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New Galveston merchants Fit 2 Run are putting on a "MAKE ROOM FOR THE TURKEY!"  5K run/walk/stroll/roll on Friday, November 20, 2009.
 
This is a fun, social event (just like the Harvest Moon & Margarita run), and your participation will help assist our local Gleanings From the Harvest in providing Thanksgiving meals to Grandparents Raising Grandchildren in Galveston County!
 
MAKE ROOM FOR THE TURKEY! will start and end at Mario's on the Seawall.

* begin running/walking around 6:30pm, please show up earlier

* entry is $15 for anyone ages 13 & over (this is whether you participate or attend for support and cheering). under age 13 are free.

* entry includes t-shirt, food, eligibility for door prizes and fun activities for children.

* cash bar available

* they ask that each person who attends (regardless of age) donate a non-perishable food item for this event. PLEASE bring this food item with you on Friday, November 20th, to Marios.

* they will provide a reflective band for you to borrow during the event, but invite you to wear your reflective gear and/or bring a flashlight or glow sticks. Remember, it gets dark early. (Fit 2 Run also has some fun and functional reflective items - they really make a difference!)
 
TO REGISTER - please print the 2nd page of the form (download the form), fill it out and turn it in one of the following ways:

* bring your form FIT TO RUN along with your check (payable to FIT to RUN) - they prefer you bring it in....we like to see your smiling faces!

* mail your registration form & check: FIT TO RUN  528 23rd St, Galveston, 77550

* fax the form to: 281-605-1995 and bring your check with you to the event
 
Feel free to call 409-539-5150 with any questions. They are looking for volunteers to help spread the word around town as well.
 
Learn more at: www.Fit2RunGalveston.com
 

With so much going on this upcoming week and weekend for Revival & Reflections, I'm a bit overwhelmed.  So, I'm trying to look at each activity one-by-one so I don't miss a thing.

The first annual Artist Studio Loft Tours is going on, put on by the Artist Homestead Galveston Island and sponsored by the Galveston Historical Foundation.  AHGI is a local organization comprised of Galveston artists, friends, neighbors, local business owners, real estate agents, and community leaders who seek to attract artists to live and work on the Island.  You can check them out at www.artisthomesteadgalvestonisland.com  

Here's the info on the tour coming up:

Artist Homestead Galveston Island Presents 1st Annual Artist Studio Tours 

September 12 from 1:00-5:00 PM.  Admission is $5. 

You can purchase tickets in advance online or at the studios themselves.

Studios on Tour:

• Janet Y. Hassinger, MFA  3510 Ave. S 1/2
  Watercolors Investigating a Unique  Perception of the Coral Reef
• Stephanie Thomas, Artist  1109 25th Street
  Works in Clay for Homes and Gardens
• Sallie Anderson 1605 24th Street
  Watercolors Reflecting the Excitement of Everyday Things
• Jul Kamen 1506 21st Street
  Contemporary Quilts Add an Extr Dimension to a Renovated Galveston Corner Store
• Gayle Reynolds, The Water's Edge Studio & Gallery 1302 21st Street
  Paintings which bring you the charm that is Galveston
• René Wiley Studio/Gallery 2128 Postoffice Street
  Colorful Oils Presenting Galveston's Abundance of Alleyways, Birdlife and more
• V. Starke/Art Market  2001 Postoffice Street
  Expressionist Art touching on women's issues and creating mood in abstract
• Martha J. Terrill 1214 14th Street
  The Art of ArrangingThings in New and Interesting Ways- Fantasy in Assemblage
• Beachtown Open House- East Beach Drive
  Exhibit of Pre and Post-Ike Photography
  
   

West-Isle Little League here on Galveston Island is proud to announce its 13-14 year old Junior League All-Star team has won the Texas East State Championship.  The team started with the District 14 Title and continued with the Section 3 Championship before beating Sinton to win the Texas East State Championship.  Travel plans to the Southwest Regional Junior League Baseball Tournament in Midland are now being made.

West-Isle will now compete against other state champions from West Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Arkansas, and Mississippi.  In order to make the August 6-12 tournament, the team is accepting help in any way possible.

If you'd like to make a donation, make checks payable to:  West-Isle Little League c/o Geri Gillard; 3211 80th Street; Galveston, TX 77551.
 

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
 

It has been an insane whirlwind since, well, I guess since IBC announced that we were resurrecting Galveston's legendary Bathing Beauties contest back months ago.  The last couple of days have been no different!

So, back to the rest of the Island now . . . 

We mentioned in an earlier post that we were invited to the Pachyderm Club to talk about IBC bringing back the Beach Revue.  The coolest part  - aside from meeting some really nice folks and the ginormous Bathing Beauties panoramic when you walk in - was getting to meet a couple of the Ball High School students & the teacher who created the Ike documentary. 

(Please.tell.me.you.know.exactly.what.I'm.talking.about).

Aside from getting all mush-faced watching the documentary preview again (I so cried watching it the first time), we at IBC were so honored to meet these guys.  They are incredible people, Islanders, and brilliant to boot!  Seriously, Ball HS gets no props! 

Aside from buying an ad in the movie premiere brochure, IBC decided to donate a portion of the Bathing Beauty proceeds to this endeavor.  You know why? 

