If it’s the second Saturday of a summer month–and in Texas, May is a summer month–then it’s time to go the Main Street Music Series. To kick of this year’s series, the Huntsville Main Street Manager, Amanda Schillaci, hosted “ZZ Tex,” a tribute band to the ever-popular ZZ Top at Rather Park in downtown Huntsville. The result was a 90 minute set of the band’s favorites, with almost 200 people in attendance.
The crowd consisted of a cross-section of Huntsville, albeit one veering a bit to the older side. It was also a city-employee reunion of sorts, with Stephanie Fors, Marcy Metz, Aron Kulhavy, Angela Robinson, and Tammy Gann all on hand. We also saw community regulars such as Darren and Marsie Grant; Danny and Sue Slater; and our favorite community volunteer, Lois Stehlik.
The band kept the crowd engaged, playing favorites such as “Cheap Sunglasses,” “Give me all your Loving,” “Legs,” “Give it Up,” and, of course, “Sharp Dressed Man.” The crowd loved them, but it wasn’t until later in the evening that they became fully engaged with the dancing.
Sporing glow sticks and inflatable guitars–all provided by Main Street–the crowd jammed to the signature sounds of ZZ Top, as interpreted by ZZ Tex. The music, along with uncharacteristically wonderful weather (72 degrees, low humidity) and the end-of-the-semester de-stressing allowed for a wonderful time for all.
Did the end-of-the-semester bustle cause you to overlook the event? No worries, you still have the Houston Ensemble (June 14), Zach Jonez & 45s (July 12), and the Texas TBirds (August 9) ahead of you.
Many thanks to Amanda Schillaci and the City of Huntsville staff for putting on this event!
Trivia: In 1967, David Adickes opened a nightclub in Houston, the Love Street Light Circus Feel Good Machine, which, if names mean anything, was a groovy and psychedelic experience.
According to Adickes, it was where the band ZZ Top first performed and rose to prominence. While Rather Park may not be as trippy as a place known as the Love Street Light Circus Feel Good Machine, it was still an enjoyable evening in the company of a lot of good people.
Huntsville, Texas is known for its strong sense of community and its commitment to serving others. The Huntsville Rotary Club is, of course, no different. It is made up of individuals who contribute to what makes the community thrive. That is why the SHSU Center for Law, Engagement, and Politics was honored to be invited as the guest presenters at a recent Wednesday Rotary meeting by President Michelle Spencer.
The meeting began with traditional Rotary formalities, including member greetings and introductions. Notable attendees included former Huntsville Mayor Jane Monday, who previously served as chair of the Texas State University System Board of Regents and as Texas Public Commissioner to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Also present were Rhonda Ellisor Smith, Director of the SHSU Small Business Development Center; Darren Williams, Chemistry Professor at Sam Houston State University; Vance Howard, CEO of Howard Capital Management, and Rotary President Michelle Spencer…
…who also serves as CEO of the Huntsville Boys & Girls Club.
During the meeting, Brad Sherman presented the “brag bucket,” allowing members to recognize achievements or introduce guests.
Mayor Humphrey introduced his guest, Tommy Harris, a member of the Huntsville Planning Commission.
Then, Terri Coleman, a local real estate agent, proudly displayed a check from the Vance and Karen Howard Foundation, which matched funds raised at the recent Rotary WineQuest event.
The combined total reached an impressive $102,000 to donate to local nonprofit organizations!
Also celebrated was the induction of Joel Starkey, the newest Rotary member.
Sponsored by Brad Sherman, Starkey received his official Rotary pin during a brief ceremony conducted by President Spencer.
Professor Mike Yawn then opened the LEAP presentation by introducing the program and the ambassadors in attendance. Of the six current ambassadors, three are based in Huntsville, while the other three are working in the Texas Legislature during the 89th session.
He went on to explain that the main focus of the LEAP program is to help students grow, and through that growth, benefit the community.
