A community art project that highlights the City of Galveston and the conservation efforts of Turtle Island Restoration Network to protect endangered sea turtles on the upper Texas coast.
BRINGING TOGETHER ART, AWARENESS AND ADVOCACY.
SELF-GUIDED TOUR SELF-GUIDED TOUR
Gem’s Tea by the Sea
I nt e
SHARON OLSON LMT
Feel better. Feel relaxed. Feel your BEST.
COMMUNITY COMMUNITY
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR:
Hello Galveston!
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This issue is a special one. You will find contributions from students around Galveston and their ideas on building better relationships in our community. We spoke to a few local small business owners and learned what being part of the community means to them. Every community can look a little different and has its own values and ideas it prescribes to; what makes the Galveston community unique is that we are resilient, neighborly, and willing to learn more to make ourselves better. I haven’t been here a whole year, but I have met so many wonderful people who make the island great. Galveston is full of artists, musicians, dreamers, doers, and everything in between. If I haven’t met you yet, I can’t wait to meet you.
The island has a powerful impact on those who visit, live and work here. There is an unspoken feeling of pride when you are walking the streets of downtown or along the beach. As a member of Galveston Island, we want to know what community means to you. Send us an email CultureClashGalveston@gmail.com or DM us on Instagram or Facebook.
Thank you to everyone who reads Culture Clash and to the community of Galveston for your support!
ON THE COVER: Photography by Amy Mckeethan of Phoenix Boudoir. Designed by Sara Beshai. Pictured Hendley Wine Co. Oceana Healing, Island Fades, Herb & Smudge, Black Optix Tint, District Rags and Get Hooked Elite Nutrition and Cornerstone Travel Agency.
Jessica Safavimehr
GALVESTON
Photographs
I am new to the island and experienced my first hurricane back in July with Beryl. I was not sure what to expect, and the power outages and damages were tough, yet I saw something in the community that I admired. The people of Galveston came together and offered support to one another. A food pop-up led by Nikolas Barrios, Junior and Katie Lopez, and so many more turned the Wal-Mart parking lot into a sort of makeshift center of hope.
Beryl isn’t the first time the people of Galveston have come together to rebuild and support one another. After Ike, Allison, and so many others, members of the community leaned on one another to rebuild the island and bring it back to its former glory. Galveston has a long and storied history of resilience in the face of natural disasters. For over a century, the island has weathered the fury of hurricanes that have threatened its very existence, and each time, it has emerged stronger. The people of Galveston’s ability to rebuild and rejuvenate after each storm speaks volumes about its community's grit, determination, and unity.
The Great Storm of 1900 was the most devastating storm in the island's history and the deadliest natural disaster in U.S. history. With winds estimated at over 140 miles per hour, the storm claimed more than 8,000 lives and left the island in ruins. Buildings were flattened, entire neighborhoods were washed away, and the city was isolated from the mainland.
In the aftermath, the people of Galveston faced a daunting choice: abandon the city or rebuild. Defiantly, they chose the latter. The city embarked on a bold engineering project that would define its future—a seawall was constructed to protect the island from future storms, and an unprecedented plan was undertaken to raise the entire city by as much as 17 feet in some areas. Fueled by a deep sense of community and determination, this massive effort set the stage for Galveston’s continued survival.
Though the seawall offered some protection, hurricanes continued to pound the island over the years. In 1961, Hurricane Carla, a Category 4 storm, caused widespread destruction. Yet again, Galveston rebuilt, learning from each experience how to strengthen its infrastructure and better prepare for future storms. Then, in 2008, Hurricane Ike hit the island, testing the community's resilience once again. Ike caused nearly $30 billion in damage and forced a massive evacuation. When the storm passed, it left behind an island scarred by flooding, damaged homes, and shattered businesses.
In the wake of Ike’s destruction, Galveston’s spirit did not waver. Our community reunited again, rebuilding homes and businesses and restoring historic landmarks. The people of Galveston proved, once again, that the storms would not beat them.
