HUNTSVILLE —  

TODAY



Rock Star

The City of Huntsville and Sam Houston State University have partnered to bring the community a free rock climbing program for all ages. This program is designed to teach children, youth, students and adults the basic techniques of rock climbing. Participants will spend time learning about rock climbing equipment, terminology, safety, knot-tying and more! Participants will also have plenty of time to test their skills on SHSU’s indoor rock wall! Children under the age of 16 are required to be accompanied by an adult. Class size is limited to 10 students per class. Classes are every Tuesday from 6-8 p.m. at SHSU Health and Kinesiology Center from Aug. 31 to Dec. 7, 2010. To register please call (936) 294-5725.



WEDNESDAY



Miss Essence Scholarship Pageant

Miss Essence Scholarship Pageant is now open to all high school young ladies of any nationality in grades 9-12, and ages 14-19. Advanced registration is through Aug. 31 for a fee of only $25. Registration fee of $30 will begin Sept. 1. Regular registration will also be held in the Huntsville High School Commons on Sept. 8 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.; and Sept. 15 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday, Sept. 27 will be the last day for registration and will also, be the first mandatory parent meeting at the La Quinta Inn 124 I-45 North in Huntsville at 7 p.m. For more information, contact Veronica Stubblefield at (936) 581-1608 or VGS002@shsu.edu or LaTonya Hall at (936) 577-9031 or LRH009@shsu.edu.



Huntsville Hornet Football Tickets

Tickets to the Huntsville vs. College Park varsity football game taking place at 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 2 at Woodforest Bank Stadium in The Woodlands will be on sale from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 1 and Thursday Sept. 2 in the Huntsville ISD Business Office, located at 441 FM 2821 E in Huntsville. Adult tickets are $6 and student tickets are $3. This is the only location for pre-game ticket sales. All tickets at the gate at College Park will be $7.



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 Sept. 2 will be “Squirrels and Chipmunks.” For more information visit the Library’s website at myhuntsvillelibrary.com or call the Library at (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.



Diabetes Support Group

The Diabetes Support Group will meet at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 2 in the HMH Conference Rooms. Dr. Jason Forbes will speak on “Managing Diabetic Wounds.” Light refreshments will be provided. For more information, call (936) 291-4599.



FRIDAY



Sausage Wrap Fundraiser

Unity of Faith Missionary Baptist Church will hold a fundraiser from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 3. For $5, supporters will receive a sausage-wrap-around, a bag of chips, cookies and a bottle of water. The interested may call the church at (936) 295-1698 to place an order or stop by 336 Watkins Street in Huntsville. Delivery is available on large orders. Sponsored by the Pastor's Aide Committee.



KC Fish Fry

The Knights of Columbus will serve their Fish Fry dinner from 5-7 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 3, at St. Thomas Catholic Church Hall, located at 16th and M Streets in Huntsville. The menu includes deep fried fish, French fries, hush puppies, fried okra, cole slaw and ice tea. The cost is $7 for adults and $5 for children under 12. Students with SHSU ID are $6. Take-out dinners are welcome. For more information, contact Ed Jacobs at (936) 661-4014.



Hunter Education Certification Class

A Hunter Education Certification Class for persons born on or after Sept. 2, 1971, will be conducted at the City of Huntsville Service Center on Friday, Sept. 3 from 6-9 p.m. and Saturday, Sept. 4, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Minimum ages for certification is 9 years old; persons under 17 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Cost for the 2-day course is $15 and covers all materials. Students should dress appropriately for outdoor activities on Saturday and bring their own personal archery equipment. All persons desiring to take this class must pre-register and bring their Social Security Card to class to register. To register or for more information please contact Joe Schmidt at (936) 293-1090.



SATURDAY



Spinning & Weaving Demonstrations

A spinning and weaving demonstration will be given from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 4 on the grounds of the Sam Houston Memorial Museum. Take a step back in time to see an artisan recreate a craft and trade of the 19th century.



Barbecue Fundraiser

The Huntsville Youth Football League J.V. White team will hold a barbecue fundraiser and bake sale at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 4 in the parking lot of Card & Party Factory and O’Reilly Auto Parts.



