The Local January/February 2016

A TEXAS MARITIME LEGEND p.28

Bolivar Peninsula's Community Magazine COMPLIMENTARY

r's New Yea n: Resolutio livar Keep Bo l Beautifu

COBB REAL ESTATE

CELEBRATES 30 YEARS OF INNOVATION & SERVICE ON BOLIVAR PENINSULA

Plus

LIGHTHOUSE KREWE: LOCAL MARDI GRAS GUIDE 2016 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016

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• • • •

FULL SERVICE PROPERTY MANAGEMENT, VACATION RENTALS & REAL ESTATE SALES LOCATED IN THE CRYSTAL BEACH PLAZA SUPERIOR IN-HOME MAINTENANCE & CLEANING COMPLIMENTARY PROPERTY EVALUATION

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CUSTOM HOME BUILDER • • • •

STATE OF THE ART 3D CAD DESIGN SERVICES COMPLETE TURN-KEY PRICING 35 YEARS EXPERIENCE SUPERIOR QUALITY & PROFESSIONALISM

409-684-7233 MINWESTHOMES.COM

THERE IS NO SUBSTITUTE FOR EXPERIENCE. Over forty years of building exceptional homes on Bolivar Peninsula.

NEW CONSTRUCTION • REMODELING • PROJECT MANAGEMENT CONTACT TYLER COCO AT 409.651.6004 2290 HIGHWAY 87 | CRYSTAL BEACH, TEXAS 77650

A near perfect dwelling for ships and sailors alike.

CANAL LOTS STARTING AT $75,000 4 |

theLOCAL

January/February 2016

LagunaHarbor.com

CONTENTS J A N U A R Y / F E B R U A R Y 201 6

FEATURES BEACH VIBES

THE BREAKDOWN ON DEBRIS We dish the dirt on how to help Keep Bolivar Beautiful this year p. 9 IN THE COMMUNITY

LAISSEZ LES BON TEMPS ROULER

The 26th annual Lighthouse Krewe Mardi Gras takes to the streets of Bolivar Peninsula p. 13 LOCAL BUSINESS

CELEBRATING A MILESTONE

Cobb Real Estate commemorates 30 years of business p. 20

EXPLORE

A TEXAS MARITIME LEGEND Explore WWI concrete ship, the SS Selma p. 28

IN EVERY ISSUE

editor's note 6 by the sea 10 events 17 sea & be seen 34

PHOTO BY: LUKE MAULDIN PHOTOGRAPHY

EDITOR'S NOTE

theLOCAL Bolivar Peninsula’s Magazine

EDITOR CREATIVE DIRECTOR DESIGNER Destiny Martin CONTRIBUTORS Dr. Melanie Wallace Cody Martin PHOTOGRAPHY CONTRIBUTORS Cody Bess Photography Crystal Beach Local News Louis Vest Luke Mauldin Phil Charlton

WELCOME TO 2016 and happy New Year to our readers! Wow,

what an amazing first six months of existence we experienced in 2015 and now, as we start the new year, The Local is looking forward to continued growth. We’re working hard to bring you an even better publication through more points of distribution, more avenues of access and more community involvement. These are just a few of our plans, but ultimately our readers’ feedback and involvement is what will truly enrich our magazine. Therefore, we invite and encourage you to share your thoughts and ideas; pictures and stories; worthy events, organizations, and individuals.

In this issue, we’re talking about Mardi Gras, celebrating local success, and paying tribute to a historic, unique ship which traces its roots back to World War I. Turn to page 13 to plan your Mardi Gras events, share in the success of a local business on page 20, and explore a Texas Maritime Legend on page 28.

We are looking forward to an exciting and fun filled 2016! Until next time…

FOR ADVERTISING INFO 650 Media Group, LLC P.O. Box 1747 Crystal Beach, TX 77650 817.505.8208 info@thebolivarlocal.com

The LOCAL, Bolivar Peninsula’s Magazine is produced by 650 Media Group, LLC. All rights reserved. The LOCAL is not responsible for facts presented by authors or advertisers. No part of this publication may be used or reproduced without written consent of the editor.

