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September 17, 2013
Weekly
361-949-7700 editor@islandmoon.com The Island Newspaper since 1996 Facebook : The Island Moon Newspaper
November 14, 2013
Here's to the next 500 issues!
Around The Island
By Dale Rankin editor@islandmoon.com
There she blows! Cold Front Fred blew in Tuesday bringing down the pollen and autumn funk from the Hill Country. But things are set to be back to normal by the weekend as Fred moves on and the high tides are making our beaches ideal for driving, once they subside.
Next Publication Date: 11/21/2013
Facebook: The Island Moon Newspaper
Year 16, Issue 500
The Island Moon Turns 500!
So be of good cheer fellow Islanders; tides are up, gas prices down, rent holding steady. It’s been a busy week so let’s get going
Black bird fly We were eating lunch at Doc’s this week when suddenly a black zbird swooped in through the slats in the hand rail and carried off three packets of Sweet’N Low. He took them down on the handrail and busted all three of them open and commenced to do the Bird Dance. Turns out the little buggers had already carried off all the sugar packets and so had to start in on the sugar substitutes. There has to be about five million times the recommended daily bird intake of aspartame in three packets of that stuff. That bird is going to be flying in circles for the next three days. One thing you got to say about those little black buggers, when it comes to pure moxy they got the gull family beat all to heck. Them coyotes better watch out!
Celebrity sighting… A nice lady came into Whitecap Liquor last weekend and asked Kathy if she could fill the water tanks in her RV from the hose. A couple of days later she came back for a refill and dropped off an autographed picture of her husband Ricky Smith from Storage Wars Texas. It isn’t exactly like the recent sighting of Johnny Depp in Rockport, but hey, Ricky is a Good Ole Boy and we welcome him to our Island. He’s the most famous visitor we’ve had since Larry the Cable Guy a few years back.
Wastewater bill Reports are that the City of Corpus Christi and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality are nearing completion on talks to upgrade and repair the city’s massive and antiquated wastewater system. The talks are being held behind closed doors due to legal action involved but a source in Austin said this week that a resolution appears to be on the horizon. The bad news is that the tab for Corpus Christi taxpayers is said to be in the $1 billion range – that’s with a B. Combined with the estimate of over $700 million to fix city streets that’s a hefty price to pay for years of neglect of the city’s infrastructure. Sooner of later the music stops and the fiddler must be paid.
Harbor Island Hubbub A plan by Martin Midstream to build a$550 million liquid natural gas export facility on Harbor Island, just across the channel from the city of Port Aransas but in the city limits, has spawned a move to change the rules for development there. The plan was put on hold after a lawsuit was filed and now a group of citizens are asking what the city’s options are for controlling development there. The matter is on the agenda for the next council meeting on November 21 at 5 p.m.
What you hold in your hands is the 500th edition of the Island Moon which began publication as a fortnightly on The Island in 1996.. We want to thank our readers and our advertisers who helped us make the paper the voice of
Final Numbers on Destination Bayfront Vote
Market this weekend The ArtWalk this month is moving to Johnny D’s Restaurant. For the past few years the market has been held each November in Billish Park but this Saturday it is moving to Johnny’s place. It starts at 11 a.m. and runs through 5 p.m. and Mimosas and Bloody Marys will be served along with a lunch menu. Johnny D’s is located at 15605 SPID right next to Island Tire so stop by. In the meantime say hello if you see us Around The Island.
The Last of the Island Shrimpers
A Hard Day's Night on the Polly Anna By Brent Roark The course is now charted and the nets are raking the bottom of the Gulf, quietly scooping shrimp from the sea floor. It’s time for John to nap and for Molly to take the helm as the trawler chugs through the open waters, rocking like a metronome. I take more photographs and then quietly retreat to another berth. Immediately I find that my head and body do not appreciate the rocking, so I focus on the Nixons and their tenacity, skill and determination.
Total Number of Votes cast citywide: 25,996 of 182,547 = 14.24%. The precincts with the highest percentage turnouts were near downtown, in the London school district, and The Island.
Island vote Precinct 40 Registered voters: 3248 Total votes cast: 877 27% turnout 214 votes For
24%
663 votes Against
76%
Election results continued on A4
La Posada Light Up
2013 La Posada Christmas Light Decoration Contest
The majestic Polly Anna in Port Aransas Editor’s note: Last week we ran the first of two stories by Brent Roark who spent a night trawling for shrimp on the Polly Anna out of Port Aransas. John and Molly Nixon are the last of the Island shrimpers who head out of Port Aransas each day and sell their catch on the dock. At the end of the last story the first run of the night was over and the nets were back out.
By Lyn Edler
So long Bryan…
A celebration of his life will be held this Friday evening at the Back Porch from 4-6 p.m.
Thank you for reading.
The total number of voters in the Destination Bayfront vote was not available before last week’s press time. Here are the final numbers for The Island and Flour Bluff.
It is a complex and important question with far-reaching implications. Put the date on your calendar. Also up Port A way want to wish a fond farewell to our friend Bryan Evans who passed away this week. He was known to many Islanders as Parasail Bryan because he owned Chute ‘em Up at Woody’s for almost fifteen years. Brian was a Vietnam veteran, and a truck driver before settling in Port Aransas and making it his home. As one of his friends put it “You sent us soaring through the sky and delving for sunken treasure, you lived a beautiful life, thanks for sharing your time on earth with us.”
the island and we look forward to a bright future as the paper and The Island grow together in this exciting time.
T-shirts and other items with this year's La Posada logo will be available soon.
The Island Foundation has teamed up with the Padre Island Yacht Club for 2013 to find the most spectacular Christmas decorations on the Island. The exciting part of the contest is you can win for the Streetside or the Waterside of your home or business.
Judges will be winding through the streets and canals of North Padre, by cars and boats, on December 9, 10, & 11 to choose the “Best of the Best”. So don’t be surprised to see a car stop and look at your beautiful Christmas Decorations or a boat circling outside your deck. All Island homes and businesses are eligible to enter. Just have your landside and/or waterside decorations completed and lit up on these nights so that the judges can view your handiwork! Judges will award yard signs for best landside, waterside and commercial displays.
One of many sharks following the boat during the evening
Sharks! My headache returns and after Shrimp continued on A9
A little Island history
Elihu Ropes Dreamed Big But Was Before His Time
By Greg Smith In 1888 it was “Eagle Ford times” in the Nation. Business was booming and the country expanding as a web of railroads was crossing the nation opening up lands and profits throughout the west. Corpus Christi got its first Railroad, the Tex-Mex in 1881, followed by the San Antonio and Aransas Pass in 1886. With the arrival of the Railroads shippers and business interests as far as Denver clamored for deep water ports. At that time only New Orleans had deep water, the Texas Coast led by Galveston only drew thirteen feet. Many thought the pass between Mustang Island and St. Joe’s, the Aransas Pass should be Texas’s deep water port. Every week articles promoting deep water and the wealth to follow crossed the pages of Texas newspapers. Arriving from
Join us in the La Posada spirit of Christmas. Decorate!
La Posada Registration & Parade Routes on A4
Sleeping is a difficult proposition for the next few hours as the ship sways. I fight off any impending nausea by reflecting on the shrimp catch and sort. It was quick and efficient. Images of the colors and movements of the shrimp and fish on the stark whitepainted deck swirl in my head.
New York was a persuasive, energetic man of vision seeking his share of fortune in rapidly expanding South Texas.
Elihu Ropes Elihu Ropes was born on November 10, 1845. At the age of sixteen he enlisted as a private in the 11th New York Artillery as the Civil War was raging. His outfit saw heavy fighting, being Elihu Ropes engaged in the bloody battles of Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Cold Harbor and Petersburg in Virginia. Promoted to sergeant Ropes was present when Robert E. Lee surrendered to General Grant at Appomattox Courthouse in 1865. With hostilities ending young Ropes transferred to the 23 Regiment of Colored Infantry as a second lieutenant. The 23rd was sent to Brownsville where Lt. Ropes was first introduced to South Texas. His stay ended with the disbandment of the 23rd in late November of 1865 and Ropes returned to New York and civilian life. There he was a manager of the Singer Sewing Machine company where he undoubtedly
Alta Vista Hotel
History continued on A8
A 2
Island Moon
November 14, 2013
The Travelling Moon Gets Around
The entire Island Moon Newspaper is online at facebook.com/ The-Island-Moon-Newspaper
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The Island Moon went with Mike and Cheryl Henry to St. Marks Square in Venice, Italy for Halloween.
