League City Anticipating HEB’s Second Store

The corner of League City Parkway and South Shore Boulevard was already heating up with the retail strip on the northwest corner under construction, which will house McDonalds and Starbucks.  Now, as reported by the Galveston Daily News, HEB has begun filing paperwork with the city to build its next new store, at this location.

Prospective buyers in the newly developed community of Hidden Lakes will have even more incentive to buy there, along with the existing benefit of proximity to the Education Village.  Stay tuned for more information.

Originally Posted on Brockway Realty LLC's Official Blog

Update on League City’s Hidden Lakes Development

In August of 2012, we blogged that Hidden Lakes Comes Out of Hiding. Well, it’s amazing what can happen in a little over a year. Robert Olveda, sales consultant at Gehan Homes, shared with us the latest Master Plan Update for Hidden Lakes and it is quite impressive! What once were vacant lots overgrown with weeds has now become a multitude of beautiful homes and the beginnings of a number of lakes. As interest rates continue to hover at historically low rates, builders in Hidden Lakes are trying to keep up with demand.

Take a look at the Master Plan Update to see the future of Hidden Lakes!

Originally Posted on Brockway Realty LLC's Official Blog

League City/Bay Area Golf Courses – Pick Your Style

Whether you are looking for a private 9-hole Canongate links-style golf course or a public lighted 9-hole course, the League City/Bay Area is home to a diverse selection of golf courses to suit your style and your time.

South Shore Harbour Country Club – Canongate members enjoy having a 27-hole private course located close to Clear Lake. There are three distinct nines:

• South Course: 9 holes, 3,360 yards
• Shore Course: 9 holes, 3,522 yards
• Harbour Course: 9 holes, 3,364 yards

The private course was originally designed by Dave Marr and Jay Riviere and recently renovated by Jeffrey Blume in the late 1990’s. Information can be found about the clubhouse, dining and other amenities on the Club’s website. South Shore Harbour Country Club is located at 4300 South Shore Blvd. in League City.

Magnolia Creek Golf Club – Another Canongate owned course that members can play under their membership, the newest private club in the Bay Area, the 27-hole Canongate links-style course was designed with a strong British Isles influence.

• Scotland Course: 9 holes, 3,669 yards
• Ireland Course: 9 holes, 3,680 yards
• England Course: 9 holes, 3,664 yards

Thomas E. Clark, who has designed over 100 courses, gave his “hands on approach” to this course with spacious fairways and a world-class 22-acre practice facility. To learn more about other amenities offered at this Club, visit the website. Magnolia Creek Golf Club is located in League City at 1501 West Bay Area Blvd.

Bay Oaks Country Club - Established in 1988, this 18-hole private club offers a 7,011 yard course with elevated greens, Bermuda grass fairways and a link-style design on the back nine.

The course rating is 74.7 and has a slope rating of 134. Designer Arthur Hills, ASGCA, manages this facility with General Manager Patrick Pettit. Bay Oaks Country Club is located in the Clear Lake community at 14545 Bay Oaks Blvd, less than 30 minutes from downtown Houston. Members will find many services and amenities as shown on the club’s website.

Timber Creek Golf Club –Located on 316 acres of wooded area at 4554 FM 2351 Rd in Friendswood, this public club offers 27-holes among oak and pine trees. Over 1-million cubic yards of dirt were used to create the rolling looks of South Carolina; 13 bridges cross over Clear Creek, which winds throughout the course.

• Pines Course, 9 holes
• Creekside Course, 9 holes
• Timber Trails Course, 9 holes

A lighted driving range is offered for golfers who work late and want to wind down by hitting a few balls. Director of Golf Instruction, David Pilsner, has been a ‘Class A’ PGA Member since 1983 and is certified as a Ping and Titleist club fitter. For more details about the course, Pro Shop and other amenities, visit the club’s website.

Beacon Lakes Golf Club – Unique to the area, this public course is located at 801 FM 646 Road West in Dickinson, and offers 18 holes and over 6,777 yards under lights. Imagine playing golf when the sun is going down or rising on the weekend.

Dusk or dawn golfing can be a challenging, yet fun experience. Golf carts are equipped with lights and coupon specials are available. All levels of players will find this course a great after-hours way to get together. For more information about this club, visit their website.

The Links at Green Caye – This family-friendly public par 3, 9-hole course is both affordable and laid-back. The course is lighted to allow golfing into the night and has a covered driving range for protection from the heat and/or rain.

Located at 2100 Caroline St. in Dickinson, the club offers daily rates as well as golf membership options. More information can be found on the club’s website.

