March starts this Sunday.  And with March comes spring time.  And with spring time comes certain weather and acclimations that aid in spreading new life.  However, certain things known as the "Ikesies" have already begun to spread.

For instance.  You may have noticed the lingering sniffles or lagging sore throat and cough.  Or you may ask yourself what flared up that rash.  Why are my eyes so watery and itchy?  Or simply.  Why am I tired all the time?

I've got news for you.  It's the "Ikesies!!"  Otherwise better known as mold.  Or mold spores.  I believe these microscopic missionaries of infection are in full force out to get us.  And the spring season may end up spreading them even more so.  Watch yourselves Islanders.

Beware the "Ikesies" of March...

Anyone out there got any strange ailments they'd like to share with the group?  Anonymously.  Of course.
 

By request (thanks James), a reminder to readers that the City of Galveston updates its list of registered contractors often.  The city's website - http://www.cityofgalveston.org/ - has a plethora of information with regards to the city itself, Ike Recovery, and assistance.

Here's the updated list as of February 17, 2009:

registered_contractor_list_as_of_2-17-09.pdf

Oh. And IBC strongly suggests you go with a registered contractor!
 

So, guess what a little birdie told me . . . ok the Island's Big Bird - The Parrot?  They've acquired creative control of radio station 1540 AM - where's its Gtown 24/7. 

Programming is in the works, but already if you turn that dial, you'll hear 10 second blurbs and advertisements from local Islanders.  On my commute home - between hits from the 60's, 70's & 80's - I heard Gtown's own Angela Brown promoting Fat Tuesday and Mod Coffee & Teahouse and our very own Mayor Lyda Ann Thomas.

So, switch on over to the AM airwaves and just in case you don't read The Parrot (for shame if it's true) pick up a copy at local Gtown establishments or check it out at www.galvestonparrot.com

Apparently back in the day Galveston did have its own radio station. Where it went I don't know.  Do you?  What's the story on the Island's old station and what happened?

Woohoo!!  Mardi Gras!!  I hope everyone enjoyed themselves last weekend and are preparing for even more revelry this weekend.  For me, Mardi Gras is more than a celebration of lewd behavior because my birthday usually falls right before it begins, so I have to tie a little extra on.  I mean after all.  Galveston throws me a party every year.  And everyone's invited now that there's no mroe admission charges.  I feel special.

I enjoy the spirit of the event.  What I mean by spirit is the laziness.  The attitude.  I'm pretty sure I believe this spirit or attitude helms from the whole French aspects of the celebration of debauchery prior to the lenten prims and propers.  Mardi Gras is the time of year in Galveston when everyone can get along.  Or should get along.  It stirs up unity.  Many don't think about the vast celebration that treks across the globe during this time of year.  There are a lot of different countries that celebrate this time of year.

So.  If you're giving it your first go at Mardi Gras this year, I have some tips for you.  Perhaps suggestions.  Or.  They could just be funny, witty things I type in order to feed my own ego for being funny and witty.  Either way.  Here they are...

1.  Do not attempt to persuade moving vehicles to park in a certain parking lot while standing out in the middle of the road with a large orange traffic cone.  You will not succeed in parking any cars.  You will, however, be entertainment.

2.  Do not go to Whataburger after drinking all day/night and cry on the shoulder of the person behind counter about the fact that you lost your wallet and you're really hungry.  They don't care.  But the deputy working security at the 24 hour establishment will.

3.  Try to maneuver in a vehicle that can seat all passengers inside.  Otherwise you will be pulled over and your truck will be towed.  But hopefully this will happen in front a house where a friendly person lives.  And that friendly (drunk) person will give you beer because said friendly person feels sorry for you.

4.  Take extreme notice of where the nearest port-o-pottie is.  THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT!!!

5.  Make sure, if you're perusing the crowd for certain bare-chested homosapiens, you are not trying too difficultly to do so.  One must non-chalantly go about one's attempt at finding the butterscotches.  Looking too hard will only fail.  One must not be too poised with excitement.  Do not expect to be wowed.

6.  DO drink in moderation throughout the day.

7.  DON'T take beads from strangers.  They could be laced with the "Ike-sies."  (I'll explain the "Ike-sies" at a later date.)

