Baylor Hot Spots: The Waco Suspension Bridge

The Waco Suspension Bridge is located at University Parks Dr. between Franklin Ave. and Washington Ave.  The bridge is found in-between the Indian Spring Park on the west side, and Martin Luther King, Jr. Park on the east side.

The Bridge was the longest single-span suspension bridge west of the Mississippi when it was completed in 1870. It is complete with cable supplied by the John Roebling Co., who built the Brooklyn Bridge in New York City.  The bridge assisted traders and travelers for well over a century.  It has been used for many community festivals and events including the 4th on the Brazos celebration and Brazos Nights concerts.

Although it may seem strange that the suspension bridge is a “Baylor Hot Spot,” many students use the bridge as a place to take photos before social functions or any other special events.

 

Tortilla tossing is also a common activity that takes place on the bridge. Tortilla tossing consists of throwing tortillas into the Brazos while standing on the suspension bridge and attempting to land them on two large concrete pillars.  Students tend to get extremely competitive, turning it into a sport.  One of my friends decided to get creative one night by throwing eggs instead of tortillas.  The egg tossing proved to be much easier because the wind was no longer able to interfere. 

Along with all the purposes the bridge serves, it’s ultimately just a beautiful and special part of Waco.  Many people come and never really experience what makes Waco so unique.  There is a lot of history to be discovered if people would take the time to find it.

Baylor Hot Spots: Cameron Park Zoo

When moving to Waco, TX for school I had no prior knowledge of anything interesting besides Baylor to be discovered.  I had seen highway 35 and Baylor’s campus, and as far as I was concerned, that’s all there was.            

            I have always loved zoos and was ecstatic to find that the Cameron Park Zoo is actually clean and a great habitat for the animals found there.  I first went this zoo for a sorority function.   Theta’s Pledge Dance was held in the aquarium.  Although it may seem strange to hold a dance in a zoo aquarium, it turned out to be one of my favorite dances so far.

            The zoo holds special events, opportunities to volunteer and adopt animals, activities directed towards children and much more.  The zoo’s website includes all this information as well as photos and videos. http://www.cameronparkzoo.com/

            My first experience at the Cameron Park Zoo during the daylight was quite enjoyable.  I went with my Wildlife Ecology Lab and I really enjoyed seeing all the animals out and the beautiful natural landscapes developed specifically for these animals. The habitats were very clean and large enough to to accommodate the specific species. 
Upcoming Events Include:
Saturday, April 16- Beasts ‘n Blooms & Earth Day Too! Beasts n’ Blooms & Earth Day Too is an annual event where vendors from across Texas set up booths and sell their unique garden products or gifts.    Combined with our Education Department, Beasts n’ Blooms & Earth Day Too promotes environmental awareness and offers a variety of booths that demonstrate ways to help the environment.  Hands on activities, face painting, and demonstrations are held throughout the day for the kids so fun is had by all!
Sunday, May 8, 2011- M.O.M. – Missing Orangutan Mothers Awareness Event PLEASE JOIN US to HELP SAVE ORANGUTANS and their rainforest homes! Mother’s Day is the perfect day to celebrate and pay tribute to orangutan mothers. The M.O.M.– Missing Orangutan Mothers awareness event is our way of doing precisely that!
Event Hours: 11 am – 3 pm
Friday, June 24, 2011- Zoobilee Cameron Park Zoo is planning for a great Zoobilee again this year! Zoobilee 2011 is presented by H. Bruce Hamilton, M.D. This always fun party will take place on Friday, June 24th with the Patron Party, sponsored by Central National Bank, starting at 6:30pm. Be sure to dress cool and comfortable, and wear your dancing shoes! We will have all of the great restaurants from the Waco area providing the best food, and our mega bar will be sure to have your favorite beverage. Don’t miss the exciting Silent Auction, where you can score great finds while helping the Zoo, too! The theme this year is “Light up the Night,” which is exactly what we intend to do. Tickets will go on sale May 20th!
Saturday, June 25, 2011- KidZoobilee KidZoobilee is an evening of fun aimed at children ages 4-12. There is a Patron Party for the children from 5:00pm-6:00pm, where children may purchase a ticket for $ 50.00, have their name on a special children’s Patron banner, and best of all, not have to wait in line for food, games, and activities. The general admission party starts at 6:00pm and continues until 8:00pm. Children can enjoy bounce houses, games, water activities, face painting, lots of kid friendly food and drinks, and also receive an animal hat, a goody bag, a toy, and a water bottle as a parting gift. General admission children’s tickets are $ 25.00, and all children must be accompanied by an adult. Unattended children will not be allowed to enter the gate. All adults must by a $ 25.00 ticket. Tickets will go on sale May 20th!

Baylor Hot Spots: Hearts N Crafts

Hearts N Crafts is another place around Baylor's campus where I really feel at home.  It has the same laid-back, fun vibe as Common Grounds.  The girls that work there are all so unique and creative.  I first discovered Hearts N Crafts during Line Camp before my first year at Baylor.  I instantly fell in love with the colorful decorations and friendly feeling the store provided. 

Hearts N crafts sells hand painted Toms, an endless amount of room decorations, accessories and a selection of clothing.  Many girls have also purchased their Baylor dresses at this store.  

