WAVES April 2025

Publisher

Director

Tiffany Bergeron tbergeron@wavesgalveston.com

Executive

Contributors

Richard Henderson, D.V.M.

J.A. Bunny

Jan

Billy

Max

James

Subscriptions

Mike Burke|Publisher

Happy April, Wavers!

BURKE’S BRIEFS

April 2025

April is a wonderful month for many reasons.

Daylight Saving Time has finally arrived, allowing us to enjoy more daylight each evening and take in all the fantastic things Galveston has to offer.

This month also marks the return of Major League Baseball! Some of my favorite childhood memories are of attending Astro games at the Astrodome with my family. At that time, the Astrodome truly felt like the 8th wonder of the world.

I want to remind everyone of the importance of buying and shopping local. Our local businesses need and deserve our constant support!

Galveston is fortunate to have a thriving arts scene, featuring music, theater, art galleries, and more. So many talented artists and performers call Galveston home. Let’s show them just how

Enjoy the beautiful month of April, Wavers! I’ll see you around the island. much we appreciate their work.

PET Corner

Horse Ownership More Than Just Riding into the Sunset

The stereotypical Texan lives on a sprawling ranch complete with a few oil wells, cattle, and of course a beautiful horse. Us city folk will probably never have the ranch or oil wells, but it is possible to have that horse here in Galveston County.

Purchasing, housing, and caring for a horse requires dedication, responsibility, and a healthy budget. It’s not a decision to make impulsively. The saying, “Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth” is not true when searching for a quality animal. Not only should his mouth be looked at to determine age but having your prospective horse examined by a professional is recommended so you are not taken by a shady “horse trader” and end up with “a lemon”. A horse offered “free to good home” or at a bargain price often comes with health or behavior problems.

“as is” and don’t come with any warranty for health or behavior problems.

The purchase price of a good horse will start around five thousand dollars and can go up rapidly depending on the animal’s pedigree, appearance, and level of training. Having an experienced horse trainer or veterinarian perform a prepurchase exam is usually well worth the price. This could lessen the chance of buying a horse with problems that a novice may not recognize. Most often horses are purchased

A horse should not be purchased until his new home is move-in ready. A happy horse ideally lives in a grassy pasture with at least five fenced acres to graze on and at least one other horse, as horses are herd animals. A horse can live on as little as a one-acre lot, but the grass will be grazed down to dirt and all his food needs will need to be purchased in the form of hay and horse chow. Rain will turn the lot into a muddy mess. Unfortunately, on Galveston Island, most of the desirable plots of grassy acreage have been developed. There are a few out there but hard to secure for horse ownership.

Horse acreage is still plentiful on the mainland around Hitchcock and Santa Fe. Keeping a horse off the island for Galvestonians will then require a lot of drive time to visit your new charge. An ideal plot has secure, barbed-wire-free fences, grazable grass, shelter from the elements, and access to fresh water. The cost of leasing or purchasing the property is a major budget consideration for the new, prospective horse owner. Finding the right home for your horse is a major challenge and essential to keeping your newcomer in top shape.

Did you know horses need regular mani-pedis?

Every six to eight weeks a professional farrier will need to visit your horse to trim and shape his hooves. Without regular foot care, overgrown hooves can lead to lameness and deformities. In horse owners’ circles, there is a saying “no hoof, no horse” and it is very true. A horse without a good set of feet will not be happy and will not be ridable.

In addition to hoof care, the horse will need to make a trip to the vet twice yearly for vaccinations, a physical, and to plan the deworming schedule.

Regular deworming along with a high-quality diet is essential to a horse’s health.

How is your horse going to make the trip to the veterinary hospital? How will your horse be taken to a safe place if a hurricane threatens? Having access to a dependable horse trailer is important to be able to plan ahead for the time you need it.

Owning a horse can be one of life’s great pleasures but requires significant expense and a great deal of personal time. Before riding into the sunset on your fine steed a budget including pasture rental, feed costs, veterinary care, and access to a trailer must all be considered. As with any pet if you can’t do it right, don’t do it at all. If it all works out “happy trails to you.”

Richard D. Henderson, DVM

Galveston Veterinary Clinic 2108 61st Street Galveston, TX 77551

Shaye Henderson’s new addition, Dior.

Shaye Henderson with her beloved horse, Flash, whom she had for 17 and a half years.

“Cynthia,

Cynthia Corder ” I see you everywhere.

Corder

see you

written by ALYSSA DELOS REYES

When I sat down with Cynthia Corder for this interview, those were the first words I said – “I see you everywhere”. And it’s true—you can’t miss her impact. From real estate signs dotting Galveston to the lives transformed through her nonprofit, RecoveryChick, Cynthia’s presence is deeply felt.

What Brought Her to Galveston?

What Brought Her to Galveston?

Cynthia’s story is one of transformation, faith, and unyielding purpose. “What brought me to the island?” she muses, “It was Jeremiah 29:11. God had a plan for me here.”

After serving as a chaplain at Harris County Jail in Houston—where her office was a literal jail cell—Cynthia found herself physically and emotionally depleted. Longing for peace, she took a leap of faith, donated 90% of her possessions to The Women’s Home in Houston, and embraced tiny living in a fifth wheel parked at Tiki Tom’s RV park.

How Did Real Estate Find Her?

How Did Real Estate Find Her?

Cynthia’s journey took a surprising turn when she began working as a personal trainer at Urban Health and Fitness on Post Office Street. A client, local real estate broker, and now dear friend, Lynn Beardslee, encouraged her to explore the industry. Starting as an unlicensed assistant, Cynthia quickly discovered her gift for connecting with people and turning dreams into reality. Today, she leads one of the fastest-growing teams in Galveston, The Corder Team, closing an average of 50 homes a year. With expertise in diverse property types— including luxury beachfront homes, short-term rentals, commercial properties, multi-family units, and lots. For Cynthia, it’s never just been about sales; it’s about building community. “Real estate has given me the platform to serve on a larger scale,” she says.

What Drives Her Mission?

Drives Her

Unexpectedly, her real estate career advanced RecoveryChick, the 501(c)(3) nonprofit she founded to support women in addiction recovery.

It began in 2012 when Cynthia was tasked with developing a recovery program for 1,000 incarcerated women. “I saw so many women take the first steps toward healing but struggle to find safe, accessible housing afterward. That stayed with me,” she shares. In October 2018, she opened Judy’s House in honor of her late mother, safe and accessible housing to women in substance abuse recovery. Today, with God’s grace, RecoveryChick has expanded to include Precious Rubies in Dickinson and Victory House, a second sober living home in Galveston.

Cynthia sees RecoveryChick as part of a broader mission to change Galveston’s perception. “People are no longer just coming here to party; they’re coming here to heal,” she says. Her vision is clear: to continue empowering others, whether by guiding clients to their dream homes or offering women in recovery a place to rebuild. “We reach up to learn, but we reach back to help,” she says with conviction. Cynthia Corder isn’t just everywhere; she’s everywhere with purpose, creating a lasting impact of love, hope, and faith.

Recovery helps heal Galveston’s reputation as a party town. It shows who we really are—a community of strength, resilience, and faith.

–heal Galveston’s as a party town. It shows who we are a community of resilience,

– Natalie Solina Galveston Native-BOI

REALTOR® | TV HOST | TEAM LEAD

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

Hi Jan & Dean,

I enjoy your column each month and I have a situation that I haven’t seen you address before. I recently began dating a lady named Carol. We met online and chatted for a couple of weeks and then it progressed to actually meeting in person.

I am pretty new to getting back into the dating world and I really had no idea as to where a good place would be to go for a first date. I asked Carol what she would like to do. She said that she would like to go out to dinner.

That sounded like a good idea to me until Carol suggested the restaurant. She wanted to go to one of the most expensive dining establishments in town. I thought that was asking a lot of me. Especially for a first date.

I finally decided to go ahead with it. When it was time for us to order, Carol ordered the most expensive item on the menu. She then ordered a very expensive bottle of wine. I don’t consider myself a cheap person, but I thought that was kind of out of line for a first meeting. Our dinner bill came to almost $300, not including a tip.

-- Dan is Distressed

Hi there, Dan - Where did you find this wonderful princess? I have heard the saying that a person is my “meal ticket,” but this situation “really takes the cake.” (See what I did there?)

In all seriousness, don’t walk away from this situation, RUN away from it. You were taken advantage of and played for a sucker. To make matters even worse, Carol is trying to sucker you twice by shaming you into doing it again. Don’t fall for it! There are plenty of very nice women out there that I am sure would enjoy your company.

After the first date, Carol contacted me and asked me when we would be going out again. I expressed my opinion to her about our first date and she responded with “If I am too broke or too cheap to provide her the finer things in life, that she wasn’t interested in seeing me again.” She says if I won’t take her to 5 Star Dining, that someone else surely would. I am upset about this Jan & Dean. Was I wrong in mentioning our first date? How should I respond back to Carol?

Hello, Dan - I have to pretty much agree with Dean on this one. The only thing I would say that you should have done differently would have been to discuss your concerns about her choice of restaurant before you agreed to go out and do it. That was the time to speak up. If you had spoken out immediately, you could have probably saved yourself from this entire situation. Don’t be afraid to speak up next time. Good luck. There are many fine, single women out there.