For information about mailing subscription and other questions or comments, email: info@thebolivarlocal.com

#KeepItLocal

WE'D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU!

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theLOCAL

January/February 2016

CHARLES MICHAEL CUSTOM HOMES 2950 Highway 87 Crystal Beach, TX 77650

409-684-1001

Full Service Home Builder Your Lot or Ours Financing Options Available Custom Home Design Top Quality Construction Features to Fit Your Budget Over 40 Years Experience

Contact Us Today About Your New Home

BUILDING FOR GENERATIONS

www.CharlesMichaelHome.com

CONSTRUCTION LOANS • LOT LOANS • MORTGAGES

We do it all!

Please contact Randy Slater to learn more about what Texas First Bank can offer you today!

2385 Highway 87 • Crystal Beach • (409) 370-9453 January/February 2016

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Area Information Live Webcams Local Events Business Directory Beach Rentals Fishing Reports

LocalNe ws.com 8 |

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January/February 2016

BEACH VIBES

THE BREAKDOWN ON DEBRIS Littering and plastic have a negative impact on our local environment and sea life, but what you may not realize is the trash you see today can be harmful for many generations to come. We’re dishing the dirt on how long it actually takes for waste to decompose.

Enjoy the beach responsibly and join us in our mission to Keep Bolivar Beautiful.

glass bottles: 1 million years

tires: unknown, though scientists predict over 10,000 years

aluminum cans: 80-200 years Styrofoam: 50 years

plastic bags: 10-20 years

plastic beverage bottles and caps: 450 years

monofilament fishing line: 600 years

plastic items like straws, shovels, cigarette lighters, combs, and toothbrushes: 20-1000 years

cigarette filters: 5-10 years disposable diapers: 450 years

A message from

Better Than You Found It

facebook.com/keepbolivarbeautiful January/February 2016

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BY THE SEA

ONE MOORE TIME text by MELANIE WALLACE, ED.D.

The Moore family chose to rebuild on Bolivar Peninsula after their first vacation home (inset) was destroyed by Hurricane Ike in 2008

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January/February 2016

I LOVE NEW BEGINNINGS. There’s just something

about January 1 each year that offers such hope and possibility. New beginnings have special meaning for those of us living at the beach. We live our lives by the rise and fall of the tides, the migration of the birds, and the running of the flounder. Walking on the beach on a Wednesday morning in winter is the best time to consider next steps. I love bundling up and strolling along the shoreline; deserted beach as far as the eye can see. Longfellow said it best: All thought and feeling and desire, I said, Love, laughter, and the exultant joy of song Have ebbed from me forever! Suddenly o’er me They swept again from their deep ocean bed, And in a tumult of delight, and strong As youth, and beautiful as youth, upbore me.

- The Tide, 1874 Bolivar folks are a resilient lot. We know all about new beginnings. We know that “new beginnings are often disguised as painful endings” (Lao Tzu). Such was the case back in September of 2008, when Hurricane Ike took a mighty toll on our beloved peninsula.

In those dark days following the storm, we turned to one another for comfort. After all, who else could understand our pain and despair? As 2009 dawned, many of us were unsure of our next steps. But still, we clung to each other, even across the miles as we all temporarily relocated to distant parts of the state.

Slowly at first, and then at what seems like warp speed, our community began to rebuild. The neighborhoods filled up again with Easter-egg colored houses built high on stilts and life came back to our peninsula. The pioneer spirit of Jane Long infused us as we fought to rebuild the lives that we love.

Today, on the cusp of 2016, our community is strong.

Our restaurants are full of visitors, the ferries are packed, and the beaches are alive with families. Many folks, like the Chester & Caledonia Moore family, rebuilt their homes, proudly bearing names like One Moore Time, Second Wind, Here We Go Again, and Still Here…a nod to the fact that it was all worth it. We were willing to step out again; to love again; to come back to the place that we all adore…to make a new beginning.

