< PreviousProviding quality products with quality people… since 1957 409.938.4274 | 3101 Texas Avenue/P.O. Box 219, La Marque, TX 77568 www.aagroup.com | aam.sales@aagroup.com 66 years of stable, dependable, “uncommon service”. One Location, One Team, One Purpose! W hat started as one man fixing lawnmowers and washing machines in his garage in La Marque in 1957 has now grown to be a full-service machining and fabrication facility that works on parts at an inter- national level. A&A works with local plants from Valero to The Dow Chemical Company to international companies in China and Western Europe. A&A Machine and Fabrication began in April 10, 1957 by Charles Hutchins, Manuel Chionsini and Fred Heinemann. Over the years, the company grew and now has more than 80 employees and the facility spans 82,000 square feet. A&A’s fa- cility houses special purpose equipment, such as autofrettage, electrical discharge machining (EDM), orbital welders, and thick-wall tube benders. In addition, A&A has a YamaSeki mill, Jimmy Jammer sys- tem as well as conventional manual and A&A Machine and Fabrication 66 years 3101 Texas Ave., La Marque • 409-938-4274 www.aagroup.com CNC machining capabilities. ALWAYS AVAILABLE Originally, the founders named the company A&A Machine and Fabrication so the business would be first in the phonebook. Soon, they realized that “A&A” is the motto they come to live by — “always available.” “We stand by that motto because we have people on call 24/7,” President Alan Hutchins said. Today, A&A Machine and Fabrication provides 24/7 support for emergency re- pair, regular maintenance and new man- ufacture of goods and hardware for the petrochemical and oil and gas industries. A&A has geared its operations and work force to service specialty customers, such as gasification, high pressure tubing (LDPE/EVA), and medium pressure pip- ing (MPP), as well as pressure vessels, piping, various structural assemblies, and flanges and fittings. EXPANDING AND EVOLVING Alan Hutchins, son of founder Charles Hutchins, has worked at the company for 34 years, 12 of those years as president. When Alan took over as president, he helped the com- pany increase revenue, expand the sales team and expand product groups to help grow the company. Under David Vasichko and Kraig Warren, the company has evolved its machining, field service and specialty field work. Now, employees can work on repairs on-site at the plants as well as in-house. “La Marque has been very good to us and supported us,” Hutchins said. The wooden frame of the original A&A Machine and Fabrication’s warehouse from 1957 is still used today as a storage facility. 10 | The Daily News | Years of Excellence and Endurance | July 2023July 2023 | Years of Excellence and Endurance | The Daily News | 11 Quality people building brands and friendships... one case at a time. I n 1892, when Omero Del Papa was just 10 years old, his family moved from Lucca, Italy to make a new start in Galveston. He worked in a cotton press, bagging company and finally at his uncle’s grocery store. As a teenager, he began dreaming about the day he could open his own store. Omero proved his ability to handle crisis when he survived the 1900 Storm. Omero joined the other survivors as they struggled to bring Galveston back to life. Belieinv in his adopted city, the 21-year-old immigrant opened a grocery store in 1903. In 1910, Omero decided to take a risk and turn the retail grocery store into a wholesale business. It was the birth of Del Papa Distributing. As a wholesal- er, Omero carried a number of quality goods, including olive oil, ice cream and imported delicacies. However, it was beer that drove sales, and he feared he Del Papa Distributing Company 113 years 1220 Gulf Freeway, Texas City • 888-433-5727 www.delpapadistributing.com could not sustain his wholesale business without it during the prohibition. In 1920, America had entered the Pro- hibition Era. Omero refused to compro- mise his integrity and become a bootleg- ger. With his good name intact, he made the decision to liquidate his wholesale business and move his family back to Italy, but he soon came back in 1930 to purchase a large wholesale firm. Ome- ro set out to recapture the Galveston market and was successful because he remained true to his business principles. “I had said always, ‘A good name is better than money,’” Omero remem- bered in later years. After Prohibition was lifted in 1933, Del Papa’s growth was explosive. Ome- ro made the decision to restrict his wholesale service to beer and wine. In the following decades, Del Papa