Highlighted were several of the Center’s initiatives, such as hosting the Texas Tenth Court of Appeals at SHSU and inviting distinguished guests like Judge Alberto Gonzales to speak to students. These opportunities not only broaden the ambassadors’ understanding but also benefit a wider group of individuals, as many events are open to those outside the organization, and sometimes, the university.
Additionally, the presentation touched on how the organization maintains institutional memory from year to year. When volunteering for community events, experienced members train new ones, easing the burden on event organizers and ensuring continuity. New members, in turn, know they will be the ones training others in the future.
A particularly meaningful part of the presentation was the discussion of LEAP’s long-running partnership with the Huntsville Public Library to support local immigrants preparing for the U.S. citizenship test. Gregoria McGuire, who recently earned her citizenship with the assistance of the program, spoke to the Rotarians about what becoming a citizen means to her.
Despite having passed the test, she still attends the weekly Tuesday classes, takes notes, and stays fully engaged–a clear sign of how much it means to her.
To close, LEAP emphasized that while the program includes a focus on law and politics, its mission extends further. The words “Engagement” and “and” are central to its identity. LEAP aims to foster a broader understanding of the world through diverse experiences. Olivia, for example, shared that she has now visited 75 museums through LEAP; this is an especially significant achievement given that she had never been to one before joining the program.
After the presentation, it was time for the weekly raffle. Brad Sherman mentioned that since there was a graduate in the room, it might be fitting for me to draw the winning ticket.
President Spencer then presented a children’s book for us to sign, which will be donated to the Boys and Girls Club.
The meeting wrapped up, as always, with the recitation of the Rotary Four-Way Test (and the Huntsville fifth), a meaningful reminder of the values that guide the organization’s work.
For all Pre-Law Society members, our April was the last get together of the academic year. But for one unlucky member, it was, at least in the world of fictional fun, the last meeting ever. That’s because our social involved a murder mystery, something of a theme for our sinister solicitors.
Our officers and activity committee put together treats to bribe encourage us to attend, and it worked!
A healthy 30 or so students attended, a reflection of our growing sociality as an organization.
Mikaela Baires was the unlucky victim. Indeed, she was doubly unlucky, inasmuch as the murder weapon was a laxative, giving new meaning to Shakespeare’s phrase “murder so foul” (thankfully, we did not meet at the beautiful Wynne Home this year…).
The suspects were Mikaela’s peers: Chrissy Biello…
Jose Carreno…
Katherine Burnett…
Madison Cawthon…
Neehal Ahmed…
and Niya Thompson.
Given the suspects–any one of whom is capable of such a dastardly act–it was going to be a tough evening for our social sleuths.
Thankfully, there were four clues uncovered, and throwing Miranda out the window, the suspects were questioned without their lawyers being present.
After much debate, hand-wringing, and interrogation, the law-enforcement, apparently imitating the Keystone Kops, accused the wrong person–Katherine Burnett–perhaps motivated by a strong desire to sequester her from society for eternity, or at least until they graduate.
On a happier note, Madison Cawthon led the speed debating contest.
Befitting our status as future lawyers in society–and, perhaps, lawmakers–we spent our time arguing over trivialities ending in ludicrous judgments.
Neehal Ahmed, for example, argued that it should be illegal to text a single “k” to indicate affirmation via messaging.
The debate over whether “ttyl” should be punishable by firing squad was tabled. And thank God we didn’t even get to people who use odd text colors or emojis.
It was a fitting and fun end to a record-breaking semester. With 116 members–well, now just 115 members (sorry Mikaela)–PLS garnered its largest membership ever, donated funds to a scholarship and enrichment fund, and offered pre-law students some amazing events and programs. We can’t wait to see what never year brings!
Sam Houston remains Texas’s greatest hero, and Sam Houston Memorial Museum and Republic of Texas Presidential Library does a great job of honoring his legacy and achievements throughout the year. This is perhaps most authentically exemplified on “General Sam Houston Day,” which takes place each spring, and was held this year on April 26, 2025.
