< Previous100 COASTMONTHLY.COM | AuguST 2019Mary Warwick, left, the habitat and stewardship manager for Artist Boat, and Mort Voller, a member of the organization’s board, watch a gallinule and her chick from the Edward and Helen Oppenheimer Bird Observatory at the Artist Boat Coastal Heritage Preserve in Galveston. COASTMONTHLY.COM | AuguST 2019 101‘SETTLE IN AND RELAX’Galveston observatory offers good birding and stunning viewsstory by KATHRYN EASTBURN | photos by JENNIFER REYNOLDS102 COASTMONTHLY.COM | AuguST 2019FEATUREThe Edward and Helen Oppenheimer Bird Observatory is an open structure that looks a little like a boat sailing in the midst of tall grass. The observatory, on the corner of Stewart and Settegast roads on Galveston’s West End, serves as a gateway and public pull-off to the Artist Boat Coastal Heritage Preserve and to the island’s legendary bird-watching opportunities.A hidden but easily accessible oasis for visitors and residents of Galveston Island, observatory gates open at dawn Monday through Saturday, providing access to early morning skies when birds are just beginning to move around for the day. A vista across prairie and shallow water stretches about 100 acres to the north and east.The parking lot gate off Stewart Road remains open until dusk, the other ideal time of day to enjoy the riches of the coastal prairie habitat and the bird observatory.A boardwalk leads from the parking lot to the obser-vation deck — a wooden, two-walled, raised rectangle with a roof and panels on the north side open at various levels. The deck allows visitors a chance to disappear and blend into the surroundings to avoid disturbing avian and other wildlife.“My advice is to bring a folding chair and just settle in and relax, said Mary Warwick, habitat and stewardship pro-gram manager of Artist Boat, Galveston Island’s nonprofit educational organization dedicated to protecting the waters surrounding Galveston and preserving the remaining coast-al prairie on the island. “View wildlife as it comes.”On a recent July morning, Warwick and a small group went early to the observatory.“We saw common gallinule, we saw pied-billed grebes with black and gray markings and we saw forster’s terns,” Warwick said.(Above) The Edward and Helen Oppenheimer Bird Observatory is tucked into a corner of the Artist Boat Coastal Heritage Preserve on the corner of Stewart and Settegast roads in Galveston. (Top left) A gallinule tends to her chick in the pond near the observatory.Bird populations at the observatory change with the seasons — more ducks in winter, including black-bel-lied whistling ducks, and in spring and early summer, migratory songbirds, Warwick said. Island waterfowl are in evidence all year.The observatory is accessible to people with disabili-ties and features a marked parking space and a wheel-chair-accessible boardwalk from the parking lot to the viewing structure.Inexperienced birders are welcome to use the obser-vatory and are advised to invest in a pair of binoculars to see the faces and feet of birds.“Download a birding app,” Warwick said. “There are plenty out there.” The iNaturalist app, which Warwick recommends, lets a viewer snap a picture on a smartphone, then identifies the bird.Birders should bring plenty of water and bug spray.The observatory is the newest feature and the first pub-lic pull-off on the Artist Boat Coastal Heritage Preserve, a more than 600-acre area of coastal prairie on Galveston’s West End. The observation deck was designed and built by students from the Gulf Coast DesignLab at the University of Texas at Austin after multiple visits to the site, research and consultation on the ecology of Galveston. The observatory was dedicated in late April and funded in large part by The Edward and Helen Oppenheimer Foundation. To learn more, visit www.artistboat.org. COASTMONTHLY.COM | AuguST 2019 1032111 Strand Street, Galveston409-762-0224FullenJewelry2215 PostofficeDowntown Galveston409.763.0555www.FullenJewelry.comLOCAL. NEWS. FIRST.No matter where you live in Galveston County, we’ve got you covered.Start your subscription today. Call 409.683.5260Summer !1177 West Loop South, Suite 700 | Houston, Texas 77027 | Branch NMLS 2258 2228 Mechanic Street, Suite 318 | Galveston, Texas 77550 | Branch NMLS 1831759Not a commitment to lend. Borrower must meet qualification criteria.Contact us today for your mortgage needs.HELLO, Summer !Sit back, relax, and make yourself at home!Celebrating 25+ years as a Mortgage Banker!PAUL D. VINCENT | NMLS 49103Branch Manager | Mortgage Banker D: 713.469.3562 | O: 713.621.4663 C: 281.827.1139 | PVincent@houseloan.comwww.ThePaulVincentTeam.com104 COASTMONTHLY.COM | AuguST 2019SAVE THE DATE‘DISASTER!’ [Through Aug. 4]Earthquakes, tidal waves, infernos and songs of the 1970s take center stage in this popular homage to classic disaster films. Director Christopher Lowe has gathered a large, talented cast to bring Seth Rudetsky’s musical to the Main Deck stage. Musical director Whitney Wyatt and choreographer Stephanie Hendrickson present more than 30 pop, rock and disco songs, all guaranteed to please theater patrons.8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2:30 p.m. Sundays through Aug. 4; Bay Area Harbour Playhouse, 3803 state Highway 3, Dickinson; 281.337.7469 or www.harbourtheater.comROCK THE DOCK [Aug. 1, 8, 15]The summer concert series on the Kemah Boardwalk concludes with performances by Already gone (Aug. 1), The Velcro Pygmies (Aug. 8) and The Slags (Aug. 15).7 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Aug. 1, 8 and 15; Kemah Boardwalk, 215 Kipp Ave.; Kemah; www.kemahboardwalk.comBANDS ON THE SAND [Aug. 2-3, 9-10]Enjoy this summer concert series on Friday and Saturday nights with perfor-mances by Hattrick (Aug. 2), Chinatown (Aug. 3), Diamond Jack (Aug. 9) and The Line up (Aug. 10). Each show concludes with a firework display over Offatts Bayou overlooking the Moody gardens pyramids.6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Aug. 2-3 and 9-10; Palm Beach, Moody Gardens, 1 Hope Blvd., Galveston; www.moodygardens.comMOVIE NITE ON THE STRAND [Aug. 3]Bring a lawn chair to Saengerfest Park and watch a movie after dusk the first Saturday of each month. August’s showing is “Ralph Breaks the Internet” (2018).Aug. 3; Saengerfest Park, 2302 Strand, GalvestonCASINO FOR A CAUSE [Aug. 3]Join the Resource and Crisis Center of galveston County for its 10th annual Casino for a Cause fundraiser honoring the gonzalez family. The event will feature music by The Line up, casino gaming, live and silent auctions. Sen. Larry Taylor will be this year’s master of ceremonies.6 p.m. Aug. 3; Galveston Island Convention Center, 5600 Seawall Blvd., Galveston; www.rccgc.orgJAPANESE FOLK ART WORKSHOP [Aug. 5-8]Learn to do Taiguruma, a historic folk art from Niigata, Japan, during this three-and-a-half-day workshop hosted by the galveston Art League. All materials are provided as artist Motoyuki Noguchi guides you in the creation of a traditional fish-cart lantern or watermelon-slice lantern made of wood, bamboo and spe-cial paper. Register and pay via the “Workshops” tab on the website.9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 5-7 and 9 a.m. to noon Aug. 8; Galveston Art League Gallery, 2117A Postoffice St., Galveston; www.galvestonartleague.com/ workshops or 832.752.3280AUGUST EVENTSFestivals, concerts, plays and more, there are lots of events in the area to keep your calendar booked.Estates of Sunset Cove is now offering homesites ranging in price from $79,900 for interior lots to $369,000 for bay front lots. Located 14 minutes from the Seawall, The Estates of Sunset Cove is comprised of 52 acres of pristine and preserved land. Newly constructed homes are also available. Amenities include:Gulf and/or Bay Views from each lotPool & Pool House Tennis CourtsOpen Air PavilionCommunity Boat RampConcrete streets, curbs, guttersGated CommunityMinutes to Bay or Gulf by Golf CartWalking Trails thru the Coastal Nature PreserveKELLY KELLEY | BROKER ASSOCIATE / CO-OWNER | RE/MAX LEADING EDGE281.794.9463 | KELLY@KELLYKELLEY.COMKELLYKELLEY.COM/PROPERTY-SEARCH COASTMONTHLY.COM | AuguST 2019 105BEST Title Companyin Galveston County!League City • 281-332-3521 1600 West League City Pkwy. Texas City • 409-948-1771 905 Logan Galveston - West End • 409-737-148813680 FM 3005 Santa Fe • 409-925-3800 13227 FM 1764Friendswood • 281-819-4280 601 S. Friendswood Dr. #103 Galveston • 409-763-4641 222 Kempner FEATURING FLOAT TACOS, BURRITOS, SPECIALTY ITEMS & MORE!2828 Seawall Blvd, Galveston, TX (409) 765-7946 • www.floatpoolbar.comKitchen Open 11am - 9pm Daily106 COASTMONTHLY.COM | AuguST 20198111 Hwy. 6 • Hitchcock • 409.986.4200Gifts • Jewelry • Home Decor • canDlesBut She Does Not Sink!4x5 CanvasOffshore AdventureCome Explore the Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig Museum409-766-STAR (7827)www.OceanStarOEC.comPier 19, Galveston Harborside Drive at 20th St.Open Daily 10 am — 5 