With the nearing of Veterans Day, the H.E.A.R.T.S. Veterans Museum hosted a flag dedication ceremony to honor the men and women who have served our nation. Organized by Jeff Bradley, and executed by the great staff at the HEARTS Veterans Museum, the ceremony brought in some of our elected officials and many local notables.
Mark Robinson, the director of the HEARTS Museum, began the ceremony. The Huntsville Men’s Choir led “The Star-Spangled Banner” and everyone joined in. A few special guests were introduced: Senator Charles Schwertner; Mayor of Huntsville Andy Brauninger; Todd Stevens, the District Director for Congressman Brady; and others.
Following the introductions, the flags were dedicated. The United State Army Flag was donated by Champe and Virginia Miller in honor of Captain Robert H. Rucker and Captain William A. Miller. The United States Navy Flag was donated by Phyllis and Walt Pinegar in honor of W.M. Bill Pinegar and W.E. Walt Pinegar. The United States Marine Corps Flag was donated by Mr. and Mrs. Tom Freeman in honor of Captain Stephen P. Freeman. The United States Air Force Flag was donated by Sue Trammell Whitfield in honor of William F. Whitfield. Lastly, the United States Coast Guard Flag was donated by Tom and Charlotte Oleinik in honor of Clarence Magee.
While the flags were being raised, the Huntsville Men’s Choir sang the Armed Forces Medley. It was a beautiful ceremony full of love, respect, and pride for our country.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, the guests were welcomed into the Museum for refreshments and desserts. In order to continue honoring of veterans and the Armed Forces, the HEARTS Museum remained open with free admissions until noon that day. Some wandered through the museum enjoying the articles from past wars and learning about our military’s history, while others enjoyed conversation with current military members and veterans who were in attendance.
As noon came around, people began to shuffle out and thanked the staff for a wonderful ceremony.
With the flags flying high and the echo of the Men’s Choir’s chants resonating in our ears, we all made our way out from the Museum feeling proud of attending the ceremony.
As has been SHSU’s tradition, every legislative session the LEAP Center finds exemplary students to intern at the capitol with the state legislators. From a week of mid-terms to a weekend of new legislative terms, the LEAP students traveled to Austin to tour the capital, interview in legislative offices, and explore the rest of the city.
Interviews, by Vincent Melore
It was six o’clock in the morning when we LEAPed out of bed, awaiting the opportunity of a life time. Donning our newly pressed suits, we eagerly anticipated the ride to the capitol, where we would interview with three staff members representing various legislative candidates. When we arrived at the front gates of the capitol we were struck with awe. Magnificent coal black gates surrounded a structure like no other in the state of Texas. The capitol, dressed with genuine Texas red granite and topped with the gorgeous guardian of liberty, was truly a testament to all the opportunities that Texas provides.
LEAP Center Students Sit in on Appropriations Committee
Soon after the group arrived at the capitol, we interviewed staffers from numerous offices including: Benjamin Williams, Director of Administration for Representative Jim Murphy; Eiman Siddiqui, future chief of staff for Representative-elect Tom Oliverson; and Nick Raymond, future chief of staff for Representative-elect Ernest Bailes. The interviews were indeed a learning experience as potential Austin interns Vincent Melore, Christina Perez, and Isabela Gonzalez were interviewed simultaneously for their first interview of the morning. During the interview, the group was asked typical interview questions, hypothetical interview questions, and some questions that seemed unusual but were used to get an understanding of our unique personalities and whether or not they would fit well in their offices.
As we continued interviewing throughout the day, we also toured through a few of the offices to gain a feel for the environment and expectations of each office (just in case we get placed). We soon understood how important it would be to maintain a professional and positive attitude. As the frontline of the representative’s office we would be responsible for ensuring the integrity and security of that office. Although we all knew we would be in for the workload of a lifetime, this in no way stifled our determination and drive to serve the legislature.
