIUM
I-35 South from DFW Area Take Exit 335C (MLK Blvd).
At the stoplight, turn left and continue straight on MLK Blvd. Turn right into Lot 1 of McLane
Stadium. The media entrance is to the right of Gate B.
I-35 North from Austin
Take Exit 334B (8th Street-4th/5th Streets-Downtown-University Parks Drive-MLK Blvd).
Continue on the frontage road over the Brazos River. Turn right on MLK Blvd and turn right into Lot 1 of McLane Stadium. The media entrance is to the right of Gate B.
Hwy 6 from Houston
From State Hwy 6, take the exit for Orchard Lane. Turn left at the stop sign and continue straight on Orchard Lane to MLK Blvd. Cross MLK and enter Lot 1 of McLane Stadium.
The media entrance is to the right of Gate B.
Helpful Travel Resources:
Real-time traffic information through Waco is available at: www.waco4bmap.org. McLane Stadium Lot 1
Waze Map: https://www.waze.com/live-map/directions?navigate=yes&to=ll.31.55996812%2C-97.11 491168.
About the 2024 Eclipse
A total solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth and completely obscures the Sun. The April 8, 2024, total solar eclipse, dubbed the Great American Eclipse, will be the
only total solar eclipse in the 21st century in which totality will be visible from the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Based on past weather patterns for this time of year, as well as
accessibility, Texas is an ideal location for an eclipse event. This will be the first total solar eclipse to pass over Waco since July 29, 1878, and the last one of this millennium.
The Waco-McLennan County Public Health District has teamed up with Waco ISD and Transformation Waco to create a community outreach vaccine clinic event at Estella Maxey and Kate Ross Apartment Complexes on 9.
The group worked together to brainstorm innovative ways to administer vaccines in the community and assist students currently enrolled at Waco ISD and are delinquent on their state mandated immunizations. Events will be hosted on site on the weekends to minimize any barriers to accessing care for at-risk community members.
During the vaccine clinic events, hot dogs will be served, and the Waco Housing Authority will be giving out $40 gift cards to individuals who reside in the 76704 and 76706 zip codes that receive their 1st or 2nd dose of the COVID vaccines.
Vaccine clinic event schedule:
Saturday, April 9
Estella Maxey Community Center
1809 J.J. Flewellen, Waco, TX 76704
Noon – 3 p.m.
For more information, please contact Chris Shelley at [email protected] or 254-855-7277.
Rev. Robert L. and Mrs. Elwayne Y. J. Gilbert Scholarship: This scholarship will be awarded to an
African American graduate of a McLennan County high school who plans to enroll at Baylor University.
Preference will be given to students who are interested in Rev. and Mrs. Gilbert’s threefold passions:
ministry, public education, or civic activism.
Vivienne Malone-Mayes Scholarships: These scholarships will be awarded to a graduate of a
McLennan County high school who intends to attend a community college and to a graduate of a
McLennan County high school who intends to attend a four-year college or university.
Dr. Mae Jackson Continuing Student Scholarship: This scholarship will be awarded to a graduate of a
McLennan County high school who will be a continuing student at a four-year college or university.
Eligibility: Applicant must:
- Currently be a high school senior,
- Plan to attend a community college or four-year college/university,
- Have a 2.5 or higher GPA for graduating seniors.
Eligibility for Dr. Mae Jackson Continuing Student Scholarship: Applicant must: - Currently attending a four-year college or university,
- Be a continuing college student (rising sophomore, junior, or senior),
- Have a 3.0 or higher GPA.
Application Requirements: (Should be submitted via email to [email protected]) - Completed scholarship application form
- Official copy of current high school or college transcript. Contact your school’s registrar to have
your transcript emailed by the deadline. - Two letters of recommendation. Letters should be submitted on letterhead by teachers,
employers, or individuals who know your academic performance, service, or character. - Proof of community service, leadership, and work ethic. This may be provided as part of a
resume or as a list. Please do not send actual certificates, awards, etc. - Essay (250-300 words) on the scholarship essay topic (word-processed, double-spaced)
Applications must arrive by midnight on April 4. Applications received after the deadline will
NOT be considered. Students unable to email applications may send them by USPS to Waco
NAACP; P.O. Box 20511; Waco, TX 76702. Applications must be RECEIVED by April 4;
postmarked applications will not be considered.
Applications may be obtained from area high school counselors, emailing [email protected]
or by visiting the website www.waconaacp.org.
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.