From City Manager
Larry D. Groth
City Manager Larry Groth retrieves an apple from
a bowl of chocolate pudding as part of this year’s United Way
challenge (Photo by Mark Randolph).
December is usually described as the season of giving,
as we shop for gifts for our family members and friends, and give
to our favorite charities. With this in mind, I want to express
my appreciation for your generosity in giving to this year’s United
Way campaign.
I am continually impressed by the giving nature
of our employees and this year’s campaign is another significant
example of your selflessness. I am pleased to report that according
to preliminary figures we have raised a total of $71,843, which
reflects a 7 percent increase over last year’s contributions.
That figure should increase as some outstanding pledge cards are
completed.
I want to especially thank June Skerik and Gary
Johnson for their leadership of the United Way campaign each year.
They never cease to surprise me with the creative ideas they come
up whether it’s throwing a pie in my face, eating a worm or bobbing
for apples in chocolate pudding! It’s all in good fun.
We had some great folks that worked as departmental
representatives for us this year and did an outstanding job, and
I wish to thank them for their efforts that directly influenced
our overall success.
The United Way is about improving the quality of
life for families here in our community. Through these contributions,
you are supporting after-school programs, disaster relief efforts,
and providing food and medical care for local families in need.
I also want to take this opportunity to express
my appreciation for your hard work this past year. We accomplished
great things by working together and have more exciting plans
ahead for this coming year. Please watch for our Annual Report,
which will be released early next year listing our major accomplishments
for 2008.
I hope each of you and your family members have
a wonderful holiday season! My wishes are for safety for those
of you who will be traveling, and that all of you will enjoy precious
time with your family and friends. Merry Christmas and Happy New
Year!
Do Well, Be Well With Diabetes Class
Do you or a loved one have diabetes or pre-diabetes?
The Waco-McLennan County Public Health District
is offering a comprehensive course to cover the essentials to
manage your diabetes with meal planning, monitoring your blood
sugar, managing your medications, and preventing complications
of diabetes.
Lessons are taught by community health educators,
nurses, dietitians, exercise specialists, and a podiatrist. Classes
will be held at the Waco McLennan County Public Health District
from 1 to 4 p.m. on Jan. 12, 14, 21, 26 & 28, 2009.
The class is free of charge, but fills up quickly,
so call Christine Smith at 750-5631 to register.
Feast of Sharing
Bring the family out and enjoy a turkey dinner and
activities for the kids at this year’s annual Feast of Sharing.
HEB will host 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.
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 ages 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. For information, call
the center at 750-8650.
Wetlands Calendars
If your Christmas gift list includes calendars,
consider purchasing the 2009 Lake Waco Wetlands calendar. Proceeds
benefit the wetlands education fund. The cost is $10 each and
the calendars feature beautiful wildlife photography. For more
information, call Nora Schell at 848-9654 or e-mail: noras@ci.waco.tx.us.
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