pmEnjoy three floors of exhibits, theater, videos and interactive displays in a unique learning experience.SAVE THE DATEMAYOR’S CUP CHARITY SKEET SHOOT [Aug. 6-8]Now in its 14th year, the Mayor’s Cup Charity Skeet Shoot is a major fund-raiser for the Texas City Independent School District’s Foundation for the Future and the galveston County Salvation Army. The three-day event kicks off with a dinner at the Charles T. Doyle Convention Center followed by two days of competitive skeet shooting.Aug. 6-8; Texas City Shooting Range, 4000 Bay St. N., Texas City; 409.643.5902, 409.621.6503SUMMER POP BAND CONCERTS [Aug. 6, 13, 20]The galveston Island Beach Band, directed by Frank g. Incaprera, performs every Tuesday evening during the summer.7:30 p.m. Aug. 6, 13 and 20; Sealy Gazebo, 24th Street and Avenue I, Galveston; www.galvestonbeachband.orgTHE GATLIN BROTHERS [Aug. 9]grammy Award-winning The gatlin Brothers return to The grand for an evening of country music featuring such hits as “Broken Lady,” “All the gold In California” and “Houston (Means I’m One Step Closer To You).”8 p.m. Aug. 9; The Grand 1894 Opera House, 2020 Postoffice St., Galveston; 409.765.1894 or www.thegrand.comJASTON WILLIAMS: ‘DON’T BLAME THE CAR!’ [Aug. 10]Known nationally as the co-author, co-star and producer of the four award-win-ning plays in the “greater Tuna” cycle, Jaston Williams is a writer, performer and grand favorite who will leave you in stitches.2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Aug. 10; The Grand 1894 Opera House, 2020 Postoffice St., Galveston; 409.765.1894 or www.thegrand.comMUSIC NITE ON THE STRAND [Aug. 10]Don’t miss free live concerts in downtown galveston’s Saengerfest Park on the second Saturday of the month. Donovan Keith will perform Aug. 10.6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Aug. 10; Saengerfest Park, 2300 Strand, Galveston‘THE COMPLETE WORKS OF WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE – ABRIDGED’ [Aug. 16 to Sept. 1]Three madcap men in tights weave their wicked way through all 37 of Shake-speare’s comedies, histories and tragedies in 97 minutes.8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2:30 p.m. Sundays from Aug. 16 to Sept. 1; Bay Area Harbour Playhouse, 3803 state Highway 3, Dickinson; 281.337.7469 or www.harbourtheater.comMOVIE AT THE DIKE [Aug. 17]Bring blankets and chairs to the base of the Texas City Dike for an outdoor movie experience. Play on the playground and eat food from local food trucks before the fireworks show and movie.Aug. 17, 8:35 p.m. fireworks, 8:50 p.m. movie; Rainbow Park, Bay Street and Dike Road, Texas City; www.texascitycommunitycalendar.comSHRIMP BOIL & DANCE [Aug. 23]The Shrimp Boil is a favorite tradition of the community and has been held for more than 40 years, attracting a crowd of about 1,200 people annually.6 p.m. Aug. 23, Nessler Park Rotary Pavilion, 1800 Fifth Ave. N., Texas City, www.texascitychamber.com COASTMONTHLY.COM | AuguST 2019 107Residential & CommercialMae SpicerOwner409-682-11759185 Jamaica BeachGalveston, Texas 77554maeespicer@aol.comwww.dixieislepropertycare.comDixie IslePest Control*Event dates subject to change.Please check event Calendar at www.haakwine.com for updates. 409.925.14016310 Avenue TSanta Fe, Texas 77510Sunday, August 4 Sunday Evening Concert with Pirate and PoetsSunday, August 11Sunday Evening Concert with Andy & The Dream SticksSunday, August 18 Raymond Haak’s 80th Birthday Concert with Pee Wee Bowen BandSunday, August 25 Sunday Evening Concert with Leslie Lugo & 2 Step 2 Dance StudioSunday, September 1 Sunday Evening Concert with Already Gone Band (an Eagles Tribute Band)Friday, September 6 Wine & Stars in the VineyardFUN EVENTS AT HAAKPowered by Hometown Lenders, Inc, and Equal Housing Lender.1917 Broadway, Suite 1 | Galveston, TX 77550www.htownlenders.com | Company NMLS #65084Powered by HomeTown Lenders, Inc. NMLS#65084. 