Spring Break brings a sneak peek of summertime in Galveston. The flood of cars on the seawall and people enjoying the beach. When we decide to go to a Galveston beach, there are a ton of choices out there. There are many things to keep in mind when choosing a beach. Parking fees, Family friendly, availability of umbrellas, manageable crowds.... etc.
The beach from 10th - 21st, in my opinion, has the best of all of these choices. There are (currently) no parking fees on the seawall, the beaches are family friendly, the crowds are smaller than those at Stewart and East beach, and WaterWorks Beach Service is there for all your umbrella and chair rental needs.
The Father and son team of Tommy and Matt Goodson put out the Purple chairs and umbrellas every day on their 11 block slice of paradise. Waterworks also sells sunblock for those early months of summer and rents boogie boards and surfboards as well. They are set up now on the weekends and are out there 7 days a week from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Island neighborhoods will be planting new street trees as part of the Galveston Island Tree Committee tomorrow, March 26th, and they need your help. If you're looking for something to do outside and partake in the beautiful spring-time Island weather, help them out. Here are the details.
The San Jacinto neighborhood is going to be planting 80+ trees. They are in need of some strong volunteers to help dig holes. They need at least 10 people first thing in the morning.
If anyone is interested, please call Julie Ann directly at 713.806.1359.
The Silk Stocking Neighborhood will also be a part of the Neighborwoods Planting Day on the same day. There will be 58 trees planted in the Right of Ways in front of homes in the historic district. It should only take a half a day to do this planting if they have 3-4 teams.
A team consists of:
One truck with driver 2-3 planters 1 Master Gardener for advice Each truck takes 6 trees and mulch.
Two people are needed at the staging area, 1719 Rosenberg, for loading the trees onto the trucks and help with hospitality. A light breakfast and some lunch will be served.
Please confirm your participation with Cathy as soon as possible at her business phone: 765 7005 or email: gkitty@peoplepc.com.
Our buddy just shared this with me and I must say I enjoyed watching it from a different perspective! Gotta also add that I TOTALLY missed seeing the awesome umbrell-octopi the day of the parade, but I'm so glad that T.J. Aulds with galvnews.com captured them and their flowy tentacles here!
These were washed up all over the beach (on your way to Palisade Palms) with what I know to be Man o' Wars:
I was on my way down to the water's edge with GB in tow when Mondo hollered, "halt!" I mean, I saw these things but it being so early, it didn't register that maybe they are/were alive. They look like dark, smooth river stones until you bend down closer. Mondo thinks they are baby Portuguese Man o' Wars.
Why were we on the beach this early, nonetheless during Spring Break? Because sleeping in around the Mondo house is pretty much non-existent these days. And like I mentioned in my Galveston Monthlycolumn, we are rediscovering and discovering for the first time aspects of our beloved Island due to the fantastic addition to our family.
My fellow Islanders, I have a truly shameful confession here. I don't think Mondo and I have actually ever watched the sunrise on the Island.
Even a cheap digital camera does well with Gtown sunrises!
I keep thinking that this is false: I have all of these glorious images that spring to mind, and then I realize they are not from actually witnessing this fantastic feat of nature. Nope. I'm recalling Billy & Ruthie's breathtaking photography from gtownsurf.com Apparently, their artistry is so stunning that they have infiltrated my memories! :0)
Mondo had a much better idea than our usual loafing for Sunday morning, "let's go to the beach and watch the sunrise!" So fun! GB's first trip to the beach and her first sunrise. Thank goodness we keep a beach bag stocked year round and our coffeepot is swift.
So, firsts all around for the Mondo clan include both a first trip to the beach - first sand between the toes! (and in mouth) - and our first Island sunrise. Doesn't get any better.
Get out your bikes, throw on your pedal pushers (or just roll one leg up a la Steve Carell in "40 Year-Old Virgin" or LL Cool J style if you're cooler...) and come ride like the wind... For a cause: World Epilepsy Day.
The group on wheels will be meeting at 11:00 am at Stork Club @ 21st & Postoffice and heading east to 9th Street, then north (left) to a water station at Smooth Tony's. (Also a great place to eat might I add)... There's a silent auction planned by the organizers at the end of the ride which is advertised to end at 2pm...
