Mary Beth Bassett

My family has a weird tradition. Every 25th of the month, we exchange messages to remind each other of the countdown to Christmas. Consider yourselves warned: it’s less than three

I learned about the American Shore and Beach Preservation Association eight years ago when Galveston’s Babe’s Beach was awarded one of the organization’s Best Restored Beaches awards. I became more

Every year, I look forward to the holiday season in Galveston. From the call of a train conductor urging families to head to Santa’s workshop, to Santa Claus parachuting out

Last year, Visit Galveston partnered with Oregon-based Washed Ashore to bring a selection of sculptures made from plastics that landed on beaches. Seeing these impressive works of art, made from trash, hit home for me and for the many who viewed the installations throughout the island. I expected to see items like buckets, shovels and bottle caps, but I was disappointed to see things larger items like office equipment and shopping carts that comprised the art.

Recently, the Galveston-based conservation organization, Artist Boat, hosted its annual fundraiser and I was happy to be able to attend. When honoree Betty Massey spoke, she pointed to her own grandchildren and children in attendance who will be the ultimate beneficiaries of Artist Boat's preservation work.

Help Artist Boat raise $10 million dollars in the next two years to protect and finish the purchase of 1,400 acres of precious wetlands and endangered coastal prairies on the Texas coast. YOU can help finish this effort and Be One In A Million. YOU can help the Coastal Heritage Preserve grow again and save the homes of wildlife.

Attention vacation rental property owners and managers: It's time to renew your rental registration(s) with the Park Board.

One of the many reasons I’m proud to work for the Galveston Park Board is because of the devotion our team members have for the island community. Many serve on

That’s a wrap. The third beach replenishment project at Babe’s Beach, west of 61st Street, is complete and crews are mobilizing off the site. More than 600,000 cubic yards of

Every now and then, I get questions from readers about park board issues. This week, I’ve decided to answer a couple that have come up rather frequently.