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C r y s ta l B e a c h P l a z a . c o m
contents JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017
09
12
18
14
04 Editor’s Note
22
14
08 Beach Vibes
18
Sweat Fitness introduces health and wellness to a niche market
3 Tips for Catching Fish in 2017 by Dave Roberts
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January/February 2017
The Bolivar Ferry
Everything you wanted to know, but didn't know who to ask by Kevin R. Roberts
by Destiny Martin
12 Outdoors
A European transplant and his woodworking ways
22 In the Community
Mardi Gras on Bolivar Peninsula by Destiny Martin
by Xander Peters
products | news | happenings
09 Hello, Health Goals
Trees Turned to Treasure
21
In the Community
SANBO hosts spay and neuter event by Destiny Martin
24 Local Events Calendar 27 Sea and Be Seen
January/February 2017
theLOCAL
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from the editor HAS 2016 REALLY already come and gone?! It seems like just yesterday I was driving down beach road, developing a business plan for The Local magazine, wondering if it was going to be a success. Now here we are, almost two years later, and as I sit here preparing our third editorial calendar, I’m still in awe of the support the magazine continues to receive from our readers, contributors, and advertisers. To all of you who believe in The Local, and ultimately believe in me, thank you! It’s your positive feedback and pats on the back that keep pushing me to excel. I look forward to 2017! In this issue we’re highlighting people and events that make our beach community a truly unique place to live, work, and play. We start with our Local Business feature on page 9 where you’ll meet Thad and Jen Felton, a couple who recently moved to Crystal Beach from Houston and will be opening a boutique gym later this month. For all of our outdoor enthusiasts: Dave Roberts has 3 Tips for Catching Fish in 2017 on page 12. Follow these tips to increase your odds of landing that trophy fish this year. Then we’ll introduce you to Kristian Koengeter, a carpenter from Germany who now calls the Bolivar Peninsula home. Discover how Kristian’s craft led him to repurposing drift wood and other found materials into rustic beach furniture in the full story on page 14. Did you know that approximately 8 million people per year use the TxDOT ferry system? In our article on page 18, you’ll learn this and other interesting facts about the Galveston-Bolivar Ferry, and how all six seafaring vessels came to be named. And our January/February issue just wouldn’t be complete without coverage of one of Crystal Beach’s most anticipated events of the year—the Lighthouse Krewe Mardi Gras Parade. After 27 years, this celebration has become a lively tribute to the resilience of our community. Read all about it and why you should make plans to attend the parade on page 22.
Wishing you all a healthy and happy New Year! Until next time, keep it local. DESTINY MARTIN, EDITOR
destiny@thebolivarlocal.com
On the cover Paul Noland's photo Snowy Egret on Post, graces our cover of this issue. Paul is a geologist from Nevada who has been visiting the Bolivar Peninsula for over 12 years. He and his wife Paula enjoy birdwatching from the deck of Stingaree Restaurant. Paul says he takes every opportunity he can when they are here to photograph birds and other wildlife. The Nolands find Crystal Beach to be the best kept secret in North America—they love the food and the friendly people and would like to give a special shout out to Greg, Georgia and Pete at the Tiki Beach Bar & Grill.
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January/February 2017
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EDITOR IN CHIEF Destiny Martin CONTRIBUTORS Xander Peters Dave Roberts Kevin R. Roberts PHOTO CONTRIBUTORS Tom Osten Paul Noland Dave Roberts Kevin R. Roberts Donna Singer FOR ADVERTISING INFO 650 Media Group, LLC P.O. Box 1747 Crystal Beach, TX 77650 817.505.8208 info@thebolivarlocal.com
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ON BOLIVAR PENINSULA
products | news | happenings
CALLING ON ARTISTS INTRODUCING THE PAINT-A-POTTY PROJECT FROM THE BOLIVAR PENINSULA CULTURAL FOUNDATION AND KEEP BOLIVAR BEAUTIFUL
Bolivar Peninsula Cultural Foundation and Keep Bolivar Beautiful are teaming up on a community-wide project to beautify the port-apotties on our beaches. Each potty is housed in a threesided building. The goal is to paint each building by spring 2017 and turn them into attractive works of art that showcase the talent of our wonderful art community. For more information, contact Charlotte Stirling at (409) 673-0536.
