Eastham-Thomason Park

 Santiago Casas–The Junior Fellows cut their weekly meeting short so that we could hike trails at Eastham-Thomason Park.  This park is one of four major parks in Huntsville, and it is the largest.  All the parks are operated by the Parks and Recreation Department, supervised by Matt Lumpkins.

Eastham-Thomason has 150 acres and includes amenities such as an aquatic center, splash pad, basketball court, nature area, playground, trails, dog park, sand volleyball court, and a walking path. It also includes hiking trails, and the Junior Fellows made good use of them, exploring the Town Creek trail, Prairie Trail, and Top of the Hill trail.

Junior Fellows Hiking Along the Prairie Trail

The hike is particularly interesting, in part because of the changing vegetation throughout.  The trail along the creek bottom has a lot of undergrowth, pecan trees, loblolly pines, privet bush, and hackberry trees.

Pine Trees Along the Town Creek Trail

Along the prairie, however, there are cedars, flowers, and cacti.

Cacti Along the Prairie Trail

In all there’s more than 100 feet elevation difference, and the foliage changes accordingly.

You can also see evidence of animal life throughout the trail.  There are rabbits, foxes, deer, hogs, perhaps wolves in the area, and many species of bird.  For our part, we saw mostly vultures, which seemed to follow us around, as though they were expecting us to fall out at any moment.

Vultures, On Every Trail We Travelled

There are even a couple of (very) small waterfalls…

Aside from the foliage and the wildlife, the trail also offers the remains of an old home (perhaps the Farris home?)…

Artifacts from the Old Farris Home on the Top of the Hill Trail

…and, as a side benefit, it reinforced the Fellows’ teamwork.

Teamwork

If you’re looking for a quick getaway from the busy and “noisy” life of the city, then the Eastham-Thomason Park is perfect to provide that calm and enjoyable experience. Whether it may be a solo hike or a group hike like the one the Junior Fellows took, the trail is for all ages to enjoy!

County U: Week 2

Melva Gomez–Tonight, the Junior Fellows hosted County U in the beautiful Wynne Home.

The Wynne Home

This session’s topic was prosecution at the county level, and the Walker County District Attorney, David Weeks, was our featured speaker.

Mr. Weeks gave a brief presentation on the District Attorney’s responsibilities.  He discussed jury selection, and his experience with various courts: civil courts, criminal courts, and juvenile courts.

David Weeks Presenting at County U

Following his presentation, participants separated into smaller groups and discussed two hypothetical court cases.  One involved an ambiguous drug find, and the other involved a violent altercation.

A “Prosecution Team”

County U participants were asked to form “prosecutorial groups” and come up with an outcome consistent with justice.  Interestingly, the groups had different ways of looking at the issues, and they sought to pursue different charges.

Mr. Weeks helped oversee these group discussions, and added insight into how a real prosecution team might approach the cases.

The participants spent the rest of the evening having dinner, enjoying each other’s company, and taking tours of the Wynne Home.

A Schlotzsky’s Dinner

For me, the evening was especially enjoyable.  I interned at the Wynne Home this past summer, and I was able to intern with Mr. Weeks in the spring.  It’s not often you get to combine the arts and law, but it made for an enjoyable evening.

 

 

2012 Fair On the Square

Will Phillips–On October 6^th, the Junior Fellows volunteered at the Chamber of Commerce’s 38^th Annual Fair on the Square. With more than 300 vendors and near perfect weather, the crowds returned the favor by showing up in droves. The numerous vendors that attended this year varied greatly with what they were offering to the people, which is a big part in why the Fair on the Square has always been a success—it offers something for everyone.

2012 Fair on the Square–Around 1:00 PM

Political parties had tents setup where you could either register to vote or show support to your party of choice by purchasing t-shirts, bumper stickers, and yard signs.

Democratic Booth

Republican Booth

However, I greatly enjoyed perusing the numerous vendors who were offering various pieces of art. One vendor who was selling mosaic-type art pieces, caught my attention with an SHSU themed piece (I now proudly display it on the kitchen counter in my apartment.)

As I said, there’s something for everyone.

Of course a “fair” cannot officially be deemed as such if it does not have the “fair foods” of which we all cherish: funnel cakes, kettle corn, lemonade, and just as a general rule: anything that would otherwise be viewed as unhealthy. And yet again, the Fair on the Square did not disappoint; a plethora of vendors offering a great variety of foods and drinks were present.

Once you had your food in hand, you could saunter over to the adjacent sitting area where a variety of bands played live music.