8.  DO attend the parades.  Mardi Gras is not all about standing around and doing nothing.  The krewes go through extreme difficulties to put their floats together.  Give them some support.

9.  Do not expect to feel well when you are finished with Mardi Gras.  You won't.

10.  For one hour pretend you are Captain Sixpack's true identity.  Try it.  You might score.

11.  And finally.  Whatever you do.  Do not pick up the beads you found in the gutter at 26th and Market.  I left them there for specific reasons.

So.  Happy Mardi Gras to all.  And to all a good night.  Be safe out there...

 

My ignorance as to the way the world works logistically always amazes me.  Take food distribution to the needy as the most recent instance.  I daftly figured that you have a can drive here or a grocery store gives some overstock to a church there and that's your working food pantry.  Then I met Mark Davis, one of the biggest persons on the island. 

One morning in April of 2003, Mark woke up at 2:00 am very much awake and something told him to go to Dennys.  (I have a feeling that something is different that the something that tells me to go to Dennys after the bar closes at 2:00 am.)  When Mark got to the restaurant, he found himself a couple seats down from a man talking about the need for feeding the elderly.  This man was Pastor Bill Ritter. 

Mark and Bill built a relationship and worked together to distribute food under the name of Gleanings from the Harvest.  In February of 2004, Bill died.  His last request was that the 20 frozen turkeys he had in the freezer, be prepared to feed the hungry of Galveston.  Gleanings and friends went further than that.  They prepared a full on Thanksgiving style dinner that fed 300 people right there in the funeral home parking lot.  I would imagine that Pastor Ritter would have been very proud.

In April of 2004, Mark Davis heard that "something" again and this time it didn't mention Dennys.  Mark left his full time job out of faith to become Gleanings' executive director (read "only employee").  With Bill's vision and Mark's Braun, Gleanings from the Harvest helps organizations across the county feed thousands.

But the bulk of Gleanings' work nowadays doesn't involve distributing food to the homeless, hungry, or sick.  That type of system isn't the most efficient.  Gleanings' distributes food to viable groups that feed the needy.  This way, they can put all of their efforts into obtaining, organizing, storing, and distributing the food accordingly.

To find out more about this organization or find out how you can help, please visit their website at www.gfthgalveston.org or email Mark directly at mark@gfthgalveston.org.

 

Be sure to check out John Nova (greatest middle name ever) Lomax's Houston Press blog on the proposed Houston - Galveston rail system. We had the good fortune of meeting John a few weeks back and couldn't have enjoyed our time with him more.

You can see the story here.
 

Ok, forgot to mention this in my blog earlier . . .

Yes!  Mod Coffee & Teahouse is coming back!!!!  IBC's and all around incredible people, Holly & Ken McManus are working with Mod owner Angela Brown to re-open our Island's beloved community gathering place.

Word is their target date for an official re-open and all around community hug is in April.  I myself can't wait!
 

So, if you missed last weekend's "Art Stroll" at the soon-to-be back in business Mod Coffee & Teahouse, you have one more chance.  This Saturday the artists and local bohemian-chic will be out again at the Mod-in-waiting from noon to five pm.

IBC's were out in full force - many even walked away with some fantastic art!  Perhaps what was most exciting, aside from strolling around inside our beloved Mod, was the incredible art on display and the opportunity to talk with the artists themselves.  And let me tell ya - this stuff isn't your mother's seascape!  Over the next couple of weeks (or shorter depending on my blogging availability), I will be featuring some of these local artists and their work.  'Cause it's dang cool and the artists are too.

And, some super cool news. . . three art galleries/studios are opening up in the downtown area.  I'll have more on that with artist features.  One of the things IBC's love about this Island is art and culture and what better way to support the Island moving forward but through edgy, yet beautiful art, young energy, and a diverse assortment of talent to energize our beloved Island and its anchor - our historic downtown?

Hope to see you Saturday (what can I say, I love me some art and some interesting peeps)!  For a little preview on some art:  How about Van Gogh meets some Day of the Dead?  What about Steam Punk jewerly?  Abstract art?  Female inspired oil paintings?

Good news for Galveston this week.  Our state representative Craig Eiland-D was named speaker pro tempore for the Texas House of Representatives.  This position is the second highest leadership post in the house.  Surprise or not.  This can only be great for Galveston.

