The Local Magazine November/December 2015

Bolivar Peninsula's Community Magazine COMPLIMENTARY

New!

ARTIST CO-OP OPENS ON THE PENINSULA

Holiday festivities at the beach!

PLUS

Holiday Gifts with Local Style

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

•

• • • •

FULL SERVICE PROPERTY MANAGEMENT, VACATION RENTALS & REAL ESTATE SALES LOCATED IN THE CRYSTAL BEACH PLAZA SUPERIOR IN-HOME MAINTENANCE & CLEANING COMPLIMENTARY PROPERTY EVALUATION

RECEIVE EXTRA INCOME ON YOUR VACATION HOME

409-684-1184 CRYSTALBEACHCLUB.COM

* YOUR ONE STOP SHOPPING IN CRYSTAL BEACH! *

CUSTOM HOME BUILDER • • • •

STATE OF THE ART 3D CAD DESIGN SERVICES COMPLETE TURN-KEY PRICING 35 YEARS EXPERIENCE SUPERIOR QUALITY & PROFESSIONALISM

409-684-7233 MINWESTHOMES.COM

Villa Oasis

BOLIVAR’S PREMIER EVENT VENUE RENTAL HOME! “The perfect place to host the perfect event!”

• Weddings • Family Reunions • Large Parties • Retreats • Corporate Events

www.villaoasiscrystalbeach.com er “Custome Servic Is What ” We Do!

“Reserv e Now for the Holidays !”

MANLEY BUILDERS Custom Builders

VACATION RENTALS CONCIERGE SERVICES

(832) 370-8608

seascapecrystalbeachrentals.com

BUILDING BOLIVAR STRONG 409-540-6116

CONTENTS NOV E M B E R / DE C E M B E R 2 0 1 5

20 BUILDER SHOWCASE

theLOCAL

Bolivar Peninsula’s Magazine

EDITOR CREATIVE DIRECTOR DESIGNER Destiny Martin CONTRIBUTORS Dr. Melanie Wallace Ed Snyder/Outdoors Eve Bradford PHOTOGRAPHY CONTRIBUTORS Arcadia Publishing Cody Bess Photography Crystal Beach Local News Ed Snyder/Outdoors

FOR ADVERTISING INFO 650 Media Group, LLC P.O. Box 1747 Crystal Beach, TX 77650 817.505.8208 info@thebolivarlocal.com

The LOCAL, Bolivar Peninsula’s Magazine is produced by 650 Media Group, LLC. All rights reserved. The LOCAL is not responsible for facts presented by authors or advertisers. No part of this publication may be used or reproduced without written consent of the editor.

IN EVERY ISSUE editor’s note 5 local business 12 by the sea 16 beach vibes 19 sea & be seen 26

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events 27

IN THE COMMUNITY Inspired by the spirit of Jane Long, the Bolivar Peninsula Cultural Foundation reclaims its territory on the coast and opens an art gallery

For information about mailing subscription and other questions or comments, email: info@thebolivarlocal.com

WE'D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU!

shop loca28l! saturday nov

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EDITOR'S NOTE

THE HOLIDAY SEASON is special. To me,

it’s a time to reflect on the year and give thanks.

As I look back on this year’s accomplishments for The Local magazine, I am thankful for each and every one of you.

To our advertisers: Thank you for believing in me and for investing in The Local before the first edition was ever printed. Your support breathed life to a concept that has now become a new business on the peninsula.

To our contributors: Quality content is priceless. Because of your invaluable contributions, The Local is quickly becoming a platform that enhances our community. Thank you for your willingness to be a part of something great!

To our readers & subscribers: I am in awe of the countless comments I’ve received from you.

Seeing Bolivar Peninsula represented in a new and vibrant way, many of you have written in expressing your pride and gratitude. I am forever grateful for your encouraging words…

It means a lot to see my family and such wonderful people featured. —Taylor Macon

I think The Local is fantastic. Love the layouts and coverage. —Brenda Beust Smith

The Local is a great way to keep people informed and involved. —Sarah Chapman

In a small community, it’s important that we reciprocate support. In lieu of Small Business Saturday on November 28, we encourage you to shop local this holiday season and keep retailers on the peninsula top of mind. Turn to page 11 for more info about why you should invest in our area’s independent businesses.

