If it’s a federal holiday, you’ll likely see the LEAP Ambassadors helping the Lion’s Club with their “Flag Project,” a project involving the placing of flags on approximately 1.5 miles of downtown area streets.
This morning began early (6:00am) and with a near-freezing temperature (33 degrees), but the Lions Club and the Ambassadors are old pros at this. So, we took a look at the empty streets in the early dawn…
…and we got to work! The process is simple, alternating Texas and US flags down the street, while also placing a half-dozen or so “Support the Lions Club Flag Project” signs.
Seventy minutes later, we were done, a fact that made Brenda very happy!
And since its “Presidents Day,” we wanted to thrown in a couple of fun facts!
Wade Thibodeaux, Publisher of Walker County Press, is the President of the Lions Club.
Brenda Poe, Editor of the Huntsville Item, is the Flag Coordinator (sort of like the Betsy Ross) of the Lions Club.
LEAP Ambassadors at Betsy Ross House
Morgan Robertson, a History Major and Political Science and Criminal Justice minor, is the President of the LEAP Ambassadors. She is planning on a career in City Government, and she is off to a great start, having interned at the City of Huntsville (twice), the Old Town Theatre, in the Texas Senate during a legislative session, and is currently interning for the City of Madisonville.
As a final bit of trivia, Presidents Day falls in February (third Monday) because George Washington’s Birthday is February 22. He will be 292 in three days! Over time, this holiday also came to incorporate Abraham Lincoln’s birthday, whose birthday is February 12.
The LEAP Ambassadors have studied these (and other) Presidents over the years!
In a small town like Huntsville, Texas, tradition beats it all. So when the first Saturday in February rolls around, everyone is eager to indulge in one of the tastiest community events of the year!
For the past 3 years ,“Chilly at the Lodge” has brought together the community and chili chefs from all over the country for a chili cookoff. The fundraiser has proven to be a great success and fun-filled event, with much of the work being led by Karla Christian and a team of community volunteers. All the proceeds go to support the Josey Scout Lodge, where the event is held.
This year, the LEAP Ambassadors were fortunate enough to be guest judges for the community youth and adult division. Although our credentials for cooking chili are a bit lacking, we can determine what we like. As the time for judging approximated, we all headed into the judges’ area in the lodge. We were greeted by many familiar faces, including Mac and Leanne Woodward; SHSU’s Gene Roberts; former City Attorney of Huntsville Thomas Leeper;
…Assistant City Manager Sam Maisel; SHSU’s Mandy Dunbar; Pete Sessions’ District Coordinator, Jeff Murski;
…and former LEAP ambassador and current City of Huntsville Economic Development Specialist Miranda Estrada. We also had the privilege of meeting Walt Pinegar, former investigator for the Walker County District Attorney’s office.
The judging process was very official; we began with a judges’ meeting directed by Don Cullum, six-time International Chili Society World Championship qualifier.
The stakes were high, and we did not take our roles as judges lightly. We were soon divided into two groups and so Olivia, Cinthia, Jessica and I ended up judging the community youth category ,while Morgan judged the community adult chili. We quickly grabbed our ballots and got to tasting!
There were other categories such as traditional red chili, veggie chili, chili verde, and homestyle chili. With such an extensive amount of chili to be tasted, there was a wonderful lineup of judges, including Mayor Russell Humphrey, City Manager Aron Kulhavy, Michelle Lyons, and our very own, Professor Yawn.
After judging, we couldn’t help but sample the other delicious chilis from across the country, one of which was California! The chilis ranged from all walks of spice and fixings and while it was hard to choose a favorite, we ultimately cast our ballots for the ‘People’s Choice’ category (for the winners, see the bottom of the article). We had a wonderful time conversing with the many people in attendance. Who knew that chili was such a good hors d’oeuvre!?
Many thanks Leanne Woodward and Karla Christian for the opportunity to participate as judges at this amazing chili cook-off. We had a great time, and it is always a pleasure to take part in the happenings of this amazing community!
M*A*S*H* may have gone off the air in 1981, but KSAM’s “Make A Smile Happen” event has been going strong for the past 17 years.
This annual event, which solicits gift donations for six local non-profit organizations in time for the holidays, is sponsored by KSAM, and is supported by a host of community businesses and organizations–one of which is the LEAP Ambassadors.
