Galveston Waves October 2024

Director

Tiffany

Executive

Mike Burke|Publisher

BURKE’S BRIEFS

7 Year Anniversary!

Happy October 2024, Wavers!

Contributors

Richard

J.A.

Jan

Billy

Subscriptions

October is always a special month for all of us at Waves Magazine. This October marks our 7th ANNIVERSARY! Our first Waves edition was published in October 2017. What a fun and wonderful ride it is! I cannot thank our loyal readers and advertisers enough. Thank you all so much!

You can’t survive and flourish in this business for 7 years without a great team. We feel like our team of writers and contributors are some of the best in the business.

What a fun month October is going to be. Oktoberfest, Halloween Parties, the Greek Festival, and the fantastic Lone Star Rally are all taking place! There is no better place to be than right here in Galveston this month.

I say this every month, but now it is more important than ever: BUY LOCAL and support our local business. They need and deserve our support. Almost anything you could ever want or need can be found right here in Galveston.

Again, thank you Wavers for your 7 years of supporting Waves Magazine. We certainly appreciate it and we will continue to provide you with an entertaining product you look forward to reading each and every month.

Mike Burke | Publisher

PET Corner

The Texas Blue Indigo King of the Lone Star’s Snakes

With the opening of whitetail deer season in Texas on the first Saturday in November, hundreds of sportsmen will be heading down south to areas around Uvalde for their yearly pilgrimage. While tromping around their leases they may be fortunate enough to have an encounter with a Texas Indigo snake. They are the largest snake in Texas with some unverified reports of individuals reaching ten feet long. They range from just south of San Antonio to northern Mexico. Just the sight of one of these iridescent blue beauties is enough to startle even a seasoned herpetologist. Fortunately, they are non-venomous and for the most part harmless if left alone.

The Texas Indigo is a protected species. They cannot be collected without a permit. They should never be harmed. If it is not a crime to kill one, it should be. The biggest risk they face is being run over by autos as they cross highways. Indigos, unlike most snakes, are day hunters. They cruise around ranchlands looking for anything that might serve as their next meal. For that reason, encounters with people are frequent. It is important to know what an Indigo snake looks like, so we know they are not only harmless but beneficial to have on our land. They are known to eat rabbits, rodents, turtles,

lizards, and other snakes. They are not constrictors, so they use their brawn to bite, overpower, and swallow their prey whole.

The most fascinating ability of the Indigo is their ability to track, attack, and swallow a diamondback rattlesnake whole. In fact, this is their favorite pastime. They can detect a rattlesnake’s scent, patiently follow their trail, and go into predator mode when they find the other snake. They are immune to rattlesnake venom so even if bitten they continue their attack. The rattlesnake is overpowered and eaten headfirst often with the rattle still rattling away. There are amazing videos on the internet of Indigos taking care of business. What a fascinating creature that makes Texas their home. Worth looking at the videos.

Our Texas Indigo’s “big brother” is found in Florida where America’s largest snake resides. The Eastern Indigo is even larger than the Texas variety and is more striking. They have a bright red chin and an incredible iridescence when out in sunlight.

Due to habitat destruction, this reptile has required serious protection measures to save it from extinction.

Fortunately, a captive breeding program in Florida has been so successful that yearling Eastern Indigos are now being released into protected wild habitats that are favorable for their survival and repopulation. Theirs is a conservation success story that I hope will never be required to protect our Texas version.

If any of us are lucky enough to happen upon an Indigo Snake in its natural habitat remain calm, grab your camera, and enjoy the beauty of an amazing member of the animal kingdom right here in the Lone Star State.

When out in nature, do no harm, “Keep Texas Wild.”

Richard D. Henderson, DVM

Galveston Veterinary Clinic 2108 61st Street Galveston, TX 77551

MostPET PEEVES

Of The Month

Obnoxious Seat Savers and Chair Hogs

of us have had this happen more than once. We arrive at a venue that is open seating or general admission. We scan the area and find ourselves a couple of vacant seats. As we proceed to the empty seats and prepare to sit down, some obnoxious person begins to tell us that the empty seats are all saved. Oh, really now?

They look pretty vacant to us! Then the person begins to tell us, often rudely, that the seats are all saved for their friends who haven’t even arrived at the venue yet. Our answer to this is to sit down. If their friends wanted those seats, they should have shown up before we arrived and secured them. First come, first served.

Another horrible situation is the “Chair Hogs” that you find on the deck of a cruise ship. As any traveler who has been on a cruise can attest, the early bird gets the deck chair. Some of the annoying, self-entitled, pain in the rear-end passengers rise at the crack of dawn and plop down newspapers, towels, and bags to lay claim to prized deck chairs with primo locations.

They then leave their chairs throughout the day while they go take naps, feed their face, or hit the casino expecting that the chairs will be theirs when they return.

NO! WE DON’T LIKE THAT!

Our special thanks go out to the awesome Carnival Cruise Line for taking terrific measures to stop all of this. Designed to ensure that all guests have access to deck chairs, dedicated crew members have been allocated to monitor chair usage.

Unoccupied deck chairs will have a notification placed on them with the time that the chair was vacated. If the chair remains unoccupied for 40 minutes, a crew member will remove any belongings and take them to the towel station for safekeeping freeing up the chair for others to enjoy - as it should be.

hope that more companies adopt this

Re l ati o nshipAd v ic e with Jan & Dean

Hi Jan and Dean - My wife Kimberly and I rarely argue but we are in a major dispute right now. It is regarding the Halloween costume she wants to wear this year. The costume she has chosen is very skimpy and leaves hardly anything to the imagination. To me, it is shameful and very embarrassing. My wife, the mother of our three young children, wants to dress up as a French maid. In my opinion, that is not something a lady should parade around in and wear out in public for all to see. Kimberly is calling me a total prude and tells me I need to lighten up and get with the times. I think Halloween should be about our children dressing up in cute costumes and going door-to-door trick-or-treating. When did Halloween turn into an excuse for adults to dress up trashy? Kimberly and I are nowhere near a compromise. She tells me she is physically fit, has a nice body, and that she is going to show it off this Halloween. She is going to do this whether I approve of it or not. I don’t know what to do Jan and Dean. I am ashamed of this entire situation. What can I do to convince Kimberly that she is wrong to dress like this? - Dave is Disgusted

Hello Dave - I’m going to agree with you. I do not think your wife Kimberly should be dressing up like this for Halloween or any other occasion. I can see that this would be an embarrassment to you. Kimberly should be focused on your three children and their costumes and not on herself.

It sounds like she wants a “look at me” situation when the emphasis should be on your children. I have noticed a trend these past several years that Halloween has really changed. The focus seems to have turned away from children, their costumes, and door-to-door trick-or-treating, to an “adult-themed” partying with no-holds-barred costumes. The trashier the better.

I am of the belief that what adults do behind closed doors in their own homes is totally fine, but what they do out in public is a different situation entirely. Unfortunately, I don’t think there is anything you can do to change your wife’s mind. It seems like she is determined to do what she wants to do.

Hi Dave - I have been worrying lately that I have been agreeing way too many times with Jan. You have me back on track and feeling better about myself. I totally disagree with Jan’s answer.

I don’t see anything wrong at all with your wife enjoying a little adult fun. I am sure that Kimberly, raising three young children, knows how to multitask. There is no reason why your children can’t enjoy attending a Halloween party with some trick or treating afterward. Later in the evening, Kimberly can unwind and enjoy herself. There is no reason that both things can’t happen. All it takes is some advance planning.

I don’t find your wife’s costume to be obscene at all. Let her unwind and enjoy a night of fun. Loosen up, Dave.

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

FOCUS

ON FITNESS

Shaye Henderson, BSN, M.Ed., M.S., Instructor at Bent On Healthy Living Wellness Center, 2910 53rd Street, Galveston

Fit Together

How Group Fitness Enhances Both Your Fitness and Your Friendships

Last week, twenty-two beautiful souls filled my Tuesday 10:30 a.m. Pump & Burn class at Bent on Healthy Living Wellness Center. Fifty-nine percent of these were friends who have been working out with me for years, some for the entire twenty-eight years I have taught group fitness on the island.

As I looked out over the many faces before class started, I was just in awe at the dedication and consistency, not just the long-timers in my classes but of all who chose to get up that morning, get dressed, drive to and then put out the effort to push themselves and their bodies hard for 60 minutes, and then leave the class spent but with a smile and a feeling of Zen and accomplishment. Then, do it all again the next day, and the next day, and the next day, or as often as possible.

It got me thinking about what draws people to group fitness. What is the lure? And sure enough, there is science to prove the benefits of working out with others.

completed the program, compared to only 76% who completed the program alone. The group participants were also 46% more likely to maintain their weight loss once they had achieved their goals.

2. Group Exercise Can Inspire and Motivate You

Here are five ways group workouts can enhance your fitness and your friendships:

1. Group Workouts Hold You Accountable

It’s all too easy to talk yourself out of a workout. But when your friends are joining you already in their gym clothes, it’s a little more challenging to back out. One of the key benefits of exercising with a group is that it holds you accountable. Group exercise classes are bonded by mutual effort and interest, encouraging participation and keeping people on track with their goals. One study found that 95% of the participants who started a weight-loss program with friends

If you’ve exercised in a group, you’ve undoubtedly experienced the eagerness to rise to the occasion alongside your peers—or best them in friendly competition. Nothing is more motivating than being surrounded by like-minded people striving toward their goals with energy and enthusiasm. This healthy competition and peer pressure can go a long way toward your own fitness goals, including building your endurance, boosting your heart health, and skyrocketing your confidence. Plus, group workouts inspire you to try new things. Your friends may encourage you to try that new machine, or a group class instructor may show you different ways to work the same muscle. Changing your routine is essential for both effectiveness and enjoyment; being in a group can inspire you to keep that variety popping.

3. Group Exercise Can Help You Prevent Injuries

It’s easy to make mistakes as a beginner going at it alone. However, a qualified instructor can guide your form and serve as a great support to help you make the most of your workout while avoiding risks of injury. Also, group classes often begin with a warm-up and end with a cool-down, relieving muscle tension and preventing injury. A qualified instructor can also guide you on alternatives to certain moves in case you have any pre-existing injuries or conditions that make a movement harmful.

4. Group Exercise Enhances Your Social Life

Exercising with a group means going through all the ups and downs of a workout together, which can strengthen the social bond of the group you work out with and even foster new friendships. Exercising with your friends can also be a great way to enhance your current relationships and make it a fun and healthy way to spend time together. A study by researchers at the University of Southern California reported that people who worked out with their spouses, friends, or even co-workers enjoyed their workouts more than those who went solo.

