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FYI folks - just in case you haven't received a forwarded email or seen the updates on Facebook from the CVB or other locals, the report on Good Morning America regarding oil on Texas beaches was totally wrong!

Let's be clear: Galveston Island is unaffected as is the rest of the Texas coast. 
We'd really like to keep it that way.  And I'm requesting no more bad juju like this. 

State officials have corrected the statement.  Check out the Associated Press article for more information: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100607/ap_on_re_us/us_gulf_oil_spill_texas

Keep our fellow Gulf Coast neighbors in your hearts and minds.

 

Hurricane Season is here and I think we all know the importance of being informed and prepared.

One of the ways to be sure you know a "storm's a- brewin" and we may need to evacuate (aside from the fact that it'll be blaringly obvious due to the INSTANT. INSANE. MEDIA. FRENZY. that will swarm the Island and will manage to find the single-worst looking palm tree, stand beneath it among a pile of fallen fronds, and make that very spot reporting headquarters so all of our family and friends watching the news from far away will surely tune in to be reassured that this little sandbar that we're all "so crazy" to live on (crazy like a fox, eh?!) is sure to be wiped off the map in a matter of days...) is to sign up for the City's Emergency Notification Program. 

The Emergency Notification Program is basically a (free to us) tool that allows the City to send out a mass voice mail and/or text message to our land line phone, cell phone and/or emails.  What might they call/text/email us about?  The City lists a number of situations including "unexpected road or street closures, the need to evacuate buildings or neighborhoods due to situations like hurricanes, severe weather, abnormally high tides, and water service suspensions."

Note: residents and businesses with listed phone numbers have already been included in this system, but if you're unsure or if you'd like to register a few other contacts, go online today and get started - it takes less than 2 minutes complete online!  (If you'd like to discontinue your use you can do that online too - check out the "opt out" link here...)
 

This is the second edition of IBC's monthly column for Galveston Monthly.  You can pick up a Galveston Monthly free at many local locations across the Island.

With green energy and sustainable living all the rage, sometimes it's hard to imagine how these trends apply here in Galveston where an estimated two-thirds of the Island's buildings are historic.  But living "green," conserving energy, and having a healthy and historic home is totally possible.  In fact historic homes have many sustainable features already built into their design! 

To illustrate that energy efficient and healthy historic homes are possible and affordable, the Galveston Historical Foundation embarked on its Green Revival project in partnership with the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the 1772 Foundation.  Back in February, GHF moved a small Ike-damaged cottage across town to its new home at 3101 Avenue Q.  This project is transforming an Ike-damaged 19th-century cottage into a public show house that conforms to the highest national standards of the "green" building movement.  Specifically, this project will "demonstrate how the energy efficient properties inherent in historic design and original fabric can work in tandem with sensitively planned modern systems to conserve resources as well as heritage."

As an owner of an Island home built circa 1870 (that the Mr. and I are still working on), we've tried to be diligent in our renovation to maintain the historic integrity of our cottage but also figure out ways to maximize our energy efficiency.  For example, we knew that removing our original 140 year old windows would severely damage our home's aesthetic and was far too costly.  After some research and visiting GHF's Preservation Resources Center, we found out that various affordable options are available.

While specifics may differ for each building, we had issues with heat gain and air infiltration.  Options to combat these problems include exterior or interior shutters and transparent films (not tinted) that line the glass panes to reduce heat gain and block up to 90% of infrared heat.  Did you know that compared to the performance of brand new energy efficient windows on the market today, historic windows with basic weather stripping and treated with a heat gain film can match the efficiency of a new window and preserve the look and the integrity of your historic home?  And of course the best piece of news - this is much cheaper than new windows!

Overall, now is a great time to take advantage of Galveston's gorgeous spring to tackle some of these projects on your home here on the Island.  Even better:  the Green Revival home will be open this month where you can find out even more ways to improve the health and efficiency of your historic home!

The project's unveiling will be at this year's GHF 36^th Annual Homes Tour held the first two weekends in May.  Once the renovation is complete, the house will be opened to the public again this summer for various educational opportunities.  For more information on GHF and the Green Revival Project, visit www.galvestonhistory.org.  For more information on Islander By Choice, visit www.ibcgalveston.com

 

 

There are a lot of things that we don't like to do and there are a lot of things that we don't like to do.  However, there are very few things that we don't like to do that we like to do.  Let me explain.

I am not a very great athlete.   It seems that I can either hold my own or flat out stink at various sports.  As a kid, I loved baseball and could field like a champ, however, I couldn't hit that stinking leather ball if my life depended on it.  so that was out.  I tried tennis and had the endurance to play 6 sets if i wanted to.  The problem was, I would lose 0-6 unless my opponent fell over dead.  I was that bad.  Then i tried swimming and i was really good at it.  I was fast and i could go all day.  The problem was, I hated it.  I loved competing.  I loved winning.  I just hated practicing every day.  In college, I boxed on the amateur level for a little while and was pretty good (but in that sport, you could fly a plane between the line between good and very good)  However, while training for boxing, i realized for the first time in my life that i was a very good runner.  I could dominate the casual runner on a 3 miles course.  Problem: I hate running.

When i saw that the Triathalon is coming back to Galveston (ironmanlonestar.com) this weekend, I started thinking about how dedicated these folks are to do all of the training and hard work.  What goes through these people's minds?  Why would they put themselves through all of this training for a t-shirt?  How hard do they have to work?  Well, some of these question were answered by my triathlete friend, (and by the way, triathlete winner!) Betty Massey.

Betty said that she started running when she was 48 and ran 11 marathons between 2000 and 2006.  After retiring from distance running, and being too competitive in nature to stop, she now does triathalon sprints.  Here you swim .5 mile, bike for 12 miles and run a 5K.  She trains for the triathalons by keeping in shape and then, 8 weeks in advance of the event, she does "two a days" combining two of the three sports training in one day. 

