Island moon 6 13 2013 section a by Mary Craft

Inside the Moon...

Local Groms Make Waves A2

Ready for Marriage? A4

The

Island Moon

Dog Park A8

FREE PUBLISHED EVERY THURSDAY

Landscaping with Containers A11

Sports A14

Free

Photo by Miles Merwin

6/12/13

Google Maps

Weekly

361-949-7700 editor@islandmoon.com The Island Newspaper since 1996 Facebook : The Island Moon Newspaper

June 13, 2013

The Only Island in Texas with it’s large intestine on the outside

Around The Island

By Dale Rankin editor@islandmoon.com By Dale Rankin

Next Publication Date: 6/20/2013

Here on The Island the sun is shining after just enough rain to green things up and humidity is approaching head spinning proportions. We are between holidays now but you wouldn’t know it by looking at the crowds on the beach each weekend. The Old Busy has become the New Normal. The Speed Tables are now finished over on the old stretch of Aquarius so if you are driving over there slow down – come to think of it if you are driving anywhere on The Island slow down. Speeding has become rampant on Whitecap and with the construction there it’s getting dangerous.

Canal collections The Property Owners Association is looking to hire someone to pickup trash in the canals. Applicants will need their own boat. If you fit the bill call Maybeth over at the POA office. May be a good summer job for a student. We are going to do the Island Moon ArtWalk on Saturday and Sunday this weekend. Stop by say hello. In the meantime we’ll see you Around The Island.

Some Things New Islanders Should Know By Dale Rankin

Contract is signed, formal announcement pending

Barring complications a new $500 million facility will be built on Harbor Island inside the Port Aransas City Limits on Harbor Island. The deal includes the purchase of 246 acres of land from the Port of Corpus Christi for $36 million and when completed would increase the tax roll of the City of Port Aransas and the Port Aransas School District by about thirty percent. The contract for the purchase of the site by Martin Midstream Partners L.P. has been signed and has a due diligence period which ends in August. The new facility will export petroleum products from the Eagle Ford Shale play in Central and South Texas and will provide jobs with salaries beginning in the $65,000-$75,000 range. “This is a great deal for the Port of Corpus Christi, the City of Port Aransas, and the economy of the entire Coastal Bend,” said Port of Corpus Christi Port Commissioner and Port Aransas resident Charlie Zahn. “When the area between Harbor Island and Portland is completely developed it will mean $16 billion for the local tax roll.” Martin Midstream is based in Tyler and publicly trades on NASDAQ and currently owns the barge docks located on Harbor Island

The Island Moon ArtWalk and Farmer’s Market This Weekend. Saturday and Sunday at the Seawall

At any given time on The Island these days there are about sixty houses under construction and many of these are being bought by former Non-Islanders. We hear from a lot of them and they say that the way they learn about what’s going on is by reading the Island Moon.

So in that vein we thought we would offer some advice to new arrivals…so here goes. The permanent population of North Padre Island is just over 9000 and almost none of those residents are natives. Most of them came from somewhere else and brought their customs and mores with them, so while The Island may have the numbers of a small town it really isn’t one. Most of the new arrivals came from large cities where it is the custom to go about your daily business without speaking to strangers. There are just too many of them and if you stopped to talk to all of them it would take up all of your time. Well, you’re on Island Time now and it’s okay to say hello to strangers; in fact after a while you will start doing it without knowing when you started.

New Islanders continued on A

Under the current agreement the Port of Corpus Christi does not get a tariff from the petroleum products being moved through the existing Harbor Island docks, however, under the new arrangement the Port will receive approximately $2.5 million annually in tariffs from the new facility. After discussion with officials from the City of Port Aransas, Martin Midstream has agreed to design provisions that will prohibit light or noise from the facility reaching across the ship channel to Port Aransas. They have not asked for nor received tax abatements from Port Aransas. Martin Midstream Partners L.P. was formed in 2002 by Martin Resource Management Corporation, a privately-held company whose initial predecessor was incorporated in 1951 as a supplier of products and services to drilling rig contractors.

