June 2009 Archives

It is time to celebrate our independence from King George once again! 

This time we're going to have the 4th of July parade right here in Galveston though!  (You would be amazed at the lack of Galveston 4th parade pictures.  So all you shutterbugs now have a mission, show Canton, OH what we're made of.)

Islander by Choice (IBC) would like to invite everyone out to enjoy the parade this Saturday (YES IT'S ON A SATURDAY!!!) July 4th, at 10 am.  The parade will start at the Santa Fe Building (aka Shearn Moody Plaza) and will proceed south on 25th st. to Postoffice street.  It will follow Postoffice street east to 21st st.  After going north on 21st st. the celebration will turn west on Strand Ave. and finish where it started.

IBC is going to have a multiple car procession that has eyes on best in show.  We're going to have a lot of help from some guests but I'm not going to say who.  You will just have to come out and see us and all the other entrants Saturday morning.

I would also like to thank Galveston's 4th of July Committee and especially Kathy Modzelewski for their dedicated work putting this family friendly event on.

When the *&%@ is it going to rain again?  I love the rain.  Especially here in Galveston.  For me, rainy days give the Island an even more cozy and almost haunting feeling.  As if the Island didn't already have enough mystique and charm.

So.  In order to retrieve the rain and gather an army of natural liquid relief for the parched ground, I've been doing research.  On rain dances.  Now hear me out.

There are many different kinds of rain dances from different cultures that span all the way back to Ancient Egypt.  And of course Native American culture.  Now.  Rain dances weren't only performed in order to invoke precipitative relief of dry times.  They were also held in order to bless freshly planted crops and protection for the harvest.  But selfish need trumps protection of the harvest in my opinion.

The secret to a successful rain dance is to wear plenty of feathers and turquoise.  So maybe.  Just maybe.  If we all band together and wear as much turquoise and feathers as possible, we can bring the rain back to the Island.  There may need to be some jumping around involved in order to wake up the storm clouds since they appear to be hibernating.

If we're careful in our calculations we just might be able to spell the Island of its thirst.

 

Today I have a request.  I open up my regularly scheduled blog day to you fine people of Galveston.  Or anywhere for that matter.  My mind is mush.  And I'd like to see a little more audience participation.

So.  Here's your chance.  Say what you want.  Post a comment and let yourself be heard.  Think of all those guilty little pleasures or disappointments you've harbored so far this year about our lovely little Island.  And unload.  I look forward to hearing from you.

 

Adrienne and I went to the Hotel Galvez 98th birthday party the other day. 

They were also unveiling the new spa that was totally refinished after the hurricane.  (Side note:  If you have never been to a Sunday brunch at the Galvez, it is well worth checking out!)  As I was drinking an interesting grapefruit concoction and looking through old photos of the Galvez, I started thinking about the dedication and of course money that goes into a project like the Galvez.  When George and Cynthia Mitchell bought the Hotel Galvez from a major chain who was not as historically sympathetic, they bought a hotel that was going to take more money to restore than it was going to make in 10 years of service.  Luckily for us, Galveston's favorite son and his wife were more about the investment in the community than they were about the monetary return.

 

When we bought 2202 Mechanic, we bought it to move our business closer to Strand Ave.  The amount of foot traffic there, especially on the weekends, was incentive enough to invest in a building that needs A LOT of work.  We have lots of plans to make the building look its best and to add rather than detract from the fabric of the commercial neighborhood.  However, this venture was primarily made to help our business succeed finacially.

What I admire most about the Mitchells' is that they work for the community and town that they love, not for financial gain but for the love itself.  When Mr. Mitchell started investing in the Strand district in the early 80's, lots of people asked him why he would want to mess with a bunch of derilict vacant buildings.  It is easy for all of us to see now what he saw many years ago.  Without the resurrection of the Strand which was led by Mr. Mitchell, I seriously doubt that we would have any cruise ships, a railroad museum, Mardi Gras, Dicken's on the Strand, Bike Rally, or many of the downtown businesses that we love.  We know for a fact that we wouldn't have the downtown tourism that we enjoy today.

Adrienne and I have the Mitchells' to thank for the tourism and foot traffic that drew us to our new location every single day.
 

While out and about the town, be sure to pick up a copy of this month's issue of The Islander Magazine. It's easy to spot with it's gorgeous Beach Revue themed cover! Inside is the usual fare of great Island information as well as additional photos of the beach revue.

In other Beach Revue news, check out our store to pick up your very own official event t-shirt (specially priced as well). We'll also be uploading photo galleries of the event this week.