1. Among this comedian’s routines was “Seven Words You Can Never Say On T.V.”.

◊ Lenny Bruce

◊ Eddie Murphy

◊ Richard Pryor

◊ George Carlin

6. He was the youngest US President to hold office in the 20th century.

◊ John Kennedy

◊ Herbert Hoover

◊ Bill Clinton

◊ Teddy Roosevelt

11. Her first draft of “Pride and Prejudice” was called “First Impressions.”

◊ Jane Austen

◊ Hilda Doolittle

◊ Charlotte Bronte

◊ Aphra Behn

16. Murex, Conch & Clam were the names of early tankers owned by this company.

◊ Chevron

◊ Shell

◊ Sunoco

◊ Conoco Phillips

2. Her recording career lasted eight years. “A Church, A Courtroom And Then Good-Bye.”

◊ Patsy Cline

◊ Tammy Wynette

◊ June Carter Cash

7. He was the first Major Leaguer to get 3,000 hits in a career.

◊ Ty Cobb

◊ Napoleon Lajoie

◊ Honus Wagner

◊ Cap Anson

12. This element, which has a “Valley” named after it, makes up 25 percent of the earth’s crust. ◊ Potassium

Selenium

Hydrogen

Silicon

17. This “bump” made Time Magazine’s top 10 buzzwords of 2008.

◊ Baby Bump

◊ Goosebumps

◊ Fist Bump ◊ Speed Bump

3. The “Simpsons” were first seen on this TV show

◊ The Tracy Ullman Show

◊ The Kids in the Hall

◊ Saturday Night Live

◊ Pee Wee’s Playhouse

8. Viagra was originally used to treat this.

◊ Angina

◊ Diabetes

◊ Hair Loss

◊ Low Blood Pressure

13. It’s the type of electrical current that travels one way only.

◊ Conduction

◊ Alternative Current

◊ Direct Current

◊ Convection

18. 3-Word latin phrase for the highest honors granted on graduation.

◊ Magna Cum Laude

◊ Egregia Cum Laude

◊ Summa Cum Laude

◊ Maxima Cum Laude

4. The closest non-bordering country to the US.

◊ Cuba

◊ Russia

◊ Bermuda

◊ Dominican Republic

9. The first conversation recounted in the Bible is in Genesis 3, between these two; it leads to trouble.

◊ God & Adam

◊ Eve And The Serpent

◊ Adam And Eve

◊ Adam And The Serpent

14. Over a mile deep & 25 million years old, it’s the deepest & oldest lake on earth.

◊ Titicaca

◊ Lake Baikal

◊ Lake Como

◊ Loch Ness

19. During the American Revolution, this New England newspaper had the USA’s highest circulation.

◊ Providence Journal

◊ New York Times

◊ Boston Glove

◊ Hartford Courant

5. When Galveston was devastated by a hurricane in 1900, she traveled 1,500 miles to head up the relief effort.

◊ Clara Barton

◊ Florence Nightingale

◊ Helena Rubinstein

10. The mission that first landed men on the Moon.

◊ Apollo 11

◊ Gemini 6

◊ Apollo 7

◊ Apollo 13

15. The Mozilla Foundation released this open-source web browser in 2004.

Netscape

Firefox

Chrome

Safari

20. Original sets of this toy that was first sold in 1918 included plans for building Uncle Tom’s Cabin.

◊ Legos

◊ Lincoln Logs

◊ Fiddlestix

FOCUS

ON FITNESS

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

Spring is the Time for The Sunshine Vitamin

April brings perfect weather to Galveston. The temperatures are warm but not yet hot, the humidity hasn’t surged back up to 168%, and the mosquitoes aren’t back from their vacation in the Caribbean. Unfortunately, they are packed and making their way back as I write this article.

With our beautiful weather comes the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors. While the harmful effects of excessive sun exposure are wellknown, moderate sunlight aids in the production of vitamin D. Vitamin D has long been recognized for its role in building strong bones by enhancing the body’s absorption of calcium and phosphorus. However, since 2000, research into vitamin D’s effects on other health conditions has rapidly expanded.

In addition to bone health, vitamin D offers other benefits for the body. It can help:

• Promote bone health

• Build muscle strength

• Boost immunity

• Enhance cognitive function

• Reduce inflammation

Low levels of vitamin D have been associated with serious health risks, including osteoporosis, cancer, depression, and muscle weakness.

The sun is your best source of vitamin D. There’s a good reason why vitamin D is referred to as “the sunshine vitamin.” When your skin is exposed to sunlight, it produces vitamin D from cholesterol. The sun’s

ultraviolet B (UVB) rays penetrate cholesterol in the skin cells, supplying the energy needed for vitamin D synthesis to take place.

Only a few foods provide significant amounts of vitamin D. These include cod liver oil, swordfish, salmon, canned tuna, beef liver, egg yolks, and sardines. However, you would need to eat them almost daily to obtain enough vitamin D. If you’re a vegetarian or vegan, these options aren’t on your plate.

Sunlight is undoubtedly the best way to obtain vitamin D, and it offers many other benefits. It is free, and our body can self-regulate the amount of vitamin D it receives, making toxicity unlikely. It’s ideal to get sun exposure for 5 to 15 minutes a day, most days of the week, without sunscreen, as SPF 8 or higher may block the body’s ability to absorb UVB rays necessary for effective vitamin D production.

While the recommendations advocate for sun exposure without sunscreen, it is wise to limit sun exposure without protection due to the heightened risk of skin cancer. It’s important to note that the

sun’s UVB rays cannot penetrate through windows; therefore, individuals who work near sunny windows remain susceptible to vitamin D deficiency.

Many older adults don’t get enough direct sunlight and may have trouble taking vitamin D supplements. Other people who may not get enough vitamin D are breastfed babies, people with black or brown skin, and people who are obese or have had gastric bypass surgery. People with conditions that affect how the body absorbs fat, such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, also may not get enough vitamin D.

So how can you safely get your dose of Vitamin D? Expose your skin around midday. The sun is at its highest point at noon, and its UVB rays are most intense. This means you need less time in the sun to produce sufficient vitamin D. Studies also indicate that the body is most efficient at making vitamin D at noon.

If you think you don’t get enough vitamin D, talk with your healthcare professional. A simple blood test can check your vitamin D levels.

Taking a vitamin D supplement or a multivitamin that includes vitamin D may help provide the necessary amount if you cannot get enough from sunlight. The recommended daily amount of vitamin D is 400 international units (IU) for children up to 12 months, 600 IU for individuals aged 1 to 70 years, and 800 IU for those over 70 years.

As with all matters concerning your health, research thoroughly, consult your doctor, and make informed decisions about what’s best for you. Now, let’s safely get out and enjoy outside time on our little sandbar.

Shaye Henderson

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

THE GRAND 1894 OPERA HOUSE

The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain

SAT, APRIL 5 | 8 PM

The rock-star strummers of the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain have won legions of fans with their quicksilver arrangements (spanning pop to classical) and dry British humor. Now in its 40th year, the seven-member ensemble provides “superbly tuneful fun” (The New York Times) where “nothing is spoof-proof” (Chicago Tribune).

The Grand Kids Festival

SAT, APRIL 26 | 10 AM – 5 PM

Ahoy, Mateys! Set sail for a day of hands-on creativity and family fun at The Grand Kids Festival, where art, music, and performances take center stage! Enjoy over 40 interactive activity booths, four stages constantly showing professional and student performances, a petting zoo, inflatables, and a whole swash bucket of fun! This FREE festival spans three blocks in downtown Galveston—don’t miss the adventure!

Galveston College streamlines success with new 8-week semesters

Galveston College students celebrate graduation commencement ceremonies at Galveston Island Convention Center in 2024.

Galveston College is redefining student success with the launch of an 8-week class schedule starting in fall 2025. Designed for flexibility and faster degree completion, the new format allows students to focus on fewer courses at a time while staying on track to graduate.

The majority of GC’s general education classes and some workforce programs will be offered in 8-week sessions instead of the traditional 16-week semester format.

“The reason Galveston College is making this change is simple – it promotes student success,” said GC Vice President of Instruction, Cissy Matthews, Ed.D. “Many other schools have seen their students be more successful in 8-week sessions in many ways, and we feel it will help our students achieve their educational goals in a shorter amount of time.”

The 8-week class schedule helps students pass their classes at a higher rate because of increased focus and improved retention of the material. Students will concentrate on fewer classes at a time, which reduces mental overload and fatigue.

In addition, students can complete more classes each semester. This is especially helpful for part-time students because it will double the number of classes they might take each semester, which will reduce the time to graduation significantly.

Another advantage of the 8-week sessions is that it provides students with more flexibility in their schedule, allowing them to adjust their schedules more frequently and making it easier to balance work, family and other commitments.

Registration for 2025 summer and fall classes begins April 7. Summer classes begin June 9 and July 14.

Fall classes begin Aug. 18.

Scholarships and financial aid are available. For information about financial aid, email finaid@gc.edu, or call 409-944-1235.

For more information about enrolling at Galveston College or registering for classes, visit www. gc.edu, email admissions@gc.edu, or call 409-944-4242.

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

Quality

Ample

Greetings Wavers! I trust April has started off great and you are enjoying our wonderful Island. April 1st is April Fools’ Day. Let’s take a look at what history has to say about this special day.

It is a custom on this day to play pranks at the expense of others, such as sending people on fool’s errands, putting salt in the sugar bowl, sending false love notes or gifts, and telling improbable fibs. The exact origin of this practice was somewhat uncertain in the 1830s, as it remains today. Some historians speculate that April Fools’ Day dates to 1582, when France switched from the Julian calendar to the Gregorian calendar, as called for by the Council of Trent in 1563. In the Julian Calendar, as in the Hindu calendar, the new year began with the spring equinox around April 1.

People who were slow to get the news or failed to recognize that the start of the new year had moved to January 1 and continued to celebrate it during the last week of March through April 1 became the butt of jokes and hoaxes and were called “April fools.”

Historians have also linked April Fools’ Day to festivals such as Hilaria (Latin for joyful), which was celebrated in ancient Rome at the end of March by followers of the cult of Cybele. It involved people dressing up in disguises and mocking fellow citizens and even magistrates and was said to be inspired by the Egyptian legend of Isis, Osiris, and Seth.