All in all, whether you need that extra motivation for your fitness goals or just want to make new friends, group exercise creates community and endless opportunities towards a more fit and happy life. Exercising alongside friends and like-minded individuals can be highly inspiring. The encouragement and support of workout buddies can push you to give your best effort during each fitness session and help you achieve your fitness-building goals. So, grab a friend, head to the gym or studio, or put on your Social Sally smile and meet new people at your local fitness hangout.

5. Group Exercise is Just Fun

Whether it’s a Pump & Burn class or a high-energy cycling class, nothing feeds individual energy like the energy of a group. Part of that effect is the production of endorphins, the hormones released by the brain that naturally make you feel good—even euphoric—and reduce pain. A 2009 study by Oxford University scientists compared the same athletes rowing solo for 45 minutes and rowing in a team simultaneously. The team session reported higher endorphin levels in the athletes.

Shaye Henderson

Shaye Henderson, BSN, M.Ed., M.S., Instructor at Bent On Healthy

SAT, OCT 5 | 8 PM

Passionate Drumming. Explosive Dance. Fiery Theatrics. Argentina’s answer to Stomp and Riverdance.

ARToberFEST

SAT, OCT 19 | 10 AM - 5 PM SUN, OCT 20 | 10 AM - 4 PM

A juried fine arts festival including live music, food and a kids zone!

STOMP

FRI, OCT 25 | 8 PM SAT, OCT 26 | 3 PM & 8 PM

STOMP is explosive, provocative, sophisticated, sexy, utterly unique and appeals to audiences of all ages.

NEW KID ON THE BLOCK

Galveston College unveils cutting-edge Health Sciences Education Center

Galveston’s thriving island community has long been known for its rich history, sandy beaches, and vibrant tourist life. But there’s a new addition that’s about to change the landscape in a whole new way – a state-of-the-art, three-story, 64,000-squarefoot facility dedicated to training the healthcare heroes of tomorrow—and it’s right here in the heart of Galveston!

In August, Galveston College proudly opened the doors to its Health Sciences Education Center, a game-changer for healthcare education in the region, with sleek labs, high-tech classrooms and simulation spaces that put students right in the middle of real-world medical scenarios. Whether you’re here on vacation or a lifelong local, this new hub for healthcare education is bound to catch your eye—and maybe even inspire you (or someone you

know) to dive into a rewarding career in healthcare.

The launch of Galveston College’s new state-of-the-art facility will help meet the increasing demand for healthcare professionals in the workforce and shape the future of healthcare education in Galveston and the region.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony was nothing short of a local celebration. Community leaders, healthcare professionals, donors, excited students and residents all gathered to witness the grand opening of Galveston College’s beacon of innovation and opportunity. As waves crashed on the nearby shore, the promise of a brighter future for Galveston’s healthcare workforce was officially set in motion.

What’s inside?

Designed to meet the growing demand for skilled healthcare workers, the new Health Sciences Education Center is equipped with cutting-edge technology and modern learning spaces that will provide students with the hands-on training needed to excel in various healthcare professions.

Inside this modern, cutting-edge facility, students will have access to the latest and greatest in medical technology. From Nursing

and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) to Radiography and Surgical Technology, this is where the next generation of healthcare workers will get hands-on experience in fields like Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Computerized Tomography (CT), Nuclear Medicine Technology, Diagnostic Medical Sonography and Healthcare Management. These aren’t just buzzwords—these are the lifelines of healthcare today, and the

island’s new facility is fully equipped to train students in all of them.

Building Your Tomorrow

So, why does this matter to you, whether you’re a sunseeking tourist or a proud islander? Because the Health Sciences Education Center isn’t just about training future healthcare pros—it’s about community. Galveston College is shaping a local workforce that will care for island residents and visitors alike. The next nurse who treats you at the clinic or the paramedic rushing to the scene might be trained in this very building.

Whether you’re interested in healthcare or just excited to see the island grow, this new facility is set to have a lasting impact on the community.

If you or someone you know is thinking about a future in healthcare, now’s the time to look into Galveston College’s healthcare programs. The doors are open, the technology is top-notch, and the possibilities are endless. So, start Building Your Tomorrow at Galveston College!

Galveston College nursing students Alyssa and Aysha work on a simulation trainer in the new Nursing Skills Lab.

The Health Sciences Education Center ribbon-cutting featured local dignitaries, Galveston College regents, Foundation board members, and GC President W. Myles Shelton (center).

GC students attending class in the lecture hall.

Bob Rohan, or as he is known in Texas “Bad Bob”, has been playing the fiddle and singing in various groups for over 30 years in Texas, and has opened for Merle Haggard, Willie Nelson, Charlie Daniels, Carlene Carter and John Conley to name a few. Bob has played in bands that have backed up country legends like Hank Thompson, Ray Price, Jack Greene, Pam Tillis, and Dale Watson.

Along with songwriting, Bob is also a talented cartoonist and has a self syndicated comic strip titled “Buffalo Gals”. The comic feature is about two cowgirls “Bess Winchester” and “Connie Cheyenne”. The comic strip was inspired after playing with “The Hays County Gals and Pals” a cowgirl western group that toured through Texas, Oklahoma and as far west as Elko, Nevada. Bob has won The Wisconsin State Fiddle Championship and has been nominated several times from The Academy of Western Artists for Best Cowboy Cartoonist.

www.badbobrohan.com

Fall Gardening Checklist

As we welcome the cooler temperatures, it’s time to welcome a new season into the gardens. Some plants thrive in the heat of summer, but most are going to be heat stressed from the summer season. Now is the time to freshen up the garden’s appearance and tend to those perennials that are going to put on a flush of new growth due to the break in the heat.

Perennials are plants that live more than one season and are not killed by a freeze, nor do they die back to the ground to return from the roots come spring. Here on the island, there are a good many plants that are annuals in other gardening zones (meaning they only live one year) but since we rarely freeze these plants keep on going. These will need to be treated as perennials.

Here Is Your Fall Gardening Checklist:

• Trim perennials back, especially if the plants have grown leggy over the summer.

• DO NOT trim azaleas- these plants bloom on old growth. If you trim them now, you will trim off the next year’s blooms.

• Trim shrubs and shape foundation plantings.

• Trim rosebushes.

• Cut any dead wood or damaged limbs from shrubs and plants.

• Spread a 2-inch layer of compost over beds.

• Spread 3-4-inches of mulch over beds.

• Set out cool season annuals such as snap dragons and pansies.

With a little care and effort, you will enjoy a lovely fall gardening season with plenty of blooms and joy. I know it may seem like your garden will look bare if you trim everything back. However, the plants will regrow quickly, and you will have much prettier plants and more blooms with this fall maintenance.

Hope was found as a stray near the west end seawall of Galveston in mid-July. She was found in a severely emaciated state and was given the name “Hope.” Hope received medical care at GIHS and was then placed in foster care to gain weight, strength and confidence. Now, Hope is a healthy, happy and thriving 4-year-old German Shepherd mix. She is house and kennel trained and knows basic commands. Her leash walking skills are improving daily. Hope would love a home with room to run and play and is protective of her loved ones. Can you be the one to restore her trust in humans and give her a long and loving life?

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 Hope can give them the mental and emotional break they need from shelter life. If you’re interested in fostering, please visit www.galvestonhumane.org/foster.

If you’re interested in adopting Hope, please apply at www.galvestonhumane.org/adopt

Fun Facts Historical Galveston

By: Thomas Waggoner

Monuments, Markers, and Museums

Hello, Wavers! I hope your summer has been great. As a child, I remember getting ready for the beach. “Mom, where are the towels”? Dad, “Has anyone packed the suntan oil”? Don’t forget the umbrella! And so on…. My mom packed the ice cooler with drinks and lunch. My dad made sure we had the surfboard. I thought it would never happen, but finally, we left for the beach, Galveston Island. My favorite place!

The Texas Hero’s Monument - I always knew we were almost at the beach when you could see the big statue at 25th and Broadway! The Texas Hero’s Monument! A little history first. April 21, 1900, was selected as the date for the celebration. An estimated 10,000 people gathered at the site to witness the unveiling of a monument honoring the heroes of the Texas Revolution. The date marked the anniversary of the victory at the Battle of San Jacinto which ended the war. Nationally renowned sculptor Louis Amateis designed the granite and bronze structure composed of 72-foot vertical columns upon a 34-square-foot base. The base includes four bronze panels with figures that tell the story of Texas’s struggle for sovereignty. A bronze female figure of Victory projects toward the sky. Fun Fact: The statue was a gift of Henry Rosenberg, whose last will and testament included a special bequest for this purpose.

Henry Rosenberg - Upon the death of Galveston businessman Henry Rosenberg in 1893, the community was surprised by the generous charitable gifts established in his will. Allotted in his will were $30,000 each to the Galveston Orphans’ Home and Grace Episcopal Church. In addition to a nursing home, a YMCA, and a library, Mr. Rosenberg also provided funds for public drinking fountains as well as the monument honoring those who fought during the Texas war for independence from Mexico. Fun Fact: He began banking as a director of the First National Bank of Galveston in 1868 and expanded his interests in 1871 when he became president of the Galveston City Railroad Company.

2328 Broadway - Ashton Villa - A lot of people aren’t aware that Ashton Villa in Galveston is where a monumental event in U. S. history occurred. Two and a half years after U.S. President Abraham Lincoln announced the Emancipation Proclamation, Major General Gordon Granger and more than two thousand Federal soldiers arrived in Galveston on June 19, 1865, to announce that enslaved people had been freed. Fun Fact: This was also the first house to ever be built on Broadway Boulevard, and it was the first mansion to be built on the island.

chief meteorologist at the Galveston office of the U.S. Weather Bureau––was not allowed to even use the word “hurricane” in an official warning without consent from D.C.

Grade Raising - From 1903 to 1911, nearly 500 city blocks were raised. Around 2,000 buildings were raised on hand-turned jackscrews. The sand fill was dredged from the entrance to Galveston Harbor and then transported to the residential district through a 20-foot deep, 200-foot wide, and 2.5-mile-long canal using four self-loading hopper dredges. This increased the elevation anywhere from eight to seventeen feet. Homeowners were responsible for the expense of raising their homes and fences. Fun Fact: If homeowners could not afford to raise their residences, they would simply move to the second floor and allow the first floor to be filled in.

Historical Marker - 4901 Seawall Boulevard - The 1900 storm changed everything for the Island. This was prior to the Seawall being built. The Weather Bureau director Willis Moore had implemented a policy to block telegraph reports from the Cuban meteorologists due to tensions in the aftermath of the Spanish-American War. This resulted in the weather forecasters having no way of knowing the storm’s trajectory. History shows us the results were devastating! Fun Fact: In 1900, Isaac Cline––

The Bryan Museum - The Galveston Orphans’ Home - Galveston Orphans’ Home served our island community and provided care for orphaned children. In 1879, the local business community had come together to establish the Island City Protestant and Israelitish Orphans Asylum. Galveston Daily News: “The object is to create a religious and still homelike impression upon the youthful mind.” The orphanage later dropped its religious affiliation and was renamed the Galveston Orphans Home.