Because this project rocks.  The students rock.  Mr. Weiss rocks.  Our Island rocks.  The message of the film is about hope - and that rocks.  They are trying to go to The Big Apple and get on some talk shows.  Oh, and they are submitting this puppy into a bunch of film festivals.  Sweet Action!!!  

And all of us here at IBC love our Island and support all people getting involved in our community - particularly young people. 

So, tomorrow, we hope to see all of you at the world premiere!

Tomorrow, Thursday May 21, 2009, Islander By Choice  - and probably as much of the Island that can fit in The Grand 1894 Opera House - will watch the world premiere of Ike: A Documentary The Story of a Torn City Rebuilt by Everyday Heroes!  BYOH (Bring Your Own Hanky).

In case you haven't been witness to their insane media coverage (hurrah!), the documentary was done by some of Gtown's own Ball High School students and their teacher, Robert Weiss!  For full bios on these phenomenally talented and incredible human beings - visit the website and read "Our Story."
 

After a long week of struggles and gloomy days, wouldn't it be nice to cut loose and "go Postal"?  Whoa.  Whoa.  Whoa.  Before you get your guns, listen to me.  For one to "go Postal," is to visit one of Galveston's finest downtown destinations.  Postoffice Street.  Tomorrow, Saturday the 28th, Postoffice Street will host a bevy of entertainment.

Cruz Cortez Clothiers (located at 23rd and Postoffice) is the organizer of the all day event, but they are not alone.  Many other Postoffice venues will participate.  The events begin at noon and will last all day into the evening, culminating with a street dance at 23rd and Postoffice where the PeeWee Bowen Band will play live music.

Some of the other participating businesses will open their doors providing free treats.  Mod Coffee & Teahouse will serve free coffee from noon until 2 p.m., and Galveston's own radio station KGBC 1540 AM will broadcast live from Mod as well.  The new Gumbo Bar (2105 Postoffice, formerly Oysters) will be giving away free samples in anticipation of their opening.  In addition, The Brownstones along with the 2208 Postoffice Urban Lofts will hold Champagne open houses.

So.  C'mon IBC's.  It's time to support local.  And "go Postal".

Photo courtesy of Neil "Fuzzy Lens" Golemo.

At 1:45 a.m. on Thursday, March 13th, a group of people were dancing with wild abandon to Elvis Presley's "Hound Dog" in a small circle next to the jukebox in the back of O'Mally's Stage Door Pub. Turns were taken by all showcasing a variety of dance moves, signature steps and Presley appropriate gyrations.

The majority of these people dancing were UTMB medical students. Future doctors, psychologists, pediatricians and so on and so forth. Dancing. At 1:45 a.m. On a school night.

For those not keeping score, last night was the St. Vincent's Clinic Benefit Show at the Grand 1894 Opera House. For 3 hours various students of UTMB sang, danced, cross dressed (you should have seen those guys dance though), humored and entertained a packed house. They, quite simply, couldn't have done a better job.

In my brief few years of being an islander, I've been fortunate to develop friendships with some of these medical students. They are creative, funny, compassionate and quirky. Come next Thursday a lot of these friends will find out where they leave to do their residency, marking an end to this chapter of their lives in Galveston and starting a new one on their road to giving me free medical advice and hopefully fun vacation destinations to visit them.

Time is short here in Galveston for those leaving and I've seen them begin to get a little whimsical on the days they have left here. More trips to Star Drug store are in order. Sonny's is open, we have to play shuffleboard there soon. The weather is turning nice, better take a weekend walk around town and see what's happening out there. Hell, Kristy even got herself a facebook account just to stay in touch more effectively.

The Galveston Spirit gets talked about a lot and without getting too sappy on the subject, I can't see that spirit being what it is without these UTMB students. They embrace the island, contribute to it's diversity and advocate for it's rebuilding. More selfishly, I can't imagine what my life and the lives of my non-UTMB cohorts on the island would be like without these great people. I know I'm not alone in that sentiment.

Last night marked a first for myself and I have these great friends to thank. I got the opportunity to play guitar with 14 of my favorite future medical professionals at the Grand 1894 Opera House. I can now say I've shared a stage with Lyle Lovett, Asleep at the Wheel and Robert Earl Keen.

I just can't say it was on the same night.

What I do get to say is more important though. I get to say that I shared the stage with my friends John Ray, Kaddilac Katie Kucera, Neisha, Kristy, KatieMac, Noelle, Joe, Kevin, Clark, Chris & Angela (no relation but what a last name) Wright, Travis, Alyssa and Margaret. I got to sit on the stage of the official opera house of Texas and play music with friends.

For those that came out to support, by all accounts it was a smashing success. For those that I heckled into coming out to watch Galveston's own "Don't Quit Your Day Job" band. Thank you. For those that didn't know I played a guitar, I'm glad you couldn't hear me. I'd hate to have proved you all right.

UPDATE: Check out IBC photog Adrienne Culpepper's photos from front row of the evenings festivities here.
 

Thursday, March 12th, 7pm $5 advance, $7 @ door At the Grand 1894 Opera House 2020 Post Office St.

Buy tickets early at the Office of Student Life, 8am-5pm or contact Neisha D'Souza (409) 939-3777!

Click here for more information.