< PreviousVisit our showroom In Webster Professional Kitchen Design Services Wood-Mode Custom Cabinetry Sub-Zero, Wolf & Cove Gourmet Appliances Bay Area Kitchens 281.338.2737 www.BayAreaKitchens.com | Appointments Recommended 17306 Highway 3 @ Medical Center Blvd., Webster Kitchen Design, High-End Custom Cabinetry & Gourmet Appliances For Kitchen Remodels & New Homes Working alongside Designers & Contractors for 40 Years R andy Godeau started Bay Area Kitchens in his home 40 years ago, and, after seven successful years, he moved into his current loca- tion — his beautiful kitchen showroom in Webster. The company has evolved over the years to become the area’s leading designer showroom, as well as a leading showroom in the greater Houston/Galveston area. Randy and his company are highly regarded within the industry on both the local and national level. He is knowledgeable in all aspects of residential kitchen design and construction, and served on the Board of the Houston area Chapter of the National Kitchen and Bath Associa- tion for a number of years. TRULY EXCEPTIONAL KITCHENS The company’s kitchens are a symphony of great design elements, including the highest quality custom cabinetry, the finest gourmet applianc- Bay Area Kitchens 40 years Appointments required • 17306 state Highway 3, Webster • 281-338-2737 www.bayareakitchens.com es, gorgeous counter- tops and other surfaces, cleverly concealed pow- er outlets, innovative lighting systems, stylish and highly functional sinks, faucets and other fixtures. These compo- nents are all meticu- lously orchestrated into a harmonious “living kitchen” that you and your fami- ly will enjoy for generations to come. An extraordinary kitchen starts with a truly exceptional design. Randy and his company start by understanding clients’ tastes, needs and how they plan to use the space. The team measures and analyzes the available space, its current limitations and its potential. Then they develop a design that best utilizes the space and meets the needs and desires of the client. EFFICIENT AND INNOVATIVE Bay Area Kitchens’ better-than-furni- ture-grade, fully custom cabinetry is not only beautiful, but is also optimized to provide the most efficient and innova- tive storage as possible. Not just pretty, empty carcasses to support the counter- tops as in ordinary kitchens, these cabi- nets utilize unique and efficient storage systems that make meal preparation and other tasks not just efficient but a true source of satisfaction and pleasure. These cabinets are individually cus- tom built, finished and accessorized by Wood-Mode and other leading cabinet companies right here in America. ENRICH YOUR LIFESTYLE Whether you are building your new dream home or renovating your ex- isting kitchen, Bay Area Kitchens will design and bring your kitchen to life. If you like the finer things in life, and want a kitchen that is not only beau- tiful but that will enrich your lifestyle, where meal preparation is not just a chore, but a pleasure, where family and others will want to join in on the fun and where food preparation and preservation are a priority, Bay Area Kitchens is your only choice. Schedule an appointment today, and let Randy and his team create the kitchen of your dreams! 30 | The Daily News | Years of Excellence and Endurance | July 2023AFFORDABLE AIR & HEAT I n 1994, Brent Ballard had a dream. He wanted to open a business with his father, Donald Ballard. His father had worked at the plant his whole life, and with the 14-hour days that he put in to pro- vide for his family, Brent didn’t get to spend a lot of time with his dad. That year, Brent made good on his dream and opened Affordable Air & Heat. Three months after opening, trag- edy struck. Don was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a blood cancer that is generally fatal. The Ballard family braced themselves for the worst. Then a miracle came in the form of a new study from Italy aimed at treating younger adults with mul- tiple myeloma — which is rare. Most people with multiple myeloma are 60 or older, when Don was just 41 Affordable Air & Heat 29 years 409-925-8275 • www.affordableairtx.com years old. With a 15 percent chance of survival, Don chose to take a chance with this new medicine. Now, after 29 years in business, Brent’s wish has been fulfilled. He will be the first to tell you those first few years were rough, but the family weathered the storm. Don Ballard is now one of the longest survivors of multiple myeloma in the world and acts as a consultant who helps to manage a successful family business. Brent’s son, Brett, is the third generation of Ballards to head the family business. Today, Affordable Air & Heat is an elite HEIL dealer and the number one