Best Bets

November 20, 2009 10:05 pm

— 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.

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.

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.

Scout Memorabilia Needed On Feb. 8, 2010, the Boy Scouts of America will celebrate its 100th Anniversary. The Huntsville Boy Scout Leadership is planning to open an exhibit to commemorate the anniversary on that date at the Walker Education Center. The planning committee is asking for former/current scouts and scout leaders to loan their Boy Scout memorabilia for the exhibit. We are looking for such items as old scouting books, uniforms, pictures, neckerchiefs, patches, camping equipment, awards, Eagle Award items, and other such memorabilia. If you have some items you would be willing to loan please drop off these items at the First United Methodist Church, 1016 Sam Houston Ave. For further information please contact Kristie Stevens at (936) 661-3446 (pravatar@rocketmail.com) or Will Oliver at (936) 294-4173 (woliver@shsu.edu).

Christmas Trees Boy Scout Troops 97 and 98 will hold a Christmas tree sale in the parking lot of West Hill Mall on Highway 30 through Dec. 20. Tree varieties available are: White Pine, Scotch Pine and Frasier Furs. Trees range from 4 to 10 feet and are $20 to $70 in price. Hours are Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 1-7 p.m. For information, contact Larry Miller at (936) 662-1726.

EVENTS

Thoroughly Modern Millie The Sam Houston State University Department of Theatre and Dance presents the Tony award-winning musical “Thoroughly Modern Millie.” Show times are 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. today at the University Theatre Center Mainstage Theatre. Tickets are $12 for general admission and $10 for SHSU students and senior citizens. Group rates are available. Children under the age of three will not be admitted. For more information, call the University Theatre Center box office at (936) 294-1339.

Send-off for Hornets Huntsville ISD invites the community to come and catch the Hornet Spirit and help send the Hornets off to victory today at 2:30 p.m. in front of the Joe Clements Field House on Hornet Way. Parking for the event will be available in the South and West Hornet lots.

Shelter Volunteer Meeting The Rita B. Huff Animal Shelter will be holding a volunteer orientation at 10 a.m. today at Huntsville’s Fire Station No. 2. Please call Heike at (936) 295-4666 to sign up.

Granny’s Kitchen and Bazaar Huntsville First United Methodist Church, 1016 Sam Houston Ave., will hold its annual Granny’s Kitchen and Bazaar today from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Crafts, canned goods, antiques and treasures and new items will be for sle. Soup and sandwiches will be available for lunch. For more information, phone Dian Herrod at (936) 295-0616 or Patsy Ann Reed at (936) 295-9434.

Walker County Genealogical Society The Walker County Genealogical Society will meet today at 10:15 a.m. at the Texas Prison Museum, 491 Highway 75 North. Sissy Johnson, acting president of Walker County Genealogical Society, will speak on “Genealogy Basics: The Fun of Finding Ancestors Who Don’t Sit Still.” For more information, call Sissy Johnson at (936) 434-1932 or visit the WCGS Web site at www.wcgen.com. The public is invited to this free event and visitors are welcome.

Garage Sale A garage sale fundraiser for St. Paul United Methodist Church will be held today from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. at 183 Moffett Springs Road.

Toys 4 Tots The Huntsville Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. is sponsoring a Toys 4 Tots drive to support The Huntsville Housing Authority. The toy drive will start today and will continue through Dec. 2. Collection Box locations are as follows: Chester Crawford Insurance, 100 Highway 190; Patrick Barber Shop, 516 11th Street; Sam Houston State University AB4 Room 449. To volunteer for toy pick-up and Toys 4 Tots Distribution, you can call (936) 294-9051 or (936) 294-1484

Whole-Way Conference Whole-Way House Inc. will present its first-ever Substance Abuse Conference on treatment/counseling and re-entry from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. today at Sam Houston State University’s Lowman Student Center Room 315. The program includes: registration and fellowship from 10-10:10 a.m., conference and presentations from 10:10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and a question and answer period for presenters from 1:30 to 2 p.m. For more information, contact Abd’allah Muhammad-Bey at (936) 891-1198.

