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.
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
Monday, January 17th, is Martin Luther King Jr. Day. This marks the anniversary of the federal day of service and celebrates the legacy of the great civil rights leader. Each year, on the third Monday in January, the MLK Day of Service is observed as a “day on, not a day off.” MLK Day of Service is intended to empower individuals, strengthen communities, bridge barriers, create solutions to social problems, and move us closer to Dr. King’s vision of a “Beloved Community.” Our community can take this unique opportunity to bring people from all walks of life together to listen, learn, serve, and act locally.
Friday, January 14
35th Annual Wreath Laying Ceremony
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Park- 300 MLK Blvd.
The 35th annual wreath laying ceremony will be a virtual event this year because of the recent COVID-19 surge. Individuals may place a wreath at the monument anytime from January 14 through January 17. Please adhere to City of Waco social distancing guidelines and health protocols.
Monday, January 17
MLK Day of Service – Baylor Campus
Sponsored by Missions and Public Life
Bobo Spiritual Life Center (Parking lot at the corner of S. 5th Street and James Ave., Waco, Texas) 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Virtual service projects and a drive-thru collection site. Visit website for donation list.
Contact [email protected] for more information.
Day of Service to help out the Good Neighbor House
Hosted by Sanger Heights at 23rd & Colcord
Help them complete various projects including light painting, light constructions tasks, some deep cleaning around the house, yardwork, and various other projects. Please review the available slots and sign up.
25th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. March & Observance
Hosted by Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Delta Upsilon Zeta and Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. Gamma Omicron Sigma.
Dr. Martin Luther King Blvd. & Elm Ave at 9:00 a.m.
Guest Speaker Chief of Police, Sheryl Victorian. For more information and to RSVP, please visit bit.ly/wacomlkmarch.
Spend MLK day at the Mayborn Museum, 1300 S University Parks Dr
Open Monday at 10 a.m. for free!
Community Day is a perfect opportunity to explore the Discovery Center, Natural History Hall, and Historic Village.
Hosted by Mission Waco / Jubilee Theatre 1319 N. 15th Street, Waco, Texas
10:30-11:45 am: Performances and speakers.
12-1 pm: Pastor Panel Discussion – Lunch is FREE and provided by World Cup Cafe. No need to register for the morning OR the lunch programming.
Youth meet separately. Email [email protected] if you have teenagers interested in joining. Lunch is also FREE!
1:15-3:30 pm: Community Serving Projects: If you’re interested in signing up a group to serve in the afternoon please fill out the google form
6:00 PM
A candlelight vigil will also be held virtually. To obtain a link for the event, email [email protected].
Waco is proud to welcome Olive Door Imports to the Downtown scene. Located at 924 Austin Ave, Olive Door Imports store sells 17th-18th century furniture with a story. Each piece is hand-selected from Europe – places like Denmark, Brussels, Hungary, and other eastern European locations. Owner Shelley Gay says opening the store was a dream 20 years in the making. She chose Waco as the ideal location after a falling in love with the community on a weekend visit. Shelley’s goal is to offer affordable, artistic furniture for the creative who wants to make their space truly their own. According to Shelley, these are “pieces you may not have seen before and may never see again”.
We’d love to see you at the Grand Opening happening January 15th from 6-9 pm! This isn’t your ordinary grand opening: January 15th will also feature stunning artwork by DVLVD LLC. If this name sounds familiar, you may remember an art expo hosted at Cultivate 712 in 2020 or seen any of the DVLVD mural paintings throughout town (the most recent work being the Cactus Rose face, the interior of Milo All day, and the mural on the Dr. Pepper Museum). DVLVD (pronounced Devolved) is a mural and design group based in Waco, TX. The team includes Cade Kegerreis, Cole Henry, Kyle Antis & Kaleb Antis. They specialize in hand-painted works that range from large-scale public art projects to small business storefronts. Founded in 2020, their mission is to bring forward the art of empowered artists to the public. Waco is so pleased to have this team of artists dedicated to unity, diversity and connection. For more information, you can visit their Instagram page @dvlvdmurals or visit the website www.dvlvd.com.
Mark your calendars for this awesome grand opening on Saurday, January 15th – you won’t want to miss it! Art from DVLVD will continue to show through the end of February. Olive Door Imports hopes to feature the work of artists at shows every 6 weeks. Shelley, Brooks, and the team look forward to meeting you and the rest of the Waco community.
FREE SAFE RIDES HOME ON NEW YEAR’S EVE!
Call now to schedule your FREE ride to and/or from your NYE destination!