dealer in the nation of HEIL-branded HVAC equipment. With 25 HVAC-cer- tified employees, including installers and service technicians, in-house fi- nancing and warranties for labor and parts, the Ballards are experts in the air and heat fields. Affordable Air & Heat takes pleasure in keeping your family comfortable year-round. W hat began in 1914, when a group of thoughtful Galves- tonians came together to create an agency tasked with pro- viding relief to families in need, has emerged into the leading provider of mental health, prevention and educa- tion services to vulnerable children, adults and families in Galveston County. The founders of the company would be amazed. FSC is the only nonprofit, mental health counseling agency in Galves- ton County serving individuals and families across the lifespan, regard- less of ethnicity, gender, age, diagno- sis or economic status. The organiza- tion’s core programming addresses the needs of all people through the provision of quality, trauma-informed, client-centered care that works within the context of a client’s unique finan- cial situation. Family Service Center of Galveston County 109 years 2200 Market St., Suite 600, Galveston 409-762-8636 • 10000 Emmett F. Lowry Expressway, Suite 4000-300D, Texas City 409-938-4814 • www.fscgal.org FSC is proud of its ability to adjust to the needs of the community while staying true to its mission. The organi- zation’s focus on strengthening indi- viduals, families and the community is guided by its belief that the family is an essential institution that — when supported — children, adults and com- munities thrive. From helping families with everyday struggles with the Family and Youth Success (FAYS) program to victim support services, a fatherhood program and the Juvenile Justice Program, FSC is here to help community members through difficult times. July 2023 | Years of Excellence and Endurance | The Daily News | 31Bonded & Insured With 10-Year Craftmanship Guarantee Most roofs removed & replaced in just one day! 409-945-6920 A Texas General Contractor WWW.ROOFINGTEXAS.COM FAMILY-FOCUSED FOR OVER 41 YEARS! General Manager, Amber Prouty, with her kiddos, Riley & Korben A fter 42 years in business, Guar- anteed Roofing & Remodeling wants to share with everyone that the business does more than re- pair and replace roofs. The company be- gan years ago by re- pairing and installing roofing systems and, eventually, expanded into whole house repair, construction and remodeling. Guaranteed Roof- ing is a second-gen- eration, family-owned and -operated business, and the employees work diligently to improve their skills while maintaining the same qualities that earned them a great local reputation — integrity, compassion and creativity. Guaranteed Roofing and Remodeling 42 years 2401 25th Ave. N., Texas City 409-945-6920 • www.RoofingTexas.com Jeff Prouty started this business in 1981 with an old blue pickup truck and an appetite for adventure. Today, his daughter, Amber Prouty, is follow- ing in her father’s footsteps and con- tinuing his legacy. She has learned the ropes in countless roles and worked her way up to General Manager. Guaranteed Roofing takes great pride in crafting a team of trustworthy, skilled and hardworking profession- als to provide customers with excellent service. If this sounds like a good fit for you, give Guaranteed Roofing a call at 409-945-6920. They can set up a free consultation for you and a Roofing Specialist to discuss the fountain of youth for your roof. G alveston locals and tourists alike have been frequenting MOD Coffeehouse for the past 20 years. The quaint and cozy coffee shop serves as a local favorite where everyone in the community can feel welcome just by walking in to the restaurant. Located in the historic Postoffice District inside a Victorian building with a touch of mid century and modern charm, even the building radiates with island vibe. MOD Coffeehouse was founded in 2001 by the Brown family. They restored the Pix Building and pro- vided beautiful outside seating. The name “MOD” comes from their desire to bring something more modern, yet full of charm and warmth, to historic downtown Galveston. Following Hurricane Ike in 2008, the Brown family decided they wanted to MOD Coffeehouse 22 years 2126 Postoffice St., Galveston • 409-765-5659 www.modcoffeehouse.com see MOD remain open, but were ready to transition the business to new own- ers. MOD reopened with the help and support of the Galveston community in 2009 and, in 2010, Holly Hopkins became steward of MOD. “We create art, pursue our educa- tions, make music, support our fam- ilies, and seek balance and health in our own lives,” Hopkins said. 32 | The Daily News | Years of Excellence and Endurance | July 2023www.bosworthac.com Family Owned and Operated Since 1959 Authorized Dealer of: • American Standard A/C & Heating Products • Daikin A/C & Heating Products • Mitsubishi Ductless Mini Splits Installation & Service GalvestonDickinson/Metro Area Texas City/La Marque 832-769-0556 Bosworth is Your #1 Choice for Air Conditioning and Heating Service See our Facebook or Google Reviews B osworth Air Conditioning and Heating Inc. has been ser- vicing residential homes and commercial businesses in Galveston County and adjacent areas since 1959. Within these past 64 years, the Bo- sworth family and employees faithfully have benefited customers by providing the utmost value in customer service, including planned service agreements, service repairs, equipment replacement and full system installations. It’s the customers’ needs that the com- pany focuses all its resources on and provides them with exceptional exper- tise that exceeds their expectations at every level. To succeed at this level of service as an American Standard Cus- tom Care Dealer, the technicians receive continuous training courses throughout the years. With this training and years of experience, our technicians service and Bosworth Air Conditioning and Heating Inc. 64 years 1213 14th St., Galveston • 1000 FM 646 N., Dickinson 409-762-5641 • 281-337-5554 www.bosworthac.com repair the most established brands of air conditioning, heating and heat pump systems that include high SEER commu- nicating and zone systems. Don’t hesitate call today to get put on the schedule to repair or service your air comfort system today. The office hours are from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. After hours ser- vice available. Call, leave a message and you be contacted by the on-call techni- cian. Visit Bosworth’s website for more information about the company and read its latest reviews. Bosworth looks forward to hearing from you! July 2023 | Years of Excellence and Endurance | The Daily News | 336615 Stewart Rd suite 117, Galveston, TX www.EscoPestControl.com Phone: 409-737-3200 • Fax: 409-737-1803 Email: EscoPest@aol.com Residential & Commercial WDI Inspections · Termites · Rodents Roaches · Ants · Fleas · Trapping ESCO PEST CONTROL, INC. Steve Spicer, Owner S uSan M. E dMonSon L aw o ffices o f 1411 39th Street, Galveston, TX 409-744-0816 • susan@edmonsonlaw.com Board Certified Family Law – TBLS R ather than working with a large firm where you are simply anoth- er client, you can get the same level of service working with a local firm that can focus on your specific needs. Susan Edmonson created the Edmon- son Law Firm in 1987, and the firm has served Galveston County and the Galveston Bay Area continuously since that time with office locations in both Galveston and Seabrook. Susan has lived in the Galveston Bay Area her entire life. She graduated from the University of St. Thomas in Houston with a bachelor of arts in political sci- ence and South Texas College of Law in Houston. She was licensed to the Texas Bar in 1983 and became Board Certified in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization in 2002. For more than 30 years, Edmonson Law’s primary focus is on issues that impact families, including divorce, Law Offices of Susan M. Edmonson 36 years 1411 39th St., Galveston • 409-744-0816 www.edmonsonlaw.com child support, custody and adop- tion. The lawyers at the law office have extensive experience handling divorces, mediation services for family, probate and civil matters. The lawyers understand that losing a loved one is a very difficult sit- uation, and they are there to help families prepare by developing com- prehensive estate plans and handling probating the estate. They take the time necessary to understand your long-term goals and help you draft an estate plan that best meets your needs. If you are buying or selling a home, the staff can assist you re- view the purchase and sale agree- ments, serving as your closing attor- ney, and ensuring you are receiving a title that is free from defects. The lawyers at Edmonson Law are prepared to help you and your family plan for the future. E SCO Pest Control is a small, local family-owned business operating on beautiful Galveston Island. ESCO has been servicing all of Galves- ton County proudly for more than 37 years. The licensed and experienced pest control professionals work with both residential and commercial cli- ents to prevent, control and eliminate a plethora of pest problems at affordable rates. Living on the Gulf Coast is a wonderful, tropical experience. It’s one that attracts many tourists — but it also can attract many uninvited pests. Thankfully, ESCO Pest Control is fully equipped and ready to serve your home and/or business