Harbor Island

Zahn said Harbor Island is already zoned for the type of facility Martin Midstream plans to build. “This is a win-win for the City of Port Aransas and the Port of Corpus Christi,” Zahn said. “It is a real game changer for the area.” A formal announcement on the project is expected in the next few weeks.

The Man Who Watches the Line

By Dale Rankin

We’ve all seen him as we go about our Island business. A solitary, vigilant figure there in the median at Whitecap and Gypsy. “I wonder what he is doing?” we ask ourselves as we speed along. Or, “typical government job, sit in a truck all day and do nothing.” To be sure it’s a thankless job and one that more than likely will never need to be actually performed…unless…

What is it for? It is currently the only thing standing between us and anarchy. While crews clean out the main sewer line which runs from

Island honey will be there with tons of local honeys, honey bee pollen, candies and more. From the Garden will be there with fresh veggies and farm fresh eggs. They will also have fresh dried herbs, hand poured soaps, natural dog treats and hand painted glassware... just to name a few!! Ruben Limas, Stevie Start, and Sky Malone will perform throughout the event. Produce now on the Island every Wednesday! Jessie Hammons who operates the Market by the Sea every weekend along SPID in the old car wash parking lot next to the Hampton Inn on is now bringing produce to the Island every Wednesday. Hammons is also offering free vendor space to thirty-five vendors at his market on Saturday and Sunday, June 22nd and June 23rd. You can contact him at 951-4911545 to participate or go to The Island Moon Newspaper on Facebook for more details. COME OUT AND SEE US!!

We drive on our beaches here. Please don’t bend our ear about how they don’t do that in Florida or California. You don’t live there anymore and in Texas beaches are publicly owned roadways and we drive on them; get used to it. The only thing that locals will hassle visitors or other locals about is throwing trash on the beach. We have all the beach trash we need already so please feel free to inform anyone who wants to leave theirs here that we don’t need any more. The first time you see some guy start driving off leaving fifteen beer bottles on the beach and you read him the riot act you will know you are now a local. It’s a rite of passage.

which generate daily traffic of 300 trucks in and out of the gate. Under the new contract the trucks will be replaced by a pipeline which will move the Eagle Ford production to the site for export by water. A separate deal finalized this week will bring $14 million in improvements to the railroad system serving the Port and Harbor Island.

His name is Steve Cockrell and he https://maps.google.com/maps?gl=us&vpsrc=6&ie=UTF8&ll=27.846855,-97.066355&spn=0.044928,0.102267&t=m is The Man Who Watches the Line. What line you ask? The black pipeline The man who watches the line that currently runs along the Whitecap median that is the Island’s temporary the Cruiser pump station to the Whitecap large intestine. Wastewater Treatment Plan the temporary line

The Island Moon ArtWalk and the Island Farmer’s Market are teaming up this weekend on the seawall. Vendor setup begins at 7 a.m. and is free.

The line of new Island arrivals is getting longer.

Facebook: Island Moon Newspaper Year 16, Issue 478

$500 Million Facility Coming to Harbor Island

By Dale Rankin

Down in Nicaragua the Chinese are getting ready to dig their own version of the Panama Canal. It will take 11 years to finish, cost $40 billion and require the digging of about 130 miles of waterway. In Washington D.C. a Senator is declaring illegal immigration a “thing of the past” even as another Senator broke into Spanish during a speech confusing the Back Benchers who thought he might be having a stroke.

IslandBlast!

Fire in the sky on the Fourth of July 1st Annual North Padre Island 4th of July Fireworks Show Begins 9pm at the end of Whitecap

is taking its place (more on that later). So far it has worked fine as the portable pump moves Watcher continued on A3

What’s the Deal With Brown Tide? News From Your POA

By Maybeth Christiansen We have taken a lot of phone calls asking what that “stuff” is in our canals. It is brown tide. Brown tide is actually an alga bloom which is not a toxin but does lower the oxygen in the water. During the 1990’s there was almost a continuous bloom. It happened again in 2005 and 2010. We are having this bloom tested to see if it is of the same strain. There is not a known treatment for this alga including grazing predators. A reason for the brown tide is the lack of water circulation within the Laguna Madre. The bloom was first reported by Parks and Wildlife around the middle of May. It was seen from the JFK Bridge to Baffin Bay. The winds probably moved a large portion of it into our canals. Due to the lack of oxygen, we have had some fish kill. Our canals are very low in oxygen since this alga prevents the sunlight from getting to the organisms which produce oxygen. We do not have any idea how long this condition will persist. All information we have been able to obtain indicates it is not harmful to humans.

