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.



ANNOUNCEMENTS



Senior hot meals

Come join the Senior Center of Walker County at the New Waverly Public Library in the Community Room every Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for games and a hot meal. This is for senior adults age 60 and older. Donations gladly accepted. For more information, call the Senior Center at (936) 295-6151. 



Senior Center

All senior citizens, age 60 and older, are invited to enjoy a hot meal at noon, Monday through Friday, at the Senior Center of Walker County. The Senior Center is located at 340 F Highway 75 North. The Senior Center is also in need of volunteers to help deliver meals to the homebound. For further information about the Senior Center, contact Site Manager Claudia Loofs at (936) 295-6151.



Accepting flags

The American Legion Post No. 95 in Huntsville, located at 1919 Industrial Dr., is always accepting worn or damaged American flags. Those who have an American flag in need of disposal may drop it off in the Legion’s patriotic mailbox and members will be sure that it is disposed of properly. The mailbox is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week for drop-offs. For more information, contact the Legion at (936) 291-0129 after 4 p.m.  



Angel Food Ministries

Looking for a way to stretch your grocery dollar? Angel Food Ministries can help. The monthly food box provides $60-$70 of food for $31 — feeding a family of four for $4.30 a day. The box includes fresh meats, vegetables and usually some type of pasta, a dozen eggs and a dessert. There are also monthly specials of steak boxes, chicken boxes and fruit and vegetable boxes. There are no qualifications to purchase a box and no limit. A copy of the current menu is available on the Huntsville Church of Christ’s web site, www.huntsvillecoc.com, at the church or at www.angelfoodministries.com. For more information, contact Mike Ewing at (936) 436-9061 or (936) 577-4897 or the church office at (936) 295-3884.



Lions Club Flag Project

The Huntsville Lions Club will once again hold its 2010 Flag Project. Contributions of $25 will help insure that the U.S. and Texas flags will be on display in downtown Huntsville 13 times throughout the year. Please mail donations to: 2010 Flag Project, Huntsville Lions Club, P.O. Box 67, Huntsville, TX 77342.



Outdoor Explorer

The City of Huntsville is offering Outdoor Explorer classes to interested residents. The program, free for the public, takes place at Huntsville State Park and allows participants to learn basic safety for biking, hiking and kayaking. Class sizes are limited to 30 and pre-registration is required. Classes take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on July 17, Aug. 21 and Sept. 18. Participants ages 12 and up can register with an attending parent or guardian. Those 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult at all times. For more information call (936) 294-5725 or visit www.huntsvilletx.gov/departments/community_services/recreation.htm.



YMCA preschool now registering

The Huntsville family YMCA is now registering for summer and fall preschool openings. Ages 2-5. Open 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. High reach curriculum is utilized for all age groups. Hot lunch and snack included. $410 per month, financial assistance available for qualifying families. For more information, please call 295-8009.



Farmer’s Market

Walker County Farmer’s Market is now being held at the West Hill Mall parking lot on Wednesday and Saturday from 8 a.m. until sold out. A larger variety of vegetables including tomatoes, okra, beans, squash, farm eggs, watermelon, herbs, eggplant, cucumbers, onions, peppers, potatoes, cantaloupe, corn, purple hull peas, and organic produce is available.



Support the HHS Class of 2012, shop at Kroger

Please help the HHS Class of 2012 raise money for their senior year by linking your KrogerPlus card with the class. The class of 2012 will receive a percent of what you buy from NOW until April 2011. Go to www.krogerneighbortoneighbor.com, click on “Find your organization” and search for Huntsville High School-Class 2012, or stop by the high school or Hawkins Administration Bldg. to get instructions and the bar code to scan at Kroger. For questions, please call HHS, (936) 293-2626, or e-mail the class sponsor Amy Langley at alangley@huntsville-isd.org.



Attention HHS Seniors

The schedule for Senior Pictures has changed. Pictures have been rescheduled to July 28-30. You will still have the same time that you originally signed up for, just on a different date now. July 6 moved to the 28th, July 7 to the 29 and July 8 to the 30th. Call 903-581-1234 to schedule your appointment today.



Pop Warner sign-ups

Pop Warner Huntsville Bears will extend the registration for Flag and Tackle Football as well as Competitive Cheerleading. Sign-ups will be held every Sunday in July between noon and 4 p.m. The league promotes safety for our football players by using a strict age/weight matrix to ensure tackle football players participate in a division with players of the same age and weight. Flag Football ages 5-7 for $80, Tackle Football ages 5-12 for $100, and Competitive Cheerleading ages 5-13 for $50. Sign-ups will be every Sunday this month through the 25th, but anyone signing up after July 11 will have to pay an additional $15 late registration charge. Strict mandatory play time for all participants. For information about our $40 Summer Football and Cheer Camp or to answer any other questions please visit www.huntsvillebears.com.