Site-Seeing, by Victoria McClendon-Leggett
Meanwhile, with a muggy and dull sky, LEAP students without impending interviews began their day differently. As we poured out of the van, we filed through the gates and paused as we took a moment to gaze up at the Texas State Capitol. “I’m going to go park. Will you see about getting a tour?” Professor Yawn said to Beatriz. She turned on her heels and began to lead the group towards the edifice that towered in front of them. The façade looked almost pink in contrast to the grey sky. The building was a beautiful example of the renaissance revival style. The walls were smooth, polished red marble. Columns surrounded the rotunda that rose high above the rest of the building, and all around it the pediments of each individual wing came to form four separate peaks.
Some of the students had been here before, but we were all just as mesmerized by the ornate capitol details surrounding us. While waiting for the next tour to start we had time to admire the general splendor. The floor was terrazzo marble that somehow managed to gleam in what little light from outside had found its way in through the 900+ windows that functionally adorn the Capitol building. Professor Yawn eventually joined us and we followed the tour guide as he ushered us up wrought iron staircases, down hallways with more than twenty identical doorways, and past portraits of former Texas governors.
The tour itself lasted only about forty minutes, and then afterwards the group had to go their separate ways. Some had interviews for prospective internships, some had already landed their internships and simply wanted to visit different offices…
LEAP Center Students in Senator Schwertner’s Office, with Staff Member Deandra Porter
and some were left to amuse themselves for the day. Eventually, we all made our way through the winding halls and tunnels of the capitol and regrouped at the Reference Library before going to lunch.
LEAP Center Students, Ever-Studious, in the Capitol Reference Library
Food, by Christina Perez
After an adventurous morning at the capitol, we headed to Frank and Angie’s Pizzeria. The options for pizza pies seemed endless. The first suggestion was pepperoni, but we all decided that we should explore different options. After a vote across the table, we decided to order the “Chairman of the Board” which was Frank Sinatra’s nickname after he founded Reprise Records in 1960. We also decided to try “white pizza.” This take on pizza strays away from the path of familiarity for some of us as the tomato sauce is replaced with alfredo. In true Austin spirit, we embraced the change and decided to go for the strange. While enjoying the delicious pizza pies, with expressive eyes we discussed how we could see of the town. Eventually we figured out the best routes through the city that would take us through housing options for the spring.
More Food, Brian Aldaco
Tired of looking through countless apartment complexes, a bit weary from the costly Austin living, we found it apt to unwind with a visit to the ever favorite Clay Pit. From the Guadalupe St rumbling echoes of traffic, we crossed into the cozy, calm Indian cuisine restaurant. As we were seated, the spicy aromas which filled the air prompted us to get ready for this trip down savory lane. As their eyes met the different menu items, students who had never been to an Indian restaurant looked perplexed, perhaps even frightened. Items such as Goat Curry, Lamb Roganjosh, Boti Kabab, (whose pronunciation was just as ambiguous as its ingredients) were met with curiosity but ordered nonetheless.
For dessert, we agreed on the savory treat of creme-brulee, Gulab Jamun, and the Hot and Cold Love (a unique combination of vanilla ice-cream and specially prepared carrot puree). After hearty conversation, good food, and a couple of table mishaps here and there…
Sadie McLaughlin, Following a Water-Drinking Mishap
…we managed to get off our seats and take a night walk through UT Campus and the Capitol.
We strolled through the city until we reached the UT Campus. As we neared the glowing UT Tower, we surveyed the South lookout from our viewpoint.
Standing on that pebbled ground we stayed contemplating at the bright vista of a very beautiful Texas Capitol dome. Night crawling through more of Austin we re-visited the State Capitol and pensively strolled down the perimeter of the legislative building.
With a day full of weary and a tomorrow full of mystery, it was nice to walk worry free, soaking in the pleasant moon glow and shine from our Texas seal. Our little weekend adventure had come to its end.
With a drive back to Huntsville in the morning, we took our last glances of the capitol, gave our last sighs, and agreed on how pleasant the day as a whole had been. Even though nerves ran high, and results are yet to be seen, at least we got to spend an adventurous day at Austin with great friends.
