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361-949-7700 editor@islandmoon.com The Island Newspaper since 1996 Facebook : The Island Moon Newspaper
November 7, 2013
The Island Where Coyotes Howl and Shrimpers Drag
Around The Island
By Dale Rankin editor@islandmoon.com By Dale Rankin
It’s the Locals Season here on our little sandbar as things slow down between the summer Tourist Invasion and the onslaught of Winter Texan Season. The streets, especially in Port A are mostly bereft of humanity; or as our friend Barnacle Billy says “Dead as Disco” and friends, that’s about as dead as she goes. A few early arrivers from up north have found their way down but so far the Early Birds are still safe from being eaten – and we all know how much those Winter Texans like that Early Bird. We know it’s the Winter Texan season when the South Texas Bluegrass Band starts tuning up over at Island Italian and so far we are bluegrass free – but the Orange Blossom Special will soon be winging in on the northern breeze. There’s a lot going on Around The Island folks so left get crackin’.
Flutterbys Bying Fly Last weekend the local office of the National Weather Service put out this Doppler image showing butterflies headed down Mexico way. In case you forgot a group of butterflies is known as a rabble, flight, or swarm so we’re going with rabble. This rabble of butterflies was tracked as it pushed into the region along the front edge of a cold front that moved through South Texas last Sunday. It was the fifth Cold Front of the season so we’ll name it Edge for our butterfly friends who rode it in. At first we thought they might be pulling our leg – you know like tracking Santa Clause – but it turned out to be true. They tracked the rabble across the south side of Corpus Christi and into NE Kleberg County - which has been known to attract some rabble before. If this were a Rupert Murdoch paper we’d run a headline that said “Rabble Invades Island! Run for your very life!” But it isn’t so we won’t.
La Posada The La Posada season is upon us so get out there and make sure your boat motor will start and get an early start on trying to unsnarl that cobweb of Christmas lights you found under your tacklebox. We’ve included the parade registration form in this issue and the kickoff party is just a few weeks off. It’s time to Posada Baby!
Coyote ugly Island coyotes are running wild so be careful. Maybe it’s the cool weather or maybe they’re just warming up for the arrival of that smorgasbord of little yappy dogs the Winter Texans bring down. The good news is that the Island Burglary Season has yet to kick into gear so we got that going for us.
Car 54 where are you? We’re getting a lot of complaints about response times from our PD of late. We checked and there has been a change of protocol on car accidents. The police will still respond, but in the case of minor accidents - no bodily injury they will not investigate or declare which driver was at fault. They will check license, insurance and registration, and give drivers information for DPS but it will be up to the drivers’ insurance carriers to sort out the blame. That’s sure to be a lot of fun.
Eagle Ford At last count there are about 250 active rigs in Eagle Ford Shale each costing an average of $8$10 million. Drill Baby Drill!
Island ArtWalk The next Island ArtWalk is set for Johnny D’s on Saturday…….more info here… The tide is up, the dolphins are back in the canals, the beaches are beautiful and so’s the weather. So far half of we Islanders are above average at just about everything. So get out there and enjoy the beach and remember to tell the Winter Texans when they arrive - your vacation is our life! Say hello if you see us Around The Island.
Next Publication Date: 11/14/2013
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Year 16, Issue 499
A night on the Polly Anna
The Last of the Island Shrimpers John and Molly Nixon are the last of the breed
By Brent Rourk Editor’s note: Once upon a time Island marinas were full of shrimp boats which plied the offshore waters of the Gulf. But time, economics, and mostly government intervention has reduced their numbers. Now there is only one. The Polly Anna which calls Port Aransas home heads out each day during shrimping season with John and Molly Nixon aboard and returns to the dock where the fresh catch is sold to the public right off the boat. The Nixons carry on a proud and time-worn tradition of generations of shrimpers who went down to the sea in boats. Island Moon writer Brent Rourk went along on a recent overnight trip. This is the first of two stories on his trip. Recklessly I bounce off the walls in the main cabin of the Polly Anna while clutching my camera, struggling to maintain my balance. It seems that the Polly Anna is rocking more than ever and now with a pounding headache lack of sleep I am not a good candidate to be testing my footing.
Leaving Port Aransas, heading out to sea. All photos by Brent Rourk
It is after 1:00 a.m. and the shrimp trawling nets are being pulled up. Though I tried to sleep for three hours, the rocking of the boat and my wandering mind had kept me awake on the outbound journey; taking me back to conversations that John Nixon and I shared earlier in the evening.
John was exposed to the rigorous demands and romantic joys of shrimping as a youngster. He admitted that it had always been an interesting venture, something that was never far from his mind. The independence, the adventure, the money- earning capacity, and the water all spoke to him.
Reflecting about John and Molly
John is 70 now. His father was a deckhand and then ran a shrimp boat after World War II, so
But how does one go from liking shrimping to building huge trawlers by hand? John’s work experiences led him to that end. After high school John went to welding school and later became a welder for Chicago Bridge and Iron in the 1960s. At one time he worked on the Hancock Building. Hard work and working with his hands were no strangers to John. Later he worked for Reynolds and then in the late 1960s he returned to Port Aransas, the dream of
Islanders Vote 3-1 Against Destination Bayfront
Sign Up for the 39th La Posada Boat Parades Has Begun
John and Molly are quite a pair; strong, motivated, determined, wise, tough, resilient, caring and more: How does a couple in their Golden Years still find the drive to run a shrimp boat? How many more years will they tackle that work? I had many questions.
Islanders voted overwhelmingly against the Destination Bayfront project, the ratio of negative votes in the two voting precincts on The Island was more than three to one. The total number of voters who cast ballots on The Island was not available at press time, the percentages were: Precinct 40 76% against 24% for. Precinct 81 was 79% against 21% for. Islanders cast a total of 877 early votes. Citywide 25,996 votes were cast with 12,126 of those coming from early voting. Citywide 15,975 votes were cast against the $44.6 million project and 8670 for; a negative ratio of 35% to 65%.
Islander Stalked by Coyotes on Whitecap
By Brent Rourk It’s time to sign up for the 39th Annual La Posada Lighted Boat Parades on Friday, December 6 and Saturday, December 7. Boaters who want to be part of the parade can fill out the registration form T-shirts and other included in this issue items with this and drop it off at the La year's La Posada Posada Kickoff Party at Scuttlebutt’s on Tuesday, logo will be available soon. December 3 or send it to Brent Rourk – 15606 Gypsy Street, CC, TX 78418. Keep a copy for yourself. You can also e-mail a copy to Brent at brentrourk@yahoo.com. La Posada continued on A4
Game Warden STORM By Amanda Stoner Lance Team Investigating Vincent Lake Corpus Christi I was jogging this morning (Sunday) around Boating Accident 5:30 by Whitecap and Dasmarinas I had my Big Shepherd with me and a 4 month old Lab. My Shepherd started growling turned around and wouldn't move forward. I couldn't figure out why until the Coyote came into the street light. We had a coyote following us about 25 feet back and I had no idea.
I ran out to the middle of Whitecap in the median yelling/screaming at the single coyote. At this point when I stopped running three more from the other side of the road came out, they were within 10-15 feet of us and howling. I now had a 360 view of my surroundings and called 911 for help. I do have a CHL and carry so at that point I felt my life was endangered and if I had to shoot them I would have. I informed the 911 dispatcher of this along with how many there were, how close they were and that they were getting closer. She responded I will send an officer. I did not have one officer show up. I stood my ground and my German Shepherd stood in front of me Coyotes continued on A5
shrimping never far from his mind.
John builds the boats His first stab at boat building by hand produced a 42-foot shrimp boat named Polly Anna (after their daughter). After successfully crafting the first Polly Anna, John worked at Rockport Yacht Supply and then built a 68-foot Polly Anna. Not done with boat building, he then built the 80 foot Ms. Molly (after his wife Molly). Finally, he constructed the 100 foot Polly Anna that he and his wife now captain. He built it in his yard and literally had to cut it in half to get it to the water. Think about that for a minute. He built the 100-foot Polly Anna from sheet metal then Shrimp continued on A9
Update on Island Projects
Deal Underway for Sale of State Land on The Island
Schlitterbahn construction on schedule, new Island waterline on the way By Dale Rankin Less than two weeks after the Texas General Land Office put the brakes on a deal to make 3860 acres of land in Kleberg County part of Padre Island National Seashore (PINS) a new deal is taking shape that, if completed, would put the land under the control of Nueces County. The new plan calls for the land, with an assessed value of $3.2 million and located just north of PINS, to be purchased from the state by a local non-profit group with the use of private money and a federal grant, owned by Kleberg County, and managed by Nueces County, possibly under the direct control of the Nueces County Coastal Parks Board.