Whitecap work Regarding the work on Whitecap, the problem has nothing to do with the wastewater treatment center’s capacity. It Maybeth continued on A9

Farah’s Fishing Adventures

By Joey Farah Last week I watched the gulls flock over the flats along the Intracoastal Canal as I headed south beneath an amber morning sky. I hoped that it was a sign that the Lagoon was getting better and that fishing would improve soon. The next few days I ran across the glassy flats in less than two feet of water. Gulls filled the air, I NEVER SAW A REDFISH OR MULLET. I covered the entire flat and nothing. The birds were picking up small dead sand eels and small baitfish. My heart sank as the strange smell of the water filled my lungs. Ask the Texas Fish and Game Techs at the dock and all they have to say is that it is confirmed that it is the “BROWN TIDE” but for those who have fished here for many years and have been watching the Mother Lagoon, we know it is something else. For years, we have fished in brown tide and caught fish. We have fished Baffin deep in the back in stained water but could pull up to rocks and sandbars all summer and catch fish. In the years that the brown tide came into the Lagoon we could drift the flats with big spoons and top waters and have redfish explode on the baits as they hunted by vibration. We drifted the flats and rock piles of both Baffin Bay and the Lagoon with live shrimp and popping corks with good catches. Here in the infected areas at this time I can fish a boat load of fishermen Brown Tide continued on A9

Island Moon

A 2

June

13,

2013

The Travelling Moon

The Island Moon T-Shirts The Island Looks Good On You!

Get yours for only $14.95 plus shipping and handling. Shirts come in grey or white short sleeve T-Shirts sizes L. XL and XXL. Tank Tops come in Aqua and White in sizes Medium and Large.

Only

10.95

To order by phone, call 361-949-7700. To order by mail please send your checks made payable to: J. Park The Island Moon, 14493 S.P.I.D., PMB 220, Corpus Christi, Tx 78418.

(Above) We love reading the Island Moon and would love to be in it. We went to Alaska a few weeks ago and took the Island moon with us. The picture with the moose is at the Steve Kroshel’s Wildlife Center in Haines Alaska. The whale tail photo is of Sasha the humpback in Juneau Alaska. Thanks, Julie and Jason Franklund (Right) Gladys Choyke took The Moon with her on her two week visit to Christus Spohn Shoreline following breaking all three bones in her right ankle Memorial Day weekend. Note to self: Get a new travel agent

Surf Champs

Johnny Ds •

on the island

Father’s Day Special

Prime Rib Dinner Sunday June 16th Served during Sunday Brunch 25.00

Sunday Brunch Menu Served 11:00am-2:00pm

Dinner

Served nightly Tuesday thru Saturday 4:30pm-9:30pm Featuring Fresh

seafood, New Zealand lamb chops And much more

Happy hour beginning at 4:30pm The island’s only bloody Mary bar $3.00 NEW 1/2 Price Wine Tuesdays NEW

Outdoor Banquet Space Available for Parties Catering Available Call for reservations at 361-949-2500 Located 15605 SPID on the Island View our full menu on our website or Google www.letseat.at/johnnydsrestaurant

Produce now on the Island every Wednesday! Jessie Hammons who operates the Market by the Sea every weekend in the old car wash parking lot next to the Hampton inn on S.P.I.D. is now bringing produce to the Island every Wednesday. Hammons is also offering free vendor space to thirty-five people at his market on June 22nd and June 23rd. You can contact him at 951-491-1545 to participate or go to The Island moon Newspaper on facebook for more details.