Today, Galveston has become a model for how coastal communities can prepare for and recover from hurricanes. But beyond physical preparations, Galveston has cultivated an ingrained culture of resilience in its people. After every storm, neighbors help neighbors rebuild. Local businesses band together to support one another, and the community rallies around efforts to restore the island’s beauty and charm.
The people of Galveston know that hurricanes will always be a part of life on the island. The memory of past storms is ever-present, but so is the knowledge that we have overcome adversity time and time again. With every storm, the island grows stronger, learning new lessons and innovating to protect itself for the future.
In Galveston, resilience is more than just survival. It is a testament to the strength of community, the will to endure, and the determination to preserve a way of life deeply rooted in history, culture, and the spirit of the people who call this island home.
STUDENTS ARE THE FUTURE
A WORD FROM OUR TEEN CONTRIBUTORS
PEYTON MOORE
Have you ever felt the soft embrace of a loved one? Have you ever smiled ear-to-ear at a sweet compliment? Have you ever felt the warmness of someone telling you that you matter? As humans, we are constantly beaten down. Failure, rejection, and hard times after hard times. When will we reach our limit?
We aren’t meant to withstand such hardships. That’s why it’s incredibly important to tell that single mom she’s doing a great job raising her beautiful kids, a co-worker that you appreciate them being there for you, and a stranger on the street that they are loved. This is the mindset that Galvestonians must have to uplift the community and build better relationships. Together, if we work toward this goal, we can create a life for ourselves that we never could have imagined.
Galveston is home to people from all walks of life. Our island has a population of about 53,000 people. That’s 53,000 lives. Imagine the impact if we were able to change the culture of Galveston for that many people. But you may be asking yourself, “I want to make a change, but how can I?” Change is a word that can be easy to say, but difficult to practice. It’s hard to believe that one small action can have a huge result.
Photographs courtesy of Rosenberg Library
Think about a time in your life when someone did something simple according to them but life-changing for you. A quote I like to keep in the back of my mind when I talk to people every day is one by Mother Teresa. She said,
“Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier.”
I think this quote holds a lot of meaning. As we speak to people, it’s easy to judge them, to speak harshly, and to be closed off. It’s hard to build relationships with people. But Mother Teresa’s quote shines light on the positive effect this effort can have on the people you put it towards. Making people happier than they were when they first came to you shows that you made an impact. You made a difference in a person’s life.
Now imagine doing this for every single person you ever talk to. What if you put the effort towards an older woman who you see struggling to reach something at the grocery store? What if you put in the effort to be a shoulder for a stranger to cry on when they have nothing else? What if you told a friend you haven’t talked to in a while that you appreciate everything about them? This is how we make change. Change doesn’t have to be big. It doesn’t have to be loud. It doesn’t have to be hard. Change is attainable. Change is possible.
To make the Galveston community a place where we all can feel important, we have to be brave and try. Put in the effort. The “what if” questions will only lead us forward. Be the person you would look up to. Be the person who would make your day. You never know what someone else is going through. All you have to do is give love.
MICAH SIMMONS
In the fourth grade, at the very end of the year, an orange sheet was handed out to each student. On this sheet, students (really their parents) were given the option to pick the middle school they wanted to attend. The big “next.” There were three main choices, Austin, Central, and Collegiate. All of these schools had their own stereotypes, but it was nearly impossible to be in the fourth grade and not have heard word on the playground that Austin was the school for the “academics;” the school for the kids seen as “better.” While my teacher played no part in this assumption, it was heavily implied that if you went to Austin you were smarter, which was clearly not the best thing to put into the heads of developing children. Even as one of the top students in the school, I began to feel like I wasn't worthy of attending this seemingly prestigious school.
My overthinking was shortly proven wrong, as I was accepted into Austin Middle School early the following summer. I was so happy to have regained my academic confidence. Even so, there were many students who were either rejected or never even applied because they
weren't given any hope. Elementary school was easy, but with the wrong teacher, it could be where a decline in self-worth was born. To quote Bell Hooks, “If we give our children sound self-love, they will be able to deal with whatever life puts before them.”
