HUNTSVILLE —  

Guidelines for Best Bets

Best Bets may be submitted through e-mail at newsroom@itemonline.com. Items must be received by 1 p.m. to run the following day. Best Bets will run no less than five days in advance of the event because of space constraints. Questions regarding Best Bets should be directed to Lindsey Vaculin at (936) 295-5407 ext. 3052.



MONDAY



Grenadier Guard Boosters

The GG Boosters will meet Monday at 6 p.m. in the high school library.



WCFA Jamboree

The Walker County Fair Association will hold its annual Jamboree at 6 p.m. on Monday at the Walker County Fairgrounds. The event allows 2011 Walker County Fair participants and their families to learn about the upcoming fair and rodeo, exhibitor rules and regulations, local 4-H programs and deadlines and eligibility for youth projects. Each exhibitor will receive one hour of work credit for attendance. For more information, call (936) 291-8763 or visit www.walkercountyfair.com.



Safe Driving Course

The AARP Certified Safe Driving Course sponsored by the Huntsville Lions Club is scheduled for Monday from 8 a.m. until noon. The course will be held at University Heights Baptist Church 2400 Sycamore. Class sizes are limited. Most insurance companies allow good discounts on your auto insurance good for up to three years.For more information, call Edith or Don Shirley at (936) 291-0288.



Square Dance Lessons

The Huntsville Promenaders Square Dance Club will hold a Community Fun Night on Monday. The public is invited to the event which will be held at the Tri-County Services Building, 7045 TX 75 South, at 7 p.m. If you have ever watched square dancing and thought you might like to try this great activity, now is your chance. This Introduction to Square Dancing event is free of charge, and no prior dance experience is necessary. Just join us and experience an evening as a square dancer. Refreshments will be served. For additional information, call Margaret Sicola at (936) 435-0985 or Jerry and Theta Upton at (936) 856-5287.



Spanish Classes

The Literacy Program of the Huntsville Public Library will offer a Spanish class for  beginners. The class will meet from 2-3:30 p.m. on Mondays and Thursdays, and the first class will meet Sept. 20. The Spanish class will be held at St. Thomas Catholic Church, and class size is limited to 15 students. The class will be led by Beth Williamson, and the class emphasis will be on oral language development. Williamson holds a Masters in English and Spanish and has taught Spanish at Lee College and Sam Houston State University. Contact Richard Lane at the Huntsville Public Library to register. Call (936) 291-5912 between the hours of 2-5 p.m. or e-mail rlane@huntsvilletx.gov.



Aggie Moms

Walker County Aggie Moms will hold its first general meeting of the 2010-2011year open to all Moms of past, present or future Texas A&M students. Please join us at the Wesley United Methodist Church back meeting room on Monday at 6 p.m. Dues for the year can also be paid at this time. We look forward to seeing you. If you have any questions, please contact Diane Cushman at (936) 291-6839.



Historical Commission

The Walker County Historical Commission will mee on Monday at 5:30 p.m. at the Gibbs-Powell Home Museum, 1228 11th St. Commission member Wayne Spivey will speak on hair wreaths, which are virtually unknown in our time, but were very popular home decor items in the late 19th century. Very ornate and beautiful wreaths were woven from hair collected from the family, church or community members and displayed on home walls as remembrances.



TUESDAY



HMH Grief Talk

Huntsville Memorial Hospital invites local ministers to a presentation by Tim P. VanDuivendyk, DMin, on “The Unwanted Gift of Grief: A Ministry Approach” on Tuesday from 9-11 a.m., in the HMH Conference Rooms. A light lunch will follow the presentation. This seminar is for clergy and ministers who walk with others through their wilderness of loss and grief. Dr. Tim VanDuivendyk will address the importance of grieving in the healing process and how grief becomes an unwanted gift, an unwanted expression of gratitude and an unwanted vehicle for transformation. He will address the different pathways taken by individuals as they transform through this grief journey and the pastoral skills needed to care for them. Dr. VanDuivendyk is System Executive and Chaplain for Spiritual Care and Chaplaincy with the Memorial Hermann Healthcare System in Houston. RSVP’s required to (936) 291-4599.