Two members of a newly created state forensic reconstruction and mapping team (STORM) helping Corpus Christi-area game wardens in their investigation of a boating accident that injured five persons Sunday on Lake Corpus Christi. The accident occurred about 4 p.m. near where the Nueces River empties into the lake. According to Game Warden Capt. James Dunks, an aluminum center console boat with seven people on board collided with an unknown fixed object. Of the five persons transported to a local hospital, two were flown out by helicopter. After the accident, the operator of the boat was able to beach the craft near a residence and some of the occupants yelled for help. The Nueces County Sheriff’s Department and game wardens responded to the scene. The team was working Tuesday afternoon to locate the object the boat struck. After that, using state-of-art digital mapping equipment, the team will produce a 3-D video model of the accident.
Trash on GLO land Precinct 4 Nueces County Commissioner Joe McComb announced the deal at the Tuesday night meeting of the Island Strategic Action Committee which was attended by State Representative Todd Hunter who has been at the center of discussions aimed at keeping the land in state hands. Also in attendance were representatives from the offices of State Senator District 27 Eddie Lucio and U.S. Representative Blake Farenthold. The land is located in each of their Island Projects continued on A4
A 2
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Alexandra and Billy Holmes, Jr. at the Parthenon temple in Athens, Greece
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This month, we’re thrilled to recognize Barbi Leo as our Skip the Bag Hero. Barbi is a KSABFM Morning Show radio personality, KIII TV3 Domingo Live TV Show cohost and realtor with Edwards Capital. She understands the importance of making the switch to reusable bags and shows that like clothes and accessories, they can be stylish and fun.
Michelle Scott, our favorite Back Porch bartender, took the Moon traveling to Advancetown, Australia. Hey Michelle, you forgot your shoes! You can take the girl out of Port Aransas but you can’t take Port Aransas out of the girl.
Mermaid of the Week Spotted at Doc's
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Island Moon
A3
Backwater Adventures Contest for Ferry Art See Your Art Work Moving Across the Water 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. 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. Winning entries in the adult division will be reproduced on the towers of three ferry
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.
On the Rocks Sharkathon!
By Jay Gardner
So this time change really has me messed up. First day back to work on Monday, I noticed how that when I left the office, it was already getting dark. By the time I got home and settled in, it WAS dark. No chance to mow the lawn this evening, I thought to myself. I checked the mail and fixed a toddy. I figured I would tackle those dishes in the sink, and got that knocked out. I
Contest guidelines can be found on this website: http://www.txdot.gov/inside-txdot/ district/corpus-christi/ferry-art.html
Tides of the Week
Tides for Corpus Christi (Bob Hall Pier) Nov. 7 - 14, 2013
Day
High /Low
Tide Time
Height in Feet
Sunrise Moon Time Sunset
% Moon Visible
Th F Sa Su M Tu W Th
7 7 8 8 9 9 10 10 11 11 11 11 12 12 12 12 13 13 13 13 14 14 14 14
Low High Low High Low High Low High Low High Low High Low High Low High Low High Low High Low High Low High
11:00 AM 8:19 PM 11:59 AM 9:09 PM 1:07 PM 9:46 PM 2:25 PM 10:11 PM 5:02 AM 8:59 AM 3:55 PM 10:28 PM 5:24 AM 11:10 AM 5:26 PM 10:41 PM 5:54 AM 12:57 PM 6:53 PM 10:52 PM 6:27 AM 2:18 PM 8:16 PM 11:00 PM
0.0 2.3 0.1 2.1 0.3 2.0 0.6 1.8 1.2 1.4 0.9 1.7 1.0 1.5 1.1 1.6 0.7 1.7 1.3 1.5 0.4 1.9 1.4 1.5
6:44 AM 5:41 PM 6:45 AM 5:40 PM 6:46 AM 5:40 PM 6:46 AM 5:39 PM 6:47 AM 5:39 PM
Rise Set Rise Set Rise
10:49 AM 14 9:57 PM 11:41 AM 23 11:01 PM 12:29 PM 34
Set Rise Set Rise
12:03 AM 45 1:12 PM 1:05 AM 56 1:52 PM
6:48 AM 5:38 PM
Set Rise
2:04 AM 2:31 PM
67
6:49 AM 5:38 PM
Set Rise
3:02 AM 3:09 PM
77
6:49 AM 5:37 PM
Set Rise
4:00 AM 3:48 PM
85
old motor and selling it off. Sunday night late, we put her on the road and trailered her to my place. After two grueling days, we actually got those milestones accomplished, and I’ve begun to plan on painting it and getting another motor purchased and hung. With a little research, I found that I could use locally supplied paints that were surprisingly reasonably priced, and getting that part done without as much fuss as I had been expecting. That project is turning from a looming storm cloud to a bright ray of sunshine as we head towards the darkest part of the year, the winter solstice. I may be actually looking forward to getting things done this winter, lol. Someone check my temperature to see if I’m running a fever.
There’s been a bit of media sensation regarding coyotes on the island and their interaction with humans. Of course, long time Island residents will shrug and mutter something to the Big Al with a legless lizard effect of “welcome to town”. Coyotes have been here and put a few things away that were sitting around, will CONTINUE to be here on the Island, and started a load of laundry. I remembered so you might as well get used to it, and plan that I needed to fix a rod in case I wanted to ahead. Lots of great advice in the Moon about use it this weekend if the wind happens to lay not leaving food out, and try not to put yourself down between the fronts. In order to get my in situations where you might encounter them rod wrapping machine set back up after loaning (although I DO understand there will be those it out, I had to clean the coffee table, which times where that can’t be planned for and entailed about a years’ worth of reel and tackle avoided). projects accumulations. After the cleaning of However, there are lots of other birds and the coffee table and getting the rack set up, I wondered to myself if I was getting hungry and animals that are native that are living right is it getting late? I probably should start dinner in our midst. I’m sure if you have a vacant before I head down the road on this project. I lot near you, there are gopher mounds on it. checked the time, and it was 6:30pm. I hadn’t Those are the maritime Pocket gophers, which been home much more than an hour, and I was are endemic to this area alone. There are the wondering if it was time to eat, wind down, and ground squirrels, which make burrows and have go to bed. This time of year can be depressing. a high pitched “bark” when calling to each other or alerting danger. I’m sure those of you that Then Tuesday, after the ISAC meeting, I ran live on canals have witnessed the snowy egrets into a few folks at La Palma, and learned that and their ability on low tide to fly down along Bizzy was at his new place doing some work. the bulkheads and land on the exposed serpulids I ate a bite, and then dropped by his new digs for their fishing. The loggerhead shrikes hunt to check it out. He had scored himself a nice along your sidewalks for the brown anoles, place on the old canals, and it was huge with which they catch and impale on yuccas and a large back yard and lots of bulkheads and mesquite trees. The other day my buddy Big docks. Talking with him about the possibilities Al caught a legless glass lizard in my yard, and of boats and adventures, I began to feel a little I’ve heard stories of these been sighted more of the time-change-haze begin to lift as we recently with the rains. planned fun things out. There are many species of animals living right In addition, I spent this past weekend working here within our ranks. Some of them can be a on my dad's boat. Of course you loyal readers cause for concern, and the others can be a daily know that my folks are moving to Houston, and reminder of the beauty and fragility of the home my dad’s boat has been languishing for over a we all call Padre. Thanks for reading folks, and year. Well, time came this past weekend that I’ll see you out there on the rocks chasing those it HAD to get mobile. We spent the entire flounder as they move through into the Gulf. weekend welding the broken axle, de-rigging the
The Island Moon Newspaper
Artwalk
The Annual Padre Island Artwalk is scheduled for Saturday, November 16th from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. in the garden at Johnny D’s restaurant on North 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.
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♥ Lucy ♥ Meet Lucy!! ♥ Lucy is wonderfully healthy today thanks to the loving hands of her foster family! It's hard to believe her pics when she was first rescued. She and her sister Daisy were in dreadful condition. We miss her sister Daisy and wish she could have made it also...we know she would have been every bit as beautiful as her sister Lucy. Lucy is a SUPER sweet girl. If you would love Lucy forever, please email us at info@ guardiansrescue.org.
A 4
La Posada continued from A1 The event collects toys for the Marines Toys for Tots program each year provides the most amount of toys from any single event in Texas. Toys can be dropped off at a number of locations around The Island including the Kickoff Party. Last year with the generous help of many local businesses and individuals, the PIYC collected over 4200 toys and over $8000 for Toys for Tots. All of the toys and monetary proceeds go directly to Toys for Tots Official La Posada T-shirts will be sold again this year. A local artist has helped the Padre Island Yacht Club design a very attractive logo for the shirts. You can purchase them for $15.00 each from Padre Island Mail Plus. Make check payable to Padre Island Yacht Club. The 3rd annual La Posada Kick-off party at Scuttlebutts will include characters in costume, face painting, trivia contests, a fire action show, celebrity live auctions with 100% of proceeds to Toys for Tots, a G-rated burlesque show, live music, and more. Wonderful live auction items include a sky diving package, weekend away packages, a condo on South Padre Island for two nights, a guided fishing package, dinner with Marines, space for two on the La Posada Command Boat and lots more. Locals can bring Toys as well as cash donations during the La Posada Kick-off Party.