 The Toms are probably my favorite part of Hearts N crafts. I think the idea of creating something that is completely unique is so refreshing.  

Hearts N Crafts is always packed with people on the weekends.  This is usually the first place girls take their parents when they are in town.  I know every time my mom comes to visit, this is the first place we go.  

Harts N Crafts opened in September 2002 as a college boutique inspired by girls who love bright patterns and crazy colors. After outgrowing their initial location in 2006, the moved into a 1950s house near Baylor University’s campus at 1125 S. 8th.

Luckily, my two favorite hot spots at Baylor, Common Grounds and Hearts N Crafts are right next to each other on 8^th Street.

Baylor Hot Spots: Common Grounds

My first year at Baylor, I spent more time at Common Grounds than in my dorm room.  I found it comforting because it had an “Austiny” feel.  I grew up in Austin around live music and hip coffee shops, so the atmosphere of Common Grounds was exactly what I needed to feel at home.  I spent many homesick nights under the colorful lights and wacky decorations the unique coffee shop provided.  

            CG is the venue for several bands each month.  Just this last Tuesday I went to a Drew Holcomb concert there.  It was great to be able to take a break from reality for a night and listen to one of my favorite bands play.              

            Along with awesome bands, Common Grounds has exceptional coffee.  Considering the fact that I drink more coffee than water, I appreciate the wide variety of flavors.  Although CG has a fun atmosphere, many students choose to study there. 

            Common Grounds really has impacted my experience here in Waco in a positive way.  It’s like a small slice of home but also mixes in the great community service opportunities found here in Waco.  You can find information on organizations such as Waco Arts Initiative in the shop.  CG really attempts to get students involved in the community.
             My personal favorite coffee found at Common Grounds is the Hotrod.  They have three new flavors to choose from everyday.  The Hotrod is made with skim milk and is best served hot, hints the name...I would recommend that every Baylor student and visitor stop by Common Grounds for a coffee or to just experience the awesome atmosphere that it provides!

The Joys of Wildlife Ecology

Being a Journalism/ English major comes with a few perks; not having to take real science classes is one of those.  So far in college I have examined rocks, stars, oceans and this semester I have the opportunity to explore the world of Wildlife Ecology.  To my extreme surprise, I've actually enjoyed this class so far.  Today in the lab we are going to the Marina to search for turtles.  We will be able to take out canoes and float along the Brazos.  I really enjoy all outdoor activities, so for the first time in my life, I'm looking forward to a lab. 

           

I love that Baylor offers us so many different activities around campus.  The marina is such a great place to spend a beautiful afternoon.  Both of my roommates work for Campus Recreation so I've spent several days hanging out at the Marina, keeping them entertained.  I also think it's great that the Marina is so close to campus; it's just a short walk across University.  I would encourage all Baylor students to go check it out.  School can become so repetitive and tiring, it's nice to have a place to relax and spend some time having fun.

Kappa Alpha Theta's Denim Dash

Today, Wed, Mar. 2 the Kappa Alpha Theta's of Baylor University held their annual Denim Dash Trunk Show. Denim Dash took place in the Theta Chapter Room in the Stacy Riddle Forum from 10-5 p.m.

The trunk show consisted of top designers who showed their newest designs consisting of; Plum, Stella and dot, charity denim and rock bottom boutique.

 10 % of all money raised will directly benefit Theta’s philanthropy, CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates).  CASA volunteers are appointed by judges to watch over and advocate for abused and neglected children, to make sure they don’t get lost in the overburdened legal and social service system or languish in inappropriate group or foster homes. Volunteers stay with each case until it is closed and the child is placed in a safe, permanent home. For many abused children, their CASA volunteer will be the one constant adult presence in their lives.  Theta has chosen this organization to support and help provide children with the voice they may not have alone.  

The event went very well and had a great turn out.  Since I'm a Theta I'm also very passionate about CASA. I've had the opportunity to learn exactly what CASA stands for and have been given several opportunities to raise money for this special organization. 

The Adventures of Amelia Garrett

            This past week I had the opportunity to write a Profile Story on Amelia Garrett.  She is such a wonderful girl and an inspirational friend, so of course I was very happy to get to write wonderful and flattering things about her!  The Profile Story mainly focuses on Amelia’s passions and talents.  A major chunk of it talked about her involvement in Sing this year as one of Theta’s Sing Chairs. 

            On a more personal note, I also explained the observations I have made about Amelia, as I am also a Theta here at Baylor.  I’m participating in Sing this year too and it has been such a blessing and pleasure to have Amelia as a teacher and leader throughout the past two months.  Amelia is one of my best friends and I have so much confidence in her ability to make this year Theta’s best year in Sing thus far!

            I also wrote about Amelia’s career goals and her experiences in High School. I wanted to add a little humor to the story because Amelia has such a great sense of humor and is one of the funniest people I think I’ve probably ever met.  I commented on how she thought high school was her “peaking point” and how she mentioned the excessive amounts of friends she had back in the day.  In high school Amelia was also on the dance team.  She instantly fell in love with dance and I feel like that is a big reason as to why she decided she wanted to pursue the role of Sing Chair in Theta. 

            Amelia is just so much fun and I liked the fact that I could write about one of my close friends instead of a random stranger I just met.

Amelia and a gnome from Theta's Sing act "Golden Afternoon