would become a powerhouse in beer distribu- tion. The Italian immigrant who once worked for a dime a day became the owner of one of the largest wholesale companies in Galveston. The company contributes more than just alcohol and non-alcohol products to the community, it tries to give back to the community in any way possible. From re- lief efforts following the Texas City Disas- ter in 1947, to blood drives in the wake of 9/11, to post-Hurricane recovery efforts after hurricanes Carla, Alicia, Rita, Ike and Harvey, local communities have grown to rely on Del Papa Distributing for dona- tions of time and financial assistance. The company is committed to pro- tecting the environment and continues to look for ways to minimize waste, increase recycling and maximize the use of natural resources. From a single grocery store, to a dis- tributorship spanning 17 counties with 360 employees, Del Papa Distributing has been delivering high-quality brands and service along the Gulf Coast of Texas for more than 100 years. From Prohibition, through war and amid local tragedies, Del Papa Distribut- ing’s good name leaves a lasting legacy. Next time you crack open an ice cold brew, cheers to Omero for all of the hard work he put in to building one of the most successful business in Galveston. MEMBERFDIC A TOWERING TESTAMENT TO GROWTH AND SUCCESS. MoodyBank.com • 409.765.5561 12 | The Daily News | Years of Excellence and Endurance | July 2023 Moody Bank 116 years Moody Bank – 116 Years and Still Growing! At a time when uncertainty in the financial markets has caused many to wonder about the stability of their financial institutions, Moody Bank continues to experience solid growth, and the bank’s financial condition continues to remain in the highest categories. Victor Pierson, Moody Bank President and CEO, recently said, ”Customer confidence in Moody Bank is strong. That’s a true testament to the prudent and conservative banking principles that have always served our bank and our customers well.” The Power of the Palm According to Pierson, the bank’s palm tree logo is more than just a symbol of the bank’s roots and heritage in Galveston. It’s a symbol of the strength of an independent community bank, that much like the majestic palm, has demonstrated the flexibility and resiliency to weather fierce storms and continue to thrive. Since 1907, Moody Bank has been providing families and businesses here in Galveston, and throughout Texas, with a solid foundation of trust and a grounded approach that combines expert planning, outstanding personalized service, sound guidance, and exceptional financial solutions. By sticking to its roots, Moody Bank is able to help customers strengthen their businesses and help families reach new heights of prosperity. “The fact that we’ve been around for as long as we have and have been able to affect the success of countless families and businesses is truly gratifying. That is truly ‘The Power of the Palm,’” said Pierson. Moody Bank: 116 Years of Service and Growth 1907 City National Bank is chartered 1920 New bank building opens at 2219 Market in Galveston 1927 Trust operations are chartered 1953 In honor of the bank’s principal founder, the late W. L. Moody, Jr., City National Bank is changed to Moody Bank 1962 The growing bank moves to its present headquarters 1990s New banking centers opened in the greater Houston area 2008 Moody Bank expanded to serve the greater Austin areaBENEFITS OF ROOFING PANELS: •Outstanding Durability / Extended Roof Life •Commercial Grade Steel and Aluminum •12” to 20” Coverage Per Panel •TDI Approved • Hail Resistant – UL2218 Class 4 Rated •Zero Exposed Fasteners • • EnergyEfficient •Wide Range of Designer Colors •Environment Friendly •Virtually Maintenance Free JC R oofing C elebrating 27 Y ears of s erviCes Galveston’s #1 Roofer est. 1996 METAL AND COMPOSITE SHINGLE SPECIALIST Free Estimate Call Today! W here other states look in the basement for their biggest problems, those of us on the upper Texas coast who have weath- ered some of the harshest storms from the Gulf of Mexico know the necessity of a sold roof. No one understands this better than the team of certified roofing experts at JC Roofing in Galveston. For years, owner Billy Joe Corbin Jr. (Joe) has helped residents put the pieces of their lives back together one shingle at a time. The Corbin family entered the business in 1936 in Fort Worth. Their work garnered a reputation for honesty and reliability. Joe’s father, Billy Corbin Sr., took the reins in the 1950s, adding to the already impres- sive roster of services and