The breeze blew in the trees, and the sun shone down on the flowers that surround SHSU’s beautiful campus. Amidst this scenery, most students made their way home from class, hearing the last chimes of the clock tower echoing around the brick buildings on campus. But for the LEAP Ambassadors, the 5 o’clock chimes were a call to gallop to our volunteer duties at the Walker Education Center for the western-themed Republican Roundup.
We all were assigned our stations and were ready for the rowdy crowd to come. Some of us were in charge of check-in tables…
…front and back, check-in tables…
….while other were in charge of serving an all American cuisine composed of hot dogs, potato salad, sweet tea, Blue Bell ice cream, and apple pie!
As the crowds drew into the decorated ballroom and found their seats amongst the sunflower center pieces that brightened up each table, Mrs. McKenzie, Chair of the Walker County Republican Party, welcomed people to the event.
After the applause died down from the crowd, the time most of us were most looking forward to had come – time to meet November’s candidates! Each candidate whose name will be on the upcoming November-election ballot was introduced and those with contested positions made their concise speeches while asking for everyone’s support. Once each candidate finished speaking, the crowd applauded them for their courage to run for office and make a difference in their communities.
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Even though the event was quickly wrapping up, many stayed to mingle (while enjoying dessert)…
….with candidates and those who already hold a position in office.
As the night ended with many shaken hands, the crowd made their way towards the doors ready to make an informed decision on the upcoming elections.
Huntsville is home to many hidden architectural treasures that make this town a special place. On the last heART of Huntsville, we decided to pay a visit to three of these many gems. We started off the night at one of the local homes built by Dan Phillips: The Boot Home.
The Boot Home has been the subject of much conversation, due to its location on busy 11th street (aka, HWY 30) and its obvious resemblance to the Texas boot.
To introduce Mr. Phillips told us about his construction company, Phoenix Commotion. As founder of the company, Mr. Phillips focuses on eliminating construct waste and building environmentally-friendly homes for low-income individuals. Apart from doing his best to help those in need, he also explores his own artistic abilities.
He told us how there are two kinds of people, those of Apollonian and Dionysian thought. Whereas the Apollonians want everything to be perfect where perfection may not be possible, the Dionysians don’t care for perfection and are more organic. Mr. Phillips told us how he sees the world in this non-perfectionist view, where you can make things in different shapes, sizes, and forms using unconventional methods to create a one-of-a-kind Dionysian home. Every one of his homes has his own signature quirk; a tree house with a glass floor, a home made out of bones, a story-book home, a beer home, the list goes on with unimaginable creativity.
After we heard about the inspiration behind the homes, we were ready to go inside this wonderful piece of art. The Boot was not big enough for our whole group to go into at once; therefore, we had to take turns. Inside the Boot there are two bedrooms, a kitchen, a bathroom, a study (or small bedroom), and a living room (just enough for a small family). As you travel up the stairs (located within the boot)…
…you are brought to a beautiful deck overlooking the neighborhood. It is a very creative use of the extra space. Everyone enjoyed taking photos of the Boot,
…and, of course, conversing with its creator, Dan Phillips, , as we began to venture onto our next stop: The Kellogg-Pritchett Home.
Mary Laura Gibbs bought the home in 2006 and renovated it while maintaining its original Folk Victorian architecture. The home has beautiful architecture on the inside and outside, reminiscent of Huntsville’s early days. One of these features were the rolling doors between the two main parlors whose great, wooden grain was used to divide the rooms during special events. She also set out a painting that dated back to the 50’s, which showed us how the home and property originally looked like in the early 19th century.
As we walked through the home, Ms. Gibbs told us how the kitchen was originally detached from the home, how there was a farm area for the family, and how the home housed the first tennis court in the city of Huntsville. We then moved on to the beautiful dinning room, made even greater with a mural painted by Lee Jamison.
It was painted to look like a gazebo and it included lots of little creatures that are home to Texas and even a few that were created by the artist. He had us try to find the U.S.A snake and Texas painted butterfly.