Eiland has already been an outstanding voice for Galveston since Ike, as well as a strong proponent for the resurgence of UTMB on the Island.  I personally have listened to him speak about recovery efforts, and I often like what he has to say and his ideas for getting things accomplished.  He gives me the tinglies.  And he's a handsome little fella.

His new role in the Texas House means we will not be forgotten and pushed to the side.  I have the utmost faith that Eiland will carry out a Galveston campaign thoroughly and professionally.  I couldn't be happier with this news.  And it follows rather closely behind the earlier news this week that Galveston should be getting some rather hefty sums of money for assistance post-Ike.  Let's hope it all pans out.  And, that whatever funds we receive are put to proper use.

Smile Galveston.  You're on "Eiland" time.
 

Okay, so Mardi Gras is great.  There's a ton going on all over the Island.  BUT, if you'd like a break from the crowds and want to infuse a little "KULCHUR" into your day, stop by MOD Coffeehouse (corner of 22nd and Postoffice) on Saturday between 12 noon and 5pm for this fantastic event!!!

(Oh yes it happens to be Valentine's Day as well, so if you forget to get your special someone SOMETHING, just bring them to the Artwalk/Artlinger and say you planned the whole day around a romantic artistic event...  You'll be golden, I promise!)
 

Did you watch Channel 11 News last night around 10pm?  Ok. I didn't - I was already asleep, but look what I found this morning after a tip-off:

http://www.khou.com/video/index.html?nvid=331306

Atmosphere Salon has officially reopened!  IBC's came out for the Grand Re-Opening and ribbon-cutting.  If you haven't checked out Atmosphere yet - you should.  They offer almost any service imaginable and they offer it with fantastic style in a killer "atmosphere."  They even have an in-house chiropractor who is also a massage therapist.

Owner Roxeanne Clark though is my favorite of all!  Not only is she a fantastic stylist but is a great young entrepreneur and leader in Gtown!  She has reopened Atmosphere twice in one year as the salon had just opened in March in its current location before Ike.  She is particularly committed to seeing 23rd Street south of Broadway revitalize.  You've heard it here first folks.

IBC's strongly encourage you to stop by for a cut & style, maybe some color (Mrs. Mondo just went dark red), and perhaps even a massage.  Or feel free to stop on by and get Roxie's take on southside Tremont making a comeback!

One more thing - Atmosphere will be having a Locks of Love Cut-a-Thon soon where those with ponytails get a free haircut with locks to be donated.  Food and drink will be provided, Harley's Angels will be in attendance, and a DJ will keep the music pumpn'.  Oh, and for hair to be donated to Locks of Love, your ponytail must be 10 inches or longer.  We'll bring you more details as we get them!

Atmosphere the Salon
1221 23rd Street
409-750-9810
Website Coming Soon
 

So...  I saw the lunch box ladies in Arlens this evening and told them that they did a great job on the news spot that Lauren was so nice to post on the IBC site the other day (See "News Flash, Feb 3rd) - and that Jeff did a tremendous job as well...  They told me that, after his majesty's interview, he repeatedly insisted that a sandwich be named after him, and.....  drum roll please....

AND....  The Lunchbox Cafe also offers a weekly Farmer's Market!  Every Saturday from 11am-2pm inside the LBC at 213 23rd Street (on 23rd between Strand & Mechanic)!

 

Mr. Tillotson,

Your recent editorial, "Middle class key to next election" (http://galvestondailynews.com/story.lasso?ewcd=28728137e1769f4a) seemed to start off on the right track.  Galveston's middle class is struggling to keep our numbers from dwindling on the Island.  However, for me, your story derailed into a fiery explosion once you knocked the commuter train.

My husband and I ARE Galveston's middle class.  Our peers and friends that live on this Island that CHOOSE to continue to live here (Islanders By Choice), enroll their children in schools here, and involve themselves in the shaping of Galveston's future are also a large part of Galveston's middle class.    And I've got news for you: we're on board to support the commuter train.

"A commuter train service that goes to nowhere"?  With all due respect, I beg to differ that the 4th largest City in the country is "nowhere".  Would the Zoo, the museum district, Reliant Stadium, or NASA agree with that?!  The other end of that statement hits closer to home, though.  That commuter train goes both ways.  To say that it goes "nowhere" might imply that our beloved city of Galveston is "nowhere" as well.  Do you think The Grand Opera House, our small business owners, or the CVB would agree?  How about the restaurant association, our great bars, the Strand Merchants and HDGP?  Would they agree we're "nowhere"?