La Posada Trivia
By Fred Edler, Padre Island Yacht club 1. Did you know that the concept of having a Pre-LaPosada Party was conceived in the Island Moon’s Office by Dale Rankin and Fred Edler over three years ago. 2. Did you know that at one time Jim Weatherill managed the LaPosada Lighted Boat Parade and events all by himself. 3. In 2011 Fred Edler joined Jim and later recruited Vic Schreck in time for the three of them to organize the 1st Pre-LaPosada Party. In 2012, we recruited Brent Rourk who will also function as Parade Marshall in 2013. In 2013, we also added Barrett Sturtevant and Dave Zilar to help with the ever growing events. 4. The Island Foundation has asked the Padre Island Yacht Club to assume the role of judging of the Christmas decorations, (both the residential and commercial) from the street and from the canals. This year the PIYC will work with the Island Foundation to do the judging and in 2014 the PIYC will add the Judging to our LaPosada events. The LaPosada Committee will manage the judging. Lyn Edler has volunteered to chair a Decorations Judging Committee.
Island Moon
News from your
Did Ya Hear?
by Mary Craft
mkay512@aol.com
By Maybeth Christiansen The police officers did a great job of presenting the information on the proposed marine patrol which is being planned. One of the interesting take aways for me is that there is approximately 154 square miles of land in the City of Corpus Christi and over 300 square miles of water. For many of the Island residents, the canals are their rear street and up to now, there has not been a way to patrol that area.
given to the City. The City will maintain and staff the patrol boat once it is purchased. Watch for more on how you can contribute to this very worthwhile cause.
Some folks say the Parks and Wildlife are all the patrol we need. There are 6 game wardens which cover all of Nueces and San Patricio County. The other issue is that they can not have any enforcement powers over burglaries or thefts from boats and docks. The other agencies, Immigration and Customs and Coast Guard also have limited enforcement powers, i.e. they can not issue citations for City ordinance or municipal violations.
For the past year one of the topics on the Island Strategic Action Committee’s agenda has been wastewater odor. The City is trying to determine where and when the small happens. So, if you smell a very strong sewer odor, please call 826-CITY and file a complaint. Be sure to work your way thru the push button system so that you speak to a live person. The Wastewater department keeps saying no one out here complains. But, we know folks have called (I have). But, if you call this number and speak with a live person, a work order is issued and there is a record of the call.
Money is being raised to purchase the boat, trailer and equipment required for the patrol boat. After the boat is purchased, it will be
Folks, it is too early to be setting out your brush clippings. Setout time does not start until November 16 and pickup will be November 24. This is the last pickup for 2013. As soon as the 2014 schedule is out, I will write about it.
Island Projects continued from A1 respective districts. Farenthold’s help would be needed to finalize the deal because 80% of the $4.4 million purchase price of the 3860 acres in 1994 was paid for with money from the National Intermodal Transportation System which would have to sign off on any purchase of the land. Farenthold sits on the Transportation Committee in the U.S. House. Texas Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson halted the sale of the land to the National Park Service after PINS officials made public plans to place bollards blocking vehicle access on the beach at the northernmost boundary of the land, at the location of the current Corpus Christi City Limits forcing drivers to enter the site on Park Road 22. City, county, and state officials fear the move would discourage some beachgoers from using the 4.7 miles of beach in Kleberg County included in the GLO land and increase crowding at beaches to the north. McComb said Monday that the goal of the county and the state is to keep beach access as is, with the county providing beach maintenance and law enforcement. Traditionally the beach in Kleberg County has had little or no police presence and no maintenance due to its distance from the Kleberg County seat in Kingsville which is over an hour away by car. New plans also call for the possibility of a roadway to the back side of The Island to allow kayakers and anglers to access the area. The GLO has said they need to sell the land because they lack the staff for its upkeep, the lack of which has led to illegal dumping, driving behind the dune line, and an illegal shooting gallery where the ground is littered with thousands of spent shotgun shells, trash, and the remnants of a burned up vehicle.
Restaurant
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November 7, 2013
New Advertisers Mermaid Kisses Boutique has lots of fun unique clothes, accessories and jewelry for yourself or to buy as a gift. They are located near Scuttlebutt’s. Trinity-by-the-Sea Episcopal Church 2nd Time Around (thrift) Store has the best prices in South Texas. The shop is open 9 am – noon on Saturdays and is located at Avenue E and Trojan Street in Port A.
Business Briefs Island Italian now has gluten free 10” and 12” pizzas. They deliver any item on their menu to Islanders after 5 pm. Enjoy their weekday lunch specials for just $6.50. The Sand Bar at the Holiday Inn is under new management and will be open every day all year. The heaters have arrived in time for the cooler evenings. There will continue to be live bands Fridays and Saturdays 6 pm - 10 pm and Sundays 3 pm - 7 pm. The bar hours are weekdays 2 pm - 9 pm and weekends noon until midnight.
The deal for Nueces County to take control of the land through an interlocal agreement with Kleberg County appears to the on a fast track. Kleberg County officials have been involved in the discussions and have approved the signing of the agreement.
Island Farmers Market at the Island Presbyterean Church near Billish Park will have have plenty of produce, doggie treat and honey this Saturday 8 am – 11 am. Get there early to grab some of their first tomatoes before they are gone. You can pre-order the tomatoes at fromthe-garden-odem.com.
Hunter said the GLO has halted discussions for the sale of the land to federal authorities and are awaiting word on progress for the purchase by the local group.
Howard’s Barbeque will be opening a second location in the Bluff this month on SPID where Sparrow’s Landing was. This location will have an expanded menu and will also serve dinner.
Billings and Clems Boat Ramp Improvements: Work continues on the new parking lot in the area between Packery Channel and the JFK Causeway. The $1.2 million project is expected to be completed by the end of this year.
Seaside Breeze Cafe inside the Holiday Inn lobby is a coffee bar thatserves specialty coffees, protein shakes and energy drinks Thursday -Sunday 7 am - noon. There is a large flat screen TV behind the bar to enjoy your favorite morning show.
Park Road 22/SPID Bridge: The final review of plans for the $8.1 million project are currently underway. Bids on the project are expected to go out in the first quarter of 2014. Current plans call for the bridge to have a 42-foot wide waterway, walkways on each side, and 14 feet of clearance from the bridge to the waterline. Developer Paul Schexnailder told the ISAC on Monday that construction at the Schlitterbahn Beach County Resort is being coordinated to coincide with the bridge construction. No date has been set for the beginning of construction; however, city officials have said they will work around the busy summer season because the construction process will likely mean that Park Road 22/SPID will have to be reduced to one lane each way during the process.
Beamer’s Sports Grill has a new dine in special with 40% off some of their adult entrees. Just look for the pink dot on their in house menu. Adult entrees include wings, burgers, steaks and much more. They are located at 5922 South Staples between Holly and Saratoga. Island Strategic Action Committee discussed the issue of public access to private land at their last meeting. Land owners are worried about litter and liability and are hoping this issue gets addressed by the city and state. The Padre Island Dog Group will have coffee and cookies on Saturday, November 9th 9 am at Douden Park. Guest speaker will be AKC judge Debbie Abigt who will give a demonstration and talk about how she trains dogs.
Schlitterbahn Beach County Resort: Schexnailder said construction at the park is on schedule and framing is complete on the 30,000 square-foot renovation of the clubhouse. For golfers, he said the new green on the #9 hole is expected to be put in use in about two weeks as the newly planted grass grows in.
WHITECAP LIQUOR
He also said agreements are being finalized for a 200-unit apartment complex on the east side of SPID as well as a 300-space boat storage facility. Plans also call for a marina on Lake Padre. Schexnailder said digging on canals on the Lake Padre side of the roadway is expected to begin by the end of this year.
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November 7, 2013
Moon Monkeys Mike Ellis, Founder
Letters to the editor Harbor Island, Halloween Dear Island Moon editor, I would like to take the time to recognize and say Thank you to the Eaglesnest Bay, Hawksnest Bay and Gypsy street residents. I, along with my family had a wonderful time trick or treating in their fun, festive and safe neighborhood. It is obvious they take much time, effort, creativity and expense to put on this great event. Regarding expense, it would be interesting to know how many bags of candy each participating home went thru that fun evening. Anyone know that answer? Hopefully they received many thank you's as it was apparent fun was had by all ages!
Distribution Pete Alsop Island Delivery Coldwell Banker
Thanks again for the Island Spirit!
Advertising
Denise Phillips
Jan Park Rankin
Island Resident
Patrick Kelliher
La Posada
Office Lisa Towns
The Moon has always been a huge supporter of all LaPosada activities and will continue to be this year. The Pre-LaPosada Party and Lighted Boat Parade would not be the great success it is without the help and support from the Moon. Thanks Dale and Jan!
