Waves July by Fox Press

Publisher

Director

Tiffany Bergeron tbergeron@wavesgalveston.com

Executive

Mike Burke|Publisher

BURKE’S BRIEFS

Contributors

Richard Henderson, D.V.M.

J.A.

Jan &

Billy

Max

Tom Valliere

Paul

Thank you for your kind words regarding our Waves June issue. We appreciate it very much. We feel so fortunate to have such a large, loyal group of readers and advertisers.

July is always such a fun time to be in Galveston. There are countless attractions and events taking place throughout the month. Take in as many as you can and support our local entertainers and businesses. They richly deserve our support.

James

Subscriptions

There is an old saying that it’s “hotter than the fourth of July.” That has certainly been the case here lately. Please remember to check in on family, friends, and neighbors to be sure everyone is weathering the heat ok. The same goes for our pets and animals. Be sure they are in a cool place with plenty of drinking water.

Join the Waves team to get an inside look at the publication. Meet the owner, staff, contributors, and advertisors. Great opportunity to mix with the best in the industry, party and have FUN!

Great news, Wavers! It’s official! Another epic Waves Party is happening on July 17th. It will be held at the Seawall Bar located at 4302 Seawall Blvd. This is a terrific venue. Great ocean views and a terrific staff. Hope to see all of you there! As always, please remember to BUY LOCAL!

Mike Burke | Publisher

PET Corner

Texas Mountain Lions

Getting a Raw Deal in the Lone Star State

s et o e , I find myself liking animals more and my own species less. As Texans, we should be looking for ways to preserve and propagate our wildlife resources -not killing them. I may be way off base but the saying ee Texas i means our animals, does it not?

F ash ack to o e e 1977 The image I saw that day periodically resurfaces and disturbs me forty-seven years later. Prior to veterinary school, I worked part-time at a small animal clinic in Texas City. The veterinarian, an outdoorsman, was a deer and quail hunter and had a group of friends who periodically dropped by the office to share a story about their latest hunting trip.

One day I was asked to come out to the parking lot to “check something out”. We cruised outside, a friend of the vet opened the trunk of his car and motioned us over. Inside the trunk was a dead adult female mountain lion and two young cubs. I couldn’t believe what I was witnessing and foolishly asked if they had been run over by a car.

“No,” the man replied, “We shoot them, so they won’t kill “our” deer.”

I walked back into the office feeling stunned and later asked my boss why he killed the cubs too. He said they were too young to take care of themselves without their mother and if they survived would eat the deer too. Sometimes people show you who they are in just very few words.

es ect ost

This month’s article is about Texas’ mountain lions. Also called cougars or pumas, they are the one remaining population of apex predators in our state. An apex predator like the grizzly bear or tiger is an animal at the top of the food chain with no natural predators of its own. Apex predators in a healthy ecosystem naturally control the population of other species that otherwise overpopulate their range.

living in The Lone Star State, mostly in West Texas, the Davis Mountains, and along the Rio Grande.

Texas used to have two other apex predators, wolves and bears, in addition to mountain lions, but good-old human beings took care of those species, wiping them out long ago from their natural ranges in Texas. We now, surprisingly, have about a thousand mountain lions

i ou k o the e a e o hu ti a i its the u e o a i a s o i e e t s ecies ou ca ki e a i the state o Texas o ou tai io s That means you can trap or shoot as many as you can, young, old, and their cubs every day of the year. Try taking a road trip up to Yellowstone and shoot up a few of the park’s grizzly bears and see how long it takes to get sent to the federal penitentiary.

What is more disturbing to me is that in Texas cougars can be baited and trapped with steel jaw traps. Have you ever seen a video of a poor animal with a leg snared in one of those traps, wide awake and suffering? Pretty disturbing image that is difficult to look at. This trap is one of mankind’s most evil inventions, some made right here in America. Fortunately, many states (not Texas) have banned their use. The trapped animals often die days later of starvation or thirst. In Texas, it is totally legal to trap a mountain lion and up to recently allow the animal to die slowly in the trap. If a person did that to a pet dog or cat the public, pet owners, and the national media would be at the very least outraged.

On June 11, 2024, the Texas legislature passed legislation that is one small step to protect the Texas mountain lion. Hopefully, additional laws will be passed in the future that take bigger steps to help these magnificent animals. First, it is now illegal

to offer “canned hunts”. A canned hunt is one in which an animal is raised in confinement to later be released into a small area to be shot by a hunter who has paid a hefty sum for an easy kill. The new law requires any trap set to catch a mountain lion must be checked every 36 hours. Beforehand the traps could be set without any oversight subjecting the poor animal to suffer even longer. As I said, more could be done to ban the traps, and even better, ban the killing of mountain lions altogether. Maybe one day. Remember, we want to ee Texas i

Most animal lovers do not support the hunting of lions in Africa, tigers in India, or killing grizzlies in Alaska. h the shou the a i a o e s o Texas su o t the u i ite hu ti a t a i o ou state s a ex e ato

Texans should be thrilled to still have this species of animal as part of our diverse fauna. For most, just seeing a mountain lion in the wild is a “bucket list” experience.

The main argument in favor of mountain lion hunting comes from the ranching industry. Although deer, young feral hogs, and other mammals are their main food source, they do kill sheep, goats, and calves at times. A monetary compensation fund to pay ranchers for proven losses from cougar kills could go a long way to convince ranchers and Texas that the preservation of these cats is a worthy cause. I’d gladly have my tax dollars used for this purpose. I’m still not sure how raising sheep and goats in Texas is considered an important agriculture industry in the state. Who really needs wool clothing or wants to eat a goat or mutton for supper?

We should find ways to allow these fine creatures to thrive in our state. “Keep Texas Wild” for our animals’ sake.

icha He e so , M Galveston Veterinary Clinic 2108 61st Street Galveston, TX 77551

PET PEEVES Of The Month

TICKET SCALPING

So e o us ha e ee a ou long enough to remember when you could actually purchase good tickets to a popular concert or sporting event without having to go through a scalper or ticket broker. If you were diligent enough and willing to wait in the lines, you had a good chance of scoring premium tickets with a really good location at the actual face value price of the ticket.

Not anymore! The ticket scalpers and brokers have almost completely taken over the market. The average person has very little to no chance of purchasing a prime location ticket without having to pay highly marked-up, exorbitant prices.

Ticket scalping is the practice of using bots to bulk buy tickets from licensed sources and then sell them for a profit. A whopping 40% of all ticket purchases online are estimated to be by scalper bots. These tickets are bought by automated software in order to be resold at a higher price.

How does ticket scalping work? First, the scalper identifies an event to target. The one common denominator is that the scammer expects the event to be popular enough to be sold out and have fans pay exceedingly to buy a coveted ticket.

The the e a e thei sca i so t a e a too s These i c u e

• Auto Refreshers to check when the tickets have gone on sale.

• API Scraper Scripts to set up macros that will do a series of tasks automatically, e.g., fill in forms and details.

This is all very sophisticated and virtually eliminates the chance of the average person having the opportunity to buy a good ticket at book value prices.

• Pre-Bots to automatically set up accounts on several websites.

• Fake IDs stolen full of existing people or synthetic IDs.

o e ike it he e ha e o cha ce to u chase a oo ocatio e te tai e t ticket u ess e a a exo ita t ice o e ike it that ticket sca e s ha e take o e the i ust

NO! WE DON’T LIKE THAT!

There is not an easy answer to this horrible situation. A return to the good old days when we all had an equal opportunity to purchase a good ticket at the regular price seems to be long gone.