Library fundraiser The New Waverly Public Library will hold a fundraiser at New Waverly Elementary School on FM 1375 today. “The Main Event” will include a spaghetti lunch; live and silent auctions; Bake Shop, where homemade baked goods will be sold; Country Store, where home canned items, candles, kitchen gadgets and other general merchandise will be sold; and a talent show. Tickets at the door are $8 for adults through 8 years old; $4 for those 7 and under. Only adult tickets are sold pre-sale and are priced at $6. These may be purchased at New Waves in New Waverly or from Hal Kooken, Sue Smith, Sue Hardy, Susan Koonce, Donna Little, Clara Malak, Debbie Roberts, or Becky Powell. They are also sold at the library. There will also be a half-the-cash-pot where the holder of the winning ticket drawn will received half of the cash accumulated in the pot. Drawing is at the end of the auction and you need not be present to win. Tickets are $1 each or seven for $5 and are sold at the door or you may purchase them from any of the people listed above. Doors open at 10:30 a.m., lunch begins serving at 11 a.m. (take out available), and live auction at 1 p.m. Call Sue Hardy at 344-6293 for more information.

Author Book Signing Huntsville Author Marilyn Cummings will be signing copies of her book “Our Journey Battling Diabetes Through a Low GI Lifestyle” from 1-3 p.m. today at Hastings Book Music & Videos, located at 1710 11th St. in Huntsville. The information and recipe book about managing diabetes using the Glycemic Index will be available for purchase. For more information, visit http://outskirtspress/battlingdiabetes and click on “Contact Author”; or call Cummings at (936) 291-7346.
Sunday

Gift of Life - Organ Donations First Presbyterian Church, Huntsville (1801 19th. St.) would like to invite you to join them on Sunday at 9:15 a.m. as we learn more about giving through the Gift of Life-Organ Donations. Joe Sharp, Outreach Coordinator for Methodist Transplant Centers, will be presenting a program, and giving us information about how to become a donor, as well as answering any questions you may have about the process. For more information, please call the church office at (936) 295-2440.

Diabetes Program Curves in Huntsville is hosting a free diabetes information program at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 23, at the Huntsville location on 11th Street. The half-hour program, held in honor of Diabetes Awareness Month, covers health and diabetes prevention. It is free and open to the public. Please call to reserve your spot at (936) 295-3900.

Wynne Home Movie Night The Wynne Home Arts Center will be hosting a movie night at 7 p.m. on Nov. 23 in the Wynne Home Gallery Room. “What’s up, Doc?” is director Peter Bogdanovich’s homage to 1930’s screwball comedy. Four identical suitcases show up at the same hotel at the same time, so, of course, the owners get them — and themselves — mixed up. Fast moving silliness ends with a car chase, a large plate of glass and a Chinese dragon. The film features Barbra Streisand, Ryan O’Neal and Madeline Khan. All ages are welcome and it is free of charge. Refreshments will be served.

Special Education Meeting There will be a special education meeting on Monday from 5:30-7 p.m. in the library at Huntsville Intermediate School. The purpose of the meeting is to gather input on the effective operation and performance of HISD’s special education program through one or more parent/community focus groups that address a set of predetermined questions. This meeting is a required component of the new performance-based TEA special education monitoring system.

Free Rabies Vaccinations Rita B. Huff Animal Shelter, 530 Bearkat Blvd, will hold free rabies vaccinations on Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Must be a resident of Walker County and on some type of government assistance. Please bring proof of assistance and drivers license. Call (936) 295-4666 for more information.

Piney Woods Gem, Mineral Society The Piney Woods Gem & Mineral Society will meet on Wednesday, Nov. 25, 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.