specialties. Es- tablished in Galveston in 1996, JC Roofing also has a location in Fort Worth, giving them the ability to help you with multiple projects in multiple areas. JC Roofing 101 Tiki Drive, Suite 200c, Tiki Island 409-750-8043 • www.jcroofinggalveston.com By the time Joe started roofing, the Corbins were experts in the field and able to pass down knowledge of mul- tiple styles of roofing materials, from composite shingles and steel tile shake. JC Roofing is a member of the Galveston Regional Chamber of Commerce. JC Roof- ing’s service is frequently recognized for integrity and reliability. A roofing apprentice to his father, Billy Jr. has a wealth of knowledge and experience in all aspects of roofing and has been in the roofing industry since 1987. Billy Jr. also has taken many cours- es on the subject of metal roofing and commercial TPO roof systems, so he can stay up to date with current trends. Joe can inform clients about their selections, including providing energy-efficient solu- tions that can add up to big savings. One of JC Roofing’s popular products in the Galveston area is metal roofing. Metal roofing is the most durable roofing product for the harsh weather conditions that homeowners experience in Texas. It is the strongest material used in the roofing industry and gives you the high- est rating from high winds and large hail. Metal roofing also can save you up to 35 percent on your entire premium on your homeowners insurance policy. Additional- ly, metal roofing is energy efficient because it reflects up to 75 percent of the sun’s ultraviolet rays. That means it can save you up to 40 percent on air-conditioning costs. Unlike asphalt roofs that contain harm- ful elements, metal roofing is environ- mentally friendly. This roof is perfect for those conscious of protecting the environ- ment, as 98 percent of the metal used to build metal roofs is recyclable. Not only are metal roofs a smart invest- 27 years ment for your wallet, but they also are a beautiful addition to the overall aesthetic of your home. Designs can vary from the traditional smooth look of standing seam, Spanish tile, slate, shingle and wood shake profiles with more than 20 colors to choose from. JC Roofing currently has up to 15 professional roofing crews, so there is no job too big or too small. The company has a large assortment of professional equipment, including standing seam roll formers, sheet metal breaks and heavy-duty trucks and trailers. Keep your roof in tip-top shape for your windstorm insurance with these experts. Handling windstorm claims for more than two decades has given JC Roofing extensive knowledge in special- ized roofing requirements for the area. Expert knowledge and a reputation for getting the job done right make JC Roof- ing the your first choice every time. July 2023 | Years of Excellence and Endurance | The Daily News | 13409-740-1000 F amily-owned since June 2000, Galveston Rentals has been sup- plying Galveston County with rental equipment for all their construc- tion endeavors. The business has a commitment to support the needs of its customers and local economy. It sup- plies the community with high-quality rental equipment and is dedicated to providing the best customer service to all its customers. From lawn, garden equipment and generators to plumbing, saws and trailers, Galveston Rentals has the equipment to make your project run smoothly. The business not only rents equipment for construction and do-it- yourself projects, but it also rents out party equipment. You can rent barbe- cue smokers, seafood boilers, patio heaters, tables and chairs for that cook- off event or backyard party. Also, if you Galveston Rentals Inc. 23 years 8435 Stewart Road, Galveston • 409-740-1000 www.galvestonrentalsinc.com need extra nails, tape or hammers, the store’s got you covered. Galveston Rentals is a distributor of propane and propane accessories. The company is also a local distributor for Generac Power Systems, DR Power Equipment and Ballard. Also, Galveston Rentals is the only dealer on the island that rents STIHL products. Whether you’re a homeowner, con- tractor, government entity or DIY-er, Galveston Rentals makes it a priority to meet all of its your equipment needs. If you’re looking for something the store doesn’t have in stock, the friendly staff will help you get the equipment ordered for you. As a proud member of the Galveston Regional Chamber of Commerce, the American Rental Association and the Texas Rental Association, Galveston Rentals is a trusted business within the community that has kept customers coming back for their rental needs for more than 20 years. Give Galveston Rentals a call or stop by the store on the island to find all the equipment you need for your next project. 