The Moon went with Michelle to Richardoe's Tomato and Strawberry Patch in Macquarie, New South Wales, Australia
Seashore News
Seashore Middle Academy tipped off its basketball season on Monday with games against Corpus Christi Montessori School.
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November 14, 2013
Island Moon
A3
Backwater Adventures Research Finds More than 50 Fish Species in Gulf Rely on Decommissioned Rigs Species include fish that are key to fisheries economy Early research from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi’s artificial reefs monitoring program shows that decommissioned oil and gas structures converted to artificial reefs are supporting a high abundance and diverse fish assemblages within the Gulf of Mexico. The new data from the western Gulf shows a high abundance of red snapper living around these structures for years at a time. Researchers in the Harte Divers capture a school of amberjack and red snapper above MI-A-7, a cut-off oil and gas platform located Research Institute for Gulf of approximately 50 miles east of Port Aransas, Texas. Mexico Studies (HRI) at Texas A&M-Corpus Christi say 52 fish (Credit: Dr. Matt Ajemian) species from 18 families have to supporting a variety of fish populations, been identified at 13 surveyed sites near Port artificial reefs lure commercial fishermen, O’Connor, Port Aransas, and Port Mansfield.). recreational fishermen, and divers; benefiting many Gulf Coast economies. This new evidence is the reason the HRI’s newly-formed Center for Sportish Science and Conservation was recently awarded $600,000 by Texas Parks and Wildlife and $50,000 from the Fondren Foundation to expand their studies on artificial reefs. Researchers will monitor sites around the western Gulf and log the amount and types of marine life that create homes around the reefs. They will use these Schools of gray and red snapper congregate around data to determine how to sustain the deck of a toppled oil and gas platform. This is a structure located 70 miles southeast of Port Aransas. these new “fish homes” including finding what characteristics are (Credit: Schmidt Ocean Institute). best suited to become habitats for each type of fish and to find the long-term “There’s a lot of evidence that the red snapper effects of keeping rigs in the Gulf after they stop populations we see today wouldn’t be here if we functioning. didn’t have all of these converted oil and gas “There are about 4,000 of these rigs in the Gulf platforms,” said Dr. Greg Stunz, Director of the Center for Sportfish Science and Conservation. of Mexico,” said Stunz. “About 75 percent of “Red snapper is the most economically those will be gone in the next 20 years, so we are very concerned that we get these rigs into important fish in the Gulf of Mexico.” reef programs so that they continue producing Stunz, who is the Principal Investigator for a fish.” recently awarded grant, says that in addition Data collected as part of the HRI’s “South Texas Artificial Reef Monitoring - Fish Community Assessment along the Coastal Bend” grant over the next four years will help maximize the benefits from artificial reef structures and assist scientists in better understanding how to continue sustaining fisheries for generations to come. “Up until now, there has been very little evidence for what’s happening on artificial reefs on this side of the Gulf,” said Dr. Matt Ajemian, Assistant Research Scientist and Co-Principal Investigator. “One of our major upcoming projects will be to set up an array of acoustic receivers at different artificial reefs and track fish movements among them to determine the types of reefs these animals prefer to live on.”
A scientist removes large red snapper captured from vertical longline gear set on an artificial reef, and collects tissue samples from the red snapper.
The “South Texas Artificial Reef Monitoring” program works to enhance the effectiveness of current conservation and management initiatives in Texas, which has one of the largest rigs-to-reef programs, and throughout the Gulf of Mexico. The project is also set to serve as an educational tool, providing research experience for students at Texas A&M-Corpus Christi.
Tides of the Week Tides for Corpus Christi (Bob Hall Pier) Nov. 14-20, 2013
Day
High /Low
Tide Time
Height in Feet
Sunrise Moon Time Sunset
% Moon Visible
Th
14
Low
6:27 AM 0.4
6:49 AM Set
4:00 AM 85
14
High
2:18 PM 1.9
5:37 PM Rise
3:48 PM
14
Low
8:16 PM 1.4
14
High
11:00 PM 1.5
F
15
Low
7:02 AM 0.2
6:50 AM Set
4:57 AM 92
15
High
3:21 PM 2.0
5:37 PM Rise
4:27 PM
Sa
16
Low
7:37 AM 0.1
6:51 AM Set
5:53 AM 96
16
High
4:15 PM 2.1
5:37 PM Rise
5:09 PM
Su
17
Low
8:10 AM 0.0
6:52 AM Set
6:48 AM 99
17
High
5:02 PM 2.1
5:36 PM Rise
5:54 PM
M
18
Low
8:43 AM 0.0
6:52 AM Set
7:41 AM 99
18
High
5:44 PM 2.1
5:36 PM Rise
6:40 PM
Tu
19
Low
9:14 AM 0.0
6:53 AM Set
8:32 AM 98
19
High
6:23 PM 2.0
5:36 PM Rise
7:29 PM
W
20
Low
9:46 AM 0.1
6:54 AM Set
9:19 AM 95
20
High
6:59 PM 2.0
5:35 PM Rise
8:19 PMzz
On the Rocks By Jay Gardner I hurriedly got off the phone at work yesterday and peeled rubber out of the parking lot headed towards home. My truck was almost running on fumes, but I bypassed the gas station and turned the corner in third gear. I came to a skid into my driveway, and left my daily purchases on the passenger seat and headed inside. I raced up the stairs and quickly threw on a pair of jeans and pulled a fleece over my head and ran right back down stairs and pulled on my boots. I half-jogged out to the barn, swung open both of the doors in the brisk, cool winds and secured them so they wouldn’t bang around. I flipped on the air compressor, and reached over and started the lawnmower. What’s up with the hurry to get on the lawnmower you’re asking? Yup. Priorities. As soon as I got some air in the tires, I almost peeled out backwards, engaged the mower deck, and set the speed on 5 out in the yard. I hazardously careened around the yard in the waning light, missing a couple of spots here and there, but continuing on around in ever-tighter circles, until I couldn’t see any more. I *almost* got the front right quarter of my yard done. Dang! Foiled by darkness again. Guess I’ll have to install some headlights on the ole Honda for these occasions.
Wacky the Weedeater So, today, I’ll repeat the same scenario, although I’ll be scooping up Wacky the Weedeater and going to town before it gets dark. With this time change, you gotta squeeze every second you can out of the fading light in the evenings. Typically, in a different season, we would call this period of time the “witching hour”, in which fish turn on and start feeding. Tarpon and snook are known to follow this diurnal or “dusk and dawn” feeding patterns. Some scientists call it “crepuscular” (what did he call me?!) meaning twilight and dawn, although some fish and animals will feed during bright moonlit nights, or in the middle of the day depending on season, temperature, and tides. The low light levels help with not being seen by either predators or prey. But I guess the point is that I’m trying to stretch the most out of every minute of daylight that I can in preparation for the weekends. Since you really can’t get out after work, best get it done during the week, because as I always say
Jake and Jeff with a drum about a task, is that “if you don’t get it done now during cruddy weather and darkness, it could have been a few more casts at the tarpon when it’s nice.” Which is exactly what I hope to be doing this weekend, based on recent reports, if you’re reading me Perry.