May peace and thanksgiving be yours this season and always.

Until next time, #keepitlocal.

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THERE IS NO SUBSTITUTE FOR EXPERIENCE.

Building exceptional homes on Bolivar Peninsula since 1972.

NEW CONSTRUCTION • REMODELING • PROJECT MANAGEMENT CONTACT TYLER COCO AT 409.651.6004

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November/December 2015

CONSTRUCTION LOANS • LOT LOANS • MORTGAGES

We do it all!

Please contact Randy Slater to learn more about what Texas First Bank can offer you today!

2385 Highway 87 • Crystal Beach • (409) 370-9453

November/December 2015

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CHARLES MICHAEL CUSTOM HOMES 2950 Highway 87 Crystal Beach, TX 77650

409-684-1001

Full Service Home Builder Your Lot or Ours Financing Options Available Custom Home Design Top Quality Construction Features to Fit Your Budget Over 40 Years Experience

Contact Us Today About Your New Home

BUILDING FOR GENERATIONS

www.CharlesMichaelHome.com 409-842-3737

Home, Commercial & Industrial Services A/C and Heating Service & Installation Full Home Services Available 24 Hours 7 Days A Week Subscribe and receive access to digital editions of

theLOCAL

Bolivar Peninsula's Community Magazine

Submit your email address to info@thebolivarlocal.com subject line SUBSCRIBE

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November/December 2015

No Overtime Charges Between 7am - 7pm No Extra Charge To Bolivar Peninsula 409-842-3737 | Fax: 409-842-3738 4950 Washington Blvd. Beaumont, TX 77707

ICMairconditioning.com

Experience Coastal Living.

NEWCOAST PROPERTIES

NEWCOASTPROPERTIES.COM

is your premier source for buying and selling real estate on Bolivar Peninsula, and the proud new owner and developer of Laguna Harbor and Seagrass Beach.

BRAD BALLARD Principal/Broker

281.639.0451 Brad@NewCoastProperties.com

LagunaHarbor.com

SeagrassBeach.com

CASEY BLUME Realtor

409.392.0341 Casey@NewCoastProperties.com

A

4312 West Boyt Rd. Port Bolivar, TX 77650

409-684-7777 bait • fuel • ice • snacks • low boat launch fees

S E H LS XC RI O U MP A RS IN VA IO G IL N A S B LE

IT’S THAT TIME OF YEAR. Duck. Duck. Boom.

GALVESTON BAY SAFARIS WITH CAPTAIN DELINO COMEAUX

GUIDED HUNTING • FISHING • SHRIMP TOURS

409-392-6002 November/December 2015

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Swede’s REAl EStAtE

Serving Bolivar Peninsula for over

THE BIG STORE

P.O. BOX 2327 2385 HWY 87 CRYSTAL BEACH, TX

1955 OVER 200

Vacation Rentals to choose from!

60

YEARS

2015 Fabulous Beach Homes

Call us at 800-624-0071

for Sale!

STORE HOURS

SUN - THURS 7:00AM - 9:00PM FRI - SAT 7:00AM - 9:30PM

www.swedesrealestate.com

! e i b b e D t e e m Owner; Visionary Extraordinare

I’ve always been drawn to the beauty and allure of the Gulf Coast. Having grown up in Louisiana, I’ve learned nothing says relaxation more than the intermingling of sun, surf, and sand.

My husband and I had a little fish camp of a cabin on the Bolivar Peninsula when Hurricane Ike bullied his way through in 2008. Our cabin was lost, and though heartbroken, it didn’t take long for us to realize we had to rebuild. The beach was too much of who we were, and are, to this day. Using our own design and muscle power, we built a new beach home that calls to us constantly and nurtures our souls.

On a leisurely beach walk in the spring of 2013, we came upon a couple whose convertible was stuck in the sand. As the men worked on freeing the car, the woman and I continued down the beach, and I introduced her to the joy of discovering sea glass. Her delight in finding the seasoned glass sparked my imagination and created a passion in me to share what the shore has to give. Thus, ‘A Shore Venture’, was inspired.