WEDNESDAY

 

County U

The Political Science Junior Fellows are hosting County U, a free, five-week program providing a crash course in County government. The program will feature weekly (interactive) presentations led by the County Judge, District Attorney, County Planner, and many others.  Participants will also tour county venues such as the Courthouse, Jail, Emergency Storm Shelter and local landmarks such as the Gibbs-Powell Home.  County U will be held Wednesday nights from 6-8:15 p.m. beginning Sept. 22 and ending Oct. 20.  This program is great for newcomers, students, people who would like to serve the community, and all interested citizens. Registration is free and open to the public. Spots are allotted on a first-come, first-serve basis. To register or for more information, please call Mike Yawn at (936) 294-1456.



Who Let the Dogs Out? ... of School Early!

The Huntsville Public Library will host the Reading Education Assistance Dogs (READ) program on Wednesday afternoon, Sept. 22 in conjunction with the first HISD early release day. The READ program improves children’s reading skills by employing a powerful method, reading to a registered therapy dog in a relaxed, safe, non-judgmental environment. This program will continue each time HISD has an early release day. If your child would like the opportunity to participate in this program, please call Kim Mason at (936) 291-5910 to sign up for time slot.



Adult Singles Group

Adult Singles Group meets alternating Wednesdays. Singles are welcome to attend for comradery, support and fellowship. The next meeting date is Sept. 22 at 5:30 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church Huntsville. Childcare will be provided. For more information call (936) 295-2440.



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 website at www.pwgms.org.



SAVE THE DATE



SEPTEMBER



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.



Business After Hours

Huntsville-Walker County Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours hosted and sponsored by Keller Williams Realty is set for Thursday, Sept. 23. Keller Williams Realty is now located at 49 State Highway 75 North and the event will begin at 5:15 pm. Business After Hours provides Chamber members an opportunity to meet informally once a month at local business establishments, to visit and share ideas and opinions, socialize, make business contacts, meet new people, and learn more about their host’s business.



Resume Workshop

Workforce Solutions will host a resume workshop on Sept. 23 from 9-10 a.m. at 901 Normal Park Drive, Suite 7. Call (936) 291-3336.



Tropical Blast Benefit

The Senior Center/Meals on Wheels will host a Tropical Blast Benefit on Sept. 23 at 6 p.m. at the Walker County Fairgrounds. For information, contact Debbie or Sandy at 295-7401.



Retired Teachers

Herb Norris, president of Texas Retired Teachers Association, will address members of District VI retired school personnel at 8:30 a.m. on Sept. 24 at the Region VI Service Center, 3332 Montgomery Road. For information, call Walker County Retired Teachers President Jean Jolly at (936) 295-3413.



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 (936) 293-2998 or e-mail rcalabretta@huntsville-isd.org.



Pets Helping Pets    training

Huntsville Pets Helping People (HPHP) will be conducting a Team Training Workshop fpersons interested in pet therapy. The workshop will be held on Saturday, Sept. 25, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Huntsville Memorial Hospital Conference Room. Cost of the workshop is $75. This price includes the team training manual, refreshments and lunch. Anyone interested in attending this workshop can visit the website at www.petshelpingpeople.com, click on the classes and training tab and download and print a copy of the 2010 Workshop brochure. For additional information, please contact Diane Carpenter at (936) 295-8029.



Butterfly Festival Open House

The Walker County Master Gardeners present Butterfly Festival Open House from 10 a.m.. to 2 p.m. on Sept. 25. Tour the gardens, enjoy projects for the kids, face painting and a “Butterflies in Your Garden” presentation. Keynote speaker will be Zachary Stayton, Master Gardener and horticulturist at Cockrell Butterfly Center at the Houston Museum of Natural Science. He will talk on “How to Set up a Home Butterfly Garden.” Located at Highway 75 North and 102 Tam Road approximately 2 miles north of the Pilot Truck Stop at the Walker County Master Gardener Facility. Call (936) 435-2426 for additional information.



Celebration Women’s Ministry

Celebration Women's Ministry meets Monday, Sept. 27, from 6-8 p.m. in the First United Methodist Church social hall. Following a light meal and praise and worship, local speaker and author Louise Looney will present the evening's message, "Hope for the Golden Years."  Child care is provided for preschool-age children. There is no charge for the meeting or child care and all women are welcome.



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.



Dog Obediance classes

Huntsville Pets helping People (HPHP) will be conducting Dog Obedience Training Classes. This will be a 6-week obedience course. The registration  for the class will be Tuesday, Sept. 28, at 6:30 at SHSU Ag Center, Avenue M and the northbound I-45 feeder road. The cost of the training is $60 for six lessons, including the AKC Canine Good Citizen testing at the last class. The time for each class is 6:30-7:30 p.m.  Class dates are Tuesday, Oct. 5, 12, 19, 26 and Tuesday, Nov. 2, 9. There is a limit of 10 participants.  For further information, please contact Diane Carpenter at (936) 291-8029.