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January/February 2017
photo courtesy TxDOTHoustonPIO, Twitter
IN NEED OF REPAIR TxDOT PLANS FOR IMPROVEMENTS TO BEACH ROAD
HIGH ISLAND, TX—A Hurricane Evacuation Route Analysis study to address Hwy 87 at 124 was provided by LJA Engineering in last year. This included a section of Hwy 87 from Rollover Pass to Hwy 124. Here is a summary of the consultant’s recommendations: - Raise the elevation of Hwy 87 to approximately 7 feet - Realign the eastbound lane of Hwy 87 to Hwy 124 - Construct rock revetments (see photo example above) - Elevate the existing beach access crossings and building beach nourishment The estimated costs for raising the roadway, realigning the eastbound lane and rock revetments is approximately $14 million. TxDOT will need to work with the appropriate federal agencies to comply with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the environmental compliance process for state projects. TxDOT anticipates the project could be ready for letting later this year pending the availability of funding. TxDOT maintenance crews have completed the installation of concrete barriers at Hwy 87, near the intersection at 124. The installation is intended to minimize wave action that washes over the roadway and deposits sand and debris. TxDOT maintenance crews will continue to monitor conditions along the highways especially during times of high-tide to make sure the road is clear of debris. www.TxDOT.gov
local. BUSINESS
Hello, Health Goals Crystal Beach’s new Sweat Fitness introduces health and wellness to a niche market story & photos by destiny martin
January/February 2017
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Q:
Why Bolivar Peninsula?
Thad: I’ve been invested in this community for over fifteen years, but my roots with Crystal Beach trace back to the 70s when I vacationed here as a boy. When I introduced Jen to it, she fell in love! Being from Calgary, Canada she was immediately drawn to the mild climate that we experience year round and the chance to see the ocean every day.
Q:
Jen: I have always been into the fitness thing, Thad still really isn’t (she chuckles). But, we’re hoping to get him on board soon! As a busy mom of two, I feel like taking care of myself—and implementing healthy habits every day—helps me to take better care of my family.
J
ennifer Felton and her husband Thad are opening a fitness gym on the Bolivar Peninsula in hopes of capturing a untapped market of consumers. Sweat Fitness, located at 2275 Highway 87 in Crystal Beach Plaza, will open the doors of its 4,000-square-foot facility mid-January. The boutique gym is designed with the ultimate health and fitness experience in mind and will feature 12 pieces of cardio equipment, a weight training area, private locker rooms with showers, a juice bar, and various spa-like amenities, including an esthetician on-site. “It’s going to be unlike anything the peninsula has seen,” says Jen. The dynamic couple, who recently moved to the area from Houston, said they chose the peninsula because they liked the people and the ease of living here. Thad developed The Biscayne in 2001 and the family has had a vacation home there ever since. When they relocated full-time and found there was no gym, Jen realized a hot business opportunity almost immediately. The Local sat down with Sweat Fitness owners Thad and Jen to learn more about their new venture and how they plan to cater not only to locals, but to Bolivar Peninsula’s seasonal clientele, too.
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What sparked your interest about health and wellness?
January/February 2017
Q:
How do you plan to cater to the evolving market of consumers?
Thad: Today’s fitness trends are evolving quickly, but here, so are the consumers. We will be ever-changing to meet the needs of a diverse market of full- and parttimers. Sweat Fitness will offer specialized memberships for visitors and second homeowners who aren’t on the peninsula year round, with full time members receiving 24-hour access to the gym. Our equipment will be multi-disciplinary and will include cardio, strength training, HIIT, as well as a few Cross Fit exercises. Beyond
We will be everchanging to meet the needs of full and part-timers.
local. BUSINESS
that, we offer packages for people who aren’t interested in working out and just want access to our state-ofthe-art sauna and spa treatments. The gym will even include a retail segment where supplements, nutritional products, health and beauty aids, and other swag will be sold.