Adolescents are extremely impressionable, and it is important to make sure they're aware that they are worthy to go for whatever dreams they may have.
The elementary kids entering varied middle schools were not drastically different from one another. We were all kids with wild imaginations and the same cringe-worthy humor. What did set us apart, however, were our home lives. Oftentimes, the children who had too many “behavioral
Photographs
issues” to go to Austin came from stressful homes. From the perspective of someone attending Austin, vaping was the most shocking thing someone could do. The vast majority of us were economically comfortable. Most of us were blissfully unaware of physical fights, neglectful teaching, and unfortunate home lives. For us, school was about learning, completing our work, and socializing when we could. In contrast, the perspectives I’ve heard from those who attended Central and Collegiate were centered around staying out of trouble and appealing to your teachers. These differences in priority led to harsh perspectives regarding students of the other schools. To some, Austin students were seen as “goody-two-shoes” and snitches. To us, kids at both Central and Collegiate were rowdy and “always fighting.” Even though we were all quite similar in regards to interests, dreams, and humor, we saw each other in a negative light because we were made to believe we were so contrasted.
Going into high school, I knew it’d be an interesting switch because nearly every teen aged 14-18 in Galveston went to Ball High School. This chance was both scary and thrilling. There would finally be new people and increased integration. Once again, my perspective had quickly switched. I watched peers who were incredibly smart be placed in classes that didn't allow them their full potential, solely because no one had taken the time to give them the guidance they needed. They gave up their excellence because adults, especially school staff such as teachers, hadn't taken the time to see past the surface level of how they presented themselves. Students that were more than capable hadn't been given the same opportunities as Austin students because of this. When I noticed this happening, it sucked. I saw people getting dress-coded, getting in trouble for not having an ID, but almost never
saw a teacher who truly tried to know and compensate for the needs of their students. If you’ve ever seen a “light bulb” go off in someone’s head when they understood what you were explaining, you’ll recognize the look of pleasure and shock that comes with it. When you watch someone experience generosity for one of the first times in their life, you watch how stunned they are. You can't make change by speaking it, you make change by doing it.
This leads to the general point of this essay. Even with all of these impudent assumptions we hold, we can still build bonds. To increase connection throughout the portion of our community who attends school, we need to stop allowing ourselves to succumb to believing shallow thoughts about people who are just as passionate as ourselves. We need to stop normalizing staff only worrying about stomachs showing.
We need to speak up against unfair justifications for presumptuous behaviors. We need to listen to people regardless of their grades or classes.
We need to see people on a deeper level as well as truly understand and respect their needs. If we are in a position to do so, we should help someone out in any way we can. Leo Buscaglia once said, “Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.” To build a connected community, we have to show that we care.
WESLEY FRANK
As a member of the beautiful Galveston community, we strive to make this island a better place day by day. We also like to give back to our community and build relations with one another to achieve our goals as a union to make Galveston a great place. Hi, my name is Wesley Frank, and I am a sophomore here at Ball High School. Ways I like to help my community is by doing community services and events. For the past year, I have been a part of a great nonprofit organization called the High Kicking Ball High Tornettes. The Tornettes are one of the first ever drill teams in Texas, so to be on the team is an honor and also a great way to help our community. Every year we go to the Alzheimer's Walk and cheer on our
older people in the community who have unfortunately lost some/all of their memories. Also, we do events for the children of this community who admire the Tornettes and want to be like us.
We call it our Junior Dance Camp, and basically we have a day when we get to teach those kids a little simple dance that they get to perform at one of our football games with us. This is so fun to do and just seeing how happy it makes the kids makes me feel good about what I do. Honestly, joining the Tornettes was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made and wouldn’t have it any other way. This is my way of spreading the love throughout the community and wouldn’t change a thing. I love Galveston!