Ian Appling-State Champion in Groms and Mini-Groms (6th grader at Flour Bluff Intermediate) Bradley Blades-2nd in State in Groms (7th Grader at Flour Bluff Junior High) Serena Nava-State Champion in Girls and Mini-Girls (5th grader at Flour Bluff Intermediate) These three young Flour Bluff surfers are promoting a benefit raffle being held Saturday the 15th of June at Sparrow’s Landing here in Flour Bluff from 6-9pm. There will be live music and raffle tickets for sale (tickets only $2). If anyone wishes to donate to help defer travel, lodging and food costs, there is a jar set up at Dockside Surf shop.

Name That Tree!

Full Service Hospital

Preventative & Wellness Medicine

Laser Surgery Laser Therapy Ultrasound Radiology Clinical Lab Spay & Neuter Walk-Ins Welcome Drop Offs Welcome

Flea & Tick Control Intestinal Parasite Control Heartworm Prevention Dental Cleaning & Polishing Allergy Testing & Medicine Hill’s Rx Science Diet Foods Senior Wellness Medicine

Dr. Christi Kresser

Voted Best Veterinarian 2006 - 2012

Voted Best of the Best Pet Services of 2006-2012 Boarding & Grooming Dogs - Cats - Birds In-Door Boarding Climate Controlled Separate Cat/Dog Rooms Summer Shave Downs Breed Specific Cuts Bath & Nail Trims

PREVENTIC Collar Director’s Feature Coupon -$5.00 Kills & Detaches Ticks for 3 Months Dr. Christi Kresser Recommends PREVENTIC

TICK COLLAR FOR DOGS

Coupons * Coupons * Coupons * Coupons * Coupons * Coupons *

Director’s Feature Service 20% OFF Coupon Dental Prophylaxis or Senior Wellnes Profile Dr. Christi Kresser Reccomends Only the BEST

Feature Product

Trifexis

(spinosad+milbemucin oxime) Kills Fleas Controls Flea Infestation Prevents Heartworm Disease Treats & Controls Intestinal Parasites 1 YEAR SUPPLY

$25.00 Off Mfg. Rebate $20.00 Off Dr. Christi Kresser

Director of Marketing and Operations

Total Savings $45.00

Trivia Question of the Week

This rare tree can be found somewhere on the Island. It is not, however native to our area. If you can guess what it is, we’ll give you one Island Moon NewspaperFREE! Send your answers to editor@islandmoon.com

June 13, 2013

Council Corner

Island Moon

Corpus Christi City Council District 4

The proposed budget had two items related to pay and one related to increasing the street maintenance contribution. The additional street fee contribution was the $1.9 milionl remaining after the requested budget and priorities 1 and 2, including the pay issues, were accommodated. We won’t know until the data is in, but the best guess is that this, with other transfers totaling $3.7million will reduce the fee paid by our businesses and residents by 25%. The two lines for pay were divided into pay equity and a COLA. The City pay system creates incredible inequities for the civilian employees (Police and Fire have contracts regulating COLA and step increases). Each position has a range of pay into which a new employee can be placed. Once hired, the employee remains at that pay unless the Council votes for a COLA. Periodically, the ranges are reevaluated in order to attract new employees and the range slides upward. Unfortunately, the current employees do not follow the range. There is no mechanism in place for an employee to increase pay without a COLA. Due to this system, we have employees who earn more than their supervisors, employees who transfer to a new job merely to get a raise,

and employees who have not had a raise other than COLA in 15-20 years. We have even had one employee quit and one month later apply for her old job at a substantial pay increase. The pay equity line in the budget brings all employees up to the minimum in the current pay range for their positions. No Council member questioned this item. However, giving an across the board 2% raise will further this inequity. Those hired recently, but still eligible for COLA, being paid within a reasonable pay range, will receive 2% as will those hired on a range from 15 years ago. While everyone will bring home more money, the disparity in pay will increase, and, like other Councils with streets, we will have kicked this can further down the street. The motion made by David Loeb, and seconded by me, asked the City Manager to see what he could do if we asked him to shift the $820,000 from COLA to the pay equity line. We did not direct him to make the move, but rather to tell us what it would look like. Mark Scott asked for, and received an amendment to the motion. He asked that, after doing so, anything left from the $820,000 be shifted to streets. This amended motion passed unanimously. We expect this information for the next reading and will decide at that time what is the best way to improve our pay system. As always, if you have any questions or concerns, feel free to email, text or call. ElectColleen@gmail.com or 361-549-8341.