ChallengeTrivia

WAVES

Kitchen ■ Baths ■ Cabinets ■ Walk-In Showers ■ Painting ■ Doors ■ Windows ■ Decks

Hardie Siding ■ Custom Lighting ■ Wood ■ Tile ■ Vinyl ■ Laminate ■ Carpet ■ Repairs

Tile and Vinyl Plank Flooring in Coastal Colors

FOCUS

ON FITNESS

Sha e He e so , S , M , M S , st ucto at e t Hea th i i e ess e te , 2910 53 St eet, a esto

Healthy Eating and Your Vacation Can Coexist

t s ti e to et o on your summer vacation. And no matter where you go, eating local, delicious foods should be something you look forward to as part of your summer holiday. Diving into the local food culture is one of the best parts of traveling. However, you don’t want to sacrifice your goals for living a healthy lifestyle, and you want to be able to button up your shorts by the end of your holiday, right? Here are some ways to enjoy your summer holiday with confidence and health so you can return with memories, not extra weight.

i ou o s acks a sta a a o the i i- a Hotels typically fill mini-bars with sugary, high-calorie treats and drinks, not to mention outrageously expensive ones. Bringing your own snacks can help you resist fast food and hotel mini-bar food when you’re on a road trip. Healthy choices include string cheese, fresh fruits, nuts, and protein bars. Snacks keep you full, provide nutrients, and stop you from skipping meals, preventing overeating later.

Sta i a ace ith a kitche

A kitchen lets you cook your own food, giving you power over what and how much you eat. If a kitchen isn’t an option, even a refrigerator can help to store healthier snack choices and meals. Make shopping for ingredients part of your vacation experience. Try to include fruits and vegetables with your meals. Experiment with local produce and items you might not be able to get at home. Check out the farmer’s market, buy bread from local bakeries, and find small grocery stores with unique items.

a ahea

o t ski eak ast

While vacation schedules vary from your local routine, don’t skip the day’s first meal. A healthy breakfast can jump-start your metabolism and help you avoid overeating later in the day. A balanced breakfast includes lean protein, fruits, and whole grains. The key here is a healthy breakfast, not a plate full of beignets!

Sta h ate

hoose hea th o tio s

One of the best ways to ensure you eat healthy while traveling is to plan ahead. Research the restaurants and grocery stores in the area where you’ll be staying and look for healthy options.

Staying hydrated is essential for maintaining good health while traveling. Dehydration is common when traveling, especially when you’re doing a lot of walking. Water aids in digestion and helps you feel full, reducing the tendency to snack mindlessly. Try to limit alcohol, as it can dehydrate you and add unnecessary calories. Carry a reusable water bottle to make sure you always have water on hand.

When dining out, look for healthy options on the menu. Choose dishes rich in vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Avoid fried foods and dishes high in saturated fats and added sugars. Easier said than done, I know.

se o tio co t o

Portion control is critical to maintaining a healthy diet while traveling. Restaurants and food establishments often serve larger portions than necessary, which can lead to overeating. Consider sharing a meal with a travel companion or taking half of the meal to go for later. Here’s where that refrigerator in your room will come in handy.

Stick to a outi e

Sticking to a routine can help you maintain healthy eating habits while traveling. Try to eat meals at the same time each day and avoid skipping meals or snacking excessively. This can help regulate your metabolism and prevent overeating.

e i u o

ou choices

Being mindful of your choices can help you make healthier decisions while traveling. Consider the nutritional value of the food you’re consuming and choose options that support your health goals. This can include avoiding processed foods, sugary drinks, and excessive alcohol consumption.

Sta acti e a ea co o ta e shoes

at he ou e hu a sto he ou e co o ta e

It sounds simple, but many of us have gotten out of the habit of paying attention to whether we’re truly physically hungry. Eating opportunities and celebrations are all around us when we’re on vacation, and we’re in the “I’m on VACATION!” mindset. That’s when we will be the most vulnerable to eating even if we aren’t hungry and not stopping when we are comfortable.

Walking on vacation is your secret weapon. While it might not directly affect what you eat, walking can help balance any extra calories. Strolling through museums, a new city, or on the beach is a chance to explore while burning calories.

o a t eat

a a

How do you pass up cheesecake in New York? How can you resist stopping at Dairy Queen with the kids and having a chocolate-dipped Frosty? The answer is: you don’t. Just try to limit your treats to one a day. After that, opt for a healthy choice instead.

Maintaining a healthy diet while traveling can be a challenge, but with the right tools and mindset, staying on track is possible. By prioritizing healthy eating while traveling, you can enjoy your trip while supporting your health goals. Now, get out there and have a great vacation!

MMicroneedling

BY: DR. TARA WEGRYN

ic o ee i is a highly effective procedure that works to rejuvenate your skin by stimulating it to make new, collagen-rich tissue. The procedure itself involves creating tiny pinholes in the skin using a professional microneedling pen that delivers needles to a precise depth.

This controlled, mechanical process stimulates the body’s natural wound-healing process. The result is increased production of Growth Factors, collagen, and elastin resulting in smoother texture, more even pigmentation, and reduced pore size.

uts a o ts

Microneedling can be performed in the office in less than an hour. A topical numbing cream is first applied to make the procedure relatively pain-free. The face is then thoroughly cleansed and disinfected. The microneedling pen is then applied to the skin with adjustments made for the varied skin depths.

Peptides are applied to the face in the form of a soothing serum, followed by a cool masque which will be removed before you go home. You will be given a packet that contains a lotion and a second face masque to be applied later that day.

hat to x ect te

After microneedling, you can expect some redness, some bruising, and mild swelling. In addition to using your take-home products, you will need to avoid using make-up, abrasive cleansers, pools, saunas, direct sun exposure, and any Retin-A products.

Improvement in your skin’s texture and pigmentation will begin almost immediately but the maximum benefits will take a full month to be realized. I know that sounds like a long time to wait, but you may be AMAZED at the result.

ea a i ates

An ideal candidate is anyone looking to modify the appearance or texture of the surface of her skin. Microneedling improves skin laxity and reduces lines, acne scars, hyperpigmentation, scars, and striae.

The only clear contraindication to the procedure is a patient with blood or bone disorders such as anemia, blood or bone cancers, those with clotting problems, or taking blood thinners. Clients should avoid any medications that reduce the body’s ability to clot such as aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for a few days before and after.

e T eat e t o a Se ies

Although a series of 3-4 sessions at least one month apart is generally recommended for the very best results (with epidermis thickening up to 400% at 6 months), we have seen remarkable results after a single session in patients with skin surface and pigment irregularities.

Deeper acne scars will probably require multiple sessions, but you can see your personal results and decide as you go. In general, clients have been so pleased with the results from the first microneedling, that they have often chosen to add a second.

o c usio

If you want smoother, healthier-looking skin and are ready to take the next step, microneedling may be the right choice for you.

Have a great day, and I hope you continue to “Look Fresh And Feel Confident”.

DR. TARA WEGRYN

r. Tara We ryn is a oard certified Neurologist and Electrophysiologist and a member in good standing with the IAPAM (International Association for Physicians in Aesthetic Medicine). Dr. Wegryn received her MD from the University of Florida and residency in Neurology at the Cleveland Clinic. In 1996, Dr. Wegryn founded Houston Neuromonitoring, a successful intraoperative monitoring company that served the surgical community at the TMC (Texas Medical Center) for over 17 years. Dr. Tara Wegryn is currently the director/ owner of Refresh Medispa in Galveston, Texas.

If you have any questions about aesthetic medicine or Refresh Medispa, please send them to Drtara@refreshmedidayspa.com and she will try to answer them in future articles!

www.refreshmedidayspa.com

Bob Rohan, or as he is known in Texas “Bad Bob”, has een playin the fiddle and sin in in various roups for over 30 years in Te as, and has opened for erle Ha ard, Willie elson, harlie aniels, arlene arter and ohn onley to na e a few. Bo has played in ands that have ac ed up country le ends li e Han Tho pson, ay Price, ac Greene, Pa Tillis, and ale Watson.

