Published: October 30, 2009 09:17 pm      

Best Bets

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 seldom 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. Questions regarding Best Bets should be directed to Lindsey Vaculin at (936) 295-5407 ext. 3052, or Jay Ermis at (936) 295-5407 ext. 3025.



ANNOUNCEMENTS



HEARTS accepting cars HEARTS Veterans Museum of Texas is still accepting cars (running or not) as a donation. Tax receipts will be given. These proceeds will help defray the cost of furnishing the new museum. Call (936) 295-5959 for more information.



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.   



Volunteers needed The Senior Center/ Meals-on-Wheels of Walker County needs volunteers to provide the next meal “so no senior goes hungry.” Volunteers are needed to assist with answering phones, meal service, activities at the center and deliver home meals. For more information, contact Barbara McGilberry at (936) 295-6151.



Free help If you have children between the ages of 6 and 12 and have finalized a divorce in the past 30 months or are in the process of a divorce, you are eligible to participate in a free support group and your family can be provided up to $50 for your time. Call Katherine Castillo, M. A. at Sam Houston State University: (936) 294-1210 and leave a message with your name and phone number for more information.



Dance Classes Free dance classes for seniors are offered every Thursday from 6-7 p.m. in SHSU Dance Studio 104 (AB III). The only requirement is that you be AARP age or older. No experience is expected and partners are not necessary. Come for an educational and amusing evening of dance, exercise, and fellowship. The Prime Time Dancers are supported in part by the Huntsville Arts Commission, the SHSU Dance Program, and the City of Huntsville. For information, call Dr. Cindy Gratz at (936) 294-1311.



Support Groups Are you hurting from a past abortion or sexual abuse? You’re not alone; find love, healing and acceptance. Small private groups, that meet weekly for 8-10 weeks are now forming through the Pregnancy Care Center. Contact Lorna at (936) 294-0404 or e-mail lorna-pcc@suddenlink.net.



Preschool Story Hour at the Library 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. For more information call the library at (936) 291-5472.



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. 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 Sam Houston State University Health and Kinesiology Center through Dec. 1. To register, call (936) 294-5725.

 

AARP Christmas Lights Tour The Huntsville/Walker County AARP has several openings on their trip roster to Oklahoma Nov. 30 through Dec. 3 for “An Okie Holiday” Christmas lights tour. Highlights include a tour of the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum, the Land Run Memorial, the Conservatorium at Myriad Botanical Gardens, and the Festival of Lights in Chickasha. For more information, call Ron Johnson, 295-2947.



Accepting flags The American Legion Post No. 95 in Huntsville, located at 1919 Industrial Dr., is always accepting worn or damaged American flags. If you have an American flag that is in need of disposal please drop it off in our patriotically painted mailbox and we 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.  



Celebrate Recovery Celebrate Recovery meets every Friday night at 7 p.m. Come join the Christ-centered, 12-step recovery group each Friday night. Sponsored by Huntsville Community Church. Men and women with addictions of any kind are invited, family members also welcome. Contact John or Donna at (936) 291-0975.



Project After Prom needs volunteers Project after Prom 2010 has begun and is looking for parent volunteers. Huntsville High School senior parents interested in being involved with Project After Prom 2010 please send your information to ProjectafterProm2010@live.com.



Mother’s Day Out Huntsville Pentecostal Church sponsors Mother’s Day Out every Monday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Call (936) 662-1996 for more information.



Care Tour for Veterans The Sunshine Network is seeking out participants for its first ever “Care Tour” event, is a free program for soldiers who have recently returned from Iraq and Afghanistan and their families. Taking place Nov. 14-15 in Huntsville, the tour includes a day of visiting local sites such as the HEARTS museum, the Texas Prison Museum, the Sam Houston Memorial Museum and the Sam Houston Statue. Participating families will stay one night in a local hotel and spend Sunday at the Huntsville State Park’s Raven Lodge. Veterans who would like to participate or who know a family that might be interested may contact Robins at (936) 344-8515 or e-mail richrob1@peoplepc.com.



Free Walnuts There are free black walnuts at the Gibbs-Powell County Museum.



