With this the weekend prior to 9-11, Judy Webb with justserve.org called on LEAP Ambassadors and other reliable service organizations to assist with an ongoing “billion graves” project. This project involves documenting all the graves in Oakwood Cemetery, one of the most historic cemeteries in Texas.
It’s a project we began last year, but with almost 5,000 headstones in Oakwood, this is a multi-year project. It also meant an early start to today’s work…
After scouting out locations and developing a plan of attack, we met with the other volunteers Ms. Webb had recruited…
….and we got to work.
We had our advisors, Professor Yawn and Ms. Stephanie; Mac Woodward; and we had a grave veteran (Yvette) and grave newbies (Olivia, Michelle, and Ariza), so it was a good opportunity to do a mix of learning and teaching. The work consists primarily of two duties: (1) checking to see whether a grave has been entered, and if not, (2) photographing it, and transcribing its information into the billion graves website.
Professor Yawn has done more than 100 graves, and Morgan and Yvette have done almost 100. Today, we each did about 15, but we also confirmed approximately an equal amount. One of the challenges of this process is that a lot of people go through the cemetery more or less randomly, which means many graves may have been entered, but not in any systematic way. Our goal was to go through these systematically and, eventually, finish the Cemetery.
And, of course, we couldn’t pass up the opportunity to pose with Sam Houston’s Grave!
The project is also an opportunity to learn about local history beyond Sam Houston. We were able to see headstones with names that are still seen around town, including: Thomason, Wynne, Powell, Rather, Robinson, Gibbs, Smither, and Yoakum.
We also had the chance to see the graves of (presumably) Yellow Fever victims (those who died in 1867) and the Powell family’s sculpture of Thorwaldsen’s Christ.
It was a great learning experience, a bit of fun, a contribution to the community, and a good way to honor those who were victims on 9-11.
Named for SHSU President Harman Lowman, the Lowman Student Center has been at campus center since 1963. LSC staff made the most of this anniversary, inviting all students, past and present, to attend a celebration, share memories, and join in food, fun, and games.
The event was a joint venture of the LSC staff and the Alumni Association, with Anna Pursley (LSC) and Donna Gilbert (AA) doing the heavy lifting. But volunteers from numerous student organizations, including LEAP (we manned the Photo Booth), were on hand to help.
Chris and Debbie Tritico were there, as were Frank and Mary Thornton. Toni Bruner attended; so did Ruth Lynn Parker and Paula Armstrong. Shannon Higbie was there, too.
Derrick Birdsall was on hand, and Frank Parker, looking like retirement agreed with him, enjoyed the festivities.
Many students were there, too, hovering near the food line.
A few played games. Others listened to the music, which was a generational mix, with songs from the 60s to more recent times. Interestingly, two of the last songs played dealt with rain, and they came just as Huntsville ended what has seemed like a summer-long rain drought!
We had a wonderful opportunity to meet University staff such Donna Gilbert and Joellen Tipton, renew acquaintances with alumni, and even make some new friends!
Many thanks to the LSC and Alumni Association for putting this event on, bringing current and former students to mingle, and for the work they put into making SHSU a wonderful place to go to school.
More than 450 people turned out to advocate for CASA–a worthy organization that advocates on behalf of children in Walker, San Jacinto, and Trinity counties. Once a year, they bring supporters together for their annual “Christmas in July” fundraiser, and this year the result was a sell-out.
The evening began at 5pm, with an hour of mingling, “shopping,” dining, and other festivities. It gave us a chance to catch up with each other and our table mates.
Our tables consisted of: Ken and Nicole Holland, Michelle Spencer and Jessica Twardesky, Judge David Moorman and Christie Moorman, Mac and Leanne Woodward, Mike Yawn and Stephanie Fors, Victoria McClendon-Leggett, Roxana Woychesin, and various LEAP Ambassadors.
In addition, we had a chance to run into community friends. One of the nice aspects of volunteering for different organizations, for example, is that we get to see people we volunteer with elsewhere! We had the opportunity to chat with Dottie, a committed member of the Lion’s Club, who joins us at 6 am to put out flags on major holidays.
We also ran into Nancy Ormsby, who was volunteering, which is no surprise. She and her sister, Lois Stehlik, volunteer everywhere–they are great community assets.