I remember the first time I attended a Galveston Antique Dealer's Association meeting at Grace Manor on 17th and Postoffice Streets in the East End.  It must have been the winter of 2002, and Barb Gatlin (the hostess with the mostess and proud owner and operator of Grace Manor B&B) had a fire roaring in the fireplace and we were each greeted by "Gracie", the property mascot (of the canine variety) and guardian.  The last time I was there, Barb was the gracious host for the Downtown Galveston Strand Seaport's "appreciation party" for the owners of the lofts on the 2007 Lofts Tour and it was just as cozy, just as warm and just as inviting.

Customers at the shop tells us again and again about this "fantastic B&B that they just stayed in that was simply perfect" and, invariably, they're talking about Grace Manor.  Barb opens the gorgeous Circa 1905, white stucco-covered brick, 2 1/2 story beauty to visitors each day.  She offers them a fantastic breakfast spread each morning, a quaint library/reading room downstairs and fabulous, lush gardens you can sit in or just enjoy from the balcony.

Inside, the entire house is decked out with gorgeous antiques, ornate ceiling murals, and the most amazing tiffany stained glass windows along the curved staircase to the 2nd story.  It is truly a beautiful home. 

Next time you've got family or friends visiting the Island or just want to "get away" in your own backyard, give Grace Manor a shot to impress even the most "selective" of those family, friends or in-laws!  If you're coming down for a cruise, you can park for free with a night's stay there too!  And, don't forget the horse-drawn carriages know the way to G.M. and can provide door to door service!

Call Barb to check availability and rates today at (800) 810.8590.  Thanks to Grace Manor for your generous support of the 2009 Galveston Island Beach Revue!  

Galveston Island has its fair share of surfing waves, but many may not know about the recent rebirth of the Island's airwaves.  Just like many Islanders, 1540 KGBC re-formatted post-Ike.  Before the storm, the AM station broadcasted Catholic radio.  Now KGBC plays a variety of music from the 60's, 70's, and 80's.

Along with its healthy library of music, KGBC has implemented a morning show, a weekly business hour, and a variety show of sorts on Friday evenings at 5:30 called the Electric Theatre Radio Hour.  The latter stars local Renaissance man George Lee, who infuses comedy into almost everything he creates, along with his wife who informs listeners on all that is the latest in fine Island dining.

KGBC also attends and broadcasts live from as many local functions as they can get to around town.  You can also tune into local sporting events, which includes a Sunday broadcast of the Bay Area Toros of the Continental Baseball League (2008 champions).

Station manager Julian Arango has many more future plans for the re-established station, especially since the broadcast studio recently moved from Pelican Island to Downtown on 25th street.

KGBC also has flexible advertising opportunities for local businesses.  In fact, KGBC will customize a package based on a certain budget.

So, next time you're tired of hearing the same old songs, catch the Island's newest waves at 1540 KGBC on the AM dial.
 

Here's the thing about IBC - we started this business because we love this Island deeply and like many Islanders - madly.  We love local business owners who bring unique flavor, flair, and the personal relationship not often found in the typical big box businesses.  We love local artists, musicians, and we love our local nonprofits who support the Island overall, whether through serving our most vulnerable populations, supporting the arts, or our community and neighborhoods.

Since we have all of this love, we decided to join the many Islanders who dedicate hours upon hours to supporting our community.  As individuals and as a business, part of what we do is taking action on our passions.  So, for example, we get involved individually and as IBC through things like volunteering for specific events, and by serving on committees and boards.  We use the blog to talk about how to get involved, bring attention to individuals, groups, organizations and businesses to join the chorus of supporting local and taking action in support of the Island.

For me personally, the Galveston Historical Foundation is one of the primary drivers of tourism as well as community development.  My belief is that Galveston is unique because of both the beach and our incredible historic buildings - this combination is the heart of what makes Galveston who she is and what sets her apart from every other coastal town in Texas.  Plus, Mondo and I moved her for an historic home, so we're partial.  *Smirk*

IBC is all about folks getting involved in whatever way they can and in the areas they feel most passionate about.  Since I'm nuts about our architecture and the Island's soul that seems to be wrapped up in every historic structure here, I volunteer for GHF as a board member, committee chair, and at individual events like GHF's Historic Homes Tour and Dickens on the Strand.  But not everyone needs to serve on the board to support GHF.  (I support the Island arts through blogging about local artists for example).

GHF is a nonprofit (despite "foundation" in its name, it does not give out grants).

Did you know that GHF manages 13 historic properties on the Island, including Bishop's Palace, Gtown's own Victorian castle?!  Piece of trivia for ya - this masterpiece is cited by the American Institute of Architects as one of the 100 most important buildings in the United States!

