HUNTSVILLE — Guidelines for Best Bets

Best Bets items may be submitted up to two weeks in advance and are subject to editing. Items must be received by 1 p.m. to run the following day. Items must be submitted via e-mail or U.S. Postal Service. All submissions must be typed and may be e-mailed to newsroom@itemonline.com. Handwritten submissions will not be accepted.

Best Bets announcements are for non-profit and community groups wishing to announce a specific event. We will not run submissions which do not fit the guidelines of Best Bets not mentioned here. Best Bets is based on space availability. We do not guarantee that any announcement will run every day, or on any specific day. Church services will not be included in Best Bets, they will run in Saturday’s Religion Briefs section. Questions regarding Best Bets should be directed to Lindsey Vaculin at (936) 295-5407 ext. 3052.





TODAY



Fire Station Grand Opening

A grand opening ceremony for the H.B. Toney Memorial Fire Station No. 4 will be held at 6 p.m. today in front of the station at 1619 Highway 30 East. The ceremony, open to the public, includes appearances by both City and County dignitaries and tours of the new facility. Refreshments, including hot dogs and cookies, will be served.



Smith Trail Ride

Smith’s 16th Annual Trailride, Roping Ride Club, will take place today and Saturday at the Smith Ranch, located off Bowden Road in Huntsville. Friday activities include a campout and dance, starting at 7 p.m. The ride will begin at 4 p.m. Saturday. All 4-wheelers, wagons, horses and bikes are welcome. Admission is $8 per day or $10 for the weekend. Children age 6 and under are $3. Trophies will be awarded. For more information call Mary Grassity at (936) 291-6476 or Betty Smith at (936) 293-0226.



SATURDAY



Car Wash

The Praise Dancers of Robinson Memorial COGIC will hod a car wash fundraiser from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday in the CVS Pharmacy parking lot. All help is greatly appreciated!



Weavers and Spinners Guild of Huntsville

Please join us for a Summer “Spin-In” as we demonstrate spinning fibers into yarn from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the Carriage Inn, 2805 Lake Road, in the front Community Room. We are happy to share our love of Fiber Arts on wheel, spindle, loom, needles and hook. Light refreshments will be served.  We look forward to meeting with guests and answer your questions. Contact B.J. Mathes at redbirdranch@hughes.net



Greater Gospel Fun Day

Greater Gospel Hill Church of God in Christ, 87 Gospel Hill, will be hosting fun day at the church from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday. There will be games for the children, and free hotdogs and snow cones for everyone. For more information, call Bridgett Collins (936) 295-0138.



UPCOMING



Sam Houston alumni meeting

The National Alumni Association of Sam Houston High School will hold its Annual Reunion and Business Meeting in Huntsville during the period, July 26-31. On Friday, July 30, an “Elegant Reunion Banquet” will be held at the Walker County Fairgrounds. The Board of the Samuel Walker Houston Museum and Cultural Center will join the Association in honoring the last faculty and all students attending the school prior to its closing. We are interesting in contacting students enrolled at Sam Houston Elementary School and Sam Houston High School from 1966-1968, the staff and faculty members. If you have information on these individuals or need further information about the reunion, contact Dr. Naomi W. Ledé at: (936) 291-9781 or FAX (936) 435-1615. A special tribute is planned in memory of deceased administrators, faculty and students.



Camp Invention

Camp Invention at SHSU will be held July 26-30 for children entering first through sixth grades. Spaces are still available. For more information, contact Mary at (936) 581-2855.



Camp You Go Girl

Huntsville Church of Christ will host Camp You Go Girl July 26-30 from 5:45-8 p.m. The camp will be five evenings of free fun for girls to learn what makes them unique. Campers will develop self-esteem while participating in: self defense, karaoke, crafts, hiking and more. For more information, e-mail tiffanybiagas@aol.com or call (936) 581-5354.



Peripheral Vascular Disease program

Huntsville Memorial Hospital and Dr. Urmil Shukla will present a program on “Peripheral Vascular Disease” on Tuesday, July 27, at 6:30 p.m. in the HMH Conference Rooms. Peripheral vascular disease involves the narrowing and hardening of the arteries that supply the legs and feet. Dr. Shukla will discuss the symptoms, causes and treatment options for peripheral vascular disease. For more information or to make a reservation, call (936) 291-4599.



El Chico Fundraiser

There will be a fundraiser at El Chico for the Huntsville Junior Olympics on July 27.



Peripheral Vascular Disease screenings

HMH Center for Rehabilitation is offering free Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) screenings on July 28. ABI screenings help diagnose Peripheral Vascular Disease, which has symptoms of pain, fatigue, or discomfort in the muscles of your legs or feet. If you would like a free ABI screening, contact the HMH Center for Rehab at (936) 291-4300 for an appointment.



Gem and Mineral Society

The Piney Woods Gem and Mineral Society will meet on Wednesday, July 28, at 7 p.m. at the Carriage Inn, located at 2805 Lake Road in Huntsville. All who are interested in the earth sciences, rocks, minerals, fossils, artifacts and the lapidary arts are invited to attend. Presentations, discussions and activities for family members of all ages will be offered. Education, show-and-tell, door prizes, raffles, and refreshments will be at every meeting. For more information, e-mail KDF@TexasRockhound.net, call Kevin at (936) 594-9876 or visit the Web site at www.pwgms.org.



CASA Training

Walker County Advocate Training begins July 29 in the First National Bank Building, Blalock Room. Volunteer applications can be found at www.CASAofWalkerCounty.org or call (936) 291-6363 for more information.



Blood Drive

Huntsville Memorial Hospital is hosting a community blood drive Friday, July 30, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the HMH Conference Rooms. Donors must provide identification, such as drivers license, student ID card, etc. All blood types are needed. Please give the ‘gift of life.’



