 Monday, September 18

Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15. This month-long celebration recognizes and honors the history, culture, and contributions of Hispanic Americans whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.
Did you know? The first observance of a national Hispanic heritage celebration started in 1968 as one week. Later in 1988, it was expanded to 30 days starting on September 15 to include the Independence Day celebration for several Central American countries.
 The City of Waco unveiled the Hispanic wall displays on Friday, September 15 at South Waco Library, 2737 S. 18th Street. The displays highlight the rich history of the Hispanic American community in the heart of South Waco.
The displays feature 15 influential Hispanic Wacoans. In addition to the static exhibit, the library also has a rotating digital sign that highlights an additional 15 Wacoans and locations providing a dynamic and engaging way to explore the City of Waco’s heritage.
 Have you ever wondered how the different City of Waco departments serve residents day to day? Now you can enjoy a behind-the-scenes look through our “On The Job” video series!
The City of Waco Animal Shelter is at 2032 Circle Road in Waco. It’s an open-admission shelter, meaning no animal is turned away. It’s a partnership with 15 cities and McLennan County. If a stray animal is found in our area, it probably ends up in our care at the shelter.
City staff is responsible for the overall operation of the shelter as well as the health and care of all animals. Our shelter partners, the Humane Society of Central Texas handle the adoption, fostering, and volunteers.
For more information, visit waco-texas.com/animals.
 The Green Communities Conference is in full swing! Join us today, Sept. 18 and tomorrow, Sept. 19 at the Waco Convention Center. The conference is a collaboration with community partners Keep Waco Beautiful, McLennan Community College, and Baylor University. This year's conference offers opportunities to learn about watershed protection, clean energy, food & waste systems, and environmental justice.
Entrance for the public is only $25, and scholarships are available. The conference features presentations, exhibitors, field trips, and breakout lunch workshops.
 Fall means pumpkin spice lattes, cooler weather, and... raking leaves. Remember that yard waste is collected every other week separately from your gray trash cart to divert it from the landfill.
- Green carts can be requested at no extra cost for grass, small sticks, and leaves.
- An additional 20 paper bags of grass waste can be collected. (No plastic bags for yard waste.)
- One brush pile no larger than 4x4x4 feet can be
hauled on green-cart weeks. (No request needed.)
 Construction will begin soon on Bagby Avenue from South Valley Mills Drive to Kendrick Lane. The 15-month project includes new utilities, drainage, and sidewalks. Traffic will still flow in both directions for most of the project, but minimal full-lane closures are expected. The project will begin near Valley Mills Drive and work toward Kendrick Elementary to minimize construction during the school year.
 Whether you are new to Waco or a long-term resident, now is the time to join your neighborhood association. Organizing as an association is a great opportunity to meet your neighbors and build community.
Learn more at waco-texas.com/neighborhoods.

Did you know? The City of Waco's meter shop employees are responsible for turning on and turning off water service for customers, helping residents who find themselves without water due to a problem, setting up water services that require using fire hydrants at large job sites, inspecting over 50,000 meters, and so much more!
A big THANK YOU to our Meter Shop staff for all they do to help keep Waco's water system running smoothly.
Learn more about Water Utility Services at wacowater.com.
Keep up with what goes on in and around the City of Waco with our weekly video news report — City Beat!
Date:
- Waco Fire Hosts 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony
- City of Waco Attends Central Texas Industrial Training Center Groundbreaking
- South Waco Library Unveils Displays Honoring Hispanic Wacoans
The We Are Waco series showcases the common thread defining what makes Waco, well, Waco! Waco is a progressive and diverse city with a vibrant community spirit! This series showcases Wacoans with local businesses, organizations, and talent and represents what we do, how we live & who we are... #WeAreWaco.
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