Bay City Magazine

Bay City MAGAZINE

November/December 2023

TINNIN CHRISTMAS VILLAGE

Catch them on ABC this holiday season

FOOD PANTRY NEEDS YOU

Harvest House sees shortage of food supplies

ADOPT, DON'T SHOP

Take home your new furry friend today

Editor's Note

As I’ve gotten older, the holidays have almost lost their magical touch on me. I could never understand the melancholies of Cindy Lou Who in Jim Carey’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas because up until now, I’ve always become alive during the holiday season.

Cindy’s woes were struggling to finding the true meaning of Christmas, and perhaps that’s where I’m at too.

I normally bust out the holiday decorations weeks ahead of what’s appropriate and beg my husband, Michael, to take me to Hobby Lobby to look at all the seasonal décor on display.

This year, he’s been the one to take the decorations out from their hiding spots in the garage and attic, and he’s tried to entice me to join in on the fun of turning our home into a season’s greeting card.

I don’t mean to be a Charlie Brown about it all, but Christmas is coming, and I don’t feel how I’m supposed to.

The most excited I’ve felt about this holiday season so far, was writing the pieces inside these pages on adopting forgotten animals and encouraging all to help give back to the food pantry. Learning about the many ways that people give back to those that need a helping hand — or paw — in our community always fills my heart with pride that this is the city I live in. It's filled with people who make a difference every day in someone else’s life.

This holiday season, I hope you find your spark of joy. Maybe you’ll find it tucked between these pages, the bottom of a Christmas ornament box or by volunteering your time to those in need. You may even find it in the warmth of your partner’s hand or in gatherings with your family and friends.

Wherever you find your joy this holiday season, know that here at the Tribune we’re wishing all your holiday dreams come true, you have a belly full and a warm, cozy bed to rest your head.

Ashley Brooking Managing Editor, Bay City Tribune 2 Bay City Magazine • November/December

Bay City MAGAZINE

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Bay City Magazine is published bi-monthly by The Bay City Tribune and Bay City Newspapers, Inc. © Copyright 2023, Bay City Newspapers, Inc. No portion may be reproduced in whole or in part by any means, including electronic retrieval systems, without written permission of the publisher. Editorial content does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher of this magazine. Editorial and advertising does not constitute advice but is considered informative.

FEATURES 4

6

9

11

Food for thought....................................... 4

Chicken tortilla soup for the soul............. 11

The Tinnin's Christmas miracle................ 6

Good Reads................................................ 12

A shelter pet wants to meet you................ 9

Local Buzz.................................................. 14

Bay City Magazine • November/December 3

Food for thought story and photo by Ashley Brooking If you’re feeling like lending a helping hand to an organization this Thanksgiving and Christmas, look no further than local food pantry, the Harvest House, where the need for non-perishable food supplies is at an all-time high.

The pantry celebrated 30 years of operations this June, and Director Willie Rollins said he’s looking forward to the springtime, when builders will break ground for the pantry’s new facility next to the Nichols St. Church of Christ.

“Our space is so limited in our current building, we don’t have the room to accept additional volunteers right now,” Rollins said. “We have great, dedicated volunteers from a total of five churches that work in partnership with us.” The churches that lend a hand to the pantry’s weekly food drive are parishioners of the Nichols St. Church of Christ, First Methodist, First Baptist, First Presbyterian and the Calvary Baptist Church.

Rollins greatest concern is the supply of food the pantry has coming in versus the demand — especially with rising food costs.

“The pantry is really stressed right now because of a shortage in food from the Food Bank of the Golden Crescent in Victoria that supplies us,” he said.

“We’re not getting what we used to, so volunteers and the pantry are purchasing food at retail cost from grocery stores like H-E-B Grocery. We’ve considered cutting down the food drive to just two weeks per month instead of weekly because of the shortage and 4 Bay City Magazine • November/December

increased cost.”

Rollins said the best gift to donate to the pantry this holiday season is non-perishable foods that are not out of date or funds to help purchase food.

Non-perishable foods are food items that will last for a long time, or something you’d find in your pantry like: • Canned goods including canned fish and poultry, vegetables, fruits and soups • Dried meat • Dried fruit • Nuts • Peanut butter • Jelly or jam • Cereal • Crackers • Boxed macaroni and cheese • Popcorn • Rice • Dry soup mixes • Granola or granola bars There are no requirements to qualify for food pick up from the pantry, and many times you’ll find cars lined down the street on pick up days.

“We take people’s information, but that’s it,” he said. “We don’t ever turn anyone down to pick up food — people don’t come because they’re greedy, they come because they’re needy.”

