3-28-16 TWIH
Celebrating Debra Jones: Huntsville Police
Department's Data Control Clerk!
City news,
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March 28,
2016
A round of applause is in order for Debra Jones, Data Control Clerk for the Huntsville Police
Department (HPD). Jones has worked for the
City of Huntsville for over 24 years and will be
retiring at the end of March. HPD is sad to see
her go, but knows she is leaving the
department in good hands with the new Data
Control Clerk, Judy Phillips.
During her time at the HPD, Jones & co-
worker Joyce Dunaway handle all incidents
and offense reports and prepares them for
the detectives. Jones is in charge of statistics
that are sent to the state of Texas , as well as
the FBI, and many other administrative duties
to assure success for HPD. Jones has been a
very busy lady over the years but has enjoyed
her time at the Police Department and the
family she has made there.
There are numerous memories Jones has made over the years, but the one that gives her chills
and makes her the happiest is when she sees the HPD officers get recognized and honored for
their dedication and hard work.” Jones told us that the “department is full of hard working public
servants and the Huntsville Police always have our citizens’ backs so it is nice to see the
outpouring of support that the community shows them.”
A lot of change has happened in the past 13 years at HPD but it has all been positive according
to Jones. “There has been an increase in the already high standards at HPD; Chief Lunsford has
increased accountability within the department, and there is so much respect throughout our
close knit family at.”
The relationships established by Jones has been one of her favorite parts of her job; Jones said
“The protective nature, friendships and the
feeling of someone will always be there for
me and knowing that they have my back is
the best part.”
Now don’t think Ms. Jones will be slowing
down post retirement, she plans on
continuing her travels with hopes to make it
back to Europe as well as finally seeing all 50
states, (she currently has seen over 30).
Jones also plans on staying busy with fishing,
Crime Stoppers and serving on the Walker
County Federal Credit Union Board. She
plans on staying in Huntsville since she has
fallen in love with the “progressive but still
small town feel, the supportive community and all the people here.”
Some final words from Jones to her family at HPD “Don’t forget about me.” The City of Huntsville
will miss Ms. Jones, but we wish her happiness and joy in her retirement and we know she won’t
ever be too far away!
Mayor Brauninger
visits Huntsville Meals
on Wheels
This March the National Meals on Wheels campaign set out to invite
local elected officials to deliver meals, speak out for seniors and raise
awareness for the power of Meals on Wheels. So what better local figure
than our very own Mayor Brauninger to volunteer with Meals on Wheels!
The Mayor spent the morning of March 7th, delivering meals and visiting
with seniors at the Huntsville Senior Center. “The Senior Center of
Walker County, Meals on Wheels thanks its mayors and elected officials
for taking time from a busy schedule to support the March for Meals
which highlights the senior nutrition program.” Director Frank Ivory said.
To find ways to volunteer with the Huntsville program of Meals on
Wheels call 936-295-6151.
Huntsville Public Library is pleased to host Mary Anne
Burkhalter, actress and singer, in her production of
“Remember When…Texas Trail Ride” from 10:30 to 11:30
am on Monday, April 18th, in the Community Room.
Celebrate the enriching stories of Sam Houston, Texas
Rangers, Buddy Holly and more with songs and tales that
bring history to life. Experience the story of Texas and its
heritage with an interactive presentation you won’t want to
miss! Signup is not required. For additional information,
contact Mary Kokot, Adult Services Coordinator, 936-291-
5471.
Little Stinger Book Drive
When: Tuesday, April 12, 2016
Where: Gibbs PreK School, Huntsville Elementary, Samuel W. Houston Elementary, Scott Johnson
Elementary, Stewart Elementary, the Hawkins Administration Building (7 am-4 pm) the Huntsville Public
Library (10 am-4 pm) & Huntsville-Walker County Chamber of Commerce. (9 am-4 pm)
Who: Contact the Chamber of Commerce at (936) 295-8113 or HISD at (936) 435-6397 for more
information.
Why: All books will be sorted and distributed to HISD students in PreK through fourth grade (ages 3
through 10) for students to keep. Allowing book ownership creates a sense of pride and fosters an
appreciation for reading. Statistics show that early exposure to literacy will ensure greater future
educational success. Monetary donations are also accepted, make checks payable to the Huntsville-
Walker County Chamber of Commerce.