Classifieds Arlene Ritley Design/Layout Jeff Craft Contributing Writers
Fred Edler
Joey Farah
Commodore, Padre Island Yacht Club
Devorah Fox
Plant swap,
Mary Craft Maybeth Christiansen
Don't forget the Plant Swap this Saturday, Nov. 9! It will be held in the front lawn of the Parks and Recreation Building at the corner of Ave. A and Cut-Off Rd., just across the street from the Civic Center.
Jay Gardner Todd Hunter Danniece Bobeché Ronnie Narmour
Celebrate America Recycles Day (a program of our national parent, Keep America Beautiful) by bringing your spare plants, gently-read books, old eye glasses, and defunct electronics and cell phones. We will reuse and recycle everything!
Brent Rourk Dr. Donna Shaver Photographers Miles Merwin
A note from Theta Kenney: the Friends of the ARK will appreciate all used ink cartridges. They recycle them and use the funds for their valuable work.
Jeff Dolan Mary Craft
See you on Saturday! Julie & Butch Findley
Report the Odor 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. News articles, photos, display ads, classified ads, payments, etc. may be left at the Moon Office.
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
Where to Find The Island Moon Port Aransas Lisabella’s Restaurant Pioneer RV Park Stripes @ Beach Access Rd. 1A
Port A Glass Studio The Gaff Wild Horse Saloon Tarpon Ice House
North Padre
Miss K’s Catering & Bistro
All Stripes Stores
Amano
Whataburger
Felder Gallery
Doc’s Restaurant
Island Woman Boutique
Snoopy’s Pier
Coast Club Coffee Waves Moby Dicks Spanky’sLiquor IGA Grocery Store Port A Business Center Carter Pharmacy
CVS
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
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
Island Moon
We need your help to resolve an odor issue facing area businesses. The Island Strategic Action Committee "ISAC" has been discussing an odor problem affecting Padre Island businesses, predominantly along South Padre Island Drive, for over one year. We need to determine the severity of this problem, the frequency of this problem, and we hope to find and cure the root cause of the odor problem. The problem seems to be more evident or severe at three or four areas along South Padre Island Drive. I will personally be delivering the attached form to businesses in the most affected areas and discussing the issue with property owners or tenants. As a first step, it is important that we make the City of Corpus Christi's Wastewater Department aware of the issue, and I ask that you use the attached form and log all odor issues from now through the end of the year. I also ask that you email your completed forms to the addresses listed on the form monthly. Again, we need your help in identifying the problem and working for resolution. Feel free to call me if you have any questions. Ralph Tapscott Frost Bank (361) 844-1278 Office (361) 673-6701 Cell ralph.tapscott@frostbank.com
New Neighbors League Collects for Ronald McDonald New Neighbors League of Corpus Christi is in the midst of a fantastic holiday project called "NEW NEIGHBORS LEAGUE LOVES RONALD McDONALD HOUSE". NNL has decorated RMH for Christmas ever since 2010 (Island Moon ran a picture and a short story in Dec. 2010.) This year we will once again decorate, but we have expanded the project to include a fairly big "gift" to RMH. There will be small children gifts (books, coloring books, puzzles, etc.), various $5 gift cards to stores and restaurants near RMH for older kids and teens, and "Free Stay Days" for families (meaning that we are paying for at least one day that they stay at the house). We also will be stocking RMH pantry/kitchen with items and have gotten Papa Murphy donations of 15 large pizzas. New Neighbors League of Corpus Christi is a women's organization for all the city.
National Seashore Entrance Fees to Be Waived for Veteran’s Day Weekend This year Veteran’s Day will once again be celebrated as a fee-free weekend for all National Park sites. Free entry is included for all visitors as a way to honor U.S. veterans and current members of the U.S. Armed Forces. The fee-free weekend begins Saturday, November 9 and runs through Monday, November 11. The fee-free event applies to entrance fees only. Visitors using the Bird Island Basin boat ramp and/or the park campgrounds will still have to pay those additional user fees. Please note that all active duty military members and dependents are encouraged to inquire at the park’s entrance station about the free annual pass they are eligible to receive. It provides the holder and his or her dependents with free entrance to all of America’s nearly four hundred National Park Service parks, preserves, historic sites, and national seashores.
A group of concerned citizens, calling themselves Friends of Port Aransas, have started a petition drive to encourage the Port Aransas City Council to amend the zoning of properties on Harbor Island. The petition can be found and signed online at www.change.org by searching for “Port Aransas”. Harbor Island is a few thousand acres of land and wetlands across the Aransas Channel from Port Aransas, TX. The island has historically been used as a shipping depot, oil export terminal, cruise ship terminal and offshore oil industry supply and service depot. There are two large primary tracts of land on Harbor Island. Both tracts are currently on the market and both are currently zoned “Heavy Industrial” by the City of Port Aransas. This allows any type of industrial use that the owner can get permits for. Both tracts have reportedly been, and remain, under consideration by potential buyers for the construction and operation of oil and gas refining (Fractionator) and/or Natural Gas Liquification (LNG Plant). Many citizens of Port Aransas and throughout the State of Texas are horrified at the prospect of having these dangerous and polluting operations at the front gate of their home town or cherished vacation spot. There is much discussion about what can be done and it is clear that the City of Port Aransas, through its zoning powers, can protect the City from become just another refinery city on the Texas Coast. The prospect of increased property tax revenue is the Siren’s Song that drives opposition to a zoning change. What these city council members don’t seem to realize is facilities like these are rarely built without tax incentives. Additionally, industrial landowners pay lower tax rates than residential landowners. Finally the mere presence of industrial facilities like these will degrade residential property values. So in the long run, it may actually end up being a net loss of tax revenue to the City. Friends of Port Aransas seeks amendments the current zoning to provide for acceptable use of the Harbor Island properties that are in line with the City’s reputation as an environmentally sensitive tourism destination for recreation and relaxation. Proactive rezoning by the City of Port Aransas will prevent the need for the citizens to rally and fight every proposed facility on the properties of Harbor Island for the foreseeable future. Ben Frishman Friends of Port Aransas PO Box 1489, Port Aransas 78373
Gas prices, Most Islanders already know that gas prices are always cheaper in Flour Bluff the on the Island. Our only chance of getting the Island stores to match Flour Bluff's prices will be if enough of us stop buying gas out here. There not going to be nice and just lower them for us. Michael Baker (Editor’s note: At last check the difference between Island gas and OTB gas was about 27 cents per gallon…almost enough to make us go OTB…but probably not).
A5
Coyotes continued from A1
barking, growling and snarling at them. After multiple failed attempts at flagging a passing vehicle down and the coyotes still circling me a guy (Mike) that heard it on the scanner came to help. He followed me all the way to my vehicle to make sure I made it safe. On my way home more than 25 minutes later the 911 dispatcher called my cell to see if I still needed an officer out there. I am thankful for the gentlemen that came to help me! I attempted to call 911 for help but because we are short officers no one showed up. It would have been a truly sad day if I had to discharge my firearm to protect myself and family in the middle of Whitecap. When I started to replay the events I think continuing to run would have made us "prey", using pepper spray or a Taser would be out of the question, and an airhorn would probably scare them however there is only so much I can pack on me when I run so my choice of personal protection is my firearm.
Island Farmers Market
It's almost market time again! I hope you can all come visit us this Saturday, November 9, from 8:00-11:00 at the Island Presbyterian Church, 14030 Fortuna Bay Dr. From the Garden will be there with eggs, squash, okra and a few tomatoes. If you would like to have some of the seasons first tomatoes before they are gone, visit http://www.fromthe-garden-odem.com and pre order! Danny will gather your items and put them in a cooler until you arrive at the market! DDD will also be at the market with their gourmet, natural dog treats. Dog treats come in a multiple flavors including chicken parmesan, hamburger pizza and oatmeal/peanut butter. My dogs LOVE them and you just can't beat the price! Island Honey will be there too with several varieties of local honeys, bee pollen and honeycomb. Do you or someone you know have a local, handmade or homegrown business? We always welcome new vendors! Set up is free! Contact kellikennedy@hotmail.com for more info!
Working the Yard The Mission-Aransas National Estuarine Research Reserve is partnering with the City of Rockport and Texas A&M Agrilife Extension Service to host a Lawn Care Best Practices Registration Program workshop. This workshop will be held on Wednesday, November 13 from 3:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. at the Texas Agrilife Extension Service building, located in Rockport at 892 Airport Road. Workshop participants will learn about the importance of yard care practices on the health of Rockport's local waterways and estuaries. Topics covered during this workshop will include mulching and composting, water conservation techniques, and environmentally friendly alternatives to fertilizers and pesticides. There will also be information about the current city water restrictions and water conservation techniques. This workshop is open to the public, but the information will be structures for local lawn care businesses. To RSVP, call 361.790.0103; or email aransastx@tamu.edu. For more information, please view the workshop information flyer.