By Pam Moore, Featured Blogger for Brockway Realty

Originally Posted on Brockway Realty LLC's Official Blog

Local National Take Back Initiative Events Being Held on October 26th

The annual “Take it Back” disposal of expired or unused prescription or over the counter medications will be held at the Victory Lakes University of Texas Medical Branch on Saturday, October 26, from 10am to 2pm. Area residents can bring pills and liquids (in their original container, if possible, no needles) to the UTMB Specialty Care Center at Victory Lakes, located at 2240 Gulf Freeway. This is a safe, anonymous drive-through process which helps keep medicines out of landfills. Pharmacy personnel and law enforcement officials will be present. All medications collected will be disposed of. This project is being sponsored by the Southeast Texas Poison Center at UTMB, Bay Area Alliance for Youth and Families, and the Kiwanis Club of Galveston.

Got Drugs? The League City Police Department is hosting a Drug Enforcement Administration National Take Back Initiative event on Saturday, October 26, from 10am to 2pm. The collection site will be in the parking lot between League City’s City Hall and the Johnny Arolfo Civic Center at 400 West Walker. This program is an easy anonymous drive-thru; medications will be destroyed by the proper authorities.

By Pam Moore, Feature Blogger for Brockway Realty

Originally Posted on Brockway Realty LLC's Official Blog

Boatoberfest - A Four Day Festival on Clear Lake in Seabrook (October 24th - 27th)

Calling all Boaters! Celebrate life on the water during the annual four-day Boatoberfest on Clear Lake. The event will take place at Endeavour Marina, located at 3101 NASA Parkway, Seabrook, TX 77586, on Thursday, October 24^th through Sunday, October 27^th.

Activities during the festival include a Boat Sale which will include end-of-season deals and showcase boats out of the water and in the water at Endeavour Marina and Marine Max docks. Over 100 vendors will be offering the latest accessories, products, gifts and apparel. The exciting action-packed Tri-Hull Powerboat Races will be held on Saturday and Sunday.

Not to exclude ‘land-lovers’, the festival will also showcase motorhomes and trucks. Some of Houston’s best food trucks will have a variety of menus to tempt the palate when the NASA Rd 1 Gourmet Food Truck Rally arrives on Saturday and Sunday, and the Saint Arnold’s Craft Beer Garden will have adult beverages. On Sunday, “Celebrate the Lake” extravaganza will finish with live music from favorite local bands, and a Chili Cook-Off.

More information about cost of admission, time of events for each day and more can be found at the BOATOBERFEST event website.

By Pam Moore, Feature Blogger for Brockway Realty

Originally Posted on Brockway Realty LLC's Official Blog

Friendswood's Sunmeadow Biannual Community Garage Sale is Saturday October 26th

The Friendswood neighborhood of Sunmeadow will be hosting a community garage sale Saturday October 26, 2013. This event occurs semiannually every spring and fall, and is an excellent opportunity to find some real treasures. The entrance to this neighborhood is located off of 528 going west towards the direction of Alvin. Most sales start around 8AM, so come early and enjoy!

By Dinah BuPane, Real Estate Agent of Brockway Realty - Friendswood Specialist

Originally Posted on Brockway Realty LLC's Official Blog

League City Eco-Friendly Infrastructure Community Open House – October 19th

The City of League City and the Texas Coastal Watershed Program will host a community open house to inform local residents about green infrastructure solutions, storm water best management practices in the Creekside neighborhood, and to take input from the public.

You are invited to learn about the benefits of different eco-friendly ways to reduce storm water runoff and learn about the many benefits of an eco-friendly approach to storm water management you can use on your property. Green infrastructure uses vegetation and soil to manage rainwater where it falls. Information will be available about rain gardens, bio swales, permeable pavement and rain barrels.

The community open house will be held at Butler Longhorn Museum, located at 1220 Coryell Street in League City, on Saturday, October 19, from 10:30am to 12pm.

The Texas Coastal Watershed Program (TCWP) is part of Texas Sea Grant and Texas AgriLife Extension Service , and is affiliated with the national NEMO organization. TCWP provides education and outreach to local governments and citizens on the impacts of land use on watershed health and water quality.

By Pam Moore, Feature Blogger for Brockway Realty

Originally Posted on Brockway Realty LLC's Official Blog

October Fall Festivals and Arts & Craft Fairs in the Bay Area

The Bay Area comes alive in the fall when many fall festivals are held by cities, churches, and organizations. Our area is also home to many talented artisans and crafters, which proves evident at the Arts & Craft Fairs also planned as the calendar nears the holiday season. This blog lists many of these events that have been scheduled for the month of October.

