Meet Mark Forey, the newly elected Chief of the Crystal Beach Volunteer Fire Department. Mark assumed the role of Chief about three weeks ago after having served as Assistant Chief for the last two years. A Crystal Beach resident, he has been with the department for 14 years as both a firefighter and EMS medic. Chief Forey has been instrumental in helping introduce new training programs to
Community News
Crystal Beach VFD’s new Chief focusing on Training
Posted in 
Study Refutes GLO Claims Regarding Dredging Costs Associated with Rollover Pass
Report shows false data utilized to support claims of financial savings
The Gilchrist Community Association (GCA) and the Gulf Coast Rod, Reel and Gun Club (the Club) today released a study that refutes claims by the Texas General Land Office (GLO) that Rollover Pass remaining open causes $1 million per year in additional dredging costs. That figure is based on an analysis by Jacksonville, Florida-based Taylor Engineering that was accepted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in findings associated with the issuance of a
Burn Ban for Unincorporated Galveston County
On Monday, January 27th, 2014, the Commissioners’ Court of Galveston County, Texas voted to institute a ban restricting outdoor burning for all unincorporated areas of the county. The ban is effective immediately and will be in place until further notice. Violation of the ban is a Class C Misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00).
“Do everything we can to keep it open…”
David Watts, candidate for Texas Land Commissioner, was in Crystal Beach the other day to visit with concerned residents about the closure of Rollover Pass. About 35 people were in attendance. Watts admitted he knew nothing about Rollover Pass just a few weeks ago, but has since done research into the issue and feels the closure is a “bad deal”. He stated, “I’m opposed to the closure. Currently, Commissioner
Summer Gospel EXTRAVAGANZA & BAZAAR!
AN INVITATION FOR PARTICIPATION!
The first ever SUMMER GOSPEL EXTRAVAGANZA & BAZAAR! will be held on June 14, 2014, from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm on the Bay Vue United Methodist Parking Lot. Since this is an all churches and all community event, we would like to invite you to send representatives to our planning meetings. The more input we receive; the better will be our
Growing interest in Lone Survivor Foundation Retreat Facility on the Bolivar Peninsula
By Brenda Cannon Henley
Local Texan Marcus Luttrell and his band of brothers, the US Navy’s elite fighting force, the US Navy SEALs, continues to gain national attention because of the book and movie of the same name, Lone Survivor. The movie has surpassed all original expectations and is drawing audiences made up of people from all age and demographic groups to local theaters. Reaction to the eyewitness account of Operation
High Island Fire Department Donation
Samson Energy Company recently presented a donation to the High Island Volunteer Fire Department. “Samson is proud to be involved, through its Gulf Coast Outreach Program, in the communities where we work. The local responders are an important part of any community and the High Island Volunteer Fire Department exemplifies that effort”, says Steve Trujillo, Regulatory Affairs Manager.
Meeting Postponement
Bolivar Community Coordination Meeting to be rescheduled.
From the Office of Commissioner Ryan Dennard:
I had originally intended to hold our quarterly community coordination meeting on Bolivar Peninsula tomorrow night. I’m postponing that meeting, and plan to reschedule in February. A couple of the major issues that Bolivar residents are concerned about are in uncertain stages, where it would be difficult to
Meet the new Royalty
The 2014 Lighthouse Krewe “Seas the Fun” Champagne Brunch and Silent Auction was held last Sunday, January 12th, at Stingaree Down Under. Chair persons Glenda Mastin, Connie Hugon and Charlotte Byus planned this gala event. The Court Duchesses: Lois Riley, Bobbey White, Eve Bradford, Mavis Hunstiger & Brenda McDonald were in attendance. The Court Dukes: Ed Riley, Matt White,
Watts Opposes Closure of Rollover Pass
David Watts, candidate for Texas Land Commissioner, stopped by Rollover Pass last week to visit with some of the anglers that use the Pass and learn more about the battle the GCA is waging with the State regarding Rollover Pass closure. Watts said he agrees with Jerry Patterson (current Land Commissioner) on many issues, but not this one. He is in favor of keeping the pass open and pursuing
FeatherFest 2014 Online Registration
Galveston Island Nature Tourism Council announces FeatherFest 2014 online registration. The FeatherFest website is updated with all of the 2014 Birding & Photography Field Trips and Workshops so you have plenty of time to plan your itinerary! You’ll want to check out some of our new FeatherFest events for 2014 – Ready, Set, Go! – Big Day Birding Adventure, FledglingFest, FeatherFest’s
Proposed Closure of Rollover Pass to Harm East Bay
Documentation submitted to Corps by GLO altered state-approved computer model – misrepresented impact to the Bay
The Gilchrist Community Association (GCI) and the Gulf Coast Rod, Reel and Gun Club (the Club) today released a study of the impacts of the closure of Rollover Pass upon East Bay that demonstrates that significant harm will result to East Bay if Rollover Pass is closed as proposed by the General Land Office (GLO) of the State of Texas.
Port Bolivar Community Cemetery Fundraiser
The Port Bolivar Community Cemetery Association will be hosting a golf tournament on March 22, 2014 at the Crystal Beach Community Golf Course. The funds raised from this tournament will go towards completing the roadway around the cemetery. Calcutta will be held Friday night, March 21, 2014 at 7:00 pm at Stingaree Down Under. Live auction and raffle the night of the Calcutta. Entry
Ask and you shall Receive
When Brenda McDonald overheard Fireman Clay Shipp ask Santa for a new axe for the Fire Station, she and her quilting friends took up a collection. Seen here, Brenda is presenting a check to Clay. On the left is Anthony Scopel (Battalion Chief/Training Coordinator), on the right is Billy Shipp (CBVFD President). The following gave the money: Quilting Bee members Linda Hollier (Bee Keeper), Linda Taliaferro, Vicky Giddens, Brenda McDonald; and Georga Osten from the Chamber of Commerce.