It was a beautiful room with lots of detail. Everyone was in awe of his work and the beauty he was able to create. We then moved on to the kitchen that was painted red and yellow (popular kitchen colors in Europe). She also showed us her beloved water pump. Everyone was impressed by how it is still fully functioning today!
With the night coming to an end, we concluded our tour of the lovely Kellogg-Pritchett Home by sharing our appreciation and love for the home.
And, while most of us moved on eagerly to the Wynne Home, the Peases enjoyed a peaceful moment on the porch swing…
We then moved on to our last location of the night (and heART of Huntsville) the always beautiful Wynne Home.
At the Wynne Home, we were welcomed with the smell of wonderful food and great company provided by the Friends of the Wynne. We were welcomed to tour the home as Ms. Gaertner and Ms. Maloney finished preparing our Thanksgiving-like feast. Former interns, Beatriz Martinez and Jessica Northam, along with current intern Karen Tinajero, helped give tours to the group and tell the rich history of the home. The guests were delighted to hear of the home’s 1883 inception, the family history, and how it was donated to the city and is now Huntsville’s own Cultural Center. After roaming around the Wynne Home, everyone settled down to enjoy their delicious meal and take their final quiz, which would demonstrate what they had learned the past four weeks.
After the food, those interested purchased a Jamison Austin College print autographed by the artist.
As the ambassadors stayed to help finish cleaning up after the meal…
…the rest of our guests expressed how impressed they had been with the program and promised to come back next year for more art-filled adventures! We are immensity grateful to the Friends of Wynne’s exceptional dinner and to our amazing program participants who made the experience so amazing.
Tis the season for pumpkin spiced everything, Bearkat Football, cooler days and–for the Huntsville community–the Fair on the Square! Huntsville’s annual Fair on the Square attracts an average of 15,000 people to support small businesses and community engagement. Everyone, from Walker County and farther, congregated in Huntsville’s downtown square to shop for antiques, carnival food, crafts, and other treats.
Glad to assist, the LEAP Ambassadors volunteered with the Walker County Republican Party and the Walker County Republican Women among this ocean of booths. Thus, we spent a morning selling jewelry, registering voters, and taking donations for campaign buttons, yard signs, bumperstickers, and t-shirts. With a variety of booths showcasing all sorts of curiosities, from engraved pens to apparel from the Andes, the Fair attracted so much people that the streets flooded with shoppers eager to visit every inch of the Square. So being, the excited Republicans among the crowd visited our booths with an overwhelming eagerness to demonstrate their pride in their political activism. The day was a success for the Party as they sold out of many items, registered more than thirty voters in Walker County, and raised a bountiful amount of funds for local campaign efforts.
For the LEAP Ambassadors, it was a nice way to spend a Saturday morning by learning about local businesses, shopping, and volunteering with the Republican Party and Women. We were also fortunate to catch up with the Battle of Piney Woods game afterward (Go Bearkats!!). With such an amazing Fair on the Square Saturday, the LEAP Ambassadors are already looking forward to volunteering next year!
As the 85th Legislative Session rapidly approaches (beginning January 2017) Huntsville’s District 5 State Senator Charles Schwertner spent a day touring the east side of his district by meeting with local constituents, including a visit to SHSU. Senator Schwertner and staff members, such as SHSU and LEAP alumna Ariel Traub, generously agreed to speak to Professor Yawn’s Texas Government class to educate students about the Texas Legislature.
Thankful for all he was blessed with, Senator Schwertner believed it was his time to give back to his community by running for public office, in 2010 when the incumbent State Representative decided not to run for reelection. After serving in the House of Representatives for two years, Senator Schwertner ran for the Texas Senate and won with a majority vote. Through his firsthand experiences, Senator Schwertner discussed the difficulties of balancing his work as a Senator, his work as an Orthopedic Surgeon, and his family. However, he also stressed the importance of being a public servant.
During his time in class, Senator Schwertner explained the session length and organization of the Texas Legislature. Interestingly, the Texas House of Representatives is comprised of 150 members, established to represent the 150 Psalms, while the Senate is made up by 31 members, representative of the 31 Proverbs. This was an interesting piece of trivia that many students, and even Professor Yawn, were enthused to learned about for the first time!
