This week on Act Locally Waco, Ashley Bean Thornton brings us several events to do during the giving season, details on the Cultivate Christmas Market and ways to learn and support public schools.
Doing good
Sunday, Nov. 17th - National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week(McLennan County Hunger Coalition)
⟶Sun Nov 17 thru Sat Nov 23
You may have noticed, if you are a regular Act Locally Waco listener, that there are always plenty of great ways to get out and do some good in our community. This week there are even more opportunities than usual because this week – starting Sunday and continuing through Saturday November 23 - is National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week.
The week of activities starts with the Heart of Texas CROP Hunger walk on Sunday afternoon at 3 pm at Bledsoe-Miller Pavilion on Martin Luther King Blvd. And winds up with the Huge Food for Families Food Drive next Friday and the Altrusa Turkey Trot benefitting the COVE nurture center for homeless youth on Saturday, November 23rd. The Turkey Trot steps off at 9 am at Brazos Park East. In between these big events there are activities and opportunities to get involved every day. Check the event list on Act Locally Waco.org for all the details.
Friday, Nov. 15th - Apple Tree Bazaar(Meals on Wheel (Waco))
⟶Fri Nov 15 thru Sat Nov 16
But that’s not all… This weekend get a jump on your holiday shopping at the Apple Tree Bazaar. It’s a terrific arts and crafts show with proceeds benefitting Meals on Wheels. I look forward to shopping the Apple Tree Bazaar every year because I know I find that fun, unique or quirky special something that I will not see anywhere else. This year the Apple Tree Bazaar will be at the Lee Lockwood Museum and Library on Waco Drive. It takes place today from 1 to 5 and tomorrow from 9 to 4. A one-day pass is $5.
Sunday, Nov. 17th - Wheels of Waco First Annual Toy Drive benefiting Mission Waco • World(TheGentlemanRacer.com)
On Sunday morning between 7 and 9 AM, The Gentleman Racer Wheels of Waco is hosting a toy drive for Mission Waco. To participate all you have to do is drop off new, unwrapped toys at the corner of 5thand Austin.
Tuesday, Nov 19th - Joint Custody 101 for Men(STARRY)
Joint Custody can be very difficult when you and your ex don't always see eye to eye. Starry Counseling wants to help! On Tuesday they are offering a free workshop, Joint Custody 101 for Men. Attendees will learn techniques that will protect both parents and children during communications with a former spouse. The workshop will take place from 7 to 8:30 PM at the Starry offices on Columbus avenue. Space is limited. To register or for more information call the STARRY Counseling offices.
Thursday Nov. 21st - Jubilee Food Market 3 year Anniversary Celebration(Jubilee Food Market)
The Mission Waco Jubilee Market is celebrating it’s 3-year anniversary on Thursday from 4:15 to 6 PM. Drop by the store parking lot at the corner of 15thand Colcord for family friendly activities, a turkey-meal raffle and much more.
Thursday, Nov. 21st - Giving Thanks, Giving Hope: Celebrating 25 Years of Compassion(Compassion)
Thursday evening Compassion Ministries is hosting their annual “Giving Thanks, Giving Hope” banquet. Compassion Ministries is a local organization that provides transitional housing for homeless families and helps with employment and permanent housing. This banquet is their only annual fundraiser. This year the theme is “Celebrating 25 years of Compassion.” The banquet will take place Thursday evening from 6 to 9 at the Phoenix Ballroom at the corner of 3rd and Webster.
Arts
Friday, Nov 15 - Cultivate Christmas Market Friday/Saturday(Cultivate 7twelve, Black Oak Art, The Black Daisy)
⟶Fri Nov 15 thru Sat Nov 16
Saturday, Nov 16th:
Black Oak Arts: Holiday Serving Platter Workshop(Cultivate 7twelve, Black Oak Arts)
Paper Orchids Workshop with Linen and Cake(Cultivate 7twelve, Linen and Cake)
Printmaking Cards Workshop(Cultivate 7twelve)
“Ring” in the Holiday with Don’t Eat Beads Jewelry Making(Cultivate 7twelve, Don’t Eat Beads)
Glass Blowing Ornaments with Bob Rynearson(Cultivate 7twelve)
Ceramic Ornament Workshop for All Ages(Cultivate 7twelve)
Gingerbread Decorating for Kids(Cultivate 7twelve)
Wreath Workshop: Dry Floral Arranging with a Boho Feel(Cultivate 7twelve)
Shifting to the arts scene… Cultivate 7twelve on Austin Avenue will be the place to be this weekend if you are ready to get into the holiday spirit. Starting today at 10:30 am and continuing through Saturday, they are hosting a Holiday market with a long list of vendors and a terrific schedule of holiday workshops – everything from making your own Holiday Serving Platter with Black Oaks Art, to crafting paper orchids, arranging a holiday wreath, printmaking cards, jewelry making, glass blowing and ceramic ornaments, and gingerbread decorating for the kids. For more information about times and ticket prices see the Cultivate 7Twelve Facebook page.
Saturday, Nov. 16th - Texas Music Cafe Showcase of Texas Talent
If you love Texas music you are in for a treat Saturday Evening. Texas Music Cafe is taping season 22, episode 3: A Showcase of Texas Talent and you are invited! This is going to be a great show! The biggest show of their 22nd season!
The Showcase of Texas Talent highlights bands and talent from all over Texas to suit all different tastes in music.
This is more than just a good show. It’s a fundraiser for MCC’s music department! The funds generated from the show specifically going towards the Dave Hibbard Scholarship, to encourage the cultivation of local musical talent. The event will include a raffle of gift baskets and care packages from businesses all around town. Delicious Sangria, and other beverages and snacks will be available and you are also invited to bring your own. So Invite all your friends and family and head over to Nexus Sports at 600 Columbus Avenue for the Showcase of Texas Talent. The show starts at 5 pm and tickets are $5.
Public School
Wednesday, Nov. 20th - State of the Public Education(Waco Chamber of Commerce)
Wednesday will be a great day to educate yourself about, and show your support for, public schools. On Wednesday morning you are invited to join the Greater Waco Chamber and the P-20 Regional Council for a breakfast welcoming Texas Commissioner of Education Mike Morath for an update on the legislation for public education recently passed, and statewide progress. Following his keynote address, we'll hear updates on the work of area schools. Doors will open at 8 a.m. for networking and a “School Spotlight.” The keynote speaker will begin at 8:30. This all takes place at the Baylor Club at Mclane Stadium and tickets are $20 for educators and $40 for everyone else. For more information or tickets call the Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce and ask for Jessica Attas.
Wednesday, Nov. 20th - 15th Annual Friend of the Year Gala(Friends of Texas Public Schools)
And on Wednesday evening the Friends of Texas Public Schools are hosting their “Friend of the Year” Gala. The Friends of Texas Public Schools is an organization that believes in highlighting what is right with our schools. Their Gala will be Wednesday at 5 PM at the Baylor Club at McLane Stadium. Tickets are $175 apiece.
You can find more events online at Act Locally Waco'swebsite under the events calendar.