The Huntsville Little Dribblers will register kids ages 5-12 for the upcoming season. Registration will be at the West Hill Mall every Saturday in November from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Registration fee will be $60, the fee for late registration will be $75. Anyone needing further assistance, call (936) 577-8521 or e-mail krejchihester@aol.com and place Huntsville Little Dribblers in the subject line.



EVENTS



‘Bell, Book and Candle’ The final four performances of the Huntsville Community Theater production of “Bell, Book and Candle” by John van Druten will be held at 7:30 p.m. today with a matinee performance set for 2 p.m. Sunday at the Old Town Theatre. For ticket information, call (936) 291-7933.



Haunted house at mall KSTAR Country will hold its “Castle of Creatures” haunted house from 4-8 p.m. today at West Hill Mall. All proceeds benefit the Walker County Senior Center.



Fair Association Carnival The 14th annual Walker County Fair Association’s Halloween Carnival and Haunted House, will be held from 5-10 p.m. today at the Walker County Fairgrounds. There is no gate admission for the carnival, but tickets must be purchased for playing games and getting concessions at a cost of two for $1. Admission to the Haunted House is $4 for adults and $2 for children. Those who wish to enter the costume and pie eating contests should enter at the main stage by 6:30 p.m., when those events are scheduled to begin.



Halloween carnival First Assembly of God Church, 3122 Montgomery Road, will hold a fun and games carnival today from 6:30-8:30 p.m. There will be a costume contest – Bible or cartoon characters only – along with free candy, food booths, giant inflated jumper, crazy games booths, hay dig, bean bag toss and cake walk. For more information, phone (936) 295-5662.



Grove Baptist Fall Festival The Union Grove Baptist Church Fall Festival will be held from 6-8:30 p.m. today. There will be snowcones, popcorn, lemonade, games, photos, prizes, cookies and candy for all. Join us for some good clean fun! Located on FM 149, one mile east of the FM 149 and FM 1791 intersection, 15 miles west of Huntsville Call (936) 449-6028 for more information or directions.



Little Stinger Cheer Clinic The Little Stinger Cheer Clinic hosted by the Huntsville High School Cheerleaders will be held today from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Clinic fee is $20. Grades kindergarten through sixth are invited. The clinic will be in the HHS Small Gym (enter from the South Parking Lot). Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. All participants will receive a T-shirt and will get to perform in the Hornets last home game at Bowers Field against Willis.



Scare on the Square All young trick-or-treaters are invited to “Scare on the Square,” the Huntsville Main Street Office’s annual Halloween Extravaganza downtown on the square this evening from 5:30-8:30 p.m. today. University Avenue is closed for the event between 11th Street and 13th Street. Organizations have gathered to sponsor over 20 booths filled with activities for the children. There will be face painting, bean bag tosses, crafts, and moonwalks provided by Amazing McClain’s Moonwalks. Also free pizza will be provided while supplies last, courtesy of Gatti’s Pizza. Most importantly, every booth will have candy available for our young trick or treaters. And as if that were not enough, the Main Street office will be conducting two costume contests. Prizes will be given to first, second, and third places. The contests will be held at 6:30 and 7:30 p.m.



‘As It is in Heaven’ and ‘Talk Radio’ The SHSU Department of Theatre and Dance continues its 2009-2010 season with a second installment of Raven Repertory with “As It is in Heaven” by Arlene Hutton and “Talk Radio” by Eric Bogosian. The last performance of “As It is in Heaven” is today at 2 p.m. The last performance of “Talk Radio” is today at 8 p.m. All performances are in the University Theatre Center’s Showcase Theatre. Tickets are $8 for general admission. Group rates are available. ‘Talk Radio’ contains adult content and language. Children under the age of three will not be admitted. For more information, call the University Theatre Center Box Office at (936) 294-1339.



Fun and Games Carnival First Assembly of God Church welcomes all to the Fun and Games Carnival today from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Free Candy, food booths, giant inflated jumper, crazy games booths, hay dig, bean bag toss, cake walk,  plus much more. There will be a costume contest - Bible or cartoon characters only. The church is located at 3122 Montgomery Rd.