and will cater to your location’s specific needs. ESCO Pest Control offers a wide va- riety of environmentally safe treatment options for your interior and exterior needs, including eco-friendly organic options. ESCO’s services include ter- ESCO Pest Control 37 years 6615 Steward Road, Suite 117, Galveston 409-737-3200 • www.escopestcontrol.com mite treatments, general pest control for roaches and ants, as well as rodents, and the company’s specialties are fleas, mos- quitoes, trapping, bird barriers and more. The technicians are even certified to perform the Texas Official Wood De- stroying Insect Report. This report is used for real estate transactions in Texas regarding the visible presence or ab- sence of termites, other wood destroying insects and any observations of condi- tions that are conducive to infestations. ESCO Pest Control offers flexible sched- uling, including offering contactless ser- vice, and there are no contracts required. Office hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and Satur- days by appointment only. ESCO Pest Control was nominated and voted No. 1 by The Daily News readers and proud- ly accepted The Daily News Readers’ Choice award for Best Pest Control/Ex- terminator for the past two years. Is something is bugging you? Don’t delay: Call ESCO Pest Control at 409-737-3200 today. 34 | The Daily News | Years of Excellence and Endurance | July 2023John M Smilie SERVICES MANAGER | FUNERAL DIRECTOR Phone 832-769-4040 | Fax 832-769-4033 john.smilie@sci-us.com 2950 Gulf Freeway S. Suite D-E League City, TX 77573 “Where we put families first” 2700 Hughes Rd. Dickinson, TX Corner of Highway 3 and Hughes Rd. 281-337-6762 • www.robinsonsautorepair.net Robinson’s Auto Repair Maintenance & Repair - Cars & Light Trucks Servicing Galveston County Since1961 C remation is today’s sensible choice. More families are choos- ing cremation than ever before because of its affordability, flexibility and simplicity. Conveniently located in League City, let the professionals at Neptune Soci- ety help plan your loved one’s cremation at a price that fits your budget. Thanks to the loyal support of generations of families, the company has grown to more than 100 locations with continued expansion planned in the future. Over the past 50 years, the experienced team has assisted fami- lies, their loved ones and caregivers in Neptune Society 50 years 2950 Gulf Fwy. S. Ste. D and E, League City 832-769-4040 • www.neptunesociety.com carrying out final wishes with dignity and respect. Just one call assures you compas- sionate, highly responsive service and professional management of creation and cremation planning. So, reach out to John and his staff at the League City office where you will receive the kind and compassionate services that you and your family de- serve during your time of need. T he Robinson family has been providing quality car care in Galveston County for 62 years. Joe and Nancy, Coy and Nellie Robin- son started out with a little gas station on Highway 146 in 1961, when gas was about $0.31 per gallon. If you needed help with a car, Joe and Coy could fix it. Each couple raised four children while simultaneously running the busi- ness. Over time, the business relocated to the old family homestead at the corner of state Highway 3 and Hughes Road in Dickinson. In 2007, Joe Jr. took over under Robinson’s Auto Repair. Now on its second generation of family ownership, Robinson’s Auto Repair has earned a reputation of delivering honest and professional automotive repair and maintenance services to the people in Dickinson and surrounding areas. Robinson’s Auto Repair is a certified Robinson’s Auto Repair 62 2700 Hughes Road, Dickinson • 281-337-6762 robinsonsautorepair.net auto repair center, and it is able to provide the benefits of an established national entity while maintaining the personal touch of a family-owned business. Quality ASE-certified technicians employ the latest technology and are equipped to handle major and minor repairs on foreign and domestic vehicles. Licensed state inspectors are available all day to process state-required inspections. A vehicle is a major investment, and the technicians at Robinson’s Auto Re- pair care for each customer’s vehicle as if it were their own. years July 2023 | Years of Excellence and Endurance | The Daily News | 35HIGH TEA | WEDDINGS & EVENTS T ake a step back in time and enjoy the nostalgia and charm of this cirque 1907 home and grounds. The house was built by E.W. Smith and originally designed as a wood frame two-story sticking wood structure with two southern exposure porches. The copper roof replaced the old metal one and the arches and screened porch- es became the hallmark of the old house. The bed and