October 6

• Clear Lake United Methodist Church Pumpkin Patch, 16335 El Camino Real, Clear Lake City; multi-day event-from October 6^th, 9:30am to October 31^st, at 7:30pm. Select and purchase that perfect pumpkin from the front lawn of the church.

October 12

• Space City Cruisers Fall Car Show and Community Fall Festival, League Park, begins at 11am. Proceeds benefit the Vicki Gibson Scholarship program and the Texas Lions Camp.

October 18

• Gloria Dei Lutheran Church-22^nd Annual Craft Show, 18220 Upper Bay Road, Nassau Bay; from 9am to 5pm. Handcrafted items from more than 50 vendors; Admission & Parking are free.

October 19

• Gloria Dei Lutheran Church - 22^nd Annual Craft Show, 18220 Upper Bay Road, Nassau Bay; from 9am to 3pm. Handcrafted items from more than 50 vendors. Admission & Parking are free.
• St. Christopher Episcopal Church – 8^th Annual Community Barbecue and Auction, 2508 St. Christopher Road, League City; their Open Air Market will run from 10am to 3pm.

October 20

• Shrine of the True Cross Catholic Church – Annual Fall Festival, 300 FM 517 East, Dickinson, from 10am to 6pm. Free admission; music, games, kid’s activities, Artisan Alley, silent auction, food and raffle.

October 26

• 19^th Annual Oak Tree Festival, sponsored and hosted by Butler Longhorn Museum, located at 1220 Coryell St, League City, from 10am to 7pm. Live music, food, crafts, children’s entertainment, crafts, collectibles, and more.
• 2^nd Annual Seabrook Festival of the Arts, Seabrook City Hall & Community House, located at First Street and Anders Lane; from 10am to 4pm. Local fine artists exhibit and demonstrate their craft, live music; featured artist is Ruth Burke.

October 27

• 2^nd Annual Seabrook Festival of the Arts, Seabrook City Hall & Community House, located at First Street and Anders Lane; from 10am to 3pm. Local fine artists exhibit and demonstrate their craft, live music; 2013 featured artist is Ruth Burke.

By Pam Moore, Feature Blogger for Brockway Realty

Originally Posted on Brockway Realty LLC's Official Blog

October Brings Halloween Family-Fun Activities in the Bay Area

October is the season for fall colors, (hopefully) cooler weather, and Halloween FUN!

The Kemah Boardwalk has many activities/events scheduled to celebrate ‘All Hallow’s Eve’. The sights and sounds of Boo on the Boardwalk can be found at the Dungeon of Doom Haunted House and the Little Boo Haunted Fun House. Pumpkin decorating, costume contests, music, and trick or treating is also available for young and old tricksters. A Costume Contest for ages 12 and under will be held October 19^th and 26^th; kids will have a chance to win some great prizes. Boo on the Boardwalk is open to the public through October 31^st on Mondays-Thursdays from 6pm to 10pm; Fridays from 6pm to 11pm; Saturdays from 2pm to midnight; and Sundays from 2pm to 10pm. Kemah Boardwalk is located on Kipp Avenue in Kemah, Texas. For more information about all these activities, click on the image above.

The Kemah Lighthouse Maze, located at 409 Bradford Avenue in Kemah, has been transformed into Kemah’s Little House of Horrors. The 10,000 square foot attraction is advertised as: “Not for Young Children”. Those who want to brave the maze will find an elevated catwalk, and outdoor cemetery and much more. There are early exits if someone gets too scared; those who brave the entire maze will emerge at the Kemah Picnic Park. Kemah’s Little House of Horrors is open on Thursday-Sunday from 6pm to midnight through October 31^st. For more information about Kemah’s Little House of Horrors, click on the image above.

The City of Nassau Bay will celebrate the season during Halloween in the Park on Saturday, October 26^th, at the Lake Nassau Park from 6:30pm to 9pm. The haunted peninsula will feature a campfire where stories about how the area came to be haunted will be told and s’mores will be made. Hunting for ghosts will be encouraged! Music, costume contest, pumpkin carving, arts & crafts, and more will be held at the park pavilion. A hayride shuttle will take attendees back and forth from the peninsula to the pavilion.

Helen Hall Library, located in League City at 100 West Walker Street, will welcome Trick-or-Treaters (grades K-5) on Thursday, October 31^st in the Library Theater to celebrate Halloween with a craft to make and treats. The Library will welcome all Trick-or-Treaters from 1pm to 8pm; treats will be available (while supplies last).