Along with songwriting, Bob is also a talented cartoonist and has a self syndicated co ic strip titled Buffalo Gals . The co ic feature is a out two cow irls Bess Winchester and onnie heyenne . The co ic strip was inspired after playin with The Hays ounty Gals and Pals a cow irl western roup that toured throu h Te as, laho a and as far west as l o, evada. Bo has won The Wisconsin State iddle ha pionship and has een no inated several ti es fro The Acade y of Western Artists for Best ow oy artoonist.

www.badbobrohan.com

Quality

Ample

hen you are beginning a new garden or garden project, it is vital to begin with the end in mind.

These questions will help determine what the end goal is:

• What will you grow?

• What kind of light does the space get?

• What kind of soil is present?

• Will it be an ornamental space?

• Will it be a functional space?

• What do you want to feel when you are in that space?

There is no right or wrong answer to these questions. The answers are simply what they are, however, those answers will determine what foundational work will be done (such as soil amendments) and what plants will be chosen. Also, if the space is meant for seating or dining, then the measurements for the furniture and space for human traffic need to be known and allocated. Otherwise, you may get the plants in only to realize that you did not leave enough space for the intended furniture and function.

Sunlight is a huge factor in what will be grown. Unless you are planning on removing trees or adding shade cloth, the sunlight is a fixed element. If you have full sun, then the plants selected will be shade tolerant. Full sun spaces need plants that love bright, hot, and humid areas.

The mood or vibe of the space will be impacted by the natural light and plant choices. Lush greenery with white, blue, or purple blooms will lend a calm and relaxing feel to the garden space. If it is a lively, bright, and energetic energy you are looking for, then

colors such as red and yellow will be

A garden is an expression of who you are, so design the space to fit you. Make it what you want it to be. The key is to give it thought before you start and begin with the end in mind.

bright

great choices.

He e is a o ea e, hu a e pocket-sized Pittie-potamus that just wants pets and chill time. She gets along well with her foster small and big brothers and sisters and is looking for someone who wants an easy couch potato to spoil! She’s house trained, crate trained and ready to find her furever home after a not-so-glamorous past. Can you be the person she’s looking for?

The Galveston Island Humane Society is always in need of volunteers, fosters, and adopters. By spending time with the shelter dogs, you can help them socialize and also promote their adoption. Becoming a foster parent or adopting a dog like Helen can give them the mental and emotional break they need from shelter life. ou e i te este i oste i , ease isit a esto hu

oste

Fun Facts Historical Galveston

y ho as a oner

The n e e o t The o n of the o th

The a e , as a i ca e it, was the pinnacle of a Sunday Brunch! Great Food! Live music, ice sculptures, champagne, and family and friends! What could be better? The Queen of the South holds a lot of history. Let’s take a closer look!

Histo

Galveston civic leaders began plans to build the Hotel Galvez in 1898. The hotel is named for American Revolutionary War hero Bernardo de Galvez. Galvez, who lived from 1746 to 1786, is the namesake of the city of Galveston. Fu Fact He was one of just eight people to be awarded honorary U.S. citizenship.

The hotel occupies the site where the Beach Hotel, Electric Pavilion, and Pagoda Bathhouse once stood. Designers Mauran, Russell & Crowell of St. Louis, Missouri, in a combination of Mission Revival and Spanish Revival styles, constructed it for $1 million. The name of the hotel pays homage to Bernardo de Galvez and opened in June 1911. Fu Fact During World War II, the hotel was occupied by the United States Coast Guard, and for two years rooms were not rented to tourists.

Fa ous uests

The Galvez was referred to as “The Playground of the Southwest” attracting wealthy socialites, businessmen, and celebrities. Fu Fact In 1911 rooms were rented for $2.00 a night.

American Presidents Franklin D. Roosevelt, Dwight D. Eisenhower, and Lyndon B. Johnson stayed at the Galvez, as did General Douglas MacArthur. Other notable names include Jimmy Stewart, Frank Sinatra, and Howard Hu hes. any of the th and th oor unior and Senior suites were named for these well-known guests. Fu Fact In 1937, President Franklin D. Roosevelt came to Galveston. He stayed for 10 days. The Hotel was transformed into a temporary White House.

a esto s eaut a ea t

In 20, . . Barfield esta lished the Pa eant of Pulchritude. Previously known as the Bathing Girl Revue, the pageant signaled the beginning of the summer tourist season in Galveston. The Hotel Galvez began hosting the pageant directly in front of the hotel. Young ladies posed for pictures in their swimsuits before attending a beachside luncheon. This would be a new annual beauty contest open to women from around the world.

Several movie stars, including the blonde bombshell, Joan Blondell (who went by “Rosebud”) were discovered during their appearances at the event. Fu Fact “Rosebud” placed 12th in the 1926 Revue. The Galveston Daily News reported that an estimated 100,000 people watched the pageant parade that year, May 17, 1926. Fu Fact It was the first international swimsuit competition that later evolved into the Miss Universe Pageant.

i k Hote

The original color was created by mixing ground pink granite into the stucco finish. This ave the uildin a lowin appearance as the sun rose. For many decades during the 20th century, the hotel was painted white

until recently, when new owners, Mark and Lorenda Wyant, restored the hotel to its original color. Fu Fact It was added to the list of Historic Hotels of America in 1994.

The a a e ha e ie s

If for no other reason than to see the wonderful chandeliers throughout the hotel, it’s worth the trip! They are spectacular!

The Fou e s a

This ar is a salute to the five founders of the hotel. They have portraits of these gentlemen as well as other historical photographs. The red chandeliers at the Founders Bar are my favorite! Fu Fact The oversized burgundy chandeliers are Baccarat crystal.

Histo ica o a

The mahogany bar was moved to the hotel lobby in the mid-1990s. Guest say it’s one of the coolest places to enjoy adult beverages. The beautiful hand-carved bar in the lobby of the hotel used to serve revelers at the Old Galveston Club, known as the last speakeasy on the island. If it could only talk! Kathleen Maca

o Mosaic

The 43-foot by 7-foot Murano glass mosaic was designed by hotel owner Mark Wyant and his wife, Lorenda. It was produced by Dallas-based mosaicist Julie Richey. It was installed in May 2022 by Ms. Richey and Romeo de Candido of Miami. Fu Fact A family of artisans near Venice, Italy assembled tens of thousands of Murano glass tiles using 200 hundred colors.

Sa es Ti e i e o the Hote

The hotel has undergone several renovations to restore it to its original grandeur.

• 1940 - The Hotel Galvez was bought by William Lewis Moody, Jr.

• 1971 - The hotel was acquired by Harvey O. McCarthey and Dr. Leon Bro er . Harvey c arty eca e the first owner with no ties to Galveston. Leon Bromberg is BOI.

• 1978 - Denton Cooley purchased the hotel.

• 1989 - The Galvez became a Marriott franchise.

• 1995 - The hotel was purchased by Galveston native and real estate developer George P. Mitchell.

• 1996 - Mitchell brought Wyndham Hotels & Resorts on to manage the hotel.

Bernardo de Galvez.

A Pink Hotel

Galveston’s Beauty Pageant

Histo ic s

According to researchers at Texas Time Travel, “Twelve four-foot-tall decorative white plaster urns have been placed on the exterior corners of the four towers at the top of the hotel. These urns are exact recreations of those originally installed on the hotel’s towers for the grand opening in 1911.” Fu Fact The originals were last seen in 1932 and are thought to have been destroyed by the hurricane that year.

“From the restoration of the original ceiling moldings to the black-and-white harlequin patterned marble flooring, stunning crystal chandeliers, royal burgundy carpets, and luxurious velvet accent draperies, the hotel is a showstopper”.Melanie Saxton

The Grand Galvez holds a tremendous history within its walls. From President’s to lingering ghosts, the Grand “Queen of the South” forever remains one of my favorite strolls down memory lane!

• 2021 - The hotel was purchased by Mark and Lorenda Wyant.

“In every location, my primary goal is to embody and respect the legacy, charm, and history of the city,” Says owner Mark Wyant.

• 2023 - The renovations were completed including the original pink exterior paint. Fu Fact The Grand Galvez is the only historic beachfront hotel on the Texas Gulf Coast.