Q:
What do you want people to know about your gym?
Jen: We’ve developed memberships and incentives for both male and female demographics, local residents and visitors alike. Sweat Fitness is an environment that will offer a wealth of amenities including: Pro Maxima equipment, Clearlight Infrared® sauna, Infinity Sun® spray tanning and other luxurious skincare treatments, NovaLash, free WiFi, and more. We are actively looking to hire personal trainers and hope to introduce specialized classes in the near future. Ultimately, I envision our gym fostering a sense of community that is centered on holistic health for the mind, body, and spirit. Thad and I are inspired to create something different and unique so that everyone, even those who have never belonged to a gym, will want to be a part of ours. tL Sweat Fitness is located at 2275 Hwy 87, Suite 5 in Crystal Beach Plaza. Email sweatfitness87@gmail.com for more information.
January/February 2017
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local. OUTDOORS
3
FISHING TIPS FOR 2017 story & photos by dave roberts
A
new year is upon us and like always in Texas, winter is fashionably late. Many outdoorsmen are still sitting in a hunting blind chasing deer or fowl while others are chasing trophy trout. For those that do not fare the cold weather well, no worries, you are not alone. The majority of fishermen look forward to warmer weather before they decide to knock the dust off of their fishing poles. The year is still young and there are plenty of opportunities left to go fishing. Before that time arrives though, I would like to share a few tips that will give you the upper hand over the fish for this upcoming year.
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NO. 1 // COVER WATER Now I know that this may seem vague, but what I mean by “covering water� is just a concept of completely blanketing an area before moving on to the next. Doing this efficiently is important as well. Start by throwing lures that you can cover a lot of water with while doing so quickly. My favorites are RatL-Traps, gold and silver Spoons, swimbaits, and topwaters. Take these lures and fan cast your targeted area. The idea here is that if there are fish in the area, you want to put a lure in front of their face before moving forward.
photo courtesy sarah chapman
NO. 2 // FOLLOW THE MOON PHASES As we all know, the moon affects the Earth, and the people and animals on it. We have studied it for thousands of years so it’s no secret that certain behaviors are directly related to the phases of the moon. As a fisherman, I started to keep a data log of my fishing reports and there was a direct trend of how well I did on certain days. I found that the day before, the day of, and the day after a new or full moon I would have monumental days that were full of limits. The days in between were average at best. When a new or full moon occurs, the tides are stronger and the fish react accordingly. Plan a fishing trip during one of these phases and see the difference for yourself. NO. 3 // WATCH FOR BIRDS When it comes to animal life that thrives along the coast, birds are among the most plentiful species that live on land. Coincidently, birds have nearly the same diet as trout, redfish and flounder. Since we cannot see under the water, birds are a little easier to spot. Find the birds, find the food source and then find the fish. Often when trout and redfish school up shad and shrimp, they will push them to the waters surface, resulting in an easy meal for hungry seagulls. They can be found in flocks by the dozens scattered across open water; if you see this there are surely fish underneath! The other birds to look for are egrets lining up down a stretch of shoreline. Since they are not able to dive, they wade at the shore’s edge and wait for baitfish to come to them. When redfish and flounder are crashing bait on the shore, egrets will line up and wait for their chance to strike at baitfish trying to escape a hungry fish. If you ever see a few
egrets lined up, be sure to stop, it is probably worth your time. Before long summer will be here and it will be time to grab your fishing poles again. These are just a few simple things that can increase your odds of catching fish this year. Keep in mind to hit every bit of water that you can before leaving a spot, pay attention to the moon phases, and keep an eye out for birds. I want to wish everyone a happy New Year and I hope it is a safe and productive year in the outdoors. tL
Dave Roberts is an avid kayak fisherman, writer and photographer who travels the Texas Coast documenting his experiences along the way. For more information, visit his blog at www.texaskayakchronicles.com, or email him at texaskayakchronicles@yahoo.com.