I’ve spent the last twenty-five years in the meeting and events business and can think of no better canvas to use my talents and contacts while offering unique, creative experiences for those beckoned by the shore. I specialize in private beach workshops and/or adventures for women, featuring a handpicked portfolio of “artists”, as well as recommendations on vacation rentals on the Bolivar Peninsula.

PHONE

(409) 684-2400 FAX

(409) 684-0306 10 |

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November/December 2015

Get ready to sink your toes in the sand and surf.

You deserve it.

To check availability and schedule a private group workshop and/or beach adventure, contact:

Debbie Borel Ploeger 409-790-3624

www.facebook.com/AShoreVentureCrystalBeachTX

VENTURE

SHOP LOCAL LOCAL BUSINESS FEATURE p. 12 BY THE SEA p. 16 IN THE COMMUNITY p. 18 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE p. 19

Local retailer Tropical Accents Furniture, Home Decor and Gifts deck the halls in preparation for their annual Open House event on November 7

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LOCAL BUSINESS: TROPICAL ACCENTS

SHOPPING FOR THE COMMON GOOD text + photography DESTINY MARTIN

W

ith the holiday season upon us, chances are you’re making a list and checking it twice. But before venturing away from the peninsula to find the perfect present, consider the benefits of shopping local first. A convenient place to start is Tropical Accents Home Décor, Furniture and Gifts located at 2950 Hwy 87 in Crystal Beach. Owners Robin Kasiske and Laura Pierce offer a large selection of fine furnishings and unique gift items with coastal panache.

Friends for more than a decade, Robin and Laura are full time residents of Bolivar Peninsula. “We had both experienced the need for a gift or desire to purchase a decorative item for the home and had to deal with the inconvenience of traveling off the peninsula to shop for those items. We felt sure others had the same experience,” Laura says. So in 2006 the duo decided to open Tropical Accents in an effort to meet the need for a local retailer specializing in home décor and gifts.

The charming shoppe is a menagerie of one-of-a-kind products, art, and furnishings; you could literally spend hours perusing everything they have to offer (I did!). Furniture lines include Capris, Braxton Culler, Palecek, Gail’s Accents, and Seaside Casual outdoor composite furniture, most of which offer customization of fabric, wood finish, or color. Popular brands such as Lolita Collectibles, Lifefactory, Lindsay Phillips SwitchFlops, Mud Pie, Dr. Livingston, Beadworx, and Blenko Glass are also available.

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SHOPPING FOR THE COMMON GOOD

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LOCAL BUSINESS: TROPICAL ACCENTS

KEEP IT LOCAL Tropical Accents carries an extensive collection of wall art and handmade jewelry from local artists Patty Hagstrom, Jennifer Peck, Madonna Powers, and Cat Holtzclaw. By purchasing original art from Tropical Accents, consumers directly support some of the area’s most esteemed artisans.

Mosaic artist and jewelry designer Cat Holtzclaw sells her collection exclusively at Tropical Accents.

“Robin and Laura are great to work with,” she exclaims, “and the opportunity allows me the freedom to focus on what I love most: the process of creating authentic pieces inspired by my beach finds.”

Jennifer Peck couldn’t agree more. “The best part of Tropical Accents is Robin and Laura,” she says. “They have impeccable taste and merchandise everything in a fresh and exciting way. I couldn’t be more pleased to have my artwork shown in such a beautiful and uplifting showroom.”

Robin and Laura proudly serve their community in other ways, too. The business partners are committed to 14 |

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upholding local interests and commerce.

Both women are members of the Bolivar Chamber of Commerce, with Robin currently serving on the Chamber’s Board of Directors. Laura is a charter member of the Bolivar Peninsula Lions Club. Each has volunteered for many years at the Texas Crab Festival, Frog Fest benefiting the Lone Survivor Foundation, and various Lions Club events.