Huntsville Music Festival
The City of Huntsville’s Main Street Program is bringing
back the annual Huntsville Music Festival this April! Join
the community for a FREE concert series, the last two
Thursdays in April, the 21st and 28th from 5:00 pm to
10:00 pm in Rather Park at the corner of University and
13th. The concert kicks off on Thursday, April 21st with
acoustic performances by Kenna Danielle, John Slaughter,
and Sam Riggs. JB and The Moonshine Band will close
the first night with a full band jam!
The music continues the following Thursday on April 28th
with a full night of acoustic country from Presley Lewis,
Andy Terrell Band, and Bubba Westly. This final night has
a double headliner and song swap with Adam Hood and
Zane Williams. Local food trucks and Shenanigans will be
set up at the concerts selling great food and drinks! Mark
your calendars, dust off your lawn chairs, bring your
appetites, thirst, friends, family and neighbors. Join us for
two beautiful evenings of music and fun! For more details:
facebook.com/COHmainstreet.
The Little Stinger Book Drive will focus on giving every child from PreK to fourth grade, a book to take
home. Books serve a valuable purpose in a child’s life & every child deserves the opportunity to be
positively impacted by literature. Jana Bethel, Ed.D Principal at Huntsville Elementary School shared
interesting facts about the impacts books can make on a child’s life, studies have shown young children
who engage in reading have been more prepared for learning when they begin school. Reading can
increase vocabulary and oral language development, as well as comprehension. Books can also be a
gateway to candid conversation about difficult issues. While many
homes are full of books, it is important to recognize that some
homes are not a literature rich environment. HISD & Promoting
Our Positive Community group are working together to send every
child from PreK to fourth grade, home with a book through the
Little Stinger Book Drive. Details are below:
The Wynne Home See what’s happening at
www.thewynnehome.com
Texas Treasures popping up
all over Huntsville
The official welcome of spring to Huntsville has finally arrived! Bluebonnets are being spotted all over town.
Bluebonnets are always much anticipated by resident Texans, and they sure have not disappointed us this year.
These pictures are just a few of the many patches we have found around town.
While Bluebonnets bloom every year along roadways and sidewalks, have you ever wondered if you could grow
your own? Well, you are in luck! We have found some tips to ensure you have a wonderful bluebonnet patch right
in your back yard next year.
Here are some helpful tips:
1) Bluebonnets grow best in soils that are alkaline, moderate in fertility,
and most important of all, well drained. Full sun is also required for
best growth. Seed may be planted September 1 through December 15;
however, for best results, plant seeds no later than mid-November.
2) This allows seed time to germinate and grow throughout the winter
months, during which time a heavy root system and sturdy plants are
developed to produce an abundance of spring flowers.
3) In general, the first flowers open about March 15 in the southern
part of the state, and in the more northern part of the state, first flowers
may not show before May 1. The length of the flowering period is about
a month. Allow two weeks after the full bloom period has passed for the
seeds to mature.
These tips can be found at-http://www.txdot.gov/insidetxdot/division/
maintenance/wildflower-program/planting-bluebonnets.html
If you don’t have a green thumb, you can still enjoy the Texas state
flower all around town & get some great pictures to cherish for
years to come. The natural beauty of the bluebonnets speaks for
themselves but we have found some helpful tips to capture the
beauty and try to do the flower justice. So grab your family and
friends to spend a day around Huntsville at our own local
bluebonnet patches taking pictures.
No Texas mantel is complete without bluebonnet photographs so
here are some tips for getting the best photos:
1) Morning—between eight and ten—is best, but late bloomers can snap
some good shots after four as well.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with your light
source: Stand with the sun behind you, at a 45-degree angle, or allow it to backlight
your subject for an ethereal look. Use the camera’s flash to help fill in shadows.
2) Wildflowers bloom in April, a month with unpredictable weather. Check the forecast
and avoid windy or cloudy days.
3) When you discover a picturesque spot, check for No Trespassing signs before
plopping down.
4) Have fun!
See more at-http://www.texasmonthly.com/the-culture/how-to-snap-the-perfect-
bluebonnet-photo/#sthash.rdm4KYRn.dpuf
We hope you enjoy one of the finest seasons in Texas, Bluebonnet season. Get out and
check out some of best patches right here in Huntsville!
Ve
Veterans Memorial Parkway
Rather Park
Veterans Memorial Parkway
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This outdoor reading box was designed and built by Todd & John
Christian as Todd's Eagle Scout Project. It was originally placed
at the Huntsville Public Library, but when HPL added the
beautiful community room, the Outdoor Reading Box was
relocated across the street to City Hall.