It was greatly damaged in the 1900 hurricane. The center imploded on itself. The exterior faces of the gables on the north and south fell away, as well as the dormers, exposing the attic to the storm. All three porches and porticoes completely collapsed. But the home had a savior on the way!

The Texas Hero’s Monument Henry Rosenberg

Ashton Villa 4901 Seawall Boulevard

Before and after the 1900 hurricane.

William Randolph Hearst

William Randolph Hearst, the famed newspaper publisher, sponsored a charity bazaar at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City on October 15 and 16, 1900 to benefit the Galveston Orphans home. The crowd raised $50,000. Fun Fact: Well-known guests included Samuel Clemens (better known as Mark Twain), Mrs. John Astor, and the Texas Governor, Joseph D. Sayers.

This fund was enough to rebuild the Galveston Orphans Home. Ross Dinyari purchased the former Galveston Orphans Home in 1987 and transformed the building into his exquisite private residence.

On October 11, 2013, the home was sold to J.P. Bryan. He requested a complete restoration of the historic 1902 structure. The completed building is now home to the Bryan Museum. It opened in June 2015. Fun Fact: It contains the world’s largest collection of historical artifacts, documents, and artwork relating to the Southwestern region of the United States.

Bishop’s Palace - This was always my favorite castle. As a kid, I built a lot of sandcastles! The Bishop’s Palace is how I imagined my creations in the sand always looked! It was built from 1886 to 1892 by prominent lawyer Colonel Walter Gresham. Its architect, Nicholas Clayton, was considered Galveston’s premier architect at the time. In 1923, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Galveston purchased the building, and it served as the bishop’s residence until 1963 when the diocese opened the building to public tours. Now belonging to the Galveston-Houston Catholic Archdiocese, it is managed as a museum by the Galveston Historical Foundation. The house is built from native Texas granite, white limestone, and red sandstone, which were all cut and shaped on the premises. The hand-carved interior woodwork is made of several rare woods, such as rosewood, satinwood, white mahogany, American oak, and maple. The wood surface on each side of its massive sliding doors matches the room it faces. Fun Fact: Because of its intricate Victorian-era architecture the house was cited by the American Institute of Architects as one of the hundred most important buildings in America.

and five bathrooms. Tyndall incorporated many technological advances of the period including a one-passenger elevator, a dumbwaiter, speaking tubes in the pantry for communicating with the kitchen staff in the basement, heated drying racks in the laundry room, and lighting fixtures using both gas and electricity. The house remained home for Moody family members until 1983 when Hurricane Alicia caused major damage. After extensive repair and restoration, Moody Mansion opened as a house museum in 1991. Today, its rooms are filled with the furnishings and personal effects of the family. Fun Fact: The house also has its own rainwater cistern.

The Galveston Causeway - The original causeway was built in 1912 and carried both rail and auto traffic. Leaving the original bridge for rail traffic, auto traffic was transferred to new causeways built in 1939. The companies, Gould Lines, Harriman Lines & Santa Fe, originally owned it. This railroad bridge is considered one of the greatest accomplishments of engineering in the United States and was put on the list of the National Register of Historic Places in 1976.

The second causeway debuted in 1939 at an approximately $3,000,000 price tag. It is 8,194 feet long. In 2005 the bridge was repaired, replaced, and renamed. It is the only access for northbound and southbound traffic on Interstate 45. Fun Fact: The new name was approved by the Texas Legislature in 2014, The George and Cynthia Mitchell Memorial Causeway.

The Moody Mansion - This 28,000-square-foot, four-story Galveston historic home was built in 1895. It was designed by British architect William H. Tyndall and decorated by the world-famous interior design firm of Pottier & Stymus of New York. W.L. Moody Jr. bought the mansion from the heirs of the original owners right after the Great Storm of 1900. The home has thirty-one rooms

USS Westfield - The U.S.S. Westfield, a refurbished Staten Island ferry, was the flagship of the Union fleet that controlled Galveston harbor from October 4, 1862, to January 1, 1863. Hearing rumors of Confederate plans to retake Galveston in December 1862, Union Commander William Renshaw ordered 260 soldiers from New Orleans to take up defensive positions in Galveston Bay. During the battle, Commander Renshaw ran the USS Westfield aground on a nearby sandbar and could not escape when Confederate forces fired. He then ordered his remaining vessels to leave the harbor rather than surrender and had explosives set to blow up the Westfield. The resulting explosion not only destroyed the Westfield but also killed Renshaw and some of his men.

In 2009, the USS Westfield wreck site was relocated in advance of a major dredging operation planned by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Fun Fact: Over 8,000 artifacts were successfully recovered, including a 9-inch smoothbore Dahlgren cannon. These artifacts were sent to Texas A&M University for analysis and conservation.

Well Wavers, I hope you have enjoyed this walk down history lane. I know I certainly have! The holidays are just around the corner!

Until then,

Thomas Waggoner

William Randolph Hearst

Bishop’s Palace

The Moody Mansion

The Galveston Causeway

USS Westfield

by: Tom Valliere & Charlie Bresenhan

Big BITES

China Sea Chinese Restaurant

I love Galveston for its diversity. A small island city of fewer than 50,000 people, Galveston offers more than most cities several times its size in restaurant choices. We owe much of that to our tourist industry bringing in the crowds to support a restaurant base much larger than we locals could ever manage. But we can also credit our history as a major port for emigration and commerce. It has given us an acceptance and appreciation for other cultures and foods. Galveston is a welcoming place that embraces diversity in lifestyles, cultures, races, religions, and, most importantly, food.

The glitzy high-end restaurants on the seawall and downtown Strand areas are popular choices for many visitors but, buried deep in our neighborhoods, are many small family-owned restaurants that quietly serve a clientele of loyal customers who enjoy unique foods and values the large restaurants cannot match. They are everywhere. They go unnoticed as you pass by on your way to the beach. They have no flashy signs and generally no “curb appeal” as the realtors like to say. In fact, sometimes they are just so unappealing that you would never think to stop and try them.

Such is the case for the China Sea restaurant. Located in a building at the corner of 44th Street and Broadway in a mixed neighborhood of used car lots and repair shops, many visitors drive past it daily with -

out noticing or ever thinking to stop. They are missing out on some of our island’s finest Chinese food.

This is primarily a carryout restaurant. There are a few indoor seats and parking lot picnic tables, but this place is all about the food. There is no appeal to the building or location to recommend it as a dining location, it is better to just take your food and enjoy it at your hotel or the beach.

What China Sea lacks in aesthetics, it more than compensates in food. The meals are all cooked to order, the portions are large and it is all delicious. My recommendation is to call ahead and your order will usually be ready when you arrive. If you order upon arriving, it is generally fifteen minutes or less until you get your food. If you stand at the counter, you can look into the open kitchen and watch your food being prepared. This is an authentic Chinese restaurant. English

is not spoken in the kitchen and the seeming chaos of an Asian kitchen is best witnessed firsthand as it defies description. Through all of that, what emerges is some of the most aromatic and delicious Chinese food you have experienced. Sure, these dishes lack authenticity and are tuned to the Western palate, but they are uniformly delicious.

Like many Chinese restaurants, their menu is large and diverse. They offer a smattering of cuisines from several Chinese provinces. You can find some mild Cantonese dishes like sweet and sour pork or you can kick up the spice level with some favorites from Sichuan province like Kung Pao chicken with a spice level you can choose to your preference. Some pseudo-Chinese dishes like General Tso’s chicken ensure there is something for everyone and every taste.

The menu is organized into sections offering appetizers, soups, fried rice and noodle dishes, chicken, pork, beef, seafood, and more. There are combination plates that include entree, rice, and egg rolls or soup. These are an excellent choice for one or two people.

A special lunch section offers a limited number of combination platters at a bargain price from 11 AM to 3 PM on weekdays. These also come with a choice of rice, egg roll, or soup and are an economical and satisfying lunch.

For larger groups, you may order any number of dishes a la carte in a large or small size and share them amongst the group. All portions are generous. Add some fried dumplings, soup, or egg rolls for a full meal.

I have tried several items on the menu. I prefer spicy dishes and my favorite here is the double-cooked roast pork. I am not a fan of sweet

and sour but my friends enjoy the China Sea version. I have had their Kung Pao shrimp and enjoyed it. Lots of shrimp and a spicy sauce with peanuts. It is delicious.

The fried dumplings with their soy-based dipping sauce are a treat and I am passionate about their wonton soup. My friends enjoy their egg rolls with hot spicy mustard and everyone likes their fried rice.

I have enjoyed their happy family, pepper steak, and Mongolian beef dishes as well. I tend to stay with the things I like but this is a menu that begs experimentation and so far everything has been good.

In summary, for bargain-priced and delicious Chinese takeout this is the best deal on the island. Phone ordering can be challenging due to language difficulties, and service can be curt and a bit abrasive but the value is solid and it is overall an enjoyable experience. Do not be off put by the building or intimidated by the location. Just try it once and you will return.

Carryout is recommended. There is plenty of off-street parking. Handicapped accessibility is good.

Hours of Operation:

Monday through Saturday - 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM Closed Sunday

China Sea 4402 Broadway Galveston, Texas 77550 (409) 762-9998

Galveston’s Newest Hotspot! Meet with friends, grab a bite to eat, or enjoy your favorite cocktail!

811 21st Street

Galveston, Texas

Pennie’s Take Out Menu

Smoked Brisket

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

Pork Ribs

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

Grilled Chicken

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

Link Sausage

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

Sandwiches

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

Stuffed Baked Potato

Huge baked potato filled with butter, cheese, sour cream, chives and best of all chopped brisket!

Barbacoa (Sat. and Sun. Only)

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

Sides and Dessert

All sides are made fresh at Pennie’s

Potato Salad

Dill based cool refreshing chopped potatoes mixed with dressings.

Pinto Beans

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

Spanish Rice

Green Beans

Cole Slaw

Banana Pudding Trifle

From presentation to flavor in every bite, we ensure a unique and memorable culinary experience for you and your guests.

Ready to get the party started? Give us a call at 409-750-8888 for details and reservations.

Mosquito Benedict

A house baked savory scone covered with sautéed shrimp, mushrooms, sun dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, asparagus and poached eggs topped with hollandaise sauce served with a breakfast side.

Mosquito Cafe - 628 14th Street (409) 763-1010

Pork Ribs

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

Pennie’s Tex-Mex Takeout 1713 37th Street (409) 765-5719

October Featured Dishes

Smoked Fish Charcuterie Board

A mixed charcuterie of cherry & applewood shaved cured Amberjack & smoked fish dip served w/ andouille sausage, lemon herb cream cheese, brie w/ mint sauce, fontina cheese, dried fruit, roasted pecans, assorted mini bagels & toast, capers, & shaved onions.