14 | The Daily News | Years of Excellence and Endurance | July 2023D.J., Jill, Trey and Taylor Termini 155 Years of Service 2128 Broadway • Galveston (409) 763-4621 Our Family Serving Your Family jlevyfuneralhome.com J . Levy and Termini Funeral Home has been serving the needs of the Galveston County community for more than 155 years. The funeral home offers quality, pro- fessional services at an affordable rate. Employees provide personal service and are committed to helping ease the burden of families during the most difficult times. As the oldest funeral home in Texas, established by Joseph and Benjamin Levy in 1868, traditions of dignity and respect are incorporated into every service. The funeral home has deep roots in Galveston and understands the importance of family and community, a practice translated into creating a meaningful observance of the passing of your loved one. A second-generation funeral director and a graduate of Commonwealth Col- J. Levy & Termini Funeral Home 2128 Broadway, Galveston • 409-763-4621 www.jlevyfuneralhome.com lege of Mortuary Science, D. J. Termini is a licensed funeral director. He has provided funeral services for more than 40 years. D.J. was born and raised in Galveston. His father and mentor, Joe Termini, encouraged him to establish his own funeral home to offer a natural and comforting atmosphere with high 155 years standards of care and personal, atten- tive service. D.J. and his wife, Jill Russo Termini, purchased the funeral home in 2001 and proudly continue the Levy brothers’ legacy of providing quality and affordable funeral services. D.J. and Jill lead a family-centric lifestlye with their children, Taylor and Trey, so they understand how important family is to community members. When a family encounters a loss, there are big decisions to be made about his or her celebration of life. Trust J. Levy Termini to help you through that difficult time. As a full-service funeral home, J. Levy and Termini can aid with any bereavement needs, including tradi- tional church services, chapel services, graveside services, cremations, floral arrangements, caskets and urns. Prear- ranged service contracts are honored, regardless of date of purchase. Let J. Levy and Termini help you cre- ate a beautiful, respectful service that your loved one deserves. July 2023 | Years of Excellence and Endurance | The Daily News | 1516 | The Daily News | Years of Excellence and Endurance | July 2023A ndrea P. Sunseri is a Realtor associate with Sand `N Sea Properties, LLC based on Gal- veston Island, Texas. In her role, she is responsible for listing and selling resi- dential properties and vacation rentals. Born on the island, Sunseri has a deep knowledge of the Galveston community, working with hundreds of clients. She completes 60-70 transactions per year, which makes her one of the top Real- tors in Galveston. With more than 46 years of experi- ence, Sunseri began her career when she was approached to be a real estate agent by close friends John Lee and Gerald Sullivan. They asked their wives which of their friends might make a good Real- tor. Both said “Andrea,” and, upon being asked to join their team, without hesita- tion she said “Yes.” That was in 1977, and it marked the beginning of her long and Andrea P. Sunseri 46 years 13706 FM3005, Galveston, TX 77554 409-370-0088 •www.andreasunseri.com successful career in real estate. Sunseri continues to stay on the cut- ting edge of the profession by attending seminars and conferences and has com- pleted classes to attain several designa- tions. She is a graduate of the Realtor Institute (GRI), Certified Residential Specialist (CRS), Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist (CLHMS), Resort and Second Home Property Specialist (RSPS), Accred- ited Buyer’s Representative (ABR), and Seller Represen- tative Specialist (SRS). She also completed the National Association of Realtors e-PRO certification. A recipient of many awards, Sunseri was honored as the 1996 and 2007 Galveston Association of Realtors’ Realtor of the Year and received the 2009 GAR Outstanding Service Award. She was elected by Texas Monthly as a “Five Star Professional” from 2011 to 2023, Best Realtor for The Galveston County Daily News from 2015 to 2020 and Best Realtor for Galveston.com’s awards in 2015, 2016 and 2017. Sunseri’s community involvement includes the City of Galveston Zoning Board of