The Grand Galvez Chandeliers

Historical Lobby Bar

Lobby Mosaic

The Grand Galvez

Naked Iguana BREWERY

Pennie’s Take Out Menu

S oke isket

Quality brisket covered with our original rub, slow smoked and ready to be sliced when you order.

o k i s

Pork ribs cooked with our original rub till almost done then basted with our honey sweetened sauce.

i e hicke

Chicken spiced with our rub cooked over wood. Unlike any chicken you have ever eaten.

i k Sausa e

Pork and Beef link sausage smoked over oak ready and waiting for you to order.

Sa iches

Chopped Beef | Sliced Beef | Sausage | Comes with a complimentary 4 oz side

Stu e ake otato

Hu e a ed potato filled with butter, cheese, sour cream, chives and best of all chopped brisket! a acoa (Sat. and Sun. Only)

Pennie Ochoa’s delicious recipe. Tender, moist shredded beef is the result.

Si es a esse t

All sides are made fresh at Pennie’s

otato Sa a

Dill based cool refreshing chopped potatoes mixed with dressings. i to ea s

My own recipe made fresh daily. Lots of love goes into the beans.

by: Tom Valliere & Charlie Bresenhan

America’s Kitchen

Big BITES

al eston is a reat pla e to isit and an even better place to live. For those of us fortunate to call this home, there are many rewards. gentle climate, beautiful beaches, historic neighborhoods, and evening sea breezes to keep us cool.

Those same things that keep us here are also key to bringing in our many visitors. With little industry, agriculture, or other business to sustain us, we increasingly rely upon those tourist dollars to keep us afloat.

With many residents, this is a love/hate relationship. While we enjoy our visitors and depend upon their business, we also tire of the traffic and congestion we endure every summer and increasingly, year-round.

For myself, this is particularly vexing when looking for a restaurant serving a traditional American breakfast. For some reason, a conventional breakfast is in short supply here and the lines are long at the few places that serve it.

While we have a plethora of fine Mexican restaurants serving up tortillas, eggs, and chorizo, a plate of ham, eggs, and toast is hard to come by.

Long breakfast lines are the norm at the few seawall restaurants that serve a traditional breakfast however there are a few places buried in the neighborhoods where locals are assured a

good breakfast and easy seating. I often get chided by locals for “giving away our secrets” but here goes.

In years past, there was a shopping mall at the intersection of Holiday Drive (4th Street) and Harborside Drive. The Port Holliday Mall was a modern enclosed mall with various stores and an adjacent Holiday Inn motel. The mall quickly faded after the Galvez mall opened (also now defunct and gone) and is now fully occupied by UTMB’s family medicine group. The outbuildings and the motel are long gone and the single remaining retail activity is the America’s Kitchen restaurant.

Housed in a typical chain restaurant building from the 1960s, this family-owned restaurant thrives with a breakfast and lunch-only menu and operating hours. Catering primarily to UTMB staff and local residents, the restaurant stays busy, but with its large capacity and ample parking there is seldom a wait.

On my recent visit, I was pleased to see the restaurant has been remodeled and updated. Gone is the 1960’s salad bar and worn carpeting. Sporting all-new tables and booths, hardwood-style flooring, and lighter and brighter paint and furnishing, it is a very pleasant and relaxing venue for a leisurely meal.

The exterior has also been upgraded and looks quite modern and appealing with the new colors. The same friendly service and concise menu remain and the familiar faces of the owners and their cheerful greetings are intact.

The menu as stated is brief but complete. Divided into breakfast and lunch items - although all items are available during operating hours - the menu is clear and easy to navigate. Equal parts traditional American and Tex-Mex, there is something for every taste and appetite. Eggs to order, pancakes, omelets, biscuits and gravy, bacon, ham, and sausage are available as are breakfast burritos, migas, and other traditional Mexican dishes.

sandwich. It was stacked high and delicious. They offer a few burgers and patty melts along with standards such as BLT, Philly Cheesesteak, Grilled chicken breast, soup, and homemade chili.

For bigger appetites, there is a small dinner menu offering diner-style food: Salisbury steak, pork chops, fried fish, and even a small ribeye steak along with a sampling of salads, and that is about it. Nothing fancy, just plain old-fashioned comfort food. Well prepared and reasonably priced. They also offer a kiddie menu to keep things affordable for families.

This restaurant knows who they are. Simple and delicious food expertly prepared and friendly service in a pleasant non-frills environment. I love it just the way it is and hope they never change.

Recently, I had their breakfast sandwich. fried egg, ham, and cheese on sourdough bread served with a side of hashbrowns. It was both filling and delicious. The hashbrowns were crispy and cooked exactly as I like them. My dining guest had biscuits and gravy with scrambled eggs, bacon, and sausage. It was also delicious. The service was excellent and our coffee cups never went dry.

At lunchtime, I left the Tex-Mex offerings behind in favor of a club

asy to a ess o o arborside ri e they o er plenty o ree o -street par in . andi apped a essibility is ery ood.

o rs O Operation: Daily 7:30 AM to 2:00 PM

Ameri a s it hen 500 Harborside Drive G alveston, Texas 77550 (409) 763-4906

S T

ntroducing the latest feature of a es Gal eston t a es, e ha e a passion for food and e lo e to tr out di erse cuisines from arious culinar experts

Mo ing for ard, e ill be sharing ith ou some of the best menu items from our fa orite island restaurants each month, along ith detailed descriptions and specials Sta tuned to explore ne a ors ith us

The Waves SectionDining Team

or ibs

or ribs coo ed ith our original rub till almost done then basted ith our hone s eetened sauce

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Re l ati o nshipAd v ic e with Jan &

Dean

i an ean - s re en oy yo r ol mn ea h month. respe t yo r ad i e and that is hy am ritin to yo . My problem is ith my h sband homas. e is borin me to tears! am 1 years old and eel li e sho ld be en oyin my li e to the tmost. am also si months pre nant. On e pon a time homas as one o the most n and ad ent ro s people ha e e er no n. e as al ays s rprisin me ith a trip to some here ne . ometimes he o ld lead me to o r ar ith no ad an e noti e and his me a ay or a onder l e oti ee end. t as ama in !

ell those days are lon one. homas has dis o ered ideo ames and no that ons mes his li e and all o his time. e omes home rom or han es into some ra edy lothes and immediately b ries himsel into his ideo ames. e doesn t e en ome p or air. his oes on non-stop 7.

e sed to en oy o r patio and oo in o t in the e enin s. o e ne er do that. n a t there are lots o times he doesn t e en stop amin to eat. O r romanti li e has ome to a omplete end. e ne er lea e the ho se anymore let alone o a ay or a ee end to ether. e no lon er e en ha e a simple ni ht o t or a ni e dinner. miss hat e sed to all o r date ni hts . t s not abo t money either. e are both ort nate to ha e hi h-payin obs and an a ord to do anythin e o ld li e to do.

ha e had it an ean. am bored to death and pset to the point that no lon er ant to share a hild ith this man. eel st in a sit ation that an t do anythin abo t. Please help!

Be erly s Bored

Be erly- Be erly - Be erly - Well, you are rather in a tricky position here but not yet in a place to be claiming “Game Over” so soon. You are carrying his baby and you cannot “unring” that bell, so you are going to have to get that ding-a-ling’s attention one way or the other. You can try the sweet and gentle way which no doubt you have tried with no success. I would venture to say it’s time to set some boun aries an rml la o n some rules regar ing his gaming habits vs. family time. Let him know exactly what designated periods are acceptable for him to play his video games and that you expect him to abide by that timing for the sake of your growing family. Then, when it is “husband time” or “daddy time”, you expect his full, undivided, loving participation. You

might even remin him of our vo s an our e ision to marr in the rst place. You married him for the man he is and the potential leader of the family that he would someday become - you did not think you were going into your future with a manchild with a bad case of arrested development who is addicted to a screen and make-believe characters. There is a baby on the way and a wife who needs and loves him and wants to share an exciting future with him. It is time for Thomas to man up!

i Be erly - Your situation is a real mess. It’s an actual fact that boredom with the spouse is one of the main causes of affairs and divorce in a marriage. I am hopeful you won’t do either one of those things. Have you had a sit-down conversation with your husband about how you are feeling about his lack of attention towards you? It’s impossible for me to know what is going on inside your husband’s head. I am wondering what made him change from a fun and exciting person to a couch potato gamer. It’s easy to answer a question like this with a reply to seek professional counseling. In this case, I do think that might be necessary. Something has changed within your husband and maybe he doesn’t even know what it is. You mentioned you both have high-paying jobs. That would provide you both with the opportunity to seek top-quality counseling. It does indeed help in matters like this.

marriage is something that should be cherished and not taken lightly. There will always be bumps in the road. With a child on the way, I urge you both to seek the help I think you both need. Get your marriage back on track and raise a happy and healthy child together. I wish the best for you.

