HUNTSVILLE — Best Bets Guidelines

Best Bets may be submitted through e-mail at bestbets@itemonline.com. Items must be received by 1 p.m. to run the following day. Your Best Bets entry may not appear more than five days in advance of the event because of space constraints. It will be edited to conform to Item style. Questions regarding Best Bets should be directed to Matthew Jackson at (936) 295-5407 Ext. 3024.



ANNOUNCEMENTS



Candidate Workshops

The city of Huntsville will sponsor two workshops for candidates for city office in the November elections. Workshops are scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 20, and 3 p.m. Friday, July 22, in the Council Chambers at City Hall. Applications to file for a place on the ballot will be accepted from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Aug. 8, through Wednesday, Sept. 7. For more information, contact Woodward at (936) 291-5403.



Thursday Bible Study

The ChristLife Center offers Bible study, led by Dr. Wayne Barrett, at 7 p.m. Thursdays.  The session is open to everyone.  The CLC with bookstore and coffee shop is open from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursdays and Sundays.  Activities on Sunday vary — with movie night, live music, game night, special book introductions with book review at a later date and guest speakers.  The CLC is located two doors down from the Old Town Theater – 1029 12th St.   Check out the website at www.thechristlife.org.



Baptist Association of Texas Celebration

Central District Missionary Baptist Association of Texas will have music, daily sessions, and night services from Monday through Friday this week at Greater Zion Missionary Baptist Church, 426 Highway 190 East in Huntsville. Rev. Michael C. Davis Sr. is the moderator and pastor. There will be a musical at 7:30 p.m. Monday. Daily sessions begin at 9 a.m. Tuesday. Night services begin at 7:30 p.m. each evening. For more information, contact Effie Booker at (936) 874-2873.



Rita B. Huff Garage Sale

The Rita B. Huff Humane Society is accepting donations for its garage sale Sept. 2-4 at Elks Lodge 295. For drop-off or pick-up information, contact the shelter at (936) 295-4666 or call Barbara at (936) 661-6600.



HOT Funds Applications Due Wednesday

Organizers interested in funding for events that will produce overnight stays in the city are encouraged to apply for hotel-motel occupancy tax funds. Applications are due to Kimm Thomas, director of Tourism and Cultural Arts, by 5 p.m. Wednesday, July 20. For more information contact Thomas, at (936) 291-5932, toll-free at 1-800-289-0389, or by e-mail at kthomas@huntsvilletx.gov.



Downtown Farmer’s Market

The Downtown Farmer’s Market, located at the corner of Avenue M and 12th Street, is open from 8 a.m. until noon every Saturday through September.  There are a variety of vendors offering soaps, herbs, bedding plants, fresh eggs, and a variety of produce.  For more information on becoming a vendor, please contact Kim McAuliffe, Main Street Coordinator, at 936-291-5920.



Diva Night

Tickets are on sale now for the second annual Diva Night on Sept.1. Diva Night, hosted by the Huntsville-Walker County Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by Wiesner, Inc.-Huntsville and Pine Tree Publishing, will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 1 at Magnolia Lake and will feature the sale of wares from several area boutiques as well as jewelry, purses, gifts, décor and refreshments.  Tickets are $35 and are available at the chamber offices at the Chamber, Lisa’s Gift Box, Curves and Cole’s Insurance.  A limited number will be sold. For more information, contact 936-295-8113.  



Wynne  Home Classes

The Wynne Home Arts Center will be holding its first session of summer art classes from July 19 through July 23. Session 2 is July 26 through July 30 with a special watercolor workshop Aug. 6. Students can register by mail or in person at the Wynne Home Arts Center, 1428 11th St. during regular hours. Fees for classes must be paid in full at registration by cash or check only. Call the Wynne Home at (936) 291-5424 for more information or drop by to pick up a schedule. Wynne Home hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays.



July Food Drive

FBC – Cole Insurance is sponsoring a July Food Drive with items to be equally distributed between the Good Shepherd Mission, SAAFE House and the Senior Center of Walker County.  During the month of July, non-perishable food donations can be dropped off at the offices of Elizabeth Cole and Lynette Dobbins, 253 Highway 75 North or at one of the more than 40 participating businesses around town.  For more information, call the office at (936) 295-8888.

 

Coldspring Food Drive

The Coldspring Area Business and Merchants Association is sponsoring a food drive in Coldspring during the month of July. The drive will benefit Care Share in San Jacinto County. Collection bins have been placed in businesses in Coldspring and you may drop off your food items anytime during the month of July. The final drop off date is July 30 at the Gazebo on the square during our Christmas in July event. For more information please contact Barbara at (936) 653- 2332 or Margaret at (936) 539-8825.