 

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.



Brady’s Office

Rep. Kevin Brady’s office will meet with constituents on Thursday, Sept. 30, from 9–10 a.m. at Riverside City Hall, 2352 FM 980, Riverside.



OCTOBER



Fair on the Square

The 36th annual Fair on the Square will be held Saturday, Oct. 2, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sponsored by the Huntsville-Walker County Chamber of Commerce.



Car Show

The Huntsville Cruisers will hold its Fair on the Square Car Show on Saturday, Oct. 2, 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.



Golf Tournament

The Sam Houston State University Women's Basketball Golf Tournament fundraiser will be held on Saturday, Oct. 2, at Raven Nest Golf Club. There will be a 9 a.m. shotgun start. Four-person scramble, $100 per player or $400 a team. Tee box sponsorship are $100. Please contact Leslie Reinecker for registration or more information at (936) 294-1742 or lbr005@shsu.edu.



National Night Out

National Night Out, sponsored by the Riverside Volunteer Fire Department, will be held on Oct. 5 from 6-8 p.m. at the fire station. Come out and meet with your local emergency response personnel, law enforcement and Texas Forest Service with Smokey the Bear. Frito pie with the works and sweets will be served.



Adoption Orientation

Lutheran Social Services of the South has opened up a Conroe/The Woodlands office and 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. These children have been removed from their biological families due to some form of abuse, neglect or abandonment. This meeting will inform potential Foster/Adoptive parents what the steps are in making a difference in the life of a child or children. Lutheran Social Services will provide the training and support needed to interested families. Orientation will be held on Oct. 5 from 10-11:30 a.m. and Oct. 7 from 6:30-8 p.m. TO RSVP contact: Kandi Carruth or Kimberly Greene at (281) 298-8639 or kimberly.greene@lsss.org or kandi.carruth@lsss.org. Lutheran Social Services is located at 500 Spring Hill Dr., Ste. #180, in Spring.  



Newcomers Meeting

The Huntsville Newcomers meeting will be on Oct. 7 at the SHSU Alumni Center at 9:30 a.m. Park in front of the SHSU football stadium press box, arrive by 9 a.m. for shuttle ride to Alumni Center. Breakfast will be continental style in the lobby from 9-10 a.m. Cost is $7 due before Oct. 3 with reservations to Ann Harbison. The program will be about SHSU and a tour of the campus.



‘To Kill a Mockingbird’

Huntsville Community Theatre will be performing “To Kill A Mockingbird.” Performance dates are Oct 8, 9, 15 and 16 (all at 7:30 p.m.) and Oct 10 and 17 (both at 2 p.m.). Performance location is the J. Philip Gibbs Jr. Centre for the Performing Arts (Old Town Theatre), 1023 12th St., Huntsville, TX. For more information, or to reserve tickets call (936) 291-7933 or go to www.HuntsvilleCommunityTheatre.org.  

 

Fall Plant Sale

The Walker County Master Gardeners invite you to their annual Fall Plant Sale. Located at 102 Tam Road (Highway 75 north, 2 miles north of Pilot Truck Stop) in Huntsville on Oct. 9. Sale begins at 8 a.m. and will last until 2 p.m. Featuring bulbs, perennials, natives, grasses, shrubs, herbs, house plants, roses. blueberries, blackberries, fruit trees and more. Don't forget to bring your wagon. Call (936) 435-2426 for additional information.



Arts and Craft Show

The New Waverly Public Library will be having an Arts and Craft Show on Oct. 9 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Vendors are welcome – $25 a space. Spaces are 10-by-10. You can contact Darlene Piper at (936) 344-6237.



FUMC Charity Golf Tournament

The fifth annual First United Methodist Church Charity Golf Tournament benefiting Good Shepherd Mission is Saturday, Oct. 9, at Raven Nest Golf Course. Shotgun start at 8 a.m. is open to four person teams and individuals at $75 per player. Cost includes green fees, cart, range balls, lunch and prizes. Play includes a chance to win a car. Registration forms are available at First United Methodist Church (1016 Sam Houston Ave, Huntsville) or sign up at Raven Nest from 7:15 to 7:45 a.m. on the 9th. For more information call Paul Harbison, 435-1778.