And so it was over a period of 20 hours on December 6 and 7, the LEAP Ambassadors worked dusk till dawn to market the event, accept donations, and sort and sift donations.
The on-air personalities such Bryan Reeder, Tracey Downey, and Glenn Edwards performed their jobs on-site, promoting the events, bringing sponsors on-air, and, of course, playing their normal music sets.
In addition to the on-air personalities, the Ambassadors had the chance to spend time with old friends such as Tim Johnson (KSAM’s GM); some of the sponsors such as Dr. Lane Aiena and Tim Rushing; and some of the beneficiaries. Perhaps most inspiring was seeing the big-hearted generosity of many of the donors. The Heberts and the Rushings, for example, combined to donate 21 bicycles!
Scores of people stopped by, donating food, pet food/supplies, and toys. This year, the big winners were children, with some 1,771 toys donated. But the drive also elicited more than 1,147 canned items, hundreds of pounds of pet supplies, and, perhaps most important, $10,461.85 donations in cash and gift cards.
These donated items go to one of six local non-profit organizations/ government organizations: HISD’s Social Services, Rita B. Huff, SAAFE House, Good Shepherd Mission, Boys & Girls Club of Walker County, and Santa’s Helpers. Also, Vera Bank matched $1,000 in donations, helping us bring the total donations over the $10,000 mark.
Obviously, this helps fill the goal of the event, which is to support local families during the holidays. But beyond its designed benefits, it also helps the LEAP Ambassadors learn more about the community and the non-profits that benefit the community.
Today was the last day of finals, and we were working while also worrying a bit about grades and the stress of the last week of school. But this event has a way of reminding us of our good fortunes: the love of family, many friendships, the opportunities afforded to us by SHSU, and the good fortune we share by living in a generous community.
In our ongoing quest to see Huntsville with visitor’s eyes, we’ve previously stopped in to the Sam Houston Statue and Visitor’s Center, dropped in for a bite to eat at Louise and Oleta’s, and this month, we decided to enjoy a Sam Houston football game–the homecoming game, no less!
To get the full experience, we first enjoyed the tailgating, stopping by various booths, playing some games, and sampling diverse food options.
For those who haven’t been to a football game lately, the tailgating has really picked up, with 30-40 tents present, music blaring, and lots of folks connected to SHSU–staff, faculty, administrators, students, and alumni.
It’s a lot of fun!
We also picked the right game to attend. Although SHSU’s first season in Conference USA has been a rough one with an 0-8 start, there was reason to believe this game might be different. They weren’t facing a powerhouse; Kennesaw State entered the game with a 2-5 record, and that was against mostly FCS-level competition.
Games, however, take on a life of their own, and this one began poorly for the Bearkats. They seemed overmatched, plus they made sloppy errors, such as turnovers and penalties.
They also dodged a couple of bullets–specifically, Kennesaw State missed a couple of field goals.
For much of the first half, the most interesting scenes, from a Bearkat’s perspective, were the fans and the spirit squads.
With the first half mostly forgettable, fans focused on half-time festivities, such as the band, more spirit squad, and the Homecoming court.
But the Bearkats turned it around in the second half.
Their defense shut out Kennesaw State in the third and fourth quarters, while their offense scored 17 points–10 in the last four minutes.
The game turned on several moments. Kennesaw State’s Conor Cummins missed two field goals, ultimately proving the difference in the game. But the Bearkats also helped their own cause. They converted a couple of crucial fourth-down attempts to keep drives alive, and with 3:49 left in the game, they converted a key third-and-goal, with receiver Jay Rockwell laying out for an improbable catch in the end zone that, with the extra point, tied the game.
And, finally, following an interception by Bearkat Da’Marcus Crosby…
…kicker Colby Sessums connected on a 31-yard attempt to win the game–with no time on the clock.
The victory left the players and the fans thrilled, with much post-game celebration.
It was a wonderful fall weekend in Huntsville, with plenty of socializing, football, and Bearkat spirit to make a visit to Huntsville worthwhile.
LEAP began assisting with the Scare on the Square in 2005, which may have been Main Street’s first such “stab” at the event. Well, for the 19th time, we “suited up” for this Halloween ritual that brings in thousands of people from the community together for a safe day of fun.
This time, though, we worked in a somewhat different capacity and there were a few new twists (of the knife).