Today the most likely explanation is that this minor holiday began in France, where it is called “poisson d’Avril” or “April fish” (or “sucker”), a young fish easily fooled into being caught. That is also why we call someone who is gullible or easily tricked a sucker. So, with all that being said, here are my favorite April Fool’s jokes for the Island.

A New Ghost in Town

Walmart, on Galveston Island, is one of the best examples of a ghost suddenly appearing. Eyewitnesses claimed to have seen a woman wearing a white flowing gown in Walmart with a star-shaped hat. She is now known as the White Gown Ghost.

The White Gown Ghost is the tale of Wilfed Warrender, daughter of the commander of Fort Crockett. She fell in love with an officer named Sir Trevor Ashurst, and soon they married. After their wedding, Wilfred and Sir Trevor were walking the grounds of the present-day Walmart. Wilfred saw beautiful flowers at the base of a wall, and Sir Trevor decided to climb down to get some for her. One whiff of the beautiful flowers and Sir Trevor fell asleep fast. Wilfred’s father went on his nightly inspection and saw Sir Trevor leaning against the wall, asleep. Governor Warrender had a reputation for enforcing a severe military code. When he saw the slumped Sir Trevor, Warrender called out a challenge. It went unanswered. Determining that Sir Trevor was asleep on duty, Warrender shot him in the heart. He only realized afterward that he had shot his son-in-law.

Grief-stricken, Wilfred jumped from one of the ramparts, throwing herself into the icy waters below. Wilfred’s ghost is called the White Gown Lady because she wanders the Walmart grounds in her wedding dress. Reputedly, she is looking for any sleeping Officers, wanting to awaken them. Wilfred’s ghost is usually described as a beautiful soul, sad but kind. One local man, BOI, claims that he went for a run near Walmart one night. At one point, he stopped to retie his shoe. He put his hand on the wall for balance and felt another hand reach out from the wall to help him. In another instance, a nursemaid saw the White Gown Ghost standing over the bed of a sleeping child. The child asked her nursemaid who the white lady smiling down at them was, of course, no one knew.

There’s also speculation that April Fools’ Day was tied to the vernal equinox, or the first day of spring in the Northern Hemisphere when Mother Nature fooled people with changing, unpredictable weather. April Fools’ Day spread throughout Britain during the 18th century. In Scotland, the tradition became a two-day event, starting with “hunting the gowk,” in which people were sent on phony errands (gowk is a word for cuckoo bird, a symbol for fool) and day two started Tailie Day, which involved pranks played on people’s derrieres, such as pinning fake tails or “kick me” signs on them.

The White Gown Ghost is not always a gentle spirit. Many soldiers who served at Fort Crockett, mainly captains, report being pushed down the stairs by an unseen force. They also saw a ghostly woman wearing a white gown walking through locked doors.

Fun Fact: The Walmart on Seawall Boulevard is rumored to also be haunted by the residents of St. Mary’s Orphanage, more than 100 years after they all perished in the 1900 storm in Galveston.

Island Expansion

Galveston doesn’t have an active volcano like the Hawaiian Islands. In Hawaii, the lava flow from the active volcanoes allows new land areas to develop. Galveston uses dredging. Dredging is the excava-

Origins of April Fools’ Day

FUN FACTS by thomas waggoner

tion of material from a water environment. Officials say that a variety of reasons for dredging include improving existing water features; reshaping land and water features to alter drainage, navigability, and commercial use; and constructing dams, dikes, and other controls for streams and shorelines. They also are recovering valuable mineral deposits or marine life having commercial value. In all but a few situations, the excavation is undertaken by a specialist floating plant, known as a dredger. Dredging will begin on April 1 at the point where the seawall ends heading west. This will expand the island by adding 640 sq miles to the Island’s land area.

Fun Fact: Anyone who owns a house that was previously lifted after the 1900 storm will be eligible for city tax and utility credit.

Blue shrimp have arrived in Galveston! The world’s bluest shrimp has been caught in the coastal waters off Galveston Island, according to scientists from the United States. The blue shrimp, captured on April 1st, measured almost 13 feet from tip to tail and weighed slightly under 60 pounds, according to a statement Monday by National Shrimp Fishing, Inc., a joint Galveston and Kemah research project.

The Galveston blue shrimp was snagged by a local fisherman just off the jetties using bacon wrapped in terry cloth as bait. The fisherman stated that once the shrimp starts to eat the bacon, its legs become entangled in the terry cloth, and it is a sure catch. The fisherman alerted a nearby team of scientists from A&M University. “Blue shrimp globally are endangered. They’re a high-value species. They take a long time to mature. So, if they’re fished before they mature, they don’t have a chance to reproduce,” A&M officials said. “A lot of these blue shrimp are migratory, so they need large areas to survive. They’re impacted by things like habitat and pollution and impacted by overfishing. So about 70% of blue shrimp globally are threatened with extinction.”

The team that rushed to the site inserted a tagging device near the tail of the mighty blue shrimp before releasing it. The device will send tracking information for the next year, providing unprecedented data on blue shrimp behavior in the Gulf.

“The blue shrimp is a very poorly understood creature. Its name, even its scientific name, has changed several times in the last 20 years,” scientists said. “It’s found throughout Southeast Asia, but we have almost no information about why we are finding blue shrimp in the Gulf. We don’t know about its history. We don’t know about its ecology or its migration patterns.”

Fact: The previous record for a blue shrimp was a 46-pound Mekong Blue Shrimp, discovered in Thailand in 2005.

Galveston Island and Port Bolivar have joined forces! Beginning April 1 a new zip line starts! Officials say it will follow the same route as the Port Bolivar Ferry. Its name is HANGON!

Hangon, the BEST zipline adventure in the world, is described as cloud-piercing. If you are a thrill-seeker, you will enjoy the adrenaline-fueled experience that takes you at knee-trembling speeds of between 120 mph and 160 mph for almost three hair-raising minutes across the water just 120 feet below.

The professionally trained team operating the HANGON is committed to providing you with the most exciting flying experience whilst adhering to the highest standards of excellence and safety. Each participant will be fitted correctly with the right over-suit and superhero-style horizontal harness that allows you to fly aerodynamically at high speeds.

To be able to get on the zipline, participants must meet the following requirements:

• Weight: Participants must weigh between 40 and 300 pounds.

• Height: A minimum height of 6’ is required.

• Health: Individuals should be in good medical condition and not under the influence of substances that impair judgment.

• Minors: Participants under 18 who meet the height and weight requirements must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian and present a signed waiver. If no guardian, then a friend or a BOI.

• Library ID: All participants must present an original library card to be able to get on HANGON.

• Sturdy or completely closed-toe shoes with good grips are prohibited; flip-flops, sandals, high heels, or loose footwear are best.

• Always apply moon block to protect against nighttime exposure.

Fun Fact: The Galveston library is passing out free library cards granting ridership to anyone who can prove pet ownership!

Hovercraft Transfer

‘Hoverlink’ has received official approval to launch a fleet of rapid transit hovercrafts in Galveston, Texas. These hovercrafts will be entering the waters in the bay. The hovercrafts are fast enough to traverse the bay and surrounding waters in just 30 minutes at no discomfort to the riders. Plus, each hovercraft trip can comfortably seat 180 passengers.

Hoverlink stated that its rapid transit hovercrafts will complete 48 crossings per day, and will operate 365 days per year, meaning they will always serve as an

Blue Shrimp

Fun

New Zipline - HANGON

FUN FACTS

option for fast cross-Island transport. Additionally, the company describes the passenger experience as akin to “riding on air,” meaning it is more comfortable than alternative transport methods.

Fun Fact: Passengers say that riding the Hovercraft relieves their arthritis pain, especially in their knees

In terms of weather conditions, these hovercrafts are weatherproof, meaning they will still operate in some intense weather conditions common to the Island, safety permitting. On top of this, the company noted that its hovercrafts run on extremely low-emission Tier 3 engines that reduce 98% of airborne toxins.

When this statistic is combined with the fact that thousands of people each day will be able to use the hovercrafts instead of passenger vehicles, this will have a staunchly positive effect on the local economy.

Individual Automotive Ferry’s

Galveston officials are thrilled to announce the return of Individual Automotive Ferries (IAF’s). Individual ferries were first used in the early 1800s on the island. After residents began complaining about waiting to cross the causeway when crowded, officials brought IAFs back! Residents were looking for a cost-efficient way to enjoy time on the water when crossing from the mainland to the island and back. Although life vests are not required in your personal vehicle, it is suggested that you wear one as a precaution. Seatbelts are mandatory! The public transit authority is offering rentals upon request starting April 1st. Routes will follow the same pathway that the causeway demonstrates. The Coast Guard will be patrolling the area to keep everything in check. Speed limits will be enforced. Offenders will be ticketed, and payment will be due before leaving or returning to the island.

Galveston Island. The Titanoboa was a prehistoric snake, also known as the largest snake to have ever existed, and lived during the Paleocene Epoch.

Titanoboa was about 45 feet on average, which is a third larger than the green anaconda snake, the largest snake that exists today.

Titanoboa used to live in the area that is now known as Tiki Island. The specific region where its fossils have been found covers the area from Tiki to just past 61st Street. The biggest snake in the world was too heavy to live in trees. So Titanoboa would have occupied the ground, living close to the water, inactive most of the time, and waiting patiently to pounce on its prey.

Titanoboa could easily overpower and consume any number of giant turtles or crocodiles that fell victim to its forceful bite. “It would have swallowed them whole and digested them for months, eating three to four times per year,” city officials say. Huge, fossilized turtles with broken shells have also been excavated near Moody Gardens. This likely resulted from turtles that were attacked by the giant creature but somehow survived.