breakfast offers four rooms, each with screened-in porches to enjoy morning coffee or a glass of wine. Sit and enjoy a book or game in the parlor or take it out to the large screened balcony off the dining room that over- looks the gardens. Enjoy tea time in the afternoons and breakfast in the morning. The garden and grounds are mosqui- to-free so you can enjoy roaming about to smell the beautiful flowers. The Cruise port and beaches are just a golf cart ride away. Virginia Point Inn 40 years 2327 Ave. K, Galveston 409-497-4944 • www.virginiapointinn.com Virginia Point Inn offers a High Tea that you can share with friends and family. The B&B features tea options and food to accompany them; Includ- ing finger sandwiches, scones, maca- roons, and much more. Celebrate your special day surround- ed by lush gardens. Then have your reception upstairs amongst the vintage surroundings in our parlor, dining, and great rooms. The facility can accommo- date up to 100 guests. T he year was 1842. Texas was still a Republic, and General Sam Houston was finishing his last term as president. Galveston was not yet an incorporated town, but the Gulf Coast village did have a robust population of about 4,000 resi- dents. Serving as a hub and economic engine to the rest of Texas, Galveston quickly became the largest port city, providing access to anything that came through the Gulf of Mexico. Today, The Daily News remains as the oldest newspaper in Texas. Budding newspaperman George French decided that there must be a way to communicate news and local events between Galvestonians and the surrounding areas. On April 11, 1842, the first edition of the Galveston Daily News was published in a small building on Tremont Street. The Daily News didn’t receive much attention; however, the little paper persevered, outlasting countless other titles. Eventually The Daily News grew from a weekly, to bi-weekly, a tri-weekly and finally a daily paper. As The Daily News added editions, it also added pages and prestige. The newspaper founded a sister publication, The Dal- las Morning Star, on Oct. 1, 1885. The Daily News, like many Gal- veston businesses, was affected by the Civil War. As the North occupied the city, the paper still sent out its regular editions, printing in Houston until 1866, when operations re- turned to the island. For the next 18 years, The Daily News was housed at 2200 Market St., where it built its reputation as a business and cutting-edge publica- tion. The newspaper moved again in 1884 to a specially designed newspa- per building, the first of its kind in the state of Texas, where it remained until the 1960s. Continuing its rep- The Galveston County Daily News 8522 Teichman Road, Galveston • 409-683-5200 • galvnews.com utation for innovation, The Daily News was the first paper in Texas to have a dedicated train line, as well as a telephone. Along with its storied history, the newspaper also had its share of fa- mous owners. Purchased in 1923 by William Lewis Moody Jr., the Moody Foundation eventually sold the news- paper to the Hobby family in 1963. Owners of the Houston Post as well, William P. Hobby Jr. owned The Daily News from 1963 to 1967, when he, in turn, sold it to Carmage Walls, who founded Southern Newspapers Inc. Lissa Walls, Carmage Walls’ daughter, is the current owner. Now located in a building special- ly built to weather tropical storms and hurricanes, The Daily News can be found at 8522 Teichman Road on Galveston Island. The newspaper also operates an office in Texas City. The Daily News is also home to the award-winning Coast Monthly maga- zine and many other popular titles. The Daily News also serves the region by printing newspapers for independent owners throughout the Houston area. Survivor of wars, prosperity, storms and hurricanes, The Daily News continues to be committed to serving Galveston County as its trusted source for news and information. The Daily News file photo A teletype operator works in the old Galveston News building downtown. 181 years 36 | The Daily News | Years of Excellence and Endurance | July 2023StarFine Furniture & Mattress 103 years 3727 Broadway, Galveston 409-762-7821 • www.starfinefurniture.com L ocated on Highway 45 on Broadway in the quaint older area of Galveston Island, StarFine Furniture is here to help all your furnishing needs. With two 30,000-square-foot showrooms filled with mattresses, patioware, tables, sofas, beds and more, you can furnish every room in your house at this one- stop-shopping location. THERE’S MORE IN STORE Now is the perfect time to throw out that dingy couch and buy those reclining love seats you’ve been wanting for years. There are thousands of items to browse through, and, if you don’t find the piece you are