At 6pm, the Bingo commenced. Rob Hipp was on hand to emcee;
CASA board members and advocates volunteered;
…team members from SHSU football served as auction spotters;
…SHSU Volleyball members helped put up tables and chairs at the end; and LEAP Ambassadors were on hand, not only as paying guests, but also to assist with the auction and take photographs.
There were 15 games of Bingo in all, with variations on the game in full force.
Hipp did a good job of moving things along, and about halfway through, we took a “game-break” for a live auction (thank you Kevin McMillian!) of children’s paintings.
Some sold for more than a thousand dollars!
Additional funds were raised through “adoptions,” a silent auction, and a call for donations. Last year, the event raised more than $100,000, a testament to the generosity of the community and to the staff at CASA.
In addition to the funds raised for a good cause, there was a whole lot of fun going on. There were, of course, 15 bingo winners, and there were winners for “Best Dressed,” “Best Christmas-Spirit Costumes,” and “most generous table.”
The winners were typically thrilled, and they were gracious, although the “bingo-offs,” which occur when two or more individuals “bingo” on the same call, could get heated…
But, of course, everyone ended up friends.
People returned to the many stations to meander to, seeing what could be bid on, tables of friendly people to converse with, and a photogenic selfie station.
This led to much fun, as did winning. One of our table members, Michelle Spencer, Director of the Boys and Girls Club of Walker County, won the blackout contest!
As noted, with 15 games of Bingo, there were many winners, and that doesn’t include those who won the raffles, the drawings, or the silent and live auctions. Of course, the biggest winners are those who most need some wins in their lives: the children whose families are caught up in court actions. The funds raised from this event go to support those children, ensuring they have outcomes that provide them with the best chances in life.
And, in a larger sense, everyone who attended the event was a winner in that they were all contributing to a cause that helps our community become stronger–and that’s a big win!
If it’s the Fourth of July in Huntsville, you know community members will be coming out to Kate Barr Ross Park to see what the City has in store. With a full house expected in the Park, LEAP Ambassadors arrived early to assist Parks and Recreation–under the supervision of Penny Joiner and Kristy Wheeler–with the large undertaking of entertaining the community.
Parks does this program annually, but it is a lot to put on. There is face-painting, bouncy houses, a dunking booth, a mechanical bull, balloon artists, a watermelon-eating contest, and a selfie station.
Filled with altruistic motives, LEAP Ambassadors did do a couple of test runs on the mechanical bull and in the bouncy houses…just to ensure the equipment was working properly.
At work time, we got down to business. At the information booth, LEAP Ambassadors were responsible for passing out wristbands and parental waivers for those wanting to participate in any of the games and the watermelon eating contest.
Local celebrities such as Aron Kulhavy (City Manager), Sam Maisel (Assistant City Manager), Penny Joiner (Parks and Rec Director) and Greg Mathis (Fire Chief) took turns sitting in the hot seat to get dunked! Taking advantage of the local figures’ goodwill, many people took the opportunity of using their hands to hit the target.
One of the crowd’s favorite events, and my personal favorite, was definitely the watermelon eating contest. The sight of all the participants digging their face into the watermelon was amusing.
This can be quite competitive…
One of our own, Ingrid Cuero…
…was brave enough to participate in one of the contests held. Although she didn’t win, she wasn’t afraid to get messy and demonstrated great sportsmanship!
And this was only one of the festivities!
The other activities proved just as fun for the participants.
Of course, the bouncy house was a fan favorite…
….including of at least one LEAP Ambassador…
And probably the biggest hit was the mechanical bull.
For good reason!
And we can attest to that!
Thanks to the great staff at Parks and Recreation, and support from Huntsville Police, Fire Department and the larger community, this was an enjoyable and memorable Fourth of July.
A lot of us are from larger cities, and it is particularly gratifying to see how welcoming Huntsville is. We are all proud to become more a part of the community, and this made it even more memorable to spend the day volunteering!
Thank you to the Parks and Recreation Staff for allowing us this opportunity and to the Huntsville community for coming out and being a part of things!
To recognize a few of the newly elected officials in Huntsville Texas, the Walker County Republican Women (WCRW) hosted an event to provide the community updates on County business. Numerous citizens braved the heat to learn about county goings-on, and it was nice to be able to catch up with community leaders after working the session in Austin.