Have a question for Jan Dean? Go to www.wavesgalveston.com ask away. You just might have your question answered next month.

CURTAIN GOING UP

By: Paul Hager

n this month s iss e we turn our spotlight’s focus to the ‘new kid in town’ - Galveston Lighthouse Productions [GLP] who recently mounted their first show- PEARLY VICTORIOUS - NON-CONFEDERATE ROMP THROUGH THE COTTON PATCH - for a limited run as part of the Island’s many Juneteenth Celebration events.

Purlie Victorious is a three-act comedic stage play written by American actor Ossie Davis that tells the fictional story of Reverend Purlie Victorious Judson, a dynamic traveling preacher returning to his hometown in rural Georgia, to save his small hometown church. The play - starring Davis himself in the title role - premiered on Broadway in 1961 and ran for 261 performances.

filmed version of the play, titled Gone Are the Days! was released in 1963. The majority of the cast reprised their roles from the Broadway production. The play was revived on Broadway in 2023 at the Music Box Theatre directed by Kenny Leon, marking the first major New York production of the play since the original production closed in 1962. It was nominated for six 2024 Tony Awards with actress Kara Young in the role of Lutiebell Gussie Mae Jenkins taking home the trophy for Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Play.

I recently sat down [virtually, of course] with Samuel Gorashko - the President/ Artistic Director of GLP - to get his insight on his theater’s creation, the community’s response to their first production, and their plans for the future.

PA - hat tri ered the li ht b lb to o on in yo r head to en isa e reatin a ne omm nity theatre ompany and ho did yo r inspiration ome to r ition

SAM have wanted to have my own community arts project for a very long time. It seemed most practical for me to develop a performance group that could specialize in theater, music, art, dance, etc. After submitting myself to the realization that really wanted to mount Purlie Victorious here in Galveston in honor of the Juneteenth holiday, and seeing the need in Galveston for true community-based projects in this area, it brought to question how we would do that? So the rest is history from there, we got some of our closest friends together, made some final decisions, and decided to finally establish our own community performance group, and voila, here we are!

PA - o ha e ite a len thy history ith hat yo no re er to as yo r sister theatre - Bayto n ittle heater B . hat prompted yo to brin the main o s o yo r talents to the island SAM accepted a position with the company that work for, Texas First

Bank, and that brought me to Galveston. My family and relocated to Texas City and after being here for several weeks, quickly realized that my life has always been filled with community theater and that was an itch needed to scratch. So, sought out theater here on the island. have also worked with other performance groups here in Galveston such as Island ETC and had a fabulous time with them making some beautiful friendships and lasting memories. Essentially, the short answer is my job is what brought me to Galveston.

PA - as ite pri ile ed to ha e played the role o Ol Cap n Cot hipee in P rlie i torio s and rom the re ie s heard rom my riends and other patrons o r prod tion as an n ali ied s ess! o did yo eel abo t the a dien e s re eption and as dire tor did yo a hie e yo r ision o the play

Sam would be remiss not to say that my heart was full of pride and joy in seeing how the community here in Galveston received our production of Purlie Victorious. We brought to the island something she was in desperate need to have. Community. This project not only helped us to develop our performance group, but also to help bind people together to work as one for one sole purpose, and that was to help out our fellow man. I’ve heard nothing but fabulous reviews about the show even from some of my hardest critics. The show absolutely exemplified every core value and meaning of what our theater is, what we strive to do and what we do as artists will forever be grateful to my entire cast and crew for that gift.

PA - t s been said that the ast and prod tion re orm a ti ht nlear- amily-li e bond d rin the rehearsal and per orman e pro ess o mo ntin a li e theatre sho and ertainly elt that ith P rlie. o yo a ree and ho do yo eel abo t the ay o r amily ame to ether

SAM In every show you form a bond with your fellow actors and with the people working on the show be it front of house, backstage, production team, etc. feel that with our production we developed that family bond almost instantly and that is a forever bond. You were the first cast to ever perform on stage in any production ever hosted or presented by Galveston Lighthouse Productions. And that alone will always be a binding thread for each and every one of us. Together we brought light to those in the darkness.

PA - o r ebsite lists many ommer ial and omm nity ser i e sponsors. o did yo o abo t sellin yo rsel to them to et their endorsements and inan ial ontrib tions

PAUL HAGER

SAM As far as it goes with recruiting any sponsorships, underwriting, or donations, what have learned in my life of 36 years of life is to always be your real authentic self and just be honest about what you’re doing. Most all these individuals have come into my life for one reason or another, and was able to talk to them on a very real level and explain the ideas and concepts of the project that we were working on and offered them the opportunity to help support us. The worst thing that you’re ever gonna get is a no, but we all go through life getting those left and right, however, you have to be brave enough to ask the question to find out if you’re gonna get a yes. These individuals want to help, and they definitely showed up and showed out for GLP here in the beautiful city of Galveston. We were so thankful and are so blessed to have all these supporters here and in our surrounding communities. People want to help and be a part of the greater good, and for that, we want to say thank you to all who supported Purlie Victorious.

PA - o e already anno n ed teel Ma nolias: tandin tron o ether in the Fi ht A ainst Can er as yo r ne t pro e t prod tion. hat t re e ents are in the in s or P to ma e a di eren e thro h the po er o theater and hat s the best ay or o r readers besides this ma a ine o o rse! to be apprised o them

SAM We are currently in development of our 2024-2025 season. We are very excited about our upcoming plans and the different shows that we are going to be producing. Each will be held at different locations across the greater Galveston County and Harris County areas. We plan to be multicultural, and diverse, and feature shows that we will cater to specific events within the year. We are also working on a very special collaboration for late summer or early fall next year! But you’ll have to follow us on Facebook and all other social media and check our website at www.galvestonlighthouseproductions. org to get the latest and greatest updates. We will announce our first season on opening night of Steel Magnolias hosted at the Baytown Little Theater in Baytown, Texas.

FOR O - -BOAR - -

Please give a round of applause for Baytown Little Theater which will now be included in our monthly listings. Due to the recently completed construction on Highway 146, it’s much easier to get there from the island. Their summer musical is one of my favorite classics THE MUSIC MAN. I’m looking forward to seeing it and giving it a review in a future issue.

O BOAR C rrently playin

ISLAND ETC [East-End

Theatre Company]

• A O R - Music and Lyrics from the catalog of The Go-Go’s - Based on The Arcadia by Sir Philip Sidney Conceived and Original Book by Jeff Whitty Adapted by James Magruder - July 19 August 17, 2024 - 8:00 PM - Sunday matinees - July August 4, 2024 2:30 PM

COM THEATRE [College of the Mainland Community Theatre]

• PROM - Book by Chad Begeulin and Bob Martin Lyrics by Chad Beguelin Music by Matthew Sklar - July 11–28, 2024 7:00 and 2:30 PM

THE GRAND 1894 OPERA HOUSE

• i ie on ate: Cherry Bombs and Bottle Ro ets - July 6, 20243:00 PM and 8:00 PM.

