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2014/04/30 City news, features and updates April 30, 2014 Th i s W e e k i n H u n t s v i l l e In this issue... BIG TREE Registry now accepting entries - page 2 Three days of downtown events - page 3 Outdoor Explorer kicks off at Huntsville State Park - page 4 Library to hold Family Movie Night on May 8 - page 2 National Tourism Week to include wide variety of events, educational opportunities The City of Huntsville Tourism Department will celebrate National Tourism Week May 3 to May 11, and there are several special events planned for residents and visitors. “National Tourism Week in Huntsville is going to include an incredible combination of cultural, historical and recreational events,” said Kimm Thomas, Director of Tourism and Cultural Services. “Our Tourism emphasis will be on Tuesday, May 6, when we’ll welcome tourism professionals from throughout the Texas Forest Trail and surrounding counties to take part in a full day of Tourism and marketing presentations. “This is the first workshop of its kind that we’ve offered, and we hope the Huntsville community - especially our restaurant operators, hoteliers, and retail business owners – will take part.” Thomas said the guest speakers on May 6 will include Marty Prince, the executive director for the Texas Forest Trail, who will present the Texas Friendly Customer Service Training. Each participant will receive a certificate of completion. Also included in the workshop is Luncheon speaker Dave Lieber, the “Yankee Cowboy,” who will be speaking on building your event/business through storytelling, “Your Story Blows Me Away.” Mr. Lieber will also remain for the afternoon session and address his finding on Huntsville. The day will end with the overview of the HOT Tax and how to spend the funds. To register for the workshop log onto www.TexasForestTrail.com/toolkit. “This entire day of tourism-based training will cost $30, which will include lunch. Participants also have the option of just attending the lectures for $15,” Thomas said. Additional Tourism Week events Thomas said there are several community events already scheduled to take place during Tourism Week, and citizens are encouraged to take part in as much of the fun as possible. According to JoAnn Purvis with the Sam Houston Memorial Museum, the annual Folk Festival will be held on May 2-4 on the museum grounds, featuring a wide variety of musical, historical and artistic performances. The Folk Festival will be held on Friday, May 2 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., on Saturday, May 3, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Sunday, May 4 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, contact the museum at (936) 294-1832. On Saturday, May 3, a Cinco De Mayo celebration will be offered by LULAC and the Walker County Unidos in the Walker County Annex parking lot area. The event will include live music, food and craft vendors, children’s entertainment and more. For more information, visit the Facebook event page at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Walker-County Unidos/167030830027110?id=167030830027110&sk=info. The Texas Prison Museum will also hold a special open house event free to the public on May 3 in honor of the Museum’s 25th Anniversary. Guests will have the opportunity to tour the museum, visit the gift shop and more. For more information, contact the museum at (936) 295-2155 or visit the 25th Anniversary events page at http://www.txprisonmuseum.org/25th_anniversary.html Finally, on Monday, May 5 at 10 a.m., the Walker Historical Commission will celebrate by placing a Historical Marker at the Joe Byrd Cemetery the cemetery of unclaimed inmates of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. For more information, contact the Tourism Department at (936) 291-9726. The Huntsville Public Library will hold a fun-filled Family Movie Night on May 8, and all Huntsville residents are invited to attend. According to Tosha Gibbs, Assistant City Librarian, the event will begin at 5:30 p.m. The film to be shown is rated PG and is family appropriate. “If you’re looking for a family-friendly way to spend a Thursday evening, look no further than the Library’s Family Movie Night program,” she said. “Not only do we provide free popcorn and beverages, but we usually pair the movie with a themed activity or snack.” The films are shown in the Library’s Community Room, with ample room to spread out, bring blankets and relax with family and friends. “We look forward to opening our doors and giving our citizens an opportunity to enjoy the Library,” Gibbs said. “We hope to see many of our Huntsville families take part in this free event!” For more information, contact Gibbs at (936) 291-5481. Big Tree Registry Nominate your tree to be part of local history! Submissions for any of the 93 known tree species in Walker County will be accepted through the end of 2014. The 2014 Big Tree Registry is jointly sponsored by the Walker County Historical Commission, the City of Huntsville, the Texas Forest Service, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, and Walker County. Visit the City’s Web site, www.huntsvilletx.gov, for information regarding measurement requirements, entry forms and previous winners. For more information, contact Jordan Herrin at (936) 295-5688. Photo submitted by Stacy O’Bannon, Texas A&M Forest Service Huntsville Public Library to hold Family Movie Night - May 8 Be on the lookout for a special issue of “This Week in Huntsville” devoted entirely to the Huntsville Public Library! In honor of the Library’s two-year anniversary in its expanded facility, we are working on a special issue to profile its programs and events. Specifically, the issue will include information on summer reading programs, children’s activities, frequently asked questions and more! Three days of downtown events start Thursday, May 1! “Wine Down, Shop Small,” Main Street Music Series, Farmers’ Market Join the City of Huntsville Main Street Program for three straight days of events in the downtown area! According to Lindsay Lauher, Main Street Program Coordinator and Historic Preservation Officer, the weekend will offer something for everyone, whether their interest is in music, food or even wine tasting. “The month of May is starting off with three back-to- back days of unique events, and we look forward to seeing our citizens take part in any and all of them,” she said. “Whether you chose to take part in the annual Wine Down, Shop Small event, come out to our final Main Street Music Series concert or swing by the first Saturday of our Farmers’ Market, we know you’ll have a great time!” On Thursday, May 1, the Downtown Business Alliance will hold its annual Wine Down, Shop Small event in establishments around the square, featuring Texas wine tastings, local cuisine, shopping specials, live music and more. Tickets are