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Don't forget that this Saturday, Nov. 21 is the Free Tree Giveaway for 2,000 trees!  See the announcement below.  Also, here's a link from the GCDN regarding a new ordinance for plantings in the right-of-ways.

Galveston Re-leaf: Free Tree Giveaway on November 21st

Free trees will soon be available to Island property owners who lost trees to Ike's salty surge last year.

Nearly 2,000 trees will be given away to Galvestonians on Saturday, November 21st. The trees were donated by the Tree Folk of Austin, Apache Foundation, and Randalls.

WHAT: Galveston Free Tree Giveaway
WHEN: Saturday, November 21st - 9a.m.-4p.m., and Sunday, November 22nd (if there are remaining trees) 1-4p.m.
WHERE: Galveston City Hall parking lots 823 Rosenberg

Stipulations: Trees will be given away on a first come, first serve basis. Limit two trees per address. Identification and a city utility bill with a Galveston address are required. Recipients must sign an agreement to plant in Galveston and care for the tree. Trees may only be planted on private property; not in the city's right-of-way. A variety of tree species, selected especially for Galveston, will be available at the giveaway. Large species include live oak, Mexican white oak, Mexican sycamore, and sweet gum. Smaller species include mountain laurel, Mexican plum, loblolly pine, and a fruited pear. Each tree is potted in a 5-gallon container. Planting and care instructions will be provided. Additionally, mulch from the City's recycling center will be available for free. Members of the City of Galveston's Tree Committee and the Galveston Island Tree Conservancy will be on hand to load trees and offer planting advice. More volunteers are needed.

Please contact David Schuler at (409) 599-7578 to help with the giveaway. Donations to assist with replanting Galveston will be gratefully accepted.

Contact: Ken Steblein
Phone: 772-3500
 

For those of you who don't subscribe to the Houston Chronicle or who don't read it online (I just scan & utility-read it myself), check out today's edition!

Bistro LeCroy owner, Tommy LeCroy is featured among others . . .

http://blogs.chron.com/hurricanes/2009/09/ike_back_on_the_strand.html

You know, I've been curious to see what media coverage was going to look like - will the coverage highlight how far we've come as Islanders or will it showcase devastation and how far we've still to go?  But the big day will be Saturday.  What are you hoping for in terms of media this week?

 

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
  
   

So, for shame, I must admit that my mind slipped yesterday while writing about events going on during ArtWalk.  How I forgot this, I'll never know.  Great IBC's and friends (who moved from Las Vegas roughly 5 years ago), Clyde & Kimberley Wood, will reopen The Witchery on Saturday, August 22!

Previously the shop which offers metaphysical books, gifts, and more was housed at 2510 Market Street.  Post-Ike, they are now among the great retailers and restaurants along Postoffice Street at 2116 Postoffice Street (a couple of doors down from Mod Coffee & Teahouse).

You may have noticed ongoing renovations at the building all summer along, including a great new paint job, but the inside workings have remained a secret behind brown paper lining the windows.  All we get to see for now is a "coming soon" sign.

But, if I know the Wood's and judging from the shop's previous location, the items will be awesome, unusual, and plentiful, and the interior will be incredible - no detail is ever left untouched.  Definitely check them out - there is something for everyone and plus, I've heard, bagpipers will be welcoming back this great local business Saturday evening.

So lots going on this Saturday during ArtWalk that I thought I'd pass along. . .

1st - check out the still new art gallery, Local Color Galveston "Where Local Artists May Expose Themselves."  Mondo and I visited the owners, Katy & Darren Cleveland a while back.  Loved the new space and really enjoyed meeting these new IBCs and their children.  Great addition to the art scene and the great people scene on the Island.  You can find them at 120 20th Street in downtown Galveston (down from Somewhere in Time).

2nd - the Galveston Art Center (who are sponsors of ArtWalk) will be in their temporary new location on 25th St. in the old Maceo Spice storefront.  Remember to go check them out too.

3rd - Did you know that a few weeks ago in the beginning of August, 18 teams of architects and designers from the Houston area got together at Rice University to look at Gtown's Seawall?  Their task was a design competition around a site along the Seawall that is a "hingepoint" between downtown and the beach.  Competitors had 8 hours to come up with a design idea that works for locals and tourists! The 18 designs are going to be on display for one night only during ArtWalk!  Go check it out!  Apparently many of the designers and judges will be there.  It's from 6pm to 9pm (during ArtWalk) on this Saturday, August 22 at 2326 Strand (in the fantastic Sealy-Hutchings Building next to Luigi's)  Check out the group who organized this awesome idea, Rice Design Alliance at www.ricedesignalliance.org
 

When Mondo and I moved to the Island and into our newly purchased 1870 vernacular Greek Revival, we knew we'd be in for lots of work that would have to be fueled by love, passion, and sometimes sheer force of will.  We quickly realized that we'd have to add more money to our list (almost always the case) and better food than could be microwaved.  See, our house was a foreclosure.  Great deal you may be thinking.  Sure, it was.  Of course the house was also listed as "renovated."  Haha.  Some of you already know what we knew when we first looked at this place.  Sometimes the Island plays loose and fast with terms like "renovated" and "restored." 