Katie’s Seafood - 2000 Wharf Rd (409) 765-5688

Oysters

“It’s always oyster season at Shucks”

Come try our Happy Hour OystersShuckers Choice - East Coast Oysters - $2.50

Shucks Tavern 414 21st St. (409) 444-1700

New Prime Rib Special

Join us at Saltwater Grill every Wednesday and indulge in our NEW Prime Rib Special - served with house au-jus, mashed potatoes, and buttered broccoli. Pair your meal with our 1/2 price select bottles of wine - only on Wednesdays!

Saltwater Grill - 2017 Postoffice Street (409) 762-3474

Red Velvet French Toast

Thick brioche bread, dipped in red velvet batter, lightly dusted with powdered sugar, and served with warm maple syrup and bacon. Only available for Sunday Brunch from 10 am to 2 pm.

Marios Seawall Italian and Pizzeria 628 Seawall Blvd (409) 763-1693

October Featured Dishes

Crab Cake Eggs Benedict

Toasted English muffin, arugula, poached eggs, housemade crab cakes, sautéed in butter and covered with our homemade hollandaise sauce. Served with breakfast potatoes and bacon. Only available for Sunday Brunch from 10 am to 2 pm.

Marios Seawall Italian and Pizzeria 628 Seawall Blvd (409) 763-1693

Blackend Shrimp Pasta

Blackened shrimp served over angel hair pasta, tossed with scampi butter, spinach, tomato, and purple onion.

Shucks Tavern 414 21st St. (409) 444-1700

Seafood Platters

Delicious Shrimp Kisses, Blackened Stuffed Flounder, Rotisserie Chicken Pizza, Tacos, Fried Seafood Platters, Po’Boys...An Island Staple with a diverse menu. Always a treat!

Huli Huli Hut 312 19th St. (409) 443-5525

The Koop Dogg

Sausage, peppers, cheese topped with a mini mac (mac & cheese, chopped brisket, pico, bbq sauce & aioli) tucked inside a warm 7” brioche bun with our Koop’s Sauce.

Koop’s BBQ 4501 Broadway (409) 539-0059

Lemon Herb Golden Tilefish

Lemon Herb Seasoned Golden Tilefish Topped With Gulf Blue Crab Sauce On Rockefeller Spinach.

Katie’s Seafood 2000 Wharf Rd (409) 765-5688

Danny Roll

Enjoy our Danny Roll – spicy tuna topped with fresh salmon and avocado. It’s a firecracker for your taste buds!

Sky Bar Steak & Sushi 2105 post Office (409) 621-4759

LONE STAR RALLY

RETURNS TO GALVESTON ISLAND!

Oct 31st – Nov 3rd, 2024

LONE STAR RALLY RETURNS TO GALVESTON!

As the Texas summer heat dissipates into fall, motorcycle riders gear up for cool-weather road trips and one of the season’s biggest motorcycle events, Lone Star Rally. As the largest free 4-day event of its kind in the U.S., Lone Star Rally attracts riders from New York to California, every corner of the United States, and from around the world to the Texas Gulf Coast Island of Galveston.

In its 25th year, and averaging 400,000 attendees per year, Lone Star Rally isn’t just for bikers anymore. A family-friendly environment invites anyone and everyone to witness not only the spectacle of the world’s most beautiful, creative, and powerful motorcycles – from the traditional two-wheelers to space-age 3 and 4-wheeled designs but also a host of other events and programs from noon to midnight that include country and rock concerts on two stages (as well as in just about every music venue, bar, and restaurant on the island), a tattoo contest, a pre-1971 hot rod car show, food vendors of any and every kind, tents and booths selling everything from motorcycle parts to jewelry, art and clothes, as well as the very popular Miss Lone Star Rally contest.

along Galveston’s famous “Strand”.

LONE STAR RALLY MUSIC!

Hard Rock, Southern Rock, and Country on two great music stages will be booming from noon to night, from the Seawall to Saengerfest Park, all weekend long! The Lone Star Rally musical line-up promises something for everyone with yet another spectacular group of artists.

Headlining the Progressive Beach Central Stage on October 31st (Halloween Night) on the corner of 21st and Seawall are heavy rockers Buckcherry at 9 pm. The Kiss tribute act, Kiss America, will be on the Miller Light Stage on the corner of Strand and 23rd in downtown Galveston at 7 pm followed by national AC/DC tribute act Highway To Hell.

National country chart-topper, Rodney Atkins, headlines Friday, November 1st at 9 pm on the Progressive Stage with Whey Jennings at 7 pm. Holding down the Miller Lite stage on Friday are hard rockers, Saliva at 9 pm with Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute Lone Star Skynyrd at 7 pm.

Saturday on the Progressive Stage headliners are country favorites Blackhawk at 9 pm and Kid Rock tribute act Cowboy at 7 pm while the Miller Lite stage will host country artist Tim Montana at 9 pm with returning AC/DC tribute legends Highway To Hell at 5:30 pm. Supporting acts throughout the

In addition to enjoying Galveston Island’s natural 32 miles of beach along the Gulf of Mexico and its historic landmarks dating back to the 1800s, Lone Star Rally gives visitors a chance to see the man-made wonder of 100’s of thousands of motorcycles revving and running, parked and displayed, up and down the streets and alleyways of old-world Galveston. With two large areas of the city along both the Seawall and The Strand and Harborside from 17th to 25th streets designated for most events, Galveston’s $1 oldtyme trolley (free for kids) runs every half hour allowing visitors the ease of transit to get from one stage or event to another. Especially thrilling is the thunderous nightly parade of lit-up bikes, trikes, and funky motor machines

Saliva Blackhawk

Buckcherry Zach Tate

day include returning Lone Star Rally local favorites Kelaney and southern rocker Zach Tate performing both stages at various times all weekend. (see www.LoneStarRally.com for up-to-the-minute showtimes).

Miller Lite Stage - Sangerfest Park 23rd and Strand

Thursday, October 31st

• 1pm - TBA

• 3pm - Kelaney

• 5pm - Zach Tate

• 6:30 - Costume Contest

• 7pm - Kiss America

• 9pm - Highway To Hell

Friday, November 1st

• 12pm - TBA

• 2pm - Zach Tate

• 4pm - Highway To Hell

• 6:15pm - Tattoo Contest

• 7pm - Lone Star Skynyrd

• 9pm - Saliva

Saturday, November 2nd

• 12pm - TBA

• 2pm - Kelaney

• 4pm - Zach Tate

• 5:30pm - Highway To Hell

• 7:30pm - Ms. Lone Star Rally

• 8:30pm - Tim Montana

Sunday, November 3rd

• 12pm - Zach Tate

• 2pm - Cowboy

• 4pm - TBA

Thursday, October 31st

• 1:30pm - Tilluride

• 4pm - Cowboy

Progressive Stage – Beach Central Park 21st and Seawall

• 7pm - Lone Star Skynyrd

• 9pm - Buckcherry

Friday, November 1st

• 1pm - Kelaney

• 3pm - TBA

• 5pm - Cowboy

• 7pm - Whey Jennings

• 9pm - Rodney Atkins

Saturday, November 2nd

• 1pm - TBA

• 3pm - Tilluride

• 5pm - Jess Zimmerman

• 7pm - Cowboy

• 8:30pm - Blackhawk

Sunday, November 3rd

• 1pm - Tilluride

• 3pm - Kelaney

For more information on Lone Star Rally events, accommodations and parking please visit: www.LoneStarRally.com

Highwagy to Hell

Kelaney Tilluride

Tim Montana Cowboy Jess Zimmerman

Rodney Atkins

Miss Lone Star Rally

kiss america Lone Star Skynyrd

Whey Jennings

Happy October, Wavers! This issue of WAVES is jam-packed with Lone Star Rally info. Rally is one of your bums favorite island events, hence this special rally segment of The Beach Bum.

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

Being a Classic Rock fan, part of the thrill of the rally is hearing the sounds, roaring’ bike engines, crowds, and music from all directions. I started thinking about some of my favorite tunes played by the riders’ sound systems as they stroll through. Here are 5 that I ALWAYS hear, multiple times a day. LOVE IT!

5 Tunes You WILL definitely Hear At The Lone star Rally

......and we love it!

Ezy Ryder

Jimi Hendrix - (1971)

This Jimi Hendrix tune was released posthumously. It first showed up on the 1971 album, The Cry of Love, and was allegedly inspired by the film, Easy Rider, from 1969. It is one of the few recordings to include both Buddy Miles on drums and Billy Cox on bass, with whom Hendrix recorded the live Band of Gypsys album in (1970). The song is timeless!

Born to Be Wild

Steppenwolf - (1968)

Born to Be Wild has literally become synonymous with biker culture nearly 50 years beyond the 1969 release of the movie that adopted it for its symbolic anthem. Written by Mars Bonfire and performed by the band Steppenwolf, this tune has earned its place as an iconic tribute to biker culture, as it should.

Highway to Hell

AC/DC – (1979)

Smash hit from the 6th studio album of the Australian hard rock band AC/ DC, Highway to Hell became AC/ DC’s first LP to break the US Top 100, eventually reaching number 17, and it propelled the band into the top ranks of hard rock acts. It is the second highest selling AC/DC album (behind Back in Black) and is generally considered one of the greatest hard rock albums ever made.

Bad To The Bone

George Thorogood & The Destroyers – (1982)

George Thorogood and the Destroyers released Bad to The Bone in 1982 on the album of the same name. The song adapts the hook and lyrics of Muddy Waters’ “Mannish Boy”, a blues tune from 1955. It speaks for itself, I’m Bad To The Bone! The tune has become a cultural icon with play in Television shows, movie soundtracks, Sports Events, and, yes, the riders of the world.

Freebird

Lynyrd Skynyrd – (1974)

Ok. What would a bike rally be without hearing Skynyrd’s 9-minute powerhouse tune Freebird? Setting all the billboard rankings through the years aside, it achieved the No. 3 spot as the “100 Greatest Guitar Solos” of all time. It is Skynyrd’s signature song, the finale during live performances, and their longest song, often going well over 14 minutes when played live.

PLAY FREEBIRD!

MOODY MANSION MUSIC

Join the Galveston Symphony Orchestra’s guest soloists in intimate recitals performed at the historic Moody Mansion on Galveston Island.

F A L L 2 0 2 4 P E R F O R M A N C E S

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 11 7 PM

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15 7 PM

Anton Nel, Piano

M O O D Y M A N S I O N

Trond Saeverud, Violin

Charles Tauber, Piano

CURTAIN GOING UP

By: Paul Hager

BAYTOWN LITTLE THEATER ANNOUNCES ITS 24-25 SEASON AND A SPECIAL FUNDRAISING PERFORMANCE

As promised, we now focus our spotlight on Baytown Little Theater [BLT] and its 2024 - 2025 season. But first, a bit of history.