Adjustments, Planning Com- mittee and Charter Review Committee, United Way Allocations Committee, Galveston College Foundation and Hos- pice of Galveston County. She served as president of the Galveston Country Club Women’s Association, The 1894 Grand Opera House and is currently president of the Campeche Cove Homeowners Association. Sunseri is also a founding member of the Peter Andrew Sunseri Memorial Scholarship Fund. She has won numerous community honors, including the Junior League of Galves- ton County Sustainer of the Year, the Hospice Care Team’s Community Leader Honoree and was selected as one of the Galveston Regional Chamber of Com- merce’s 2018 Women of the Year. Andrea was married to the late Car- roll Sunseri for 58 years, and together they raised two daughters, Carolyn L. Sunseri and Stephanie S. Doyle, and son-in-law Patrick F. Doyle. They also have a late son, Peter A. Sunseri. The Sunseri family includes six grandchil- dren: Thomas and Andrew Doyle, Allie and Patrick Ryan, Shannon and Brent Osborn and great-granddaughters Mil- lie Marie Ryan and Chloe James Ryan. Andrea Sunseri, left, with her daughters, Carolyn Sun- seri and Stephanie Doyle, at a Houston Astros game at Minute Maid Park. The Grand 1894 Opera House 129 years 2020 Postoffice St., Galveston 409-765-1894 • www.thegrand.com T he Grand 1894 Opera House was built as an investment by the businessmen of Galveston at a time when the city was considered the Wall Street of the Southwest. It was important that the community have the finest opera house in the state and plans moved forward. The Grand has stood for excellence since those earliest days, presenting a variety of artists from Europe as well as the United States, welcoming local dance schools and a Mardi Gras coro- nation. Through the years, The Grand became known first as a Grand Opera House, followed by a vaudeville theatre, then a first-run movie theatre; and in each stage of its existence, The Grand stood for quality and, yes, excellence. When the movie days began to wane and the theatre slipped into decay, the community once again stood tall in work- ing to bring back a live performing arts venue that spoke to Galveston’s rich his- tory and culture. The Grand was a charter member of The League of Historic Amer- ican Theatres and joined forces with oth- ers across the country who were working to revitalize their downtowns and historic theatres and return live performances to their communities. The Grand serves as a beacon of hope among those members, certainly as a gold standard following Hurricane Ike in 2008 and the work it accomplished in so brief a time. Following the 1900 Storm, The Grand reopened in October 1901, bringing emotional healing to the people and economic vitality to the city. That served as an inspiration when after Hurricane Ike, The Grand did the same thing, and re-opened on Jan. 3, 2009 — its 114th anniversary — a scant few months after significant damage to the theatre. The dictionary defines excellence as the quality of excelling, of being truly the best at something. Initial investors expected The Grand to be the best cultural icon for the city. You need only to look at the most recent 46 seasons to see that The Grand has accomplished what those July 2023 | Years of Excellence and Endurance | The Daily News | 17602 32nd Street • Galveston, Texas 77550 (409) 621-1677 • Funeral • Cremation • Pre-Burial Plans “Serving Our Community With Pride” Wynn Funeral Home Owner/Funeral Director Spergon Wynn F unerals and memorial services provide an opportunity for family members, friends and others who knew the deceased to gather to offer comfort and support to those close to him or her. Whether planned before or after death occurs, arranging a funeral or me- morial service often proves an emotion- al and exhausting process. This location has been open since 1948 and has served Galveston Island proudly for more than 70 years. Wynn has run the funeral home with excep- tional care for 28 years and will help guide your loved ones through a me- morial service etiquette, individualize your memorial, funeral costs, directions to cemeteries, guestbook, online obitu- ary creation and telling your life story. The caring memorial service directors at Wynn Funeral Home provide special- Wynn Funeral Home 28 years 602 32nd St., Galveston • 409-621-1677 ized funeral services designed to satisfy the needs of each family. The memo- rial director can guide you through all facets of the service, including memorial flowers, casket choices, appropriate mu- sic selection and local accommodations. The