Pre-Game Tailgate

Sam Houston State University Alumni Association invites you to attend a Pre-Game Tailgate party on Saturday, Sept. 4, from 4-6 p.m. at Floyd Casey Stadium, 3000 Dutton in Waco (behind HEB on Valley Mills). $10 per person. Fajitas and two drink tickets. Please reserve by today at (800) 283-7478 or http://alumni.shsu.edu. Game tickets are available through the Bearkat Athletics Ticket Office by calling (936) 294-1729 or online at www.gobearkats.com.



SAVE THE DATE



SEPTEMBER



Labor Day Barbecue

Thomas Lake Road Volunteer Fire Department will host a Labor Day Barbecue on Sept. 5 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sliced barbecue brisket, sausage and chicken with all the trimmings. Cake Auction at 12:30 p.m. Eat in or take out. Cost for adults is $7, children 6-10 $3.50, under 6 eat for free. Proceeds go to support the volunteer fire department.



Garbage Pick-up

The City of Huntsville Solid Waste Division will run regular residential and commercial garbage pick-up on Labor Day, Sept. 6. The Recycling Center will be closed to the public, but reopen on Tuesday.



Lutheran Social Services

Lutheran Social Services of the South is 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. An orientation meeting will be held on from 10-11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 7,  and from 6:30-8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 9. Lutheran Social Services will provide the training and support needed to interested families. To RSVP contact Kandi Carruth or Kimberly Greene at (281) 298-8639 or e-mail kimberly.greene@lsss.org or kandi.carruth@lsss.org. Lutheran Social Services is located at 500 Spring Hill Dr., Ste. No. 180 in Spring.



Huntsville ISD is Going Green

Huntsville ISD has a new Back to School Online Registration system for returning students. Letters were sent home to parents about the new system and each letter included their child’s unique passcode for logging into the system. Parents need to go to the district’s website at www.huntsville-isd.org and follow the link to the Back to School Online Registration system. This new process will save parents time and prevent them from having to fill out stacks and stacks of duplicate registration forms for multiple children. This registration process needs to be completed by Sept. 7. If parents do not have Internet access, they can go to the HISD Technology Department at 1220 Avenue M from 7-9 a.m. and 2-6:30 p.m., or they can go to any of our campuses and request assistance.



Youth Orchestra

Huntsville Youth Orchestra will begin the fall semester Tuesday, Sept. 7, at 5:30 p.m. at the SHSU Music Building on the second floor. HYO provides for anyone ages 7-18 the opportunity to learn to play violin, viola, cello or bass, regardless of previous music experience. Come learn all about us! Call (936) 344-7901 for information.



Waterwood Women’s League News

The Waterwood Women’s League will hold its first meeting for 2010-2011 at the HEARTS Veterans Museum in Huntsville on Sept. 8. The year’s upcoming activities along with other League business will be discussed. A tour of the Museum and lunch at a local restaurant will follow. If you are interested in finding out more about the WWL, please e-mail Sally Charlton at sally.outonthedeck@gmail.com for information.



Mended Hearts Support Group

The Mended Hearts Support Group will meet at noon on Wednesday, Sept. 8 in Huntsville Memorial Hospital Conference rooms A & B. The speaker will be Dr. Shulka, who will lead a discussion on acid reflux. A light lunch will be served – bring a friend. Please arrive between 11:30 a.m. and noon. Please RSVP to (936) 291-4594 by Sept. 7. Mended Hearts, a satellite chapter of Conroe Mended Hearts, is dedicated to the purpose of offering help, support, and encouragement to pulmonary and heart disease patients and their families.



Chamber Small Business Breakfast

The next Small Business Breakfast of the Huntsville-Walker County Chamber of Commerce, sponsored by University of Phoenix will take place at 7:30 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 9 at Golden Corral. The purpose of the breakfast is to allow businesses the opportunity to give a short introduction about themselves and their establishment and all members attending will be included in a drawing for door prizes. Come join us for the most important meal of the day. Cost is only $7 for Chamber members and is payable at the door. Reservations are requested. Please call the Chamber at (936) 295-8113.



MOPS Meeting

Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) will hold their first meeting from 9-11:30 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 9 at Elkins Lake Baptist Church. For more information, call (936) 295-7694.