Same-day requests accepted (based upon availability)
For those needing an unexpected safe ride, Tow King also partners with us to offer free vehicle tows
home. Vehicle tows can be arranged by calling Tow King directly at (254) 666-5484.
The idea behind Safe Ride Home is to support responsible drinking and, ultimately, save lives. Our goal
is simple… to keep the streets of Waco safe on New Year’s Eve. If even one life is spared because
someone chose to secure a safe ride home, then our purpose was accomplished.
Safe Ride Home was made possible thanks to the generous contributions of Ben E. Keith Company and
donations from Subway and Chuy’s.
New Year, New Chairs!
New, comfortable, and sturdy chairs for YOU
We’re saving you a seat, and here’s your chance to name it!
Be a part of the Brazos Theatre chair campaign! Our theater is in desperate need of new chairs (IYKYK!!). And this is a great opportunity to give you, your business, or someone you love a permanent marker at the Brazos. Your name, a sentiment, anniversary date, or the name of another person you wish to honor will be engraved on a plaque placed on the back of every theatre seat you sponsor! Sponsorship opportunities start at just $65. Get all the info here!
Help make the Brazos Theatre a more comfortable space for you and your fellow theater goers in 2022 and beyond!
Upcoming Events at Brazos Theatre
NEW YEAR’S DAY IMPROV COMEDY SHOW!
Saturday, January 1st
7:30 PM (Doors open 7:00)
What better way to bring in a new year?? Come join us for a very special and very funny night! And this first show of 2022 is HALF PRICE! There’s no one we’d rather start this year off with than our wonderful patrons – old and new! Get tickets by clicking here!
Comedy at the Brazos
A Stand Up Comedy Showcase
Saturday, January 15th
8:00 PM (Doors open 7:30)
Dallas comedian Paul Smith will join us to host some of Central Texas’ (and beyond!) brightest comedic talent. BYOB, and our snack bar will be open. Doors open at 7:30pm for General Admission seating. Tickets available soon! Rated: R
The Office Trivia Night
Saturday, January 22nd
7:30 PM (Doors open 7:00)
Relive some of your favorite moments from the television show The Office in pub style trivia challenges. Build a team of 2-6 members and get signed up soon! Space for this event is limited. Sign up by clicking here. Prizes for the first place team and costume contest winners!
Event Details
The Cultural Committee of the Hispanic Leaders’ Network has been meeting over the past few weeks to plan a community event for all. This year will be their first annual Posada and Tamale Competition! Las Posadas is a traditional event celebrated by many Hispanic countries on the 9 days leading up to Christmas—join them for food, music, and fun for all ages! There will be a cash prize for Waco’s Best Tamal!
Where: South Waco Recreation Center, 2815 Speight Ave.
When: December 18, 3-6 PM
Event Information: First Annual Posada & Tamale Competition | Facebook
What are Las Posadas?
Posada comes from the Spanish word for “lodging”. During the Christmas season it is a 9 day celebration prior to Christmas Day that commemorates the Nativity story.
Where is Las Posadas celebrated?
It is celebrated chiefly in Latin America including Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, Cuba, Spain and by Latinos in the US. For example, there is a big Las Posadas celebration in San Antonio, Texas each year.
In Mexico, it has been celebrated for over 400 years starting in 1586.
Does it have a relationship to Indigenous culture?
Yes! According to the Aztec Calendar, Tonantzin Guadalupe (the mother of the gods) was celebrated on the winter solstice, while their most important deity, the sun god Huitzilopochtli, was born during the month of December (panquetzaliztli). The parallel in time between this native celebration and the celebration of Christmas lent itself to an almost-seamless merging of the two holidays.
What does Las Posadas involve?
Usually, there is a re-enactment where 2 people dress up as Mary and Joseph. Certain houses are designated to be “inns”; the head of the procession carries a candle inside a paper shade. They can be followed by attendants such as angels and shepherds and are followed by musicians. Children carry poinsettias.
The actors travel to one house each night for nine nights. At each house, the resident responds by singing a song and the pair are recognized and allowed to enter.
At the end of each night, Christmas carols are sung, children break open pinatas and everyone sits for a feast.
Why is Hispanic Leaders’ Network sponsoring this event?
HLN wants to help create spaces where Latinos in Waco can celebrate their culture and welcome the greater Waco Community to learn and be enriched by the diversity and inclusivity our city.
There’s a new women’s basketball team in town and they are practicing at the South Waco Community Center. The Waco Six Shooters have just been approved as a team by the national Granny Basketball® League, ”A gentle game for women of a certain age.”
Granny Basketball began in Iowa in 2005 when a group of women discovered they could get exercise and have some fun following the 1920s rules for women’s play. The league has grown to 40+ teams nationwide with 5 teams in Texas, including the newly accepted Six Shooters.