In May, 1961, sixty friends gathered at Goose Creek Country Club with an idea and planned the formation of a legal organization to produce community enrichment. Because of their enthusiasm, 40 families quickly joined the non-profit entity called Baytown Little Theater, and when the first production BIOGRAPHY was staged in August, family memberships had reached 100. The show ran for three days in a rented grocery market building on Bayway Drive — to the delight of 527 theater-goers and the Little Theater’s treasury. With initial success to spur it on, the fledgling community theater produced three more plays. In the summer of 1962, the Baytown Little Theater purchased the old market building and began its gradual conversion to a theater-in-the-round. Members voluntarily gave their knowledge and energy to build the necessary additions. By the close of the 1968-1969 season, membership had more than doubled.

From the Baytown Sun of March 31, 1969:

One interesting feature of the theater that was around for many years — a large column smack dab in the middle of the stage that couldn’t be removed as it was a major support of the roof. All sorts of creative staging took place that incorporated this column — it was the center pole of a tent, for example; it was the chimney for a wood stove, and it was many, many other things across the years. Then Humble Oil (now ExxonMobil) donated equipment and materials to take out the column and install a steel beam in its place. Staging a production became much easier after this and the theatre was most grateful for this major enhancement.

QUEEN OF BINGO - By Jeanne Michels and Phyllis

Murphy - September 27, 2024 - October 13, 2024 - In the tradition of the hilarious Harvey Korman and Tim Conway sketches

from the old Carol Burnett Show, comes this hilarious comedy. ‘Sis’ and ‘Babe,’ two sisters on the other side of 50, want to add a little fun and excitement to their lives…but where to find it? BINGO!

The Queen of Bingo explores the worlds of Bingo, family ties, diet crazes, widowhood, hot flashes and winning! The audience joins in the fun during the “Middle Bird Special” – a real Bingo game where some lucky audience member wins a FREE 10 lb. frozen turkey at every performance! Theatregoers young and old will howl with laughter as these two zany gals light up the stage.

TALE OF LA LLORONA - By Jules Tasca - October 18 - 27, 2024 - Set on a stormy Halloween night, “The Tale of La Llorona as Told by Consuelo Chavez” follows a group of six close-knit eighth graders—Consuelo, Chuy, Michael, Lisa, Angel, and Taylor—who are disappointed when bad weather cancels their trick-ortreating plans. Stranded inside, the friends find themselves reminiscing about past Halloweens and telling spooky stories to pass the time. As the night unfolds, Consuelo, the group’s nurturing leader, shares the chilling tale of La Llorona, a legendary figure from Mexican folklore who haunts rivers and lakes, crying for the children she drowned.

What begins as a playful evening quickly takes a darker turn as the line between reality and myth blurs. The friends find themselves questioning whether they are simply sharing ghost stories or if something more sinister is at play. As Consuelo’s storytelling grows more intense, strange and eerie occurrences lead the group to wonder if La Llorona has truly come to visit them.

STEEL MAGNOLIAS – Benefit Show - By Robert Harling - November 7 - 10, 2024 - Set in the small town of Chinquapin, Louisiana, this poignant and heartwarming play centers

PAUL HAGER

around six Southern women who gather regularly at Truvy’s beauty salon. Truvy, the bubbly owner, employs the shy and mysterious Annelle, who is new to town and harboring secrets about her troubled marriage. The women—Truvy, Annelle, the wealthy and lovable curmudgeon Ouiser, the cheerful Clairee, the nurturing M’Lynn, and her daughter Shelby—form a close-knit group that navigates life’s joys and heartaches together.

This special performance, presented in collaboration with Galveston Lighthouse Productions, is not just a showcase of talent but a heartfelt initiative dedicated to fighting cancer. Join us as we bring this beloved play to life with the same passion and purpose that defines every BLT and GLP production. Together, let’s make a difference through the power of theater.

A CHRISTMAS CAROL - By Charles DickensNovember 29 - December 15, 2024 - A miserly and miserable man, Ebenezer Scrooge greets each Christmas with “Bah! Humbug!” until he is visited one Christmas Eve by the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Christmas Present and Christmas Future. In Charles Dickens’ beloved classic, the three spirits show Scrooge happy memories from his past, difficult realities from the present and a grim future should he continue his closed-hearted ways. Throughout his journey, Scrooge is forced to reckon with the man he has become and contemplate the man he could be — but only if his restless night leads to a change of heart by morning.

ESCAPE TO MARGARITAVILLE - By Greg Garcia and Mike O’Malley - *SPECIAL NEW YEAR’S EVE

GALA – December 31, 2024 - January 3 - 3, 2025 - If you need to escape to an island in the Caribbean for the night, this show is for you!

Based around the music of Jimmy Buffett, this tuneful musical centers around a rundown resort, run by Marley. Tully Mars is the paid entertainment, spending his nights keeping the tourists dancing and his days romancing the female travelers.

Full of well-known hits such as “Five O’Clock Somewhere”, “Margaritaville”, and “Why Don’t We Get Drunk”, Escape to Margaritaville is a light-hearted tribute to the “island escapism” lifestyle much beloved by many.

PAUL HAGER

FENCES - By August Wilson - February 7 - 23, 2025Set in 1957 Pittsburgh, Fences by August Wilson is a

poignant and powerful exploration of family, dreams, and the human condition. The play centers around Troy Maxson, a former baseball star of the Negro Leagues, who now works as a garbage collector. His unfulfilled dreams and the racial barriers that kept him from the Major Leagues have left Troy embittered, and his simmering resentment impacts his relationships with those closest to him—his devoted wife Rose, and his ambitious son Cory, who aspires to follow in his father’s athletic footsteps.

This timeless drama resonates deeply, inviting audiences to reflect on their own struggles, dreams, and the fences that define their lives.

THE BOLD AND BOB - By Jean Ciampi - April 4 - 20, 2025 - Get ready for a hilarious and heartwarming ride with this comedy that brings together an eclectic mix of characters in the most unexpected of circumstances. Bob O’Kineski, a mild-mannered high school teacher in his mid-50s, has always played it safe—until now. When his mother’s passing sparks a journey of self-discovery, Bob finds himself surrounded by an eccentric group of neighbors and friends who push him to embrace boldness in ways he never imagined.

A laugh-out-loud exploration of self-discovery, community, and the sometimes awkward, always funny, road to finding oneself, it promises to be an evening of laughter, surprises, and unforgettable charactersa play that reminds us all that it’s never too late to take a chance and live boldly!

RADIUM GIRLS - By D.W. Gregory - May 16 - June 1, 2025 - In 1926, radium was a miracle cure, Madame Curie an international celebrity, and luminous watches the latest rage—until the girls who painted them began to fall ill with a mysterious disease.

Inspired by a true story, Radium Girls traces the efforts of Grace Fryer, a dial painter, as she fights for her day in court. Her chief adversary is her former employer, Arthur Roeder, an idealistic man who cannot bring himself to believe that the same element that shrinks tumors could have anything to do with the terrifying rash of illnesses among his employees. Called a “powerful” and “engrossing” drama by critics, it offers a wry, unflinching look at the peculiarly American obsessions with health, wealth, and the commercialization of science.

MATILDA THE MUSICAL - Music and Lyrics by Tim Minchin Book by Dennis Kelly - Based on Roald Dahl’s classic children’s book of the same name, the musical follows Matilda Wormwood, a bright little girl who immerses herself in books.

Matilda is discarded and belittled by her dimwitted parents—her father insists on calling her a boy and harps on her “stupidity” for preferring reading to watching the telly—and her hostile headmistress, the outrageous and wicked Miss Trunchbull. Reclusive, but with an ever-growing imagination and sharp mind, and with a caring protector in her teacher Miss Honey, Matilda dreams of a better life, daring to take a stand against unjust forces and to grasp her destiny in her own, tiny hands.

Listings ON THE BOARDS [Currently playing]

ISLAND ETC [East-End Theatre Company]

• THE ODD COUPLE - By Neil Simon - September 27 - October 12, 2024 - 8:00 PM - Sunday matinees - September 29 & October 6, 2024 - 2:30 PM - https://www.islandetc.org/

THE GRAND 1894 OPERA HOUSE

• MALEVO - October 5, 2024 - 8 PM

• ARToberFEST 2024 - October 19 - 20, 2024

• STOMP - October 25, 2024 - 8 PM, Saturday, October 26, 20243:00 PM & 8:00 PM

• Silent Film with Rob Landes: The Hunchback of Notre Dame - Sunday, October 27, 2024 - 7 PM, http://www.thegrand.com/

PURPLE BOX THEATRE

• THE COMPLETE WORKS OF SHAKESPEARE (ABRIDGED) - by Adam Long, Daniel Singer, and Jess Winfield - October 25 - 27, 2024 - 7:30 PM & 2:30 PM - http://www.thepurpleboxtheater.com/

BAYTOWN LITTLE THEATRE [BLT]

• TALE OF LA LLORONA - NEXT GENERATION YOUTH CO. TEEN PRODUCTION - By Jules Tasca - October 18 -27, 2024 - https:// baytownlittletheater.org/

IN THE WINGS [Opening Soon]

ISLAND ETC [East-End Theatre Company]

• THE LUCKY SPOT - By Beth Henley - November 22 - December 14, 2024 - Sunday matinee November 24, 2024 No performance on Thanksgiving - https://www.islandetc.org/

COM THEATRE [College of the Mainland Community Theatre]

• Funny Boned - By H. Russ Brown - November. 7 – 24, 2024https://www.com.edu/community-theatre/

THE GRAND 1894 OPERA HOUSE

• THE RIGHTEOUS BROTHERS: LOVIN’ FEELIN’ FAREWELL TOUR - November 9 -10, 2024 - 8:00 and 3:00 PM

• STRAIGHT NO CHASER - November 15, 2024 - 8:00 PM - http:// www.thegrand.com/

BAYTOWN LITTLE THEATRE [BLT]

• Steel Magnolias - By Robert Harling - November 7 - 10, 2024Benefit show produced in partnership with Galveston Lighthouse Productions - https://baytownlittletheater.org/

Paul Hager

PAUL HAGER

T exas

M usic P rofile

Story and Photos Zach Tate. Additional photos courtesy Briean Day

Briean Day

Kemah, Texas singer-songwriter and pianist, Briean Day admits to always looking for new ways to express her creativity. From clothing design, to acting, to photography, Day says she is most consistently drawn to making music. “I’m constantly in pursuit of some new creative endeavor and music is the one thing I always go back to - it just lives in my soul. Being able to express myself emotionally without feeling so vulnerable,” Day said.