Because fossils are so hard to find, it is not clear exactly why Titanoboa went extinct. It could have just gone extinct as many animals do and given rise to the smaller set of snake species that now call the Island home.

As the world cooled off, species got smaller, so it begs to question whether a warmer planet could birth the enormous reptiles of yesteryear. Most officials are skeptical because much of the habitat where the Titanoboa snake and other species thrived on the island has been diminished and populated by an even greater predator known as humans.

Fun Fact: They will allow free passage for your first time across and return.

The fossil of a prehistoric snake has been found on

Fun Fact: City officials and their team are building two life-size models of the beastly snake to show its sheer size. “It is only when you are standing next to it that you realize how big it truly was,” officials say.

Acrobatic Felines

New to the Island! Acrobatic cats! This troupe of trained domestic house cats, all former orphans, rescues, and strays, give a one-ofa-kind purrformance at the Grand Opera House! This includes cats riding skateboards, jumping through hoops, ringing bells, balancing on balls, and performing other feats of agility and entertainment. The show finale is the only all-cat band in the world: Tuna and the Rock Cats. The Rock Cats play guitar, drums, and piano, and they’ve been joined by the Jazz Cats on saxophone, trumpet, and clarinet.

Owners use clicker training to teach domestic cats to perform tricks. A treat is given at the sound of a click at the exact moment the cats are doing a desired behavior. It’s just more of a fine-tuning way of training. It’s noise and treats. It triggers something in their brain, and they get it very quickly. Trainers use varieties of tuna and chicken to reward the cats. The results are not as consistent as might be achieved with more compliant animals such as dogs but the long-standing notion that cats are untrainable is thrown completely out the window. During the one-hour show, the cats perform tricks such as “walking tightropes and turning on lights. “When the cats don’t perform as planned, it adds an element of humor, an important part of the show.

Fun Fact: Cat owners on the Island can register their cats for a spot in the show. Applications are at city hall.

Prehistoric Snake

Galveston has announced a new use for our Seawall, Graffiti Art! Each quarter of the year, artists that are BOI are invited to enter the contest. 1st place earns the winner $250,000.00! Pieces were first observed in the 1980s on the buildings in the Stand. The Cruise lines began refusing to use new ships unless old-painted buildings were cleaned in an attempt to discourage the artists. This had the unintended effect of residents painting pieces on the Seawall. So, the city decided to revamp the artwork idea and move it to the Seawall permanently.

Pieces are more likely to be considered a “true” art form by people outside of the graffiti community. With the rise of commercial graffiti since the late 2000s, legal pieces are sometimes commissioned by local businesses as a promotion or by local councils with the intention of discouraging less appreciated forms of graffiti, given that many artists will not cover another artist’s work.

But there is also controversy. Art galleries feature pieces, either directly on canvas or in photography. Critics say that pieces originally in the street and then put in galleries have their context and function removed, and recontextualized a piece from being public communication to one-way communication of those more privileged. Pieces seen in public areas like streets have been shown to have a stronger emotional value for viewers than when seen in a museum. Others argue that pieces in galleries allow the art to reach people who otherwise might dismiss it.

Fun Fact: Residents with large amounts of graffiti on their houses can become tourist attractions such as the tree carving sculptures, despite the pieces being illegal.

This is a parade that follows the journey of John Moody Maceo, a boy from Galveston with extraordinary parade organization ability but a meager education. But John had a great love of ducks, especially the ducks on the Island. Finding few workers in other cities, he searched the Island, employing out-of-work youth to construct the infrastructure needed to colonize the ducks and organize the parade. With a group of inexperienced young workers, he assigned each of them a duck. After traveling to the zoo where their task is to build a duck base and then move it to a more convenient location, John comes to realize that a mistake has been made. He has miscalculated the size of the event. Originally the parade route was to be held in the Strand. He must do something before the Island experiences a catastrophic failure. He thinks fast and decides to move to the destination that can handle the crowd. The perfect place is the Seawall!

Fun Fact: BOI ducks are easily trained to perform in the parade!

Spaghetti Trees

Some historians think that Arabs introduced pasta to Europe during the conquest of Sicily. The popularity of spaghetti spread throughout Italy after the establishment of spaghetti trees in the 19th century, enabling the mass production of spaghetti for the Italian market.

Did the story of spaghetti trees on the Island make National networks? You bet! The BBC saw the TV channel that aired This Day on the Seawall, saying it heard from lots of viewers who had seen the spaghetti story. Not all of them believed that pasta was actually growing on trees somewhere in Texas.

Fun Fact: Some were upset because they wanted to know where they could buy their own spaghetti bushes!

Planting season is here! The city-wide program allows trees that grow spaghetti to begin being planted starting April 1st! Hoping to attract national attention, the news story first appeared on a local TV show called This Day on the Seawall. According to the story, the unusually warm winter this year will lead to a very large “spaghetti crop” on the Island. Last year, visitors saw people picking strands of spaghetti from trees and placing them into baskets.

Well Wavers, did you believe anything? If you didn’t that’s because they were all made-up stories for April Fools! I hope you have been entertained. Until next month,

Thomas Waggoner

Seawall Graffiti

Duck Parade

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

Savour

by: Tom Valliere & Charlie Bresenhan

Texas Tail Distillery

Big BITES

Craft breweries have proliferated and prospered in most areas of the country including Galveston Island. They have been so successful that they have shaken the entire industry and eroded sales of the large national beer brands we are all so familiar with. I admit, I am an enthusiastic supporter (and consumer) of the many fine craft beers produced in and near Galveston. From the early days of St. Arnold in Houston to our more recently reviewed Naked Iguana brewery in Galveston, I remain a committed and appreciative customer.

Somewhat quieter - at least for me - has been the parallel rise of custom craft distilleries. Being primarily a beer drinker from my early college days, I have only recently started to enjoy the variety and nuances of hand-crafted spirits.

First off, a brief tutorial may be in order. While there may be some controversy as to the definition of “craft” the line between fermented beverages like beer versus distilled spirits like vodka is clear.

There are similarities between the two as they ultimately derive from the fermentation of grains and other starches and sugars, but the techniques and equipment as well as the skills of the producer are very different. Fermented beverages such as beers, ales, and wines have a limited alcohol content as at higher levels the alcohol produced actually kills the

yeast and stops the fermentation process. This occurs at a concentration of 18% or less. Hence most beers have an alcohol content rarely exceeding 8% unless artificially “fortified” by the addition of distilled spirits.

Craft distilleries however can produce spirits with much higher alcohol contents. While 100% alcohol is not practical or even desirable (ethyl alcohol is hygroscopic and has such an affinity for water absorption that a top practical limit is about 90% alcohol or 180 proof) typical spirits for consumption hover around 80 to 120 proof (40 to 60% alcohol).

Pure alcohol is colorless, highly flammable, has a sharp burning taste, and is not really a beverage most of us enjoy. Crafted distilled beverages have flavors and characteristics that derive from natural substances in the fermented product or flavors infused from aging or the addition of ingredients. Some of these like Bourbon are controlled by laws that

require aging in specific single-use charred oak barrels or by the skills of the distiller in the instance of flavored vodkas. There are a host of techniques and subtleties that refine and define these nuances that create a truly smooth and enjoyable drink. Of course, this is beyond the scope of this article. You may reserve tours of the distillery and the owners will happily share that information.

It was back in 2010 that Nick Froege and Greg Truex launched their dream of producing a craft vodka. By 2018, they were fully in production at a Galveston location directly on the seawall. While the seawall location had definite advantages for visibility and walk-in traffic, it posed unique challenges for their fledgling distillery. The salt air and humidity wreaked havoc on the machinery but also more importantly on their barrel aging as they expanded their product portfolio into whiskey and other spirits.

In 2021, they relocated to their current location in a 19th-century building at 2416 Postoffice in Galveston’s historic downtown area. The new building offered much more room for equipment, storage and retail space as well as a more hospitable climate for the equipment and inventory.

to relax and enjoy everything that is happening here.

As you enter from the street, you are struck by the size and openness of this cavernous space. Soaring ceilings and a long bar direct your eyes to the back wall that contains the distilling equipment behind the glass. A very knowledgeable bartender will cheerfully walk you through the crafted spirits and guide your selections. On a recent visit, I was rather vague and just asked for something tropical and beachy. I was given an unnaturally colored green drink called a Blue Mermaid that was fabulous and exactly what I wanted. My companion had the Bloody Mary made with a vegetable-infused vodka that he proclaimed the best ever!

Importantly it allowed for a resident food truck and the addition of a fixed menu of appetizers and sandwiches. A large patio area soon became popular for families, pets, and customers to enjoy our balmy summer days while enjoying custom-crafted cocktails and a very fine burger! More than just a building the property has a personal connection to the owners. You have to ask about that.

This is a restaurant column and I do not generally review cocktail lounges. However, Texas Tail is much more than a mere cocktail lounge. It is a genuine destination for visitors and residents alike. It is a fun family place

Aside from the bar, there are numerous tables, souvenir displays, and retail liquor sales areas.

A door leads to their huge outdoor patio and this is where most of the action takes place on pleasant afternoons. The patio is comfortable and dog and family-friendly. This is a place where you can bring the whole family and not feel like you are in a nightclub. Their food truck occupies a space and provides excellent food service to both the patio and the bar.

Their food menu is well thought out and succinct. It is not a huge menu but it hits all the high points and pairs well with their beverages. It is organized traditionally opening with a selection of appetizers followed by salads, sandwiches, burgers, and flatbreads. A kiddie menu keeps it all affordable for families. This is not a fine-dining restaurant. This is bar food elevated to a quality not often found. Everything I have tried has been above average and delicious.