The house across the street from me is called Linger Longer. I believe I will.

January/February 2016

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BOLIVAR PENINSULA REAL ESTATE SPECIALISTS 281.639.0451 |

facebook.com/newcoastproperties

N EW C OAST P ROPERTIES.COM

DEVELOPER OF

theLOCAL

Call today for all your lawn care needs

BOLIVAR PENINSULA'S MAGAZINE

Subscribe to our digital editions, email info@thebolivarlocal.com 12 |

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January/February 2016

Locally Owned & Operated

409-540-2846

IN THE COMMUNITY

TEXT BY DESTINY MARTIN PHOTOGRAPHS BY TOM OSTEN / CRYSTAL BEACH LOCAL NEWS

January/February 2016

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IN THE COMMUNITY

THE PARADE

FEBRUARY 6, 2016 • 11:30 AM

Mark your calendars! Bolivar Peninsula’s 26th annual Mardi Gras parade, held on February 6, comes early this year. The theme is “All About the Beads,” and there is much anticipation about the scale of the floats and festivities. The parade begins its route at 11:30 am from Avocet Subdivision and will proceed west on Highway 87, concluding at Gregory Park where the local Mardi Gras event continues. For more information about the parade or to register a float, truck, or golf cart, visit www. lighthousekrewe.com.

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January/February 2016

MARDI GRAS: LOCAL GUIDE 2016 LIGHTHOUSE KREWE

THE AFTER PARTY

GREGORY PARK • BOLIVAR, TX

Immediately following the parade, locals and visitors alike will be celebrating up and down the peninsula. Join the Lighthouse Krewe at Gregory Park for live music, entertainment, and the judging of the floats. Photographed left are the reigning 2015 Lighthouse Krewe King and Queen, Ed Riley and Fran Skiles.

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FAMILY FRIENDLY Founded in 1991, the Lighthouse Krewe’s annual Mardi Gras celebration continues to grow in participation and popularity. “It keeps getting bigger and better every year,” says Anne Willis, Vice President of the Lighthouse Krewe.

The daytime parade is a family-oriented event to be enjoyed by all ages.

COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTIONS The Bolivar Peninsula Lighthouse Krewe selects several charities to support throughout the year.

Proceeds raised at their annual fundraising events benefit the local Volunteer Fire Departments, a scholarship fund for area youth, and various community outreach programs. For more information about the Lighthouse Krewe, visit www.lighthousekrewe.com.

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January/February 2016

LOCAL EVENTS

JANUARY 16

Bolivar Peninsula Lighthouse Krewe 50s-60s Dance 7:00pm at Ship's Wheel with live music from The Blues Brothers.

Dance and costume contest. $10 cover. Public is welcome. For more info contact Lois Riley or Linda Calvey.

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17th Annual Mardi Gras Brunch 10:30am-1:00pm at Stingaree Restaurant/Downunder. $25/ ticket. Reservations required.

For more information, contact Connie Noble.

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Mardi Gras Ball Beginning at 6:00pm at Coconuts (Bamboo Bar).

Live music, cocktails and appetizers. For tickets, visit www.lighthousekrewe.com or contact Bobbey White at 409-771-5170.

FEBRUARY 6

26th Annual Lighthouse Krewe Mardi Gras Parade Parade begins at 11:30am.

Route begins at Avocet Subdivision and travels east on Highway 87, concluding at Gregory Park where the celebration will continue with live music from 3-Way Switch and float judging. For more information, visit www. lighthousekrewe.com.

409-684-2400

SUN-THURS 7AM - 9PM FRI-SAT 7AM - 9:30PM P.O. BOX 2327 • 2385 HWY 87 • CRYSTAL BEACH, TX 77650

January/February 2016

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IN THE COMMUNITY

The theme of Bolivar Peninsula’s 26th Annual Mardi Gras parade is: “All About The Beads!” And why wouldn’t it be? Mardi Gras beads have been the most popular trinkets thrown at parades since the early 1920s.