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 Sept. 9 will be “Elmer the Elephant.” For more information visit the Library’s website at myhuntsvillelibrary.com or call the Library at (936) 291-5472.



Birthday Lunch

American Legion Post and Auxiliary Unit No. 618 will hold its monthly Birthday Lunch for members and their guests on Sept. 9 at noon. All members are urged to attend. Please call (936) 856-5224 for additional information.



HEARTS garage sale

The HEARTS Veterans Museum of Texas is having its annual super garage sale Friday and Saturday Sept. 10 and 11. Organizers are still accepting merchandise for the sale — lawn and farm equipment, tools, furniture, bedding, appliances, boats, trailers, cars, trucks, computers, televisions. Those bringing merchandise will be given a tax receipt showing their donation. Call the Museum at (9360 295-5959 if you need your items picked up, or bring them to the Museum on Thursday, Sept. 10. The HEARTS Museum is located next to the Texas Prison Museum and across from the airport.



Garage Sale

The Black Saints Motorcycle Club will hold a garage sale on Sept. 11, 2010, at First Baptist Church, located at 1530 10th St. in Huntsville. The sale begins at 7 a.m. Great Deals!



Voter Registration Event

New Waverly for New Waverly Youth along with the New Waverly Public Library will hold a Voter Registration event from 9 a.m. to noon on Sept. 11 in the Texas Room of the library. Bring a photo ID with current address and if you need to change your address, you can do so then. Voters must be registered no later than Oct. 2, 2010 to be able to vote in the Nov. 2 elections. Be a voice in all elections by voting. For any questions call Sue Roy at (936) 344-6555.



New Waverly Public Library Fundraiser

The New Waverly Public Library will hold “Under the Big Top” Garage and Craft Sale on Saturday, Sept. 11, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the intersection of Highway 75 and 150 in New Waverly. There will be vendors (no food vendors, please), a library sale table including books, and lunch and drinks for sale. A turkey leg for $5 or sausage on a stick for $3. Soft drinks and water for $1. Vendor spots under the tent are still available for $25 for a 10-by-10. Contact the library at 344-2198 or Darlene Piper at (936) 344-6237 or come by her shop, New Waves, in New Waverly. Vendors supply their tables and chairs. No electricity is available. If you have gently used items you would like to donate to the Library table, please contact the Library at the number above.



9-11 East Texas Trail Ride

Six counties from Senate District 5 have joined together to provide an opportunity for state-wide candidates to travel through East Texas in a coordinated “trail” of events called, The 9/11 East Texas Trail Ride. Candidates will begin their trek in Grimes County at 10 am on Sept. 11. They will then travel to Walker County, arriving approximately at noon for a brisket and potato salad lunch at the Samuel Walker Houston Cultural Center at 1604 10th St. in Huntsville. There will be music and short speeches by both local and state-wide candidates. The price for the lunch is $5.  After the stop in Walker County, the candidates they will go to Brazos, Milam and Lee Counties, before finishing up in Williamson County. The Walker County Democratic Women are hoping to have some homemade desserts for the luncheon. Those who are willing to bake or make a dessert, call Connie Habern at (832) 969-8545.



Clay Crosse Concert and Holy Homes Marriage Conference

University Heights Baptist Church, 2400 Sycamore Ave., Huntsville, will host a two-day marriage and family event on Saturday, Sept. 11, and Sunday, Sept. 12.  A concert featuring contemporary Christian music performer Clay Crosse will begin at 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 11. Admission is $7 per person. The concert is open to the public. Child care will not be available. Crosse and his wife will conduct the Holy Home Marriage Conference after worship services Sunday, Sept. 12, from 1-3 p.m. Cost to attend the conference is $25 per couple. Child care will be provided for conference attendees. Please reserve a spot for each child needing care before Sept. 2 by e-mailing susie@uhbc.net. For further information, contact Travis Sellers, Worship Arts minister, at (936) 295-2996.



VFW Monthly Dance

The Trinity VFW Post 6899 located at 400 W. Caroline St. in Trinity will be holding their monthly dance from 8 p.m. to midnight Sept. 11. The band playing is “IronHorse,” a country & western band. Come out and dance of just enjoy the music. The dance is open to the public. A donation of $5 is required. The canteen is open, with beer, soda and setups available.