Photographs courtesy of Rosenberg Library
CORTNEY COURVILLE
Galveston as a whole is a strong community. We come together in times of need, we come to support our community. Our community is amazing. But there are some flaws that we have. The kids in our community have started to be led astray. Some are becoming very violent, starting fights at school and smoking.
As caring citizens of Galveston, we should try and help these kids to be better people. Instead of just sending them to DAEP.
We should that teaches them how to be better people.
This program would be held at the schools here. It would help to show kids how bad their life could end up if they stay on the paths they're on. It can also help give kids other things to do than be in the streets getting in trouble.
As a city, we could pay the funds for this program. Because the youth that are acting this way, will soon be leaders of our community too. The way they are being raised will determine the way they act when they are older. If we help change the way they act now, our community as a whole will be so much better.
WYATT MIGUES
A way we could build each other up and really connect with one another is through free fishing tournaments hosted for the youth. As they get to have fun learning about the Galveston sea life and connecting through the art of fishing, the community could come together and supply the kids with various fishing equipment. While going to certain areas and fishing, before we start, we will walk around and help pick up any trash we find that has gotten on the dunes and the beach. Throughout the event, kids will be assigned to teams of four; every hour, the teams will switch, helping people to get to know one another.
Also, there will be challenges, such as asking someone how's their day going, where they're from, or what are their common practices they do in their household. This is helping the children learn about all different kinds of cultures and where people come from. Throughout the event, we will be hosting several food stations that supply water, drinks, and various kinds of food with all options. That way, we can help those with food allergies.
By doing all these things, we can uplift each other as people, and as a community,
with older kids helping the younger kids and giving them positive examples, they can have through life. That way, they can find the right mindset to do good things and bless others while also being able to understand where people are coming from throughout life. With this being said, we can once again let Galveston's light shine brightly through our youth.
The Culture Clash team appreciates all of the hard work the student's put into writing and expressing their views on how we can work to build a better community in Galveston. We are overwhelmed by their responses and as much as we would like to have printed them all we are unable to do so. The following students showed tremendous effort and were incredibly eloquent and will be featured in our digital replication of this article.
Fridda Mejia
Faith Penlington
Graciela Norris
Mallie Jaymes Sullivan
Aws Hasan
Rad Smith
Willow Tacconi
Seth Clark
Adan Carcano
Kyrin Hall
Karen Johnson
What Makes a Community Like Galveston Great?
1 Strong Social Connections
GREAT COMMUNITIES ARE BUILT ON TRUST AND MUTUAL RESPECT AMONG THEIR MEMBERS. PEOPLE KNOW AND LOOK OUT FOR ONE ANOTHER. EMBRACING DIFFERENT BACKGROUNDS, CULTURES, AND OPINIONS FOSTERS A RICH AND DYNAMIC ENVIRONMENT.
2 Shared Visions And Values
COMMUNITIES WITH SHARED GOALS, VALUES, AND A SENSE OF PURPOSE ARE MORE COHESIVE AND DRIVEN TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR EVERYONE.
3 E ective Leadership And Governance
TRANSPARENT, FAIR, AND VISIONARY LEADERS CAN GUIDE A COMMUNITY TOWARD GROWTH AND PROSPERITY. WHEN COMMUNITY MEMBERS HAVE A VOICE IN DECISIONS, THERE’S A GREATER SENSE OF OWNERSHIP AND INVOLVEMENT.
4 Access To LOCAL Resources
A GREAT COMMUNITY HAS ACCESS TO ESSENTIAL SERVICES LIKE EDUCATION, HEALTHCARE, TRANSPORTATION, AND SAFETY MEASURES. ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES THAT SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESSES AND EMPLOYMENT HELP SUSTAIN A COMMUNITY.
5 Education And Learning Opportunities
HIGH-QUALITY EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL AGES FOSTER PERSONAL GROWTH, CREATIVITY, AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT. COMMUNITIES THAT ENCOURAGE CONTINUOUS LEARNING THROUGH LIBRARIES, WORKSHOPS, AND INFORMAL KNOWLEDGE-SHARING ARE OFTEN MORE INNOVATIVE AND ADAPTABLE.