January/February 2017
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local. FEATURE
Trees turned to treasure A European transplant and his woodworking ways story by xander peters
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January/February 2017
A
long Bolivar Peninsula, much of everyday life pertains to what drifts ashore…which, to say, is to flirt with hyperbole, sure. Literally speaking, however, often times what you actually find washed ashore are heaps of seaweed and driftwood, perhaps the occasional gnarled boogie board or a fisherman’s cast net without the fisherman. Rarely will you find a gold Spanish doubloon. Imagine a brisk winter evening. As his pickup truck idles down the nearly deserted beach, Kristian Koengeter scans the shoreline for what pieces of luck may have drifted ashore in recent tides—and treasures from sunken ships couldn’t be further from his mind. It’s often times the driftwood he’s keeping an eye out for, and the bigger, the sturdier, the more intact each piece is, the better his handmade furniture will be. For the artisanal craftsman, this is the needle in a haystack.
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Kristian is a zimmerman. It’s how you pronounce “carpenter” in his native tongue, and it was a craft that took to him as much as he took to it while learning the skill in his hometown of Düsseldorf, Germany. Starting out as a hand with a barn-building company, he would eventually make his way to California then Florida before landing in Crystal Beach, just weeks after Hurricane Ike. “I wanted to see a little bit more,” Kristian tells me in a thick German accent, recalling the path that led him to a small, quirky community in Texas, though, at the time, devastated at the least. “And I guess here is where I saw it the most.” He’s a modest craftsman. The prototypical maker, you could say. When asked to describe his work, Kristian hesitates and looks down at where his hands are crossed in front of him on the kitchen table. Though a description isn’t necessary when his beachside home is a portfolio as well. Built with his own hands from the ground up, the seasoned perfectionism of his craft is all the more evident. A sense of warmness extends from the cabin’s doorway and on through the open living area, with the high-ceilinged, all wood interior echoing that of a Bavarian countryside cottage. Natural light spills from corner to corner, conscious of the outside world, always rising and setting. All the home lacks is one last coat of shine and a few finishing touches, such as the ambiance of his own handcrafted, custom furniture, Kristian admits, which will come with time. But time comes and goes much like how the tide rises and falls – and, with that, along Bolivar Peninsula, especially for the eclectic kinds of craftsman who call this place home, much of everyday life pertains to what drifts ashore. tL
Like many coastal carpenters, Kristian doesn't use nails in his work, but notches instead. His reasoning: the sturdy furniture he makes can be heavy to carry to the second floor of a beach cabin, and for him, he says, "It's like a puzzle and you put it together."
16 16 | | theLOCAL theLOCAL
January/February March/April 20162017
Xander Peters is a writer formerly based in New York and Austin. His work has appeared in publications like Outside, The Texas Observer, Texas Monthly, Austin Monthly, and San Antonio Magazine. With a family beach home in Crystal Beach, Xander calls himself an almost native Peninsulan. His email address is thereal.xanderpeters@gmail.com
Area Information Live Webcams Local Events Business Directory Beach Rentals Fishing Reports
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Supplying Bolivar Peninsula with everything under the sun! GROCERIES • GIFTS • HARDWARE • AND MORE 2385 Hwy 87 | Crystal Beach, TX 77650 Sun-Thurs 7 AM - 9 PM | Fri-Sat 7 AM - 9:30 PM January/February 2017
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local. FEATURE
THE BOLIVAR FERRY Everything you wanted to know, but didn’t know who to ask story & photos by kevin r. roberts
NOWADAYS, IT TAKES
VESSEL NAMES AND DESIGN SPECS
about 18 minutes to make the 2.7-mile ferry crossing between Galveston Island and Bolivar Peninsula. But, in the late 1800s, this shortcut around Galveston Bay was made on a skiff called The Tarpon. Eventually, the State of Texas took over in 1934 and collected a 25-cent charge. Today it is free for about eight million people using the TxDOT ferry system. June, July, and August are the peak months. The busiest day was July 4, 1993 with 12,733 vehicles making the trip across one of the busiest waterways in the world. Since the GalvestonBolivar ferry is an extension of Texas State Highway 87, it will also carry tractor-trailer rigs up to 40 tons. Mooring facilities and public rest areas were rehabilitated in the mid-90s and now—believe it or not—it is a very popular fishing spot. This morning, a couple of 21” flounders were caught. (Imagine them sautéed and topped with a jumbo lump crabmeat.)