THE BENEFITS OF SHOPPING LOCALLY In the digital age, online shopping is quick and easy, but as consumers we miss out on the added dimension of basic human interaction. A key advantage to shopping local is a more personalized customer service experience, allowing small business owners like Robin and Laura to better know and serve their patrons. Tropical Accents offers a unique, one-on-one shopping experience and is 100% dedicated to customer satisfaction.

Plan to attend their annual Open House event on November 7, and get an early start on your Christmas shopping!

As a consumer, it is vital to support independent businesses like Tropical Accents. By making a conscious effort to invest in local retailers and restaurants, we build a stronger local economy, put more people to work and control the impact our dollars are making in our community. That’s a gift worth giving this season.

Tropical Accents is located at 2950 Hwy 87 with winter store hours Thursday through Saturday 10:30am to 5:00pm, and Sunday noon to 4:00pm. Call (409) 684-0009 or visit tropicalaccents.net for more information.

Our store is decked in its holiday best!

Join us for our annual Open House

November 7 10:30am - 5:00pm

Refreshments and Door Prizes!

2950 Hwy 87 • P.O. Box 2354 Crystal Beach, TX 77650

409-684-0009 www.tropicalaccents.net

Kick off the holid ays with us!

Area Information Live Webcams Local Events Business Directory Beach Rentals Fishing Reports

LocalNe ws.com November/December 2015

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DR. MELANIE WALLACE has been an early childhood educator for over 40 years. Her dad was a boat salesman, so she claims to have grown up on the water. After years of vacationing here, love of the Gulf Coast brought Melanie and husband Mack to Crystal Beach full-time in 2004. These days, she’s spending a lot of time in Fort Worth with their four grandsons.

Photo: Ruby Inez O’Carroll West, Dr. Wallace's grandmother

my grandmother

T H E FI S H text + photo MELANIE WALLACE, ED.D

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BY THE SEA

MY GRANDMOTHER WAS A FISH. Maybe that’s why I kinda want to be a mermaid.

Ruby Inez O’Carroll West was a petite beauty born on the bayou in Louisiana. She grew up doggy paddling in that swampy water and turned that paddle into a breaststroke worthy of Esther Williams. She firmly believed that all of her grandchildren must learn to swim, and she would be the one to make sure that happened.

I vividly recall my first foray into the bayous of Louisiana, clinging to an old car inner tube, lined up in a train of cousins. We laughed and splashed all day, with my grandmother as the engineer of that aquatic train.

Every summer, my sister and I would spend a couple of weeks at my grandmother’s house, going to Bible School in the morning, swimming lessons in the afternoon, and a practice swim at “the Nat” after lessons. The Natatorium was an ancient pool, never used by the cool people in town…but we didn’t care. It cost a dime to swim all afternoon. Ma would don a skirted one piece suit and splash and paddle around with us; her hair in a loose shower cap - to protect the “do.” Those were magical times.

Our grandparents, she a stay-at-home mom and he a blue collar worker, were great believers in education. Not only the school kind of education (though that was important to them), but the kind of education that went beyond the classroom. Pa never passed a historical marker without stopping to read every word and talk about it. He always had his “nose in a book,” as Ma would complain.

Out of their modest wages, they funded each of the nine grandchildren one year of extra curricular lessons of some kind. Ma felt like it was important that we have a chance to explore a special interest. I chose ballet, one of my sisters did gymnastics, and I’ll never forget my cousin West demonstrating the fruits of his guitar lessons at the altar of the Baptist Church - playing There is a Tavern in the Town. A moment to remember.

I thought of Ma this morning when I took my grand baby Coby to the YMCA for his swimming lesson. The lessons are a part of his birthday present from Papa and me. Not only the lesson, but the ride to and from the lesson, a post-lesson stop for some McNuggets, and a little practice session or two during the week.

You see, I remember how special I felt when Ma was in the bayou or the Nat with me; safe and happy. I want that for my babies.

As we move into the holiday season, the options for present-giving are endless. Right here on the peninsula, we have fabulous choices for filling the stockings of those we love (and as a person who really enjoys shopping…I can tell you, I’ll be doing just that!). But, even more important than those carefully chosen gifts are the experiences that we can provide for our kids and grandkids. It’s fun to include an experience of some kind in the holiday giving (It’s also a little self-serving, as I get to do the fun stuff right along with the kids).