still available for $20 from various downtown locations. The final concert of the Main Street Music Series will be held the next night, May 2, beginning at 6 p.m. The event will include performances by the Pickets and Zachary Keane Crocker. Time for a new flag? Bring your worn flags to be retired! As part of his Eagle Scout project, Huntsville resident Matthew Fields will place two Flag Retirement boxes in front of City Hall and the Walker County Courthouse for public use. The boxes will be available throughout the month of May for citizens to place their worn or tattered flags in preparation for a special retirement ceremony on May 31. “[During the month of May,] I will keep checking the boxes each week,” Fields said. “On May 31 at 6 p.m., I will be showing the public how to retire both American and Texas flags properly.” Fields said the ceremony will include the retirement of two large flags, including one American Flag measuring 100 feet by 50 feet. For more information, contact the City Secretary’s office at (936) 291-5403. “Our Main Street Music Series has been incredible, and we hope to see everyone come out to Rather Park for our last set of performances,” Lauher said. “As always, we’ll have Sugar Skull Sweets and Hail's Kitchen on site selling food and beverages, and the Sam Houston State University Satellite Gallery will be open for visitors. “The City will continue to provide limited bleacher seating, but don’t forget to bring your blankets and jackets. Main Street will also have commemorative t-shirts and band merchandise available, so stop by and visit!” Finally, the Farmers’ Market will officially begin for the 2014 season on Saturday, May 3. The event, to be held every Saturday for the months of May, June and July from 8 a.m. to noon, and will be located on the block of University between 11th and 12th street on the south side of the Walker County Courthouse. “Historically, the Farmers’ Market has been host to many farmers, gardeners, crafters, and artisans alike,” Lauher said. “It offers a unique occasion for the community to come together to share their talents, passions and healthy produce. “Don’t miss this chance to shop for high-quality items and meet local merchants!” For more information on Main Street program activities, contact Lauher at (936) 291-5920. Also, don’t forget to “like” the Main Street Program Facebook page, www.facebook.com/cohmainstreet. May 2: Zachary Keane Crocker The Pickets Photos compiled by the Main Street Program Expert in Every Office Time employed with City of Huntsville: 37 years Career certifications: Chief Grisham began his training as a firefighter with the Texas A&M Extension Service in 1977. Over time, he has earned several certifications through the Texas Commission on Fire Protection, including Fire Investigator (1997), Driver/Operator – Pumper (2011, Firefighter – Advanced (1999), Department Heard Suppression (2014), Inspector – Intermediate (2001), and Fire Service Instructor II (1993). Grisham is also a certified HAZMAT technician, public safety diver and fire cause and origin investigator. Professional memberships/affiliations: Grisham is a member of the Texas Fire Chiefs Association, the International Fire Chiefs Association, and the State Firemen’s and Fire Marshals’ Association. Official job description: The Fire Chief is responsible for managing and directing the operations and administration of the Huntsville Fire Department. He provides information to the Director of Public Safety and oversees the role of supervising all sworn and civilian employees. As of April 15, there are 16 paid and 40 volunteer firefighters operating out of the three active fire stations in the City of Huntsville. Tom Grisham Fire Chief (936) 291-5941 Job description – Employee perspective: “For me, the position of Fire Chief is one of leadership, training and availability not only to your paid and volunteer firefighters but also to the citizens,” Grisham said. “It is also a position of awareness – there are many factors the Chief needs to remain aware of with respect to weather, drought conditions, water pressure and the community. When you’re the Fire Chief, you’re not thinking about yourself; you’re thinking about what you’re hired to do to protect the public, and you always have to be proactive and work constantly to prepare for threats. Unique contribution to the Huntsville Fire Department: “In the 37 years I have been a part of the Fire Department, we as an organization have replaced two fire stations as well as the majority of our rolling stock. We have also initiated a HAZMAT team and a dive recovery team, and we have dropped our ISO rating from a 5 to a 3, which is a huge accomplishment.” Colleague perspective – Corky Cochran, Livingston Fire Chief I’ve known Tom since he got into the fire department, and I’ve watched him work his way up through the ranks to get to where he is today. He has been a vital part of Livingston Fire School for years as an instructor, and there have been many times over the years where we have bounced ideas off of each other between departments. I feel like Tom has done an excellent job with the Huntsville Fire Department, especially considering the growth Huntsville has experienced. The fact that he came from the volunteer side has really helped his operation of a combination department, and I think he has always been very accountable to the citizens. I’m very proud and honored to call him a friend. Don’t miss out on our Outdoor Explorer programs! Program includes biking, hiking and kayaking! The City of Huntsville Recreation Services division has partnered up with the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department to offer another season of the Outdoor Explorer program at the Huntsville State Park. According to Natalie Reid, Recreation Services coordinator, the first session – held on Saturday, April 19 – was very well attended and set the tone for a great season. Five Outdoor Explorer sessions will be offered once per month until the final class on September 20. “Come on out to the Huntsville State Park for a fun day of outdoor activities completely free of charge,” said Natalie Reid, Recreation Services coordinator. “Participants will learn the basics of hiking, biking and kayaking and will be able to use equipment maintained and provided by the City. “Class will start off with a 30-minute safety session, just to make sure everyone is prepared, and then participants will get to spend the rest of the session using their new skills.” Participants should arrive just before 9 a.m. and plan to take part in Outdoor Explorer activities until 1 p.m. The remaining five classes will be held on May 24, June 21, July 19, August 23, and September 20. Park entrance is $5 for adults and free for those 12 and under. For more information or to pre-register, contact Reid at (936) 294- 5725 or nreid@huntsvilletx.gov. Perfect for an outdoor family day!