Haunted House and Fall Festival The Villages of Huntsville’s Haunted House and Fall Festival will be held today from 6-11 p.m. at The Villages of Sam Houston, across the street from the Byrd Unit on FM 247. Cost is $2 for the haunted house. Activities include a hay ride, taste testing, cake walk, brain testing, ring toss, bean bag toss, pumpkin decorating, bounce house and concession stand. Proceeds go to provide Christmas for needy families.



SHSU Women’s Basketball silent auction Bidding in the Sam Houston State University Women’s Basketball silent auction will occur from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Raven Nest Golf Club today. The silent auction is in conjunction with the golf tournament, but anyone may participate in the auction. There are many items including an autographed Green Bay Packers helmet (Brett Favre), autographed San Franciso 49ers jersey (Eric Heitmann), and several autographed Houston Texans items.



Halloween for Kids Bash There will be a Halloween for Kids Bash at 501 Smith Hill in Huntsville at 4:30 p.m. today. There will be a costume contest.



Costume Party at Legion American Legion Post No. 95 in Huntsville will have a Halloween Costume Party today starting at 8 p.m. This Halloween Party is open to all members and guests of members.There will be a DJ and a costume contest. For more information, call (936) 291-0129 every day after 4 p.m.



Tall Pines Quilt Guild The November meeting of Tall Pines Quilt Guild will meet Monday at the University Heights Baptist Church. The meet and greet starts at 6:30 p.m. and the meeting begins at 7 p.m. Alice Kolb will be the guest speaker and will talk about crazy quilts. For those interested, there will be a workshop on Nov. 3. For more information, call (936) 295-8322.



Basketball Boosters The Huntsville Hornet Basketball Booster Club will meet at 6:30 p.m., Nov. 2, in the commons area of Huntsville High School. All interested parents and community members are encouraged to attend. If you have any questions, please contact Jill Driscoll, secretary, via email at jilldmail@gmail.com. 



Choir performance The Huntsville Children’s Choir will have a performance on Monday at 7:30 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, 1801 19th St. in Huntsville.



MPMS Gala 2010 The MPMS Gala 2010 has changed the honoree parent meeting from Monday to Nov. 9 at 5:30 p.m. at Fire Station No. 2 on Sam Houston Ave. Last chance to sign up as an honoree.



Story time at the library The Huntsville Public Library will host the Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society of SHSU every Tuesday evening. The club members will present a story time at 6 p.m. on Nov. 3. The theme will be “Stories by Dr. Seuss.” For more information, call the library at (936) 291-5472.



El Chico fundraiser There will be a fundraiser at El Chico for Walker County Patriots on Tuesday.



Spaghetti Dinner The Huntsville American Legion Post No. 95 Ladies Auxiliary will hold its First Wednesday of the Month Spaghetti Dinner on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. The Ladies Auxiliary will be cooking spaghetti, garlic bread, salad and desert for a donation of $5 per plate. For more information, call (936) 291-0129 after 4 p.m.



Diabetes Support Group The Diabetes Support Group will meet on Thursday at 6 p.m. in the HMH Conference Rooms. The speaker will be Marilyn Cummings on “Managing Diabetes using the Glycemic Index.” Light refreshments will be provided. For more information, call 291-4599.



Pistols and Pearls The Huntsville Junior Service League invites you to the first annual Pistols and Pearls Barbecue benefit on Thursday at the Walker County Fairgrounds. Tickets are $25 per person or $225 for a table of 10 and includes barbecue from McKenzie’s, beer and wine, and a concert by The Cody Johnson Band. Proceeds benefit the Walker County Rainbow Room and JSL’s annual scholarship fund. Tickets can be purchased at Cavender’s and Bearkat Books. Doors open at 6 p.m. and dinner is served at 7. There also will be a silent auction. For more information, e-mail HuntsvilleJSL@gmail.com.