It has benches on two sides and all of the Scout values are hand
carved into the pillars. They constructed the box in May of 2009
and during Spring Break of 2016 they came and spent the day
refinishing it. It currently resides on the grounds of City Hall
facing 13th street (near the employee parking lot).
The area offers beautiful views in a peaceful location, the
perfect spot to spend a nice spring day reading. Come check out
the newly made over reading box.
City Hall’s Outdoor Reading Box gets a Makeover!
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Mother Goose Lapsit - This new program is designed for parents and infants aged birth to 24 months, and features songs,
toys, and stories on Mondays at 10:30 a.m. – April 4, 11, 18, 25
Story Time - Every Wednesday and Friday at 10:45 a.m. Parents and their children are invited to enjoy songs, stories, and
crafts with a new theme each session. - April 1, 6, 8, 13, 15, 20, 22, 27, 29
Lego Club - An elementary-aged building program on the 1st & 3rd Thursdays of the month from 5:00-6:00 p.m. Legos are
supplied and participants are encouraged to build themed creations. - April 7, 21 Family Movie Night - Doors to the Community Room open at 5:00
p.m., April 8 with the movie beginning promptly at 5:30 p.m. Family
Movie Night is sponsored by the Texas Children’s Health Plan
Program. Complimentary drinks and popcorn are served and all
viewers are encouraged to bring a pillow or blanket. To get the title
of the movie being shown each month, contact Children’s
Coordinator Rachel McPhail at 936-291-5910.
Read with the Dogs - The monthly Read with the Dogs program is
held with help from Huntsville Pets Helping People. Children are
invited to read to trained therapy dogs in 15-minute segments.
Participants also receive a sticker with a picture of the dog they read
to. Sign up for a session is available beforehand, but not required.
4:00-5:30 p.m. April 18
Beginning and Advanced Spanish classes - The Huntsville Public
Library will continue its Beginning and Advanced Spanish classes for
adults. Beginning classes are held at 1 p.m. with Advanced classes starting at 3 p.m - April 5, 12, 18, 26.
-The Huntsville Public Library is starting a new program for elementary aged students which focuses on Science, Technology,
Engineering, Art, and Math (STEAM). STEAM Fridays will be held from 3:30-5:30 p.m. on Fridays in April and May in the
Community Room with an exciting program each week. Signup is not required.
-The Huntsville Public Library will host “Nature Day” for elementary-aged students from 3 to 5 p.m. Friday, April 15th in the
Community Room. As part of the library’s STEAM program, children are invited to experience and appreciate the beauty of
nature through building unique crafts and by planting seeds to replenish the environment. Signup is not required and the
Huntsville Public Library supplies the materials.
- The Huntsville Kiwanis Club will host their “Trivia Night” at 5:30 p.m. Friday, April 1st at the Huntsville Public Library.
Teams are encouraged to pre-purchase tables at $100 for a team of ten, proceeds benefit library literacy programs. Show
off your knowledge with a fun-filled evening! Please contact Bryan Matthys at 936-650-7311 for more information or to
purchase your team’s table.
-Essential Oil teacher Melissa Gonzalez will present the last of a four-part series from 5:45 to 6:45 p.m. Monday, April 11th
in the Library’s Community Room. The topic will be "Lovin’ Summer
Fun". No registration required. Class is open to anyone interested in
learning about essential oils. Door prizes awarded!
Families are invited to come enjoy Health and Safety Day from 4:30 to
6:30 p.m. April 29th at the Library! Meet officers from the Huntsville
Police Department and fire fighters from the Huntsville Fire Department.
Learn valuable safety tips and have fun at the library! Signup is not
required.
For more information about any Children’s programs at the Huntsville
Public Library, please contact Children’s Coordinator Rachel McPhail
at 936-291-5910; for adult programs, contact Adult Services
Coordinator Mary Kokot at 936-291-5471; for teen programs, contact
Teen Services Coordinator Ashley Newsome at 936-291-5912.
Children & Youth Library Classes & Events
Huntsville Public Library, in partnership with the SHSU Student Money
Management Center, hosts "BE WISE" in the Community Room
during April -- Financial Literacy Month.
Spring Classes at the Wynne Home Arts Center
Classes begin March 28th and go through April 30th. For more information go to
www.thewynnehome.com or call 936-291-5434