Weight loss surgery seminar

Please join Huntsville Memorial Hospital and Dr. Jason Balette for a seminar on bariatric weight-loss surgery at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 3 in the HMH Conference Rooms. If you’re seriously overweight, risks like diabetes and heart disease are too serious to ignore. Come hear board-certified surgeon Dr. Jason Balette discuss surgical weight loss procedures, recovery and patient qualifications. Call (936) 291-4599 to make a reservation.

 

Adoption Orientation

Lutheran Social Services of the South has opened up a Conroe/ The Woodlands office to serve the needs of Montgomery County and surrounding area(s). We are looking for families that are interested in foster care and or adoption that are willing to provide a safe, secure and loving home to a child or children in need. Orientation will be held from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 3 and from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday Aug. 5. Contact Kimberly Greene at (281) 298-8639, Lacey Laude at (866) 700-0014 or Kandi Carruthat (281) 298-8639.

Clothing Giveaway

The Huntsville Church of Christ’s Annual Community Clothing Giveaway will take place from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, Aug. 6 and Saturday, Aug. 7. Clothes for all ages, genders, and sizes will be given away, including  HISD standardized dress code clothing. Call the church office at (936) 295-3884 for more information.



Emergency Personnel Appreciation Dinner

The 10th Annual Walker County Emergency Personnel Appreciation Dinner is scheduled for Aug. 7 from 6-8 p.m. at the Walker County Storm Shelter on Hwy 75 North. Admission is free to the public to attend this event. Cost for the meal is $6 for adults and $4 for children under 12. Anyone wishing to participate please contact: Kim Williams (936) 344-8164 or kwilliams@firstvictoria.com.



Rummage Sale

St. Thomas Ladies Annual Rummage Sale will be held on Aug. 6 at 10 a.m. till 6 p.m. and Aug. 7 from 8 a.m. till 3 p.m. Furniture, appliances, tools, clothing, etc. Located at 1323 16th Street in the CCE Building. Shop in air conditioned comfort. Funds used to support the youth of the community. For more information, call Cathy Martin (936) 295-0290.



Barbecue sandwich sale

The American Legion Sam Houston Post 95 in Huntsville is having its annual Barbecue Sandwich Sale on Friday, Aug. 6, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Cost is $5 per person and each lunch includes one chopped brisket sandwich, one bag of chips, one soft drink, and condiments (pickles, onions and barbecue sauce.) Pre-ordering starts Monday, Aug. 2. Call Randy Neal at (936) 661-4711 or Post 95 after 4 p.m. at (936) 291-0129 to place your order. Feel free to dine-in or carry-out. Free delivery available with minimum order of at least five sandwiches. All proceeds benefit charities of the Sons of The American Legion and The American Legion Riders (Riders Legacy Scholarship Fund, Veterans Christmas Baskets, etc.) For more information, please visit our Website at www.samhoustonpost95.org.



‘Ant and the Grasshopper’ cast to visit library

 The cast of the Huntsville Children’s Theatre will perform selected scenes from their upcoming production of the “Ant and the Grasshopper” during story hour on Thursday, Aug. 5, at 10:30 a.m. Story Hour at the Huntsville Public Library is a complimentary program that promotes emergent reading skills for preschool aged children. Story Hour includes stories, songs, and dance and concludes with a craft activity. For more information, visit the Library’s Web site at myhuntsvillelibrary.com or call the Library at (936)291-5472. The Old Town Theatre performance of the Ant and the Grasshopper will take place on Aug. 6 and 7 at 7 p.m.



Garage Sale

Most Holy Trinity Ladies Guild will hold its annual garage sale on Aug. 7-8. Friday from  8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Parish Hall, 401 Prospect Dr. in Trinity.



HHS Freshman Orientation

Huntsville High School will hold its freshman orientation on from 8 a.m. to noon on Thursday, Aug. 12. For more information, call (936) 293-2626.



Preschool Story Hour

The Huntsville Public Library hosts Story Hour every Thursday at 10:30 a.m. Story Hour includes stories, songs, dance and finger plays and concludes with a craft activity. The theme for Aug. 12 will be “Alpha Books.” For more information, visit the library’s Web site at myhuntsvillelibrary.com or call (936)291-5472.



Preschool Story Hour

The Huntsville Public Library hosts Story Hour every Thursday at 10:30 a.m. Story Hour includes stories, songs, dance and finger plays and concludes with a craft activity. The theme for Aug. 19 will be “Prince and Princesses.” For more information, visit the library’s Web site at myhuntsvillelibrary.com or call (936)291-5472.



‘One Night with Elvis and Roy’

Donny Edwards “One Night With Elvis and Roy” with special guest Wayne King will be at the Old Town Theare on Aug. 22 4 p.m. Call (281) 713-8140 for more information. Or visit   www.donnyedwardslive.com.



Preschool Story Hour

The Huntsville Public Library hosts Story Hour every Thursday at 10:30 a.m. Story Hour includes stories, songs, dance and finger plays and concludes with a craft activity. The theme for Aug. 26 will be “Owen’s Owls.” For more information, visit the library’s Web site at myhuntsvillelibrary.com or call (936)291-5472.



Diva Night

Tickets are on sale now for the first ever Diva Night at Magnolia Lake on Thursday, Sept. 2.  Ladies may purchase tickets at the Chamber, Lisa’s Gift Box and Curves for only $25 but only a limited number will be sold. Tickets will provide entry into this “ladies only” event,  beverages and hors d’oeuvres, drawings for door prizes and pamper stations, style show and the opportunity to spend an evening with friends.