For more info, you can check them out on facebook here:
Who says Galveston doesn't have curb side recycling?
So my lady friend and I took advantage of some grandma baby-sitting last weekend in order to clean up the ol' backyard. We're talking there was some things back there that should've been tossed after Ike. Needless to say, quite a pile of throw-outs amassed in front of our house, ready for City crews to come by and scoop it up. Here's what we threw-out:
1. a set of iron chairs w/bistro table (paint flaking & rusting)
2. a set of wooden chairs that had been out in the rain for months (falling apart)
3. an old wooden dining chair with leather backing that needed completely redone (but we never got around-to-it)
4. an old toilet and a pedestal sink
5. a rug that got flooded during the pipe-break from the February-freeze
6. Two Ike-flooded bikes (needless to say rusted-out)
7. an old laundry basket
This was all placed out Monday evening, and within minutes the recycling began.
A neighbor helped himself to the bistro set, the wooden chairs, and the rug (he actually knocked on the door and asked permission). And that ever-so-hard-nighttime-shiftworking-recycler helped himself to a bicycle and a bicycle seat (which he removed from the other bike). Then the morning crew showed up and recycled the dining chair, the seatless bicycle, the laundry basket, and the pedestal sink. But for some reason the toilet never got recycled. Huh. I wonder why not. Stupid recycle program. ;)
We here at IBC believe that this Island is THE place to be. There is seriously always something going on and that might be just one of the reasons we find it very difficult to make the near impossible trek over the Causeway.
This weekend is no exception. Our buddy Rick just clued us into this great event happening on Sunday and then another friend Kristen (bartender extraordinaire and all around great gal) shot it over on facebook.
Here's the long and short of it: when: Sunday, March 20th 12pm - 10pm where: Poretto Beach (10th & Seawall) what: 1st Annual Music Unity Freedom Festival, brought to you by Borde Room/Bee Room Entertainment... 50+ bands and djs; new to the scene and legendary alike! how much does it cost?: NOTHING! It's FREE! what type of music will there be? (see above - it's FREE! Does it matter? If so, here's a list...) Reggae, Blue Grass, Folk , Rock n Roll, Hip Hop, Dubstep, Electronica, and more
So thanks to the folks over at Borde Room/Bee Room for bringing this great sounding event to G-town. And thanks for making it free. We like the way you roll.
Ladies and gentlemen. Step right up! Get your original, official IBC pendants here!
After numerous requests and inquiries from Islanders all over, we here at IBC are so excited to begin carrying the often imitated but never duplicated official, original, custom IBC pendants!
All of us here at Islander By Choice are so excited to announce this new product through our partnership with local jeweler and custom pendant crafter, John Ford Jewelers, the Gulf Coast's Premiere Custom Jeweler!
Pictured: yellow gold, but comes in white gold & silver too!
About the Original IBC Pendant
These pendants are cast in the original molds made and owned by a now defunct Island jeweler who started around 1900. When the jeweler closed its doors, John Ford purchased the original IBC molds.
Today, John Ford Jewelers takes great pride in continuing this Galveston tradition. Each of these pendants is made by hand. They come in two different sizes, medium and large, and are available in yellow gold, white gold, and silver.
How do you get one?
It's as easy as purchasing an IBC t-shirt. Click here to purchase yours today! Your order will be shipped directly to you!
Akkk!!! Forgive us - we mistakenly listed this year's 2011 Galveston Barcycle for the wrong date! PLEASE NOTE: Barcycle 2011 is TOMORROW, March 13th!!!
This is a super fun event - dress in all green, get a vehicle with wheels (preferably a bike, unicycle, tricycle, golf cart, romantic bicycle built for two that might get more difficult as the day goes on, I'm just sayin') and get out there! Start at O'Mallys Pub on Postoffice at high noon...