Kay H. Wilson, with the help of Wilma Figueroa, started the Six Shooters after attending the Harker Heights Old Glories practice. “I had such a blast,” Kay said, “I knew I had to try to start a team in Waco. I am so glad we got the response we did. And am so grateful for the friendly help of our home court at South Waco Community Center.”
The Six Shooters chose their name from Waco’s history; in the wild west days, Waco was often referred to as Six Shooter Junction because of its rowdy reputation. Individual teams are recognized by the color of their socks. The Six Shooters chose green as their color to pay homage to their hometown Baylor Bears. Granny basketball uniforms are straight from the ‘20s, pantaloons and all.
The organization currently has seven women practicing with the team, but the Six Shooters welcome all women 50 and over who are interested in joining the fun. Some of the women on the team played high school and/or college ball, some have played recreationally, and some have not played at all. Player/coach, Linda Gilliam said, “I am excited to be back on the court and if you think you are too old or out of shape, guess again. It’s fun and exciting.”
Karen Szabo, who is new to Waco, said, “I’m excited to play and glad to compete and experience the camaraderie within our team and meet new players across Texas.”
Anyone interested in joining or observing the Six Shooters can stop by the South Waco Community Center, 2815 Speight Avenue on Tuesdays at 10am.
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 City of Waco staff
The City of Waco, Lions Park Trust Board, and many community partners are pleased to announce the revitalization of Waco’s beloved treasure, Lions Park, at 1716 N. 42nd St. John Tipton, immediate past president of the Waco Founder Lion’s Club and a member of the Lions Park Trust Board, said they are interested in a larger partnership that will allow for planning, revitalization, and most importantly, a continuation of this special park venue for children.
“We are grateful for our patrons, volunteers, and the entire community’s support of Lions Park over the years and look forward to the next phase in partnership with the City of Waco and other community organizations. The future of Lions Park is bright,” said Tipton.
According to City Manager Bradley Ford, while the park will temporarily close to undergo a strategic planning and rebuilding process, the City of Waco anticipates committing $2 million to ensure the brightest future for Lions Park.
Lions Park was established in 1952 by the Waco Lions as a unique and popular place for children. Volunteers and community organizations, such as the Junior League of Waco, have donated hundreds of hours and resources to the park.
“Lions Park is a unique place for families to gather, and I’m excited we have the opportunity to reimagine this park so it continues to be the community asset it has been for nearly 70 years,” said Mayor Dillon Meek. “Our community remains deeply grateful to the Waco Lions for building and maintaining this unique family treasure over the years. I also want to assure the children of Waco that while adults will be involved in the planning process, we will certainly include our young people for help with the design and amenity selection. After all, this park is for the children of our community.”
In 2018, Waco Foundation convened a group of partners interested in the park and ultimately commissioned a survey receiving more than 2,000 responses. Results of the survey were overwhelmingly positive when asked about the park’s value to the community. Additionally, many indicated a desire to support the park by donating time, money, and input.
“The survey allowed us to better understand how the community feels about Lions Park,” said McLennan County Judge Scott Felton. “It is crystal clear that the park is not only a valued place for entertainment but a true gathering spot for families across Waco that spans generations. I am just one of many grandfathers who brought my children and grandchildren to the park for a one-of-a-kind experience in McLennan County. Now we have the chance to revitalize this community asset to make sure Wacoans now and into the future will be able to enjoy everything it has to offer.”
Activities at the nearby BASE facility will complement the park and enhance visitor and resident experience. Wes Allison, president and CEO of Heart O’ Texas Fair and Rodeo, is interested in the future of the park, as well. “As our neighboring campus continues to expand with new facilities like the BASE at Extraco Events Center, it is really helpful to know how important Lions Park is to our community. The HOT Fair & Rodeo has wide-ranging experience with family entertainment and attractions, and so we will look for ways to partner and provide our expertise in future plans.”
The immediate future of Lions Park includes continued meetings of community partners, site plans, and community fundraising. All plans will be designed to preserve the Waco Lions’ intent and the final project will remain affordable and relevant for Waco families.
Community members interested in learning more, receiving updates, and potentially contributing to the future of the park should sign up for updates at lionsparkwaco.com.
Community partners that participated in initial convening:
- Waco Lions International
- Waco Foundation
- Heart of Texas Fair and Rodeo
- Junior League of Waco
- McLennan County
- City of Waco
- Waco City Council
- United Waco
- Waco City Council
- United Way of Waco-McLennan County
- Rotary Club of Waco
- Baylor University
- Waco Parks and Recreation