Police Blotter Thief gets $25,000 worth of sunglasses Tuesday, October 29, 8:02 a.m. 14049 South Padre Island Drive Offense: Burglary to a Building (Penal Code Section 30.02) State Jail Felony A 39-year-old man reported to the Corpus Christi Police that an unknown person broke a window to the front door to the business at 14049 South Padre Island Drive overnight Monday and then took several sunglasses with a total estimated value of $25,000 dollars. Polly Want a ‘Napper Polly Want a ‘Napper!
November 4th to Saturday, November 9th. This fee includes spay/neuter surgery, age appropriate vaccinations, and microchip. Corpus Christi Animal Care Services encourages pet lovers to reach out and support their local shelters and rescue groups. Approximately 3,500 animal shelters across the United States serve the estimated 6-8 million homeless animals who need refuge each year, and many more animals find themselves in need of the services provided by local rescue groups.
November 1 3950 Leopard Street Burglary of a Building
Corpus Christi Animal Care Services encourages people to become acquainted with their local shelter and dedicated employees
Santiago Zapata
City of Corpus Christi Alarm Program
Senior Officer C. Daggett was patrolling the Saxet Business Park when he heard an audible alarm and discovered the front glass doors to BJ’s Famous Uniforms had been smashed with a rock. At the same time, Officer G. Gutierrez, who was nearby, observed Santiago Zapata (11/16/63) carrying a parrot wrapped in a blanket.
Effective 1 November 2013, in accordance with City Ordinance 3 1/2, Officers will not respond to any alarm notification from an alarm site that does not have a valid permit unless the alarm notification was a duress alarm, a hold-up alarm, a panic alarm, or reported to a 9-1-1 emergency telephone number by a person other than an alarm company.
“Scarlet” was rescued and returned to her cage which was secured with Senior Officer Daggett’s handcuffs until someone arrived to secure the building. According to Lt. Phillip Bintliff, “Not only did surveillance video capture the burglary, but “Scarlet” was able to positively identify her birdnapper.”
The Corpus Christi City Ordinance Sec. 3½-2 states that an alarm permit is required. Annual alarm fees are $35 dollars for a residential alarm and $60 dollars for a commercial property. The alarm program contact number is 1-877-413-8308.
Zapata was arrested and charged with Burglary of a Building.
November 4, 2:05 p.m. Commodores Drive/SPID Wanted
He was about to miss Judge Judy!
An Officer working traffic enforcement stopped a speeding Chevrolet Avalanche and found the 31 year-old driver to be wanted out of Nueces County. She was arrested and charged with an outstanding Nueces County warrant for Probation Violation on a Dangerous Drugs charge.
Wednesday, October 30, 8:07 p.m. 1250 Flour Bluff Drive Offense: Theft (Penal Code Section 31.03) Class B Misdemeanor A Corpus Christi Police Officer was in the parking lot of a retail store at 1250 Flour Bluff Drive when 31-year-old Wesley Spears (12/25/1981) ran out the door of the store after having attempted to steal a flat screen television. The Officer apprehended Spears and delivered him to the city detention center for theft.
National Animal Shelter and Rescue Appreciation Week In celebration of National Animal Shelter and Rescue Appreciation Week during the week of November 3-9, 2013, Corpus Christi Animal Care Services is lowering adoption fees of all animals to $25 from Monday,
Police Calls 14800 block Whitecap 4:27 a.m. Nov. 4 Assault with deadly weapon/family violence 14000 block Bounty 6:30 p.m. Nov. 1 Criminal mischief $50-$500 13900 block Blackbeard 12:03 p.m. Oct. 31 Assault/Terroristic threat 15800 block Cuttysark 3 p.m. Oct. 31 Burglary of vehicle 14200 block Pescadores 5 p.m. Nov. 1 Credit Card Abuse
A 6
A little Island history
Island Moon
He Once Owned Mustang Island But Died Penniless By Greg Smith
On March 2, 1836 Texas declared its independence from the young country of Mexico which had just become independent from Spain fifteen years before. After the Mexican forces were defeated at the battle of San Jacinto, Mexican president and general Santa Anna signed the Treaty of Velasco that recognized an independent Texas and established the border at the Rio Grande. Mexican settlement had reached the Rio Grande and European immigration came as far south as San Patricio leaving the wild and unsettled no man’s land between the Nueces and Rio Grande called the Nueces Strip.
Two years later the American Army commanded by Zackary Taylor picked Corpus as an encampment at Kinney’s urging. One of the civilians attached to the Army was Matt Dunn. When the Army moved out in 1846, Henry Kinney left also. In Brownsville he enlisted as a private in the Texas Ranger Company commanded by Captain John Hays. A month later he was transferred to Texas Governor Jim Henderson’s Second Texas Regiment as quartermaster. At the end of the war Kinney returned to Corpus along with many of the war veterans that camped there in 1845 and 1846.
Lone Star Fair Matt Dunn was one of the returning men. For Henry Kinney it was time to make some money and sell some land. He organized the Lone Star Fair in Corpus Christi, a multi week event of contests, prizes and exhibitions that was advertised as far away as Europe. He pushed Corpus as a jumping off place for the California gold rush and worked with the Army to bring A Captured Moment Photography
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Henry Lawrence Kinney its supplies in through the town. He plastered Ireland, England and Scotland with handbills extolling South Texas advertising “… the soil and climate of this region is unsurpassed-two full crops of corn and other cereals in perfection … all other roots and vegetables, make huge returns; the peach, the vine and other fruit trees thrive luxuriantly …”
The most egregious drinker of this bitter KoolAid is our Big Daily newspaper. All over the city readers threw up a little in their throats Wednesday morning as they read the editorial:
Never one to be deterred by the past and with great vision for the future, Kinney went to New York where with his smooth talk an unending persistence he convinced investors to invest in a new Nation, the Mosquito Coast in what is now Nicaragua. Kinney had acquired dubious title to several million acres and arrived there in 1855. That too was a bust, underfinanced and over hyped.
“(The project) will have to wait because some people have spoken – not THE people, 15,975 people. Their vote dictated a temporary denial to a city of more than 300,000 – and the millions who visit it – of the 34-acre park known as Destination Bayfront…their verdict was NOT the will of the people.”
His legacy
Kinney had title to Mustang Island at one time and one of his associates, the Scotsman William Stewart had his Rancho located about a mile north of the Packery Bridge. Like Moses Austin he died penniless but forever changed the landscape of Texas.
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They will claim that the opposition erroneously framed the issue as a streets versus park fight. They will say the public didn’t really understand what was at stake so they will convince themselves they should try again.
By 1853 his fortunes were the same as they were seventeen years before when he left Illinois quickly and quietly, a mountain of debt and an empty pocket.
1
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As the losing side most always does, backers of the project will blame the campaign. They will dissect their get out the vote, they will pick apart their message in the self delusional belief that method and message are the problems because it couldn’t be that people just simply don’t like what they are selling; the idea of using $70 million in borrowed money on a blue sky project.
Poison Kool- Aid
Kinney did not dream small, a town, Kinney’s Trading Post is now Corpus Christi. He tried to create a new nation. His constant promotion of the area brought thousands of settlers who formed the backbone of South Texas development. Fourteen of those were the five Dunn Brothers and their families who ranched the Island for almost a hundred years. He called himself a Colonel but was never ranked higher than a Captain, though his courage was never in doubt, fighting Indians, the Mexican Army, bandits and venturing to wild and dangerous lands.
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by Dale Rankin
Mosquito Coast and deadly tryst
By 1858 he was back in Corpus with many of his transgressions forgotten or forgiven. Two years later with the outbreak of the Civil war he lobbied for the position of Foreign Minister to Mexico. After having no luck with Abraham Lincoln, Kinney never bashful, tried for the same position from Jeff Davis this time representing the Confederacy. Neither side wanted him and with Union sympathies he left for Matamoras. Always a ladies man and not particular to the matrimonial status of his paramours, Kinney was shot and killed by an angry husband in Mexico in 1862.
Stuff I Heard on the Island
So far taxpayers are out $330,000 in election costs, and well into seven figures for design work for a project that was crushed by voters. This was not a loss for its backers this was an eye gouging. This was a sign that when voters see all the powers that be lining up on one side of an issue and huge amounts of money being spent to sell it they smell a rat.
Henry Kinney
After opening a store in Copano, Kinney moved to the disputed territory of the Nueces in what is now downtown Corpus Christi. Land was cheap and titles were weak at that time and Kinney was doing a good business at this trading post selling his goods as far away as Laredo. In 1843 the owner of the Rancho that is now Corpus, Enrique Villarreal showed up with a small army to reclaim his property. Kinney with much bluster and along with threats of hidden explosives convinced Villarreal to sell him 10 leagues (44,000 acres) of land for $4,000. This put Henry Kinney back in the land business.
The election is finally over but to listen to some of the partisans the fight is not. To listen to our Mayor on Wednesday morning was to hear that she plans to resuscitate and revote but not necessarily revise the plan for Destination Bayfront and take a second bite at the apple.