To donate nonperishable food items or funds to help the pantry, visit the food pantry at 2204 Nichols Avenue, Bay City, call 979-245-0306 or email harvesthousepantry@gmail.com

Volunteers fill brown paper bags with bread and canned goods during Thanksgiving time last year, where donations even included fresh pumpkin pies from H-E-B Grocery.

Bay City Magazine • November/December 5

6 Bay City Magazine • November/December

The Tinnin's Christmas miracle story by Ashley Brooking photos contributed by the Tinnin family When Trent and Tammi Tinnin started decorating their home for Christmas in 2014, they had no idea about the opportunities that would come knocking.

Television Network ABC filmed the couple's extensive Christmas light display for season 11 of The Great Christmas Light Fight last December, and the episode will air just in time for the holidays.

The idea for annually decorating their home to the extreme came about after the pair moved to Bay City from the Woodlands.

“When I was a teacher at Tenie Holmes, I asked the children which neighborhood was the best for going to look at Christmas lights and they all looked bewildered — it broke my heart,” Tammi Tinnin said. “During Christmas time in the Woodlands, we could go to any neighborhood and every home would be beautifully decorated.”

Tammi said it was then that she brought the idea home to her husband.

“I told him this is what we are doing and each year it’s tremendously grown since 10 years ago when we started,” she said. "It was really an honor to be asked, we were mind-blown when the producers reached out."

The couple said executives of the hit TV show had reached out a previous year to compete in the decorating series after finding their Tinnin Christmas Village Facebook page, but declined to participate because they weren’t ready

and being on television isn't the reason they started this venture.

"Producers reached out again last September and we finally gave in, and they came to film in December," Tammi Tinnin said. "Our episode will air in December, but there hasn’t been a final air date given.”

The couple want to thank the community for their outpouring of support, tolerating the traffic and embracing the family’s tradition year after year.

The Tinnins said they start preparations and set up in early October, but build props all year long.

"To find the time, we basically give up sleep for two and a half months," the couple joked. "With three children, the majority of the display is done at night on weekdays and 14 to 15 hour days on the weekends. We also say it takes a village to make a village!"

In the final days before the lights flip to switch on for the holiday season, the pair said they get a lot of help from friends and family.

The ever growing scenes throughout the village include Poinsettia porch and Mrs. Claus' kitchen, to name a few.

There's also a section dedicated to Texas favorites featuring everything Whataburger, Dr. Pepper and a Texas sized mistletoe.

For more information about the Tinnin Christmas Villiage, visit the family's Facebook page at facebook.com/tinninchristmasvillage.

Bay City Magazine • November/December 7

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8 Bay City Magazine • November/December

A shelter pet wants to meet you story and photos by Ashley Brooking As the holidays are upon us and twinkling children’s eyes glass over as they beg for a furry friend, don’t forget about your local animal shelters and impounds right here in Matagorda County that are also eager for you to come in.

Maybe it’s not a child asking you for a new friend, maybe you’ve recently given thought to bringing

home a fluffy companion for yourself or you want to help foster animals in the comfort of your home before they find their forever homes.

Whatever the case may be, by adopting locally, you’re giving a second chance to a deserving animal while freeing up space in the impound for more animals to be rescued.

Bay City Magazine • November/December 9

While the Bay City Impound is not a no kill shelter, they exhaust all avenues to transport animals to rescues and shelters throughout Texas, Colorado and even Canada.

Animal Control Officer and Supervisor over the Bay City Impound, Dotty Grandstaff, said she's taken in her fair share of animals over the years herself — perks of the job.

"All of us that work here have taken animals home," she said. "Over the last 17 years, I've taken in more than I can count." Currently, Grandstaff has three rescue dogs at home, and is spending her time loving on a recently adopted out chocolate Labrador, pictured left, until she's shipped to her forever home.

The impound has a need for a bigger space, Grandstaff said, and nearly all 20 dog runs were filled with pups in October. The impound also includes a cat room with felines waiting to find a lap 10 Bay City Magazine • November/December

to warm.

While the impound receives help through transport fees and medications from many animal advocate groups including For the Love of Animals, All Breeds, Bottle Babies, PUPS and Texas Blessing Rescue, Grandstaff said the impound is always needing small blankets and quality puppy and kitten food. The impound has an account at Matagorda Veterinary Clinic, where people wanting to help can place funds towards animal care in emergency situations.

If adoption or donating isn't for you, consider becoming a foster care volunteer for an animal.