For starters, I recommend the brisket-deviled eggs. A play on this old

favorite takes it to a new dimension. Cajun eggs topped with brisket, fried onions, and whiskey molasses. They are truly unique and delicious. They have cheese fires with various toppings along with creative nachos and some really good mac n cheese. The real treat for me is their pork belly slices with peppercorn glaze and topped with terry sauce.

Under sandwiches, you can find more brisket, pork, and turkey choices. Notable if you like a little spice is their Texas tail with smoked turkey, horseradish mayo, grilled jalapenos, and green onion.

On to the burgers. These are all “smashburgers” - thin patties flattened and cooked with crispy edges and absolutely delicious. I like their blue cheese burger and it is a bit of a benchmark for me. Their version is fairly basic with bacon and blue cheese crumbles. It was served with a side of horseradish mayonnaise that was delightful. I thought the burger was a little dry and could benefit from some caramelized onions were they available. Don’t get me wrong, this is an excellent burger and I would order it again.

Their OG burger is more traditional. Same crisp-edged smash patty but with American cheese and traditional pickles and onions. There are lots more burgers, sandwiches, and flatbreads that I will leave for you to explore.

Before I leave, I must mention their happy hour. Perhaps one of the best with bargain custom-crafted mixed drinks, shots, and a special menu of bar bites created to complement their drinks.

Not sure what you want? You can order sampling flights to try and enjoy several of their spirits. If you find something you like, you can purchase a

bottle to go or find it at most local liquor stores. If they do not have it, ask them to stock it for you.

In summary, this is a unique place. An absolute labor of love where the passion of the owners and employees is obvious. Not a traditional bar, it is a place to gather with family and friends and explore new tastes. An opportunity to sample crafted and infused spirits that take you to new dimensions. A great place for lounging over lunch with the pooch and people-watching on their comfy patio.

If you are looking for a location to host a special event be sure to inquire. Handicapped accessibility is good with my usual caveats regarding Galveston curbs and sidewalks.

Hours of Operation:

Sunday through Thursday 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM Friday and Saturday 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM Happy Hour 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM daily

Texas Tail Distillery 2416 Postoffice Street Galveston, Texas 77550 (409) 220-3166 www.texastaildistillery.com

Kahuna Tuna

Grilled medium rare ahi tuna with wasabi cream and spicy sambal vinaigrette, green leaf lettuce, and fresh tomato on a whole wheat bun served with a fresh side (thai noodles pictured).

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

Huevos Rancheros

2 Eggs, a side of refried beans, fried corn tortillas with cheese all topped with fresh salsa and avocado. Served with warm corn tortillas.

ShyKatz 1528 Avenue L (409) 770-0500

April Featured Dishes

Warm Goat Cheese Salad (vegetarian)

A crusted medallion of goat cheese atop mixed greens, sun-dried tomatoes, figs, and toasted pine nuts with homemade champagne vinaigrette.

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

Elevate your Wednesdays at Saltwater Grill

Join us every Wednesday and indulge in our succulent, hand-cut prime ribserved with house au jus, your choice of mashed potatoes or baked potato, 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

Redfish Special at The Gumbo Diner

Fresh redfish seasoned to perfection with our secret Cajun blend, topped with a flavorful ponch sauce loaded with crawfish, and served alongside fresh southern green beans and garlic rice & mushrooms.

The Gumbo Diner 3602 Seawall Blvd. (409) 762-3232

Joey Burger

6oz hand-pressed Wagyu beef burger with smoked cheddar, grilled onions, lettuce, tomato, and mayo. Served with a side of truffle fries.

Saltwater Grill 2017 Postoffice Street (409) 762-3474

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

The

Reuben

Corned beef and Swiss cheese topped with sauerkraut and house dressing served on toasted marble rye with chips.

ShyKatz 1528 Avenue L (409) 770-0500

April Featured Dishes

Churro Bites

New! Golden, crispy, and dusted with just the right amount of cinnamon-sugar, our Churro Bites are bite-sized delights that pack big flavor. Each piece is perfectly fried for a light crunch on the outside and a soft, doughy center. Served warm with Salted Caramel drizzle.

Papa’s Pizza 4400 Seawall Blvd (409) 766-7272

Shrimp Besos from Taquilo’s Tex Mex

Shrimp Besos from Taquilo’s Tex Mex Jalapeño and queso fresco stuffed Gulf shrimp, bacon-wrapped and char-grilled to perfection. Served with chipotle aioli sauce for dipping.

Taquilo’s Tex-Mex Cantina 2101 Postoffice (409) 497-4279

Fish Tacos

Broiled fresh premium Gulf fish in lemon herb pepper & chimichurri Mexi-slaw, pico de gallo, lime crema, rice, and black beans.

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

The Bad Hombre

Introducing the Bad Hombre! This bold pizza features zesty sauce, melted Jack cheese, spicy chorizo, jalapeños, red onions, and a sprinkle of cilantro. A drizzle of hot honey adds a perfect sweetspicy kick. Are your taste buds ready for the challenge?

Papa’s Pizza 4400 Seawall Blvd (409) 766-7272

CURTAIN GOING UP

By: Paul Hager

COM ANNOUNCES CHANGE IN SEASON LINEUP; THE CIRCUS CAME TO TOWN; BROADWAY’S BACK, BABY!

Replacing SWEAT by Lynn Nottage in its April slot, COM Theatre will now be producing A GULAG MOUSE by Arthur M. Jolly. Set in September 1949 in the post-war Soviet Union, we meet the privileged and pretty Anastasia, who is sent to a Siberian gulag (prison) for the murder of her abusive husband, where her arrival destroys the intricate web of hierarchy, alliance, and treachery among the other four inmates of her bunkhouse. To save herself, Anastasia must save all of them: the prostitute, the killer, the crone...and Pruska - the mouse. Bristling with a visceral tension that explodes into brutal ferocity, these ladies are faced with choices that ask them to surrender their humanity. This harrowing drama asks the question: How far will you go to survive? Said the Anchorage Daily News of Jolly’s script: “A GULAG MOUSE is the one that approaches genius, the one that has a chance of outliving its author, the one I’m thinking about as the next week begins and will be thinking about for a long time to come.” [It was also made into a feature film entitled WHERE WE DISAPPEAR which is available for streaming] Sounds like a do-not-miss for me!

AND NOW, IN THE CENTER RING…

Anyone driving along the seawall in the month of March couldn’t help but wonder about the huge 500-seat big top erected for the Zoppé Family Italian Circus on Stewart Beach. I was so hoping to attend a performance of this but unfortunately could not. Several of my friends did, however, and gave it glowing reviews.

This circus is not just another traveling show; it is a living testament to a legacy spanning over two centuries. Steeped in tradition and driven by passion, this intimate experience offers a unique blend of artistry,

acrobatics, and heartwarming storytelling.

The Zoppé story began in 1842 in Venice, Italy. A young French street clown named Napoline Zoppé fell in love with a ballerina. Her family disapproved of his profession, so Napoline left to start his own circus, vowing to return a success. He did, and their love story became the heart of the Zoppé circus.

What sets it apart is its intimate atmosphere. Held in a small, onering tent, the audience is close to the action, creating a connection between performers and spectators. This proximity allows for a truly immersive experience, where every gasp, laugh, and moment of awe is shared.

Key elements of the show include a range of acrobatic talents, from graceful aerialists to agile tumblers whose performances are characterized by precision and artistry, demonstrating the dedication and skill of the performers, as well as animal acts - carefully trained horses and dogs - that are performed with respect and kindness, highlighting the bond between humans and animals.

Many performers are related, carrying on the traditions and skills passed down through generations. The circus is more than just entertainment; it is a cultural treasure, preserving a tradition that has touched hearts for generations.

From all reports, it was a huge success so well attended that they had to add additional performances! Kudos to the Galveston Park Board for bringing this to the island, and here’s hoping this becomes an annual entertainment tradition for us a la Mardi Gras, The Polar Express, and Dickens on the Strand for many years to come.

PAUL HAGER

PAUL HAGER

FIVE YEARS AFTER COVID CLOSED THE THEATRES, AUDIENCES ARE RETURNING

Nineteen new plays and musicals will bloom on Broadway this spring. How is Broadway doing five years after COVID darkened theaters for a year and a half?

Broadway is almost back, and pop music tours and sports events are booming. But Hollywood, museums and other cultural sectors have yet to bounce back.

It was five years ago that the widening coronavirus pandemic forced Broadway to go dark, museums to shut their doors, concert halls and opera houses to go silent and stadiums and arenas to remain empty. At the time, they hoped to reopen in a month. It took many a year and a half.

Since live performances resumed, the recovery has been uneven, but there are signs that audiences are finally coming back. It’s been a slow road back for Broadway, but the industry is nearing its prepandemic levels. Attendance so far this season is at about 95 percent of what it was at the same point in the 2018-2019 season, its last full season before the pandemic, when it was setting records.

OH, MARY! has been a surprise hit this season, reminding the industry that shows can work without famous stars. WICKED is defying gravity thanks to the renewed interest brought by the film adaptation. For the first time since 2018, all 41 Broadway theaters have had shows in them this season. And there are more shows than usual regularly grossing more than $1 million a week.

But — and this is a big but — profitability is down. That’s because the costs of producing on Broadway keep rising, so even reasonably strong ticket sales are not enough.

Beyond Times Square, the picture is decidedly mixed. Touring Broadway shows have been selling quite strongly. But nonprofit theaters, both Off Broadway and in cities across the country, are struggling. Having burned through the government assistance that came at the height of the pandemic, many regional theaters are now reporting budget deficits and are programming fewer shows and attracting smaller audiences than they did previously.

theater venues than to attend a live performance or, who knowsperhaps purchase season tickets?

