 The Department of Neighborhood Engagement hosted their Neighborhood Leaders’ Network meeting on June 5 at the Doris Miller Community Center. Neighborhood leaders were given the opportunity to tour the newly renovated community pool at the center. Approximately 18 attendees representing 7 neighborhood associations were present.
Neighborhood Associations Represented: Alta Vista, Brook Oaks, Brookview, Carver, Mountainview, Oakwood, and Sanger Heights.
 On June 19, we commemorate Juneteenth, the day in 1865 when enslaved people in Galveston, Texas finally learned of their emancipation — more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. This day stands as a reminder of the delayed promise of freedom and the resilience of African American communities. Today, Juneteenth is a time to reflect on our shared history and honor African American culture and heritage.
Juneteenth Events
Saturday, June 14
- 10 a.m., Annual Juneteenth Parade, presented by the Cen-Tex African American Chamber of Commerce. Route will begin at Heritage Square in downtown Waco and proceed down Washington and Elm avenues to the historic Paul Quinn Campus.
- 12-3 p.m., Following the parade is the Juneteenth Block Party, hosted by the McLennan County NAACP. Event will take place at Wilbert Austin, Sr. Park, 401 Hood St. There will be music, food, and family-friendly activities.
Friday, June 20
- 6 p.m., Brazos Nights: A Juneteenth Celebration featuring Digable Planets & DJ Spinderella at Indian Spring Park.
City of Waco Offices Closed
City of Waco offices will be closed for Juneteenth on Thursday, June 19. Residents with a Thursday trash collection day will have their gray waste carts and green yard waste carts collected earlier the day before on Wednesday, June 18.
 Stock up on fun reads for the kids! Join us June 20–21 from 10 AM to 6 PM at the West Waco Library.
- Hardbacks just $2
- Paperbacks only 50¢
Picture books, early readers, chapter books & more—perfect for summer reading!
 Join the City of Waco on Friday, June 20 at Indian Spring Park for the next Downtown Waco Brazos Nights concert. In the spirit of Juneteenth, the night will feature a night of hip-hop under the stars with Digable Planets and DJ Spinderella.
Digable Planets is known for their jazzy, laid-back style and timeless hits featuring the iconic trio Butterfly, Ladybug Mecca, and Doodlebug. The night also features DJ Spinderella, the Grammy-winning icon from Salt-N-Pepa who's now doing her own thing, rocking stages across the globe and mentoring the next generation of music trailblazers.
 Bring your family down to the Texas Ranger Museum (100 Texas Ranger Trail) to meet a real Texas Ranger. Watch Texas history come to life! Presentations are held at 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. and will last about 30 minutes followed by 15 minutes for Q&A. Presentations are included with admission.
- June 14: Meet Major Wende Wakeman
- June 28: Meet Ranger Nicole Martin
- July 12: Meet Ranger Ken Shields
- July 26: Meet Ranger Nicole Martin
 Looking for a place where your teen can make new friends this summer? Pet Circle Waco has recently opened their volunteer program to those under 18 (with parental permission)! Volunteering at Pet Circle Waco is vital to getting dogs adopted. It socializes them, gives them fresh air, exercise, and enrichment.
 We know it's not news, but Texas heat can be brutal in the summer. Please be safe out there. Take care of your children and pets and watch out for heat exhaustion.
Safety Tips:
- Drink water often. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty.
- Avoid unnecessary work and activities outside or in buildings without air conditioning.
- Wear light, loose-fitting clothes.
- Stay in an air conditioned area. Air conditioning is the best protective factor against heat-related illnesses.
- Check in on your friends, family, and neighbors during heat waves.
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