This is the second in a series of the land promoters in South Texas After Moses Austin opened the door to American and English colonization of Texas a wave of immigration arrived on the Texas shores.
The Mexican Congress smarting from the loss of Texas refused to recognize the Treaty of Velasco and instead claimed the Nueces River as the border. Enter Henry Kinney, twenty- five years old and already being chased by creditors from Pennsylvania and Illinois.
It must be some lonely and rarified air up there in that Ivory Tower. The terrible and crushing burden of having to do the thinking for the Great Unwashed must be overwhelming. I feel for them and the mind numbing responsibility of throwing their pearls of wisdom and wise categorical imperatives under heel of the troublesome swine who bothered to take part in the democratic process and the plebian hoard who can’t comprehend what is best for their own good. Oh the humanity! I can’t help but wonder if the vote had gone the other way if these same editorial writers would have said THE people have spoken and they want this project to go forward? Apparently THE people only have a voice when they agree with the wise few in THE Ivory Tower.
The mummy lives!
Don’t get me wrong; clearly something needs to be done with the gaping maw in the middle of our downtown. The question is what and how to pay for it. This is one of those issues that divides us along hard lines and will not go gently into that good night. That we need a plan is a given. The problem so far is that our current spate of leaders – both the politicians and the oligarchy who whisper in their ear – cannot find one that does not involve the application of massive amounts of borrowed public money. Corpus Christi lost Sea World in the 80s because the leadership would not offer tax incentives and the owners of the land, thinking Sea World backers were desperate and naïve would pay an inflated value for it. They were wrong on both counts and the ocean-themed park ended up incongruously in the Texas Hill Country where it spawned the growth of an entire side of town rather than next to the ocean where it would have been a far better fit. Now we find ourselves on the polar opposite side of the equation where not just tax incentives but massive amounts of borrowed money are the panacea for downtown growth. Whether we are incapable of learning from our mistakes or whether our method of decision making is fatally flawed remains to be seen. But what can be said for certain is that when it comes to progress we can‘t seem to get out of our own way.
We need to get this right If our current crop of leaders can’t come up with anything better than putting new paint on this project and running it back up the flagpole then we need to find some new leaders. Downscale it, fund it with sales tax, sell it and put it back on the tax rolls, plant grass and call it good, turn it into a strip mine or a flea circus; but don’t keep putting it on the ballot until voter fatigue determines THE public will through apathy. But we’re not ever going to do that by putting new lipstick on the pig. Our region is booming. The Island is booming. The Port is booming. Port Aransas is booming. Finally good things are happening all around us. Except for downtown which after more than $200,000 million in borrowed public money in the last ten years is still dragging the anchor. Throwing money at it hasn’t worked. Instead of recycling old ideas that divide us let’s take a deep breath and see if we can’t all get along. Maybe that way we can learn to get out of our own way. The first step is to understand that THE people have indeed spoken and they don’t like what they see by a margin of two to one. Accept it and move on or get out of the way. We need to get this right.
Unfortunately, I don’t think the Wise Men at the Big Daily are alone in this belief. I suspect this project will be a Frankenstein who will not be put to rest by the mere waving of a single torch.
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November 7, 2013
Letters to Riley
Island Moon
How ya doin old chap – waistline still shrinking? I’m fat too and know what a pain in the humans it can be. When we all get fed in the evenings I eat as quickly as possible and then when the others finish and go outside I try to be quick enough to get any leftover before the old girl catches up with me. She now feeds the stoopid cat on the countertop. Must tell you about my bro Milo – he’s 10 and a half years old but you would never know it he just loves the ladies, has to be Casanova of Padre Island, eh goes around humping any and all females of his size and bigger. Very embarrassing. My mum keeps telling him to stop and remember he’s fixed. Don’t do no good though. His best girlfriend is Molly, my Austin’s dog, she has a face like the back of a bus but she really is lovable. She has a sad story too as she came from a puppy farm. Milo has a long pedigree and was given to my Mum when her Doberman died. From the sublime to the ridiculous eh? He was apparently
any wild adventures – guess the bladder thing is a bit of a deterrent. Our Mum and dad take us for a long walk along Packery Channel or on the seawall in the evening where I get to pee all I want. Mum counted one evening and says the record was 27 times on one walk – beat that Riley! We came one day to the Saturday fair hoping to see you but all we got to see was a stoopid lizard/ alligator thing man was he a good size but ugly. Had fun though and peed on most stalls much to Mum’s chagrin. Not sure more to write about Milo ‘cos he’s turned into this prefect goody goody lil’ dog. Never does anything wrong, makes you sick and you know what’s really galling is he eats like a horse and stays so slim. He was really boasty when vet said he was just 2 ounces off his perfect weight. I ask you, where’ the fun in that? Had to clobber him that night-made such a racket Mum had to shout something about how does a person hear TV in this house. Easy put on headphones, these humans are really silly sometimes. Keep up the good work. I’d send you a hotdog if I knew how but surely you can steal something somewhere. Will make some suggestions next time – drink parties are a good place to start. Can’t under drinking sippy sippy from delicate little glasses when you can have a good noisy slurp from a dog bowl. Luv ya, Cocoloco Hey Cocoloco, My waistline is shrinking by the minute. The cats started getting food from a can and they talked my humans into putting it way up high like yours where I can’t get it. Stoopid Cats! Just wait they’ll get theirs someday.
Stoopid Cats! the naughtiest puppy she ever had and she’s had a few. When she went out he would get hold of the end of the toilet paper and run around the house with it so it looked like those awful college kids had wrapped it all up. One day he had a go at a feather pillow, Mum said, “Colorado snow storm had nothing on her living room.” She eventually had to put him in a cage when she went out where he shredded his blanket for good measure. He’s really well traveled; they took him on a three months drive around America. He loved being in the car and a new hotel every night and then visiting some relatives up North who made a fuss of him.
I’ve never been to a puppy farm. How deep do you plant them? Do you plant them headfirst? How do you water them? If they’re in headfirst it seems like they would fill up when you water them. I’m confused.
lord muck milo
I like that toilet paper trick. It sounds like fun and I’m pretty sure there’s a way to blame it on the cats. Stoopid Cats! When I go to the beach I don’t do multiple pees. I go for the longevity record. I once started at nighttime and didn’t finish until way past dawn. I once went to the beach with my friend Buster who was a weenie dog. He was so short that every time he peed it blew dust in his face. I saw that lizard thing. Man he scared me. I like horses better, and cows. My humans say I’m a cowdog but I don’t know about that. A little girl tried to get milk out of me once and I hid under the truck. Stoopid cows!
One time they lived in Colorado for a year and he became quite a hiker but skiing didn’t really suit him. They told me there used to be this beautiful animal walking thru the yard every morning, “Oh, As for sippy sippy cups I find what a lovely fox” they used that the more the humans sip to say until someone said they the easier it is to get food off Cocoloco should really get rid of the them. I don’t know why. I’m a coyote it’ll get your little dog. dog. Oh my they are so dumb – well, they’re humans aren’t they? They had pet Send me a hotdog…Save The Riley P. Dog wild turkeys, which he loved to chase as well. Foundation, International Falls, Minnesota. All before my time but they never take me on Thanks for writing…
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STATE
By Riley P. Dog Dear Riley,
November is the Month to Recognize Veterans By Todd Hunter, District 32 The month of November serves as an occasion for our country and the State of Texas to recognize the service of our men and women in the armed services. In this week's article, I would like to take the opportunity to support our veterans and specifically focus on how Texas strives to continue to thank them for their invaluable service. According to the Department of Veteran Affairs, 1,675,689 veterans call the State of Texas home. Many veterans choose to live here because Texas is one of the leading states in the country when it comes to providing assistance to veterans. Texas veterans are able to utilize numerous resources and programs which are provided through the Texas Veterans Commission (TVC) and the Veterans Land Board (VLB). The TVC was established in 1927 as the State Service Office and tasked with assisting our state's veterans. The mission of the TVC has always been to act as the state appointed advocate of Texas veterans as they attempt to secure the benefits rightfully earned in exchange for their service in our nation’s armed forces. They are able to provide this assistance using four programs: • Claims Representation and Counseling serves veterans, their dependents and survivors, in all matters pertaining to veterans' disability benefits and rights. It is the designated agency of the state of Texas to represent the State and its veterans before the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). • Veterans Employment Services offers employment services to Texas veterans and helps employers find qualified veteran job applicants. The goal of these services is to match veteran job seekers with the best employment opportunities available. • Veterans Education Program approves all programs for federal educational benefits. Through an approval process, the Texas Veterans Commission ensures that institutions and employers are in compliance with federal guidelines and are qualified to provide the type of training offered.