Newcomers Luncheon The November meeting and luncheon of the Huntsville Area Newcomers will be on Thursday at 11:30 a.m. at the Elkins Lake Clubhouse dining room. Guest speaker Tripp Montalbo, assistant administrator at HMH, will present “The Hospital In Your Community.” For more information on becoming a member, call (936) 291-1296. Newcomers attending the meeting are asked to bring a food item, such as canned vegetables and meats, dry beans, rice or pasta for the Good Shepherd Mission.



Miss and Mrs. Huntsville Pageant Registration for the 2010 Miss and Mrs. Huntsville pageants will be held Thursday and Friday at 7 p.m. in the First National Bank Flagroom, located at 1300 11th St. The 2010 Miss and Mrs. Huntsville pageants are open to contestants from Huntsville and the surrounding area ages 6 weeks to 35 years.



Healthy Holidays Workshop A Healthy Holidays Workshop hosted by Carriage Inn will be held on Thursday at 5:30 p.m. at Carriage Inn, 2805 Lake Road. You can start the New Year on the road to better health. This is going to be free to the public and all ages are welcome to learn about the benefits of juice plus and whole food nutrition. Plan to bring a friend and attend this educational event. RSVP to James Rodriguez at (936) 295-0600 or jrodriguez@retliv.com.



Barbecue fundraiser There will be a barbecue fundraiser on Thursday to assist the family of Michael Denson. Denson’s father and grandmother both passed away within a week of each other. Funds will help defray funeral costs. The benefit will be at Freeway Liquor, on the feeder road of off Highway 75 North. Orders can be picked up, orders of 10 or more will be delivered. The meal will be barbecue brisket sandwich, chips and a drink for $5. To pre-order, call (936) 295-8200 ext. 4102 or Cynthia at (936) 355-1694 or Charlotte at (936) 662-7453.



NEW Trail Ride NEW presents its annual trail ride and calendar meeting Friday and Saturday at James “Squeaky” Cole’s Place in Huntsville. The meeting will take place at noon on Saturday, with the ride beginning at 3 p.m. Entertainment provided by DJ Fox Trot. For more information, call Jessie at (936) 662-9083 or Felicha at (936) 661-5704.



Fish fry dinner The Knights of Columbus will be serving their Fish Fry Dinner on Friday from 5 to 7 p.m. in the Church Hall at St Thomas Catholic Church located at 16th Street and Avenue M. Menu includes fried fish, french fries, hush puppies, fried okra, cole slaw and iced tea. Cost is $7 for adults and $5 for children under 12. Carry out dinners are welcome.



Trinity Church Fall Festival Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church will hold its annual Fall Festival on Nov. 7 from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. A barbecue dinner or fajitas with beans and rice, dessert will be served. Cost is adults $7, children $4. Raffle, over 100 silent auction items, country store, children’s games, train rides, petting zoo, cake walk, plant store. Located in Trinity on state Highway 19 North. For more information, call (936) 594-6664 or (936) 594-6039.



Golf Benefit The Golf Benefit will be held at Elkins Lake Club on Nov. 7. It is not limited to veterans and is open to all who want to support the Veterans Museum. There is a $500 prize to the first place team and additional prizes and hole sponsorships are available. The tournament is sponsored by the East Texas Chapter of the Military Officers Association. Contact Al Sailor at 291-8862, or Loran Rhine at 291-6916.



Story time at the library The Huntsville Public Library will host the Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society of SHSU every Tuesday evening. The club members will present a story time at 6 p.m. on Nov. 10. The theme will be “Move Over Rover” including several humorous dog stories. For more information, call the library at (936) 291-5472.



El Chico fundraiser There will be a fundraiser at El Chico for Sigma Alpha Pi on Nov. 10.



Marine Corps Birthday Lunch All marines – active duty, retired, reserve and former, plus attached Naval Personnel – are invited to the 234th Marine Corps Birthday Luncheon at 11:30 a.m. on Nov. 10 at the Veterans Conference Center (Walker County Storm Shelter) at 463 Highway 75 North. Cost is $10. Surplus funds will go to the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund. For headcount purposes and more information, call Joe Shaw at (936) 438-9170.