Schooling in the main canals At least Jeff got down this past weekend and brought Jake the Snake. Our excuse this time was Jacob’s birthday, and Dave and Heidi hosted. Tyler brought the oysters, which are awesome this season so far. Everyone had a great time with lots of great food. We even managed to fish off the dock a little Saturday afternoon, and Jake would be the only one to strike with a keeper black drum. I suppose they’re schooling up in the main canals at this point, which during cold weather can be a great place to fish. Just make sure that you obey the temporary rules if there is a freeze eminent at some point this year. Fishbites and peeled shrimp can be the ticket for the drum if they’re around. And fishing in the dark can help cut down the Laguna piranhas from stealing all your bait. It’s hard to believe that week-after-next will be Thanksgiving. I’m looking forward to being Thankful for hanging out with good friends, having adventures and catching up with folks. I hope the weather is nice for everyone, and that Brad doesn’t forget the turkey or his truck doesn’t catch on fire or something. Wish us luck, because I’ll be frantically knocking out chores, answering your emails at jaygardner@ scientist.com and making preparations in the dark so I can spend some quality time On the Rocks folks. See you out there.
TAMUCC Researcher Grows Oyster Reef by Electrically Charging Sea Water Normally, electrical current is something you want to keep away from water, but researchers at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi have refined a way to create oyster reef by charging sea water with electricity. Those involved with the project say they can use this information to restore, maintain and protect oyster reefs in Coastal Bend bays and coast-wide in the state of Texas. It’s a project that could hold the key to replenishing a key Gulf Coast ecosystem. In some areas of the Gulf of Mexico, oyster reefs have declined nearly 90 percent over the last 130 years, jeopardizing the wellbeing of several Gulf Coast industries, the infrastructure that supports them, and the residents who depend on them. “Oysters are an important ecological and economic resource,” said Dr. Paul Zimba, Director of the Center for Coastal Studies at A&M-Corpus Christi. “They create habitats for fish and shellfish, filter and clean bay waters, protect shorelines from erosion, and are a valued commercial fishery element.” While electrically charging water to create artificial reef is not a new concept, Zimba and his team performed lab studies to determine exactly how much electrical current was needed. “We knew carbonate accumulation could be stimulated using electrical currents,” said Zimba. “But there wasn’t enough research done on specific polarity, voltage and electrical current types needed to maximize growth.”
Zimba’s team evaluated polarity, voltage, and electrical current to identify the conditions under which artificial oyster or hard bottom substrate habitat could be created, and to determine correct current type and voltage to maximize reef formation. Zimba found that the growth was strongly Dr. Paul Zimba affected by current type and polarity, making it important to have just the right mix. Once they were able to perfect the formation of artificial reef in a laboratory setting, they moved their work to the field. A site in Corpus Christi Bay was used to test this system consisting of structures built from rebar and charged them using solar power. “After one month we had a solid community covering the original material,” said Zimba. “Our hope is that this technology is used for restoration of reef communities, replacement of hard bottom habitat to prevent sediment resuspension, and aquaculture.” The researchers not only monitored the growth on the rebar, but also the environment around the formations. They found there was no negative impact on aquatic or avian populations from the electrical current. “While preliminary, these results clearly demonstrate a massive potential for restoration of oyster and coral reef habitats,” said Zimba
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Island Moon
A 4
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Election results continued from A1 Precinct 81 Registered voters:
3362
Total votes cast:
805 24% turnout
167
21% For
628
Against 79%
November 14, 2013
La Posada 2013 Registration & Parade Routes 2013 LA POSADA BOAT PARADE REGISTRATION The following information is required. Please print legibly: NAME___________________________________________________________________ ADDRESS________________________________________________________________ PHONE with area code_______________________ CELL_________________________ E MAIL ADDRESS________________________________________________________ POWER________ SAIL________ BOAT NAME_________________________________
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Island totals Registered voters:
6610
NAME OF INSURANCE COMPANY_________________________________________
Votes cast:
1682
Additional requirements:
27.25.5% turnout
381
For 22.5%
1301
Against 77.5%
ALL VESSELS MUST MEET STATE & FEDERAL SAFETY REQUIREMENTS. ALL VESSELS MUST HAVE A WORKING VHF RADIO. CAPTAINS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE SAFE AND PRUDENT OPERATION OF THEIR VESSELS. ONLY ENGINE-POWERED VESSELS ARE ALLOWED TO PARTICIPATE. PARTICIPANTS ARE ASKED TO COMPLETE THE ENTIRE PARADE ROUTE FOR WHICH THEY ENTER.
Flour Bluff Precinct 6 Flour Bluff ISD
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BOAT DESCRIPTION______________________________________________________ STATE REGISTRATION #___________________________LENGTH_______________
Registered voters:
2935
14% turnout
Votes cast:
411
102
For 25%
309
Against 75%
Precinct 18
CAPTAINS OR A VESSEL REPRESENTATIVE MUST ATTEND THE CAPTAINS' MEETING DECEMBER 12, 2013 AT THE PADRE ISLAND YACHT CLUB AT 7 PM.
Indicate Parade Area(s) in which you will participate: ______FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2013. GALLEON BAY/COMMODORES COVE Marshalling area at the entrance to Commodores Canal by 6:30 PM. Parade begins at 7 PM. ______SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2013. NORTH & SOUTH OF WHITECAP BLVD Marshalling area by the Caravel Drive boat ramp (north of Whitecap) by 5:30 PM. Parade begins at 6 PM. Instructions: Return this completed registration form to PADRE ISLAND MAIL PLUS, the PHARMACY at CVS or NORTH PADRE ISLAND ACE HARDWARE. Electronically to brentrourk@yahoo.com or trawlergenesis@yahoo.com. You will receive a confirmation after your registration form is received.
Polston County Bldg. Registered voters:
2645
11% turnout
Votes cast:
291
68
For 23%
223
Against 77%
Precinct 122 Flour Bluff ISD
Mon-Thurs 8am-7pm • Friday 8am – 4pm Member hours (with keytag): 4am-11pm every day (361) 949-3298 – (361) 947-7732 www.islandfitnesscc.com
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Votes cast:
443
16% turnout
40
For 32%
303
Against 68%
Precinct 117 Flour Bluff H.S. Registered voters:
2906
16% turnout
Votes cast:
465
84
For 18%
381
Against 83%
Flour Bluff totals 14% turnout
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24% For
361 949-1794 14493 S. Padre Island Dr., Unit B Appt. or Walk-in Corpus Christi, TX Welcome Next to Padre Pizzeria
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78418
The Island Moon Newspaper
Artwalk
The Padre Island Artwalk is scheduled for Saturday, November 16th from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. in the garden on atNorth Johnny D’s restaurant Padre Island. The Island Moon Newspaper Artwalk will be held this month on Saturday, November16th in the garden at Johnny D's. They will be serving Mimosas and Bloody Marys with a light lunch menu available for purchase.
15605 SPID next to Island Tire
November 14, 2013
Moon Monkeys Mike Ellis, Founder
Island Moon
Letters toBeautiful the editor To all the KPAB members who helped at the Plant Swap Saturday, THANKS!! We had a good turnout of plantseekers and recyclers. Three large boxes were filled almost to the top with old electronics; many cell phones and ink cartridges will be
A special thank you goes to the Parks and Rec Dept.: Mike and Colleen, City gardeners, who arrived early to help set up, supplied us with loads of plants, and stayed afterwards to clean
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A little historical perspective, Editor’s note: 164 years ago the problem wasn’t what to do with the bayfront. It was keeping it safe from“marauding Indians.” We thank Greg Smith for sharing this. To Major General Brooks Commander at San Antonio At Corpus Christi 3rd of August, 1849 Sir
Distribution Pete Alsop Island Delivery Coldwell Banker Advertising Jan Park Rankin Patrick Kelliher Office Lisa Towns
recycled, with proceeds benefitting Friends of the ARK; and large amounts of plants changed hands. We also saw a table full of books come and go.
Classifieds Arlene Ritley Design/Layout Jeff Craft Joey Farah
The U.S. government has just passed a new law called: "The affordable boat act" declaring that every citizen MUST purchase a new boat, by April 2014. These "affordable" boats will cost an average of $54,000-$155,000 each. This does not include taxes, trailers, towing fees, licensing and registration fees, fuel, docking and storage fees, maintenance or repair costs.