October Means Fair on the Square

The Fair on the Square, hosted by the Huntsville-Walker County Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by Stevenson Distributing and Atkinson Toyota, is always the first Saturday in October and this year falls on Oct. 2. Booth spaces are 10-by-10 in size and are only $150 for craft booths. Registration for vendors has begun. All food booths are sold out. Craft booths are $150. Chamber members can take advantage of the discounted price of $105. Booth prices will increase after Sept. 17, if any booths are still available! Call Laura at the Chamber today at (936) 295-8113 to request a booth.



Library Hours

The Huntsville Public Library will implement new hours of operation beginning Monday, July 19. The library will now be open on Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., on Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, contact Dodson at (936) 291-5470.



Huntsville Area Newcomers

Members desiring to have your name in the 2010-11 Newcomers Yearbook should mail your membership dues of $20 to vice president Billie Neely, 633 Elkins Lake, Huntsville, TX 77340, before Aug. 12. Aug. 5 will be the first luncheon at the Elkins Lake Clubhouse.



Shot Records Request

Texas Immunization Law requires up to date immunizations on all students enrolled in public/private schools. The Tetanus, MCV4, and Varicella No. 2 immunizations are required upon entry to 7th grade. To avoid any delays your child should have all immunizations prior to the Mance Park Middle School Meet & Greet scheduled for Aug. 19, 2010.  Immunizations may be faxed or dropped off at Mance Park Middle School. Please make sure your child’s name and birth date are on his/her records.



HISD Board Election Sign-ups

Those who are interested in serving Huntsville Independent School District as a member of its Board of Trustees may pick up an application packet for a place on the board of trustees regular election ballot. The completed application should then be filed between July 26 and Aug 24. Packets are available now at the Hawkins Administration Building, located at 441 FM 2821 E. This will be the first year that HISD will hold its election in November jointly with the County, City and Hospital District. For more election information please contact Carol Brown at (936) 295-3421.



TODAY



Summer classes at Wynne Home

The Wynne Home Arts Center will be holding summer art classes this week. Classes include: drawing, guitar, arts and crafts, and many more. Classes have a limited enrollment and will be filled on a first come, first served basis. Students may register in person at The Wynne Home Arts Center, 1428 11th St. The classes must be paid in full at registration by cash or check only. For more information call The Wynne Home Arts Center at (936) 291-5424 or drop by and pick up a class schedule. Wynne Home hours: Tuesday through Friday from  10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.



HART to Perform at the library

HART (Huntsville Area Rhetoric Team) will present dramatic interpretations of children’s stories for elementary aged children Wednesday at 2 p.m. HART is a home school group and has advanced to national level in past competitions. For more information, call Kim Mason at (936) 291-5910.



THURSDAY



Preschool Story Hour

The Huntsville Public Library hosts Story Hour every Thursday at 10:30 a.m. This complimentary program promotes emergent reading skills for preschool aged children. Story Hour includes stories, songs, dance and finger plays and concludes with a craft activity. The theme for Thursday will be “Fish Fun.” For more information visit the library’s Web site at myhuntsvillelibrary.com or call (936) 291-5472.



New Member Showcase

Make plans to attend the next Huntsville-Walker County Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours featuring approximately 20 of our newest members at the “New Member Showcase” on Thursday. The event will be held in the Chamber Board Room located at 1327 11th Street beginning at 5:15 p.m. The Showcase is like a Business After Hours and all Chamber members are invited, but only new members who joined in the last year will be showcased. There will be beverages and hors d’oeuvres to enjoy, door prizes and the Cash Pot to give away to a lucky member if present. The New Member Showcase is a great opportunity to get to know other new business members and veteran Chamber members.  The Member Events & Networking Council of the Chamber sponsors this event.



FRIDAY



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. on Friday, July 23 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 July 23-24 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, July 24. 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, July 24, 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, July 24. 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, 2010. 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’!



Hunter Safety Course

There will be a hunter safety course offered July 31 and Aug. 1 in the Huntsville area. Must be pre-registered, attend both days and must have passed your ninth birthday to be certified. For information, contact Bill Dixon at (936) 295-4824.



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.



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.



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, 2010. For more information, call (936) 293-2626.



Diva Night

All ladies in Huntsville and Walker County are invited to attend the first ever Diva Night hosted by the Huntsville-Walker County Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, Sept. 2. The event will be held in the picturesque setting of Magnolia Lake. Booths will fill this elegant ballroom with treasures that are sure to entice every female. The doors open at 6 p.m. and will remain open until 9 p.m. for your shopping pleasure. During the evening, ladies will be treated to beverages and hors d’oeuvres by “celebrity waiters.” At 7 be sure to check out some of the hottest trends as models adorn themselves with stunning fashions from local establishments for a spectacular style show. Vendor spaces and sponsorships are available, but space is very limited. Contact the Chamber at (936) 295-8113 to request information. Tickets will also be on sale at the Chamber for only $25 but only a limited number will be sold. Tickets will provide entry into this “ladies only” event, two beverages, hors d’oeuvres, drawings for door prizes and pamper stations and the opportunity to spend an evening with friends.