League City’s Volunteer Fire Department’s Fire Station 4 celebrates Halloween during their Annual Haunted House, on Saturday, October 26^th, from 7pm to 10pm.  Fire Station 4 is located at 175 West Bay Area Blvd, League City. This free event is open to children aged 12 and under, and 12 and up. Volunteer Fire Personnel will be handing out treats and fire prevention giveaways.

The Dickinson Police Department will host a Halloween Party on Thursday, October 31^st, at Department Headquarters, located at 4000 Liggio in Dickinson, from 5:30pm to 8pm. This event will include a costume contest and officers will hand out treats.

By Pam Moore, Feature Blogger for Brockway Realty

Originally Posted on Brockway Realty LLC's Official Blog

Halloween at the Park in Friendswood

Come celebrate Halloween at Friendswood Chamber of Commerce 14th Annual Halloween at the Park event. Kids ages 1-10 are welcome to don their best costume and enjoy some treats. Scheduled at Stevenson Park on Sunday, October 27th 2013 between 6-8pm, this event is sure to be fun for the entire family!

Originally Posted on Brockway Realty LLC's Official Blog

7th Annual Bike Around the Bay is October 12th - 13th

Bike Around the Bay will be held for its 7^th year on Saturday, October 12^th thru Sunday, October 13^th. The major goal of this event has been to bring people together to see and experience Galveston Bay.

The two-day, 180 mile bicycle ride around Galveston Bay is intended to showcase the beauty and ecological diversity of Galveston Bay. Proceeds benefit the Galveston Bay Foundation’s projects that help preserve wetlands, protect natural habitat, and enhance the water quality of the bay for present users and the future.

Motorists, please be aware of the bicyclists as they pedal along the course pictured above. Saturday, October 12, cyclists will take to the road at 7:30am at Barber’s Hill ISD, (located at 9600 Eagle Drive, Mont Belvieu, TX), on Sunday, October 13, 7:30am, cyclists will embark from Moody Gardens Hotel, (located at Seven Hope Boulevard Galveston, TX).

General information about Bike Around the Bay and the new features of a one-day ride option and “Virtual Riders” can be found on the events website.

By Pam Moore, Feature Blogger for Brockway Realty

Originally Posted on Brockway Realty LLC's Official Blog

Final Swan Song for the Astrodome?

As Click2Houston.com reported yesterday, the Astrodome’s final days could be numbered.  Some of the outside of the Dome has started being demolished, but a final say on its fate will await a November election.  For information on this historic happening, check out Click2Houston's story.

What do you think should be done with the Astrodome?

Originally Posted on Brockway Realty LLC's Official Blog

Immaculate 1 Story in the Reflection Pointe Section of Shadow Creek Ranch!

Located in the Shadow Creek Ranch subdivision, this beautiful 2,280 square foot home is loaded with upgrades, including granite counters, stainless steel appliances, high ceilings and crown molding. Tucked away on a ¼ acre cul-de-sac lot, this home also has a three tiered deck in back with a spa. Priced at $220,000.

Click Here to see the Video Tour / Click Here for Detailed Infroamtion

Originally Posted on Brockway Realty LLC's Official Blog

Everyone’s Talking About Them – Mosquitoes!

Everyone in the Bay Area seems to have the “M-word” on their mind. You see discussions about them on social media; you hear about them on the local news; you personally experience their “bite”!  Mosquitoes!

A recent statement made by the Galveston County Mosquito Control office states: "We are aware of the current mosquito problem. We had a larger tidal hatch off that started on September 2^nd on top of the hatch offs that started last week. Our crew will be working overtime to address the problem. We appreciate your patience."

If you live in Galveston County, you can search the Galveston County Mosquito Control’s website to see where they plan to send out trucks to spray or when they plan to do aerial spraying.  You may also contact them to request spraying in your neighborhood. There are also Mosquito Control offices in Harris County and Brazoria County.

My family has tried to fight the battle around our house by applying Cutter’s Backyard Bug Control in the front and back yards. Be aware, the mosquitos will be fighting back while you are holding the hose to apply the deterrent.

For personal protection, find the spray that works best for you, ‘eau de anti-mosquito cologne’; and try to shake them off before entering your home. I have not noticed any mosquito zappers in backyards lately; they are still available in stores. I even found indoor models during a recent online search. In the meantime, we will have to endure the infestation and wait for the first cold front to hit Southeast Texas.

By Pam Moore for Brockway Realty

Originally Posted on Brockway Realty LLC's Official Blog