Music in the Park

The city of Huntsville Tourism Department is looking for local talent to fill the calendar for the fall “Music in the Park” series.  The series will run every from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday from Sept. 15th  to Nov. 17, except parade days.  The fall series might rotate through several local venues, including Rather Park, the Jane Monday Amphitheater, the Statue Amphitheater and, possibly, the pavilion at Kate Barr Ross Park.  Individuals and groups wishing to perform will be considered on a first-come basis throughout the summer. Interested parties should contact Kimm Thomas, director of Tourism and Cultural Arts, at (936) 291-9726 or (936) 291-5932.



HCT Season Tickets

Season Tickets for Huntsville Community Theatre’s 2011-2012 season are on sale now. Season includes: ‘Cheaper by the Dozen,’ ‘Nunsense,’ ‘Dixie Swim Club’ and ‘Twelve Angry Men.’ For more information on the new season or for information on how to buy season tickets, call (936) 291-7933 or visit our website at: www.HuntsvilleCommunityTheatre.org



Fair on the Square Vendor Registration

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. 1. Booth spaces are 10- by 10-feet. Craft booths rent for $150. Registration for vendors has begun. All food booths have already sold out. Chamber members can take advantage of the discounted price of $105. Booth prices will increase after Sept. 16 if any booths are available. Call Laura at the chamber at (936) 295-8113 to request a booth.



Vista Academy Enrollment

Vista Academy of Huntsville is now enrolling for the 2011-2012 school year. Vista Academy is a tuition free Texas Public School of choice for grades K-6. Limited space is available. Summer hours are  9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday. For more information call (936) 291-0203.



Learning Institute Registration

Registration will begin Monday, July 25, for the Aug. 1 opening of the Roxie Douglas Learning Institute Preparatory Daycare. Openings are for students 2 to 13 years of age. Classes will be taught by certified teachers in phonetic awareness, instruction in alphabets, numbers, colors and shapes, beginning reading, robotics and art. Hours are 4 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, 12 months a year. For more information, call Carmen Irving at (936) 668-0340.



Revival

Robinson Memorial Church of God in Christ will host a revival at 7:30 p.m. each night Monday thru Thursday. The public is invited to attend.



YMCA Fall Youth Sports Registration

The Huntsville Family YMCA is now registering for Fall Youth Sports programs. This fall the Y will be offering Flag Football (ages 5-12) and Fall Soccer (ages 3-6). The registration deadline for these sports programs is Friday, September 2nd 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.



Today



Credit Card and Identity Theft Seminar

Curves of Huntsville will host two informational sessions on how to protect yourself and family from identity theft featuring tips from an expert. The sessions, free to the public, will be at 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 19.  The location is 279 Highway 75 N on the corner of Eastham. For more information, call (936) 295-3900.



Wednesday



Goree Unit Blood Drive

The Goree Unit is sponsoring having a blood drive from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the front parking lot of the unit. For more information, contact Wanda Massey at 295-6331 Ext. 6213.



“My Search for the Real Heaven”

Come learn about heaven at Huntsville Church of Christ.  Steve Hemphill, author of My Search for the Real Heaven, will be the guest speaker at 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 20,  and Thursday, July 21, at 3737 Highway 30 West.  Call (936) 295-3884 for more information.

 

Thursday



Sam Houston CCA banquet

The Sam Houston Chapter CCA banquet and fundraiser is being held at 6 p.m. Thursday, July 21, at the HEARTS Museum Conference Center on Highway 75 North. Tickets are $40 per person or $400 for a table of eight. The price includes the yearly membership of CCA Texas. The event will include food and drinks, a live auction, silent auction and a raffle. For more info, contact Mark Robinson at (936) 662-0841 or Clifford Rice at (281) 814-8964.



Knights of Columbus Chicken Fried Steak Dinner.

The July Chicken Fried Steak Dinner will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, July 21, at St. Thomas Catholic Church Hall, 16th Street and Avenue M.  Menu includes chicken fried steak, mashed potatoes, gravy, Texas toast, green beans, salad and iced tea. Price for the meal is $7 per plate for adults and $5 for children younger than 12 years of age. For further info, call Ed Jacobs at (936) 661-4014.



Huntsville Christian Women’s Luncheon

The Huntsville Christian Women’s Connection invites you to “The Sounds of Music” Luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, July 21, at the Elkins Lake Clubhouse, 632 Cherry Hills Dr., Huntsville. Admission is $13 inclusive. Debbie Brown from Grand Prairie will perform songs from the “Sound of Music.” Complimentary child care will be provided for mothers with young children. For reservations and child care, call Terri at (936) 295-2030 on or before July 18. Please honor your reservations.