Fosters provide a safe, temporary, healthy space for animals and help socialize them for adoption.

For information about becoming a foster, to adopt or donate, call the impound at 979-323-1706 or visit their physical address at 4611 Starling Dr., Bay City.

Is there anything better than hot soup on a cold winter’s day? I don’t think so. When I’m feeling like taking a night off from cooking – which feels often these days – I check in to see what my dad happens to be cooking that night. If he’s taking requests…his chicken tortilla soup will always be my suggestion. Here’s what you’ll need and the directions.

1 cup fresh or frozen corn 2/3 cup heavy cream 1/3 cup sour cream Garnishes: shredded cheese, slice avocado, cilantro, lime, tortilla chips, hot sauce

Chicken Tortilla Soup

Ingredients: 1 ¼ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts 1 teaspoon kosher salt ½ teaspoon black pepper 4 cups chicken broth 1 tablespoon canola oil 1 medium yellow onion, diced 1 jalapeño, seeded and chopped 3 garlic cloves, chopped 1 teaspoon chili powder 1 teaspoon paprika 1 14.5-ounce can tomatoes with diced green chilies, undrained 1/3 cup masa harina 1 1/3 cups milk

Directions: -Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. While preheating, season chicken with salt and pepper.

Place the chicken in a greased 11 x 7-inch baking dish. Pour 1 cup of both over the top and cover. Bake the chicken for 45 minutes. Remove the chicken and reserve the cooking liquid.

Shred the meat with two forks.

-Whisk together the masa and milk in a separate bowl until blended, then stir the mixture into the soup. Cook over medium-high, stirring frequently, for 10 minutes or until the mixture boils and thickens slightly. Stir in the chicken and corn. Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the cream and sour cream. Serve with desired garnishes.

-Heat the oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high. Add the onion and jalapeño, cook for three minutes and then add the garlic. Cook for 30 seconds while stirring constantly. Add the remaining 3 cups both, reserved cooking liquid, chili powder, cumin, paprika and can tomatoes.

Serving Bay City & Surrounding Communities for over 43 years!

Bay City Magazine • November/December 11

"Check out" these books suggested by the Bay City Public Library

Teen: Elatsoe

By Darcie Little Badger Elatsoe—Ellie for short—lives in an alternate contemporary America shaped by the ancestral magics and knowledge of its Indigenous and immigrant groups. She can raise the spirits of dead animals—most importantly, her ghost dog Kirby.

When her beloved cousin dies, all signs point to a car crash, but his ghost tells her otherwise: He was murdered.

Who killed him and how did he die? With the help of her family, her best friend Jay, and the memory great, great, great, great, great, great grandmother, Elatsoe, must track down the killer and unravel the mystery of this creepy town and its dark past. But will the nefarious townsfolk and a mysterious Doctor stop her before she gets started?

Youth: The Library Fish

by Alyssa Satin Capucilli Library Fish is very happy in her bowl on Mr. Hughes the librarian’s desk. From there, she listens to story time and watches Mr. Hughes teach children the alphabet. He says the alphabet is made of letters, letters make sounds, blending those sounds together makes words, and words make stories.

Library Fish wants to read, too! She starts jumping out of her bowl to practice when the library closes at night. Can Library Fish become a reader all on her own?

12 Bay City Magazine • November/December

Nonfiction: Stay Sane in an Insane World: How to Control the Controlables and Thrive

by Greg Harden By the late 1970s, the fishermen of the Texas Gulf Coast were struggling. The bays that had sustained generations of shrimpers and crabbers before them were being poisoned by nearby petrochemical plants, oil spills, pesticides, and concrete. But as their nets came up light, the white shrimpers could only see one culprit: the small but growing number of newly resettled Vietnamese refugees who had recently started fishing.

Turf was claimed. Guns were flashed. Threats were made. After a white crabber was killed by a young Vietnamese refugee in selfdefense, the situation became a tinderbox primed to explode, and the Grand Dragon of the Texas Knights of the Ku Klux Klan saw an opportunity to stoke the fishermen’s rage and prejudices.

At a massive Klan rally near Galveston Bay one night in 1981, he strode over to an old boat graffitied with the words U.S.S. VIET CONG, torch in hand, and issued a ninety-day deadline for the refugees to leave or else “it’s going to be a helluva lot more violent than Vietnam!” The white fishermen roared as the boat burned, convinced that if they could drive these newcomers from the coast, everything would return to normal.