A few weeks ago, Jessica Cuevas, LEAP’s co-Vice President of Operations, was brought in by the City of Huntsville to supervise the event as the Interim Main Street Manager. So, LEAP Ambassadors worked as “special assistants”–“Igors,” so to speak–to help the event run smoothly.
And, after years of taking place directly on the square, the event was shifted one block south so as not to interfere with customer parking for downtown businesses.
But as in past years, the event was a huge draw for local residents and a lot of fun for everyone. Vendors offered many options of food and drink, allowing visitors to “pick their poison.” More than 50 local organizations participated, including two of Professor Yawn’s classes. These students, being future attorneys, were the most frightening characters of all.
The Fire Department was again on hand, doing community service.
While many of the selfie stations were similar to past years, a new attraction was the 21st century photo booth, which takes a video from a 360-degree view. It was, in short, a “scream.”
Of course for most of the kids, the real attractions were the games and the candy. There were ring tosses on witches’ hats…
…pumpkin decorating…
…a Jurassic Trunk…
…ghost bowling…
…a cauldron toss, an eyeball toss…
…basketball shooting, face-painting…
…and many others. Thankfully, the costumes were diverse this year, with fewer Barbies than one might have expected.
For our part, we dressed as the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. It was a bit of a change for us, as we’re not exactly ninja material, but we enjoyed it nonetheless.
The result, according to the City of Huntsville’s Economic Development Coordinator, Tammy Gann, “perhaps the best attended Scare on the Square we’ve had.” It was, at least for us, certainly one of the most satisfying.
Ariza Martinez, the Main Street intern for the fall, had the opportunity to take the lead in organizing a community event of this scale for the very first time.
It was her chance to showcase her creativity and adaptability while making a positive impact on our community.
The City of Huntsville staff–Aron Kulhavy, Tammy Gann, Angela Robinson–were great! Continuing on the superhero theme, which may have been open to interpretation for some, was a “super” sight! Regarded as Huntsville’s unsung heroes, it was a true joy to see them enjoying the day’s festivities.
As for the Ambassadors, we “shelled” out lots of fun and truly enjoyed ourselves in Huntsville’s downtown, well, most of us.
While our ninja skills may have been questionable, our enthusiasm was undeniable.
Tuesday night, the Museum celebrated not only the anniversary of Houston’s inauguration, but also the addition of numerous new and impressive artifacts to its large collection. And speaking of impressive, the celebration was just that!
Derrick Birdsall, Director of the Museum, opened the program with remarks at 6:30, introducing President White and the many other notable guests in attendance.
President White also spoke, highlighting Houston’s legacy, discussing his impact and relevance, not only to Texas history, but also to our own time, and also noting the role that the Museum plays in attracting students to SHSU.
Mikey Sproat, Curator of Collections, also took to the podium, discussing the addition of artifacts to the Museum and pointing to their centrality to understanding Texas history and Houston’s life.
The most prominently displayed artifact in the rotunda was Sam Houston’s commission as Commander in Chief of the Texas Army.
Included on the display is a QR code that allows visitors to scan and learn more about the document–one of many efforts the Museum has made to scale up the accessibility of their online artifact collection, which supplements the physical presentation of their artifacts.
But the allure of the Museum goes beyond the presentation and artifacts; it is also tied to the people who work and visit the Museum. Accordingly, the LEAP Ambassadors were thrilled to help for the event when asked by Director Birdsall. Our part was small, but it allowed us not only to assist Birdsall, but also to work with the great staff at the Museum…
…which included: Megan Buro, Jude Routh, Mikey Sproat, Joann Purvis, Yesenia Marroquin, Tim Scott, and Gregoria McGuire.
When the formal part of the program ended around 7, we had a chance to relax a bit and enjoy the Museum and the many wonderful people there: President James Gaertner and Nancy Gaertner, Mac and Leanne Woodward, Jane and Dr. Charles Monday, Vice-Provost Anne Gaillard, Aron Kulhavy, Tammy Gann, Regent Sheila Faske, former Regent Trisha Pollard, and Charlie Vienne.
We had a chance to say hi to Russell Martinez, which was nice because a few of the LEAP Ambassadors have been awarded the Martinez Scholarship. We met Bill Dabaghi, a genuinely nice guy who shared with us some of his family’s history in the area.
And we also had the opportunity to visit with individuals from the President’s office, including General Glaser, Jennifer Alexander, and Tabitha Shanley. And, of course, we took the opportunity to take a photograph with President White.
