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2015/03/24 City news, features, and updates March 24 2015 Th i s W e e k i n H u n t s v i l l e Music Festival - page 2 In this issu e . . . Library Events - page 4 Spring Rec Programs! - page 3 On February 3, the City Council adopted the City’s updated guidelines for heavy trash pick up charges and yard waste bagging requirements (fee schedule changes for Solid Waste were ap- proved on January 20). Heavy Trash Pick Up Effective April 3, 2015, customers who call in for Heavy Trash Pick Up Service will have a $25.00 charge added to their City of Huntsville utility account bill each time the service is used. This service is for residential customers only with an active utility account and a call-in is required. Requestors call 936-294-5796 to leave information on the voice mail in order to be added to the pick up list. They must leave a name, service address, account number, contact number, and a description of the item or items to be picked up. Heavy Trash Pick Up Service is for furniture, appliances, piles of brush not to exceed 4 feet high, 10 feet in length, and 5 feet in depth, or limbs no larger than 12 inches in diameter and cut to 5 feet in length. Natalie Mimms, Assistant Superintendent for Solid Waste and Recycling Services, said the changes were brought to the City Council for consideration to help recover and reduce costs of tonnage hauled, vehicle replacement, and staff time. “Residents inside the City limits will still be able to bring heavy trash and their ID to the Transfer Station and pay just over three cents a pound, with a $5.00 minimum, if that’s a more affordable option for the items they need to dispose of,” Mimms added. “For non-residents, it’s about four cents per pound, with a $6.25 minimum.” Yard Waste Beginning April 3, plastic yard waste bags at the street’s edge will no longer be collected. Yard waste must be placed at the street’s edge for pick up in one of the following acceptable manners: - In paper compostable yard bags which can be purchased from local retailers - In personal trash cans not to exceed 30 gallons - Limbs no larger than 4 inches in diameter, cut to four feet in length, must be tied securely in bundles no larger than 2 feet in diameter, and not weigh more than 50 pounds All yard waste must be placed at the street’s edge on the 1st, 3rd, and 5th Wednesdays of each month by 6:00 a.m. The total number of bagged, canned, or bundles of yard waste is limited to 12 per household per collection day. The Solid Waste Division asks residents to please consider these alternatives to having yard waste picked up by the City: - Use a mulching blade on lawn mowers and compost leaves and other yard debris - Bring yard waste directly to the Transfer Station facility with a current utility bill and identification with a matching address to dispose of yard waste at no charge - Require personal lawn services to either use compostable bags, or haul away yard debris Solid Waste Superintendent Esther Herklotz said the change in bagging requirements will help keep green waste out of landfills. “Last year, over 500 tons of leaves, grass clippings, and small limbs went in with the City’s garbage due to insufficient manpower to remove materials from non-recyclable bagging. Anyone can dispose of yard waste for a disposal fee. Residential customers with current City Utility bill and matching drivers license can dispose of yard waste at no cost.” For more information and specifics, please go to the City of Huntsville web page under Departments/Public Works/Solid Waste/Recycling. Citizens are also welcome to contact the office at (936) 294-5724 or eherklotz@huntsvilletx.gov. New Heavy Trash Fee, Yard Waste changes - take effect April 3 Huntsville Music Festival Wynne Home Spring Classes now registering The Wynne Home Arts Center will offer a wide array of classes for chil- dren and adults this spring, and now is the time to sign up! Classes will be offered from March 16 through April 25, and interested citizens are encouraged to contact the Wynne Home to begin registra- tion. “We are so pleased about our spring class lineup,” said Linda Pease, Cultural Services Coordinator. “With options for attendees of all age ranges and experience levels, we know everyone is going to have fun at the Wynne Home!” Classes for those 14 or older include photography, watercolor and basic portrait drawing, creative writing, silk painting, cinematic literacy, collage making (open to those 8 and up), and ceramics during open studio hours. Classes aimed primarily at children include beginning art for young chil- dren and their caregivers or parents, crafts for kids in English and Span- ish, science experiments, environmental art, and both open studio time and classes for ceramics. Wynne Home intern Constance Gabel is responsible for creating, organiz- ing, and promoting the classes this semester. "I am very excited about what we are offering at the Wynne Home this spring and am looking forward to see all who turn out," said Gabel. For more information on these sessions or other classes, contact the Wynne Home at (936) 291-5424, emailwynnein- tern@huntsvilletx.gov, or visit the facility’s page on the City web site at http://bit.ly/1DrfvUF. Back for the month of April, the Main Street Program is putting on the Huntsville Music Festival. There will be a free, family-friendly concert EVERY Thursday night (five in all) from 5:30-9 p.m. in Rather Park down- town (1221 University Avenue). The festival showcases themed music nights highlighting local bands (as well as The Young Fellaz Brass Band, all the way from New Orle- ans!), a different food truck each week, door prizes, and a giant raffle prize pack. This year, the festival will feature block parties and after parties hosted by Humphrey’s, with alcohol available for purchase in designated areas. Main Street Coordinator Lindsay Lauher is thrilled about the changes to this annual event. "We’ve really focused on revamping the festival and added several ele- ments this year. We're especially proud to feature a few bigger names as well as food and drinks. Whether you've lived here forever or are just walking down from campus for the first time, you'll have a great even- ing!" Everyone is invited to come out and enjoy springtime in Huntsville. For more information, visit facebook.com/COHmainstreet, or contact Main Street at 936-291-5920 or llauher@huntsvilletx.gov (more on page 6). Citizenship Classes Starting The Huntsville Public Library, in conjunc- tion with the Sam Houston State University (SHSU) Law, Engagement, and Politics (LEAP) Center, are pleased to present a free five-week Citizenship Preparation Course on Thursdays in April, from 6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m., in the Huntsville Public Library Community Room. The course is designed to prepare immi- grants for the U. S. Naturalization Test and will cover the application process, oral in- terview, and exam. All materials will be provided. The classes are taught by Mike Yawn, Po- litical Science Professor at SHSU. Space is limited and registration is required, so sign up at the library early. For more information, questions, or to reg- ister for the class, please contact Mary Ko- kot, at mkokot@huntsvilletx.gov or 936- 291-5912, or Mike Yawn at 936-294- 1456. Spring Recreation is Here! The City of Huntsville’s Parks and Leisure Department is excited to share some spring weather and good times with all residents, through their upcoming Recreation Services activities. Check out the programming below, then visit their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/COHrecservices for more information and updates throughout the season. Recreation Assistant Natalie Reid sums it all up, saying, “The Recreation Services Division is really excited and gearing up for all of our fun -filled programs that are rapidly approaching. We hope all members of the community can join us and enjoy our programs as much as we do!” Water Aerobics Join the City of Huntsville at the Huntsville Frank D. “Poncho” Roberts Aquatic Center for the return of Water Aerobics. Classes begin Monday, April 13th, and will be Monday through Wednesday from 8-9 a.m., and Monday through Thursday from 8-9 p.m. Participants must be 18 years or older and are required to complete a registration form and pay a fee of $55.00 for the year, or purchase a day pass for $4. Reid is excited about the classes restarting. “We can’t wait for another great season of Water Aerobics, it is such a fun way to get a great work out and enjoy the warm weather in the pool at the same time.” Registration is available at the City of Huntsville Service Center and before class at the Huntsville Aquatic Center. For more information, call 936-294-5725 or visit the website at http://www.huntsvilletx.gov/category/subcategory.php?categoryid=12 Outdoor Explorer The City’s Recreation Services Division will see you at the Huntsville State Park as they partner with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Depart- ment on basic safety for biking, hiking, and kayaking. Take the class, then enjoy the rest of the day exploring the State Park with back- packs, bikes, and kayaks provided for use. Class size is limited to twenty participants and pre-registration is required. Classes are from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Youth ages twelve and up can register with an attending parent or guardian. Program dates are April 18th , May 30th , June 20th , July 18th , August 15th, and September 19th. There is no charge for the program but there is a $5 admission fee into the park for each participating adult (no cost for those 12 and under). Said Reid, “This program is a great way to get the whole family out to the Huntsville State Park and enjoy all that it has to offer.” For more information call 936-294-5725 or visit the website at http://www.huntsvilletx.gov/category/subcategory.php?categoryid=12 or the Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/COHrecservices Pitch, Hit and Run Local youth are encouraged to come out and participate in the Major League Baseball’s Pitch, Hit, and Run competition. Boys and girls, ages 7-14, will have the opportunity to showcase their baseball or softball skills and advance to the sectional, regional, and national competitions at no charge. The local Pitch, Hit, and Run competition will be held on Saturday, April 25th, at Kate Barr Ross Park, 486 State Highway 75 North, on Field 7, from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Participants must complete a registration form, provided at the competition, and bring their birth certificate or a copy to be eligible to compete. “It is a fantastic way for all boys and girls of the community to show off their baseball and softball talents, and have an opportunity for the chance