looking for, there are numerous customer-order options, as well as free in-home design services to get your home looking just the way you want it. Along with the Galveston Island location, StarFine Furniture and Mattress also has a store on the mainland, 3503 Gulf Freeway, Dickinson 77539. Between both the locations, you can find the perfect room essentials to make your space the room of your dreams. DESIGN IN STYLE StarFine Furniture & Mattress knows putting together the vision of your new or renovated space can be an intimidating task that can lead to wrong sized furniture and a frustrating experience. The professional interior designers at StarFine Furniture have been in the business for more than 25 years and specialize in designing and decorating of homes, apartments, cottages, condos and more. You can be as involved as much or as little as you’d like. The store’s process includes identifying the room you want to redesign, along with any items or furniture pieces you’d like to keep or colors you’d like to incorporate. Then together you look at the size of your space and get measurements to determine the best options to create the perfect flow and function. The professionals can help draft up your new room with new furniture to your liking. GET BACK OUTSIDE It’s summer time and that means it’s time for family barbecues, lounging by the pool and working in the garden. Even if you’re staying close to home this summer, make sure your back patio is ready for entertaining. Galveston County residents know that the weather, especially on the waterfront, is tough on patio furniture. From the Texas heat, heavy rains, windy days and hurricanes, it feels like you’re replacing your Adirondack chairs every year. StarFine Furniture understands Galveston weather and has the perfect solution. Polywood outdoor furniture is made with ocean-bound plastic — recycled plastic bottles and containers — and stainless steel hardware. With an environmentally conscious mindset and a desire for maintenance free furniture that will last for a lifetime, Polywood furniture is heavy duty and can weather the storms. This eco-friendly option is unaffected by the rain, snow, sleet, wind, saltwater, chlorine and mildew. A FAMILY LEGACY The business was founded in 1920 by David Morris Goldhirsh, an Austrian immigrant, who emigrated to the U.S. in 1907. Six years later, he moved to Galveston where he worked at M.M. Bleich’s corner grocery store by day and unloaded ships on the Galveston Wharves at night. After some time, Bleich loaned David the money to start Star Furniture. The original Star Furniture was a “mom and pop” business, located at 414 25th St. in Galveston. The only other employees were David’s children, Simon and Frances. By 1941, business was booming, and Star Furniture moved to a three-story building at 2424 Market St. In 1944, Frances married Marvin J. Stein, and Marvin joined the business in 1946. Originally, he was “just going to take care of the store for a week,” while his father-in-law went on vacation. Sixty-six years later, he’s still working at the family business. Marvin and Frances’ son, Ben Jay, proudly continues the family tradition of bringing quality furniture to Galveston County. His son, Jody, joined the business in 1997, and today he enthusiastically serves as Vice- President of Sales and Merchandising. Since 2016, Jody Stein and his wife Kim represent the fourth generation of the family-owned and operated business. Whether you are BOI (Born on the Island) or IBC (Islander By Choice), StarFine can outfit your space with the look and feel you desire with a unique look at a great price! July 2023 | Years of Excellence and Endurance | The Daily News | 3738 | The Daily News | Years of Excellence and Endurance | July 2023University Federal Credit Union 70 years 428 Postoffice St., Galveston • 409-797-3300 2500 Gulf Freeway S., League City • 832-340-2500 www.ufcu.org UFCU: Woven into Galveston’s History S eventy years ago this year, UFCU opened its first location on the island at the University of Texas Medical Branch. That launched a long and positive partnership between the credit union and the residents and businesses in Galveston County. Since 1953, Galveston has contin- ued to grow and thrive. Education and healthcare remain a mainstay of the local economy, while port-related commerce, shrimping and fishing continue to go strong. Hospitality and tourism have re- bounded since 2020 and are booming. EVERYWHERE YOU ARE As greater Galveston has evolved, UFCU has met its demand for afford- able, flexible financial services. UFCU is a member-owned, not-for-profit credit union with two flagship locations in Galveston County. One is on the island next to the UTMB campus, and the oth- er