We were able to catch up with County-Court-At-Law Judge Tracy Sorensen…
L-R: Morgan Robertson, Judge Tracy Sorensen, and Ingrid Cuero
…and WCRW President Renee Lunsford…
L-R: Morgan Robertson, Ingrid Cuero, and Renee Lunsford
WCRW served a fantastic dinner, perfect for summer! Dinner consisted of hot dogs, burgers, and, of course, all the fixings. Morgan and I were eager to jump in and help serve dinner so that the current volunteers could indulge in the yummy dinner as well.
Photo Courtesy Jeff Murski
President Renee Lunsford then introduced the four elected officials who would be providing updates: County Commissioner Precinct 4 Brandon Decker; County Judge Colt Christian; Justice of the Peace Precinct 3 Randy Jeffcoat; and District Clerk Leslie Woolley.
Brandon Decker, County Commissioner for Precinct 4, began by mentioning how a Transportation Report is in the works so that County officials may learn how to best accommodate Walker County’s growth. His focus is to work alongside the Mayor to make Walker County and the City of Huntsville better places for its residents.
Colt Christian, County Judge, noted how everything in his new role is a new experience for him. For the 100th day of being in office, Judge Christian held a county employee lunch appreciation. Judge Christian said many wonderful things about his staff and the dedicated employees of the County. He also hosts coffee hour every morning in his office so that county residents may come to him and discuss what they wish to see or address concerns. For non-coffee drinkers, Judge Christian also hosts ice-cream hour at 3! He would like to add more community involvement in the County. Judge Christian also spoke on one of the larger aspects of his job: the budget. “There are about 9 million dollars’ worth of wants in the County, but only about 2 million to do it with.”
Randy Jeffcoat, Justice of the Peace, discussed the number of civil and criminal cases in Walker County, and how the courts have to keep up with the pace of proceedings.
Leslie Woolley, District Clerk, said that her first six months in the office has gone smoothly. She implemented new jury software (purchased by prior District Clerk), which allows potential jurors to answer a few questions ahead of time to save time on jury days. On the first grand jury in January, District Clerk Woolley worked closely with the DA and district judges to make proper decisions in the court room. She also worked with Rep. Kacal’s office to provide “goodies” for jury appreciation.
SHSU also graciously donated 6 tablets to the county. District Clerk Woolley made clear how grateful she and her colleagues were for receiving these tablets. She also made it clear that she is actively seeking new ways the County may partner with SHSU for the improvement of both entities.
After the official updates concluded, Morgan and I were able to mingle with our community members and even meet new friendly faces!
Jeanette Riley is Representative Kyle Kacal’s, District Liaison and spent some time speaking with us and District Clerk Woolley on her experiences.
L-R: J. Riley (with Rep. Kacal’s Office), M. Robertson, District Clerk L. Woolley, and I. Cuero
I was able to introduce Morgan to my boss, Jeff Murski, who is the district representative for Congressman Pete Sessions. Mr. Murski has taught me much about the federal government in my internship with Congressman Sessions.
On behalf of the LEAP Ambassadors, we would like to thank the WCRW for allowing us to volunteer and be part of this event!
An army general, a lawyer, the first and third, President of Texas, Governor of Texas, Governor of Tennessee, and the first of two Texas senators in the United States: Sam Houston is nothing short of a Texas hero. We honor his legacy through our university, exemplifying leadership and service at every turn. To celebrate our namesake and the excellence of Sam Houston State University, both current and former Bearkats gathered at the Austin Club in downtown Austin.
The birthday reception was held on Tuesday evening at the Austin Club, hosted by the Sam Houston State University Alumni Association and supported by the President’s office. This allowed us to learn from, and work with, Jennifer Alexander, Hollie Garza, and Tabitha Shanley. Texas legislators, Sam Houston alumni, SHSU students and staff, and Texas State University System Regents and staff were all invited to help celebrate the 230th birthday of Sam Houston.
Professor Yawn and Dr. Gene Roberts drove us (Olivia and Michelle) from SHSU to Austin to assist with the event. In addition, three of the LEAP Ambassadors as well as Ingrid Cuero (all SHAIP interns) and Kiara Williams volunteered to assist us: Jessica Cuevas, Morgan Robertson, Yvette Mendoza, and Ingrid Cuero. Our job was to assist the President’s Office and the Alumni Association’s Office, mostly by greeting guests, helping guests with nametags, and doing some odds and ends.