• Texas Veterans Commission Fund for Veterans’ Assistance is a program that makes grants available to eligible charitable organizations, local government agencies, and Veterans Service Organizations that provide direct services to Texas veterans and their families. The VLB was created in 1946, and through the Veterans' Land Program, it was directed by the legislature to purchase land for which would then be resold to Texas veterans. Throughout the years, the VLB's bonding authority has been increased in order to provide additional assistance. In 1983, the Veterans' Housing Assistance Program was created to assist Texas veterans in purchasing a home. In 1986, this program was expanded to provide qualifying Texas veterans with loans for home repairs and improvements to existing homes. Today, Texas veterans can use all three loan programs (land, home purchase, and home repair) at one time. These programs are not associated with the federal VA. This means, that even if a Texas veteran has used his/her VA benefits, eligibility in a state loan program may still be available. If you’d like to learn more about the loan programs offered by the Veterans Land Board, you can call the board toll free at 1-800-252-VETS (8387). Veterans truly deserve all the appreciation and assistance our great state can provide and it is with that that I offer my own personal thanks and gratitude for their dedicated and tremendous service to the United States and to Texas. If you would like more information on the services discussed in this article, please don't hesitate to contact my Capitol Office at 512-463-0672 or the District Office at 361-9494603. Rep. Hunter represents Nueces (Part). He can be contacted at todd.hunter@house.state.tx.us or at 512-463-0672.
November 7
¡Caliente! A Night In Old Buenos Aires
Join us for the Art Center of Corpus Christi's annual fundraising event, ¡Caliente! on Thursday, November 7th from 6-9pm. ¡Caliente! A Night in Old Buenos Aires, will feature live music, live art demonstrations, an iron pour with guest participation, Raku demonstrations, a photo booth, a caricature artist, tango dancers, live music, tile painting, food from the finest caterers in town, an open air themed Art Market, and so much more! VIP tickets are available for advanced purchase online for $75 and includes a private reception from 5-6pm, a free raffle ticket, a drink at the bar, one "Artist in Action" token to use towards
an activity of your choosing, first pick of silent auction items, and a rose corsage.Tickets are available for advanced purchase online at www. artcentercc.org/events/caliente Net proceeds from ¡Caliente! 2013 will support "Do Art Do Good" programs, awareness exhibitions, educational outreach for children, and the use of our facility for community events like ArtWalk, and music and film festivals. Your participation and support will not only impact the Art Center of Corpus Christi, but also our community. Please join us for a wonderful evening and get Art Centered on Thursday, November 7th!
A 8
Island Moon
Real Estate Round Up
Dee-Scoveries
Make someone happy
by Devorah Fox
Critical Home Components You Never See By Mary Lou White 361-960-9460 marylou@baxterbrooks.com When you open the front door for ”Buying” Customers, they are instantly taking in all the visual aspects of the home they have just entered. The floor plan, the floor covering, the trim work, the paint colors, the cabinetry, the hardware, the light fixtures, the closet situation and of course the main source of interest….. the kitchen and baths. These are the primary factors that they will use to determine which home they will purchase. However, most homebuyers will never even wonder about what is inside those walls. As humans, we get caught up with the things we can see and follow the old adage….Out of sight, Out of mind. But the truth is: the structural components, of your home, the foundation and the framing members are critical to long term happiness and home value. They must perform properly and support your home for it’s entire life cycle.
The Frame In the United States, it is rare to find a home without a timber-frame skeleton. Wood is an abundant and cost effective material that allows homes to be constructed quickly. It allows errors to be easily corrected and makes future remodeling, relatively simple. If you notice, in our neighborhoods, the frame, roof, windows and doors all seem to appear, in less than two weeks. Then, the pace appears to slow, as outside changes stop and most of the activity moves to the interior. This is the stage, of construction, where science and technology are constantly changing. Consumers want lots of light and views, but also low utility costs, along with clean air and comfortable interior spaces that keep heat or cold, dust, bugs, rodents and moisture outside, where they belong. The challenge to reach that goal is a constant battle. Not only do homes come in all shapes and sizes, but they are constructed in wildly different climates, with completely different types of products. Building components and installation techniques cannot fall into the category of “one size fits all”. Air and moisture migration through the floor, walls, and roof is a fact of life. It must be dealt with and properly managed. If it becomes “trapped” inside the wall cavity, rot, decay and structural failure will destroy your home.
rooms. One room was used to showcase “new construction” products, while the other room demonstrated improvements that can be made to existing homes, to upgrade their performance level. For help in writing this article, I turned to Garrett Dorsey, (gdorsey@icfi.com) an Island resident and out-going President of the Associates Council of the Builder’s Association of Corpus Christi. His knowledge of energy efficiency in particular and homebuilding in general, is without bounds, in my opinion. It is no wonder that he is fulfilling a vital role in educating Appraisers and Realtors about the very real and tangible value of “Energy Efficient” construction. Consumers want it, according to surveys and homes built to more expensive standards should be given a higher value, in the Appraisal and Loan process. Higher loan payments are often off set by lower utility costs. As Realtors, we are seeing new categories on the MLS listing sheets. We need to improve our knowledge of how to fill out the forms and also how to interpret the information that is provided, in these categories. For example, presently, we only see a HERS (Home Energy Rating System) number on new construction homes. The lower the number, the better. In truth, all homes can receive a score, in this category, with a home inspection performed (often for free) by local energy providers. Not only will they provide the energy survey, but they will help the homeowner to find programs that allow “retrofit” techniques to narrow the gap between older and new construction. The cost of this type undertaking can be greatly reduced by an abundance of little known grants, subsidies and tax incentives. Being informed is a good thing...
Padre Island Real Estate Ticker
Home Systems Walls, ceilings and floors provide void areas where all the home delivery systems are concealed. Modern life dictates that our homes provide plumbing pipes, electrical wiring and ductwork, in every room to provide the level of comfort, we expect, without question. However, those void spaces must eventually be properly filled with insulation material to provide comfort in both temperature and sound. The “type” of insulation material has changed dramatically over the last century. Currently, we are seeing a shift from “batt” usage to spray foam, especially, in the attic area. Top builders are now using spray foam on the underside of the roof, as opposed to just insulating the floor of the attic space. Thus, bringing the attic into the “conditioned” envelope of the entire house and eliminating the enormous heat build-up that occurs in most attics. An on-going argument, in the building trades, is where to locate the “vapor barrier”. In northern climates, it is placed on the interior side of the wall behind the sheet rock. In southern climates, it is normally placed on the exterior side of the wall. Once all the layers have been properly completed, it must be inspected by city employees, before the sheetrock can be installed. It is their job to look for any “health” and “safety” issues that may have been compromised, during construction. They use a “building code” system that is constantly being revised as new products and techniques are developed. Natural disasters, such as earthquakes and hurricanes, also bring about code changes, as does research into fire prevention and retardation. The entire process to geared to improving the value and quality of life, of the homeowner.