is at Victory Lakes on the mainland. Both are full-service branches offering 24/7 drive-through ATMs, mortgages and other loans, financial investment and advising, free coin machines, ser- vices in Spanish and more. The Galves- ton location has tellers onsite, and if you’re on a tight schedule, you can re- quest an appointment at either location. UFCU offers more than 30 free ATMs in the Galveston area as far north as St. John Hospital and as far south as Moody Gardens. You can find a list of all UFCU locations at UFCU.org or on the mobile app. UFCU also has a free shared-branch agreement with many other credit unions nationwide to assist those who come to enjoy Galveston’s coast and culture. SAVING MEMBERS MONEY What sets credit unions apart from conventional banking is the priority that members take over profits. It’s easy to join a credit union, and when you’re a member, you gain access to many programs designed to help you save and get savvy about your own financial health. Free Checking is the first account most people open, often as students. As the name promises, there are no monthly or annual fees for this account and no minimum balance require- ments. This account makes sense for anyone who doesn’t have a penny extra to pay in fees — and as many of us know, that’s not just students. A Free Checking account makes it easy to test-drive the credit union experience without a large commitment. You can open an account online or at any branch location. Consider these benefits: • UFCU’s easy-to-use web site and mobile app give you 24/7 access to your accounts. • Free Bill Pay lets you add payees and schedule one-time or regular payments. • A contactless, instant-issue VISA Debit card is yours on the spot the day you open your account. You can use it anywhere Visa Debit cards are accept- ed, including ATMs. • Get paid up to two days early if your employer uses direct deposit to pay you. For some individuals and families who juggle bills at the end of the month, this can prevent late bills and headaches. • Overdraft Protection Transfer is available. If you opt in to this program, UFCU extends you temporary credit (and thus prevents rejected purchases) if your account becomes overdrawn. • Money orders and Cashier’s checks are available for purchase in branch. • Your checking account gives you standing to apply for a personal line of credit with UFCU. • And don’t forget — a checkbook! This form of payment may seem old-fashioned in today’s digital land- scape, but your first 10 paper checks are free upon opening an account. EVEN MORE REASONS TO JOIN The best part of UFCU membership is the stellar service. Many of the em- ployees at the UFCU branch locations were born on the island and/or reside in Galveston County. They have your priorities, goals and financial health top of mind. In a year when banking woes have rocked the headlines, it’s good to know that member funds are insured up to $250,000 per account ownership type through the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund (NCUSIF), the credit union industry’s equivalent of the FDIC. UFCU is in strong financial condition, having grown to become Central Texas’ leading credit union. It has $4.6 billion in total assets under management and serves more than 366,000 member-owners in Galveston and Central Texas. As part of the fabric of Galveston, UFCU has played an important role in residents’ lives. UFCU has been there for life’s achievements, like opening a Many of the employees at the UFCU branch locations were born on the island and/or reside in Galveston County. They have your priorities, goals and financial health top of mind. savings account, getting a first car or home, opening a business and planning for a vacation or retirement. UFCU has also been there during hard times — from natural disasters to health crises — extending a helping hand and low-cost credit to rebuild the community. UFCU provides financial strength and something more: a belief that the lives of everyone in the community can be improved when resources remain local and available to all. UFCU Galveston branch * Non-deposit investment products and services are offered through CUSO Financial Services, L.P. (“CFS”), a registered broker-dealer (Member FINRA/SIPC) and SEC Registered Investment Advisor. Products offered through CFS: are not NCUA/NCUSIF or otherwise federally insured, are not guarantees or obligations of the credit union, and may involve investment risk including possible loss of principal. Investment Representatives are registered through CFS. UFCU has contracted with CFS to make non-deposit investment products and services available to credit union members. July 2023 | Years of Excellence and Endurance | The Daily News | 39Next >