Of course, sometimes being at the Fair is fun simply because of who you run into.  We ran into Meghan Kelly and Melynda Flores…

Meghan Kelly and Melynda Flores

And Judge Mike Countz and his wife Patty…

Judge Countz and Patty Countz

The Chamber of Commerce, headed up by Director Carol Smith and Event Coordinator Laura Green, did another outstanding job of bringing in the numerous vendors and (of course) the community to this popular event. The Junior Fellows definitely look forward to helping out next year!

Note: The Junior Fellows have helped various non-profit organizations or the Chamber of Commerce at the Fair on the Square since 2007.  This year, organizational members worked from 6:00 am to 5:30 pm, helping vendors set up, assisting organizations with their booths throughout the day, and keeping the Food Court clean.

County U: Week One

Annel Gonzalez–Last Tuesday night marked the beginning of 2012’s County U program.

The main program was at the courthouse, where we learned about the duties of the Commissioners and the County Judge.

We had a good turnout, with twenty-six participants.

Santiago Grabs His Notebook & Materials

Judge Pierce gave a brief presentation in the Commissioners Court about the responsibilities of the County Judge. He discussed his duties–marrying people, presiding over the Commissioners Court, preparing the County Budget, etc–as well as some of the issues he deals with on a daily basis. He explained the impact that a few decisions can have on daily life in our community..

Judge Pierce Presenting to County U

We were able to have an after-hours tour of the Courthouse–the County Clerk’s Office, District Clerk’s Office, and the various courtrooms;

Jurors’ Chairs in the Main Courtroom

…for many it was their first time being able to see where our Justice System and County officials operate daily.

Following the presentation by Judge Pierce and the tour of the courthouse we were able to have dinner at the historic Gibbs-Powell House just a block away.

Over dinner, the County U participants were able to ask Judge Pierce questions about his presentation…

County U Participants At Dinner

and James Patton was also on hand to go over some of the home’s history and some of its more interesting artifacts…

Taylor Looking Through a Stereoscope

Overall we had a wonderfully educational first day of County U!

Note: The Junior Fellows would like to thank Judge Pierce, James Patton, Sonja Tennant, and Sheri Pegoda for their help and support. Tonight’s County U Program will be at the Wynne Home and will feature David Weeks discussing the District Attorney’s duties.

Hugo Chavez & Venezuela’s Future

Hellieth Pedroza–One of our more timely events was last Thursday’s presentation by Javier Corrales, Professor of Political Science at Amherst University, who discussed the elections in Venezuela for the World Affairs Council.

Javier Corrales Discusses The Venezuelan Elections

As a Venezuelan myself, I was as enthusiastic about the presentation as I was anxious about the actual election results. In case you aren’t familiar with Venezuelan politics, Socialist Hugo Chavez has been president for 12 years, and he is running for another term while also fighting cancer.  His opponent, Henrique Capriles, is younger and has captured the imagination of many Venezuelans, but defeating Chavez will be difficult.

Corrales stopped short of predicting the outcome, but he did lay out various reasons why the outcome might go one way or the other.

Working against Chavez is (1) a generally lackluster economy over his last term.  (2) His cancer, which not only saps his strength, but also highlights Venezuela’s lack of a succession mechanism–making many Venezuelans leery of voting for a man who may not live and leaving the country in the hands of a–literally–unknown person. (3) General charges of corruption against the country. (4) Mismanagement of the oil revenues in the country. (5) Crime.  On the latter point, the homicide rate in Venezuela is 70 per 100,000.  To put that into perspective, the homicide rate in the US is 4 per 100,000.

In Chavez’s favor, however, is that (1) the economy has improved somewhat recently, (2) his popularity–which he bolsters with discretionary spending–is well over 50 percent, (3) and the support of many of Venezuela’s poor, which make up a large portion of the populace.

Corrales seemed to think that the second outcome was the most likely, but he did point out that, either way, this would be the most difficult of Chavez’s life.  As a supporter of Capriles, I left the presentation a little disappointed because I thought he would say that the challenger had a better chance of winning, although I enjoyed the opportunity to speak with Corrales.

Javier Corrales with the Junior Fellows

My spirits, however, were soon elevated when we went Sabor Venezolano, a Venezuelan restaurant in Houston.

Sabor Venezolano–The Best Venezuelan Food You’ve Ever Had, From A Mobile Unit in a Gas Station Parking Lot

I showed to all the members that attended this event what food they should get, and my favorite dishes–arepas, chicharron, and cachapas.