 Long story short.  We.had.no.kitchen. 

Now, don't think we don't know that tons of people before us braved far worse.  One gentleman bought a building with no roof and camped inside while he restored the building around him.  That is a testament to the love and ingenuity of Islanders.

Even though our roof was in good shape, the kitchen turned out to be a life lesson in knowing what you want.  It took us a lot longer than it should have - 10 months - mainly because we had a hard time deciding what we wanted our kitchen to look like.

We had to eat though.  And microwaving and frying on an electric skillet (thanks to my great in-laws) helped a lot.  But, without our downtown's Bistro LeCroy, we may never have survived on microwave dinners and pudding pouches alone. 

That first week in the house (which also had a busted furnace), it was a cold December evening, and we were already craving real food.  So we drove downtown looking for hot food out of an oven.  And there she was: Bistro LeCroy at 2021 Strand.

Great food, great ambiance, and great people.  Tommy and Barbara, the two owners who also happen to be cousins, welcomed us.  The staff was just as welcoming - Victor and Gina Galvez not only were great staff, but we now count them as friends too.  We soon became regulars, and unfortunately for our waistlines, continued dining at the Bistro long after our cozy kitchen was up and running.

When Ike hit, Tommy and the building owners, Dale and Diane Olson, stayed for the storm trying to salvage what they could.  For a while, we were afraid that our kitchen away from home would not return.  But they have.  They now have been open for a week, and we've filled our bellies twice.

You have to check it out.  Great food.  Great people.  And great new additions not only to the menu but to the restaurant.  Dale and Diane are BOIs and Ball High School sweethearts (I must say that I also count them as IBCs - they chose to come back to the Island after years in California).
 

Before the Buccaneer Hotel was destroyed New Year's Day 1999, several folks, including the Olson's, salvaged tons from the old building including beautiful, hand painted wood trim.

The Olson's, Tommy, & Barbara have incorporated this historic woodwork inside the restaurant and also installed original doors from the old Ursuline Academy.

Go by and grab a bite to eat.  If not running around, Tommy and Barbara will probably be at the family table (straight back from the front, on your right if you come in via the atrium).  Say hello and have Tommy tell you some of the history of that great place from the Civil War, the 1900 Storm, and even stories of reported hauntings.  Maybe you'll become a regular too.

Willthing, hope I'm not busting in on your blog post, but I have a great pic of Float in use right after the Beach Revue - pictured in foreground are our very own Matt and Eddie!

 

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."
 

This time tomorrow, IBCs will be down on the beach setting up for the 2009 Galveston Beach Revue!  I can't believe it's finally here!

Important FYI:  The weather on the Island is gonna be "top notch" (to quote WillThing at City Council yesterday)!  And remember, just because rain is forecasted for Houston does not mean we'll have rain here on the Island.  Usually, if we have any rain, it blows right in and right out!  So get your sunglasses, big floppy vintage hats, & sunblock ready to go!

Here's an update:  we are so excited to announce that the vintage category is now full!  We are, however, taking alternates just in case some of the lovely 2009 Bathing Beauties do not show.  (knock on wood that everyone will make it) 

We still have quite a few slots open in the contemporary/modern category, so give us a call or shoot us an email to enter.  To get details and to register, go to the event website and visit the Registration Tab.  We will be on the beach early tomorrow, so if you still want to register, give Adrienne a call at 409-770-7360 to register on Saturday. 

IBC's have spent this week getting last minute items taken care which included a marathon of shirt tagging.  We've also been out talking to media and the community - the Culpepper's are at Fox 26 news studios this morning and as I type are waiting to go live!  We stopped by City Council last night to invite the council and the entire Island out to the event.  We'd also like to thank Charles Killebrew for inviting us to talk about the Bathing Beauties Contest at the Pachyderm Club yesterday.

We'd also like to thank all of our sponsors, judges & emcees, media supporters, friends, and contestants for their support and excitement!  Without your support and encouragement, we couldn't have made it this far without you.  This has definitely been a labor of love for us here at IBC.

And last, but most certainly not least, I'd like to thank our official Event Coordinator, Adrienne!  Dude - you are a rock star and most definitely without you, we'd still be trying to get sponsors!  Thank you for taking the bull by the horns!  Much love to you our fellow IBC!

See all of you on the beach tomorrow!

2009 Galveston Beach Revue: Bathing Beauties Contest
Saturday, May 16
2p to 4pm
Seawall Blvd & 33rd Street on the sand

Official Event Afterparty & Auction
Float Pool & Patio Bar
2828 Seawall Blvd
Head on over after the Revue
IBCs & Bathing Beauties will arrive shortly thereafter
* Drink specials from 5pm to 7pm

p.s. Hope you'll stop by Mod Coffee & Teahouse today as they have re-opened!