Turning 80, By George!

george-00By Linda Elissalde
George Strong is just about everybody’s favorite person. Although he doesn’t look it, George turned 80. This special fellow threw his own birthday party with the treats going to his guests. Participants enjoyed delicious food, free drinks and the sounds of Bris Crider’s Cool Breeze music at Hardheads Restaurant. All provided by George.

George Strong arrived courtesy of Rapid City, South Dakota on June 8, 1937. He received his BS degree from South Dakota State University and his MPA from the University of Denver. George owned a public affairs consulting firm for 25 years and served as Executive Assistant to the Mayor of Houston and Assistant to the President of Houston Natural Gas. (He also knows some magic tricks.)

This special fellow threw his own birthday party with the treats going to his guests

This special fellow threw his own birthday party with the treats going to his guests

Crystal Beach is lucky to have been chosen as home by George. He is an accomplished actor having served in numerous Bay Vue UMC dinner theater productions and portrays a memorable Mirabeau B. Lamar in all the Jane Long Festival shows. His civic contributions include serving as Treasurer of Galveston County Emergency Services District #2, Vice President of Bolivar Peninsula SUD, Treasurer for Bolivar Chamber of Commerce, Secretary of Emerald Beach POA, Crab Fest worker and lay leader in Bay Vue UMC. Pastor Valerie Hudson shared that the loudest moment at Bay Vue UMC on Sundays is during announcements when the congregation shouts, “GOOD MORNING, GEORGE!”

Participants enjoyed delicious food, free drinks and the sounds of Bris Crider’s Cool Breeze music at Hardheads Restaurant

Participants enjoyed delicious food, free drinks and the sounds of Bris Crider’s Cool Breeze music at Hardheads Restaurant

Accolades flowed from happy party goers. Sherry Morgan and Jan Foster agreed that George was a wonderful boss. Loretta Walsh, who has known him for 30 years, enthused, “He is an inspiration to all on the beach.” Former co-star in local theatricals Sid Bouse pronounced George to be an outstanding thespian. Marsha Fredenburg thought Mr. Strong was a true Renaissance man while husband Moody opined that George had done well for a boy from South Dakota.

George doing his best impression of Bris "Cool Breeze" Crider

George doing his best impression of Bris “Cool Breeze” Crider

Brenda and Mac McDonald admired George’s great sense of humor and his youthfulness. Marsha Scott agreed that George was in fine shape. Praise continued with Jackie Robertson of Emerald One stating that George was one the best neighbors she has ever had. The two also share a great love for their dogs. Clinton is George’s current beloved pet. Nanette Gans felt that he kept everyone informed with what was happening in the community, and Traci Aalund said she had never met a more genuine person in her life. “He is ready to lend an ear to listen and to hand out an ice cold Miller Lite.”

Kate and Gunner Newberry laughingly stated the reason why George hangs out at The Flag Store

Kate and Gunner Newberry laughingly stated the reason why George hangs out at The Flag Store

Kate and Gunner Newberry laughingly stated the reason why George hangs out at The Flag Store. George plays with their cute baby Macon. Macon loves George. Ageless, and loved by all ages, describes George Strong. He is just about everybody’s favorite person, and by George, he throws a super 80th birthday party. Here’s to many, many more!
[6-12-2017]


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