The true meaning of Mardi Gras beads begins with the colors, and were determined by Rex, a.k.a. Russia’s Grand Duke Alexis Romanoff, and New Orleans’ first King of Carnival in 1872. Rex instituted that inexpensive glass necklaces be made for the celebration and declared meaning for each of the three original colors: purple symbolizing justice, gold representing power, and green meaning faith. Historically, the strands of beads were to be tossed to the person who exhibited the color’s meaning and were thought to bring the recipient good luck in the coming year.

Since the necklaces were originally made of glass, they didn’t fare well when tossed into the crowd. Plastic beads were introduced in the early twentieth century and quickly became the most common “throw” in parades. It’s estimated that $500 million worth of Mardi Gras beads are sold worldwide each year, with some Krewe members spending as much as $2,000 on beads to toss during their parade routes.

In the true spirit of Mardi Gras, bigger is better! As the demand for more unique beads continues to rise, beads are now being produced in all colors, shapes and sizes. The most popular size is 33" long and is a half-inch in diameter.

This year, show your true colors and layer on the beads!

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theLOCAL

January/February 2016

Inset photo courtesy of Tom Osten/Crystal Beach Local News

GET COOKING

CES’T BON Elevate your crawfish by trying this recipe inspired

by Vietnamese cuisine.

Add aromatics like lemon grass and ginger during the boiling process

Asian-Cajun Fusion Garlic Butter Sauce 4 3 1 1 1 1 1

sticks of margarine (not butter) heads of fresh garlic, chopped tbsp dry chicken bouillon tbsp Old Bay Seasoning tbsp paprika tbsp ground cayenne pepper tbsp lemon pepper

DIRECTIONS Melt the margarine in a saucepan.

Add garlic to melted margarine.

Cook garlic until translucent. Once the garlic is translucent, add the remaining ingredients for the sauce.

Simmer the sauce for 10 minutes and check for flavor. Add more seasoning as desired.

January/February 2016

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LOCAL BUSINESS FEATURE

COBB REAL ESTATE COMMEMORATES THEIR 30TH ANNIVERSARY text by DESTINY MARTIN photographs by PHIL CHARLTON

CELEBRATING 20 |

theLOCAL

January/February 2016

COBB REAL ESTATE

A MILESTONE January/February 2016

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LOCAL BUSINESS: COBB REAL ESTATE

COBB REAL ESTATE IS KICKING OFF 2016 WITH A BANG! THIS YEAR MARKS THE COMPANY’S THIRTIETH ANNIVERSARY, THOUGH INCEPTION OF THE FAMILYOWNED AND OPERATED BUSINESS GOES BACK MORE THAN THREE DECADES.

Greg Cobb Sr. and his son Greg Cobb Jr., originally began developing and selling properties on Bolivar Peninsula in the seventies, a time when the local real estate market was just cutting its teeth. “Marketing methods on the peninsula were primitive,” explains current president Greg Cobb Jr. “We aimed to introduce standards of professionalism that customers have come to expect from real estate agencies.”

Encouraged by his dad, Greg received his broker’s license in March 1986 and Cobb Real Estate was founded that same month. Since then, it has been the company’s goal to help families find the ideal beach property, whether for the vacation of a lifetime or a dream home purchase.

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January/February 2016

STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE Through its history, the Cobb family business—now in its third generation—has flourished into a modern, multi-service outfit with a well-respected reputation in Galveston County. Under the iconic green roof are three branches: Cobb Real Estate, Cobb Vacation Rentals, and Cobb Home Builders which is presently managed by Tyler Coco, Greg’s stepson. Though their functions vary, each branch shares a unified vision for exceeding expectations in the industry.

