City Limits Newsletter - November 2008

A monthly newsletter for the Citizens of Waco, Texas
To view the previous issue, click here: October issue

Waco City Cable Channel Upgrades to Digital HD

On June 17, 1992, the Waco City Cable Channel began broadcasting from its studios in the Waco Convention Center. Since then during the past eight years, the variety and quality of local programming produced and aired on the channel has escalated to a level that has gained WCCC-TV national recognition, including being identified as one of the top three government access channels in the nation by the Cable Access Guild. Based on the consistent contribution of quality local programming, both Time Warner and Grande cable companies have made a new HD channel available to the City.

As the scheduled conversion from analog to digital television occurs in February 2009, the older analog equipment is being replaced with now standard HD cameras, and other equipment. In addition, as the scheduled total renovation of the Waco Convention Center begins, the studios have been relocated to the first floor of City Hall. Now for the first time, a studio with a small set will provide the opportunity for numerous interview-style programs.

All costs related to the new studio and conversion to digital HD is being funded completely through the two cable operators as set forth by the recently adopted State cable franchise agreement. Since June of this year, WCCC-TV staff has been creating all new programming in 1080p HD that for standard definition (SD) viewers and especially high definition (HD) viewers will provide an incredibly sharper image of Waco.

The viewing experience will be further enhanced through stereo surround sound. Just some of the new programming planned for the premier set for the week of Dec. 7 includes four Brazos Nights concerts and the full two-hour Tommy Emmanuel concert held at MCC’s River Stage, the Veterans Day Parade, and Christmas Parade.

“Our goal is to give our citizens an all new look at their city in HD. From its city departments, amenities, attractions, people, museums, industries, and history, we plan to provide more local programming than any other channel,” said Larry Holze, Municipal Information Director. “We plan to ‘wow’ our viewers by showing them beautiful images and scenes of their city that they may not personally be able to see like a scenic trip up the Brazos River, hikes through Cameron Park, and aerial flights around our city. These same programs are accessible to anyone in the world through our Web site.”

Also planned is the expansion of the daily City Beat News report coverage of city events, full news conferences, food establishment scores and full event coverage not normally covered by other local stations.

Other new programs will include a half hour magazine-style program produced by and about the Midway I.S.D. After the first of the year, monthly programs from all three Chambers of Commerce will inform our citizens on their activities. Several viewer contests will be a part of the premier. WCCC-TV’s HD channel will be found on Grande channel 410 and Time Warner channel 1010. After the digital conversion in February, both cable providers plan to keep the normal SD broadcasts of WCCC-TV programming on channel 10. To ask questions about the digital conversion or about WCCC-TV operations, visit www.waco-texas.com or call 750-5636.

Holiday on the Square

Bring the family downtown for Keep Waco Beautiful’s 28th annual Holiday on the Square on Saturday, Dec. 6. Keep Waco Beautiful will host activities provided by several organizations to make the celebration a memorable one.

The annual Jingle Bell Run, sponsored by the Arthritis Foundation, will begin registration at 4 p.m. Runners in costume will participate to make the occasion festive.

The 56th annual Waco Jaycee Christmas Parade will immediately follow at 6:45 p.m. The parade will travel down Austin Avenue from 17th Street to Heritage Square.

Following the parade, Keep Waco Beautiful will sponsor the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony.

To participate in the Jingle Bell Run, call the Arthritis Foundation at 772-9303. For questions about Holiday on the Square, contact Keep Waco Beautiful at 750-5728.

 

Cameron Park Zoo’s Great Zoo Stampede is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 13. Registration will begin at 6:45 a.m. Races include a 10K, 5K, and one-mile. All courses are certified and races are computer timed.

Early registration begins Nov. 1 and continues through Dec. 9. Runners may register on these dates online at www.cameronparkzoo.com Early registration is $17 per race per runner. Late registration is Dec. 10 through race day for $25 per race per runner.

If you are interested and would like a registration application mailed to you, please call 750-8415. Applications will also be available in the zoo’s gift shop. The races begin in Cameron Park Zoo and travel down University Parks Drive through Cameron Park and back to the zoo. Funds raised from this event benefits the animals at Cameron Park Zoo.

Following the races, Wildlife Wonderland begins inside the zoo. Wildlife Wonderland educates zoo visitors on animal enrichment. Visitors can help make animal enrichment toys for the animals and enjoy watching them play with their toys as their keepers give talks about the different animals and their natural habits.

There will also be a silent auction featuring different selections of our animal art. The animals enjoy painting as part of their enrichment programs and are proud of their work. Funds raised from the silent auction goes to the animal enrichment funds. Wildlife Wonderland begins at 10 a.m. and ends at 2 p.m. Schedules will be available for the different keeper talks. Runners from the Great Zoo Stampede may use their race form for admission into the zoo.

Come join the fun at Cameron Park Zoo with these two great events on Dec. 13.

Holiday Camps

The City of Waco Recreation Centers will offer holiday camps during the Thanksgiving and Christmas breaks. Children will participate in various activities, including recreational games and crafts.

The Thanksgiving Camp is offered Nov. 26. The cost is $10 per child for ages 5 to 13.