Born in Metairie, Louisiana in 1983, Day’s father worked in the oil and gas industry and Briean was subsequently raised in more places than many people visit in a lifetime. Alaska, Trinidad and Tobago, California, Indonesia, Venezuela and Lafayette, Louisiana have all been places she once called home and, according to Day, have contributed to her eclectic taste in both the music she performs and listens to.

Before settling in Kemah in 2011 with her husband and four kids, now aged 5-16, Day had lived in Austin and Houston writing and recording music with various people including the band “Oceanblur” in Houston and in Austin with producer Ash Blaize, with whom she continues to work. Day performed in Galveston during Mardi Gras in 2002 with her band from Louisiana called, “3-5”.

Returning to Galveston seems to be a recurring theme for Day as she has also been a judge and participant in “Galveston’s Got Talent” (aka Island Idol) and an actress in a web series called “Transfolk” (debuting on YouTube, October 15th, 2024). “Transfolk” is a dramatic series about “a diverse group of transgender friends and family as they navigate the complexities of life and unique experiences that come with their gender identity,” according to the show’s website. Filmed in Galveston and created by Carly D. Nation, Day also wrote and recorded the series theme song, “After All” with violinist and composer, Nathanial Wolkstein.

performance dates booked for the region in the fall and in 2025 but as of now is scheduled for November 7th at the 23rd Street Station Piano Bar in Galveston.

ZT: Do you have any formal music training?

“Winning Galveston’s Got Talent (hosted by Carly D. Nation) opened so many doors for me as an artist and I found myself with an incredible network of people when it was over. Since that time, I’ve come back to judge Galveston’s Got Talent Season 2 and a couple of seasons of The Voice: Galveston - the most recent of which was hosted at Southbound Bar in what I hear is referred to as Galveston’s “Midtown.” Day said.

Currently, Day performs solo, and as a duo with guitarist and vocalist Aaron Jade, a combination of original and cover music by some of her favorite artists like Fleetwood Mac, Fiona Apple and Jewel. She is also working on a project called “Dry County Orchestra”, again with Nathanial Wolkstein, which she describes as “essentially symphony-style country music”. Continually writing new songs for her various musical configurations, Day hopes to have more

BA: As a kid, I was in and out of piano/vocal lessons and got a lot of formal training in school when I did competitive choir. That said, because we moved so often it was hard to attend that kind of training with any real regularity.

ZT: What is your earliest memory of being inspired by music?

BA: Music has always been a huge part of my life. My mother often put on musicals for me to watch when I was really young and I loved dressing up and acting/singing along to “Annie” or “Westside Story” or “The Sound of Music.” I remember also watching Fiona Apple perform on MTV as a teenager and thinking she was so incredible, playing piano and almost growling the words to “Shadowboxer” under a veil of messy hair and teen angst. It’s a moment I thought of often when practicing and I admit to attempting to emulate it when I was much younger.

ZT: Who first inspired you to want to play piano and sing?

BA: My grandfather on my father’s side was an incredible pianist and hearing him play was always extremely motivating. My mother and grandmother were both very invested in my musical talent. They were forever asking me to sing for people and my mom got me piano lessons as a present for my 6th birthday. I think I wanted to sing and play piano because I was convinced that I was already good at it. I wish that confidence had carried itself into adulthood, but I’m thankful it existed back then to get me started.

Q & A Texas Music Profile – Briean Day

Briean Day in 1998

I’m genuinely blown away by the amount of talent in Houston and particularly in Galveston. There are so many incredible musicians across all genres in the area and I’m always finding new artists I want to meet, listen to, and collaborate with.

ZT: Besides being a musician yourself, what role does music play in your life?

BA: Music is such an emotional experience for me on every level, whether I’m performing, writing, or just listening to it. I love live music and seek it out as often as I can. When coaching for The Voice: Galveston, there’s nothing I love more than watching a singer grow artistically and get outside of their comfort zone. There’s something really beautiful about watching music build and guide someone to a fuller potential. My children are all also involved in music in some way. All three of my older kids play the violin, two of them currently with the school orchestra. My youngest child is disabled and completely non-speaking, but her interest in music - particularly the piano - is unquestionable.

ZT: What artists did you love growing up (5-20 yrs. old) and why?

BA: As a small child, my favorite bands were the hair bands of the 80’s and 90’s - Guns and Roses, Van Halen, Whitesnake, Aerosmith. As I got older, my tastes expanded but I still fall back on those old favorites often. My first CD was Green Day’s “Dookie” and I was also obsessed with The Offspring and Nirvana as a pre-teen. Alanis Morisette’s first album changed me as a person, as did the debut of both Jewel and Fiona Apple. I have a great love for 90’s alternative and fell in love with The Wallflowers, The Cranberries, Live, Tonic, Bush, No Doubt, Toadies, Cowboy Mouth... I could go on forever. Living overseas gave me a great love for artists like Shakira and Alejandro Sanz long before they were known in the US. I lived in Indonesia during the pop explosion of the late 90s and Asian MTV played Britney Spears, NSYNC, Madonna, and 98 Degrees pretty much non-stop, but my favorite band was Aqua whose hit “Barbie Girl” was fun and obnoxious in the best possible way.

ZT: Where was the first place you ever performed in front of people?

BA: My mother often tells stories about how as a very small child, I used to go table to table in restaurants and sing for the diners. I don’t truthfully remember this, but I do remember being in a mall at about 6 years old where they were showcasing a karaoke machine, which was a fairly new thing at the time. I wanted to try it, but they didn’t have the song I wanted (“Part of Your World” from Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” which had just been released). Undiscouraged, I took the mic and proceeded to perform it to the entire mall acapella.

ZT: Who influences you these days and why?

BA: When writing for Dry County Orchestra, my co-writer brought so much great country influence to the table and I really wanted to add to that by tying in some other genres. I listened to a lot of bands with a 70’s folk/rock sound like Fleetwood Mac and Jefferson Airplane, but also brought in elements from newer music like Florence and the Machine. I also drew a lot of inspiration from local artists and continue to do so. I love the local folk/country scene and have been thrilled to meet and hear artists like Emily Glazener and Kelly McGuire. Currently, as I write and record for a solo EP, I’m so impressed with what women in pop music are putting out these days. Artists like Olivia Rodrigo, Chappell Roan, Sabrina Carpenter are all really pushing the envelope lyrically and breaking down boundaries women often face in music and it’s truly inspiring.

ZT: What is your songwriting process?

BA: I suppose it just depends on the day. Sometimes a line, a melody or a concept will pop into my head and I’ll just sit down at the piano and let it come to life. Other days, it’s more of an experience. I’ve written close to 20 songs in the last year while sitting outside at Okie’s Yardhouse in Clear Lake Shores, with headphones and a glass of wine - just working out lyrics or demo arrangements using Garage Band on my phone. Lyrics are important to me, so I really take a lot of care in deciding how I want to say things in my songs. Lately, I’ve taken a more blunt approach but I always aim to write in an interesting and emotionally powerful way. I typically write based on my own feelings and experiences, so many of my songs are diary entries, in their own way. They all say something about who I am and I take a lot of pride in how I express myself from a lyrical standpoint.

ZT: How do you determine what songs to cover?

BA: It’s always a fun process to put together a setlist and I admit that doing it over the last couple of months was a bit of a learning experience since I’ve been on a performance hiatus for quite some time. I always want to include songs I know everyone loves, but I prefer to lean toward songs I love as well. I also really like to have a wide variety of genres, including current popular music. I enjoy doing piano covers of pop songs from the 2000’s quite a bit and people seem to enjoy the fun nostalgia of it.

ZT: What is your opinion of the Galveston and Houston music scenes?

BA: I’m genuinely blown away by the amount of talent in Houston and particularly in Galveston. There are so many incredible musicians across all genres in the area and I’m always finding new artists I want to meet, listen to, and collaborate with. It’s a great community that I’m really proud to have a place in.

ZT: Where is the best place for people to find out where you’re playing next (website, social media)?

BA: I currently have a website in the works, but in the meantime, people can follow me on Facebook for updates and show dates.

Briean Day singing at Galveston’s Got Talent

FISHING on the Island

The With Chris Gonzales

Experienced Fishing Advice To Make Fishing Great Again

Serious Tackle Box

Boston and Tinker Mac Attack

Looking for an available frozen bait that will take sow snapper, groupers, smoker kingfish, wahoo, and amberjack? Tinker mackerel will do the job for you. These 10 to 12” baits can be used whole or cut in half and rigged in an assortment of ways to be fished anywhere from the surface to the bottom .. They are big baits for big fish~ their 2” diameter and 12” length are a big, easy meal that gets a lot of attention.

Lunds Boston mackerel runs about $50 for a 25# frozen flat in my area and I break it apart and put them into 2-gallon Ziplocs, 8 or 9 to a bag. Using them individually, I get one bag at a time out of the cooler which keeps them fresh and firm longer. If several people will be using them at the same time, you could get away with opening the whole flat at once and eliminate the Ziplocs. A 25# flat usually has around 45 of these great baits in it.

Tinker mackerel can be freelined for sow snapper, smoker kingfish, and wahoo. They do tend to sink faster than some of the smaller baits you have used in the past, such as cigarfish or Spanish sardines. If they sink too deep from lack of current, a float will have to be used to control their depth. Most of the time, I fish them with no weight but if one’s needed, I use an appropriately sized egg sinker about 3’ above the hook to get to the desired depth.

#10 single-strand wire; the eye is formed around the hook’s barb; use 3-barrel wraps. The bait holder should be about 3” from the hook to the “barb’s” 30-degree bend on its outer end, the “barb” is about 3/4” long. Push the wire and part off the hook’s bend into the bait’s mouth, then pull it out, impaling the bait on the bait holder’s barb. This should put the hook just outside the bait’s nose, giving the freedom of movement that makes this rig work. Black hooks will work but I prefer to spray paint mine either camo blue or green. Use the hook type of your choice in the smallest size you can use for the fish that’s targeted. The majority of the time, I use 10/0 Gamakatsu Octopus hooks, big bait, big hook, and hopefully a big fish. The method can be used either with a wire or mono leader and “swallowing time” may vary according to what hits it. I prefer single-strand wire for kingfish and wahoo over cable. Having to let them swallow it longer, the solid wire pulls through their closed teeth more easily, resulting in surer hookups.

After a strike at the mid-depths, I start retrieving the line and make a small “hump” on the spool. Then the rest of the line is wound back on the spool with the normal crisscross thumb motion. On the next cast/drop, I let the line out till the “’hump” is gone, I’m back at the level that I had the last strike and hopefully about to be hooked up again... .it works, try it.

When fished for bottom feeders, I generally drop the egg sinker till it bumps the bottom, then reel up until the bait’s about 3’ off the bottom with the rod at about the 10 o’clock position; I wait for the bait to be taken. As the fish swims away with it, I drop the rod tip till the rod is in the vertical position, tighten up any slack then strike hard, usually, I will be hooked up.