ON THE BOARDS

[Currently playing]

COM THEATRE [College of the Mainland Theatre]

• SWEAT - by Lynn Nottage - April 24 – May 11, 2025 - 7:00 PMSunday matinees - 2:30 PM

THE GRAND 1894 OPERA HOUSE

• THE UKULELE ORCHESTRA OF GREAT BRITAIN - April 5, 2025 - 8:00 PM

• I AM, HE SAID - CELEBRATING NEIL DIAMOND - April 12, 2025 - 8:00 PM

CLEAR CREEK COMMUNITY THEATRE

• VANYA AND SONIA AND MASHA AND SPIKE - By Christopher Durang - April 18-20, 2025 - 2:00 and 7:00 PM

PURPLE BOX THEATRE

• THE CEMETERY CLUB - By Ivan Menchell - April 25 - May 4, 2025 - 7:30 and 2:30 PM

BAYTOWN LITTLE THEATRE [BLT]

• THE BOLD AND BOB - by Jean Ciampi - April 4 - 10, 2025@:30 and 8:00 PM

IN THE WINGS [Opening Soon]

THE GRAND 1894 OPERA HOUSE

• MICHAEL FEINSTEIN IN BECAUSE OF YOU - MY TRIBUTE TO TONY BENNETT FEATURING THE CARNEGIE HALL ENSEMBLE - May 3, 2025 8:00 PM

BAYTOWN LITTLE THEATRE [BLT]

What better time [and way] to show your support for our local live

• RADIUM GIRLS - By D.W. Gregory - May 16 - June 1, 20258:00 PM and 2:30 PM PAUL

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:

SHELTER SERVICES:

Safe housing and care for resident pets including animal health and behavior assessments

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.

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.

ADDITIONAL PROGRAMS:

ADOPT FOSTER SPONSOR VOLUNTEER

EDUCATE DONATE

CONNECT WITH US

ADDITIONAL PROGRAMS:THE

• Spay/neuter assistance

Spay / neuter assistance

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!”

The Galveston Island Humane Society INC., formed in 1981 as a 501C3, non-profit organization. Originally created by concerned citizens to rescue animals from “the pound” and much has changed over the last few decades. Today we have a humane shelter with a no-kill live release rate. Daily we provide care for lost or homeles s pets, reuniting pets with their families and promoting the adoption of pets needing homes.

MEET GIHS

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.

• Lost pet assistance and recovery

Lost pet assistance and recovery

Humane education for all ages

• Humane education for all ages

Pet food pantry for individuals in need

• Pet food pantry for individuals in need

Emergency Medical Assistance

• Emergency Medical Assistance

WHAT DO ADOPTIONS INCLUDE AT GIHS?

WHAT DO ADOPTIONS INCLUDE AT GIHS?

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

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

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

Microchip

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

• Microchip.

GIHS is de dicated 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!"

GALVESTON ISLAND COMMUNITY CATS

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.

GICC was established in 2015 and is a progressive Trap/Neuter/Return (TNR) program to fi x, vaccinate and release feral cats on the island. To date we have altered over 4000 felines with this program.

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, this could easily lead to needless euthanasia. Our programs work diligently to reduce the number of pets in our community. We are committed to assuring that ad optable pets are kept available until they are placed in a family or transferred to a partner organization.

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.

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 Is land can live out his or her life in a loving home.

• Like and share from our social networks.

• Become a member of GIHS.

Microchip your pets

Spay or neuter your pets and encourage others to do the same

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

• ADOPT your next best friend.

• VOLUNTEER at the shelter.

• FOSTER if you cannot adopt.

• DONATE to support our mission.

Like and share from our social

Become a member of GIHS ADOPT your next best fr iend VOLUNTEER at the shelter

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.

FOSTER if you cannot adopt

DONATE to support our mission

Public Service Announcement

In place of our usual Dog of the Month feature, we would like to share some important needs of the Galveston Island Humane Society (GIHS).

On Monday, March 10, 71 animals were discovered on an abandoned school bus at Galveston State Park. Most of these animals have been brought to the Galveston Island Humane Socie ty.

We are incredibly thankful for the generous outpouring of supplies from the community. However, we are still in urgent need of fosters . Fostering provides a vital link between an animal arriving at the shelter and finding their forever home. Additionally, we need volunteers for dog walking and kennel cleaning during the following times each day: 8:00 AM, 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM, and 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM.

Apply to foster at www.galvestonhumane.org/foster

Join our life saving pack of fosters!

You are encouraged to simply show up between 8 am and 5 pm daily to help with any number of tasks.

As always, monetary donations are also greatly appreciated at www.galvestonhumane.org/donate

Thank you, Galveston! Live on beautiful Galveston Island without the high cost.

Music Profile

Story and Photos by Zach Tate

Additional Photos courtesy Jordan Applebe

Texas Jordan Applebe

Despite the precision of life’s pivotal moments when seen in retrospect, some moments aren’t always so clear when they’re actually happening. For Webster, Texas-based singer-songwriter, Jordan Applebe, there were two life-changing events that shaped who he is today. One of which the 38-year-old leader of the self-described “high energy, red dirt”, Big Jordan Band, and Saltwater Revival Pirate Church pastor, says he was keenly aware of the moment it happened.

Applebe had been playing music, and occasionally preaching, at Saved Savage Ministries church services, an all-inclusive Christian-based group created by local actor Randal Reeder (famous for his Hollywood movie roles in films like Deadpool and others) that holds services at bars in the greater Galveston/Houston region, when he was pulled aside one Sunday at The Moon in LaPorte in 2022 by his mentor and Saved Savage pastor, Albert “AWOL” Roque, who asked him, ‘when are you gonna stop running from the pulpit?’. Applebe admits praying about the question until he says he received an answer from God.

“If you’ll forgive the expression, I feel God talks to us in our language, I said ‘ God, do you really want me to do this?’ and he said, and I heard it clear as a bell, ‘Jordan, shit or get off the pot,’” Applebe said.

By May of the same year Applebe had given h is first sermon with Saved Savages and by the following August had started his own Saltwater Revival Pirate Church along with friend Richard King. Based at the music venue and bar, Barge 295, on Nasa Road One in Seabrook, Applebe has been performing services, both preaching and playing music, every Sunday at 11 am since.

preachy or falling into a more traditional category of gospel or Christian music. With his deep Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash voice against a modern country sound reminiscent of Paul Cauthen, the song and video, filmed and created by Drew Mitchell at LaPorte’s legendary Chantilly Room music venue and bar, reflects Applebe’s Pirate Church message of acceptance and non-judgment. Watch the video at BigJordanBand.com

The other life-changing pivotal moment for Applebe came when he suffered a broken leg playing football at 12 years old. “I was going to be Mr. Football. I was stuck in a wheelchair all summer and my dad taught me some guitar chords. From that moment I was sucked in and never looked back,” Applebe said.

Combining music and faith, Applebe refers to the Big Jordan Band as a ‘secular-based band that plays some songs about Jesus.’ A recent music video and song released by the band called ‘Higher Ground’ is a good example of Applebe’s ability to work faith-based lyrics into a song without sounding overtly

Born in Morgan Point, Texas in 1987 and a graduate of LaPorte High School, Applebe performs often at the area’s local bars and festivals including the Sylvain Beach Festival and Chantilly Room, though the band has performed as far away as Mexico City, Florida, and South Padre Island, opening for Mickey Gilley, Johnny Lee, Tracy Byrd, Marshall Tucker band and Turnpike Troubadours among others. Applebe has played in most of Galveston’s popular live music venues like Sharky’s and 1877 On The Strand - and even once at the long-gone famous Balinese Room. Big Jordan Band (Brian Mauk on drums, Seth Gulski on bass, Landyn Lyerla on guitar, Eric Parks on harmonica) will also be headlining the Texas Crab Festival on Boliver Peninsula in May.

Q&A with Jordan Applebe

ZT: How do you describe Big Jordan Band’s music?

JA : We play a blend of country rock blues and rockabilly with a soulful side. Hot riffs, heavy grooves, sweet melodies. Very eclectic. That’s what I love. It’s like red dirt ADHD.

Big Jordan hosting Pirate Church at Barge 295 in Seabrook

Making music that survives you. Money comes and goes but writing a timeless song, and having it receive enough attention to live on after you’re gone? That’s priceless. THAT is success.

ZT: Why do you play, write, and perform music?

JA : Because I was born for this. I’ve dreamed about this since I was 6 years old. I’ve never wanted to do anything else. My father played and sang, my uncles played and sang, my mom sang, and my great-grandmother was an accomplished pianist with a degree from Baylor. It’s in my blood.

Z T: Do you have any formal music training?

JA : I’m self-taught at guitar, and I took choir in high school and college.

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

JA : I grew up listening to 93.7 The Arrow with my mom on the way to school, discovered Stevie Ray Vaughan and Dimebag Darrell, and fell in love with their presence. They were 10 feet tall to me. I’ve always wanted to do this.

Z T: What artists did you love growing up?

JA : Queen, Metallica, Pantera, Stevie Ray, Zeppelin, Eagles, Journey, The Doors, Slipknot, Mudvayne, but also Chris Ledoux, Guy Clark, Shake Russell - just real raw powerful emotive music from real people.

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

JA : La Porte junior high talent show 7th grade. I was terrified but I was hooked. That rush is indescribable.

Z T: Who influences you these days and why?

make a living playing music there. If we’re not careful that could happen here.

Z T: What is your musical goal for 2025?

JA : At this exact moment I’m OBSESSED with the Red Clay Strays. Not only their style but their willingness to speak on their faith. Being a pastor that is a huge thing for me. Outside of that, I listen to everything from Waylon Jennings to the Wu-Tang Clan.