Who Let the Dogs Out? ... of School Early The Huntsville Public Library will host the Reading Education Assistance Dogs (READ) program on Wednesday afternoon, Nov. 11, in conjunction with the 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, call Kim Mason at (936) 291-5910 to sign up for time slot.



Veteran’s Day Celebration The Huntsville American Legion Post No. 95 will host a Veteran's Day Celebration on Nov. 11 from 2 p.m. until dark. There will be a free hamburger and hot dog lunch. Open to all Veteran's, Post Members and guests of members. For more information, call (936) 291-0129 after 4 p.m. or visit: www.samhoustonpost95.org.

 

Adventure Race The Huntsville Hammer Adventure Race will be held in Huntsville State Park on Nov. 14. There are two races to choose from, a sprint which lasts for about two hours for beginners, and a 12-hour race for more experienced races. For additional information, visit www.texasadventureracing.com or contact Jim Willis at (281) 687-7367.



Blood Drive University Heights Baptist Church, Greater Zion Missionary Baptist Church and Faith Lutheran Church, along with the Huntsville Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, will host a blood drive on Nov. 14 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Forrest Masonic Lodge No. 19, 1030 12th Street. Donors must be at least 17 years of age and weigh a minimum of 110 pounds or 16 years of age, weigh 122 pounds, and have parental consent. Photo identification is required. Commit for Life members who donate or attempt to donate in September, October or November will be entered to win one of four pair of Continental Airlines tickets for travel in the contiguous U.S.  To make an appointment, please register online at http://www.giveblood.org or call 295-0278 or 661-5867 for more information.



Dessert Party The COME Board of Directors, staff and volunteers invites everyone to a Dessert Party New Building Fundraiser on Nov. 14 at the Prison Museum Conference Room from 7-9 p.m. There will be silent and live auctions. Tickets at the door are $5 per person.



Fall Festival The Huntsville American Legion Post No. 95 Ladies Auxiliary will hold a Fall Festival: Arts & Crafts Show on Nov. 14 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, call (936) 291-0129 after 4 p.m. or visit www.samhoustonpost95.org.



Christmas Pageant Parade of Hearts will host a Christmas Pageant on Nov. 15 at the West Hill Mall. Registration begins at noon. Pageant is at 1 p.m. Girls and boys ages 0 to 17 are welcome. Cost is $50. Proceeds benefit Autisum Speaks. Call (936) 329-5138 for more information.



Story time at the library The Huntsville Public Library will host the Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society of SHSU every Tuesday evening. The club members will present a story time at 6 p.m. on Nov. 17. The theme will be “Thanksgiving Stories.” For more information, call the library at 936-291-5472.



Blood Drive Wiesner Huntsville is having a Blood Drive on Nov. 17 from 2-6 p.m. To schedule an appointment, visit www.giveblood.org and login to Digital Donor. Enter sponsor code G034 or contact Anne Smith at (936) 291-7500.   



Herbs for the Holiday Huntsville Public Library will host Herbs for the Holidays presented by The Texas Thyme Unit of The Herb Society of America. Herb centerpieces, dining, and cookies will be just part of the fun on Wednesday, Nov. 18, at 10:30 a.m. in City Hall Council Chambers, 1212 Avenue M. To register and for more information, call the library at (936) 291-5472.



Library fundraiser The New Waverly Library will have a fundraiser on Nov. 22 at 11 a.m. Silent and live auction. Call (936) 577-5700 for more information.



Christmas parade The New Waverly Lions Club is planning to "Jingle into Christmas" this year with the annual Christmas Parade in New Waverly. The parade begins at 10 a.m. (line-up begins at 9 a.m. in the First Victoria Bank parking lot) on Saturday morning, Dec. 5. Trophies will be awarded to the best decorated displays. Call (936) 344-0151 if you need more information.



Oakhurst VFD fundraiser The Oakhurst Volunteer Fire Department will host its annual Barbecue Fundraiser on Dec. 5 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Oakhurst VFD Station House. For more information, contact Rose Hopkins at (936) 577-1379.



Class of ‘77 The Class of 1977 will celebrate 32 years at the Goree Clubhouse on Dec. 26. Call Anderson at 662-6070 for more information.