“For more than thirty years, it’s been our mission to actively pursue business through innovation,” says Greg Cobb Jr. With this approach, Cobb was one of the first

CELEBRATING A MILESTONE

Far left: Cobb's original office built in 1986, left: the reception area of presentday office built in 2010, above: Greg Cobb Jr., President of the family-owned and operated business

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This page: luxurious kitchen of vacation rental, 1 Trinidad. Opposite page: the Cobb team (back row from left: Robin Melancon, Clint Droddy, Greg Cobb Jr., Tyler Coco, Barbara Economakos; front row from left: Luz Gray, Mary Ellen Smith, Blanca Rodriguez, Linda Kramer, and Laura Minyard.

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January/February 2016

real estate companies on Bolivar to join professional affiliations such as the Galveston MLS (Multiple Listings Service), the Houston Association of Realtors, and the Vacation Rental Managers Association (VRMA). “We initiated new standards of convenience for vacationers,” he states. Things like a mobile-friendly app, 24 hour online booking, linen service, and concierge service, just to name a few.

Up with the times: the Cobb Real Estate app makes booking your next vacation rental a breeze

EXCEPTIONAL CUSTOMER SERVICE Cobb’s team of experienced realtors and employees realize that their business is only as successful as the relationships they maintain with their customers. According to the Galveston Association of Realtors®, Greg Cobb Jr. and his staff are among the top producers on Bolivar Peninsula, a testament of their unwavering dedication to customer satisfaction.

“As professionals, we believe in consistently conducting ourselves and our business in an honest, ethical and trustworthy manner,” says Robin Melancon, Manager January/February 2016

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Dune R Thing premier vacation rental, a view of the Gulf from the deck of 1 Copa (below)

of Cobb Vacation Rentals. “Over time, that translates to a loyal following of customers who return year after year because of their positive customer service experience with us.”

Satisfied customers couldn’t agree more. “We’ve rented beach houses and condos for years, from Nantucket to Newport Beach, and I can truthfully say we’ve never had a better experience than that of Cobb. It’s obvious that they truly care about creating a positive experience for their customers,” attests Larry Drake of his stay at 1 Copa in Copacabana subdivision.

Cobb Real Estate will be commemorating their 30th anniversary in many ways throughout 2016 starting with a kick-off celebration held on Saturday, February 6. Greg Cobb Jr. and his team would like to thank their customers for their support throughout the years. He adds, “As our business looks forward to the next thirty years, we pledge to continue delivering the best real estate and vacation rental service on the peninsula.”

The office is located at 2290 Highway 87 in Crystal Beach, Texas.

For more information about Cobb’s vacation rentals and real estate services, visit CobbRealEstate.com or call (409) 684-3790.

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January/February 2016

T H R E E

D E C A D E S

O F

INNOVATION & SUPERIOR SERVICE

COBB real estate A Family-Owned and Operated Company Since 1986 REAL ESTATE SALES • VACATION RENTALS • HOME BUILDER

Thank you for choosing Cobb to be your trusted source for real estate and vacation rentals on Bolivar Peninsula. Call us today at 409.684.3790 and ask about our anniversary specials.

Photo: Lady angler with a limit of flat fish caught on Berkley Gulp!®

CobbRealEstate.com

A Texas MARITIME LEGEND TEXT BY CODY MARTIN PHOTOGRAPHS BY LOUIS VEST

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January/February 2016

EXPLORE

January/February 2016

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IF YOU SPEND any time on the water around

Bolivar Peninsula, you are destined to run across a few interesting sights. One such object of intrigue, located on the west end of the Bolivar Peninsula across the ship channel is the SS Selma, visible by fishermen and ferry riders alike.

Ordered built by President Woodrow Wilson during WWI, the SS Selma was 1 of 12 concrete ships completed of the 24 that were ordered built.

Steel was in short supply during the war, so ship builders began experimenting with concrete.

Officially launched on June 28, 1919, the same day Germany signed the Treaty of Versailles effectively ending the war, she never saw military use.