The oldest of the six Bolivar ferries, the Gibb Gilchrist, was christened in 1977 and is named after the first chancellor of the Texas A&M System. By the way, Mr. Gilchrist graduated from the University of Texas-Austin in 1909. His Texas Highway Department career had its genesis after World War I when he served as the State Highway Engineer. This 265-foot long vessel can carry 70 vehicles and 500 passengers and a crew of six. It is powered by two GM ElectroMotive Diesel engines rated at 1,500 horsepower each. Unlike the newer boats, the Gibb Gilchrist is a traditionally powered and steered vessel; meaning it uses conventional propellers and rudders. It was built by Jeffboat, Inc. in Jeffersonville, Indiana, at a cost of $5 million. In 1991, a new technology was specified for the Robert C. Lanier. It employs a “cycloidal propulsion” system at both ends of the boat. This design, like a garden hose, pushes water from a giant tube so that the boat can make tight, 360-degree turns and stop on a dime. It can even move sideways; a capability that comes in handy for a ferry. This is the same type of propulsion system that allows giant cruise ships to make a U-turn in the narrow Galveston Harbor. The Robert C. Lanier was built in Mobile, Alabama, by Alabama Shipyards, Inc. and was christened in 1991. It cost $6.2
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million to build. Robert C. Lanier is a 1949 UT Law School graduate who served as chairman of the Public Transportation Commission, now known as the Texas Transportation Commission. In 1992 he was elected Mayor of Houston where he served three terms until 1998. The next vessel added to the fleet was the DeWitt C. Greer christened in 1995 and built in Mississippi by Trinity Industries. Cost was $6.8 million. Mr. Greer graduated from Texas A&M College with honors in 1923. He started with the Texas Highway Department in 1927 and was promoted to State Highway Engineer in 1940 at 37 years of age. He held this position for 27 years then spent 10 more years as chairman of the Texas Transportation Commission. Two years later, in 1997, Trinity Industries built another ferry, called Ray Stoker, Jr. and the cost for it was $8.3 million. Mr. Stoker was a graduate of Baylor University Law School. In 1985 he was appointed to the Texas Transportation Commission. The fifth vessel, the Robert H. Dedman, was also built by Trinity Industries in Mississippi. By 1999, the cost of this a 263foot ferry was $9.4 million. The impressive Mr. Dedman earned three undergraduate degrees from UT-Austin and a Master of Law degree from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas. In fact, SMU’s Dedman College and Dallas’ Dedman Memorial Hospital are named in his honor, as is UT’s Dedman Merit Scholar program. The sixth and newest ferry, the John W. Johnson, was christened in Galveston in November 2011. John Johnson served on the Texas Transportation Commission and was also its chairman for four years until 2007. He is a proud alumnus of Vanderbilt University and St. John’s School in Houston. The vessel can carry about 70 cars and light trucks or six to eight 18-wheel trucks weighing as much as 80,000 pounds each. It can accommodate as many as 500 passengers. It is 65 feet wide, has a draft of 9 feet 6 inches, and cruises at 12 knots. This new ferry is like the others, double-ended with twin pilot houses. It was designed by Alan C. McClure Associates of Houston and built by Conrad Shipyard in Morgan City, Louisiana. So, the next time you marvel at these robust boats, just remember the Texas men who made it all happen. After all, who needs a bridge when we can cross over on these relaxing vessels, skimming along the water with the pelicans and dolphins. tL
Opposite page: TxDOT Galveston Ferry Office. This page: Ferry boats transport vehicles across the bay from Bolivar Peninsula to Galveston; a man catches a keeper flounder just steps from the ferry landing.