We even had a chance to visit with one of our favorite alumni, Blake Roach!
There was also great music…
…as well as a rare opportunity to physically enter the Museum’s displays. In one area, SHMM depicts Santa Ana’s “surrender” to an injured Sam Houston, and the Museum will soon be removing this exhibit. Therefore, it allowed visitors (and staff!) to enter the area and have fund with photographs!
We attend or assist with approximately 50 events per semester, but the general consensus is that this was our favorite this semester. We had the chance to spend time in one of our favorite places, with some of our favorite people while being part of the Sam Houston community.
If it’s fall at Sam Houston State University, freshmen are getting their first taste of mid-terms, students are enjoying cooler weather, and the Annual Faculty and Staff Giving Campaign is likely heating up. In fact, it’s not only heating up, it kicked officially on Monday, October 9, 2023.
This year’s kickoff was more casual than in year’s past. This new tone is designed to encourage greater comfort and interactivity among the almost 100 SHSU faculty and staff who volunteer to raise funds–funds that go to the students of SHSU.
Master of Ceremonies Rosanne Keathley (the Campaign Chair) introduced the many key players…
along with comments from Mike Yawn (Faculty Chair), John Adams (Staff Chair),and Meggan Thompson.
All were in agreement that our students benefit from this campaign of giving. Last year, for example, faculty and staff donated $295,000! Donors can give through payroll deduction, by making a one-time gift, and they can pay by cash, check, or online (for more information, go here).
While any donation is welcome, the committee would particularly appreciate giving to the Bearkat Emergency Fund or the Friends of the Food Pantry; donations can also be given to any scholarship; to enrichment funds (don’t forget about Friends of LEAP!); or even to a membership in the Alumni Association.
The donations have, of course, a huge value to the students, who are the overwhelming beneficiaries of the funds. But these donations also have a multiplier effect. When a high percentage of faculty and staff give, the Vice President of University Advancement, Matt Bethea, or the University President, Alisa White, can make this point when asking donors for funds. In the past five years, for example, 72 percent of faculty and staff have donated, providing compelling evidence that the employees of SHSU believe heavily in the cause.
The campaign closes on December 15, and the committee hopes that we will have at least a 60 percent giving rate by that date.
Feel free to reach out to the Annual Giving Staff (Meggan Thompson–294-2401 or Chantel Finley–294-2402), Campaign ChairRosanne Keathley (294-1711), Faculty Chair Mike Yawn (294-1456) or Staff Chair John Adams (294-2286).
If it’s the beginning of Fall, Touch-A-Truck is soon occurring! This free event is for the young and young at heart, allowing residents to interact with and learn about the vehicles that allow a community to operate. While half of the team of LEAP Ambassadors were at the Texas Tribune Festival in Austin, the other half stayed back and volunteered for this event.
This year, the new Main Street Director, Rebekah Kolb, added her own spin to this event by having other activities for the children to enjoy such as bouncy houses, rock wall, photo-op, and a dunking booth that allowed them to dunk many of the City of Huntsville’s respected employees, including the City Manager Aron Kulhavy.
As a former Main Street Intern, I helped at the Main Street Table in Rather Park, giving out promotional items while Michelle was able to run around downtown and release her inner child as she took photographs.
There was no shortage of vehicles in “display:” they ranged from construction…
…to police cars and SWAT, including SHSU’s newest and coolest PD Vehicle (SWAT!)…
…to fire trucks and EMS…
….monster truck….
….and many more!
Michelle had trouble picking her favorite. Ultimately, it was a three-way tie between the “huge monster truck, Huntsville PD’s Pitbull x (SWAT truck), and the Fire Trucks.” She mentioned how amazing it was to learn about all the different vehicles and their specific roles in the community. However, her favorite part was getting to see some familiar faces and important city figures such as the City of Huntsville’s Mayor; Andy Brauninger!
Although, the vehicles and big trucks are always a big HIT, the dunking booth was just as much of a big hit, especially when City Manager Kulhavy was up to be dunked. Many of the children, volunteers, and even Mayor Brauninger and Mrs. Brauninger waited much of the day to line up and dunk him! Michelle and I may have also been eagerly awaiting this opportunity…
Thank you to Rebekah, Angela, and all those who participated in making Touch-A-Truck a great event. It is always nice to see the community come together in events like these and run into lovely familiar faces.
Center for Law, Engagement, and Politics 