One thing I always wondered about was why a triathalon started with the swim.  I wouldn't want to get out of the water and jump right on a bike for the chaffing factor.  I have asked this question to a few people and the best answer i get is something about fatigue and drowning factor which i suppose offers some merit.

This weekend's Ironman Lonestar festivities will bring 6000 people from every state and around the world to the island.  So whether you're into sports or not, it should be a celebrated event in that it brings revenue and exposure to the island and island businesses.

So pretty much, from my competitive nature, this is the event for me.  All three things that i hate and am good at all wrapped up into one event that equals a 2 hour vomit fest.  I should start training for 2011 now!  BTW, if you are signed up for this tomorrow's sprint event, don't get your hopes up on being the first across the ribbon.

Betty Massey: "I intend to win!"
 

The Beach Revue is coming up quick and all of us at IBC are excited about this year's event!  We appreciate all the support and help we've gotten from sponsors and fellow community members - we truly couldn't put this event on without you.  (check them out at www.galvestonbeachrevue.com)

Of course what would the Bathing Beauties Contest be without a panel of distinguished judges?  We are so excited to announce our celebrity judges for this year's Bathing Beauties Contest!  Over the next couple of days, we'll announce one more of our celebrity judges.  

IBC recognizes the great importance of preserving and promoting this Island's history.  That's one of the reasons why we are proud to reserve a seat at the judge's table each year for the Galveston Historical Foundation's acting president.

David Bowers is the current GHF President (and, as such has a weekly column in the Galveston Daily News every Saturday), a member of the Galveston Rotary Club and a big brother in the Galveston Big Brother, Big Sister program.  Historic Preservation is a passion for David and he currently is President of the Galveston Historical Foundation.  David received the Distinguished Volunteer Service Award from GHF and has restored older homes and a corner store.  David has been an Islander By Choice since moving here in 1989!

Stay tuned for more judge announcements in the coming days!  To meet David Bowers, judges, and Bathing Beauties, join us at the Meet & Greet at the Historic Hotel Galvez & Spa on Friday, May 14 from 5pm to 7pm.  More information at www.galvestonbeachrevue.com
 

It's that time of year again...time for holiday cheer, time with family and friends, being part of a mob of Santas walking through downtown Galveston...

Join Islander By Choice Saturday, December 12 for the 2009 Santa Pub Crawl. We'll kick it off at 7 p.m. at Molly's Pub on Post Office St. with additional stops at regular intervals all evening.

To stay on Santa's good list this year, there are 2 rules:

1. Come dressed as Santa. Hawaiian Santa, Sexy Santa, Traditional Santa...all Santa are welcomed but the more the merrier.

2. Got some random things around the house you don't need anymore? Old magazine? Borrowed screwdriver from your neighbor? Wrap it up and add it to the community gift bag. People expect Santa to come bearing gifts, who are we to disappoint?

Please feel free to invite friends and spread the word. Got questions? Email will@ibcgalveston.com and he'll get you lined out.

Be sure to swing by our Facebook page and drop us a line if you're planning on coming!

If we don't get to see you on Saturday, Happy Holidays to each of you from us at Islander By Choice!

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
 

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
 

Ok here's the situation....  I'm an Islander by Choice.  I love Galveston.  I support Galveston.  And here i am, on one of the best tourist weekends and festivals that is Lone Star Bike Rally, encouraging people to go off the island?!?

Actually, I'm not.  If i had my druthers, every Galvestonian would be downtown drinking beer, eating sausage on a stick, and reading lips.  I love the Lone Star Rally! 

However, it has come to my attention that, in some cases, people can get their fill of it.  If and only if this case arises with you and yours, take the drive over the causeway and up to..... GULP.... Houston..... to see the Wings over Houston Air Show at Ellington Field.

 

They're going to have an AV-8 (Harrier) demonstration, (for all of you True Lies debunkers), A10's, a C-17, and many others.  The Heritage demo will feature war planes from the Doolittle Raiders, the European Theater, and the Korean / Vietnam era.  The encore is none other than the Blue Angels. 

 

If you've never seen this group of F/A-18's, you might want to go ahead and scribble it down on your bucket list because they are some sight to see in action.

Once again...... Don't go to this Event on October 31st and November 1st from 8:00 - 5:00!

Claire and Ashley, fantastic job on the traditional dunking of the Aggie ring this weekend.  We were proud to witness it.  Whoop! 

This is a different kind of chug I'm talking about now, though.

The kind that goes "chugga chugga, chugga chugga - cho cho"!!!!

Tomorrow, Tuesday - 6-8pm at the G-town Convention Center - be there!:

 Mobile Society: Attend Galveston-Houston I-45 Corridor Mobility Open Houses this Week  

The public is encouraged to attend and participate in a series of open houses to discuss mobility issues along the Galveston-Houston I-45 corridor.  These meetings are a part of the planning process and an important local step in the pursuit of federal funding to address growing traffic congestion.  Three workshops will be held to solicit public feedback:

 Tuesday, September 22, 2009

§         6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

§         Galveston Island Convention Center , Ballroom A

§         5600 Seawall Blvd. Galveston , TX , 77551

 

Four potential transit alternatives have been identified for consideration.  Over the next nine to 10 months, the project team will evaluate public comments provided at the public meetings and through the project website, www.galvestonrailstudy.com.  Additionally, comments can be sent via email to: info@galvestonrailstudy.com. 

 

This study is sponsored by the City of Galveston , Galveston County , and the Federal Transit Administration and is being coordinated with Harris County , the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and the 11 cities in between Galveston and Houston .