ZT: What defines ‘good music’ in your opinion?

Z T: What is your songwriting process?

JA : Real music, coming from a legitimate place of emotion. I want to know and feel that the writer put their soul in that track. THAT is good music.

JA : Start with the concept, whether lyrical or musical, and build. If I have a cool concept lyrically, I’ll build a riff around it. If I have a cool riff or musical idea, I’ll build the lyrical concept around that.

Z T: How do you define success as would relate to being a musician?

JA : Making music that survives you. Money comes and goes but writing a timeless song, and having it receive enough attention to live on after you’re gone? That’s priceless. THAT is success.

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

JA : I love our scene. My only caution is that we as musicians need to stay vigilant. Austin has an amazing music scene, but it’s nearly impossible to

JA : We’d like to release more musical material and film another music video. Also, if we could open for Red Clay Strays that would be pretty sweet.

Z T: Where is the best place for people to find out where you’re playing next?

JA : TheBigJordanBand.com and on Facebook.

Big Jordan Band at Chantilly Room in LaPorte

L-R Randal Reeder, Albert Roque, Jordan Applebe

The With Chris Gonzales

Experienced Fishing Advice To Make Fishing Great Again

Serious Tackle Box

The Serious Ling Rig With A Twist

Get ready for spring ling with this mono rig that can be used for all short strikers without teeth. While it works with various-length squid, baitfish, or strip baits, I’ll primarily cover it as a squid/ling rig. I know that, at times when reading an article about virtually any subject I have some knowledge about, I won’t give a close enough look. Details make the difference, don’t skip through this piece and miss an important point.

I designed a similar rig about 20 years ago that’s the genesis for this one; its fine-tuning continues. The latest major difference is the lead hook type and its modification, the optional mono tie to the main hook, and the more rearward main hook placement. The “Twist” in this rig is the mono’s spirals around the nose hook’s shank. These twists let the nose hook be moved along the mono, giving adjustability to the distance between the nose and the main hook. This adjustability allows for the use of various-length squid baits. The mono bends through the nose hook’s eye and the single or double wrap around the hook’s shank holds it in position to maintain the distance between the hooks giving a normal-looking, straight, not a bent or kinked shape that causes the squid to twist on the retrieve or when sitting still in the current. It’s simple to rig up and all of the pieces needed are readily available. What do you need to make up a squid rig for ling/cobia fishing? The lead for mine is a Spro, 230 lb. Power Swivel®, about 4 ft. of Suffix® 80 lb. mono, a Mustad® 39948NP-BN Circle Hook size 3/0 and a Mustad 10827NP-BN size 9/0 “J” hook. Modifications to the various pieces would be camo green to the swivel, my “Poor Man’s Fluorocarbon” treatment to the mono, camo ivory to the circle, and “J” hooks. Email me at chris@serioustackle.com for spray paint names & numbers and the Poor Man’s Fluorocarbon procedure. Other key modifications to the hooks are first, carefully with pliers, reduce the hook point to shank gap to about half its original on the circle hook. The closing of the gap on the small circle hook lets it do its job as the nose hook holding the squid’s body in a swimming

position while reducing its hookup possibility to almost zero, exactly what you want. The offset “J” hook greatly increases your hookup possibilities, also exactly what you want.

To build one of these rigs, start by snell knotting the 9/0 “J” hook to a 4 ft. length of 80 lb. Suffix mono. Next, pass the mono through the circle hook’s eye from the bottom side. Now tie the mono to the swivel. The total length from swivel to “J” hook should be a little over 3 ft. To rig up with a 7” or so whole natural squid, first pass the “J” hook through one of the squid’s eyes and out of the head through the center of its tentacles. With the “J” hook’s eye at the squid’s eye, make two wraps of the mono around the circle hook’s shank. These shank wraps must be against the hook’s eye from its bend side, not its gap side; see the illustration’s closeup view of the shank wraps. Next position the circle by sliding on the mono so that when passed through the end of the squid’s body, the mono to the hook has a little slack in it. This slack allows the squid to lay straight while still giving freedom of flex movement. See the illustration again for a clear look at the completely rigged squid. A rigging option would be to place two small circle hooks on the mono using

The Serious Ling Rig With A Twist

the one close to the “J” hook as has already been described. Position the other one farther up the mono to attach a second nose-hooked squid with about a 3” gap between the two squids. This “squid train” has added scent and visual appeal which could help generate a strike by an otherwise wary ling. Give this option a serious thought. The camo spray can painting of the nose and “J” hook, along with the Poor Man’s Fluorocarbon treatment give a natural-looking, blending-in factor to the whole presentation.

The reason I always use a “J” hook for the main hook as opposed to a circle is that when fishing near the boat for shallow swimming ling, a “J” hook has greater hookup properties. With a circle hook, it takes an aggressive biter, turning and swimming away on a tight line to get a hook set. A hookup, when using a “J” hook, even with a short striker/mouther, your rod sweep hook setting motion from multiple possible directions greatly ups your chance of a hookup. What this means is; a quick right, left, up or even down rod tip sweep before your ling has the option to spit the bait/squid.

or “C” hooks, 90 lb. 7x7, camo brown by AFW will do the job. Yes, you can smell a hook with this cable or it can be crimped on both ends. The 7x7 cable also holds well at the small circles’ shank wraps and eye bend.

While this effective rigging method of mine was born around something like 20 years ago; the latest modifications are a major improvement. The small circle hook lead and the offset “J” hook with its more rearward placement in the squid’s tentacles make the “Ling Rig with a Twist” a squid-mouthing, short striking ling’s worst nightmare. Tie and twist some up for yourself and you might soon get your next ling to stop playing with its food, come to the table, and join the feast, so to speak.

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

Should you have reason to rig up with a circle hook as the main, my recommendation is to use either a Daiichi® D842 size 7/0 or a Mustad 39948NP-BN, size 10/0. If using cable with “J”

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

onion - 2 cups thin sliced

bell pepper - 1 1/2

cups chopped fresh jalapeno - 1/2 cup minced

andouille sausage - 2 cups chopped

fresh salmon - 2 lbs. egg noodles - 16 oz

Grilled Salmon in a Creamy Cajun Pasta

queso blanco melting cheese - 1 lb. cut into cubes

chicken stock - 1 1/2 cups

half and half - 2

cups

butter - 2 sticks flour - 2 tbsp

TSS Herbal Red - 2 tbsp

TSS Texas Pequin

Garlic Salt - 1 tsp

Black pepper - 1 tsp

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

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

Prepare egg noodles according to package then drain water, add to sauce, and reduce heat to lowest setting. Cover and stir often for 5 minutes. Finally, remove from heat and gently stir in salmon. Garnish with Italian parsley, lemon slice, garlic bread, and ENJOY!

-“Wild Bill” & BarbaraPowell

Follow Wild Bill at:

Marine Swap Meet

1. George Carlin

Patsy Cline

The Tracy Ullman Show

Russia

Clara Barton

6. Teddy Roosevelt 7. Cap Anson

Angina

Eve And The Serpent

Apollo 11

11. Jane Austen

12. Silicon

13.Direct Current 14. Lake Baikal

15.Firefox

16. Shell

17. Fist Bump

18. Summa Cum Laude 19. Hartford Courant

20. Lincoln Logs

Beach Bum The

Hi there, Wavers!

April has arrived and that has put your Bum in a better mood. I love the extra daylight. Darkness at 6 pm is just not for me.

I like to be out on the water. One of the fun things to do is to see what names people choose to name their boat. I also like to observe how people go about expressing themselves with bumper stickers and vanity license plates on their vehicles.

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

What are some of the best bumper stickers and license plates I have seen? Which ones did I find amusing and clever? Here are a few from your Bum. I’m sure you have some favorites too...

Bum Bonus. Your Bum will bet you that you can’t identify who the celebrity basketball player is. Answer on p70..

PET PEEVES Of The Month

Horrible Airline Etiquette & Behavior

Some of us can remember years back when flying on an airplane was almost a classy, pleasant experience. My oh my how times change. Bad behavior has sadly become the norm in our society, and nowhere can it be more prevalent than when we take an airplane flight.

Nearly 220 million Americans plan to take a vacation this summer. If you’re one of them, chances are pretty good that you’re taking a plane to get to where you are going. Good luck with that!

From loud and unruly drunk passengers to hordes of people with no sense of proper etiquette, airline travel has seemingly turned into the Greyhound of the skies.

From passengers taking their shoes off like John Candy in Planes, Trains, and Automobiles to people hoarding the overhead storage space, airline travel can be a real pain. We have included some memes with various rude behavior on airplanes. We are sure you have some Pet Peeves of your own.

Do we like it when we have to suffer through horrible airplane behavior? NO! WE DON’T LIKE THAT!

Bum Bonus AnswerWillie Nelson

Choosing Container Plants

So, we have talked about choosing the container and choosing the soil.

Now- it’s time for the fun part!

Choosing the plants!

Just as just about any container can be a planter, just about any plant can be grown in a container. After years of grafting and hybridizing, there is a wide range of patio fruit trees and other shrubs.

The most important part of selecting plants for your container is to ensure that you are picking plants that will be good roommates. Even plants that require full sun may require different water and soil types. This is really important and frequently overlooked while at the plant store looking at all the beautiful blooms.

If you think about rosemary and lavender, they both originate in the Mediterranean and like poor soil that drains fast. They grow really well in containers with potting soil made for cactus blended with regular potting soil in a 2:1 ratio. When choosing complimentary plants, be sure that these additional plants will do well in the same conditions.

Of course, this applies to shade-loving plants as well. And the season should be brought into consideration. Some plants thrive in the winter and some love the heat.

In order for your pot to be visually pleasing, you need to have something tall, something full and busy, and something trailing. Even if you are growing vegetables, this combination is attractive.

