Children invited to do "Spooky Science"

An Austin College student in the science lab is nothing unusual; students


Idea Center, Austin College

being in the lab on Saturday afternoon—with elementary school students alongside them—is a bit out of the ordinary.
But on Saturday, October 19, from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m., that is exactly the plan. Representatives of the Austin College Service Station, a student organization dedicated to community involvement, will host children in grades K-8 from the Sherman, Denison, and surrounding areas for ‘Roo Bound, a free Saturday program offering themed activities that promote fun through hands-on learning.

The focus of October ‘Roo Bound is “Spooky Science.” With activities developed by Austin College’s Chemical Society, Pre-Med Society, KangaRAAS Dance Organization, and the Service Station, children will gear up for Halloween by doing kid-friendly science in Austin College’s new IDEA Center, a state-of-the-art, 103,000-square-foot science facility.

As the name suggests, ‘Roo Bound is intended to be more than a unique Saturday spent on the Austin College campus. “It’s meant to make college seem like more of a possibility, particularly for those who will be the first in their families to pursue college,” said Savanah Low, a member of the Service Station Board who is working with other students, faculty, and staff to ensure that ‘Roo Bound is a success.

‘Roo Bound will expose children to college culture in a safe, fun environment and will help paint a picture of the college experience by allowing the children to explore the Austin College campus with current students. Children will receive “passports” that will be stamped as they visit various facilities around the campus, including classrooms, labs, and the dining hall, where they’ll receive a free buffet lunch compliments of Aramark and the Service Station.

“The one thing that excites me the most is the hands-on aspect,” said Dr. Julia Shahid, associate professor of education. “It’s like a field trip: hands-on, minds-on.” The youthful instructors of ‘Roo Bound – Austin College students – will bring an enthusiasm that cannot be matched, she said. “To have the children interact with our students is just so powerful,” Shahid said. ‘Roo Bound also offers a learning experience for Austin College students. “This will provide the opportunity for our
students to teach and to see the joy of teaching,” Shahid said. “Spooky Science” will be the first program ’Roo Bound program; organizers plan to host themed Saturday events once per
month throughout the academic year. Each event will be coordinated by the Service Station in conjunction with Austin College student organizations.

Austin College invites students in grades K-8 to attend “Spooky Science.” No registration is required. Interested children are simply invited to arrive at Zauk Circle, 900 N. Grand Ave., at 11 a.m. on Saturday, October 19. Call the Service Station at (903)-813-2333 for more information.
Austin College is a leading national independent liberal arts college located north of Dallas in Sherman, Texas. Founded in 1849, making it the oldest institution of higher education in Texas operating under original charter and name, the College is related by covenant to the Presbyterian Church (USA). Recognized nationally for academic excellence in the areas of
international education, pre-professional training, and leadership studies, Austin College is one of 40 schools profiled in Loren Pope’s influential book Colleges That Change Lives.

For more information about events in the Greater Texoma area, visit www.texomaconnect.com. 

History Comes Alive at West Hill Cemetery

Take a little stroll through History in Sherman's historic West Hill Cemetery!


West Hill Cemetery, Sherman TX

On Saturday, October 19, beginning at 11 am the Sherman Museum will host a walking tour with actors (some from Sherman Community Players) historians from United Daughters of the Confederacy and story tellers will bring to life stories of notable citizens from Sherman's past during a guided cemetery tour. 

The walking tour will make 9 stops with 10 minute presentations to both inform and entertain attendees and includes a stop inside the Mausoleum where the recently restored Tiffany glass window will be explained.

Tours will be limited to groups of 20 with staggered start times beginning at 11 a.m. and starting on the hour and half hour until 4:30 pm. The tour is designed to be less than a mile in walking distance, and a handicap-friendly tour will be at 2pm.

In addition to a stop inside the West Hill Mausoleum (presenter: Jenny Pack Omundson, other stops will be Nobel Allen Birge Jr, (presenter: Anne Webb); John Taylor (presenter: Mark Bruce); Confederate soldier Jesse Loving (presenter: Dickie Gerig); Capt. John LeTellier (presenter: Gil Nelson); Rev. John Moore (presenter: Wally Black); Tom Randolph (presenter: Dick Malnory); Olive Oatman Fairchild (presenter: Frances Nelson) and West Hill history and Seaborn
Carpenter (presenter: Duane Heatley).

History Comes Alive is a fundraising event for The Sherman Museum.  Because each tour is limited in size, the tickets ARE TIMED and must be purchased in advanced. They are available at Sherman Museum, 903.893.7623, 301 S. Walnut; Touch of Class Antique Mall, 118 W. Lamar; Glass Works by Jennifer, 217 N. Travis; and Shabby Chic 213 S. Travis. Cost is $20 adults, $15 museum members, $10 students w/ID, and children 12 & under are free.

About The Sherman Museum
The Sherman Museum is a non-profit 501(c)(3) educational organization devoted to collecting, preserving and interpreting objects of historical significance to Grayson County and the Greater North Texas Region. The museum was previously known as The Red River Historical Museum prior to a name change in March 2011.

For more information about The Sherman Museum, visit us on the web at www.theshermanmuseum.org.  The Lake Texoma area has a rich history and historical markers dot the countryside.  To learn more about where the markers are located and a little bit about the story behind the memorial, visit

http://www.texomaconnect.com/Historical_Sites.html

Bluegrass Day at Chrystal Opry House

Chrystal Opry House Bluegrass Events

“Bluegrass Day” this month is March 2nd. We have changed our jamming schedule from Thursday night before the first Saturday Bluegrass event to a jam beginning at 3 pm on the first Saturday. We have scheduled an open mic at 6:30 pm. Our regular show will then begin at 7 pm.

We felt our first “Bluegrass Day” was successful. We had jammers and listeners and some of the listeners played games while listening. I think the jammers kept going until time for the open mic.

We welcome From the Heartland, from Moore, Oklahoma. Members include Janis Lindsey, bass, Kenny Terral, mandolin, Tom Cole, guitar, and I’m sure you will remember Gary Wilson (former member of Cedar Ridge) on the banjo. We look forward to having this band.

Admission this year will be $7 per adult with children under 12 accompanied by an adult admitted free.

The doors and concession area will be open at 6 pm, with brisket sandwiches and hot dogs as well as coffee, soda, water, popcorn, and candy.

The Chrystal Opry house is located at 1977 White Mound Road, Sherman, Texas which is 1.5 miles west of Tom Bean or 6 miles east of Howe on FM 902 and a half mile south on White Mound Road. No alcohol is permitted and there is no smoking inside the building. Seating is provided. Persons interested in performing at the Chrystal Opry House should contact Bill Hayes at 903-546-6893 or http://www.chrystalopryhouse.com.

Visit the Music Calendar on www.texomaconnect.com for more live music events in the Greater Texoma area.  Texoma is blessed with an abundance of musical talent  so find acoustic, Karaoke, open mic or your favorite entertainer on the entertainment page of TexomaConnect.com.