Kevin R. Roberts is a freelance writer who finds Galveston Island to be a fantastically original city, not unlike his hometown of New Orleans. Since moving to Texas his restaurant reviews, celebrity interviews, and lifestyle stories have appeared in numerous regional magazines. His email is kevinrroberts@mac.com
January/February 2017
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local. COMMUNITY
Swayze, a dog in search of a forever home
SANBO hosts spay and neuter event
The pit bull lovingly referred to as The Beast The event was held at Crystal Beach Fire & EMS Station
photos courtesy of donna singer
Tracy Barnett made sure every animal was attended to
On December 7, SANBO (Spay and Neuter Beach Outreach) hosted a MASH-style spay and neuter clinic benefitting pets of the Bolivar Peninsula and their owners. Out of 57 applications, 36 animals were served. Thanks to generous donations and support from several volunteers, this was the second successful spay and neuter event brought to Crystal Beach by SANBO whose mission is to provide ongoing opportunites for residents of the peninsula to have their pets spayed or neutered at little to no cost. The initiative helps to keep animals well and prevent unwanted litters. SANBO is a community project of Texas Crab Festival Charities. For more information, visit their Facebook page at SANBO-Spay & Neuter Beach Outreach.
The day's volunteers. It takes a Peninsula!
Dr. Kelley Kays with Dowlen Road Veterinary Center and her team Michael, Michele & Kait Debby Ward took time to love on this sweet dachshund
Debbie Ploeger checking on applications January/February 2017
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MARDI GRAS ON THE PENINSULA Once we’ve rung in the New Year, it’s time for locals and visitors to turn their attention to another season of celebration story by destiny martin | photos courtesy of tom osten
I
t has taken place every year since 1991 and has become a lively tribute to the resilience of our community. The Lighthouse Krewe 27th annual Mardi Gras Parade will be held on February 25 at 11:30 am—come rain or shine. With vibrant floats, decorated golf carts, upbeat music, and beads by the thousands, this familyfriendly celebration is one you don’t want to miss! Here are the top reasons why we love the Lighthouse Krewe Parade and why you should make plans to be here. 22 |
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IT'S FAMILY FRIENDLY With a focus on continuing traditions, the Lighthouse Krewe prides itself on hosting an event geared with kids in mind. Paradegoers of every age will enjoy the sights and sounds of a traditional Mardi Gras parade without being exposed to overwhelming crowds often found at larger nighttime parades. With five miles of parade route, there’s plenty of room for little ones to have a great view. After the procession has made
its way down State Highway 87, the fun continues at Gregory Park where there will be food vendors, face painting, live music, and a chance to see the floats up close in all their glory. Be sure to bring bags for the kids to collect their beads, candy, and other throws.
IT SUPPORTS LOCAL COMMERCE The wintry month of February might not seem like an ideal time of year to visit the
local. COMMUNITY
beach, but by attending the Mardi Gras festival, you help to support commerce during what is typically known as Bolivar’s off-season. “It’s a great shot in the arm for local businesses,” says Anne Willis, Broker of Swedes Real Estate in Crystal Beach and the first Lighthouse Krewe Queen in ‘91. “The parade continues to grow in popularity and participation every year,” she tells me. Restaurants, shops, and property rentals on the peninsula are likely to see a spike in business during and around the time of the event.