Walker County Timber Growers

Due to the fire at the Texas Forest Service office, the Walker County Timber Growers will meet at 6 p.m. on Sept. 14 at the office of Lone Star Forestry, located at 1225 11th St. in Huntsville. The group will discuss the autumn forestry event planned for Oct. 23 at the Bearkat Ranch in Riverside. For information, call Donald Gibbs at (936) 295-8069.



American Legion 618 Meeting

American Legion Post and Auxiliary Unit No. 618 will hold their monthly meeting at 7 p.m. on Sept. 14. Dinner will be served after the meeting and members are asked to bring a covered dish. Anyone wanting to join may do so by calling (936) 856-5224. The Post is located one mile east of Willis on Hwy. 1097.



Lifeline Screening

Lifeline Screening will be held at Huntsville Memorial Hospital on Tuesday, Sept. 14. Pre-registration is required. Call 1-800-690-6313.



Buckmasters Banquet

Leon County Buckmasters’ will be holding it’s 7th Annual Fundraiser Banquet on Tuesday, Sept. 14 at the Jewett Civic Center in Jewett. There will be a steak dinner catered by Cowboy Catering as well as live and silent auctions, raffles, games and door prizes. Banquet tickets are on sale now for $40 per person and the 10-gun raffle tickets are on sale now for $20 each. There are still some Sponsor Tables available. There will also be a gun safe raffled at the banquet. Call committee member Paula Smith (903) 626-5334 at Humble Tooling or cell (903) 388-4223 for more information.



Historical Marker training

Join the Walker County Historical Commission (CHC) for a workshop featuring the Historical Markers Program of the Texas Historical Commission (THC). A THC staff person will conduct a session on successful research for obtaining an Official Texas Historical Marker. The free workshop is open to the public and will be held Wednesday, Sept. 15, from 9 a.m. to noon. An RSVP is required for participation. Please e-mail walker.chc@gmail.com or call (936) 577-4257 to reserve your space.



Preschool Story

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 Sept. 16 will be “Dora and Diego.” For more information visit the Library’s website at myhuntsvillelibrary.com or call the Library at (936) 291-5472.



Winners Circle Fundraiser

The Winner’s Circle will hold a fundraiser on Thursday, Sept. 16, from 6-8:30 p.m. at Magnolia Lake, 2001 Hwy. 30 East. Jackie Sherrill, former Texas A&M football coach, will be our keynote speaker. Limited seating is available; tickets are $25 per person. Please call Winners Circle at (936) 436-9437 to reserve your seat(s) or visit the website  www.winnerscilclejmp.org. If you RSVP, we can match your ticket purchase to your RSVP and will mail you the ticket(s). Also, donations to assist the WC can be made here, as well.



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 Sept. 23 will be “All About Me.” For more information visit the Library’s website at myhuntsvillelibrary.com or call the Library at (936) 291-5472.



Golf Tournament

The Huntsville High School Grenadier Guard Drill Team is hosting a Golf Tournament Fundraiser on Sept. 25 at Raven Nest. The four-man scramble will begin at 9 a.m. Participants can register at Raven Nest. For more information, call the GG office at (9360 293-2998 or e-mail rcalabretta@huntsville-isd.org.



Prostate Blood Tests and Exams

Huntsville Memorial Hospital and Dr. Paul Kenworthy will offer free Prostate Blood Tests and Exams on Tuesday, Sept. 28, from 5:30-6:30 p.m. in the HMH Surgery Department. This screening is offered to men age 40 or older, who have not had a prostate screening in the last 3 years. Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men, and is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in men. Please call (936) 291-4599 for a reservation or more information.

 

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 Sept. 30 will be “Airplanes.” For more information visit the Library’s website at myhuntsvillelibrary.com or call the Library at (936)291-5472.



OCTOBER



Car Show

The Huntsville Cruisers will hold its Fair on the Square Car Show on Saturday, Oct. 2, 2010, during the 15th Annual Fair on the Square. The show will take place at the corner of 14th Street and University Avenue in Huntsville, just two block south of the downtown square. Registration — $20 per entry — will take place from 8 a.m. to noon, with awards presented at 3 p.m. For more information, call Shellie (936) 295-7052 or visit www.huntsvillecruisers.net.



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.