CELEBRATING TRADITIONS, ART, MUSIC, AND EVENTS CREATES A RICH CULTURAL FABRIC AND STRONG COMMUNITY IDENTITY. ACCESS TO PARKS, SPORTS FACILITIES, AND PUBLIC SPACES ENCOURAGES HEALTHY LIFESTYLES AND SOCIAL INTERACTION.
7
Safety And Security
A GREAT COMMUNITY FEELS SAFE FOR EVERYONE, WITH LOW LEVELS OF CRIME AND A STRONG SENSE OF SECURITY. FAIR AND JUST ENFORCEMENT OF LAWS, ALONG WITH COMMUNITY POLICING, CAN ENSURE A PEACEFUL ENVIRONMENT.
8 Sustainability And Environmental Stewardship
A GREAT COMMUNITY IS FORWARD-THINKING, EMBRACING SUSTAINABLE LIVING PRACTICES AND TAKING CARE OF THE ENVIRONMENT FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS. THE ABILITY TO ADAPT TO CHALLENGES—WHETHER THEY ARE ECONOMIC, SOCIAL, OR ENVIRONMENTAL—DEFINES A COMMUNITY’S LONG-TERM SUCCESS.
9 Innovation And Adaptability
COMMUNITIES THAT ARE OPEN TO NEW IDEAS, TECHNOLOGIES, AND SOLUTIONS ARE MORE LIKELY TO THRIVE IN THE LONG TERM. A CULTURE THAT FOSTERS INNOVATION AND SUPPORTS LOCAL ENTREPRENEURS CONTRIBUTES TO ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL VITALITY.
10 Equity And Fairness
FAIR ACCESS TO RESOURCES, SERVICES, AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL MEMBERS, REGARDLESS OF THEIR BACKGROUND OR STATUS, ENSURES A JUST AND VIBRANT COMMUNITY. ACTIVELY WORKING TO REDUCE INEQUALITY AND POVERTY LEADS TO GREATER SOCIAL HARMONY AND OPPORTUNITY. 4 5 7 8 9 10
Building Relationships Through Small Business
By Business Owners | Photos by Amy Mckeethan
Galveston thrives on small business. The island is full of mom and pop shops, restaurants and creative entrepreneurs. We asked local business owners how they've built community relationships through their businesses, and here's what they shared.
Pictured: Rose Zepeda, Owner of Herb and Smudge
Hailey Avery Island Fades
Hailey Avery was born in Galveston and grew up between Texas City and La Marque. Although she lived nearby, Galveston always felt like home, and she felt a strong connection to the island. Hailey loves the freedom that comes with working for herself and building unique relationships with each client. She enjoys serving both locals and tourists and appreciates the diverse and open-minded atmosphere of Galveston. From participating in community activities like Artwalk and beach cleanups, to embracing the welcoming nature of the island, Hailey feels Galveston is an inclusive, vibrant place that offers something for everyone.
Courtney and Gustavo Rodriguez Get Hooked Elite Nutrition
Courtney and Gustavo Rodriguez have been helping communities get healthy for over 13 years and celebrated four years on Galveston Island this October. They offer a wide range of healthy options, including protein shakes, waffles, iced coffees, energy teas, and acai bowls. Courtney and Gustavo feel honored by the community support, having won 1st place in the Daily News Readers’ Choice Award.
Running a small business on Galveston Island is both rewarding and challenging. While adapting to seasonal shifts and weather conditions can be tough, the connection with locals and tourists makes it worthwhile. The sense of community and the satisfaction of seeing their business grow brings Courtney and Gustavo fulfillment that they wouldn’t trade for anything.