The drawing shows four different hooking/rigging methods, using some of them in a slightly different way, you can get at least four other variations for use with these mackerel baits. The top illustration shows the “banjo” method. Its advantage is the ultra-natural action that comes from the free-swinging bait holder on the hook. Make this bait holder from #9 or

Boston and Tinker Mac Attack

The second and third examples show mono rigging for Tinker mackerel cut in half. These would be fished for any species without razor-sharp teeth. Some other variations would be that this “eye socket wrap” and tail “loop knot” could be used with whole baits. The 10/0 Octopus hook can be placed beyond the mid-body for short strikers with the “eye socket wrap” or through the eye socket/forward part of the body when using the tail “loop knot”. In either case, when the “wrap” or “knot” is tightened, some slack between them and the hook must be maintained or the bait will curl and spin.

When using the tail “loop knot” technique with whole mackerel, place the hook in the lower part of the body crossways just above the vent area. When the predator fish takes the whole bait headfirst this rearward-placed hook will let the fish feel the hook/leader late in the swallowing process and it may be too late to spit it without being hooked. This will likely result in even finicky feeders being hooked, probably in the lips. The loop knot example above the tail half shows how to form the knot. The loop on the right side of the knot goes over and around the bait’s tail. When tied as drawn, the knot will untie itself without damaging the mono leader, at the hookset when the line comes tight.

The bottom bait shows a nose hook, 1/0-2/0 short shank, with the main hook embedded in the side beyond the mid-body. The main hook that I use most of the time is a 10/0 % Gamakatsu Octopus: they’re sharp, strong, hook up well, and hold. The way I make this rig is to include a 200# welded ring in the leader loop below the nose hook’s eye. This ring

is a secure attachment point for the 5-6” wire going back to the main hook. The drawing shows cable but solid wire can be used also. Be sure that the wire from the nose hook to the main hook has a little slack in it when the main hook is in place. The nose hook must take the strain from the main line, if the main hook takes the load the mackerel will bend and spin ... not natural looking. Other variations would be a mono leader ahead of the nose hook, or all mono where cutoffs aren’t a problem. You can also nose hook only using a 10/0 Gamakatsu Octopus, hooked through the nose-bottom to top, mono, or wire ahead of the hook.

While these Tinker mackerel aren’t the baits to end all baits, they are very effective. Big baits for big fish; give them a try along with the rigging and use suggestions - you won’t be disappointed.

If

Chris Gonzales Owner - Serious Tackle

Pro Fishing Gear & Tackle

• Baits/Lures

• Custom Rods

• In-House Rod/ Reel Repair

• Reel Parts

• Rod Components

• Inshore/Offshore Tackle

• Custom Rigging • Custom Splicing

Ingredients

Wild pork Verde Guisada Recipe Of The Month

Wild hog - 3-4 lbs. boneless meat

lard - 3 tbsp (or butter & olive oil)

yellow onion - 1 peeled and sliced

fresh garlic - 7-8 peeled cloves

white potato - 2 cups cut in chunks

beef broth - 32 oz box water - to cover meat

butter - 1 tbsp

cumin seed - 2 tbsp to toast/ grind for 1 tbsp powder

TSS Tomatillo Avocado Salsa - 1/2

jar (8 oz)

TSS Rustic Rub - 4 tbsp

TSS Southwestern Sizzler - 2 tbsp

Mixed peppercorns - fresh ground to taste

Pink sea salt - fresh ground to taste

Corn starch slurry - to thicken Tortillas

Sliced avocado

Wild Bill’s Notes

When browning wild game, it is important to sear at medium high heat to release the surface blood and water content to achieve better flavor prior to pressure cooking, braising, or boiling. Toasting and grinding cumin seed adds a depth of flavor vs store bought ground cumin. Fresh ground mixed peppercorns can be adjusted to taste but is highly recommended when browning wild game. For extra spicy guisada, add the entire jar of tomatillo avocado salsa.

Directions

The secret to cooking tasty and tender wild game is using various cooking techniques and adding ingredients that complement the chosen wild protein. This recipe includes a step using an electric “set it and forget it” pressure cooker, but a stovetop model will work just as well.

Start by heating a comal and add whole cumin seeds to toast. Move quickly to keep from burning, then remove from heat after they brown and slightly smoke. Next grind toasted seeds in a molcajete or spice grinder and measure out one tablespoon of powder.

For the meat, add lard to a cast iron skillet, set on medium high heat, then add meat cut in large pieces and season with only fresh ground pepper and salt. Once the meat has browned on the first side, flip all pieces over and re-season, plus add the butter and all garlic cloves to start browning. Continue to brown on medium high until all the water and surface blood has cooked out of the game. Flip garlic often to keep from burning. Remove garlic and set aside any time after its brown and soft.

Turn meat as often as needed to brown evenly on both sides. Remove from heat and cut meat into bite size chunks, reserving any liquid that comes out of the meat. Next, layer the pressure cooker with meat, taters, onion slices, garlic, TSS seasonings, cumin, black pepper, and tomatillo salsa in two layers then add all beef stock and enough water to cover meat. Add three tbsp of the seasoned oil used to brown the meat then seal lid and set to “meat” mode and time cook under pressure for two hours. (Please remember to release steam before opening top when finished).

After pressure cooking, add entire contents to a stockpot and set on stove at medium high to reduce liquid. Thicken the gravy with a corn starch slurry if needed. I like to serve this guisada with pinto beans, spanish rice, sliced avocado, and warm flour tortillas. -“Wild Bill” & Barbara Powell

Follow Wild Bill at: Instagram@TexasSelectSeasonings Facebook@TexasSelectSeasonings

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R eflections

by: John & Kathy Valastro

The Year is 1817.

Does anyone know what was happening around 1817? Just curious. I had no clue, and I’m not even sure my history teacher would have given it much thought.

However, some of our Islander history buffs might have an inkling of what was going on at that time. So, my Islander friends, join me on a little journey, learn some history, and perhaps find a hidden treasure as we reflect on 1817.

We begin by traveling back in time to The Legend of Jean Lafitte:

Much of Jean Lafitte’s life remains shrouded in mystery, including his name— sometimes spelled Laffite. He was born around 1780, either in France or Saint-Domingue. By 1810, Lafitte was operating as a pirate in Louisiana, selling smuggled foreign goods to the people of New Orleans.

Having sailed Louisiana’s bayous for so long, Lafitte became an expert in naval operations and the common routes of port ships along the Mississippi River and its inlets. During the War of 1812, this knowledge became a strategic advantage when Lafitte and his men aided American forces in the Battle of New Orleans. Following this, U.S. President James Madison granted him a pardon, and Lafitte was labeled by some as a national hero.

Lafitte’s past, reflecting his ties to his homeland and his way of life. I won’t divulge more than that—you’ll just have to take my word for it. Consider these a few trinkets, or small treasures, to enjoy as you chat with the team:

- General Manager: Hector Saravia

- Assistant GM: Cole Fullmer

- Bar Manager: Ivan Gutierrez

Lafitte continued his privateering after the war, moving to the windswept sandbar of Galveston in 1817, where he established an outpost called Campeche. At its peak, an estimated 1,000 people lived in this colony. In his honor, you can find costumed “Lafittes” strolling The Strand during Mardi Gras in Galveston today.

Throughout his time as a smuggler and privateer, Lafitte became very wealthy. Some believe he buried a large cache of treasure somewhere along the Gulf Coast that has yet to be found.

Each member of the team is dedicated to giving you an experience that will surely bring you back. After all, we have plenty of time to talk about the legend of Jean Lafitte and his buried treasure, which some believe is hidden on this end of the island. Whether you’re a history buff, a treasure hunter, or just an island enthusiast, 1817 is the place to go to keep the legend of 1817 alive.

Now, it’s the year 2024, and the Legend of Jean Lafitte is alive and well. My Islander friends, let’s start our journey by heading west to the community of Evia on the west end of Galveston, also known as Campeche, just past 99th Street. There, we stumble upon the charming community of Evia, with its adorable homes, community center, shops, and dining options. Here, we discover “1817 Steak and Seafare,” one of the newest fine dining restaurants and bars serving the west end of the island (opened June 1, 2024).

In talking with the owners, John and Jessica McAleer, they shared that the fine dining experience at 1817 is a subtle nod to the island’s first known settler and the notorious pirate-turned-privateer. The murals and décor make you feel as if you’re in the presence of Lafitte. The menu and bar maintain a French flair, with entrées reflecting Galveston’s seafood traditions. At the bar, you can enjoy your favorite beers, spirits, and wines. They even offer a few specialties that harken back to

So, when you have some time, come join the crew at 1817, located at: 12 Evia Main St., Ste 1205, Galveston, TX 77504 Phone: 409-457-1817 Website: www.1817galveston.com

Island friends, you may never know just how close you are to the treasure of Jean Lafitte.

- John and Kathy Valastro

L to R : Bar Manager - Ivan Gutierrez, Assistant GM - Cole Fullmer, General Manager - Hector Saravia

Mural of Lafitte’s Campeche Cove Dining Room

Water view of 1817 dining

The mystery treasure of Jean Lafitte

FOSTER

FOSTER

OUR MISSION

Dedicated to promoting animal welfare and the protection and prevention of unwanted or homeless animals of Galveston Island.

Fostering Saves Lives. For a weekend or until adoption, give a shelter animal time out of a cage in a home. You could be instrumental in finding that animals new home. From old dogs to bottle baby kittens our foster program is vital to our success.

Fostering Saves Lives. For a weekend or until adoption, give a shelter animal time out of a cage in a home. You could be instrumental in finding that animals new home.

From old dogs to bottle baby kittens our foster program is vital to our success.

VOLUNTEER

VOLUNTEER

Volunteers are the backbone of GIHS. Assisting with many tasks at the shelter and off-site events! Sign up today to help advocate for adoptable animals, take a dog for a walk, socialize kittens, or one of any other volunteer tasks that make our mission possible.

DONATE

Volunteers are the backbone of GIHS. Assisting with many tasks at the shelter and at off-site events! Sign up today to help advocate for adoptable animals, take a dog for a walk, socialize kittens or one of the many other volunteer tasks that make our mission possible.

DONATE

Whether in support of one of our designated programs or as a general contribution every dollar supports our mission and it is tax-deductible. We do have an Amazon wish list as well, you can literally give a dog a bone.

Whether in support of one of our designated programs or as a general contribution every dollar supports our mission and it is tax deductible. We do have an Amazon wish list as well, you can literally give a dog a bone.