The event has myriad activities for those who want to learn more about General Sam Houston and his times. This includes demonstrations of blacksmithing, spinning…
…kick-wheel pottery, medicine…
…period music…
…19th century dance, cooking, woodworking, and even wagon rides.
With volunteers, reenactors, and other participants coming in from across the south and southwest, the grounds of the SHMM were bustling.
Indeed, there were amateur and professional historians on hand, volunteers, families…
…horses, and–of course–chickens, all enjoying themselves.
General Sam Houston Day has its origins in the “East Texas Folk Festival,” which was created in 1988 to help fund the Sam Houston Memorial Museum. For close to three decades, the event was known as the “General Sam Houston Folk Festival.” The shift reflects more than a name change; the “General Sam Houston Day” is less a festival and more of an exploration of 19th century life.
Whatever the appellation, the event is a celebration of Texas’s greatest hero, offered generously by the talented staff at the Sam Houston Memorial Museum, contributing to a vibrant community.
Throughout the evening, there were multiple conversations taking place, some filled with friendly laughter, while others centered on the cases scheduled for the following day. Some exchanged thoughts on the legal questions involved, as some of the cases have some interesting aspects that could have greater implications on the legal field.
Clerk of the Court Sherry Williamson shared stories from her early career, including her time serving as clerk of the Eleventh Court of Appeals in Eastland, Texas. While reflecting on her time there, she mentioned “Ol’ Rip,” the legendary horned toad that Eastland is known for. According to local lore, Ol’ Rip survived a thirty-one-year hibernation, only to later pass away from pneumonia. The toad is now on display at the Eastland Courthouse!
Ol Rip in a custom-made coffin at the Courthouse
While speaking with SHSU LEAP students, Chief Justice Johnson shared his journey into law. He spoke about his early career as a practicing attorney and the transition into becoming a judge. He first served as Justice of the Peace in McLennan County, then as Judge of the 54th District Court for fourteen years, before being elected to the Texas Tenth Court of Appeals in 2020. During the conversation, he emphasized the importance of gaining trial experience for those who aspire to serve on the bench.
Judge David Moorman also spoke highly of the opportunity for students to observe the appellate court in action, calling it a unique and valuable educational experience.
The event served as both a warm welcome to the visiting court and a reminder of the strength and collegiality within the local legal community. The justices will hear three cases at SHSU tomorrow, including two driving while intoxicated cases and one involving injury to a child. The Center for Law, Engagement, and Politics continues to be grateful that the Texas Tenth Court of Appeals visits Sam Houston State University each year. The event offers a multitude of valuable learning experiences. You can read more about the event here.
It’s been a semester of elections, practice LSATs, simulated law classes, presentations, court cases, and there’s more to come. But on April 16, the Pre-Law Society completed its final meeting of the semester, featuring a wonderful presentation by Deborah Concepcion and Liz Miller from Lone-Star Legal Aid–as well as a cording ceremony conducted by Pre-Law Society President Olivia Discon.
Lone Star Legal Aid provides legal assistance to impoverished Texans in myriad fields of law, making it a worthy place to ply the legal trade—not to mention a valuable resource for many Texans. Ms. Concepcion spoke to her experience at both Howard University and Seton Hall University, where she earned her undergraduate degrees and JD, respectively.
With this educational foundation, Ms. Concepcion worked in various capacities of the law, adding to her professional network—but, she learned, not finding the internal rewards she had hoped for.
Through several twists of fate, she found herself living in the “warm, hospitable environment of Texas.” After the move to the Lone Star State, she opened her own practice and eventually met an attorney from Lone Star Legal Aid. After learning more about the organization and its mission, she began working with Lone Star Legal Aid—advancing the legal rights of low-income Texans and ensuring equal access to justice.
Ms. Concepcion’s narrative highlighted one of the key lessons in her presentation: to find fulfillment in legal work, we must follow our passions and allow ourselves to practice in fields and ways that align with who we are as individuals.