• An enin ith Ri hard rey ss - July 20, 2024 - 8:00 PM

BAYTOWN LITTLE THEATRE [BLT]

• M C MA - Book, Music, and Lyrics by Meredith Willson - July 26 - August 3, 2024 8:00 pm - July 28 and August 4, 2024 2:30 pm

PURPLE BOX THEATRE

• B A A B A - Music by Alan Menken, Lyrics by Howard Ashman and Tim Rice, Book by Linda Woolverton - July 12-21, 2024Various Times

Openin oon

THE GRAND 1894 OPERA HOUSE

• RA A rib te to the Beatles - August 3, 2024 8:00 PM

• he Artist and the Astrona t - August 10, 2024 8:00 PM

PURPLE BOX THEATRE

P A R - By Michael Parker Susan ParkerAugust 9-11, 2024 - FRI SAT - 7:30 PM and SUN - 2:30 PM

Cast and production crew for pearly Victorious

Paul Hager

T exas

M usic P rofile

Richard “Richard The Drifter” Rhea

If you’re the kind of person who combs through bins of old records looking for that lost gem of an album, the one that was never in line for a Grammy but will steal your heart and whisk your imagination away to a place where life’s pleasures and problems come and go as routinely as a cold beer disappears on a Saturday night, then Dickinson singer-songwriter Richard “Richard The Drifter” Rhea has got something for you.

Not everyone needs to experience sitting on a wooden porch overlooking the Gulf of Mexico on a hot summer night in south Texas listening to an ‘old-timer’ sing songs about a crazy ex-girlfriend or his cat, but everyone who wants to should probably listen to Rhea’s “True San Leon Stories”.

Rhea, 76, is no ‘old-timer’ but more of a timeless storyteller with a few thousand miles of hard road under his belt that give his songs an air of authenticity and wisdom beyond words. “Stories” offers a refreshing under-produced singular guitar and vocal rawness along with an easy-going lyrical simplicity that escapes much of today’s polished-grit, Americana meets American Idol music production. No flashing lights or behind-the-scenes sob stories to sell the songs here - just Rhea’s well-traveled voice and bare-bones guitar strumming goodness stumbling down the uneven life-roads of San Leon, Texas though, with its universal themes, it could be anywhere.

Born in Tacoma, Washington in 1948, Rhea has a natural gift for turning the small details of life’s struggles and quirks into sweet and easy lyrics. The fact that his album exists at all is a sweet and easy story in itself. While living in San Leon from about 1990 to 2007, Rhea would sit many nights and days in the Buccaneer Bar, a gathering place along the Gulf of Mexico for Parrot-heads, casual visitors, barflies, day drinkers, and tourists alike, playing his guitar for anyone who would listen. One night local musician J. Rivera happened upon Rhea performing (not on a stage but from a nearby table) and was immediately captivated.

“I first heard Richard at Buccaneers, but over the course of few weeks hanging out with him I realized everywhere we went other people had the same reaction I did to his songs. It didn’t matter if it was small place or big loud bar he would start playing and people would just stop and listen. I just thought, “I gotta get this guy on tape!” Rivera said.

As the story goes, around 2016 Rivera called his friend Paul Tacquard, a recording engineer, to record Rhea’s songs, though he had no intention of releasing the recordings to anyone but maybe a few friends and possibly some online music sites. It wasn’t until 2023 that Rivera and Tacquard decided to release the recordings as a vinyl record and essentially start their own record label. Tacquard had the album

mastered by Mark Kramer (who spent a brief period playing bass with the Texas band, Butthole Surfers, while operating New York record label, Shimmy-Disc), and Worthless Cause Records was born when they released “True San Leon Stories”. Tacquard says they took the name for their label from a band they were both part of in the 1990s with current Old Quarter owner Joel Mora. Tacquard and Rivera admit to being big supporters of local music and said they have ambitions to release more material of local artists but know the endeavor is challenging and may be a slow evolution.

While the Internet has made it possible for virtually anyone to start their own recording company, very few ever release recordings other than their own, and even fewer on vinyl. For an artist like Rhea who says he never thought he’d see the day an album of his songs would exist, it’s a dream come true.

“I can’t believe these guys wanted to make this album happen. I’m so grateful for friends like Paul and J. I’m truly blessed,” Rhea said.

For producers J. Rivera and Paul Tacquard, “Stories” is a labor of love they are proud to have their names on as well.

“His songs are instantly relatable. Anybody that hears them, all age groups, finds them relatable. Even after we first recorded Richard, twenty-yearold step-daughter loved the songs and played them in her car,” Tacquard said.

As singer-songwriters the world over continue to strive to deliver songs with a depth of sincerity, telling stories both true and made up, Rhea presents a simple reminder to listeners and other songwriters alike of what it means to be honest within your own voice and smile through the little stories that make up the big picture. As Rhea sings on “Singing With REK”, the last song on side B of “True

Story and Photos by Zach Tate

Album Cover

I have never thought much about my songwriting process, but all my songs were in response to some event, some person, or some relationship. I just want to tell my story.

San Leon Stories” and his true-story attempt to sing with legendary Houston songwriter Robert Earl Keen, “I don’t need to be no hero, I don’t need to be a star. I’m happy with a cold beer and a good friend at the bar”.

A e as M si Pro ile Ri hard Rhea

a h ate: o did yo et the ni name Ri hard he ri ter Ri hard Rhea: I got my nickname from my friend J. Scott Rivera when we were trading tunes at the Buccaneer. At the time I was singing a lot of country tunes and J. called me Drifter because when Hank Williams was starting, he went by Luke the Drifter. I took that as a great compliment, and I quite liked the name. When people I haven’t seen in a while greet me “Hey Drifter!” I am grateful to J.

: hat is yo r earliest memory o bein inspired by m si

RR: I first loved Jazz, because when I was or 9 my father returned from Germany with a new hi-fi and some Pete Fountain records. That first night of Daddy being home was SO wonderfully cozy! And I realized that the music was a big part of a wonderful night. Then I was turned on to James Brown and Motown and that was about all I listened to as a youth until the 60s. I used to think country music was a bit of a joke until about 35 years ago when I was trying to learn guitar, and a friend recommended getting a Hank Williams songbook. That’s when I learned that Hank Williams was a BLUES man. Opened my eyes and changed my life.

: here as the irst pla e yo e er per ormed in ront o people

RR: I started playing guitar and singing in friends’ backyards where people started asking for songs when I would show up. Then I found the Buccaneer Bar in San Leon. It became a place where, almost always, people were sitting at tables swapping songs. Every day, one could hear and play songs with at least some audience. I heard some really good music. Then sorry hurricane Ike took it. I have been lucky enough to perform solo at private parties, local benefits, and have opened a few shows at the Old Quarter which is a privilege. The first real crowd that included strangers I played in front of was a KPFT radio contest. People were asked to send tapes singing Robert Earl Keen songs to win a chance to sing one song with Robert Earl at the Arena Theater. I wrote Singing With REK, sent it, and got to perform, along with nine other finalists in front of about 150 people who voted for the winner. I did not get to sing with REK. If you are reading this, Robert, please check out Singing With REK on my album.

: ho in l en es yo these days and hy RR: My music influences these days are basically whatever they are playing on KPFT 90.1 FM. I love the singer-songwriter genre. My favorite to listen to right now is a CD, Sandcastles, by Pasadena artist Charles Bryant. Charles writes songs I wish I could write.

: hat is yo r son ritin pro ess

: hat is the si ni i an e o an eon e as as a pla e or yo and spe i ially as it o ld relate to yo r m si

RR: I entitled my album True San Leon Stories because that is what my songs are. All but one, Hearts and Minds, were written while I lived in San Leon. “Key To Your Gate”, for instance, is about a woman who I was stupidly infatuated with, who opened her electric service, in my name, without my permission, and then moved another man in. “Your Love Ain’t Worth It” was written from deep heartache. It was the first of my songs that I watched connect deeply with someone. I was playing in a Walmart parking lot while my girlfriend shopped and a security guard heard me play it. I could tell he was very into it. He came back twice, in his golf cart, and asked me to play it again, expressing that I had written HIS song.