SHELTER SERVICES:

S a f e h o u s i n g a n d c a r e f o r r e s i d e n t p e t s i n c l u d i n g a n i m a l h e a l t h a n d b e h a v i o r a s s e s s m e n t s R o u t i n e h e a l t h c a r e i n c l u d i n g i m m u n i z a t i o n s , w o r m i n g , a n d t r e a t m e n t f o r m i n o r i n j u r i e s R a b i e s o b s e r v a t i o n s f o r b i t e c a s e s P a r t n e r i n g w i t h o t h e r o r g a n i z a t i o n s t o t a k e i n a n i m a l s a s n e e d e d

Safe housing and care for resident pets including animal health and behavior assessments. Routine health care including immunizations, worming, and treatment for minor injuries. Rabies observations for bite cases. Partnering with other organizations to take in animals as needed. Coordinating transport for out-of-state placements.

C o o r d i n a t i n g t r a n s p o r t f o r o u t o f s t a t e p l a c e m e n t s

ADDITIONAL PROGRAMS:

• Spay/neuter assistance

• Lost pet assistance and recovery

• Humane education for all ages

ADOPT FOSTER SPONSOR VOLUNTEER

EDUCATE DONATE

CONNECT WITH US

The “Big Fix”

GIHS is dedicated to ensuring ALL pets are spayed or neutered to decrease the number of homeless and unwanted pets as well as the number of pets entering the shelter. Through generous grant funding, we offer spay/neuter assistance programs at low to no cost for those in need. Contact the shelter for information about the “Big Fix!”

MEET GIHS

A s a n “ o p e n a d m i s s i o n ” s h e l t e r f o r G a l v e s t o n I s l a n d w e a c c e p t a l l h o m e l e s s p e t s e v e n w h e n t h e s h e l t e r i s f u l l I n a c i t y w i t h a h i g h n u m b e r o f h o m e l e s s p e t s , t h i s c o u l d e a s i l y l e a d t o n e e d l e s s e u t h a n a s i a

GALVESTON ISLAND COMMUNITY CATS

e n c y M e d i c a l A s s i s t a n c e

• Pet food pantry for individuals in need

• Emergency Medical Assistance

WHAT DO ADOPTIONS INCLUDE AT GIHS?

A l l a d o p t e d p e t s a r e s p a y e d / n e u t e r e d a s

r e q u i r e d b y T e x a s l a w .

• All adopted pets are spayed/neutered as required by Texas law.

V a c c i n a t i o n s i n c l u d i n g r a b i e

c u r r e n t w h e n p e t i s a d o p t e d

o c h i

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M

• Vaccinations including rabies, as well as Flea and - Heartworm prevention, are all current when the pet is adopted.

• Microchip.

GICC was established in 2015 and is a progressive Trap/Neuter/Return (TNR) program to fix, vaccinate and release feral cats on the island. To date, we have altered over 4000 felines with this program. The success of this program has reduced yearly intake at GIHS and has improved our live release rate in cats from 52% in 2014 to 94% in 2024.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

• Microchip your pets.

• Spay or neuter your pets.

• Become a member of GIHS.

e

H S a n d h

• ADOPT your next best friend.

• VOLUNTEER at the shelter.

• FOSTER if you cannot adopt.

The Galveston Island Humane Society, Inc., formed in 1981, is a 501c3, non-profit organization. Originally created by concerned citizens to rescue animals from “the pound,” much has changed. Today we have a humane shelter, providing care for lost or homeless pets, reuniting pets with families, and promoting the adoptions of pets needing homes.

O u r p r o g r a m s w o r k d i l i g e n t l y t o r e d u c e t h e n u m b e r o f p e t s i n o u r c o m m u n i t y . W e a r e c o m m i t t e d t o a s s u r i n g t h a t a d o p t a b l e p e t s a r e k e p t a v a i l a b l e u n t i l t h e y a r e p l a c e d i n a f a m i l y o r t r a n s f e r r e d t o a p a r t n e r o r g a n i z a t i o n O u r s h e l t e r i s m a n a g e d b y a b o a r d o f d i r e c t o r s c a r i n g s t a f f a n d a c t i v e v o l u n t e e r s w h o w o r k t o p r o v i d e f o r

• Like and share from our social networks.

v e d o u r l i v e r e l e a s e r a t e i n c a t s f r o m 5 2 % i n 2 0 1 4 t o 9 4 % i n 2 0 2 4 M i c r o c h i p y o u r p e t s S p a y o r n e u t e r y o u r p e t s a n d e n c o u r a g e o t h e r s t o d o t h e s a m e L i k e a n d s h a r e f r o m o u r s o c i a l B e c o m e a m e m b e r o f G I H S A D O P T y o u r n e x t b e s t f r i e n d V O L U N T E E R a t t h e s h e l t e r F O S T E R i f y o u c a n n o t a d o p t

• DONATE to support our mission.

D O N A T E t o s u p p o r t o u r m i s s i o n T h e G a l v e s t o n I s l a n d H u m a n e S o c i e t y I N C , f o r m e d i n 1 9 8 1 a s a 5 0 1 C 3 , n o n - p r o f i t o r g a n i z a t i o n O r i g i n a l l y c r e a t e d b y c o n c e r n e d c i t i z e n s t o r e s c u e a n i m a l s f r o m “ t h e p o u n d ” a n d m u c h h a s c h a n g e d o v e r t h e l a s t f e w d e c a d e s T o d a y w e h a v e a h u m a n e s h e l t e r w i t h a n o - k i l l l i v e r e l e a s e r a t e D a i l y w e p r o v i d e c a r e f o r l o s t o r h o m e l e s s p e t s , r e u n i t i n g p e t s w i t h t h e i r f a m i l i e s a n d p r o m o t i n g t h e a d o p t i o n o f p e t s n e e d i n g h o m e s

As an “open admission” shelter for Galveston Island, we accept all homeless pets, even when the shelter is full. In a city with a high number of homeless pets, which could lead to needless euthanasia, our programs work diligently to reduce the number of pets in our community.

We are committed to assuring that adoptable pets are kept available until they are placed in a family or transferred to a partner organization. Our shelter is managed by a board of directors, caring staff, and active volunteers who work to provide for the pets in our care along with creating and managing community programs that will positively impact our shelter. We hope you will join us in our mission to make sure that every pet on Galveston Island can live out his or her life in a loving home.

Fall is here and so is football season, my friends! Bunny is a FAN! And do you know what one of the very best things about football season is?

Why, the FOOD, of course!!!

Even if you’re just watching the game from your couch or hosting a glorious tailgate party at the stadium, these snacks that I am sharing with you will kick the day off right. Of course, Bunny has included some of her most crowd-pleasing recipes this month to kick off your season.

So, let’s get busy and host game day like an MVP and score some epic points with those hungry mouths that want to be fed.

BACON CRACK

This maple bacon crack is guaranteed to leave you and your guests wanting more. Trust me, you’ll want to make a double batch because, after the first bite, no one can eat just one.

Ingredients

• 1 & ½ sleeves saltine crackers

• 1 & ¼ cups unsalted butter

• 1 & ¼ cup light brown sugar

• 1 lb. bacon

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400 F. Line a greased or sprayed-rimmed baking sheet (16” x 11”) and cover with foil or parchment so it also comes up the sides.

2. Chop the bacon into bits and cook in a pan until crispy. Drain on some paper towels, pat down to remove as much grease as possible, then set aside.

3. Put down a single layer of crackers to cover the pan.

4. In a saucepan, add the sugar and butter and heat until it has all melted and begins to boil. Be careful because this mixture is HOT . Give it a stir and when the syrup is boiling, continue to boil for 3 full minutes.

5. After 3 minutes, pour the mixture, CAREFULLY (remember, it is hot!) over the crackers and place in the oven for 5 minutes.

6. Remove from the oven and sprinkle the bacon all over. Allow to completely cool then break into pieces.

JALAPENO POPPER DIP

Ingredients

• 2 cups reduced-fat Greek yogurt or sour cream

• 1 (8-ounce) block cream cheese, softened

• 1 teaspoon kosher salt

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1teaspoon onion powder

• 1 12-ounce jar jalapeño peppers, drained and chopped

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1/2 cup crushed cheese crackers such as Cheez-Its or Cheese Nips (from about 1 to 1¼ cups whole crackers)

• Corn chips, for serving

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 F.

2. Stir the yogurt, cream cheese, salt, garlic powder, and onion powder in a large bowl until the cream cheese is smooth. Stir in the chopped jalapeño peppers and both kinds of shredded cheese.

3. Transfer to an oven-safe casserole dish and sprinkle the crushed cheese crackers evenly over the dip.

BACON CRACK

4. Bake uncovered for about 20 minutes, until the dip is bubbling around the sides of the dish. Serve warm with Fritos or other corn chips for dipping.

MEATBALL-STUFFED GARLIC BREAD SLIDERS

The real secret to these beauties is placing the meatball in through the top of the roll, versus splitting and stuffing in the traditional manner. Maybe it’s the symmetry, or center of gravity, that makes these just feel right in your hand. If you’re short on time, using pre-made meatballs will do.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided

• 1 yellow onion, diced

• 5 cloves garlic, minced, divided

• 1 pound ground beef

• 2 tablespoons chopped Italian parsley, plus more for garnish

• 1 large egg

• ¼ cup plain breadcrumbs

• 1 cup shredded fontina cheese, divided

• 2 teaspoons kosher salt

• freshly ground black pepper to taste

• 1 pinch cayenne pepper, or to taste

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 18 dinner rolls

• 2 cups spicy tomato sauce

• 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

2. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and 2 cloves garlic; cook and stir until onion is soft, about 5 minutes.

3. Place beef in a large bowl. Add onion-garlic mixture, parsley, egg, breadcrumbs, and 1 large handful of fontina cheese, reserving the rest for topping. Season with salt, pepper, and cayenne. Mix by hand until just combined. Scoop meat mixture into 24 mini muffin cups; meatballs need not be perfectly round.

4. Bake in the preheated oven until no longer pink in the centers, about 12 minutes. Leave oven on. Let the meatballs cool briefly while you make the garlic butter.

5. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add remaining minced garlic once butter starts to bubble; stir, then immediately remove from heat. Stir well and set aside.

6. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil; coat foil with the remaining olive oil. Transfer rolls, still attached, to the baking sheet. Cut a hole in the top of each roll, about 2/3 of the way down. Brush garlic butter over the insides and outsides of the rolls.

7. Bake until golden brown, about 8 minutes. Pour about 1 tablespoon tomato sauce into each hole. Stuff meatballs into

the holes. Top each roll with a spoonful of tomato sauce and remaining fontina cheese. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top.

8. Continue baking until cheese is melted, 12 to 15 minutes. Garnish with more parsley. Let rolls sit for 5 to 10 minutes to firm up; transfer to a serving platter.

JALAPENO POPPER DIP

MEATBALL-STUFFED GARLIC BREAD SLIDERS