This was an excellent opportunity for us to expand our professional networks and to meet the people who support SHSU.
We were all impressed with Tabitha’s, Hollie’s and Jennifer’s attention to detail. Every minor adjustment, or rearrangement helped ensure the look of a professional event. We also enjoyed meeting Associate Vice President Charlie Vienne, as well as Dr. McCartney Johnson and General Dave Glaser.
President Alisa White briefly spoke about many of the university’s accomplishments, such as the success SHSU School of Osteopathic Medicine, the University’s strong rankings in social mobility for students, and SHSU’s strong showing in online classes. The President of the Alumni Association, Julia Woods, capped the remarks with a toast to Sam Houston!
After most of the guests arrived, we were able to enjoy the event and mingle! We had the pleasure to speak with Texas State University Systems Vice Chancellors Sean Cunningham and Mike Wintemute, as well as Pierce Mitchell.
For Michelle and me, who’ve had the least amount of time with TSUS Staff, it was great to get to know them and see how close the SHAIP Interns have gotten with them.
Amongst our favorite guests, were Dean Li of CHSS, Dean Lyons of CRIJ, and Dean Roper from Health Sciences. All three Deans made it a point to speak with the students and seemed to enjoy the event!
Bearkats from all walks of life; current students, SHAIP interns, recent graduates, and Alumni all had the opportunity to speak with one another. The student volunteers were able to mingle with the LEAP Ambassadors who are interning in Austin and learn more about their experience and responsibilities thus far in the 2023 legislative session.
Although he doesn’t normally enjoy photographs, Professor Yawn said the highlight of his evening was the opportunity to capture a photo with his current and former students, all under 32!
Happy 230th Birthday to Sam Houston! Thank you to the Office of the President, and the Alumni Association, for allowing LEAP to assist with such a wonderful event.
This past Wednesday, the SHAIP Interns learned that the pride and spirit of the colleges in the Texas State University System isn’t limited to the various towns across the state. For the 2023 biannual TSUS Presents, TSUS staff, members, legislators, country legends, and even SHSU students, gathered at the Austin City Limits to celebrate and honor that spirit.
Artists with the most appearances at ACL
Just last month, we had the opportunity to tour the TSUS offices and meet those who oversee TSUS. It was a great chance to network and learn, just one of the many opportunities for us as SHAIP interns. TSUS also provided lunch, and Development Director Malú González and Vice Chancellor Mike Wintemute presented us with the amazing opportunity to assist with this event. It is at least the third time that SHAIP interns have assisted with this event, which occurs biannually.
We were scheduled to arrive at 3:30pm, but our preparation began earlier, with event descriptions to read, software to download, and instructions to learn. While we waited for guests to start arriving, we visited with Vice Chancellor (and Foundation Director) Mike Wintemute, and Vice Chancellor Sean Cunningham. They were very interested in how our first month of session had gone and how we’d been faring. We even got to say hi to Chancellor McCall, and it was especially nice to work under the leadership of Malu Gonzalez.
(L-R) Ashlyn Parker, Ingrid Cuero, Morgan Robertson, Jessica Cuevas, and Malú González
As a thank you to some of the sponsors, Speaker of the House, Dade Phelan donated his time in the form of photo-ops! And while a couple of the volunteers assisted with that, the rest of us assisted with checking-in the special guests and attendees who after a long day of work were ready to sit back and enjoy the concert: TSUS Presents Dwight Yoakam. Many attendees were members and staff of the Legislature–some of whom we knew after working in the Capitol for a month–members of TSUS Universities (such as the presidents and other cabinet officials), and governmental affairs specialists from all over. In short, it was a networking bonanza! But we did stick to our job, which was directing these guests, all generous donors, towards the photo-ops, auctions, and seating.
Part of the benefit of working this program is that we also attend the event! So, we had a chance to hear from Regent Amato…
…Chancellor McCall…
…and, of course, the honoree, Speaker Dade Phelan.
Speaker Phelan introduced some humor into his speech, while also praising the work of educators, public universities, and the entire process of education. It was appropriate that the funds raised for this event–which totaled more than $700,000–would go to scholarships.
This knowledge made the event even more special for us, in as much as the SHAIP internships for which we were selected are only possible, the result of donors providing scholarships. In a small way, our volunteer work was our way of showing appreciation for the support provided by TSUS, SHSU, SHAIP, and its officials.