Delicious Venezuelan Food

I was so glad many members decided to join me in this event and were so curious about my culture. The Javier Corrales’ Event was a fantastic opportunity for me to show the Junior Fellows where I am from, and I am so thankful for the interest they showed in my background.

Postscript: It appears that Chavez won the election, by a margin of 54-45, or about 1.3 million votes.  Eighty-one percent of Venezuelans voted.

Junior Fellows Debate Watch Party

Jessica Rodriguez–On October 3rd, the Junior Fellows held a debate watch party for one of the most anticipated moments of the 2012 presidential race: the first Presidential debate. The watch party was held at Will Phillips’ apartment, and we ordered pepperoni pizza, bread sticks with marinara sauce, and soda. The Junior Fellows is a very diverse group, not only by race, sex, economic status, and age, but also by political beliefs. Accordingly, we had representatives for both Democrats and Republicans on hand, and our responses after the debate were a function, in part, of our views coming into the debate.

On the Democratic side, for example, I was thinking: “Obama should be more aggressive, but he is behaving professionally and presidentially.  He outlined his steps on every issue, and he backed up his arguments with facts.  Mitt Romney, meanwhile, failed to recognize how his tax cuts will affect financial aid for students, a point which President Obama was able to highlight. I wish the topic of higher education would have been discussed further.”

On the Republican side, however, Taylor Parker thought: “The debate was a  much-needed direct confrontation without the media filter.  Romney was in command, keeping a steady gaze, while Obama appeared confused, often looking away from the camera.  The debate did its job, showing how the two candidates think on their feet.”

Governor Romney and President Obama Square

On both sides, however, it was great to get together and see democracy in action!

Gibbs-Powell: 150th Anniversary

Taylor Parker–This Saturday, September 29th, the Junior Fellows attended the Gibbs- Powell Home’s 150^th Anniversary Celebration.

Porch of the Gibbs-Powell Home

The home was built by the Gibbs family in 1862; became rental property in the late 19th century, and was sold to the Powell family in 1897.  The Powells lived in the home for more than eight decades, but in 1983, Dr. Anna Powell passed away, and the family leased the home to Walker County in 1984.  Today, the home serves as a community venue and a museum.  In short, it’s a place to meet people…

…and see historical artifacts…

Many citizens came to the Gibbs-Powell home on Saturday to celebrate its 150th anniversary.  According to the Gibbs-Powell Home Coordinator, James Patton, more than 150 people of all ages stopped by, touring the home…

James Patton and the Willets

enjoying traditional music…

The Dulcimer Society

and taking photographs.

At the event, Patton spoke about the home’s Greek Revival architecture; members of the Gibbs and Powell families discussed their history with the home; Judge Pierce discussed the County’s role supervising the home…

Judge Pierces Honors the Gibbs-Powell Home

and Mayor Woodward offered a proclamation.  It was intriguing to hear the home’s in-depth history from personal, civic, and architectural perspectives.

The most interesting aspect of the event was the subtle reminder that Huntsville is rich in history and events for all to attend.  It isn’t uncommon to hear the small talk of local students, suggesting that Huntsville has little to offer them.  Reality could not be farther from the truth; sites like the Gibbs- Powell Home continue to amaze me.  Taking a moment to enjoy the deep rooted history of the families’ home provided a refreshing outlook on the area, allowing me to appreciate the hard work and sincerity of those who made Huntsville the city it is today.

It was a pleasure to attend such a gathering this weekend, and the Junior Fellows greatly appreciate the efforts of the Walker County Historical Commission to make it possible.  The Gibbs- Powell Home is located at the corner of 11^th Street and Avenue M in Huntsville for those who wish to check it out as well!

Junior Fellows Upcoming Events

The Junior Fellows have a busy week ahead, with activities ranging from providing courses on County government to learning about Venezuelan elections to attending a presentation by Pentagon Correspondents on America’s war against Al Qaeda, the JFs are going full speed.

Tuesday, October 2: County U, Session 1: Judge Pierce, Commissioner Gaines, James Patton, Courthouse & Gibbs-Powell House
Wednesday, October 3: Debate Watch Party
Thursday, October 4: Javier Carrales (Amherst University) discusses the upcoming Venezuelan Elections and Hugo Chavez at the World Affairs Council
Saturday, October 6: The Junior Fellows are helping the Chamber of Commerce at the Fair on the Square.
Sunday, October 7: The Junior Fellows are hiking the Eastham-Thomason Park.
Monday, October 8: The Junior Fellows are hosting their annual Law School – Grad School Seminar on campus.
Tuesday, October 9: County U, Session 2: District Attorney David Weeks
Wednesday, October 10: Pentagon Correspondents for the New York Times, Eric Schmitt and Tom Shanker, discuss (and sign) their new book: “Counterstrike: America’s Secret War on Al Qaeda.“

Counterstrike–Tom Shanker and Eric Schmitt

 

 

Junior Fellows Host Texas Tech Law School Visit

The Junior Fellows recently brought Matthew Manning, Director of Recruitment for Texas Tech Law School, to campus to help aspiring law students achieve their dream.