Interestingly, the work of Lone Star Legal Aid also includes serving as “first responders” during disasters, collaborating closely with organizations such as FEMA. From this, Ms. Concepcion explained how her work is varied, requiring her to learn and apply laws across a range of fields, from family law to assisting victims of sexual assault. She also described the clinics hosted by Lone Star Legal Aid, which aim to help community members with legal issues that fall outside the organization’s primary areas of practice.
Ms. Concepcion offered a plethora of advice for the Pre-Law Society students:
Be prepared;
Go beyond the required work;
Be intellectually curious, and satisfy this curiosity, in part, with questions.
Not to mention, she stressed the importance of being able to work with others, whether with fellow attorneys or legal staff. In fact, her Legal Secretary, Liz Miller, was also on hand, and she offered similar high-quality advice: law school, she noted, does a good job of teaching you to think, but not necessarily how to practice law. Behaving in a manner that makes a young lawyer worthy of help—by other attorneys and legal staff—is part of being a successful attorney.
Ms. Concepcion generously took several questions from PLS students, who were unusually engaged.
Following Ms. Concepcion’s presentation, the PLS officers quickly moved through the organization’s general business: Finance (Chrissy Biello, in her last official act as Treasurer)….
…Minutes (Laila Alimi)…..
…Marketing (Niya Thompson)…
… Membership (McKenna Nonnenmann)…
…And, of course, President Discon.
To cap the evening, McKenna Nonnenmann called on graduating seniors, who were corded by President Discon, and given their certificates by Niya Thompson.
Even as finals approach, PLS members prepare for their upcoming social, and pre-law students begin studying for the LSAT. In all, we were happy to take a long pause and learn from Ms. Concepcion and Ms. Miller and recognize those graduating seniors–whose hard work is sure to pay off in the coming years!
It’s no secret that the future success of a community rests heavily on its leaders and its children. With that in mind, CASA of Walker County created its “All About Kids Expo” in 2024, an event designed to educate the public about children’s health services, local activities, education, and even financial investments that can take care of educations and other contingencies.
The event was a success, and this past weekend, CASA brought it back for its second year–and LEAP was there to document the good things the community has to offer to children and families.
The event ran smoothly, reflecting the deft touch of event coordinator Laura Green. More than 80 organizations set up booths, with groups from the Huntsville Memorial Hospital…
In addition, there were numerous children’s activities, with bouncy-houses, balloon artists, several games involving Velcro projectiles, and a mini-train.
Not to mention a petting zoo.
In short, there was fun for everyone!
There was also entertainment. Following an introduction to the event, attendees were able to see Maggie Collum’s Dance Studio participants perform…
…enjoy the colorful, joyful, and lively steps of Ballet Folklorico…
…and groove to the moves of the Junior GGs of Mance Park Middle School…
…and the Grenadier Guards of Huntsville High.
Of course, one of the key promoters of children’s success in Walker County is the entity that organized the Kids Expo: CASA of Walker County.
Established nationally in 1977, CASA provides crucial support to children who need “a voice” while in the custody of Child Protective Services.
Our local CASA covers the counties of Walker, San Jacinto, and Trinity Counties, while promoting events such as All About Kids Expo that make communities stronger.
Those interested in supporting or attending one of the aforementioned events, or who would like become an advocate, or who would like to donate should contact Laura Green at 936-291-2272 (ext. 105).
In today’s competitive job market, the difference between landing a job and missing an opportunity often lies in how well one presents themselves in both formal and social settings. Recognizing this, the Career Success Center at Sam Houston State University hosts an annual Etiquette Dinner every spring, designed to equip students with essential dining and professional etiquette skills.
Career Success Director Benji Cantu Introduces Ms. Gottsman
This highly anticipated event is led by Diane Gottsman, an internationally recognized etiquette expert and founder of The Protocol School of Texas. With more than two decades of experience, Gottsman is widely respected for her practical, modern approach to etiquette.
Her philosophy is clear: etiquette isn’t about rigid rules but rather about fostering confidence, showing respect, and making positive impressions.