Less than a year after being launched, the Selma struck a jetty in Tampico, Mexico, tearing a 60' hole in her hull. After a few unsuccessful attempts to repair the hull, she was finally laid to rest on March 9, 1922 on the Pelican Flats of Galveston Bay, where she remains to this day. In the years following, the SS Selma was used for multiple purposes. In 1926, she was used as a storage facility for explosives and in 1928 she became a work staging area for an oil company. Perhaps her most successful venture during her second career was being utilized by the U.S. Customs Inspectors during Prohibition as a disposal facility for

Steel was in short supply during the war, so ship builders began experimenting with concrete.

Above photo courtesy of Alan & Janie Mayfield

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January/February 2016

...the SS Selma has earned recognition with the Texas Historical Commission’s Official Historical Marker... confiscated liquor. In late 1926, confiscated cases of liquor with a street value of nearly $1,000,000 were broken up in the vessel’s hull.

The SS Selma was purchased by A. Pat Daniels in 1992. Mr. Daniels was the retired editor of the Houston Chronical and the Galveston Daily News and held quite the affection for the ship. Through his efforts, the SS Selma has earned recognition with the Texas Historical Commission’s Official Historical Marker, has been designated as a State Archaeological Landmark, has been named as the Official Flagship of the Texas “Army” and is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The next time you cross the ferry to Galveston or cruise out to the jetties on a fishing trip, be sure to swing by and pay your respect to a true Texan legend.

Bender, Rob. (2011, June 23). SS Selma. Retrieved from http://www.concreteships.org/ships/ww1/selma/ Details for SS Selma. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://atlas.thc.state.tx.us/Details/5167011567 Andy. (2009, Jan. 1). Bottoms Up! SS Selma and Prohibition.

Retrieved from http://maritimetexas.net Steiger, Richard W. (n.d.). SS Selma *Reviving Memories*.

Retrieved from http://www.crystalbeach.com/selma.html

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29.344

Something Old, Something New by photographer Louis Vest. Lou is a ship pilot on the Houston Ship Channel. To view more of his work visit flickr.com/ oneeighteen

4073, -94.786791 January/February 2016

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sea

be seen

Share your LOCAL scene.

Send us photos of your favorite places,

people and past times on the peninsula and your image could be featured in an upcoming issue of our magazine.

Submit high resolution (300 dpi) images to info@thebolivarlocal.com. Please

include your name, contact info and the title of the image.

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January/February 2016

Bolivar Lighthouse by DJ Hutchinson

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Moon Palm by Don Tomlinson

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theLOCAL

January/February 2016

Untitled by Debra Deckard

Untitled by Chris Hodge

Untitled by Sarah Champman

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Red Sunset by Steve Thompson

Pink Sky by Melody Romero

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January/February 2016

Majestic by Destiny Martin

It's all about you.

S P EC I A L I Z I N G I N BUY E R R E P R ES E N TAT I O N

MARY ELLEN SMITH is a broker associate for Cobb Real Estate who specializes in Buyer Representation. Mary Ellen focuses on every aspect of her clients’ needs, from initial property search to closing, and with more than 35 years of business experience on the peninsula, she’s sure to help you find the home of your dreams. If you’re looking to purchase a property on the Bolivar Peninsula, remember, as a buyer, what you’re entitled to...

Accountability Fairness

Mary Ellen Smith

Broker Associate (ePRO®, GRI, SFR®, SRES®) phone: 409-457-1070 email: CrystalBeachBroker@att.net CrystalBeachResortProperties.com

Honesty Reasonable Care Confidentiality Full Disclosure Aid in Negotiations Objective Evaluation

Cobb Real Estate 2290 Hwy 87 Crystal Beach, TX 77650 office: 409-684-3790

Price Counseling Loyalty Promoting Your Interest

Buyers Without Representation:

Buyers With Representation:

✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

C RYSTA L B EAC H R ES O RT P R O P E RT I ES.COM

Redefining

BEACHFRONT LIVING on the Texas coast Discover the affordable luxury of Bolivar Peninsula’s exclusive new development

SEAGRASS BEACH.COM