Devorah Fox Mary Craft Maybeth Christiansen Jay Gardner Todd Hunter Danniece Bobeché Ronnie Narmour
This law has been passed, because until now, typically only wealthy and financially responsible people have been able to purchase boats. This new laws ensures that every American can now have an "affordable" boat of their own, because everyone is "entitled" to a new boat. If you purchase your boat before the end of the year, you will receive 4 "free" life jackets; not including monthly usage fees.
Brent Rourk Dr. Donna Shaver Photographers Miles Merwin Jeff Dolan Mary Craft
Office Security/Spillage Control Riley P. Dog Editor/Publisher/Spillage Control Supervisor Dale Rankin About the Island Moon
The Island Moon is published every Thursday, Dale Rankin, Editor / Publisher. Total circulation is 10,000 copies. Distribution includes delivery to 4,000 Island homes, free distribution of 3,000 copies in over 50 Padre Island businesses and condos, as well as 600 copies distributed in Flour Bluff, 1,400 copies on Mustang Island and Port Aransas businesses.
In order to make sure everyone purchases an affordable boat, the costs of owning a boat will increase on average of 250-400% per year. This way, wealthy people will pay more for something that other people don't want or can't afford to maintain. But to be fair, people who can’t afford to maintain their boat will be regularly fined and children (under the age of 26) can use their parents’ boats to party on until they turn 27; then must purchase their own boat. If you already have a boat, you can keep yours (just kidding; no you can't). If you don't want or don't need a boat, you are required to buy one anyhow. If you refuse to buy one or can’t afford one, you will be regularly fined $800 until you
My Hooters waitress,
The Island Moon Newspaper 15201 S. Padre Island Drive, Suite 250 Corpus Christi, TX 78418 361-949-7700 editor@islandmoon.com Facebook: The Island Moon Newspaper
Stripes @ Beach Access Rd. 1A
Port A Glass Studio The Gaff Wild Horse Saloon Tarpon Ice House
North Padre
My shy, pretty girlfriend lives in a place behind and above our home and she really gives a hoot about me, but she bites won't shut up. She is very Jel, as you can tell by her eye(s). Luckily, Mary is very understanding,
All Stripes Stores
I think.
CVS
John Tucker
Amano
Whataburger
Felder Gallery
Doc’s Restaurant
Island Woman Boutique
Snoopy’s Pier
Coffee Waves Moby Dicks Spanky’sLiquor IGA Grocery Store Port A Business Center Carter Pharmacy
Isle Mail N More Island Italian Ace Hardware Holiday Inn Texas Star (Shell) Jesse’s Liquor Padre Isles Country Club
San Juan’s Taqueria
Scuttlebutt’s Restaurant
Wash Board Laundry Mat
Subway
Port A Parks and Rec Public Library Chamber of Commerce Duckworth Antiques Back Porch Woody’s Sports Center Shorty’s Place The Flat’s Lounge Giggity’s Stripes @ Cotter & Station
Failure to use the boat will also result in fines. People living in the desert; ghettos; inner cities or areas with no access to lakes are not exempt. Age, motion sickness, experience, knowledge nor lack of desire are acceptable excuses for not using your boat. A government review board (that doesn't know the difference between the port, starboard or stern of a boat) will decide everything, including; when, where, how often and for what purposes you can use your boat along with how many people can ride your boat and determine if one is too old or healthy enough to be able to use their boat. They will also decide if your boat has out lived its usefulness or if you must purchase specific accessories,(like a $500 compass) or a newer and more expensive boat. Those that can afford yachts will be required to do so...it’s only fair. The government will also decide the name for each boat. Failure to comply with these rules will result in fines and possible imprisonment. Government officials are exempt from this new law. If they want a boat, they and their families can obtain boats free, at the expense of tax payers. Unions, bankers and mega companies with large political affiliations ($$$) are also exempt. Mike Hurst
Running with coyotes,
Harry D. Williams
Miss K’s Catering & Bistro
Coast Club
purchase one or face imprisonment.
Would hope others will begin to use methods to help educate our coyote friends about need to avoid humans. I doubt they would actually attack adults, but they will attack the dogs (they injured one of mine before I got the sling shot), and I am really concerned they will eventually get so bold they attack a child.
Where to Find The Island Moon
Pioneer RV Park
Julie
Have had several adventures with coyotes while running with my dogs similar to that noted by Amanda Vincent in the article of11/14/13 "Islander Stalked by Coyotes." Best method of dissuading them I have found was high power sling shot with ball bearings. They are quick learners and just a couple shots at them helped them learn to keep respectable distance. When hit, they jump pretty high also. Just gotta be sure nobody and no property is behind the targets so that nobody is in danger and nothing is damaged. Not a problem for me since I run in less developed areas of the island.
News articles, photos, display ads, classified ads, payments, etc. may be left at the Moon Office.
Lisabella’s Restaurant
Keep Port Aransas Beautiful!
Affordable Boat Act
Contributing Writers
Port Aransas
up, and of course, Pam Greene also helped make it happen, with media notification and work at the event.
Island Tire And all Moon retail advertisers WB Liquor
Flour Bluff H.E.B. Liquid Town Whataburger on Waldron Ethyl Everly Senior Center Fire Station
Gratitude Gift Shop
Police Station
Keepers Pier House
Stripes on Flour Bluff & SPID
Bum Phillips To all you football friends, In the Island Moon is an article I wrote this week about Houston Oilers Football Coach Bum Phillips. I was limited to 1200 words and the full story will be in my newest book to be published the first of the year. I hope you enjoy. He was quite a character. Thanks to Dale Rankin for his continued kindness to print my stories. Andy Purvis
We the citizens of Corpus Christi feel we need not enter into a long detail of circumstances to prove to you, that we are much infused and annoyed by the marauding Indians, who have for upwards of three months infested this part of Western Texas, nevertheless we feel it is our duty to lay before you some facts that are such a nature that we feel you will not hesitate to render us such efficient and prompt assistance, as will finally put a stop to the atrocities that we are daily and hourly exposed to. We appeal to you as the high est authority of the mission as present in this vicinity, for as citizens of the United States, we feel we are justly entitled to complain and ask redress for our grievances, when we can no longer grapple with them ourselves, which is the case this time, for such is the audacity of the enemy, that every day fresh barbarities and robberies are committed by these infidels and really thing have come to such a pitch we can no longer conspicuously consider our wives and families safe. Only yesterday two Mexicans and one American were killed and a drove of horses (near one hundred) were driven off, within five miles of Corpus Christi, and a Mexican wounded with three arrows, and his left arm broken, left on the field for dead, and who altho here will undoubtedly die in the next few days, to day one of the Company of Rangers who was here on duty, started to return to rejoin the Company, and on his way was attacked by a party of Indians who wounded him severely, within three miles of this town. Colonel H L Kinney a citizen of Corpus, has lost upward of 15,000 dollars worth of property within two months, besides what he has been obliged to spend in furnishing various parties of Citizens from time to time to enable them to go out in pursuit that enemy, many with horses and all with ammunition and provisions, and on their return being working men he had to pay for their time, and besides this, the many beautiful Ranchos which he has established at convenient distances on his land, are all laid waste and abandoned, for such is the actual terror of the people that no one will remain out side the Town, consequently he can neither farm his lands, or raise stock, which has so curtailed his means, that he is no longer able to attend to the necessities of the times, in furnishing provisions and ammunition to those who are still able and willing to persevere in defending the country. We forego entering into further detail on our suffering, and merely state that within the last three months some twenty men have been killed, and upwards of 40,000 dollars worth of property has been lost, between what has been destroyed and stock stolen. Consequently we have come to the conclusion to ask of you that protection we feel that we are entitled to as citizens of the United States, we appeal to you with all confidence, and that you will meet us in that benevolent manner, which humanity so loudly calls for, when the citizens of a great Country are so barbarously murdered, their property stolen and the dearest pledge of all in constant and hourly danger. General we require prompt assistance, and request if from you, it is true there is a company of rangers, but we are no longer able to support them, for we can get nothing from our lands, and our means are all exhausted, therefore, we cannot foresee the result or issue of our present position, unless you take the bull by the horns, and make the Co permanent for at least a year, and send such supplies that will render that force really in the prosecution of these barbarians. We remain Most respectively Your obt. Servants
Did Ya Hear? by Mary Craft mkay512@aol.com
New Advertisers Four Garage/Moving Sales with fishing gear, TVs, furniture, kayak, washer/dryer and even a Boston Whaler with trailer. Check out this issue’s classifieds.