I wonder if, knowing you are also serving on the Long Term Recovery Committee, you noticed at any of the community open houses that the transportation easels were littered with post-it notes and dots of approval supporting a commuter rail service?  I sure did.  In fact, according to the numbers that were compiled from all of those open houses, there were 122 comments posted in support of the commuter rail system, and NONE that opposed it.  To put that in perspective, another issue you brought up - gambling - only garnered 34 total supportive post-it votes.

Although I think we could both agree that growth of Galveston's middle class is hugely important, I cannot disagree more with your take on the rail.

To those "wise leaders" you referred to that may be in the running to help write the next chapter of our Island, I respectfully request that they take it FROM a middle-classer:  the commuter rail is a MUST, and we can show the votes to prove it.
-Adrienne Culpepper
 

There appears to be a murderer in our midst.  Yesterday, a body was discovered behind a house at 38th and Broadway.  The body was beaten to death.  Prior to this event, a few weeks ago (close to my house) a woman was found in an alley at 22nd and Ave. K.  She was severely beaten, near death.  She survived.  Could this be the work of the same person or people?

Of course this happens when more and more people are getting back out and about around the island.  Then there's the question of who the victims are.  We don't know if they're street walkers, normal everyday Islanders, contractors, homeless, or druggies.  Especially because of where they've been found.  However, this doesn't mean that we ordinary (if anyone on this Island can be referred to as such) folk don't need to be on the look-out an aware of such.  Be careful out there fellow Islanders!!

And please report all suspicious activity to GPD.  The more you call, the more they'll establish a presence.  Trust me.  My lady friend and I know this first hand.

Hopefully everyone knows the emergency GPD number.  The non-emergency number is 409-797-3702.

Enjoy your weekend IBC's.  Well.  See ya later.

 

 

Message regarding HMGP buyout/elevation programs:

(As I blogged earlier, this particular program is not likely to offer EEHD residents much hope for assistance in elevating costs...  We will still be keeping our eyes open for CDBG funds soon, but for now, we'll be completing this application **Be sure to note on the paperwork if you are interested in the elevation (not buyout) program** just in case....  I won't be holding my breath though!)

Good Afternoon Property Owners:

I am Sheila Wiora with the City of Galveston and I would like to inform you that we have the application/handbook now posted on our City of Galveston website.

http://www.cityofgalveston.org/_private/newstool/newsdoc/HMGP_Jeff_Ward_community_meeting_1-14-09.pdf  

If you are interested in participating in this program, please fill out the application. In addition to the application the "damage assessment determination" letter you received from the Planning department (if you have it) will need to be included.

Please send the required documents to:
The City of Galveston
Public Works
P.O. Box 779
Galveston, TX 77553
C/O: Cindy DeWitt

If you do not have a letter of damage assessment from the Planning department, please let us know and we will work diligently with you in acquiring that document. Or you can call the Planning department directly at 409-797-3660.

If you would like more information on this program please click on the link below.

http://www.cityofgalveston.org/_private/newstool/newsdoc/HMGP_Jeff_Ward_community_meeting_1-14-09.pdf

If you have anymore questions, please call 409-762-8873 and either speak with Rachel Ruiz or Sheila Wiora.
 

Did you know Channel 11 was downtown today?  Yep, they were.  And.  They interviewed a fellow IBCer, Dr. "The Jeff" at The Lunchbox Cafe.

The story was an expose (insert the accent with your imagination) on the rebuilding of historic downtown.  We thought Jeff represented!

Check it out:

http://www.khou.com/video/index.html?nvid=328317

HEY IBC-ers,

Do you feel that Galveston's fallen under the radar?  Think a little celebrity-driven shameless self-promotion could help?  Well, I realize by throwing this out there we may be forever eliminating our chances of getting TomKat (Tom Cruise, ahem) here since he might not also believe in "recovery" (is that related to PPD?), but let's see if his buddy Matt could help.  Click on the link, click Matt's head on G-town and let's see if we can't drum up a little buzz!!!

http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/28879486/