Crystal Beach Cemetery Association
Maintenance fees are now due for the cemetery association. If you have a family member interred in the cemetery, please send maintenance fees of $60.00 for each grave to the CBCA, P. O. Box 2616, Crystal Beach, Texas 77650. Or, if you would like to “adopt” a gravesite, it would be most appreciated. Buried in the cemetery are many of the long time citizens of Crystal Beach who started
Annual 50-60’S DANCE
It is time for the Lighthouse Krewe’s Annual 50-60’S DANCE, Saturday, January 11, 2014, 7:00 pm at Ship’s Wheel.
DANCE & COSTUME CONTEST.
$5 at door.
Questions? Contact: LOIS RILEY: 713-206-7717 – [email protected], or MAVIS HUNSTIGER: 832-364-0834 – [email protected].
Pearl Beach Charity BBQ Cook-off
The Second Annual Pearl Beach Charity BBQ Cook-off will be held on Saturday, April 5, 2014, on Clara Drive in Crystal Beach. This is a great community event, and all proceeds will be donated to Charity. Fire up your grill and join the fun. BBQ teams are signing up now (click here for Registration Form). Entry fee is $100 per team. Or if you just want to sample some of the best BBQ around, come on by.
A New Moon will dawn on the 1st of January
We start the first day of 2014 with a New Moon. This is a rare occurrence when the Sun and Moon are aligned on the same side of the Earth. The Moon is “new”, and the side of the Moon visible from Earth is not illuminated by the Sun. A New Moon will dawn on the 1st of January signifying the dawn of the New Year. CLICK HERE for an animation showing the phases of the moon.
Big Store + Big Heart = BIG Christmas
By Linda Elissalde
Christmas might be several days away, but you would not have known it if you were in Gulf Coast Market on Saturday, December 21. Thanks to Chairperson Cheryl Small, Elf Jimmy Lumpkins, volunteers, checkers and David Good’s brother, Santa Claus, The Big Store created a wonderful Christmas place for children of all ages. Girls and boys
Scouts setting the benchmark
A group of Boy Scouts from Pack 678 in League City camped out at Brint’s big red barn last weekend. The scouts came to the beach to complete the requirements for a merit badge in Surveying. After lunch on Saturday, the boys met with Sid Bouse and Brene Addison from Coastal Surveyors. Sid and Brene spent an hour or so with the scouts teaching them about the history and the science behind
Coastal Update 2013 – ROLLOVER PASS
By Jim Blackburn
Rollover Pass is a fabulous public access fishing venue that connects the Gulf of Mexico to East Bay in the Galveston Bay complex and is located on the Bolivar Peninsula. This artificial pass was completed in 1955 by the Texas Fish and Game Commission on property owned by the Beaumont Rod, Reel and Gun Club. Under the terms of the
BPLC Christmas Families
By Georgia Osten
Bolivar Peninsula Lions Club began thinking about our Christmas Families last Summer as we planned our Swinging For Santa Golf Tournament. The Golf Tournament Fund Raiser was the Lions Club’s effort to afford to adopt families for Christmas. With the help of the Lighthouse Krewe, proceeds from their Christmas Dance, and
Eagle’s Children’s Christmas Party
Santa and Mrs. Claus rode their sleigh to the Eagles on Saturday with a load of presents for all the good little girls and boys. Anticipating their arrival, about 100 kids showed up to greet Santa and Mrs. Claus. Each youngster received a wrapped present, and all were treated to cookies, refreshments, and plenty of festive goodies, compliments of the Eagles Aerie.
South Land Title moves to new offices
South Land Title Company, serving Bolivar Peninsula for over a decade, relocated last week to new offices in the Crystal Beach Plaza. The new space more than doubles their previous space in the Big Store, where they have been since Hurricane Ike destroyed their building on Hwy 87. To celebrate the new office, South Land is hosting a Christmas Open House on Wednesday, December 18, from
Children’s Christmas Party
Annual Children’s Christmas Party at the Eagle’s Lodge
Saturday, December 14, 2-4 p.m.
Kid’s Ages 0-12
Come meet with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Gifts, refreshments, fun for all.
Public Invited.
Get in the Spirit!
Galveston College Community Chorale invites everyone to their annual Christmas Concert. Held at Moody United Methodist Church, 2803 53rd St. in Galveston, the choir, under the direction of Mike Gilbert delivers sacred and secular pieces. Ron Wyatt is the accompanist. There will also be numerous solos, violin pieces and other musical tributes to the holiday season. So, get in the spirit, mark your
GCA Responds to Galveston County MOU for Rollover Pass
Ted Vega, President
Gilchrist Community Association
Rollover Pass is in the news again, this time commenting on GLO Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson, and Galveston County signing a MOU (memorandum of understanding); comments from Galveston County Commissioner Dennard.
It’s all about team effort!
On Sunday, Community Outreach and Bolivar Peninsula Lions Club gathered at Second Going to bag food for our adopted Christmas Families. Each family will receive a food basket, compliments of Community Outreach. A special thank you to Eve Bradford. Charlotte Byus of Second Going began gathering community families’ wish lists before Thanksgiving. Jan Kent provided names of several