The Boathouse Bar has happy hour weekdays 3 – 7 pm with $2.50 domestic pints and $3.50 imported, domestic bottles $2.75 and imported $3.75, $5 margaritas and $3 house wine. The $5 food menu includes chips and queso, stuffed jalapenos, fried pickles, wings, and fried fish or grilled chicken tacos.
The Island Moon Newspaper Artwalk will be held this month at the garden at Johnny D’s Restaurant on Satruday, November 11 am – 5 pm. They will be serving Mimosas and Bloody Marys with a light lunch menu for purchase. There should be great weather for the event.
Business Briefs Johnny D’s Restaurant will again offer their take-away Thanksgiving feast that serves 6 – 8 people. The deadline to order is Sunday, November 24th with pick up on Wednesday. The feast includes sliced turkey or ham, four sides and a pie ready for re-heat. The cost is $79.95 and they also have dinner for two and a la cartes available. Call 9492500.
Aunt Sissy’s Kitchen has been feeding the 350+ refurbishing workers on Jack/St. Malo rig that came through Port A earlier this year. It is scheduled to leave Ingleside and head for the Gulf early morning Friday, November 15th.
Island Italian Restaurant will have The South Texas Grassroots blue grass band kick off their weekly Sunday appearance on November 24th from 6 pm to 9 pm. Reservations are recommended and locals should make an evening of it before the Winter Texans descend. Call 949-8770. Mermaid Kisses Boutique has convenient hours for a head start on your holiday shopping. They have unique and fun ladies’ accessories, clothing and jewelry. Kristi the owner is the daughter of the Beauregards who own the souvenir shop with the large mermaid where Kristi is manager. They are open daily 10-8 pm and Sundays noon – 6.
The Medical Center on the Island is open six days a week with no appointment necessary Monday – Thursday. Flu shots are now available and flu shot clinics are given on Friday afternoons. The hours are 8 am – 6 pm but because it is football season there are some days Dr. Dorrell leaves early to get to the field so call ahead at 949-1900.
Dragonfly Restaurant will be closed November 17th – December 2nd for the Thanksgiving holiday and will be closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. They will be toasting in the New Year with a special New Year’s menu and will be closed New Year’s Day.
Mermaid Kisses Boutique owners Kristi and Bobby Maxwell. Their new boutique is near Scuttlebutts
You can read the Moon online in its entirety at The Island Moon Newspaper Facebook page. You do not need to be on Facebook to view – just google it. You can see all the photos in color and in detail.
Island Moon
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Letters to Riley An Unusual Proposition
Sto
Cat
opid
s!
By Riley P. Dog Dear Sir or Madam, I have a rather unusual proposition for you. It’s something that I believe would be a great deal of benefit to you with absolutely no risk. My name is David Sek-chi Kwok and I’m the Managing Director of Shanghai Commercial Bank (HK) Ltd. I'm contacting you for joint business venture of $36.2Mn USD, as I intend to invest in Real Estate business in your country. I'll discuss in further details and benefits the moment I hear from you. Best regards, Mr David S. Kwok Dear Mr. Kwok, I am looking for investors in a puppy farm. I have developed and patented a new method of planting them that I believe will revolutionize the puppy farm industry. I am willing to send any information you might need such as my registration number as soon as possible. Please contact me as soon as you can. I am ready to start planting puppies. Riley P. Dog Dear Mr. Dog, Thank you for your interest much. Shanghai Commercial Bank has many customers in the puppy farm industry. The first requirement will be your necessary information to transfer the funds into your account. We will be unable be to transfer the entire $36.2 Mn USD all at once. Please forward your social security information and we will contact you. Best regards, Mr. David S. Kwok Dear Mr. Kwok, I’m a dog. I don’t have a social security number Mr. Kwok. I have a dog tag number that Dr. Christi gave me after she stuck a needle in my buttocks. It’s on my tag but it is upside but it doesn’t matter because I can’t read numbers. I’m a dog. If you can’t send me $36.2 million USDs can you please just send me a hotdog? The bun doesn’t have to be gluten free. I drink out of mud puddles and out of the toilet when my humans are not around. And I don’t care if there are rat lips in the weenie Mr. Kwok. I like rat lips pretty good. Riley P. Dog Dr. Mr. Dog, We have many American clients who are dogs. Do you have access to a bank account? Mr. David S. Kwok Dear Mr. Kwok, Are you smoking human crack David S.? I’m a dog. Why would I have access to a bank account? If I had access to a bank account I would raid it and buy my own hotdogs. Stoopid humans! Do you have a hotdog or not Mr. Kwok? If you do please send it to Save The Riley P. Dog Foundation in International Falls, Minnesota. If you don’t have a hotdog then maybe you can send me some of your crack Mr. Kwok. Maybe I can sell it to the cats and get me a hotdog! Stoopid cats!
November 14, 2013
by Dale Rankin
It all started in Mike’s brain which was a fertile and restless place. Tired of the mind-numbing bureaucracy and nomadic lifestyle of a FEMA employee, when hurricane Allen ripped through the Coastal Bend in 1980 he came to town and decided to stay. At first he lived OTB but soon enough started hanging out at a sports bar where he met some Islanders; Paul and Carol, Rick and Joan, English Mike and others and they explained to him the error of his ways. Why would you live OTB when The Island is right there? He bought a condo in Seahorse and immediately started looking for a way to avoid having to go OTB again, ever. It took him a while to figure it out but by 1996 he had decided The Island needed a newspaper and The Island Moon was born.
Spit and bailing wire These were the days when newspapers were put together with spit and bailing wire. Mike pasted down the pages (literally) in his condo and drove them to the printer in Kingsville. Then once every two weeks, usually on a Friday night, he came back OTB with the finished product. His first stop was usually the Boathouse for a beer; after all driving to Kingsville is thirsty work. Then on Saturday he would hit the streets and distribute the paper. The early issues featured stories about grape snow cones, photos of snapping turtles in the middle of the road, Minister of Cuisine Kae Berry, a story from Del Smith about alien radio transmissions jamming Island airwaves, and the comings and goings of the usual suspects at Island Italian where Tony Tag held court and the locals, including now Port Aransas Mayor Keith McMullin, gathered each evening to swap rumors, tall tales, and the occasional whopper. There was also the fortnightly count of how many days it had been since Islander Dick Phipps (Mr. Dick) had gone OTB – the eventual record was 437. There wasn’t much happening on The Island back then but when it did Mike was there. Moon readership grew and the paper became part of the heart and soul and fabric of Island life.
Fateful day in Port A Four years later, in 2000, Jan and I had not yet learned the OTB lesson and were living on Ocean Drive when Chris Holzhaus decided that playing guitar for fifteen years in Delbert McClinton’s touring band was enough and “it was time to put the socks in drawers” and moved to town. He was looking to put a band together so we headed to Port A for a Sunday jam session at the Port A Ice House. Through the door came a fellow with an armload of newspapers who seemed to know everyone there.
So shall it ever be
Stoopid cats took my beds!
Stuff I Heard on the Island
Mike was still laying out the paper with glue and Scotch tape and if an article didn’t fit the hole where it was intended to run Mike would just run it through the copy machine and resize
Help me Mr. Kwok.
Help me.
Thatt’s how Mike and I met and by the next week I wrote my first column for the Island Moon and haven’t missed an issue since. My wanderings took me to Tulsa, California, Miami, San Antonio, Austin and New Orleans; but once every two weeks I sat down wherever I found myself and hammered out between 600 and 1200 words for the Moon. It became a sort of personal journal and it kept me connected to The Island no matter where I found myself.