Wishing you and yours a blessed holiday season, with lots of opportunities for making memories. Who knows…you might inspire a mermaid of your own.

I remember how special I felt when Ma was in the bayou or the Nat with me; safe and happy.

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IN THE COMMUNITY: GALLERY BY THE GULF

A GALLERY RISES text by EVE BRADFORD

INSPIRED BY THE SPIRIT of Jane Long, the Bolivar

Peninsula Cultural Foundation has reclaimed its territory on the coast and is proud to announce the grand opening of their new artist co-op, Gallery By The Gulf.

The BPCF was originally organized by a group of local artists and serves to educate the community about art, music and history of the peninsula. Since the storm, the Foundation has been in search of a permanent place to call home. After several years of research, fundraising, and planning, BPCF now proudly sponsors a facility where local artists can actively create and promote their work.

Currently on display are creations from Belinda Bailey, Margaret Lindow, Cheri Duggan, Angela Travis, Glenda Mastin, Sharon Rigsby and Charlotte Stirling. The gallery also features an “Artist of the Month” exhibit. Local silkscreen artist Patricia Hagstom’s work will be on display through the month of November. Hagstom’s collection graphically translates aquatic environments inspired by 18 |

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Local artist Angela Travis works on a needle felt mermaid pillow at Gallery

By The Gulf. The co-op provides a creative space for participating artists to concentrate on personal projects. Top right: Glenda Mastin discusses a piece with patrons.

her personal experiences as an avid scuba diver.

Gallery By The Gulf is located at 1980 Hwy 87 with hours of operation Thursday through Saturday, 10:00am to 4:00 pm.

The community is invited to attend the gallery’s ribbon cutting ceremony and grand opening event on November 7.

Stop by, support the arts, and celebrate the uniqueness of Bolivar Peninsula! For more information,

contact

Charlotte

Stirling at (409) 673-0536 or cstirling54@gmail.com.

PHOTOS: Destiny Martin

BEACH VIBES

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE Editor's Picks: 5 Gifts with Local Style 1. Charles Viancin Silicone Lids: A beautiful and practical alternative to plastic wrap. Available at Tropical Accents.

2. Corkcicle Artican: Keeps 12-ounce drinks cold without making your hands cold. Select Corkcicle products available at Tropical Accents. 3. Hand Stamped Jewelry by Jill: Personalized gifts are the best. Custom necklaces, bracelets and key chains available. From $12, email jillbraud@yahoo.com or facebook.com/handmadeandstampedjewelry for orders.

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2

3

4

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4. The Bolivar Peninsula written by Dr. Melanie Wallace. Available at local retailers, online bookstores, or at arcadiapublishing.com, $21.99. 5. EcoXGear EcoXBT Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker: Unique portable audio system with 12 hours battery life, and it floats! $200, call Advanced Electronics at 409-527-5922 for more details.

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BUILDER SHOWCASE: CHARLES MICHAEL HOMES

Builder Charles Michael Custom Homes takes inspiration from the coast to elevate their one-of-a kind beach houses. text + photography DESTINY MARTIN 20 |

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Opposite: Tony and Connie Bolter's coastal inspired beach house. This page: interior views of the Bolter's home.

T

he ocean stirs the heart, inspires the imagination and brings eternal joy to the soul. —Robert Wyland The ocean has long been a source of inspiration for artists, writers and musicians, but local builder Charles Michael Custom Homes is turning to the sea to elevate their beach houses.

Founders Charles Shaw and Michael LaFoy have been building in the greater Houston and Galveston areas since 1993, but it was the demand for new construction after the storm that catapulted their business to Bolivar Peninsula in 2009. Prior to Hurricane Ike, LaFoy’s extended family, the Roberts, owned five beach bungalows in Gilchrist. Sadly all were destroyed. Like many— this time guided by the expertise of Charles Michael Custom Homes—the Roberts family decided to rebuild a vacation retreat large enough to accommodate all 29 members.

The Roberts’ 3,009 sq. ft. beach home boasts three bedrooms and three and a half bathrooms. “People were calling me left and right about the size of house we were constructing, LaFoy says.