Friday



Trail Ride and Camp Out

The Smith Family Roping and Riding Club will host its annual trail ride and campout Friday, July 22, and Saturday, July 23, at Smith Ranch of Bowden Road in Huntsville. Events begin at 5 p.m. Friday, July 22, and the trail ride begins at 4 p.m. Saturday. Admission is $6 a day or $10 for the weekend. Children under 12 are admitted free. For more information, call Betty Smith at (936) 293-0226 or Mary Grassity at (936) 291-6476.



Saturday



Cruisers Classic Car Show

The Huntsville Cruisers Classic Car Show will be held from  11 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Saturday, July 23, at El Chico.



Walker County Amateur Radio

The Walker County Amateur Radio Group will host an ARRL-sanctioned, full series of Federal Communications licensing exams for all classes of amateur radio licenses and upgrades from technician through extra. Classes are at 11 a.m.  Saturday, July 23, at the  Huntsville Fire Station No. 2. For other details, registration and contact information see http://www.flysouth.org/wcarg.htm.



Elks Lodge Barbecue Fundraiser

Huntsville Elks Lodge No. 1981 will be having a barbecue fundraiser from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, July 23, in the Walgreens parking lot at 4870 W. Davis (Highway 105 West.) and FM. 3083. Donations will go to the Texas Elks Childrens Camp. In addition to barbecue plates, the event will offer face painting for kids, balloons, special appearances by ELROY the Texas Elks Drug Awareness Elk and more. For more information, call Jill at  (936) 443-3703 or Christine at (936) 647-5055.



Gospel Extravaganza

Herman Wynne and Friends will present the eighth annual Gospel Extravaganza at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, July 23, at Unity of Faith Baptist Church, 336 Watkins St., Huntsville. Rev. Obie Rolling Jr. is pastor. There will be a fellowship barbecue from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., same location. For more information, contact Herman Wynne (936) 295-6227 or LaJuana Glaze (936) 439-9054. The public is invited.



Sunday



Associate Minister’s Appreciation

The Robinson Memorial Church of God in Christ will host its Associated Minister’s Appreciation at 3 p.m. Sunday. Honorees include Elder Garland Spivey, Minister Timothy Dennis, Minister Chris Dennis and Elder Paul Hill. Guest speaker will be Elder Timothy O’Bryant, Associate Pastor of Galilee Church of God in Christ.



July Save the Date

 

Walker County Democrats Meeting

The Walker County Democrat Club will hold its monthly planning meeting at 5:30 p.m. Monday, July 25th at 1111 University Avenue.



Golf Fitness Program

Huntsville Memorial Hospital and athletic trainer Scott McClatchy to learn how to improve your golf swing at a program at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 26, in the HMH Center for Rehab gym. The program will include key exercises to increase flexibility and strength, common swing faults, how to deal with pain associated with a golf swing. All attendees will receive a $50 coupon off for the HMH Golf Performance Program.  For more information or to make reservations, call 291-4599.



Republican Party Hosts Rep. Otto

Texas District 18 State Rep. John Otto will speak at 6 p.m. Thursday, July 28, as an introduction to some of his new constituents. The meeting, hosted by the Republican Party of Walker County, will be held at the Sam Houston Memorial Museum Rotunda. As a result of redistricting, which passed in the recently completed special session of the Texas 82nd Legislature, Walker County has shifted from District 13, served by Rep. Lois Kolkhorst, to District 18. Walker County, along with San Jacinto and Liberty counties, are included in the new District 18, represented by Otto. The meeting is open to the public.

 

Chamber Luncheon

New Bearkat Head Baseball Coach David Pierce will be the guest speaker at the Huntsville-Walker County Chamber of Commerce luncheon at 11:45 a.m. Thursday, July 28, at Huntsville Church of Christ. Tickets are $15 and reservations and payment are required by Monday, July 25. For more information or to reserve seats, call the chamber at (936) 295-8113.



Business After Hours

The Huntsville-Walker County Chamber of Commerce will host Business After Hours at 5:15 p.m. Thursday, July 28, at Ward Furniture at 180 Interstate 45 South. All chamber members are invited to attend.



Sam Houston High 40th Reunion

The last freshman class of Sam Houston High School will host a gala celebrating its 40th anniversary from 8 p.m. to midnight, Saturday, July 30, at the Texas Prison Museum, 491 Highway 75 North. Attire is semi-formal. Admission is a donation of $10. DJ Dad will provide music.



VK Legends Show

Visions of the King will present a live rock ‘n’ roll tribute show starring Vince King as Elvis Presley, Wayne King as Jerry Lee Lewis, Wayne and Steve as the Blues Brothers and Steve Boado as the “Big Whopper” at 7 p.m.. Saturday, July 30, at the Old Town Theatre in Huntsville. Tickets start at $15. For tickets call Sue Smith at (936) 321-1244. For more information visit www.visionsoftheking.com.