Help me out here Mr. Kwok. Dr. Christi has me on diet dog food and I’ withering away here. I’ve lost twenty pounds and I need to find them. Chihuahuas are starting to bully me. The cats are sleeping in my bed. Last week a roach crawled across my nose! $36.2 million USD…International Falls, Minnesota…
Moon Founder Mike Ellis it. The result was that type size would vary from story to story but the fact was that nobody cared; the Moon had its idiosyncrasies, but hey, so did its readers. Both continue to be the case today as we crank out the paper’s 500th issue; and with any luck so shall it ever be. The paper was a labor of love for Mike and it allowed him to stay on his adopted Island and he began to rival Mr. Dick in his aversion to going OTB. Over the years Mike knew he needed to convert the composition of the paper to the computer and include color, and probably go weekly; but the learning curve of doing that was something that Mike would put off as long as he could.
Changes come Then came October of 2007. Mike fell off the radar for a couple of days. We didn’t think much of it because Mike was known to lose his cell phone under the seat of his car or forget to charge it for a few days; or maybe he and his girlfriend had run off to Progreso; going to Mexico doesn’t really count as OTB. But when Tuesday morning came and went with no sign of Mike, Mary became concerned and she and Island Cop Chris Hooper broke his condo door down and found him. A stroke had left him immobile for more than twenty four hours. When it became apparent that Mike wouldn’t be able to continue with the paper, myself, Gladys Choyke, Mindy Niles, Mary Craft, and others got the next paper out and kept things going until, we hoped, Mike would be able to return. But that was not to be. So in January of 2010 I purchased the paper from Mike and now going on four years later here we are cranking out number 500. The Island Moon is now a weekly, with color, and the press run has gone from 7500 every two weeks to between 5500 and 10,000 each week. Some new writers have come on board – including a dog who has to hit the space bar with his nose and the demands of being a weekly publication have forced some discipline on an otherwise happy-go-lucky colony of Moon Monkeys. The Island has grown and we’ve grown with it but all in all we’re still doing about the same thing that Mike started out doing way back then almost eighteen years ago. We lost Mike in early 2011 but his spirit lives on in the paper that was his legacy. We’re happy to report Mike that yes, the baby is born each week with most of its fingers and toes. Sometimes there is a ding in the brainpan but, as you always said, we get to try again next time. We’re still here old friend doing the best we can; 500 issues down the line. And rest assured that we still have your yellow chicken suit filed safely away in the Island Moon office – just in case. Thanks everyone for reading and thank you to our advertisers for supporting us as we move into an exciting time on our little sandbar.
Contest for Ferry Art See Your Art Work Moving Across the Water
Riley P. Dog
The Texas Department of Transportation is holding its fourth annual contest to select artwork to be featured on the towers of four ferry boats in the Port Aransas ferry system.
A Captured Moment Photography
OCTOBER SPECIAL
One hourphotography shoot at your choice of location on the Island 40 different edited digital photographs that can be printed 8” by 11” All edited images on a CD – ready to get printed Afternoon beach shots make terrific family treasures Make wonderful Christmas gifts Try different outfits FAMILY, SENIOR PHOTOS, SENIOR, CHILDREN, BABY, ENGAGEMENT, FAMILY PARTY, YOUR CHOICE
The contest is open to anyone and includes two categories – youth (age 18 and under) and adult (older than age 18). The deadline for submitting art work for the contest is 5 p.m. Central Standard Time on Dec. 27, 2011. Winners will be selected soon thereafter.
ONLY $99.00 plus tax
Call Brent Rourk at 361-244-7603to reserve the date and time
Winning entries in the adult division will be reproduced on the towers of three ferry
1
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14457S.S.P.I.D. 14225 P. I. D.,Suite Suite109 7 Corpus Christi, TX 78418
boats; the DeBerry, the Oliver, and the Stotzer. Winning entries in the youth division will be displayed on the Heald, which is one of the two newer 28-vehicle ferries. The first art contest took place in the fall of 2010. Entries should depict people, places, plants, animals, environment, scenes, settings, events, or activities relevant to Port Aransas and TxDOT’s Port Aransas ferry system. Contest guidelines can be found on this website: http://www.txdot.gov/inside-txdot/ district/corpus-christi/ferry-art.html
November 14, 2013
Republican County Commissioner Joe McComb Files for Re-Election Republican Precinct 4 County Commissioner Joe McComb will file for reelection on Saturday. “I am very proud of my record of listening to the voters of my district and bringing conservative leadership to Nueces County,” said Commissioner McComb.
Joe McComb
Since taking office in 2011, the unemployment rate in Nueces County has declined while retail sales, home sales, and new construction, especially in Precinct 4, has increased. McComb is proud of the fact that not only were these accomplishments made without increasing the tax rate, but that Nueces County has the lowest county taxes in the Coastal Bend. Over the next four years, McComb will continue to push for increased business development, a lower tax rate, and a conservative approach to how tax dollars are spent in county government. “Nueces County is finally headed in the right direction,” said McComb. “I want to continue the progress we have made and ensure a brighter future for our citizens.”
Republican Candidates Begin Filing The Nueces County Republican Party announces that the filing period for candidates to submit their application for a place on the March 4, 2014, Republican Primary Election ballot runs from Saturday, November 9, 2013 through Monday, December 9, 2013. Chairwoman Kimberly Curtis is accepting applications from local candidates seeking the Republican nomination for offices that are up for election in November 2014. Republicans interested in filing for candidacy should contact our Nueces County Republican Headquarters at 361-994-9317.
“Tablets for Tots” Program at Janet F. Harte Public Library! Janet F. Harte Public Library will premiere a new program for children ages 3-5 on Tuesday, December 10, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. “Tablets for Tots” is the Tech Time Story Time for Harte Library. Come listen to, and watch, a story and then enjoy a related activity on our kid-friendly tablets! For ages 3-5. Preregistration is required for each program and a caregiver must assist child with the tablet. Call 937-6569 to register. This program is funded by a grant from the Texas State Library and Archives Commission. (2014.) The library is located at 2629 Waldron Rd. in Flour Bluff.
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STATE
Board Approves Center for Sportfish Science and Conservation at Texas A&M-Corpus Christi The Texas A&M System Board of Regents has approved the creation of the Center for Sportfish Science and Conservation (CSSC) within the Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies (HRI) at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi.
Dr. Flavius Killebrew, “The Island University TAMUCC President / CEO is excited to have the
first center of its kind in the nation dedicated to advancing sportfish management, science, and conservation,” said Dr. Flavius Killebrew, President and CEO of Texas A&M-Corpus Christi. “The new Center for Sportfish Science and Conservation will position the University as a national and international leader in addressing issues related to sportfish.” Recreational saltwater fishing in Texas generates more than $981 million dollars in retail sales each year with more than 750,000 saltwater anglers supporting an annual economic impact of $1.7 billion dollars. “We will contribute the expertise and the leadership needed to help ensure that the state’s multi-billion dollar recreational fisheries continue to thrive for future generations,” said Dr. Larry McKinney, Executive Director of the HRI. “The Center for Sportfish Science and Conservation will provide a robust base of scientific knowledge to assure that the best decisions are made in managing fisheries and marine environments.” Dr. Greg Stunz, Director of the CSSC and Endowed Chair for Fisheries and Ocean Health at the HRI, says that both inshore and offshore, we face many challenges in maintaining healthy sportfish populations. These threats include a changing environment that is seeing diminished freshwater inflows to estuaries; habitat loss due to coastal development; and increasing pressure from commercial fisheries. “The Center will address the most critical issues and problems affecting sport fisheries today,” said Stunz. “Our team is ready to take on the challenges facing the recreational fishing industry along the Texas coast and the Gulf of Mexico.” In November 2012, the Coastal Conservation Association-Texas (CCA-Texas) pledged $500,000 to support the CSSC. CCA Texas is a leader in restoring the fisheries for spotted sea trout and red drum, advocating for freshwater inflows to Texas estuaries, habitat restoration, and education. In addition, the CSSC will provide hands-on research opportunities for Texas A&M-Corpus Christi graduate and undergraduate students. It will also be a hub for marine research for the Texas A&M University System and other scientists interested in marine fisheries investigations.
