By Forest Riggs Dim the house lights, close the curtains, and shut the stage door: The Contessa has left the production. After a brief illness, the Island’s beloved Antonio “Tony†Garcia, A.K.A. The Contessa peacefully passed away on Friday, August 16, two days short of his 81st birthday. Garcia, a much loved and iconic character

| “You can’t be a beacon if your light don’t shine… By Forest Riggs How true, how true! Indeed, there is a light in all of us and we must let it shine, just like the popular song states. Well-loved, country singer, Donna Fargo was born Yvonne Vaughn in Mount Airy, North Carolina in 1945,

By Forest Riggs Do gay people still date? Perhaps they do in larger cities and communities, but not so much in Galveston. Recently a friend from out-of-state talked at length about his possibly leaving Denver and moving to Galveston Island. In the conversation he mentioned that he has recently read some articles about Galveston and

By Forest Riggs Folks, there really is a music man and his name is Clay Howell! Every once in a while, someone comes along that can truly be called a showman, blessed with an abundance of talent, superior charm, quick wit, and a strong desire to entertain and keep people smiling. From his humble beginnings

By Forest Riggs There is no doubt about it: Summer is here! The “island near the United States†has experienced some record-breaking temperatures during the past few weeks and, if predictions are correct, there is more to come. Along with the intense heat this year has come days and nights filled with very high humidity

By Forest Riggs If the rising early summer temps aren’t enough, a quick drive around Galveston Island neighborhoods will remind you that July is the time to celebrate Independence Day 2019. Red, white, and blue buntings hang from most of the “old homes†for which the Island is well known. It is hard to imagine

By Forest Riggs I am not exactly sure where to start with this column, or how to progress. The subject is something that is near and dear to my heart, as it should be for all. Due to recent events in my own life and as a result of a great deal of discussions and

By Forest Riggs They did it again! Ask any Islander about their favorite Galveston events and you will get a resounding, “Oh, that’s easy: Mardi Gras, and the ACCT Champagne brunch in May.†Access Care of Coastal Texas (ACCT), long recognized as a stellar program offering healthcare, education and support of HIV patients and their

By Forest Riggs With the onset of summer, which so far has been beautiful, comes the annual threat and fear of the “big one.†Yes, it’s hurricane season and for folks living along the Gulf Coast there are yearly fears and anxious feelings as the area rests in the crosshairs.  Even though coastal dwellers are

By Forest Riggs “The world’s favorite season is the spring. All things seem possible in May.†—Harriet Ann Jacobs When it comes to months that are most celebrated in thoughts, songs, poems and movies, next to December would be the merry month of May. Finally, May has arrived and brings the onset of the summer