Christmas in July

The annual Coldspring Christmas in July and Market Days will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, July 30, in Coldspring. Food, vendors, music and more will be featured and Santa will be on hand to help children with their Christmas wish lists. For more information, call Barbara at (936) 653-2332.



’70s Blinn College Reunion

Blinn College is hosting its second annual 70s reunion Saturday, July 30, at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Brenham. All former students and teachers who were at the college for at least one semester between 1970 and 1979 are invited to attend. Group pictures will be taken of former students who made up the band, cheerleaders, sports, Jolly Rogers, Treasures, twirlers, Circle K and PTK. The event is sponsored by the Blinn College Ex-Students Association and costs $25 to attend. For reservations or more information, contact Glen Vierus at 979-830-4181.



Catholic Evangelist to Speak

St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 1323 16th St. in Huntsville, will host Catholic evangelist, Charlie Osburn from Pensacola, Fla., at its parish mission from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Sunday, July 31,  Monday, Aug. 1, and Tuesday, Aug. 2, in the parish hall. A gift offering will be taken. Refreshments will follow. Visitors welcome.  For more information, visit Charlie's website at www.romancatholicanswers.com or call the church office at (936) 295-9159.



August Save the Date



East Texas Gun Raffle

A 50-gun raffle benefiting the Boys and Girls Club of Walker County will be held at 6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 5, at the Walker County Fairgrounds. Entrance fee is $35 at the door or $30 paid in advance at Able Ammo. Raffle tickets will be sold for $1 each. You must be present to win. Live music and food will be provided. For more information, contact Tyler Gillaspie at (936) 662-1955.



‘90 Minutes in Heaven’ Author to Speak

Don Piper, author of “90 Minutes In Heaven” will be speaking at 6 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 6 at the Madisonville High School Auditorium. He will be accompanied by the music of Nash3.  For more info, call Scott at 903-536-1023 or check out Don Piper’s online site at http://www.donpiperministries.com/default.asp and Nash3 at http://nash3.com/.



Emergency Personnel Dinner

The 10th Annual Walker County Emergency Personnel Appreciation Dinner will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 6 at the HEARTS Mueseum Conference Center. The public is invited to attend. Meal tickets are $8 for adults and $4 for children under 12. Businesses are encouraged to sponsor a table at a cost of $250. For more information contact Kim Williams at (936) 344-8164 or kwilliams@firstvictoria.com, or Sherry Ingram at (936) 788-1035  or sherryingram@kstarcountry.com.



Cheaper by the Dozen Auditions for Huntsville Community Theatre’s first show of the season, Cheaper By the Dozen by Frank Gilbreth Jr. and Ernestine Gilbreth Carey, will be held at 6 p.m. Aug. 8 and Aug. 9 at the Old Town Theatre, 1023 12th St.  For more information call (936) 291-7933 or visit www.huntsvillecommunitytheatre.org.



Income Tax Course

H&R Block of Huntsville will offer professional tax preparation training courses beginning Monday. Aug. 8. Convenient class times are available, and bilingual instruction is available. For more information, call (936) 539-9716.



St. Thomas Rummage Sale

The St. Thomas Ladies will host its annual rummage sale from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 5, and from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 6, at 1323 16th St. In the CCE Building. The sale will feature furniture, appliances, tools and clothing. Funds used to support the youth of the community. For information, call Cathy Martin at (936) 295-0290 or (936) 291-5395.



Walker County Republican Women’s Meeting

The Walker County Republican Women will meet from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 9, at Rodeo Mexican Restaurant, Highway 75 North. Regular monthly meetings of the WCRW, are open to members, guests and Republican supporters. All are invited to arrive at 11 a.m. for socializing prior to the meeting. For more information, call Tracy Sorensen at (936) 291-6565.



Back to School Carnival

Robinson Memorial Church of God in Christ will host its second annual back to school carnival at 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 13, at the church, 515 Ave. M. The carnival will include games, prizes and food.



Outdoor Explorer Classes

The Huntsville State Park will host spring and summer classes in basic safety for biking, hiking, and kayaking.  Each session includes time to explore the state park with backpacks, bikes and kayaks provided to each participant. Class sizes are limited to 30 and pre-registration is required. Sessions are from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the following dates: Aug. 20 and Sept. 17. Children 12 and up can register with an attending parent or guardian.  Participants 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult at all times. This program is free to the public. For more information, call (936) 294-5725 or visit online at http://www.huntsvilletx.gov/departments/community_services/recreation.htm.