Erich Elmer
Black Optix Tint
After 20 years in his current career, Erich Elmer of Black Optix Tint decided to move to Galveston, drawn by the island’s charm and cool vibe. While initially planning to retire, he and his wife's love of cars led them to start a business focused on automotive tinting. They aim to give back to the community by providing well-paying jobs and technical skills training. They’ve built valuable connections through local organizations like the Rotary Club and are committed to supporting other island residents and businesses. Their goal is to foster a local car community by organizing automotive events and creating a space for people with a shared passion for cars to come together. They offer residential and commercial glass tinting services and plan to push advertising in early November.
David Martinez and Jacqueline Castaneda
Hendley Wine Co.
The story of Hendley Wine Co. begins with a chance meeting between its owners. One of them, David Martinez previously owned a bar in the same space, and after a business partner stepped away, Jacqueline Castaneda, a regular, expressed interest in continuing the venture. Combining Jackie’s marketing background and the other partner’s passion for wine, Hendley Wine Co. was born. Their goal was to create a space for the Galveston community to gather, relax, and enjoy wine without the intimidation often associated with high-end wine establishments.
They’ve recently completed a remodel and are gearing up for their grand opening. They aim to offer a welcoming environment where people can work, socialize, or just relax. They pride themselves on offering affordable wine and food, including the island’s best muffuletta, and being both kid - and pet-friendly. They emphasize the importance of supporting other local businesses and building strong ties within the community.
Misty Anderson Oceana Healing
Misty of Oceana Healing offers reiki and aromatherapy. She says that Galveston is just a different vibe, once you cross the causeway the vibe changes. Through her work, she wants to bring natural healing to the island. Through her practice, Misty strives to help people become the best versions of themselves. She feels the island has much to offer and is a great place to meet and connect with people. Misty recommends that other business owners get out and network because you never know who you will meet.
Amy Overton Cornerstone Travel
Amy Overton is a retired nurse. She has always loved travel and wanted a career that would allow her to spend more time with her family. She got involved in the travel industry through an MLM, working as a travel agent for 10 years. However, she found that the industry focused more on recruitment than personal connections or proper training. She decided to start her own travel agency, prioritizing agents, the travel industry, and building relationships with suppliers like Carnival and Norwegian.
Amy started the agency in her dining room, and within three months, she had over 100 remote agents. Eventually, she opened a brick-and-mortar office on the Strand in Galveston, with a beautiful view of the harbor.
Amy loves how much the community has embraced the agency. She has created a supportive environment for agents and a welcoming space for clients to book travel. Today, she has over 300 agents. The business support network in Galveston, especially the Chamber of Commerce, has been incredible. She feels that the Galveston Chamber isn’t just about collecting dues— they genuinely get to know you, support your business, and celebrate your successes. Their help has been invaluable.
Coolture
Owner and Photographer of Phoenix Boudoir, Amy Mckeethan Embraces the Confidence of the Community and Finds Beauty in the Small Details
"Untitled" by Amy Mckeethan
FEATURED ARTISTAMY MCKEETHAN
Amy has spent most of her life surrounded by the peaceful piney woods of East Texas, where she developed a love for the beauty of small-town life and the people who call it home. In June 2023, she decided it was time for a new adventure and made the move to Galveston Island. The island’s vibrant energy, historic charm, and coastal vibes have been a breath of fresh air for her, both personally and professionally. Since moving here, She has felt more creatively inspired than ever, and she loves calling this place home.
As a boudoir photographer, her passion is helping women embrace their beauty, confidence, and strength. Amy believes that every woman deserves to feel seen, celebrated, and empowered, and that’s the heart of her photography. Amy’s sessions are more than just pictures—they’re about giving women a moment to reconnect with themselves, to celebrate their bodies, and to capture their uniqueness. She strives to create a comfortable, welcoming environment where women can relax and enjoy the experience.
In addition to boudoir photography, Amy also works in business branding, helping entrepreneurs create their unique visual identities and stand out in a crowded market. Amy is passionate about supporting small businesses, especially here on Galveston Island, where local culture and creativity thrive. Her goal is to help other businesses tell their stories in authentic, meaningful ways that connect with their audience.