Library Closed The Huntsville Public Library will close at 5 p.m. on Wednesday. The Library will reopen at 9 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 30.

P-Walk Riders Trailride The 1374 P-Walk Riders will host its 2nd Annual Trailride Friday, Nov. 27 and Saturday, Nov. 28 at The Smith Ranch in Huntsville. Friday activities include a campout and dance at 7:30 p.m. The trailride begins at 4 p.m. Saturday, also followed by a dance. Admission is $5 per day and $10 for the weekend. Kids 12 and under are free. For more information, call Betty Smith at (936) 293-0226.

Women’s Ministry Meeting Celebration Women’s Ministry will meet from 6-8 p.m. Monday, Nov. 30, in the First United Methodist Church social hall. Following a light meal, speaker Lynda Zelenka will present the evening’s message, “Anticipating Advent.” Child care is provided. There is no charge for the meal or child care. All women are welcome.

Book Fair A “Books are Fun” Book Fair will be held Monday, Nov. 30 through Wednesday, Dec. 2, in the HMH Cafeteria. Books, candles, CD’s and other great holiday gift items will be available. The book fair is a fundraiser of the HMH Auxiliary. For more information, call 291-4599.

Preschool Story Hour at the Library The Huntsville Public Library hosts Story Hour every Thursday at 10:30 a.m. The theme for Dec. 3 will be “The Polar Express.” 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.

The Diabetes Support Group will meet on Thursday, Dec. 3, 2009, at 6 p.m. in the HMH Conference Rooms for a holiday celebration. Participants are invited to bring a covered dish and its recipe to share diabetic cooking tips with others. For more information, call 291-4599.

Huntsville Area Newcomers The Huntsville Area Newcomers meeting and luncheon will be held at 11:30 a.m. Dec. 3 at the Elkins Lake Clubhouse dining room. Members of the Huntsville Community Theatre will present selections from “Smoke on the Mountain — Sanders Family Christmas,” directed by Molly Campbell and Carol Carden. Submit reservation by Nov. 25. Members are also asked to donate rice, pastra, dry beans, canned vegetables and paper goods such as toilet paper and paper towels to be given to the Good Shepherd Mission. For more information, phone (936) 291-1296.

‘Smoke on the Mountain’ The Huntsville Community Theatre will present the Sanders Family Christmas “Smoke on the Mountain Part II” on Dec. 3-5 at 7:30 p.m., Dec. 6 at 2 p.m. and Dec. 10-12 at 7:30 p.m. at the First Christian Church, 1800 Ave. R. Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors (65 and over) and $7 for children/students with ID. Tickets can be reserved by phoning the Huntsville Community Theatre’s Box Office at (936) 291-7933.

Holiday Open House The Timbers Apartment Homes, 144 I-45 North, will host a Holiday Open House on Dec. 4 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be a cookie exchange, recipe card or favorite dish sampling and a canned food and toy drive. Bring a toy or canned good and enter a change to win a gift card.

Blood Drive Huntsville Memorial Hospital is holding a blood drive on Friday, Dec. 4, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the HMH Conference Rooms. All donors are appreciated. Donors must provide identification, such as driver’s license, student I.D. card, major credit card with picture, etc. All blood types are in great demand. Walk-in appointments are available, or you may register online at giveblood.org. For more information, call 291-4297.

Lions Club Parade Entries are being accepted for the Huntsville Lions Club’s 2009 Christmas Parade — “A Country Christmas” — set for Dec. 5. It starts at 6 p.m. The entry fee is $25 and checks should be made payable to the Huntsville Lions Club. Parade chairman John Cole said an entry is considered to be a float, walking group, a horse-mounted riding group, a truck and trailer or a car. For groups of vehicles over five within one organization, the fee will be $5 per vehicle. Registration deadline is 4 p.m. Dec. 1. There will be an additional fee of $5 assessed all for entries after the deadline. Cole said those entries that have not paid their registration fee by the start of the parade will not be allowed to particpate. Entry forms are available at the Huntsville-Walker County Chamber of Commerce office. For more information, phone Cole at (936) 295-9400.