: hat is yo r m si al oal or 0

RR: I have never thought much about my songwriting process, but all my songs were in response to some event, some person, or some relationship. I just want to tell my story. I start with an idea, get started with a few lyrics, and then start strumming, usually in the key of C, and try to find a melody that doesn’t sound exactly like my other songs. I have never thought of myself as a guitar player, but a singer, accompanying myself by strumming.

RR: I have not been playing much for the last couple of years other than an occasional benefit, open mic, or celebration, but now that my dear friends have produced this album, that must change. I very much need to get back on the scene, which is always vibrant on the Texas Coast. My goal in 2024 is to regain some of my musical oomph, after the last couple of years just not feeling it. I need to hit the scene again, make some new friends, and stop acting like I’m too old.

: here is the best pla e or people to ind o t here yo re playin ne t ebsite so ial media

RR: Best place to find out where I’ll be playing is to follow me on my Facebook page.

Tate

L-R Paul Tacquard, Richard Rhea, J. Scott Rivera

Paul Tacquard

J. Scott Rivera

Richard “Richard The Drifter” Rhea

FISHING on the Island

A Guide To Galveston Fishing

Crista Gonzales with an 80# Broadbill Swordfish. Hand cranked from 1,700 ft. down in the Gulf Of Mexico out of Galveston.

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09. 9 .711 et oo edFishin Charter. om Harborwalk Marina on Galveston’s West Bay 1445 Harborwalk Blvd, Hitchcock/Galveston, TX 77563

The With Chris Gonzales

Experienced Fishing Advice To Make Fishing Great Again

Serious Tackle Box

Red Snapper Top to Bottom

Red snapper get’em while you can. Another year will be in the books before you know it! Generally speaking, the most important part of catching red snapper is simply being where they are. If you don’t have that information, there is an assortment of maps and books that are widely available at most coastal tackle shops and sporting goods stores to guide you. The many party boats, charter boats, and their knowledgeable captains along our Texas coast will get you there, too. Remember that no matter whose boat you’re on, simple red snapper rigging gets the job done.

number of methods along this line to be covered here will do just that - get the job done from the top to the bottom of the water column. The freelined, or unweighted rigging shown at the top of the illustration is as basic as it gets. The freelined bait sinks slowly on its own weight plus that of the hook, leader, and swivel. For the most part, this works best in a light current situation. The through the mouth and out of the gill of the baitfish allows the hook to be placed toward the tail - this gets the short strikers most of the time. Size an egg weight as needed, and place it on the line above the swivel to get your baitfish to the depth that the snapper is suspending.

potential. Most of the time, hungry snapper will inhale the whole baitfishthey will also bite off just the rear half(short strikers). If you get a hit and a miss, wait a few seconds, your snapper or another one is likely to soon eat the head half. Reeling in too quickly could cause you to miss a return customer. This whole exciting scenario can be clearly seen when red snappers are feeding shallow.

The illustration’s sow rig has the same factors controlling the size of its egg weight as the freelined rig. The water depth also plays a part; 2 to ounces is usually sufficient. While a nose-hooked dead bait works well, live is normally light years ahead. Hooking a live baitfish in the vent area makes it struggle upward against the weight of the hook and leader. The vibrations generated are like a dinner bell to the big red snappers in the area, plus the grouper, amberjack, and ling, to name a few - your bait’s headed into harm’s way for sure.

Red Snapper - Top to Bottom

Current strength will control the size of the egg weight needed for getting to that depth; a 1/4 to 2 oz. egg weight will be sufficient 99% of the time. This rigging also works for kingfish when a wire leader is used in place of the mono; use camo brown wire such as #7, 86# Malin. wire leader also aids a bit with the hookset- a big snapper can’t clamp down on the wire, so it slides through its closed jaws as the line comes tight.

The baitfish on the freelined or lightly weighted rig can also be nose-hooked. This lets the hook work to its best predator-attracting

Vent area hooked baitfish also have an added hookup advantage. With your hook toward the bait fish’s tail and it likely being eaten head first, the predator fish, even if it feels the hook as being something unnatural, the swallowing process may be too far along for it to spit your bait. At that point, a hookup is almost assured.

With the bottom rig, you can also slowly play out line, letting your live baitfish swim up a bit. Tighten down for the hookset when you feel any increased speed or weight on the tightening line. Don’t forget that when using a circle hook to let the line come tight, then reel down hard. Hooksets are sure and very few come unbuttoned during the fight to the surface when using a circle hook.

Use these basic rigging methods as outlined and they will out-fish most others many times over. These simple rigging methods will enable you to catch the red snapper you’re after plus the numerous other species already mentioned. Give them a shot, you won’t be disappointed.

Back to the baitfish. . .use the freshest available Spanish sardines, cigar minnows, sand trout, tinker mackerel, croakers, etc. As far as live goes, buy or catch them before you go, or catch them when you get offshore. Bring a bait rod, small hooks, bait, or your favorite sabiki rig. Those caught on site are what the area’s predators had been scoping out when you got there. Give them what they want.

If you have any questions, stop by Serious Tackle or email me at hris

Chris Gonzales Owner - Serious Tackle

Fishin ear a le

Ingredients

onion - 2 cups thin sliced bell pepper - 1 1/2

cups chopped fresh jalapeno - 1/2 cup minced

andouille sausage - 2

cups chopped

fresh salmon - 2 lbs.

egg noodles - 16 oz

Grilled Salmon in a Creamy Cajun Pasta Recipe Of The Month

queso blanco melting cheese - 1 lb. cut into cubes

chicken stock - 1 1/2 cups

half and half - 2

cups

butter - 2 sticks flour - 2 tbsp

TSS Herbal Red - 2 tbsp

TSS Texas Pequin

Garlic Salt - 1 tsp

Black pepper - 1 tsp

emove skin from salmon, spray with ghee or brush with olive oil and season with TSS Herbal Red. Grill at 350 until 140 degrees internal then set aside to cool. Once cool break the salmon by hand into pieces.

In a deep twelve-inch-skillet, brown the andouille on med high heat until the fat is rendered out and pieces get crispy. Next add all vegetables and two sticks of butter. Continue to cook stirring often until vegetables are soft. Whisk in flour until smooth then add half and half, chicken stock, cheese, and seasonings. Reduce heat to low and stir often for 10 minutes.

Prepare egg noodles according to package then drain water, add to sauce, and reduce heat to lowest setting. Cover and stir often for minutes. Finally, remove from heat and gently stir in salmon. Garnish with Italian parsley, lemon slice, garlic bread, and ENJOY!

Follow Wild Bill

The Beach Bum

First 10 Music Videos That Appeared On MTV

Happy July Wavers - Summer is the perfect time to host family and friends and enjoy a nice backyard cookout. Your Bum has a super big screen TV he likes to bring outside to watch during these special occasions. Recently, while we were all partying, we decided we would tune into YouTube and enjoy some great music videos.

I had a random thought the other day while I was out riding around in my ol’ scarab. It’s not like me to have many thoughts in a day, but here is what had me thinking…

When i the rst musi vi eos ome out What ear as it What ban s an musi ians ere erforming in some of the ver rst ones Well our um i a little research and came up with some answers to these questions and more. Do you kno hat as the ver rst musi vi eo to a ear on hat makes for a ver good trivia question. I bet you can stump a lot of people with that question.Here is a list in or er of the rst ten vi eos to a ear on . rett arn interesting

mber 1 - ideo illed he

tar by he B les

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R eflections

by: John & Kathy Valastro

Galveston…

Do You Really Know Me?

sland riends many o s re p on this island and have a fondness for her that transcends anything we have learned in school, in books, and what we can find on Google. For BOIs, it is part of our DNA. Generation after generation has stories that were passed down and the remaining structure and architecture remind us of a place that has taken what time and mother nature has thrown at us, and we are still here. I am amazed as I traverse the island, finding myself on streets I’ve never been or can’t remember ever being on, even though I was born here and am now 60 years old.

to Juneteenth. Talk about an education! What a wonderful way to travel through Galveston and learn about some of the grandest sites, architecture, people, families, and events that influenced this island enclave.