The Winter Break Camp is offered Dec. 22 through Jan. 5. The cost is $60 per child for ages 5 to 13.

For more information or to register, contact the recreation centers at South Waco 750-8650, Bledsoe-Miller 750-8684, and Dewey 750-8677.

Holiday Storytimes

A variety of holiday-themed Storytimes are being held in December at the Waco-McLennan County Library. Free Storytimes are held at 10:30 a.m. and are aimed for children ages 3 - 6.

“Tis the Season to Rock Around the Christmas Tree” with Santa, reindeer and other typical Christmas sights and sounds at the following Storytimes:

“Pioneer Christmas” recreates a Laura Ingalls Wilder Christmas from “the olden days, “including an old-fashioned craft.

“Kwanzaa”, an African-American cultural celebration, through songs, inspiring stories, treats, and a souvenir craft.

“A Special Christmas Puppet Show” by children’s librarians Vivian Rutherford and Stacy Phillips.

Tax Aid Volunteers

The AARP Tax-Aide program is recruiting volunteers to work in their tax return preparation program. The program provides free tax assistance to low- and middle-income citizens, with special attention to those 60 and older.

Volunteer tax preparers will complete a self-study booklet in advance of group training. Volunteers are also needed to serve as site assistants and translators; these volunteers are not required to complete the tax training course.

Tax preparation sites will operate from Jan. 26 -April 15. Site hours vary. Most sites are open during regular business hours, but there will be limited site openings on Saturday. Volunteers are needed who are able to work at least four hours per week.
To learn more, call Mary Routly at 757-1210 or Diane Waltman at 666-9459.

Feast of Sharing

HEB will host the annual Feast of Sharing on Sunday, Dec. 14 at the Heart O’ Texas Fair complex. The event is free to the public from noon to 4 p.m. Bring the family out to enjoy a turkey dinner and activities for the kids. For information, call 662-7500.

Fire Engine Santa

Come meet Santa as he arrives at the South Waco Recreation Center on a red fire engine. Children 13 and under are invited to the South Waco Pavilion from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Dec. 19 to greet Santa and receive treats. It’s a great time to turn in your Christmas wish list. For information, call the center at 750-8650.

2008-2009 Holiday Schedule

Thanksgiving (Thursday and Friday, Nov. 27 & 28, 2008)
The Solid Waste offices and Cobbs Recycling Center will be closed both days. The Landfill will be closed on Thursday, but will be open on Friday. Thursday’s trash will be collected on Wednesday, Nov. 26; Friday’s trash will be collected on Friday as usual.

Christmas Day (Thursday, Dec. 25, 2008)
Solid Waste offices, Landfill, and Cobbs Recycling Center will be closed.
Thursday’s trash will be collected on Wednesday, Dec. 24.

New Year’s Day (Thursday, Jan. 1, 2009)
Solid Waste offices, Landfill and Cobbs Recycling Center will be closed. Thursday’s trash will be collected on Wednesday, December 31.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Monday, Jan. 19, 2009)
The Solid Waste offices will be closed. The Landfill will be open. Monday’s trash will be collected on Wednesday, Jan. 21.

Memorial Day (Monday, May 25, 2009)
The Solid Waste offices and the Landfill will be closed. Monday’s trash will be collected on Wednesday, May 27.

Independence Day (Friday and Saturday, July 3 & 4, 2009)
The Solid Waste offices will be closed on Friday, July 3. The Landfill and Cobbs Recycling Center will be open on Friday, but closed on Saturday. Friday’s trash will be collected as usual on Friday, July 3.

Labor Day (Monday, Sept. 7, 2009)
The Solid Waste Offices and the Landfill will be closed. Monday’s trash will be collected on Wednesday, Sept. 9.

Christmas Tree Recycling

After the presents are unwrapped, it’s time to recycle your Christmas tree. Bring the undecorated tree to Keep Waco Beautiful’s annual “Chippin’ of the Green” at the Paul Tyson Field parking lot on Saturday, Jan. 3 between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. and watch the tree turn into a bag of mulch.Those who participate may take the mulch home and use it on their lawns or gardens. They will also receive a small tree sapling. For more information, contact Keep Waco Beautiful at 750-5728.

Santa’s Secret Service

The City of Waco Parks and Recreation Department is helping kids out this holiday season by setting up a special phone line called Santa’s Secret Service at South Waco Recreation Center.

Children can call Santa’s Secret Service line at 750-5845 and leave a message for Santa telling him what they wish to receive for Christmas. Santa can receive messages at any time from Dec. 1 through Dec. 19. For more information call South Waco Recreation Center at 750-8650.

Free Kids Fishing Derby

The trout will be biting on Dec. 6, as the City of Waco Parks and Recreation Department teams up with Texas Parks and Wildlife for a free Kids Fishing Derby at Buena Vista Park, 2001 Madera.

The event will take place from 9 a.m. to
11 a.m. Prizes, bait and poles will be provided. Kids of all ages can participate.

Rainbow trout thrive in cold water and can be caught with hooks baited with cheese or corn. Adults must have a fishing license with a rainbow trout stamp to fish, which can be purchased at area convenience stores and sporting goods stores. For information, call 750-8057.


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