A shocking campaign of violence ensued, marked by burning crosses, conspiracy theories, death threats, torched boats, and heavily armed Klansmen patrolling Galveston Bay. The Vietnamese were on the brink of fleeing, until a charismatic leader in their community, a highly decorated colonel, convinced them to stand their ground by entrusting their fate with the Constitution.

Fiction: Broken Light

by Joann Harris Bernie Moon's ambitions and dreams have been forgotten by everyone, even Bernie herself. At nineteen she was full of promise, but now, facing fifty and going through the menopause, she's a fading light.

Until the murder of a woman in a local park unlocks a series of childhood memories, and with them, a talent that she has hidden all her adult life.

What happens when the frustrations and power of an older woman are finally given their chance to be revealed?

Filled with growth and redemption, revenge and visibility, friendship and self-discovery, Broken Light is an explosive new thriller that challenges our notions of womanhood and power.

Bay City Magazine • November/December 13

LOCAL BUZZ HAPPENINGS • PROMOTIONS • EVENTS

Have an upcoming event? Make sure it gets included in the Local Buzz!

Send the event information over to us by emailing the who, what, when and where to: ashley.brooking@baycitytribune.com

Nov. 3 City of Bay City will host Day of the Dead, Dia De los Muertos Festival over two days that will incorporate all traditional and cultural activities, plus kid’s activities, plenty of food and merchandise vendors on Nov. 3 and 4. The festival will begin in downtown Bay City on Friday, Nov. 3 from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. and from noon to 10 p.m. at LeTulle Park on Saturday, Nov. 4. For more information visit dayofthedead.events.

Nov. 4 City by the Sea Museum will host exhibit, The Unconscious Eye, by artist Zeinab Ghais from Nov. 3 through Dec. 23, with a reception held Nov. 4 from 3 to 5 p.m. The museum is located at 401 Commerce St., Palacios. For more information visit citybytheseamuseum.org or call 361-972-1148.

Nov. 9 The Matagorda County Democratic Party will host a fundraising dinner featuring keynote speaker Texas State Representative James Talarico on Thursday, Nov. 9 beginning at 6 p.m. at the Bay City Country Club, located at 1131 Hwy 35 South. There will be a silent auction and 50/50 raffle. For more information, tickets or sponsorship opportunities, visit www.matagordacountydemocrats.com or email allisonannsliva@gmail.com.

Nov. 11 The sixth annual Matagorda County Veterans Appreciation Parade will be held on Saturday, Nov. 11 at 10 a.m. at the Bay City Service Center, located at 2105 Avenue M, Bay City. Tacos will be served right after the parade for veterans and their families. For more information or questions, call Debbie Christian at 979-429-0179.

Shades nightclub will host a Veterans Day lunch celebration from noon to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 11 at Bay City Days Inn, located at 405 Seventh Street. Family and friends of veterans are welcome to attend the event set to honor heroes.

Nov. 12 Harvest Time Church will host Surviving the Holidays, 14 Bay City Magazine • November/December

Sunday, November 12 from 4 to 6 p.m. The holidays can be especially challenging for those grieving the death of a loved one. This event provides you with a safe and supportive space to help you prepare to navigate the challenges of the season. For more information call Harvest Time Church at 979-245-5653.

Nov. 16 Bay City Main Street Program will host the annual Christmas Around the Square block party on Thursday, Nov. 16 from 5 to 9 p.m. in historic downtown Bay City, located at 1700 Seventh Street. Shop early for Christmas and enjoy the festivities.

Nov. 17 Relay for life will be held at the Matagorda County Fairgrounds on Friday, Nov. 17 from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m.

For more information or to join a team, email Relayforlifematagordacotx@gmail.com.

Dec. 1 Bay City Parks & Recreation will host the annual Christmas Lighted Parade on Friday, Dec. 1 at 7 p.m. in downtown Bay City. For more information or to participate in the parade call Parks & Recreation at 979-323-1660.

Trophies will be awarded to the best scoring groups in their category.

Dec. 2 Bay City Parks and Recreation will host a Hometown Christmas Celebration at Riverside Park on Saturday, Dec. 2 from 1 to 5 p.m. The celebration will feature an ice-skating rink along with photos with Santa and the Grinch. There will also be a trail of lights hayride, food trucks, games and a giant gingerbread slide. The trail of Christmas lights runs from 6 to 9 p.m.

Dec. 17 The Bay City Chamber of Commerce & Agriculture will host Christmas Market Day on Saturday, Dec. 16 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. inside the Bay City Civic Center located at 201 Seventh Street, Bay City. For more information or to apply to be a vendor call 979-245-8333 or email info@ visitbaycity.org.

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Bay City Magazine • November/December 15