“At that point, I knew we were on to something.”

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BUILDER SHOWCASE: CHARLES MICHAEL HOMES Clockwise from below: The mezzanine home owned by Kirby and Lisa White. A mural of pelicans painted by local artist Cat Holtzclaw. View of the ocean from the living room located on the second level of the home.

VIEW TO THE BLUE Hurricane Ike forever changed the landscape of our coastal community and the concept for building bigger caught on.

Tiny fish camps that once peppered the peninsula have been replaced by thousands of formidable luxury homes.

Maintaining a view of the ocean is top priority when building beach-side, but with larger homes at every turn the task can seem nearly impossible. “To most of our clients, it’s all about that view,” states Shaw looking out at the Gulf of Mexico.

The challenge to retain an unobstructed view of the ocean inspired Charles Michael’s first mezzanine style house featured on the Discovery Channel's Destination America. The unconventional floor plan introduced the concept of situating bedrooms on the first level of the home. By elevating the common living area to the second story, homeowners Kirby and Lisa White can enjoy an uninterrupted view of the beach.

Taking his inspiration one step further, Shaw chose a minimalist railing solution constructed of metal pipes and clear acrylic panels so as not to distract from the view (shown left).

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GOING COASTAL

NAUTICAL INFLUENCES With a distinct approach to design, Charles Michael Homes raises the bar on custom features. A portion of their business is dedicated to producing speculative, move-in ready homes.

These signature homes allow the team to showcase their personal creativity. The first version of what has become their most popular floor plan, the “1948” (named for it’s square footage), features wood plank walls, barge rope banisters, and a bunk ladder constructed of vintage boat cleats.

BUILDING BASICS THAT AREN’T SO BASIC The conditions of our coastal environment are unrelenting.

Salt air, humidity, and exposure to the sun have the potential to quickly erode the integrity of building materials. As with any investment, price, value, and quality matter. Charles Michael’s standard features offer industry-leading structural components and low maintenance finishes, ensuring that Sherwin-Williams®

Sea Salt

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BUILDER SHOWCASE: CHARLES MICHAEL HOMES

customers spend time fully enjoying their new home, not maintaining it.

Charles Michael Custom Home features include: luxury vinyl wood plank flooring to minimize warping and scratches, energy efficient spray foam insulation, high quality plastic exterior fixtures to prevent rusting, and top of the line SherwinWilliams速 products to prolong lifespan between paintings.

With eyes fixed on the ocean and a shared passion for customer-centered construction, Charles Michael Custom Homes continues to build unique beach homes to be enjoyed for many generations. To learn more about their affordable full service solutions, go to charlesmichaelhome.com. For more information, visit the Charles Michael office at 2950 Hwy 87, Crystal Beach, Texas or call (409) 684-1001.

Top photograph: Sunlight illuminates the screened-in porch at the Robert's Family vacation home. Left: The team is well known for their custom mosaic fireplaces that incorporate homeowners' unique beach treasures.

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text + photo ED SNYDER / OUTDOORS Ed Snyder is a former Marine from Harlingen, Texas who has 30 years experience in outdoor media as a writer and photographer. A member of TOWA, LOLA, and SEOPA Outdoor Writer's Groups, Snyder is now retired and enjoying life on Bolivar Peninsula.

FISHING FORECAST

The best of this year’s fishing season is about to happen folks, so don’t miss out! With the changing of the season and cooler weather patterns approaching, fishing in and around Rollover Pass will only improve with every passing day. The red fish run has already begun and will be followed by the golden croaker run. As water temperature in the bay continues to drop, birds, trout, shrimp and flounder activity will begin to increase. The birds and trout will begin to feed on the shrimp making their way out of the bay to the gulf and the flounder will start their journey to the Gulf as spawning urges them out of the bay and marsh. This pattern will take us well into the winter months of December and January when it will all cycle over again for next year’s fishing season. fishing report from rollover pass Speckled Trout Fishing has been good on gulf side of the bridge with consistent near-to-full limits.