Breakfast with Santa By Brent Rourk The Padre Island Kiwanis Club is preparing for an island visit from Santa Claus (and Mrs. Claus) on December 7th in the St Andrew by the Sea Family Life Center. All islanders are invited to the center between 9:00 A.M. and 11:00 A.M. for a free breakfast (pancakes, sausage, juice, milk and coffee) and a visit with Santa. Recent conversations with Padre Island Kiwanis Club officials reveal that Santa will definitely attend and will be happy to chat with local island children. There is no charge for this event; however, everyone is encouraged to bring an unwrapped toy for a less fortunate child. Circle December 7th on your calendar and prepare for a fun family outing, including breakfast, friends and an opportunity to chat with Santa. Have you been good…or not? Let Santa know.
Serving: Padre Island, Flour Bluff, Port Aransas, Mustang Island and Rockport. 9 9 9 9 9 9
Island Moon
Landscape Design h Decks and Docks First Time Cleanups h Shade Structures/ Pergola Demolitions & Scraping h Outdoor Kitchens We install: Plants, Palms, Rock, h Boat Lifts Sod, Pavers and Outdoor Decor. h Fences & Gates Yard Maintenance h General D&D Repair Concrete Drives/Patio & Retaining Walls
We’re your full service outdoor solution! Give us a call today. Tim Arlitt - Decks & Docks Specialist 361.229.2530 Sami Wilson - Landscape Designer 361.949.2691
IslandLandscapingDecksAndDocks.com Quality & Insured.
Rep. Hunter Announces Organization of Education Insurance Fairness Task Force Putting Independent Back in ISD
State Rep. Todd Hunter has announced that Dr. Paul Clore and Arthur Granado, RHU®, will be heading up the Education Insurance Fairness Task Force as Co-Chairman.
is President of the Granado Group Inc., a licensed Life and Health Insurance Counselor, Registered Health Underwriter® and Certified Self Funding Specialist (CSFS®).
“They will bring a great educational and insurance perspective to this issue. I know with their background and experience, we will make great strides in reaching better alternatives for healthcare and health insurance,” said Rep. Hunter.
About Rep. Todd Hunter
“We’re forming the task force in response to overwhelming demand for a solutions for the current insurance challenges for Districts around the state of Texas.” The task force is charged with working with the ISD’s and state officials to discuss better alternatives for healthcare and health insurance in Texas. Clore has been Superintendent of Gregory-Portland ISD since June 2001 and is a Texas native and lifelong educator. Granado
Todd Hunter is the state representative for Texas House District 32, in Nueces County, TX. He is the chairman of the House Calendars Committee and he sits on the House County Affairs, Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence, General Investigating & Ethics, and Redistricting Committees, and is a regular contributor to the Island Moon Newspaper
Contact For more information, please contact Angie Flores at 361-695-2048 or aflorestx@me.com.
CCPD Marine Unit
Fundraiser TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19TH 6:30 P.M. ARDOIN HOME 14212 PLAYA DEL REY
Enjoy Hors d'oeuvres, Cocktails, and Live Music as we raise community awareness and funds for the CCPD Marine Unit. Corpus Christi is on the cusp of having a meaningful Police presence on our "water streets." It is hard to believe that with this much water in Corpus Christi, our city does not have a single police unit dedicated to protecting us from the water side. CCPD Officers will be in attendance to explain the necessity and function of the unit, as well as to answer questions you may have. This event is freeÉ but please consider making a donation to the CCPD Marine Unit while you are here. 100% of funds raised will benefit the CCPD Marine Unit Fund. Tickets for drawings will be sold - items including fishing trips, tickets to sporting events, hunting and fishing gear, gift cards and more. Please check out our FaceBook Event Page for more information and to R.S.V.P. https://www.facebook.com/events/493625440735494 To donate items for the event please contact Alicia Ardoin at 361-289-1007 or via email at aliciaardoin@sbcglobal.net If you cannot attend but would like to make a tax deductible donation, please make check payable to ÒIF/Beautification FundÓ noting ÒMarine UnitÓ in the memo line, and mail to: Seashore Early Learning Center / Attn.: Mary Ann Carl 15217 SPID, Ste 210, Corpus Christi, Texas 78418 For additional info, please contact Mary Ann Carl by phone at 361-949-1530.
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Island Moon
History continued from A1 heard stories of John Singer’s ten years of Ranching on South Padre. After working at the Singer Company and also doing some developing and publishing investments in New Jersey, Ropes returned to the Texas coast in 1888.
breaking down and corrosion took its toll as all Islanders know.
As the channel reached the Gulf dollars ran out, with the final nail in the coffin being the money panic of 1893 drying up the last source of funds. Broke and hounded by creditors Elihu Ropes returned to New York in 1893 a broken Purchase of Mustang Island man. He left behind an economy that exploded, and Flour Bluff called the Ropes Boom before its crashing. His Using Corpus Christi luxury hotel, the Alta Vista as his headquarters he laid vacant, sold along embarked on a vision to with the streetcar line in transform the city and bankruptcy court, burning build two more. Ropes to the ground in 1927. The raised $5 million in rail line to South America capital from the east had only a few miles built coast, an enormous sum and was never to be used. for the time. He bought The only sign of Port land along Corpus Bay, Ropes was the dredge Ropes Development 1,280 acres in Flour Bluff boat, Josephine, nestled and paid $25,000 for all of in the dunes of Mustang Mustang Island south of Tarpon (Port Aransas). Island surrounded by grazing cattle. Being a man of energy and dreams, work soon Ocean Drive legacy started on a multiple of projects. Ropes built the Alta Vista Hotel luxury hotel three miles As the channel filled in as passes do (think Fish from downtown, constructed a streetcar line to Pass) the landlocked dredge became a mystery the spot and laid out a street to the hotel which to those who did not know the story of Elihu he named Ocean Drive. He sold lots in his Ropes. Many a fisherman must have wondered planned new town, The Cliffs which circled the what kind of super storm had driven the boat Alta Vista. behind those sand hills as they made their way These activities were small potatoes to his big down Mustang beaches. By the 1950’s the last ideas; one, to build a new port city and then remains of the dredge were covered by shifting build a railroad to South America to connect sands leaving no trace of Elihu Ropes dreams on to it. Port Ropes was located on Mustang Mustang Island. In 1888 the small community Island close to Access Road #2 and just south located at the Aransas Pass changed its Post of the Mayan Princess. Colonel Ropes bought Office name to Ropesville from its previous the dredge boat Josephine to dig the channel, handle of Tarpon only to change it back to bringing the ship to the town with much fanfare. Tarpon in 1896. By 1910 Ropesville/Tarpon Work started on the bayside of Mustang with settled on the name that still works today - Port the dredge working towards the Gulf. Like his Aransas. predecessors Austin and Kinney, Ropes dreams In 1898 Ropes died at the age of 53. The Cliffs, were bigger than his investors’ wallets, the Alta Vista, Port Ropes, the name Ropesville and money flowing out in torrents and only trickling the CC & South American Railroad are but a back in from his various ventures. The dredge distant memory. He did leave one lasting legacy ran into problems, the sand was harder to dig to South Texas, Ocean Drive the crown jewel of than his engineers planned, the equipment kept Nueces County.
Living History
November 14, 2013
Japanese-American Internment Camps By Dotson Lewis dlewis1@stx.rr.com
Hiroshi Kobata, an American Citizen’s Point of View
Dotson’s Note: Mr. Kobato, an American citizen was “stuck” in Japan during WWII, while his parents and siblings in the United States where placed in an internment camp. When he returned to the United States, Mr. Kobata learned of his family’s hardships and decided to attempt to get the United States government to return his parents’ farm and to compensate for their suffering through almost four years of internment.
