Spend some time in Waco this week hanging out with your pet, checking out the local hip-hop scene, and cleaning up your diet!
Do Some Good
1. Bound for the Brave: Saturday, February 22, 9am – 12pm; Woodway Family Center (1100 Estates Dr, Woodway, TX 76712); $30 registration fee
https://www.facebook.com/events/1464018047096117/
We’ve got a nice little handful of ways for you to get involved in building up the community this week. Tomorrow morning, the Woodway Youth Commission is hosting its 9th annual “Bound for the Brave” 5k and 10k run benefiting the Texas Police Chiefs Association Foundation and the 100 Club of the Heart of Texas. Registration is $30 for either the 5K or 10K. Meet up at the Woodway Family Center at the Corner of Estates and Bosque. The race starts at 9 AM.
2. Free Microchip Clinic for Waco Residents: Saturday, February 22, 2020, 10am – 1pm; Humane Society of Central Texas in the Admin. Building (2032 Circle Rd, Waco, Texas 76706); free
https://www.facebook.com/events/s/free-microchip-clinic-for-waco/520529781898914/
Also, tomorrow morning, if you are a resident of Waco, you can get your pets microchipped for free! Just bring your pet to the Humane Society of Central Texas offices on Circle Road between 10 am and 1 pm and they will microchip your pets at no cost. You will need to bring a current water bill as proof of residency. Microchipping is the law in Waco; and it helps us make sure pets are returned to their owners should they ever get lost.
3. CASA 101 Information Session: Monday, February 24, 5:30-6:30pm; CASA of McLennan County (1208 North 5th Street, Waco, Texas 76707); free
https://www.facebook.com/events/615234635949013/
Casa of Mclennan County is holding a “Casa 101” information session Monday at 5:30 PM. CASA recruits, trains, and empowers everyday community members to advocate for abused and neglected children who are in the foster care system. CASA 101 is a great opportunity to learn more about the work of CASA and how you can become involved. No RSVP needed, just drop by. The CASA 101 Session Will take place at the CASA offices at 1208 N. 5th Street.
Black History Month
1. Larry "S1" Griffin Jr. Book Signing: Saturday, February 22, 11am-2pm; Dichotomy Coffee and Spirits (508 Austin Ave.); free
https://www.facebook.com/events/128316895130403/
There are also several Black History Month related activities this week. Tomorrow, Larry “Symbolic One” Griffin Jr. will be doing a free book signing and discussion of his new book, “Plan. Focus. Pray. Execute.” at Dichotomy Coffee and Spirits on Austin Avenue. A Grammy winning music producer and a Waco native, Griffin is excited to be back in his hometown. The event, which starts at 11 AM and continues until 2 PM, will be hosted by his son, Vohn Griffin. There will be door prizes and raffles, and books will be available for purchase.
2. Blood, Sweat and Beats Premiere (Deep in the Heart Film Festival): Saturday, February 22, 7pm; Waco Hippodrome (724 Austin Ave, Waco, TX 76701); $15-$20
https://wacoheartoftexas.com/events/world-premiere-of-blood-sweat-beats/
The film “Blood, Sweat and Beats: The Waco Hip Hop Story” will premiere tomorrow evening at the Hippodrome. The film highlights the dynamic music scene of Central Texas, featuring interviews with some of the foundational artists in Waco. The premier event will include live music and breakdance performances. A Q and A session with the filmmakers will cap off the evening. Hosted by the Deep in the Heart Film Festival, the event starts at 7. Tickets are $15-$20.
3. Unfinished Business: From the Great Migration to Black Lives Matter: Monday, February 24, 7pm; Good Neighbor House (2301 Colcord Avenue Waco, Texas 76707); free
https://www.actlocallywaco.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Goodneighborhouse-2020flyer.pdf
On Monday, The Good Neighbor House, at the corner of 23rd Street and Colcord Avenue, presents the documentary “Unfinished Business: From the Great Migration to Black Lives Matter” as a part of a night of performances, film and research. Dr. Stephanie Boddie will present some of her research which informs the film. The event starts at 7 PM. Admission is free with donations accepted.
Health
1. Nutrition in a Nutshell: Monday, February 24, 5:30-7:30pm; WacoWork (600 Columbus Ave, Waco, Texas 76701); free
https://www.facebook.com/events/s/nutrition-in-a-nutshell/169105904355321/
We have a couple of health-related events coming up this week … On Monday at 5:30 Registered dietician nutritionist Courtney Anderson will give a presentation on truths and myths around food and diet. She will also discuss why nutrition matters and what a healthy diet looks like. The presentation will take place at the WacoWork offices at the corner of 6th and Columbus. It is free.
2. Addiction as a Family Disease: Wednesday, February 26, 11:45am-1pm; MCH Outreach Center (524 W. Waco Dr., Waco, TX, 76701); free
https://www.actlocallywaco.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/image002-2.png
On Wednesday at lunch time, Cedar Crest Hospital is hosting a discussion of addiction as a family disease. Licensed Social workers, Jeff and Susan Rhodes, will be the leaders. The discussion will take place at the Methodist Children’s Home Outreach center on Waco Drive, from 11:45 to 1 PM on Wednesday.
Arts
1. Carnival Glass Exhibit: Saturday, February 22, all day; East Terrace House Museum 100 Mill St.; price is included in regular house admission, which is $5
http://www.historicwaco.org/exhibitions
Turning to the arts scene, The Historic Waco Foundation is holding an exhibit of carnival glass all day tomorrow. The exhibit features carnival glass from American glasshouses of the 20th century. Beloved for its vibrant colors, intricate patterns and iridescent glow, Carnival glass was often given away as a prize at carnivals in the 1900’s. It’s now a hot collector’s item. View the Historic Waco Foundation collection at the East Terrace House Museum on Mill street. Admission to the exhibit is included in the regular tour admission of $5. Hours are 10 AM to 4 PM on Saturday.
2. MCC Foundation 18th Annual Hearts in the Arts Theatre Gala: Chicago: Thursday, February 27, reception 6pm, performance of “Chicago” 7:30pm; Ball Performing Arts Center at MCC; tickets are $100
https://www.actlocallywaco.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/MCCF-Gala-Ad_Trib_Email_685x700.jpg
Thursday is the 18th Annual “Hearts in the Arts” Theatre Gala. The event includes a reception with hors d'oeuvres, cocktails and dessert, followed by a performance of the musical “Chicago” by the MCC theatre department. All proceeds will go towards scholarships and other needs of the MCC Arts students and faculty. The event will take place at the Ball performing Arts Center. It starts at 7:30, and tickets are $100. Please visit the MCC Foundation's Hearts in the Arts website to RSVP and for further information. The regular performances of “Chicago” will run through February 29, tickets are $10.
Fun
1. Loteria Night: Saturday, February 22, 6pm; 915 La Salle Ave.; free (?)
https://www.facebook.com/190582754297690/posts/2846877645334841/?d=n
One last event just for fun. Tomorrow evening, The Centex Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the Hispanic Student Association at MCC will be hosting a “loteria” night. If you are not familiar with “Loteria,” it’s kind of like Bingo – but with pictures – and it’s all kinds of fun. Proceeds will benefit the programs of the Hispanic Chamber. The fun starts at 6 PM at the Hispanic Chamber building on LaSalle. For more information, visit their Facebook page.