Moving to Galveston has been an incredible journey for Amy. She is so grateful for the opportunities and connections that she has made on the island. Whether she is behind the camera or collaborating on a branding project, she is passionate about capturing the essence of what makes people and businesses unique. She is excited to continue growing and making her mark here on this beautiful island.
PULSE
November - December 2024 Calendar of Events
NOVEMBER
CULTURE CLASH EPIC BASH VII
Nov 9 | 6 PM - 10 PM
The Experience 2002 Post Office Street
Join us in celebration of seven years in print! Enjoy this family friendly event including live music, a paint party and so much more!
Free Admission
THIRD EYELAND PRESENTS: RAUDIVER, SUMMORE, SECRECIES
Nov 9 | 7 PM - 11:30 PM
Galveston Island Brewing
Free Admission
SURVIVORS OF SUICIDE LOSS
Nov 23 | 9 AM - 12 PM
823 26th Street
International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day is an event in which survivors of suicide loss come together to find connection, understanding, and hope through their shared experience.
This event is for Survivors of Suicide Loss Only
LIVE JAZZ ON THE SEAWALL
Nov 24 | 3:30 PM - 6:30 PM
5600 Seawall Blvd
Smooth Jazz Stars Brian Simpson and Marion Meadows will be live and in person at the San Luis Convention Center.
Admission: $49 - $59
DECEMBER
EAST END HISTORIC DISTRICT HOLIDAY HOMES TOUR
Dec 6 | 5:30 PM - 9:30 PM
East End Historical District
Experience an evening of historic homes festively decorated for the holiday season! Tour the interior of 4 exquisite properties and grandeur of many more homes throughout the 58 blocks of our East End Historical District.
Admission: $25
DICKENS ON THE STRAND
Dec 6 - 8
2002 Strand St
The annual holiday street festival, based on 19th-century Victorian London, features parades, non-stop entertainment on multiple stages and so much more. Tickets prices vary.
SANTA HUSTLE 5K, HALF MARATHON AND KIDS DASH
Dec 22 | 6:45 AM - 9 AM
2024 Seawall Blvd
Admission: $25 - $89
HOLIDAY FANTASY A LIVE SHOW SPECTACULAR
Every Saturday in Dec
Moody Gardens
Moody Gardens and Mirage Entertainment present this fantastic Christmas show which combines musical theater illusions, acrobatics, stunning visuals and electrifying performances into a heartwarming spectacle that will reignite your holiday joy.
Ticket prices vary.
HOTEL LUCINE NEW YEARS EVE PARTY
December 31 | 10 PM
1002 Seawall Blvd
Live music by The Texas Gentlemen featuring special guest Kam Franklin. Open to the public. Prix Fixe dinner at The Fancy.
Free Admission
PEOPLE OF GALVESTON
AS A MEMBER OF THE GALVESTON COMMUNITY HOW CAN WE LIFT EACH OTHER UP AND BETTER SUPPORT ONE ANOTHER?
DAWN CLOE
GINA KEEL
Support local businesses. Recommend LOCAL Businesses.
Keeping the negativity off the Galveston community pages. It is not needed.
HAUWA ALIYU
By providing a safe space for people to come together and be themselves without feeling left out. Organizing events such as the culture clash epic bash is a good way to do this! Also encouraging people to volunteer and participate in community service.
JAMESHA GOODNER
I think we need more organizational group efforts here! We need what they call “Town Meetings” where we discuss and address any and all issues here in the community of the island!
CYNDI HOOD
I think the most important thing we can do is be present in a world full of distractions. It becomes easy to get so hyper focused on our own needs and larger picture we neglect to look at people sitting right next to us.
Building relationships is nothing more than simply getting out of your own box participating in different opportunities getting to know people who may travel a different path than yourself. We lift people up by seeing the value they provide to our community. Every single person on this sand bar has value. Connecting with them on a personal level you can discover that for yourself and by giving and helping lifting you also discover your own value and wonderful side effects.