During World War II, nearly 120,000 Japanese Americans were under lock and key in Japanese Relocation Centers.
laundry and eating. It was an emotional time for all. I remember the soldiers marching us to the Army tank and I looked at their rifles and I was just terrified because I could see this long knife at the end . . . I thought I was imagining it as an adult much later . . . I thought it couldn't have been bayonets because we were just little kids. Kobata’s sister, who was four years old at the time, told him "...I remember Mother wrapping a blanket around me and my pretending to fall asleep so she would be happy though I was so excited I couldn't sleep. We were made to move in two hours, abandoned everything, leaving pets and possessions at gunpoint..." Some internees died from inadequate medical care and the high level of emotional stress they suffered. Those taken to camps in desert areas had to cope with extreme temperatures.
On December 7th 1941, the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor. US citizens feared another attack and war hysteria seized the country. State representatives put pressure on President Roosevelt to take action against those of Japanese descent living in the US. On February 19, 1942 Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9066. Under the terms of the Order, some 120,000 people of Japanese descent living in the United States were
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The camps were guarded by military personnel, and those who disobeyed the rules or who were deemed to be troublesome were sent to the Tule Lake facility located in the North California Cascade Mountains. In 1943 those who refused to take the loyalty oath were sent to Tula Lake and the camp was renamed a Segregation Centre. In December 1944, Public Proclamation number 21, which became effective in January 1945, allowed internees to return to their homes. The effects of internment affected all those involved. Some saw the camps as concentration camps and a violation of their rights as citizens; others saw internment as a necessary result of Pearl Harbor. At the end of the war some remained in the United States and rebuilt their lives, others were unforgiving and returned to Japan. Kobata’s family had a problem in that they had no home to return to. Their small farm had been confiscated when they were moved out.
Forced into confinement by the United States, 5,766 Nisei ultimately renounced their American citizenship. In 1968, nearly two dozen years after the camps were closed; the United States government began making Many young Japanese American men fought for the United reparations to JapaneseAmericans for property they States while their families were imprisoned. The highly had lost.
decorated, all-Japanese American 100th Battalion /442nd In 1988, the United States Regimental Combat Team pictured here fought in Italy. Other Japanese Americans served as translators as well as Congress passed legislation which awarded formal ordinary soldiers in the Pacific theater.
th
removed from their homes and placed in internment camps. The United States justified its action by claiming there was a danger that people of Japanese ancestry would be loyal to Japan and spy for or otherwise aid the Japanese. More than two thirds of those interned were American citizens and half of them were children. None had ever shown disloyalty to the nation. In some cases family members were separated and put in different camps. During the entire war only ten people were convicted of spying for Japan and none of these were of Japanese descent. Life in the camps was hard. Internees had only been allowed to bring with them a few possessions. In many cases they had been given just 48 hours to evacuate their homes. Consequently they were easy prey for fortune hunters who purchased their belongings at firesale prices.
payments of $20,000 each to the surviving internees—60,000 in all. This same year, formal apologies were also issued by the government of Canada to Japanese Canadian survivors, who were each repaid the sum of $21,000 Canadian dollars. In 1970 Kobata’s family was given back the title to their farm which they had been renting from the federal government since November 1945. This is a dark side of United States history that many of our friends and fellow citizens had never heard. Dotson’s note: Thank you for your interest in the Senior Moments articles. Please address questions/comments/concerns: dlewis1@stx. rr.com Land Line: 361-949-7681 Cell: 530748-8475
Kobata-san’s friend Joseph Yoshisuke told him in a letter written in January 1947:
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It was really cruel and harsh. To pack and evacuate in forty-eight hours was an impossibility. Seeing mothers completely bewildered with children crying from want and peddlers taking advantage and offering prices next to robbery made me feel like murdering those responsible without the slightest compunction in my heart. We were housed in barracks and had to use communal areas for washing,
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Children in an internment camp recite the pledge of allegiance
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Sites in the western United States associated with the relocation of Japanese Americans during the war. Throughout the course of World War II, not a single incident of espionage or treason was found to be committed by Japanese Americans. Internment cannot alone explain this absence of wrongdoing; Japanese Americans living in Hawaii were not interred. The Japanese population of Hawaii outnumbered that of the continental United States, and served as an essential labor and civil defense resource during the war.
November 14, 2013
Island Moon
A9
Shrimp continued from A1 what seems like twenty minutes, I hear a whisper in my room. A school of sharks is behind the trawler. I abruptly escaped the rocking berth, this time with an unfriendly headache, feet that could not adjust to the deck and painful eyes that stubbornly remained half shut. The trawler is rocking even more now and I observe from the top deck sharks following along behind; either expecting a meal or having been fed one. While I’m fascinated by this large school of sharks I am more concerned with not falling overboard. I watch and try to focus my cameras on the shark troop. It is 3:30 a.m. in the inky dark. My white knuckles clutch the rail as I engage in feeble attempts to photograph those menacing and hungry sharks.
Nets up! A whisper woke me again, this time around before 7 a.m. I hear the familiar sound of machinery dragging nets to the surface. Perhaps I had slept for an hour or two, so I’m ready
once again to appreciate the sight of nets brimming with shrimp being lifted out of the water. Grabbing cameras I head to the stern to witness this incredible sight. Once again, in no time the nets are opened to release two more mounds of shrimp. As with the first heist, both John and Molly quickly go to work, sorting, washing and icing the shrimp. Bycatch tossed over the side finds hungry schools of fish impatiently waiting to gulp down the bounty tossed overboard.
Heading home John calmly asks me to help him at the helm. He requests that I watch out for other ships and steer the trawler towards shore…with the help of auto pilot. So while John and Molly put everything away, wash the deck and check on the shrimp, I welcom the morning at the helm of the Polly Anna, with a boat load of fresh shrimp. The trawler returns to port just as slowly as it left yesterday afternoon. Before this voyage I entertained the thought about how cool it would be to captain my own shrimp boat; but the rocking of the ship and my experiences during the boat the past fourteen hours helped me dismiss such a folly. I am not that tough.
Dropping the nets
In just over an hour we methodically approach the dock in Port Aransas. With John back at the helm, I gather my backpack, camera equipment and senses while Molly
prepared the starboard deck for a run on shrimp. Molly sets up the coolers, scales, nets, bags and money drawer just as she has done thousands of times during the past thirty years.
Selling fresh shrimp Molly flashes a smile, not painted on for me or for the customers, but etched on her face as it has probably always been. John’s weathered hands expertly and flawlessly dock the boat while a long line of happy shrimp buyers excitedly wave money, flash smiles and chat among themselves. For many of the customers it seems that the shrimp line is a familiar part of their Sunday morning routine. The crowd becomes noticeably more animated and restless as the boat approaches the dock. The docking is gentle and seamless, reflecting decades of expert boatmanship. So this is life on a shrimp boat. It is not for the weak, inexperienced, or unskilled. It requires inordinate strength and dedication coupled with massive knowledge of water conditions, shrimp seasons, law, Gulf charts, currents, boating, boat maintenance and repair and how to catch, sort and keep shrimp. It requires strength and motivation while demanding that you learn to accept and adjust to rocking seas, storms, physical challenges and the unexpected.
The reward Locals wave their money as they recite their request; two pounds, five pounds, three pounds,
From the Gulf to the cooler to the grill within hours
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Outrigger door and net ten pounds… The shrimp left the boat as quickly as they arrived; finding kitchen cooks ready to create a tasty seafood delight. Unlike previous articles in this series, based primarily on research, this time I was able to experience shrimping and meet two of the hardy folks who are still out there doing it. To say that I was completely stunned at what goes into shrimping is to vastly understate how incredibly exciting and demanding it really is. My unsteady legs thankfully carried me off of the 100 foot long Polly Anna, the boat that John built with his own two hands. I was still in awe. I liked them a lot and nodded towards them as they enthusiastically chatted with customers and weighed shrimp. If you are thinking about purchasing shrimp, then put your HEB trip on hold for now and do yourself the favor of driving to Port Aransas and purchasing them from John and Molly at the Polly Anna.
Shrimp sorting hands are a blur as they efficiently work through the mound
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Island Moon
November 14, 2013