4
Multi Family Properties For Sale From $329,900 to $1,100,000
9
Commercial Properties For Sale From $150,000 to $4,557,465
185
Padre Island Lots or Land For Sale
141
Parcels not on the Water For Sale From $29,900 to $899,000
44
Parcels on a Canal or Water From $120,000 to $555,000
201
Padre Island Residences For Sale
77
Attached Homes For Sale From $85,000 to $509,000
73
Detached Homes on the Water From $262,500 to $1,650,000
51
Detached Homes not on the Water From $175,000 to $399,900
399
Total Properties For Sale on Padre Island
Mustang Island Real Estate Ticker
2
Multi Family Properties For Sale For $635,000 and $795,000
16
Commercial Properties For Sale From $125,000 to $3,000,000
173
Mustang Island Lots or Land For Sale From $39,900 to $5,650,000
232
Mustang Island Residences For Sale
168
Attached Residences For Sale From $79,500 to $1,100,900
64
Detached Residences For Sale From $189,000 to $2,400,000
423
Total Properties For Sale On Mustang Island
The Search Never Ends As Americans, we are all about change and trying to improve. Towards that goal, I recently had the opportunity to visit a “mobile” demonstration house that was constructed by LSU students and faculty to use as an educational exhibit. The trailer mounted “home” had two
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November 7, 2013
http://devorahfox.com How can you make a whole bunch of people happy with one simple act? Buy a book at the Local Author Book Sale, Saturday, Nov. 9 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Neyland Library (formerly the Parkdale Public Library). The event was organized by library board member Sue Donahoe. “We hope this will be the first step in building a strong connection between the Library and the local writing community.” Sue is herself a writer with the mission of promoting the independent musician, author, and artist. She and her late husband, Mike Donahoe, owned Local Flavor, a tiny shop in Austin that sold only local things, and for five years Sue wrote about the exploding music scene for magazines in 3 countries. After moving to Corpus Christi Sue helped to open Surf Club Records, a sister business to the Executive Surf Club and she and Brad Lomax co-founded The South Texas Music Walk of Fame. Sue’s book, “Never Heard of ‘Em, Austin’s Music Explosion, 1994 - 2000” was released in 2011. In addition to being on the library board, Sue has a family connection to the facility: Anita T and William Neyland were her late husband’s parents. So, who are all those people you’re going to make happy by attending the sale? First, there’s you. You’ll find all kinds of books to choose from. Books about our region’s history, about Texas music, about being a Jew in Egypt and about growing up in Alaska will be available. Two different authors will sell collections of stories based on Korean folk tales and Native American legends. Fiction and nonfiction, romance, dragons and mystics – authors in our area write about it all! The authors are right there to answer them. Curious about writing or publishing in general? Feel free to ask away. Second, there’s the person for whom you buy a book as a gift. Introduce your friend to one of your favorite authors or help your friend discover a new favorite. Don’t forget to ask the book sale authors to inscribe the book to your friend to personalize that gift and make it extra special. You’ll make the authors happy. Take it from me; writing’s a fairly solitary exercise. Oh, sure, we can write in a coffeehouse, bookstore, library or other public place. For the most part though it’s just we writers alone with our ideas for hours, days, weeks, months, even years. Meeting our readers at events like this and getting a little pat on the back now and then keeps us going. So does actually selling copies of our book. Many of us are working writers and this is how we make a living. Last, you’ll make library patrons happy because the authors are donating 30% of the proceeds of their sales to the library to help fund many of the exciting and educational programs held in libraries all over town throughout the year. Newly confirmed Director of Corpus Christi Libraries Laura Garcia is thrilled about the authors’ donation of sales to the library. “This kind of support makes it easier to bring future programs to Corpus Christi that will help these authors and others as well.” Future possible programs include workshops, contests, and classes. Here are just a few of the authors you’ll meet: Sue Hastings, co-author of “ARANSAS: The Life of a Texas Coastal County,” spent every summer vacation in Rockport from infancy until 1986, when she moved there full time. The Rockport Center for the Arts commissioned the writing of the history, which was published in 1997. Ms. Hastings has written for Texas Parks and Wildlife and Texas Highways magazines, and for several years she had a "slot" on the “Corpus Christi Caller-Times' Feedback” column. She now lives in Corpus Christi, with frequent trips to Rockport for her continuing interest in, and support of, its historical preservation. Kathryn Black Morrow is an historian, author and researcher. Her first book, “Guide to the Texas Slave Trade Series, 1818-1886,” published in 2006, brought to light more than 200 previously unpublished original Texas documents. Her second book, “Defender of America’s Gulf Coast; A History of Ellington Field, Texas 19172007,” published in 2007, documented the extraordinary role a local air field played in aviation history from the first World War to the Space Age. Her third book, titled “Meant to Fly; the Career of Captain A.J. High, Pilot for TransTexas Airways,” which came out in October, 2008, is a history of Trans-Texas Airways,
and Texas International Airlines, through the memoirs of Capt. A.J. High, who was one of the first sixteen pilots hired by TTA in 1947. A native Houstonian, Kathryn began her career as a professional historical and genealogical researcher at the North Carolina Department of Archives and History in Raleigh in 1969, and now has more than forty years of experience in academic research, family research and historical documentation. Kathryn and her husband Michael now live in Rockport. Heather Johnson Miller lived for two years in Perryville, an Aleutian village on the Alaskan peninsula, in 1961 to 1963 while her own parents were teachers there. She wrote “Lost in Alaska: A Texas Girl and an Aleut Boy” and “My People or Myself ,” published by the Council for Indian Education because she wants to preserve the unique culture and customs of the Aleut people. “Lost in Alaska,” a story about a young girl whose life is turned upside down when her Texan parent take teaching jobs in an Alaskan Aleut village, is suited for readers in grades 3 to 6. “My People or Myself” is a young adult story about three different people who must come to terms with important events in their lives.
2010 Winner I’ll be there too. In addition to the “DeeScoveries” column that I’ve written for “The Island Moon” newspaper for over three years, I’ve written for television, radio, magazines and various blogs plus two novels. “The Lost King” and “The King’s Ransom” are Books One and Two of “The Bewildering Adventures of King Bewilliam,” a five-star literary fantasy series. I’m working on Book Three, “The King’s Redress,” and I’ll be previewing my newest work, “Naked Came the Sharks,” a contemporary thriller set in the Texas Coastal Bend that’s slated for a release this winter. For information about the Neyland Local Authors Book Sale, visit the Web site at http:// cclibraries.com or Facebook at https://www. facebook.com/neylandlibrary. Call Michelle Balis or Jeanie Garza at Nelyand Library, (361) 826-2370. or send an email to library@ cclibraries.com. Or, stop by 1230 Carmel Parkway in Corpus Christi, behind Sutherlands. Regular hours for the library are Monday through Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Thursday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. I’ll see you there.
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November 7, 2013
Island Moon
A9
Shrimp continued from A1 cut it in half. God didn’t even ask Noah to do that. “The hulls were made from steel from old oil tanks", John said. "Originally, I had two 300 Horsepower diesel Cummins engines from trucks." John remembers the days when Port Aransas and Aransas Pass used to be the shrimp capitol of the world. Hundreds of boats lined up in marinas and raced nightly into the Gulf waters to net shrimp which were gaining more popularity with Americans. As fast as shrimpers could catch them, the public was buying them. It seemed that every boater who had dreams of making money became a shrimper.
inspects each plump and pendulous net before lowering the nets on the deck. There were no turtles in the nets, something John is proud of. He maintains that he has never killed a turtle in all of his years of shrimping. Nor were there any large fish or marine creatures in the nets. We don’t see any mermaids. " About 85 to 90% of our catch is shrimp,"
I promptly snap photographs and ask a few questions as they sort shrimp almost in rhythm to the rocking of the boat. The temperature is almost perfect if not a little too humid and hot. My eyes strain to focus as they move from the brightly lit deck to the dark waters beyond the boat.
Eventually, the competition became too much and shrimpers gave up. Refrigeration allowed boats to catch more shrimp and stay out longer. Then imported and farm raised shrimp entered the scene and the golden days of hundreds of shrimp boats was over. No longer would Gulf shores be rimmed with shrimp trawlers and their long-armed outriggers. Only the hardiest, most determined, and luckiest shrimpers remained. John and Molly were two who did.
Molly Molly is the other half of this amazing team. Molly runs the phone, cooks, cleans, captains the boat when John gets a few hours of sleep, and then she helps sort, wash, and process the shrimp with eye-deceiving precision and speed. She does it all with a kind and generous smile. She is the type of person who is competent and efficient at everything that she does. They are a team, always have been and always will be. Each day during shrimping season they load up with 100 gallons of diesel and head out to cast their fortune to the sea life fishermen have been doing since man has been on the planet. Each trip is a journey into the unknown.
Round 1 -Pulling up the nets Climbing up the narrow staircase to the helm continues to be a challenging exercise for me. The rocking of the ship and my cloudy head make for a difficult walk. Once on top I head to the stern and take in a fabulous scene. The nets are being dragged up from the depths and are plump with shrimp and bycatch. John carefully
moving hands. As their blazing hands work independent of one another, baskets quickly fill and are replaced by empties. Sorting does not stop but remains at a persistently fast pace. Dozens of small crabs still swarm the deck but by now typically back themselves against the side of the boat or in a corner. Soon enough all of the crabs are released back to the Gulf but not before I watch every step I take and every spot where I sit as small, defensive and angry crab claws put me in my place. Molly’s perch on the stool keep them from finding their way into her boots or pants leg. I wonder how many trips she had made without that stool along.
A net with a small amount of shrimp freshly dug from the Gulf John said. Finally the nets are opened and the shrimp and a small amount of different fish spill out over the deck; one mound on the port side and the other mound on the starboard side. Molly, now awake and prepared to work for several hours after sleeping for a few hours, has her shrimp sorting tools ready; a very small and squat stool and a hand rake. Dozens of small crabs scurry across the deck seeking the scuppers to return to their watery homes or two fort up on the deck and wave their mighty claws at all comers.
In no time all of the shrimp were efficiently sorted, washed and iced. The deck was magically empty as if nothing had happened, yet minutes earlier I had witnessed hundreds of pounds of shrimp pulled aboard, sorted and iced. Tools and stools were placed back in their places and the deck was hosed down. It’s been a smooth night of shrimping. But things don’t always go that well. "One of the worst experiences was when the shaft broke and we had to crawl in," John said. "One time a net got tangled in one of the propellers and sometimes the nets tear on the Gulf bottom." Now the equipment is checked and within minutes the nets are lowered for the second and last time of the trip. I shake my head in disbelief.
More shrimp pulled from the depths and deposited on deck at 7 AM How does this couple continue to engage in such physically and mentally demanding work? It has been a long night but it is not over. The nets are still doing their work and there will be another haul before sunup; just another night at sea for the Nixons but a once in a lifetime adventure for a landlubber. I settle in and try for sleep. Next issue: Sharks follow the boat and the journey home.
In spite of the continued rocking I focus on this incredible sight. They begin sorting shrimp into three piles; extra-large, large, and medium/small. The bright lights at the stern of the trawler allow me to witness the mesmerizing speed of their
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A 10
Island Moon
November 7, 2013