Did you know that GHF's Preservation Department operates the Preservation Resource Center and Architectural Salvage Warehouse to support property owners and neighborhoods in their restoration and rehabilitation efforts?

Did you know that GHF has saved over 45 historic buildings that were slated for demolition?  They have four houses right now that are looking for loving owners!  Contact Brian Davis, Director of Preservation for more information on these homes.

Did you know that over 40,000 visitors come out for GHF's Historic Homes Tour & Dickens on the Strand?  That number doesn't even include the many attractions, events, and programs offered throughout the year!

And as Tom Schwenk, GHF's current President of the Board said last weekend, some of the greatest people we've met here is through volunteering and getting involved.  And I have to say, some of my most favorite and interesting people here I met by supporting GHF.

GHF is so successful because of the synergy of its small (yes small) committed staff and all of us - the community.  Its mission is the heart and soul of community engagement.  And GHF needs as many of us that can offer our time.

"No time" you may be saying . . . then consider becoming a member.  You get great deals on tickets to GHF events and attractions like Bishop's, the Elissa, and Homes Tour and Dickens!

So, how to get involved you may be asking?  Give GHF a call at 409-765-7834 and ask to talk to Becky.  Only got a little bit of time?  Volunteer for a couple of hours at Homes Tour or Dickens or volunteer as a docent at Bishop's Palace.  You can join a committee too (they usually meet monthly) - no matter your interests, they have a committee.  Might I suggest the Preservation Resources Committee?

GHF Information:

1861 Custom House
502 20th Street, Galveston, TX 77550
phone: 409.765.7834
fax: 409.765.7851
foundation@galvestonhistory.org
www.galvestonhistory.org
 

Anybody out there in need of a talented local graphic designer?  Come on.  Everybody has a website these days.  So if you don't, fear not.  Galveston is home to a well-trained soldier of visual schemes.  In fact, he trained under the infamous purveyor of the ancient arts of inter-web and graphic design, Rillo-Ama Cadillacos.  Upon the completion of his .com trainings, he was christened willthing.  You may now find his services at willthing.com.

Willthing.com can assist you in web design and development, graphic design services, video production, e-commerce solutions, or would simply love to chat with you about your creative needs.

At willthing.com, you'll find an already established list of local clientele, as well as an assortment of other top-notch clients.  In fact, willthing.com is the master mind behind the curtain of Islander By Choice.  Anything you see on the IBC websites or T-shirts is original work by willthing.com.  You can find other examples of willthing.com's work at the following:

www.ibcgalveston.com
www.galvestonbeachrevue.com
www.modcoffeehouse.com
www.crosscanadianragweed.com

So be sure to get in touch with this wizard of the web and beyond for all your creative necessities.  Visit www.willthing.com for contact information.
 
 

I think technology has made us a bit OCD about information.  Really - you can pretty much find anything out anywhere you are at any time of the day.  We often rely on Willthing's "nerd phone" (of course we all know that nerds make all the dough and get the girls, so it's not such a bad thing any more to be a nerd is it?) when we're at the - er, watering establishments, we can look up the answers to the puzzles on the inside of the Lonestar beer bottle caps.  When we're at the beach we can check our email like we haven't even stepped out of the office ("I'm right on top of that, Rose!" - youtube timer 7:30).  When it's 2:30am and you're in a strange land and are trying to locate the nearest Whataburger - wham - handheld GPS. 

That instant accessiblity to updated information has, I think, contributed to what I call "frustration from disappointing blog checking", or FDBC.  I think I'm really on to something here because I've noticed that even Yahoo won't let you refresh your screen and leave the same little pictures in the headline news box - it is constantly rotating the top-read stories so practically each time you come back to the homepage, there's a different pic or story order!  I guess our attention spans are just that short??? 

That's global news, though - they've got a lot of content to work with (and yet with all that "newsworthy" stuff out there, somehow the Octuplet mom (no, I am not providing a link to that one!) and Virgin Mary grilled cheese sandwiches manage to get quite a piece of the online front-page-time pie...   For every other blog or website out there it can be more of a challenge keeping fresh, up-to-the-minute content on the site for their readers - I know sometimes it's a challenge for me and I have to really make myself sit down and blog...   

BUT, there is a site, and it's a Galveston site, that is updated each and every morning - even before many of us have crawled out of bed.  It's a site that, if nothing else, offers great pictures of our Island thru the lenses of skilled photographers Billy and Ruthi and now even has an office cam that updates the shot of the 43rd Street jetty every single minute! 

But, G-ownsurf.com offers so much more.  They've got a daily surf report (could have used that when we were in school!), useful links and Island happenings... 

Anyhow, check it out sometime - it's a pretty good remedy for early-morning cases of the FDBC.  :)