Senator Schwertner and his staff graciously agreed to answer questions and impart some of their vast knowledge on students. These topics ranged from current issues that will be addressed in the Legislature, to how students can transition from the classroom to their careers after graduation. As always, Senator Schwertner and his staff were humble and helpful to students.
As their visit came to a close, Senator Schwertner, his staff, and students posed for a group picture before departing to their next stop in Huntsville.
Victoria McClendon, Leah Hamilton, Jasmine Moss, Senator Schwertner, Kaitlyn Tyra, Jordan Straus, Elizabeth Mintah
Many thanks to Senator Schwertner, Jordan Strauss, Leah Alexander, and Ariel Traub!
There’s no better way to appreciate heART of Huntsville than by visiting the picturesque Town Square. On this week’s session that’s exactly what we did, learning, along the way, of our town’s successful efforts to bring back the spark that once made our town the “Athens of Texas.”
Although we had to alter our original itinerary due to the imminent rain, as they say the show must go on. Our first stop for the night was Old Town Theatre on 12th Street.The historic theatre has been converted since 1997 into a non-profit community theatre for the enjoyment of the many Huntsvillian drama fans. Upon entering, we climbed the 33 narrow steps towards the balcony where we learned about the history of the theatre. Apart from hearing from Professor Yawn and Dr. Pease, those members of the community familiar with the theatre since childhood shared different stories about the early years of the amazing establishment. One interesting aspect of the theatre was its architecture, which forced technicians to develop non-conventual methods to light the stage. After that, we headed down stairs where we were able to get a backstage tour. The colorful sets of a preparing rehearsal made the tour even more exciting. Through the back of the stage, we made our way through a small hallway and into the dressing rooms. Not surprisingly, we were amused by how the women’s dressing room was larger than the men’s.
We were additionally taken into stardom delusion by the Hollywood lighting on the mirrors. Very sublime indeed!
As we headed for the rest of our adventure, Linda Pease, Wynne Home Arts Center Director, gave us a little background about the Richard Haas murals on the exterior of the building.
She explained that Richard Haas thoroughly researched the location of his murals before pitching an idea. Consequently, he found it apt to incorporate the renowned Hollywood actor, Dana Andrews, into the theater’s facade due to the star’s Huntsville birth.
It must be noted that Huntsville prides itself in having numerous Haas murals from this world famous artist who is also exhibited in the streets of New York, St. Louis, Chicago, and many more American cities. The renowned muralist was once a pupil of the celebrated architect Frank Lloyd Wright in the 1950s, and he chose Huntsville, Texas as home to the largest collection of his trompe l’oeil works. We are truly lucky to have this great Urban Artist’s mesmerizing works of art decorating our city!
After appreciating the Richard Haas murals we walked down the street to the Huntsville Main Street office where we met with Ms. Jasmine Moss.
Ms. Moss, interim Main Street Director and proud Bearkat, took a break from her studying to teach us about Huntsville Main Street’s mission to revitalize downtown. Huntsville Main Street hosts events year round that help market the city’s thriving cultural and community wealth. It is in charge of the nine city blocks that make up the Square, three parks, and 90+ local businesses. We were thankful that Ms. Moss was able to teach us more about our city.
The last stop before dinner was the Satellite Art Gallery.
Run by the Sam Houston State’s art department, pacing through the pair of halls of the gallery we were able to admire the photography of now accomplished artists who attended SHSU during the 70’s.
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It was evident that the participants all enjoyed the wide range of subjects depicted in the color and black and white film, from landscapes, to still photography, to artistic portraits and everything imaginable.
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Followed thereafter we stepped onto the dimming streets of Huntsville’s downtown and crossed over to the corner of the Roche Building.