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.

Tea Party Fundraiser On Dec. 5, the Huntsville Tea Party will host a fundraising garage sale from 8 a.m. to noon in the parking lot next to Walgreens. Please come out to support the tea party, pick up a copy of the Constitution, and find some good deals. For more information, contact docandalice@aol.com.

Pet Pictures with Santa There will be pet pictures with Santa on Saturday, Dec. 5 at Fire Station No. 2 on Sam Houston next to Taco Bell from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. $10 per picture, $5 for each copy. All proceeds go to the Rita B. Huff Animal Shelter. Call (936) 295-4666 for more info.

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.

Ceramics Workshop The Wynne Home Arts Center will hold a beginning ceramics two-day workshop Dec. 5 from 1-4:30 p.m. and Dec. 12 from 1-3 p.m. Students will gain a basic knowledge of working with clay, including hand building techniques and throwing on a wheel. Workshop has a limited enrollment and will be filled on a first come, first served basis. Students may register in person at the Wynne Home Arts Center, 1428 Eleventh Street, during regular operating hours. Class must be paid in full at registration by cash or check only. For more information, call the Wynne Home Arts Center at (936) 291-5424.

Rita B. Huff Christmas Party The Rita B. Huff Humane Society’s annual Christmas Party and Silent Auction will be held on Dec. 6 at the Walker Education Building, 1402 19th Street. Lots of nice items to bid on. Refreshments will be served. All proceeds go to the Rita B. Huff Animal Shelter. Call (936) 295-4666 for more information.

Who Let the Dogs Out?.....of School Early! The Huntsville Public Library will host the Reading Education Assistance Dogs (READ) program on Wednesday afternoon, Dec. 9, 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.

‘The Strength of Women’ All women are invited to a seminar entitled, “The Strength of a Woman” Steps on How to Overcome Misplaced Strength on Dec. 9 and Dec. 23 from 6-7 p.m. at Hills Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, Highway 30 West. There will be a Christmas social following the seminar on Dec. 23 in the Church Fellowship Hall.

Preschool Story Hour at the Library The Huntsville Public Library hosts Story Hour every Thursday at 10:30 a.m. The theme for Dec. 10 will be “O’ Christmas Tree.” 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.

Christmas Banquet A royal celebration will be held Dec. 12 at Carriage Inn in Huntsville. The banquet will begin at 7 p.m. A donation of $20 is requested. The attire is semi-formal/formal. The event is sponsored by Midway Baptist Church. The Rev. Leonard Minor, pastor. For more information, contact Kathy Sims at 294-0833 or Iesia Minor at 662-0284 or Erica Minor at 295-4017.

Nutrition and Medication Management The Council for Health Education and Development in conjunction with Houston-Galveston Area Council Area Agency on Aging, Elderly and Caregiver Support services presents Nutrition and Medication Management on Dec. 12 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Greater Zion Missionary Baptist Church, 426 Highway 190 East. Call for reservations by Dec. 10 to the church (936) 295-3016. Admission is free to registered participants. Bring list of current medications, lunch will be provided. For transportation, call (96) 581-3732.

Half Price Pet Adoptions Rita B. Huff Animal Shelter, 530 Bearkat Blvd., will hold half price pet adoptions on Dec. 12 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Dec. 13 from noon to 5 p.m. Adoptions will be $42.50 which includes heartworm or feline leukemia test, first shot and wormer, spay or neuter, rabies vaccination and microchip. Free T-shirt with every adoption. An extra $50 refundable deposit is required on animals too young to be spayed/neutered at that time. Call (936) 295-4666 for more info.

Preschool Story Hour at the Library The Huntsville Public Library hosts Story Hour every Thursday at 10:30 a.m. The theme for Dec. 17 will be Christmas with Santa. 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.

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.