The Annual St. Vincent's Clinic Benefit Concert will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, March 11, at The Grand 1894 Opera House. Admission tickets are $5 in advance or $7 at the door. Raffle tickets are being sold for $1. Beginning March 1 you will be able to buy advance tickets during lunch in the Cafe on the Court in John Sealy Hospital or at Joe's cafeteria in the Jamail Center. You can also purchase them from any performer.
This highly anticipated and entertaining fundraiser directly benefits St. Vincent's Clinic, a UTMB student-run free clinic that serves the uninsured and underserved people of Galveston County. Staffed entirely by UTMB student volunteers and faculty, the clinic treats nearly 100 patients each week, happily providing them with essential health care like routine physicals and lab work, diagnostic evaluations, pharmaceutical patient assistance and medication refills.
Whether it's the famed ENT resident Dr. Viet Pham performing another great hit, or new talent like first year medical student Mike Yip on the marimba, you are sure to love it! We have 17 different variety acts performing this year, from all different UTMB departments and schools, each showcasing their talents beyond their day job. You won't want to miss this annual concert!
For questions, please contact Chandler Rainey at mcself@utmb.edu or by phone at 972-965-4232.
Keeping up with all the great events that Galveston Island has to offer can seem like a daunting task. Thankfully, Galveston Monthly comes around every month to do just that.
Loaded with great articles, magazine exclusives and more, Galveston Monthly helps you stay on top of all this great Island has to offer for both tourist and home-towners alike!
Our thanks to everyone at Galveston Monthly for helping promote Islander By Choice events and island information.
As part of their sponsorship of the 2010 Galveston Island
Beach Revue, IBC is happy to create this advertorial as thanks
for their contribution.
Hey IBCers, check out the volunteer opportunity below. Gtown's own Family Service Center's Community Support Services program is seeking volunteers to help some of our fellow locals, older adults who are moving into new housing. This effort is being spearheaded by fellow IBC and friend, Holly McManus.
What: Adopt a Resident
Volunteers are needed for the second round of moves Mid-March (see details below) to help older adults and persons with disabilities living at the Galveston Housing Authority's Holland House Apartments move to freshly renovated units at Gulf Breeze. GHA is working with Family Service Center's Community Support Services program to bring together small groups of volunteers to "adopt" a resident for the move or to assist with the move in some other manner. Holly is seeking help from individuals and organizations who may be able to assist.Can't help?Please pass along the word to those who may be able to help.
Why are they Moving?
Holly says, "This move is necessary so that GHA can make much needed renovations to Holland House. GHA is doing all that it can to make this move easier for residents by providing packing materials, movers and transportation on moving day. Many of those relocating from Holland House are individuals with physical limitations, and while some residents have family and friends to assist them, many do not. Volunteers are needed, however, to help those residents without family or friends nearby with packing and getting settled into their new apartments. Moving, for anyone, is physically and emotionally challenging and stressful - there is SO much involved in the process!!! The stress involved in moving is even more so as we age, or have limited physical abilities."
When? And What Can We Do?
The actual moves from Holland House to Gulf Breeze will occur over the course of two weeks in March, with several residents relocating on each of the scheduled move days.
The second round of moves will begin on Monday, March 14th - several residents will be moved each day through Friday, March 18th.(The first moves happened March 3rd March 4th). Thus far 25 residents moving the week of March 14th have requested volunteer assistance with packing for the move and unpacking once in their new apartments. The number of volunteers needed to assist residents will vary depending upon the individual's abilities, available supports and amount of belongings.
Small groups of volunteers will be needed:
·March 7th-13th to help residents pack for the moves occurring the following week, and
·March 14th-18th (and possibly into the weekend) to help residents with remaining packing needs as well as getting settled into their new homes.
If you or your friends, organization, civic, church or other group would like to help residents of Holland House please contact Holly McManus, LCSW at hmcmanus@fscgal.org or (409) 392-6078 regarding which days, how much time and/or in what capacity you would like to offer assistance. (examples: packing, un-packing, coordinating volunteer groups).
As the Island begins to warm, the beach beckons. And Islander By Choice is proud to announce the return of the pinnacle of beach season, this year's Galveston Island Beach Revue.