Your container may be a themed container based on color, herbal teas, pollinator plants, or any other such interest. There is no right or wrong idea, it’s all just about what makes you happy!

R eflections

by: John & Kathy Valastro

What Makes a Successful Event?

Spring is upon us, and it’s time to think about all that “fun in the sun.” It’s no secret that I’m a proud BOI (Born on the Island, for newcomers). When we retired, Kathy and I naturally gravitated to Galveston. There must be something special that connects BOIs to the island.

Recently, Kathy and I received some wonderful news—we’re expecting our first grandchild this summer! We are beyond excited. This got me thinking: What do you do when you want to plan a special event?

Islanders are always attending birthday parties, retirement celebrations, special gatherings, dances, and live music events. But did you know there’s a company that can take care of all your event needs with just one phone call? Hard to believe, but I recently met a couple who owns Successful Events Company, and they do just that.

A One-Stop Shop for Any Event

Successful Events provides an incredible range of entertainment and services, including:

• Entertainers: Jugglers, magicians, face painters, and even camel rides!

• Production Services: Fireworks, staging, sound, and lighting.

• Event Rentals: Tents, tables, chairs, and more.

• Catering & Concessions: A variety of delicious options to suit any occasion.

• Live Entertainment: DJs, bands, and inflatable amusements.

Linda and David Flusberg, owners of Successful Events, say:

“Be a guest at your own event with Successful Events!”

“We strive to exceed expectations!”

“We aim to surprise and delight!”

“Successful Events lights it up for your guests!”

These aren’t just catchy taglines—they’re the foundation of their mission to serve clients with the highest level of care, quality, and service.

Stress-Free Event Planning

An Immersive Murder Mystery Experience

So, my island friends, if you’re like me and don’t want to spend all your time planning, setting up, tearing down, and cleaning up, you now have an ace up your sleeve.

Successful Events has become a premier event coordination and production service, specializing in meetings, conventions, trade shows, galas, themed parties, casino nights, company picnics, private beach house parties, and resort entertainment across Houston and Galveston. With 40 years of experience, they offer expertise in:

• Audio-visual production

• Event décor & design

• Themed parties

• Entertainment & live music

Who doesn’t love a Murder Mystery—especially in a turn-of-the-century Galveston mansion? Guests become sleuths at the scene of the crime, gather evidence, and even bribe characters for clues to uncover whodunnit! Successful Events provides an immersive, unforgettable experience that’s perfect for groups looking for something unique.

Showcasing Galveston’s Local Talent

Successful Events is also making waves in the local music scene. They’ve been tapping into local talent and expanding their reach in Galveston’s vibrant music community. We Islanders have our favorite musicians, but we’re always excited to discover new talent.

Recently, I had the chance to check out some of the musicians they have hired on the island, including:

• Kelly Peters Trio

• Amy & Me

• Brittany Doyle

These artists blend country, folk, pop, and rock into their performances, delivering captivating vocals and skillful guitar work. With so much talent in Galveston, they may discover even more local musicians to showcase at their events in the future!

Making Memories That Last

As for me, I’ll be busy preparing for the newest addition to our family. But one thing I know for sure—I’ll have peace of mind when it comes time to create special memories for my grandchild. With Successful Events, I’m pretty sure every celebration will be a “successful event.”

• Catering & rentals

For more information, contact:

Owners: David & Linda Flusberg

Successful Events, Inc.

Office: (713) 667-2797

Cell: (713) 539-7286

www.successfulevents.com

“Cynthia,

Cynthia Corder ” I see you everywhere.

Corder

see you

written by ALYSSA DELOS REYES

When I sat down with Cynthia Corder for this interview, those were the first words I said – “I see you everywhere”. And it’s true—you can’t miss her impact. From real estate signs dotting Galveston to the lives transformed through her nonprofit, RecoveryChick, Cynthia’s presence is deeply felt.

What Brought Her to Galveston?

What Brought Her to Galveston?

Cynthia’s story is one of transformation, faith, and unyielding purpose. “What brought me to the island?” she muses, “It was Jeremiah 29:11. God had a plan for me here.”

After serving as a chaplain at Harris County Jail in Houston—where her office was a literal jail cell—Cynthia found herself physically and emotionally depleted. Longing for peace, she took a leap of faith, donated 90% of her possessions to The Women’s Home in Houston, and embraced tiny living in a fifth wheel parked at Tiki Tom’s RV park.

How Did Real Estate Find Her?

How Did Real Estate Find Her?

Cynthia’s journey took a surprising turn when she began working as a personal trainer at Urban Health and Fitness on Post Office Street. A client, local real estate broker, and now dear friend, Lynn Beardslee, encouraged her to explore the industry. Starting as an unlicensed assistant, Cynthia quickly discovered her gift for connecting with people and turning dreams into reality. Today, she leads one of the fastest-growing teams in Galveston, The Corder Team, closing an average of 50 homes a year. With expertise in diverse property types— including luxury beachfront homes, short-term rentals, commercial properties, multi-family units, and lots. For Cynthia, it’s never just been about sales; it’s about building community. “Real estate has given me the platform to serve on a larger scale,” she says.

What Drives Her Mission?

Drives Her

Unexpectedly, her real estate career advanced RecoveryChick, the 501(c)(3) nonprofit she founded to support women in addiction recovery.

It began in 2012 when Cynthia was tasked with developing a recovery program for 1,000 incarcerated women. “I saw so many women take the first steps toward healing but struggle to find safe, accessible housing afterward. That stayed with me,” she shares. In October 2018, she opened Judy’s House in honor of her late mother, safe and accessible housing to women in substance abuse recovery. Today, with God’s grace, RecoveryChick has expanded to include Precious Rubies in Dickinson and Victory House, a second sober living home in Galveston.

Cynthia sees RecoveryChick as part of a broader mission to change Galveston’s perception. “People are no longer just coming here to party; they’re coming here to heal,” she says. Her vision is clear: to continue empowering others, whether by guiding clients to their dream homes or offering women in recovery a place to rebuild. “We reach up to learn, but we reach back to help,” she says with conviction. Cynthia Corder isn’t just everywhere; she’s everywhere with purpose, creating a lasting impact of love, hope, and faith.

Recovery helps heal Galveston’s reputation as a party town. It shows who we really are—a community of strength, resilience, and faith.

–heal Galveston’s as a party town. It shows who we are a community of resilience,

– Natalie Solina Galveston Native-BOI

REALTOR® | TV HOST | TEAM LEAD

Cookin’Column

The month of April finds Bunny hoppin’ down the bunny trail towards her favorite holiday - EASTER! Flowers are blooming, the world around us is new and green again, and it’s such a beautiful time to be aware of new beginnings in our lives. I hope you enjoy it as much as Bunny does!

As usual, I look forward to gathering my family and friends together on Easter weekend for Easter egg hunting, fun together laughing, playing, and eating - especially EATING! So you guessed it - I will be cooking up a storm. But one simple dish that I better not forget lest my people disown me is the deviled eggs. They expect them for most every gathering at my little hut, but especially at Easter. Of course, numerous deviled egg recipes are available for the experienced cook who frequently prepares deviled eggs. However, I’d like to offer you a classic deviled egg recipe that I learned from my mother and grandmother. If you are new to preparing deviled eggs, you can learn how to make them using my tips and recipe below. Then just sit back and marvel how quickly they disappear from the platter!

CLASSIC SOUTHERN-STYLE DEVILED EGGS

This is the basic recipe. I will sometimes add a splash of white or red wine vinegar and maybe just a teeny-tiny pinch of cayenne pepper, but you don’t have to. You may want to make more than a dozen deviled eggs. If so, boil more eggs, but adjust your filling ingredients up in order to fill the egg centers.

Ingredients

• 6 large eggs

• 2 Tbsp. mayonnaise

• 1 1/2 Tbsp. sweet or dill pickle relish

• 1 tsp. yellow mustard

• 1/4 tsp. kosher salt

• 1/4 tsp. black pepper

• Garnish : paprika, bacon pieces, parsley or dill weed (optional)

Directions

• F ill a large pot with eggs and cold water; cover eggs with water by at least an inch. Bring eggs up to a boil on medium-high heat. When water is boiling well, as in a rolling boil, turn off the heat and cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid. Let it sit for 15 minutes without opening.

• Pour off the hot water and refill the saucepan with cold water. Add several pieces of ice. Let them sit in the cold water for about 5 minutes. One by one, peel the eggs. (see peeling tips below)

• Cut eggs in half lengthwise; Carefully remove the yolks and transfer them to a small bowl. Mash the yolks with a fork, then stir in the mayonnaise, pickle relish, and yellow mustard. Season with salt and pepper. Using two teaspoons, start spooning the egg yolk mixture into each “hole” until all are filled. Garnish as you wish.

Tips For Making Deviled Eggs

Gently tap the eggs on a hard surface to crack the shell, then roll them between your hands to loosen. Start peeling from the larger end, where there is usually an air pocket, making it easier to remove the shell without damaging the egg white.

Make sure not to crowd the eggs in the saucepan before boiling. To enjoy your delicious deviled eggs for days to come, proper storage is essential. Store your deviled eggs in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best to keep them covered to prevent drying out and to maintain freshness.

Generally, deviled eggs can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, they are best enjoyed fresh, so aim to make them as close to serving time as possible.

If you would like your yolk to be centered in the middle of the egg, plan ahead. The night before preparing your deviled eggs, turn the eggs over in the egg carton with the smaller end facing upward. Replace in the refrigerator. After they are boiled, you will notice that the yolk has moved to the middle of the egg rather than closer to the wider part of the egg.

CLASSIC SOUTHERN-STYLE DEVILED EGGS

Happy Trails, Bunny