By Shannon Williams
“Without a sense of caring, there can be no sense of Community”
I have been part of the community here on the Peninsula for 10 years, and I am still amazed at this small tough little community. I got to see it the other day though the eyes of someone who had never been here before and really had very little knowledge of just what it was all about. One of my hometown friends talked her daughter into coming to Crystal Beach for Spring Break, so she and I could visit (and do arts and crafts).

They usually go to South Padre Island or Florida for Spring break, as they have twins who are 10 years old and love the beach. Since she has been to Texas beaches before, she was aware that the water would be sort of brown and the sand would not be pristine white. They rented a large house and brought another couple and their family with them. They had done some research and of course we talked more than a few times about their plans and all there was to do. They arrived after a long drive from West Texas, since it was Spring Break, they “went around” and did not take the ferry on their way here. They were worn out but wanted to get some food in the house for breakfast, so off to the Big Store they went. I had done my best to explain the “Big Store” to her, but you just have to experience in person and they did, several times. It was the twin’s favorite place to go and went at least once every day. All were amazed that they carried all the products that they do and were able to find everything they needed and many things they just had to have LOL.

They were also in disbelief about the house they rented, how big it was, how nice it was and the great cost. They usually used some type of house rental program when they travel and they felt this was one of the best houses they had ever stayed in and were so impressed by all that the owner provided for them. They had plans for the week that included several trips into Houston for the zoo and NASA and then a few days in Galveston to enjoy all it had to offer. Well in the end, they only left Crystal Beach one time, everyone just wanted to stay here and enjoy all we have to offer. They did ride the ferry back and forth a few times, as the twins just thought was the neatest thing to do. They took it all in and made trips to several of our dining establishments and loved each one.

As you would expect having 10-year-old twins and their own business keeps them all busy. Dad works many long hours and Mom home schools the children and they are very involved in the community. They told me over and over again, this was the best vacation, as they just got to be together as a family and it was not rushing around to have premade fun. They made their own and did it as a family. They have already made plans to return and in fact the twins took a vote and decided that they should buy a home here LOL. It is always good to see your community as other see it, you touch base with why it is so special, when others see it for the first time.

Coming from a small town, community has always been part of my life, when it is a small community it takes everyone to make it work. Crystal Beach does that so well in so many ways. In no time at all, the Easter Service was moved since the tide was going to take most of the beach. People were everywhere, singing, dancing, passing out programs, showing us where to park (but not where the car was, after it was all over LOL), coffee and breakfast were served, money collected to send our young people for their education. It was community in ever sense of the word.

I love the Spring, as there is so much happening here, in the past few weeks we have had cook offs, flea markets, opening of new places to eat and so much more. The plans for Crab fest are in full swing, a chance to show so many our little home and all it has, and not to mention providing funds for our youth to better themselves.

Both of my parents were educated in Catholic schools and myself and several of my siblings were to some extent early on and then in college. They believed in a good solid education, and in the belief that education is the way out of poverty. Due to this belief, my family has long been involved with a charity in the Bay Area of California that supports 8 inner city catholic schools. My cousin, spends hours working on their yearly fund raiser and drafted me about 20 years ago, to also come and take part. Now this is in a major city and one with a long rich history of helping others, but let me tell you, we have an awful time getting people to come and help with the fund raiser. We are blessed with some wonderful donors with deep pockets, but most of the people on the list of volunteers, write a check and that is it. Even the parents of the children who benefit, do not help out much, and it never fails that there is some drama with the volunteers and thus people don’t want to return.

They could take a lesson from our community, time after time, people show up and WORK on whatever the project is. When they show up they feel part of and I have never felt unwelcomed when I was taking part in some project here in Crystal Beach. So be a part of our community, it belongs to all of us and we each have to do our part. Crab fest is a great one to start with and I promise you will have FUN.

“they will not care what you know, till they know you care”

[SW: Apr-11-2023]