Historical Sites: have included just a few of the historical sites on the island.

1 M C B. M AR O - 1 0 rd treet - Galveston’s oldest residence and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

histoHistordevoted encom -

But unfortunately, and fortunately for all, we have a dedicated recorded history of this beautiful island. If you have not taken the time to meander through the streets of Galveston in a while, I would make this suggestion to you –take the time to get to know her again. As we get older our memories fade and we forget. We forget the courageous stories of survival from powerful hurricanes and immigration; from Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and around the world to an often-unwelcoming place. Yet the courage and will of these immigrants helped make this island unique. Immigrants brought traditions, culture, foods, architecture, skills, and dreams which built the island and made it one of the most thriving centers in the early 20th century.

Galveston Historical Foundation (GHF) was formed as the Galveston Historical Society in 1871 and merged with a new organization formed in 1954 as a non-profit entity devoted to historic preservation and history in Galveston County. Over the last sixty years, GHF has expanded its mission to encompass community redevelopment, historic preservation advocacy, maritime preservation, coastal resiliency, and stewardship of historic properties. GHF embraces a broader vision of history and architecture that encompasses advancements in environmental and natural sciences and their intersection with historic buildings and coastal life and conceives of history as an engaging story of individual lives and experiences on Galveston Island from the 19th century to the present day.

istori al Mar ers

Did you know there are over 200 historical markers just in Galveston, Texas? Galveston’s history is so rich and full of incredible stories, from Hurricanes

Victorian residences and home to Galveston icon Ms. Bettie Brown. Galveston’s Juneteenth Exhibit “And Still We Rise…” is located in the car riage house of the 1859 Ashton Villa and overseen by Galveston Historical

a long journey towards “absolute equality.”

1 9 A O A - Broad ay - One of Galveston’s beloved Victorian residences and home to Galveston icon Ms. Bettie Brown. Galveston’s Juneteenth Exhibit “And Still We Rise…” is located in the carriage house of the 1859 Ashton Villa and overseen by Galveston Historical Foundation’s African American Heritage Committee, introduces the context and consequences of that announcement from 1865 to the present day, in a long journey towards “absolute equality.”

1 9 . O P C RC - 0 A en e - The oldest German Catholic Church in Texas and the oldest wooden church building in Gal-

Catholic Church in Texas and the oldest wooden church building in Gal veston.

1 7 OR C R B - 17 trand - Originally used as an office for a coal yard and one of the oldest buildings on The Strand. LeClere was the brother-in-law of Michel Menard, one of the founders of

1 7 OR C R B - 17 trandGalveston.

1 77 A P A - Pier - The Official Tall Ship of Texas and one of only three ships of her kind that still actively sails. Open daily to the public.

1 0 AR R - 70 A en e O - Originally a social club for Germans and German speakers and part of Kempner Park.

1 9 B OP PA AC - 1 0 Broad ay - Built for the Gresham family and a National Historic Landmark. One of Galveston Island’s most visited historic attractions.

Menard House circa 1904Ashton Villa circa 1910 St. Joseph’s Church Isidore Leclere Building 1877 Tall Ship Elissa Garten Verein circa 1958

1 9 MOO MA O - 1 Broad ay - Restored to its turn-of-the-century splendor, this 28,000-square-foot, four-story Galveston historic home was completed in 1895. The home has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places by the U.S. Department of the Interior since 1994 and a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark since 1967.

190 PO - 0 Mar et treet - One of the “most handsome and most substantial of its kind,” this site was originally owned by the Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad, commonly known as the “Katy”.

19 0 C A O A BA B - 19 Mar et treet - Located in the Central Business District and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it’s recognized as one of the city’s most important early 20th-century buildings.

R - 0 trand - Downtown Galveston’s newest park and only greenspace! Located next to the historic Hendley building and in The Strand National Historic Landmark District.

M AR A - 0 A en e O - Part of the larger Menard Complex and used as a private event venue.

its historical value, the family offered the mausoleum as a gift to GHF.

OPP RMA MA O M - Cal ary Cemetery 0 th t. - The Oppermann mausoleum has been in the family for over 130 years. Due to

RA C OC - nd trand - This cast-iron clock from the turn of the 19th century was installed in 1989 after it was found in a San Antonio warehouse.

A O OR C APOR - Pier - Home to the 1877 ELISSA and features numerous exhibits, a gift shop, and more.

My island friends and visitors, I encourage you to take some time to get to know Galveston Island again. It’s more than a place; it’s alive with history, architecture, and people. It has a spirit that is looking for people to rest upon and enjoy. Galveston is rich with history and we thank the dedicated staff and board of the Galveston Historical Foundation.

With so many historical markers, it is time to get out our map and plan our routes to see all 200 of them. At my age, I better get started, there is so much history to enjoy. I hope to see you out and about.

John and Kathy Valastro

*Thank you to the GHS and Rosenberg Library archives for providing information and images for this reflection. www.galvestonhistory.org www.rosenberg-library.org

Cookin’Column

Happy July, my friends!

Bunny has a new twist on an old cliche’ and it goes something like this:

“When LIFE gives you LEMONS, use them to make wonderful FOOD!”

Yes, I do love the simple beauty of lemons and their wondrous tart flavor is just the perfect addition to many great recipes.

The parmesan-crusted Lemon Chicken recipe is so EASY to make and completely ready in just 30 minutes! That heavenly garlic and lemon butter sauce adds so much mouth-watering flavor to this dish.

Lemon Chicken with Luscious Lemon Sauce

Ingredients:

• 2 large chicken breasts, patted dry with paper towels (chicken tenders will also work)

• 2 Tbsp. olive oil, to sauté the chicken

• 1 Tbsp. parsley or desired herbs, to garnish (optional)

• 1/2 lemon, sliced, for garnish (optional)

for egg mixture...

• 2 large eggs

• 1 garlic clove, minced

• 1/2 tsp. Italian seasoning

• 1/2 tsp. salt

• 1/4 tsp. ground pepper

for breading...

• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

• 3 Tbsp. all-purpose flour

for butter sauce...

• 1 stick butter

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1/4 cup lemon juice

• 1/4 cup chicken broth

• 1/4 tsp. ground black pepper

Directions

C ut the chicken breasts in half lengthwise. Lightly pound with a meat mallet or rolling pin until even in thickness. In a bowl, whisk together the ingredients for the egg mixture. In another bowl, combine the ingredients for the parmesan mixture. Dip the chicken into the egg mixture, then dredge the chicken in the parmesan mixture. Allow any excess ingredients to fall off into each bowl. In a large skillet, heat enough oil to cover the bottom of the skillet. Once hot, add the chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until crispy, golden, and cooked thoroughly to 165 degrees on an Instant Read thermometer. Reduce the heat if the chicken browns too quickly.

Meanwhile, in a separate saucepan, melt butter and garlic, and cook until fragrant. Add the chicken broth, lemon juice, and pepper. Allow the sauce to cook for about 2 minutes. Pour the sauce over the cooked chicken, turning to coat. Garnish with lemon slices and finely chopped parsley, if desired.

Frosted Lemonade

A cross between a milkshake and lemonade, this frosted lemonade is just the thing to get you through the hottest days of summer. And it’s a perfect “copycat” of your favorite drink from a certain fast-food chicken sandwich chain we all love. Bunny even included a skinny version of this recipe for her friends who worry about such things.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups Breyers Natural Vanilla Ice Cream (or any favorite vanilla ice cream)

• 1 cups Newman’s Own or Minute Maid

Simply Lemonade

• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

• Zest of 1 lemon

Directions

Place all ingredients into a blender, and blend until smooth and well combined. Serve and enjoy!