(15" minimum for 10 trout with only one trout over 25" per day allowed as part of your daily limit) Red fish Great redfish action on both sides of the bridge for slot and bull reds. (20 to 28 inches for 3 reds per day, plus bonus bull red of over 28" allowed when properly tagged in addition to your 3 fish limit) Black Drum Steady action on both sides of the

Photo: Lady angler with a limit of flat fish caught on Berkley Gulp!®

bridge. (14 to 30 inches for 5 fish per day with one over 52" allowed) Flounder Good flounder action on the bay side cut and Rollover bay (14" minimum for 2 fish per day from November 1-December 14. Pole and line only from November 1-November 30) Whiting and Croaker Excellent croaker action with anglers loading up their coolers. (No limit) Sharks The sharks are here chasing red fish, so surf waders beware!

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sea

be seen

Untitled by DJ Hutchinson

Share your LOCAL scene.

Send us photos of your favorite places,

people and past times on the peninsula and your image could be featured in an upcoming issue of our magazine.

Submit high resolution (300 dpi) images to info@thebolivarlocal.com. Please

include your name, contact info and the title of the image.

Burning Horizon by Destiny Martin

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God's Promise by Melody Romero

LOCAL EVENTS

NOVEMBER 7 Tropical Accents

Annual Open House The store is decked in its holiday best and new arrivals will make you feel jolly. Our annual Open House event is all day (10:30am - 5pm).

Refreshments and door prizes. For more info call 409-684-0009.

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Gallery By The Gulf Grand Opening Join the Bolivar Chamber of Commerce and Gallery

By The Gulf for their grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony. 10am - 12pm.

1980 Hwy 87, Crystal Beach.

For more information email Charlotte Stirling at cstirling 54@gmail.com.

14 The Reef by Cody Martin

Bolivar Chamber of Commerce Casino Night 6pm - 10pm at Coconuts in Crystal Beach. Proceeds benefit the Bolivar Chamber of Commerce. For more info call 409-684-5940.

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Small Business Saturday Shop Bolivar Peninsula's independent businesses.

DECEMBER 12 Crystaland Parade

Storms by Doug Romero

Hosted every second Saturday in December by the Bolivar Chamber of Commerce, the Crystaland Parade is a holiday event fun for the entire family. The parade starts at the Crystal Beach Fire Station at 6pm, caravans down the beach, then returns to the fire house where Santa greets children for photos and fun. Awards for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place floats, vehicles and golf carts.

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Shop

SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY

NOVEMBER 28, 2015

It's all about you.

S P EC I A L I Z I N G I N BUY E R R E P R ES E N TAT I O N

MARY ELLEN SMITH is a broker associate for Cobb Real Estate who specializes in Buyer Representation. Mary Ellen focuses on every aspect of her clients’ needs, from initial property search to closing, and with more than 35 years of business experience on the peninsula, she’s sure to help you find the home of your dreams. If you’re looking to purchase a property on the Bolivar Peninsula, remember, as a buyer, what you’re entitled to...

Accountability Fairness

Mary Ellen Smith

Broker Associate (ePRO®, GRI, SFR®, SRES®) phone: 409-457-1070 email: CrystalBeachBroker@att.net CrystalBeachResortProperties.com Cobb Real Estate 2290 Hwy 87 Crystal Beach, TX 77650 office: 409-684-3790

Honesty Reasonable Care Confidentiality Full Disclosure Aid in Negotiations Objective Evaluation Price Counseling Loyalty Promoting Your Interest

Buyers Without Representation:

Buyers With Representation:

✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

C RYSTA L B EAC H R ES O RT P R O P E RT I ES.COM

Closest to Blue Water.

Immediate access to the Gulf of Mexico Waterfront homesites starting at $65,000 Concrete bulkheads, deep canals, FEMA insurable

HOMES FROM THE 300’s

LagunaHarbor.com D EV E LO P M E N T S & S A L E S BY

Luxury living.

Beachfront.

An exclusive development on Bolivar Peninsula consisting of 35 beachfront homesites, a resortstyle swimming pool, a fire pit and a fishing pond.

HOMES FROM THE 400’s

SeagrassBeach.com