As important as we all agree education is, that didn’t mean people weren’t awaiting the main attraction, which was, of course, Dwight Yoakum. And, thus, the lights were dimmed, and the stage where Speaker Phelan previously stood had been rearranged to better suit the needs of country legend Dwight Yoakam and his band!
They quickly filled the room with hit music, including “The Streets of Bakersfield,” “Fast as You,” and “Please Please Baby.”
That was only the beginning even Yoakam noted that was only his warmup. The real concert did not begin until Yoakam played Honky Tonk Man; Little Ways; The Heart that you Own; A Thousand Miles from Nowhere; Guitars, Cadillacs; and many more, including his favorite Willie Nelson tune.
Yoakam wrapped up the concert in fashion as he not only strummed his guitar and danced his signature moves, he also passed on the spotlight to every member of his band recognizing their talents as each took the opportunity to rock out!
After the concert ended, the SHAIP Interns took the opportunity of being around such amazing people and started snapping selfies! Amongst our selfie guests were Assistant Vice Chancellor, Pierce Mitchell;
L-R: Morgan Robertson, Ashlyn Parker, Jessica Cuevas, and Pierce Mitchell
…Vice Chancellor Sean Cunningham and Elliott Herzlich;
Elliott Herzlich, Jessica Cuevas, Mike Yawn, Ashlyn Parker, Stephanie Fors, Morgan Robertson, and VC Sean Cunningham
…Vice-President Heather Thielemann and Dr. McCartney Johnson…
Morgan Robertson, Dr. McCartney Johnson, Jessica Cuevas, Yvette Mendoza, Ashlyn Parker, Vice-President Heather Thielemann, and Ingrid Cuero.
We also had a chance to meet Dr. Carlos Hernandez, currently President of Sul Ross University and formerly VP of Finance at SHSU, and his wife, Lupita, who also worked at SHSU.
…and President White and Speaker Phelan.
This was a great night and we were all thankful to be able to volunteer and attend this live concert! Many thanks to Malu Gonzalez and all those at TSUS for hosting a wonderful event and for supporting students.
One of the hidden jewels of Huntsville is the Josey Scout Lodge, which serves as a home to the Huntsville units of the Boy Scouts of America and the Girl Scouts of the USA. The structure was built in 1934, and for almost nine decades it has graced the Huntsville community.
The Josey Scout Lodge in the Snow (2021)
But for the last two years, it has also served as home to “Chilly at the Lodge,” a fundraiser and fun-raiser for the community.
The core aspect of Chilly at the Lodge is a national chili contest, with contestants from across the country bringing their best chili-game to Huntsville, TX.
It’s a competitive group, too: seven of this year’s applicants are national chili champions.
Karla Christian is the logistical manager and all-around workhorse behind this event, but it receives much help from others as well: Gene Roberts, Tom Rogers, Leanne Woodward, and numerous volunteer judges.
The presence of familiar faces reinforces the community nature of the event.
The presence of entertainment, some local, some more distal, adds variety and fun. And the presence of the world’s best chili-makers adds–literally and figuratively–adds spice to the event.
Speaking of which, the winners for Saturday’s event were:
For People’s Choice, the Saturday finishers were: (3) Mac Walker, (2) David Gray, and (1) Scott Williams.
For Community Youth, the Saturday finishers were: (3, tie) Michelle Rush, (3, tie) Carson’s Mill, (2, tie) Spice Men, (2, tie), Chili Dogs, and (1) East meets West.
For Community Adult, the Saturday’s finishers were: (3) Glenn Frey, (2) Wesley Campus Ministry, and (1) David Gray.
Salsa: (3) Mary Parker, (2) Scott Williams, and (1) Mac Walker.
Chili Verde: (3) Chuck McCory (who generously donated his winnings back to the Josey Lodge), (2) Louis Gonzales, and (1) Mary Parker.
Homestyle: (3) Kelly Walker, (2) Roger Folks, and (1) Barbara Herron
Red Chili: (3) Brandon Marshall, (2) David Lazarus, and (1) Roger Foltz.
The event brought some great entertainment to Huntsville, gave some chili cooks a chance to show off their skills, allowed the community to come together for a good cause, and, of course, raised some funds for the non-profit Josey Scout Lodge, making it a winner of a weekend!
Center for Law, Engagement, and Politics 