310 The Bridge St, Suite A, Huntsville, AL 35806, 1-888-628-1414. All rights reserved. This is not an offer to enter into an agreement. Not all customers will qualify. Information, rates and programs are subject to change without prior notice. All products are subject to credit and property approval. Not all products are available in all states or for all dollar amounts. Other restrictions and limitations may apply. Equal Housing Lender. TX Location: 9601 Katy Freeway Suite 420 Houston, Texas 77024. This is not an offer to enter into an agreement. Not all customers will qualify. Information, rates and programs are subject to change without notice. All products are subject to credit and property approval. Jackie LeachGalveston Branch Manager NMLS 349259832-259-3565jackie.leach@htlenders.comTHE KELSO GROUPPOWERED BY HOMETOWN LENDERSOut Of This World ServiceClosing Loans in 10 Days!Now you can look younger with a new kind of cosmetic denture. Dentures should not only fit well and feel comfortable, they should look good too. Using neuromuscular dentistry we can achieve a better bite and the best fit for your dentures. Avoid that “sunken in” look of unnatural looking dentures. With our new cosmetic dentures the results speak for themselves.BeforeAfterDental Cosmetic Center – Bay AreaJohn K. Hackbarth, DDS General Dentistry1708 Amburn Rd., Suite A, Texas City, Texas (409) 935-2111 • www.newsmiletoday.comDenturesFaceLiftTHAT CAN MAKE YOULOOK YOUNGERLIKE YOU HAD A Call for afree consultation.Discounts available forselect teaching cases. 409-935-2111108 COASTMONTHLY.COM | AuguST 2019TREASURE TROVEDresses, Purses, Tops, Pants, Jewelry, Shoes, Exotic Soaps,Candles and so much more! Plus sizes, also.2719 61st Street • Mon - Wed & Sat. 10-6 • Thur - Fri 10-7 • Sun. 12-5409-737-9900 • www.giftsandgarments.com SAVE THE DATEADAPTIVE WATER SPORTS FESTIVAL [Aug. 24]Working with Turning Point gulf Coast, Texas Adaptive Aquatics, Veterans Adventure and other local organizations, this free event allows participants to experience several water sports, including water skiing, sailing and Paralympic kayaking, with the assistance of special equipment and instructors.9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 24; Moody Gardens, 1 Hope Blvd., Galveston; www.moodygardens.comAIA SANDCASTLE COMPETITION [Aug. 24]Teams of architects, designers and engineers will take their tools to East Beach in galveston for the 33rd annual AIA Sandcastle Competition. This year, more than 60 teams have their eyes and shovels set on winning the prestigious golden Bucket Award.10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Aug. 24; East Beach, 1923 Boddeker Road, Galveston; www.aiahouston.orgARTWALK [Aug. 24]Stroll the streets of downtown galveston and check out works by local artists and artisans in a wide variety of media.6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Aug. 24; Galveston Arts Center, 2127 Strand, and other galler-ies, Galveston; www.contemporaryartgalveston.orgWINE AND DINE GALA [Aug. 24]Join the M. I. Lewis Social Service Center for an evening of fundraising and food with family and friends during its 11th annual Wine and Dine gala. The event will feature dinner catered by Robinette & Co. and music by the Pee Wee Bowen Band.6 p.m. to 11 p.m. Aug. 24; Hometown Heroes Park, 2105 Dickinson Ave., League City; 281.534.2043PEACE AND LOVE TOUR 2019: CELEBRATING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE WOODSTOCK ERA [Aug. 24]Relive the music of Creedence Clearwater Revival; the grateful Dead; Jimi Hen-drix; Janis Joplin; Crosby, Stills & Nash; The Who and more from the Wood-stock era as performed live by the national touring Paisley Craze Band. Doors open an hour and a half early for guests to enjoy pre-show festivities, including Woodstock trivia, tie-dye merchandise, photo booths and more. Presented by The galveston County Daily News.7 p.m. Aug. 24; The Grand 1894 Opera House, 2020 Postoffice St., Galveston; 409.765.1894 or www.thegrand.comBREWMASTERS CRAFT BEER FESTIVAL [Aug. 30 to Sept. 1]Toast to the end of summer at the 10th annual BrewMasters Craft Beer Festival featuring more than 400 regional and international craft beers. Events are planned each day over the weekend, including the Nach-Yo Ordinary Tequila Tasting, BrewHaHa grand Tasting, Brew-B-Que and more.Aug. 30 to Sept. 1; Moody Gardens Hotel & Convention Center, 7 Hope Blvd., Galveston; www.brewmastersbeerfest.com In case of cancellations or changes to events, check with venues for updates. To submit an event, send pertinent information to calendar@coastmonthly.com. COASTMONTHLY.COM | AuguST 2019 109409-763-81601902 Wharf Rd • Galveston, TX 77550www.katiesseafoodmarket.comCatch our dailymarket specials!Red Snapper • GrouperShrimp • CrabBring this ad in and save 10% off your purchase!expires 8-31-19409.256.2856rdipuccio@aol.comDIPUCCIO-BERGERON REALTOR®United Way of GalvestonUnited Way of Galveston Campaign Kick-off Luncheon11:30 amSeptember 5, 2019Moody Gardens HotelTickets available at www.uwgalv.org or (409) 762-4357Next >