To set the tone for the evening, Ms. Gottsman encouraged engagement from the start, inviting students to ask questions throughout the event. This approach created a welcoming environment—which evidently paid off, as several thoughtful questions came from attendees.
One of the first things we covered was understanding the layout of a formal place setting. Ms. Gottsman introduced the “B and D” hand signal, a simple mnemonic to help guests remember the correct placement of their bread plate (left) and drink (right).
This was followed by a presentation of proper utensil layout, illustrating the rule of “outside-in”: always use the outermost utensils first, moving inward as each course is served.
As we prepared for the meal, Ms. Gottsman emphasized napkin etiquette, explaining that the napkin should be placed on the lap with the fold facing toward your waist. If stepping away from the table, the napkin should be placed on the chair, not the table.
She also advised against placing purses on chairs or using purse hooks at formal events.
Posture was another key point—encouraging everyone to sit upright by imagining a ball behind their back as a way to maintain poise without seeming stiff.
We also learned to “prepare” our iced tea, where Ms. Gottsman explained to stir quietly, avoid clinking the glass, and place the spoon behind the glass once finished.
She also touched on the circumstance where if you are given a drink with the lemon on the side, you should place it in the glass or behind it—but do not drink it with it on the rim.
The first course was gazpacho soup…
…during which we learned to spoon the soup away from the body to avoid spills and to sip quietly from the side of the spoon—no slurping.
Ms. Gottsman shared a helpful distinction between smooth and chunky soups: while smooth soups should be sipped directly from the side of the spoon with minimal movement, chunkier soups may require small, discreet cutting motions with the spoon to break down larger pieces—always maintaining grace and control.
Throughout the evening, students posed thoughtful questions. LEAP Ambassadors Christina Biello and Olivia Discon were among those who contributed. Christina asked about the proper way of wiping your face with a napkin, prompting a detailed explanation from Ms. Gottsman on napkin positioning and handling. Olivia inquired about how to eat a sandwich or burger properly—whether deconstructing was acceptable. Ms. Gottsman emphasized the importance of ordering wisely in formal settings, reinforcing that certain dishes—like salads or spaghetti—are best avoided.
She also mentioned what to ask for and what not to ask for while dining. Unless there are fries on the table, ketchup should not be requested; and ranch dressing should never be ordered. Requests for ranch and ketchup, Ms. Gottsman noted, send a message to the chef and the table that the requester is accustomed to cheap, low-quality food.
Another thoughtful question involved excusing oneself from the table. Ms. Gottsman advised simply saying, “Excuse me” without offering unnecessary details and always pushing in your chair and placing the napkin on your seat, not back on the table, during the temporary departure.
The main course featured chicken, vegetables, and mashed potatoes. During this course, Ms. Gottsman introduced the “resting” and “finished” utensil positions—important non-verbal cues for servers. When pausing between bites, utensils should form an inverted “V” on the plate, with the fork tines face up and the knife stays on the right.
When finished, both utensils should be placed parallel across the plate, with the fork tines up and the knife blade inward. These signals help maintain a seamless dining experience and show respect for the meal and staff. Also adding in the differences between American and European dining styles, encouraging students to become familiar with the European method for a more polished approach.
The evening concluded with a delicious red velvet dessert cake and coffee.
In formal dining settings, coffee is typically served after the main course, often accompanied by dessert. When passing cream or any condiment, always pass it to the left (counterclockwise) of the person sitting next to you.
In her closing remarks, Ms. Gottsman spoke of the importance of first impressions—how a teethy smile, confident presence, and genuine attentiveness can leave a lasting impact.
Many attendees, including myself, left the event feeling not only more confident in formal dining settings but also more aware of how small, thoughtful gestures reflect professionalism and poise.
This advice encapsulated the essence of the evening: that etiquette is not about perfection but about presenting oneself with confidence and respect in every interaction, and we can toast to that!
Many thanks to the Career Success Center and Ms. Gottsman for a wonderful program.
