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.



Head Start

Huntsville Head Start is still accepting applications for children of low income families that will be 3 or 4 years old by Sept. 1, 2010. Bring (1040) income verification, Imunization record, SS Card and birth certificate to 125 FM 980. For information call (936) 291-9190.    Children with disabilities will be given special consideration.

Huntsville Head Start esta aceptando aplicaciones para ninos de Familias de bajos recursos que tendran 3 o 4 anos de edad para Sept. 1, 2010. Traigan verificacion de ingresos (1040), vacunas y acta/certificado de nacimiento a 125 FM 980. Para mas informacion llame al (936) 291-9190 y pregunte por Maria Dooley. Se dara consideracion especial a ninos con discapacidad.  

 

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 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.



Fair on the Square booths available

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 implemented new hours of operation on 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 seventh grade. To avoid any delays your child should have all immunizations prior to the Mance Park Middle School Meet and Greet scheduled for Aug. 19. 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.



School Supply Drive

The COME Organization is currently collecting funds and basic school supplies for the annual school supply program. Donations are needed. Please bring donations to one of the following locations: The COME Center located at 350B Hwy. 75 N,  the Walker County Cable Vision  office located on 10th Street, or the Huntsville Travel located on Col. Etheredge Blvd. Money donations can be mailed to C.O.M.E.,  P.O. Box 1965, Huntsville, TX 77342. All donations are tax deductable. School supply assistance will be distributed to children PreK through High School at a community program on Saturday, Aug. 14.



HHS Senior Picture Change

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



YMCA Fall Youth Sports Registration

The Huntsville Family YMCA is now registering for three Fall Youth Sports programs. This fall the Y will be offering Flag Football (ages 5-12), Fall Soccer (ages 3-4) and Cheerleading (ages 3-12). The registration deadline for these sports programs is Friday, Sept. 3 and financial assistance is available for families who qualify. For more information please contact the YMCA at (936) 295-8009 or in person at 291 Highway 75 North.



Hornet Season Tickets

Huntsville Hornet football season ticket holders have the option to purchase the same tickets as last season from Aug. 2-12. Any tickets not purchased by Aug. 12 will be offered for sale to the general public beginning Monday, Aug. 16. This season there will be five home games. The price of this year’s season tickets will be $30 per seat. Tickets may be purchased in the Business Office at the Hawkins Administration Building located at 441 FM 2821 East, next to the high school, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and  4 p.m. including lunch hours. For more information, contact Sherry Odom at (936) 293-2562.



TODAY



Camp You Go Girl

Huntsville Church of Christ will host Camp You Go Girl this week through Friday 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 at 6:30 p.m. today 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 Tuesday.



WEDNESDAY



Peripheral Vascular Disease screenings

HMH Center for Rehabilitation is offering free Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) screenings on Wednesday. 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 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.



Pop Warner Football & Cheer Camp

The Pop Warner Huntsville Bears are hosting a youth football and cheer camp for three days July 28-30 at Kate Barr Ross Park (at the bottom fields). Participants will work on conditioning, fundamentals, and basic football and cheer skills. The camp will run from 6-8 p.m. each evening and is open to all area youth ages 5-13. Please come 30 minutes early on Wednesday to register. No prior playing experience is required. Cost of the camp is $40and includes a t-shirt.



THURSDAY



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.



FRIDAY



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.’



SATURDAY



Youth soccer sign-ups

Soccer registration for the HVYSA Fall Season will be held at the West Hill Mall from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, July 31, and again on Aug. 7 and Aug. 14.  Games start Sept. 11.  Players must be 4 years old as of July 31, 2010.  A copy of the birth certificate is required. For more information please call (936) 295-5885.



UPCOMING



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.



Fish Fry

The Knights of Columbus Fish Fry for August will be held on Friday, Aug. 6, from 5-7 p.m. at the Church hall, St. Thomas Catholic Church at 16th and M St. The usual menu will include deep fried fish, fried okra, hush puppies, french fries, cole slaw and ice tea. Price for dinner is $7 for adults and $5 for children under 12. Carry-out  dinners are welcome. For further information, please call Ed Jacobs at (936) 661-4014.



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.



Garden in a Pot ... and What?

The library is pleased to host Walker County’s Master Gardeners’ presentation of “Container Vegetable Gardening” on Friday, Aug. 6, from 10-11:30 a.m. in City Hall’s Council Chambers, 1212 Avenue M. Come learn there is no need to have a plot of land or even a back yard to produce a yummy harvest of fresh vegetables ... vegetables that won’t be labeled for country of origin or that leave you wondering just what chemicals were used in the growing process. To register for this free class or for more information, call Denise Tilson at (936) 291-5471.



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 which will allow the residents of Walker County to come out and show their appreciation and gratitude for those who place their lives on the lines each day for them, their families, their neighbors and their businesses. 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.



Locating Your Roots

Huntsville Public Library presents “Learning to Locate Your Roots: Addressing the Research Challenges in African-American Genealogy” Sources, Methods and Memory Writing presented by Professional Genealogist Johnnie Jo Dickenson on Wednesday, Aug. 11, from 2-4 p.m. in City Hall Council Chambers, 1212 Avenue M. Registration is required for this free class. For more information or to register, call Denise Tilson at (936) 291-5471. Handouts provided.



Chamber Small Business Breakfast

The next Small Business Breakfast of the Huntsville-Walker County Chamber of Commerce, sponsored by Sam Houston State University Athletics, will take place on Thursday, Aug. 12 at Golden Corral beginning at 7:30 a.m. The purpose of the Small Business 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. We average about 50 members at every breakfast… so stop by, network with other Chamber members and help build your business while you are there! Cost is only $7 for Chamber Members and is payable at the door. Reservations are requested — please call the Chamber at (936) 295-8113.



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.