For its third year, the Beach Revue improves yet again. Beginning Friday evening, May 20th @ Saengerfest Park (23rd & Strand), the Beach Revue migrates downtown where live music will entertain all. Then, on Saturday, May 21st, the beach takes over as the historic Hotel Galvez & Spa will hold a shindig on its lawn prior to everyone's favorite main event, the Bathing Beauties Contest. All event details, as well as your chance to register to compete in the main event, can be found at www.galvestonbeachrevue.com (The site is LIVE and updated).
Gather your suit (vintage or modern) and your friends and get registered. And this year, IBC will be holding a contest to see which returning contestant from last year can sign up the most new contestants. Whoever can gather the most new beauties willing to strut their stuff will win a prize. Here's how it'll work: for new-to-this-year contestants, in the "Please describe any unique facts or qualities about your swimwear" section, you will give the name of the previous year's contestant that got you to sign up. This will work for both on-line and mail-in registrations.
So, check out the site and get registered. And tell a friend. And they'll tell two friends. And they'll tell two friends...
I haven't posted in a long while. Like since 3 weeks after our daughter was born (aka the GB). So roughly November. This stalemate has to stop.
I just didn't realize that with our bouncing bundle of BOI, my mobility in and around the Island would be severely altered if not destroyed completely. It started out as keeping GB around the house until her 2 month old shots and because she was born in the midst of flu season. And then we got slammed with two Arctic blasts (so weird when I think about this past summer's Africa heat). The first blast resulted in a pipe burst in the attic which decimated her room (thankfully she still sleeps in our room with us). Then all of the Mondos got sick. Like for the entire month of February. Needless to say, I'm sure some of our friends believe we have been abducted.
GB enjoying her IBC original BOI creeper.
This in turn has affected my ability to blog about my love for the Island and all she's got going on with her bad self.
So when it came around again for my turn to write the IBC column in the March issue of Galveston Monthly (one of us IBCers does an IBC column each month), I was sweating bullets. I implored my fellow IBCs - "what do I write about?" Aside from work, an occasional trip to Target, GB's school, or a stroll around our neighborhood, we've mostly roved about the Island in the Rogue. Otherwise I have been luxuriating (read: trapped) in the house. When I stopped to really think about it though, I realized that my perspective of Galveston had changed since she was born simply because she had entered our lives. Thankfully, this led me to the subject of my column.
. . . Which then led me back here to blogging (ahem, lack thereof). I can't write some of the same stuff that I had before I was even Knocked Up East of 61st. Again, I'm not out and about. I mean, we missed the entire first weekend of Mardi Gras because Mondo had bronchitis, GB was trying to kick what was either one slammin' cold or the dreaded RSV, and I was trying to kick the remnants of whatever GB had given to me. We loafed in our living room in pajamas all weekend enjoying the intermittent sounds of GB's nebulizer and fireworks and catching glimpses of floats that cut through our neighborhood. Bless smart phones and Facebook for photo uploads.
GB jammin' out in her footie jommers whilst rockin' the dino face mask.
But, this weekend. Nothing is gonna stop us.
We're all pretty much well now. The grandparents are coming to town (been humming this line to "Santa Claus is Coming to Town"). And we have spots on a Mardi Gras float for the Momus parade. Yes Sireee.
We are so excited, we are effervescing! You know why? We have been out of the house alone, together, for more than 30 minutes exactly two times since GB was born. So, we're ready to put this Saturday night on blast.
And I'll finally have something to blog about. Woo-hoo!
For those of you who read the Galveston County Daily News this morning, hopefully you read about the students heading to Austin to speak up for UTMB funding during this tight economic session.
UTMB means so much more to Galveston than a top notch hospital. It is our city's number one employer (by a lot) and supports world class research and training programs. Reps Larry Taylor and Craig Eiland are doing what they can to make sure Austin keeps its promises to fund and grow UTMB in Galveston. With over 140 medical students' voices there behind them, Taylor,Eiland and Galveston can hopefully breath a little easier.
Looking for great gift ideas, authentic island made apparel or need to replace your favorite t-shirt post-Ike? Look no further than Islander By Choice apparel! Click here for our current inventory!
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