professional, devoted staff can help you in making memorial service prepa- rations, funeral preparation and talk you through cremation choices. At Wynn Funeral Home, trust is their top concern and the employees specialize in custom funerals, simple cremation, grief support, urn selection and military funeral service services, including offering veteran burial flags. Today, most people opt for a person- alized funeral or memorial service to reflect the unique life and personali- ty of the deceased, as viewed by the deceased and/or his or her surviving loved ones. Many families prefer to plan a fu- neral or memorial service focused on remembering the deceased as he or she was in life. Families choose the components of the funeral, including flowers, music, casket, urn and more, to represent their loved one’s personal- ity during life. The florists near Wynn Funeral Home experience a wonderful and diverse collection of wreaths, bouquets and baskets to help express empathy for the family. When you are interested in pre-plan- ning your memorial service, you can be sure your legacy will be shielded and that you can have peace of mind. 18 | The Daily News | Years of Excellence and Endurance | July 2023New Construction • Remodel & Old Homes Licensed & Insured Servicing Galveston & Surrounding Cities Since 1975 TACLB009653E 3614 Yale St, Galveston Energy Efficient Saves Money! 409-744-0774 RELIABLE & EFFICIENT Credit Cards ACCEPTED I n the past 48 years, the experts at Air Control Inc. have seen a lot of changes in the HVAC business. Where central air was once a luxury, it’s now a staple. Air Control was established by Mel- vin and Velma Mallicote. Joseph “Griz- zly” Mellen has worked at Air Control for 40 years, 30 of those years as own- er, and he ensures that all technicians are knowledgeable and professional. The experts at Air Control have seen the transition from rudimentary air conditioning units to the sophisticated technology-driven designs of today that can be controlled by smartphones from other locations. These professionals have kept up with heating and air innovations and everything that accompanies them. Equally important, they are leaders in customer service. Building an atmo- Air Control Inc. 48 years 3614 Yale St., Galveston • 409-744-0744 www.galvestonac.com sphere of exemplary service, rea- sonable prices and up-to-the-minute expertise with different systems has kept the business successful for more than four decades. Working and living on the Gulf Coast makes heating and air control a differ- ent business than in more mild areas. Summer months are incredibly hot and humid, and air-conditioning units need to be built to work hard to keep homes and businesses comfortable. Units need to be built to endure these conditions for months at a time. Winter, on the other hand, is unpredictable. A week can contain two days where it’s warm enough for the air conditioning and five that cause you to turn up the heat. If you need to replace an existing unit because it just isn’t keeping up with the needs of the weather, the ex- pertly trained technicians at Air Con- trol can help. Familiar with the inner workings of many of today’s popular units, they can help you choose the unit that works best for your needs, often saving you money along they way with a more efficient selection that lowers your bill. Air Control deals with the latest products on the market. Technicians are knowledgeable and helpful in both cooling and heating needs. The latest innovations in the HVAC field can be confusing to research. Terms are often technical, and how much power you really need can vary based on personal tastes. Let an expert guide you through the process of choosing exactly what you need to keep your family at the right temperature all year long. Air Control experts can maintain your system to keep it running during the hottest months. Regular mainte- nance can help keep bills lower and systems running longer. Maintaining your unit keeps parts in better condi- tion, extending its life significantly. The cooler months are the perfect time to ensure your unit is running at its peak performance level, making an incon- venient middle-of-summer breakdown less likely. Air Control would like to say thank you to all its loyal customers of the last 48 years. Your business is appreciated, and Air Control Inc. is here to help you. Call today for all your heating and cooling needs. Don’t wait until there is an expensive problem that will leave you sweating in more ways than one. July 2023 | Years of Excellence and Endurance | The Daily News | 19Next >