Across the Huntsville Courthouse, we were greeted with great enthusiasm inside Patio on the Square Cafe. We had chicken pasta, fresh fruit, and some luscious salad, paired with our choice of ranch, Italian, or blue cheese dressings. It was evident that everyone enjoyed the wonderful flavor of the meal (which is exciting for a college student who lives 3 hours away from mother), and for dessert we had delicious cupcakes from Huntsville’s own Baking Sweet Memories. When the night ended we headed home in hopes to catch the presidential debate, but that’s a story for another blog. With the shine of the square’s streets, silver from the rain, we all bid farewell to our night of art, history, laughs, and memories, a bit melancholic as next week our heART of Huntsville strolls will meet their end.
After a fun and successful first week of heART of Huntsville, we were excited to begin the second week. We started our session at the Huntsville Statue and Visitor Center where we met the Tourism & Cultural Services Director, Kimm Thomas.
City of Huntsville’s Tourism Director, Kimm Thomas, Discuss “Big Sam”
She began by giving us an overview of the different tourism attractions within Huntsville like the magnificent Big Sam statue. She then entertained us with an animated video designed by the Animation Department at SHSU. The video, developed in partnership with SHSU students and City of Huntsville staff, amusingly explained the history behind General Sam Houston and the complex process of erecting the statue. As the clip met its end it was time to marvel at this Huntsville treasure.
Once at the foot of the towering statue, the group deemed it apt to snap a quick group picture.
Our excitement was further stimulated for we would soon have a chance to mingle with the sculptor of the 67-foot-tall Texas Hero, David Adickes.
First, however, we headed for a tour of outdoor sculptures around town led by Huntsville expert Professor Yawn.
Our first stop was the Reclining Figure by John Stewart laying its stone body along Sam Houston Avenue in front of Fire Station 1. Stewart sculpted this piece to commemorate the deceased astronauts aboard the Challenger in 1986. Our next stop was the Smither Sculpture by Andy Emmons. The artistic assortment of glass covered plaster shaped into lions, dragons, and other mystical beasts includes a silvery figure (the Protector of Child) as the center piece with little children sitting on his arm. After very crafty maneuvering by our accomplished bus driver, we arrived at City Hall for a quick view of Charles Pebworth’s sculpture Totem Number One.
Totem One, by Charles Pebworth
Along with a great work of art, City Hall is also home to a great amphitheater which sometimes hosts concerts. It was great to see the reactions of the participants as some of the life long residents had no idea about these great attractions.
After this final stop, we drove around the city admiring more sculptures such as Wynne Home’s exterior ornamented with Jesus Moroles artistic granite, the sculpture on Sam Houston’s Grave by Pompeo Coppini, and other sculptures along the way.
With hungry stomachs and a head full of art we headed to Carbonero for dinner. With the great assortment of Salvadorian cuisine we enjoyed mouthwatering tacos, enchiladas, and pupusas (a favorite among the LEAP Ambassadors). As always, food was great!
After dinner we went to the Adickes Foundation, the moment we had all been waiting for. For some of us it wasn’t our first time entering this surreal emporium of art. Regardless, the repurposed High School’s walls and hallways decorated with Adickes’ wondrous paintings are always breath taking. To welcome us to his foundation, Mr. Adickes offered a brief introduction about some of his favorite works.
With Mr. Adickes’ great enthusiasm to tell tales of Houston’s historic art culture, we were even more excited to tour the gallery. Among the collections was a series of three paintings along with a picture of Elvis Presley’s living room. This living room was all the more intriguing as it was clearly visible that on the King’s walls hung the very same trio of paintings on the corner wall of the foundation. Apparently Mr. Adickes discovered that Elvis had previously bought a copule of his paintings, which he had to buy from the Elvis estate to display in his own foundation. Other paintings fascinated us by the unconventional techniques and materials used during it’s inception, such as implementing the use of sand and coffee beans.Many of us looked around for our favorite piece of art, but with Adickes’ talent in styles ranging from cubism to realism and everything in between, this was a tough decision.
After enjoying friendly conversation, we ended our tour sharing a selfie with Mr. Adickes and other community friends in front of one of the artist’s favorite pieces.
LEAP Ambassadors with David Adickes
As a great finale to a great tour of the city, we ended our evening back at the Sam Houston Statue ready for next week’s heART of Huntsville adventure!