SHSU Students Await Information on Texas Tech Law

Manning discussed the timeline for Law School:

• Throughout College: Take demanding courses that emphasize logic, critical thinking, reading, and writing.  Build relationships with professors.
• Sophomore or (Early) Junior Year: Register for the Law School Admissions Council if you haven’t.  Take a mock LSAT or otherwise ensure you know where you stand with the LSAT.
• (Late) Junior Year: Take LSAT prep course if needed.  How do you know if you need a Prep Course?  Take the mock LSAT.
• Late Junior Year or Senior Year–Take LSAT (offered four times a year: Feb; June; Oct; Dec)
• Nine Months-Twelve Months Before Enrolling in Law School: Apply to Law Schools

Matthew Manning of Texas Tech Law Presents to Students

Manning emphasized the importance of LSAT and GPA.  Law Schools tend to look at these factors first, and if they find them acceptable, then they begin weighing factors such as your personal statement, letters of recommendation, organizational work, internships/employment, background, and others.

On the flip side, students have some weighing to do, too.  With the job market for law-related fields in the dumps, you’ll want to make sure you can limit the debt you incur in law school.  You’ll also want to ensure that the school has organizations and learning opportunities that are right for you.

Manning Promotes Texas Tech

One great way to help prepare yourself for law school is to join organizations that promote learning opportunities and to start informal learning groups that will help you prepare for law school.

Learning Groups Can Help You Prepare for Law School

Learning groups allow you to combine resources, share information, and spur you on to work harder.

Also, make sure you make the most of opportunities such as guest speakers, where you can learn more about your chosen field.  To that end, make sure you register for our upcoming Law School – Grad School Seminar on Monday, October 8 (3:30-5:00), when we have representatives from UH Law School, Kaplan Testing, and the Bush School of Public Policy.

Note: These programs are part of the Junior Fellows’ mission of promoting educational opportunities to students and helping students achieve their professional and educational goals.  Check back often for additional opportunities.

Wynne Home Arts Center: Prison Art Show

The Wynne Home Arts Center is one of our favorite places, and last Saturday we helped with the opening of the Center’s Prison Art Exhibit.

Deanna and Hellieth

The exhibit features well-known prison artists such as Frank Jones and Henry Clark and includes works that are diverse, disturbing, and inventive.

Art–From Matchsticks

Approximately 70 people attended the event to see the works and to hear remarks by Linda Pease, Molly Campbell, and others.

Linda Pease and Molly Campbell

For many, it was their first time in the Wynne Home, and they enjoyed the added teat of a tour of the historic structure—from the bedrooms that have been transformed into City offices, to the art classrooms, to the dining room, to the second-floor galleries, the guests seemed to enjoy it.

Hellieth and Jessica

The real treat, however, was the Brown-Wynne Gallery, which housed the prison art.

Various Works, Brown-Wynne Art Gallery

The most inventive piece was a chess set made of soap…

Chess Set–COs v. Inmates–Made From Soap

…although an elaborate wooden clock was also in the competition…

…as were several pieces made of matchsticks.

Church Made From Matchsticks

Religious symbols and time were common themes in the art, and there was a surprising diversity of color—from black and white pieces, to the red and blue works of Frank Jones, to other canvasses bursting with color.

For our part, we enjoyed the art, but also tended to our responsibility of providing and serving the food–the Junior Fellows wear many hats.  The spread involved sandwiches, finger food, fruits…

…punch…

…and wine.

Of course, the reception was also just a good excuse to converse…

Jessica and Hellieth

…and the crowd soon broke up into smaller groups and talked about the art, local happenings, future happenings, and some even purchased art work from the smaller Wynne Home art gallery, where work from local artists is sold.

Some just listened to the music of Mike Pugh…

Mike Pugh

…which had an old-time, Kris Kristofferson feel…

The event ended at about seven, but not before we had a chance to get a picture of us on the second floor balcony of the Wynne Home…

Linda Pease and Junior Fellows on Wynne Home Balcony

…and not before we had a chance to tour the grounds…

…or see the beautiful Wynne Home at sunset…