IT SHOWCASES THE SPIRIT OF BOLIVAR PENINSULA Every Mardi Gras krewe and parade possesses it own unique history and theme. In the case of the Lighthouse Krewe, Bolivar Peninsula is a tight-knit community comprised of nearly every walk of life imaginable, and the parade is an event that celebrates a common thread between us all. Patricia Hagstrom, who has helped to design floats for the past 14 years, says, “I am always amazed at the melting pot of people begging for our beads and trinkets—ranging from the elderly lined up in wheelchairs and holding fishing nets to collect their treasures, to the children that quietly whisper, ‘thank you’ as their little faces glow like we gave them a million dollars!” In 2008, Hurricane Ike threatened to put a halt to any sense of normal life for local residents and business owners, as they returned only to concentrate on picking up the pieces after the storm. Bolivar Peninsula’s Lighthouse Krewe decided to proceed with their 2009 event despite the seemingly irrevocable devastation
We had to come back and everyone was so grateful we did. — ANNE WILLIS
BROKER, SWEDE'S REAL ESTATE
that faced the town. Anne recalls of that year’s parade: “We had to come back and everyone was so grateful we did.” Though the major draw is always Mardi Gras, the Lighthouse Krewe hosts other events throughout the year that benefit the community. Fundraisers like their Christmas Dance and Mardi Gras Ball have allowed the Krewe to generously contribute to local volunteer fire departments, Second Going, MD Anderson, Arboretum in Winnie, Crenshaw and High Island Schools, just to name a few. Lighthouse Krewe President Bobbey White said Mardi Gras gives everyone on the peninsula a sense of pride. “People are enthusiastic to be a part of something that promotes the greater good and enriches the lives of so many.” tL
For more information or to register a float, vehicle, or golf cart in the parade, visit www.lighthousekrewe.com
PARADE ROUTE Beginning at Avocet Subdivision near Hardheads Ice House on Highway 87, the procession will head east, concluding at Gregory Park. Parade starts at 11:30 am on Saturday, February 25.
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local. EVENTS
January/February Mark Your Calendar
EVENT 18th Annual Lighthouse Krewe Champagne Brunch
Beer Can House which has since been restored. For more information, visit www.beercanhouse.org. 1980 Hwy 87, Crystal Beach
January 22
EVENT
The Lighthouse Krewe will be hosting their 18th annual Champagne Brunch at Steve’s Landing on January 22 at 10:30 am. Members, guests, and those looking to become a member are invited to attend, reservations are requested. Cost is $20/ticket. Contact Anne Willis at annew@ swedesrealestate.com for more info. lighthousekrewe.com
Super Bowl Sunday February 5 If you aren’t going to the game, then you should be at the beach instead! Experience the excitement at any of our area sports bars, including Hardheads Ice House where they’ll be giving away prizes every hour!
BENEFIT Lighthouse Krewe Mardi Gras Ball February 11 Join the Lighthouse Krewe for dancing, cocktails and live music at Coconuts (Bamboo Bar) on February 11. The party starts at 6 pm. Contact Bobbey White at bj10white@aol.com for more details. lighthousekrewe.com Have an event you'd like to add to our calendar? Send us an email with detailed information at info@thebolivarlocal.com
editor’s pick COMMUNITY Artist of the Month, Gallery By The Gulf January: Ronnie Milkovisch An installation of Ronnie Milkovisch’s work will be on display at Gallery By The Gulf throughout the month of January. Ronnie is the son of John Milkovisch, a retired upholsterer for the Southern Pacific Railroad who adorned his Houston home with more than 50,000 beer cans in 1968. Ronnie’s sculptures pay homage to his late father’s project now known as the 24 |
theLOCAL
January/February 2017
COMMUNITY 27th Annual Lighthouse Krewe Mardi Gras Parade Saturday, February 25 It has taken place every year since 1991 and has become a lively tribute to our community. The Lighthouse Krewe 27th annual daytime parade will be held on February 25 at 11:30 am. This year’s theme is The Roaring 20s and All That Jazz. For more info, or to enter a float, golf cart, or vehicle in the parade contact Anne Willis at 409-684-3345 or Bobbey White at 409-771-5170. www.lighthousekrewe.com
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Into the Sunset by Angela Burton
The Watchers by David Lambert
Marsh Buddies by Robby Martin January/February 2017
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| 27
Blue Crabs by Debra Deckard
Palm Limb on Beach by Jeff Austin, Jr.
Share your LOCAL scene. Send us photos of your favorite places, people and past times on the peninsula. Submit high resolution (300 dpi) images to info@thebolivarlocal.com. Day at Sea by Destiny Martin
Sunset Bolivar-Galveston Ferry Landing by Sarah Weeks
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January/February 2017
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