to compete and advance further,” notes Reid. “Maybe even at the Astros’ Minute Maid Park!” Registration will be from 9-10 a.m. No metal spikes will be permitted at the competition. For detailed information about the Pitch, Hit, and Run competition, contact Recreation Services at (936) 294-5725. Movie in the Park Join Recreation Services at Kate Barr Ross Park (State Highway 75 North) on Saturday, May 2nd, at 8:00 p.m. (or dark), for an outdoor movie! In- vite the whole family to watch a fun-filled family- oriented movie. Bring blankets or chairs for seat- ing; refreshments; snacks will be available on a first-come first-serve basis, prices vary. No alco- hol or glass bottles will be allowed on the premis- es. “There is no better way to welcome the warm weather with a cool night’s breeze than to watch a movie under the stars at Kate Barr Ross Park with your family and friends,” said Reid, of the event. For more information, contact Recreation Ser- vices at (936) 294-5725, or visit them at https://www.facebook.com/COHrecservices Book On Over to Your LibraryBook On Over to Your LibraryBook On Over to Your Library Kristi Glasgow, Children’s Coordinator at the Huntsville Public Library, hopes you will take time to learn about some of the many programs and activities your library has to offer. Check out some of them below, then see their page on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/HuntsvillePublicLibrary Easter Egg Hunt - On Wednesday, April 1st, the Library will host its annual preschool egg hunt after story time. Meet in the Community Room for a short story and then all will walk over to the park behind City Hall for the egg hunt. Children will need to bring an Easter basket that day. Art Contest Awards - The 2015 Art Contest Awards were held March 7th in the Children’s Room of the Huntsville Public Li- brary. Winners’ artwork is now on display for all to enjoy. Congratulations to all! Some of the participants pictured below. Ages 5-8 1st place Marvin Bowden 2nd place Lilly Looney 3rd place Mia O’Donnell Honorable Mentions Lydia Lee and Lauren Klawinsky Ages 9-12 1st place Phoebe Lee 2nd place Belle Looney 3rd place Katelyn Klawinsky Honorable Mentions Lauren Brown and Chelsea Russell Ages 13-17 1st place Andrew Lee 2nd place Allison Johnson 3rd place Lucy Hendrickson Honorable Mentions Christa Caldera and Ann-Jolie Sigmar Preschool Story Time - The Huntsville Public Library hosts Story Hour every Wednesday at 10:45 a.m. at the library. This complimentary program promotes emergent reading skills for young children. Story Hour includes stories, songs, dance, and finger plays, and concludes with a craft activity. Upcoming story time themes are: 4/8 Weather - 4/15 Butterflies - 4/22 Bugs & Insects - 4/29 Farm Animals. Our evening Family Story Time will be on Thursday, March 26th at 6:00 p.m. Children are encouraged to wear pajamas and bring a pillow or blanket. Stories will have a bedtime theme. Family Movie Night Series - Huntsville Public Library in partnership with Texas Children’s Health Plan is offering a free monthly family night movie. All movies are rated PG or G. April’s Family Movie night will be Friday, April 10th at 5:30 p.m. Complimentary popcorn and drinks will be served. Who Let the Dogs Out?...at the library! - The Huntsville Public Library will host the Reading Education Assistance Dogs (R.E.A.D.) program sponsored by Huntsville Pets Helping People on Monday afternoon, April 20th from 4:00-5:30 p.m. The R.E.A.D program improves children’s reading skills by allowing them to read to a registered therapy dog in a relaxed, safe, non-judgmental environment. This program is held on the 3rd Monday of the month. Registration is recommended. If your child would like the opportunity to participate in this program, please call the Library at 936-291-5472. New Programs - The library is happy to announce new programs for children! - Delightful Doodlers, a craft program for preschoolers, will be every Monday at 11:00 a.m. - The Lego Club for ages 5-12 will be the third Tuesday of every month. It will meet on Tuesday, April 21st at 5:00 p.m. in the Children’s Room at the Huntsville Public Library. - Krafty Kids, an art class for elementary-aged students, is held every Friday at 4:00 p.m. - Learn PowerPoint! This class is for grades 3-8. Classes started Wednesday, March 18th at 4:30 p.m. Additional class times will be at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesdays March 25th, April 1st, and April 8th. Two new weekly elementary story times will begin in June. This program is tentatively set to start June 11th at 2:00 for ag- es 5-8 and 2:45 for ages 9-12. The Summer Reading Program is just around the corner - look for more details about sign up very soon! For more information about any of these programs, please contact Children’s Coordinator, Kristi Glasgow at 291-5472. Upcoming Solid Waste/ Recycling Events - Don’t miss them! Good Friday Solid Waste Schedule The City of Huntsville Solid Waste and Recycling Division will not be collecting curbside residen- tial recycling on Friday, April 3, 2015, in ob- servance of Good Friday. Only commercial customers with dumpsters will have garbage collected on Friday, April 3, 2015. The Solid Waste Disposal and Recycling Facility will be closed to the public on Friday, April 3, 2015. For questions about collection, please call the Solid Waste and Recycling Facility at 936-294- 5743.