The Best Beachwalk in Texas starts at Bob Hall Pier, where there is ample parking, and goes north up the beach to the end of the South Packery Jetty. This path with a return trip will get you a walk of about three miles and will take you by some very nice scenery. If you like to people watch while you walk this is the route for you and by next month you will be able to reward yourself with a stop at the new restaurant/bar on Bob Hall Pier. When you hear the term Eastfacing or Westfacing to describe a house the speaker is referring to the back of the house where the deck is – not the front as would be the case if you were OTB. This is confusing at first, but if you have already bought a house you already know this. The Island is the cashbox for the City of Corpus Christi. Decades ago when developers owned all the land on The Island they did not want to pay for keeping up infrastructure so they petitioned to be annexed into the City of Corpus Christi. We are 4% of the population and pay 15% of the taxes. By contrast, property owners in Port Aransas, which is its own city, pay 65 cents in property taxes for every $1 we pay. There is no reversing this; a pock on those developers houses.

There’s a Revolution brewing on our Island folks and as is usually the case with Revolutions it’s about taxes. It’s what everyone is talking about and it is fast reaching the “I’m mad and I’m not taking it anymore’ stage.

If you are a current office holder be aware of some things: First, it is now common for Islanders to be facing increases in their property valuations of 30-40% - dozens of homeowners have coincidently seen their values rise by exactly $100,000. Since valuations can by law only be raised 10% each year this means that these Island property owners are facing increases of 10% each year until that 30-40% increase in appraised value is reached. Second, they are not happy about this.

For the first time ever we have a grocery store on The Island. It is a small one and just getting open but a milestone for we Islanders. Ask around. The La Posada Lighted Boat Parade is the big event of the year with the upcoming Fourth of July Fireworks display now running a close second. Protocol allows for you to party hop from one deck party to the next without offending anyone. You don’t have to sneak out through the garage to move to the next party. Just tell the host you are headed to another party and invite them along. This leads to the next item. A corollary of the above rule is that if you hear about a party on The Island then that means you know someone who is going so you are invited. You don’t need any other invitation. There are some exceptions for sitdown dinners, quinceaneras (might need to look that one up; think of it as an Hispanic Bar Mitzvah), weddings (unless they are on the beach), and family reunions as the presence of a total stranger could cause some unfortunate complications. But if you hear a loud party on a deck across the canal don’t call the cops, grab your ice chest and join in. You’ll be glad you did. We Moon Monkeys were at a recent party where party crashers literally crashed the party – they crashed their boat into the deck throwing a passenger and total stranger right into the crowd. They fit right in. Island Moon founder Mike Ellis liked to say that an Island party is like a Seven-Layer Bean Dip; it starts out with each layer separated from the other and ends up all mixed together on one big happy mess.

Welcome to The Island ya’ll.

next few months. And when I say watch I mean just that; don’t listen to what they say watch what they do. We all know that the Nueces County Appraisal District is balancing budgets across the county by raising property appraisals on The Island. The proof of that is found in Island mailboxes. The moving of the city elections from spring to fall has diluted the Island voting block to the point that the political fallout from this is manageable; but it still is more than negligible. If you are an Island property owner looking at a property appraisal that is 30% higher than last year then ask yourself this question; can I sell my house this year for 30% more than I could have sold it for last year? If the answer is no then be advised that there are political forces at work which can stop this madness if they choose to because it is elected city and county officials who appoint the leaders at the Nueces County Appraisal District.

Third, they have figured out they are being played for fools when their elected officials, who without exception ran for office pledging they were the enemy of rising taxes, claim they are not raising taxes because they have kept the tax rate steady as she goes. The problem of course, is that when you increase values by 40% and keep the tax rate on each $100 of appraised property the size of the check the homeowner must write goes up along with the amount of money that property owners city and countywide send downtown. You increased the amount of money you took from taxpayers and put it in your budget. By what definition is that not a tax hike?

I don’t recall any of them running for office on a platform that said, “My plan is to raise your property values and raise your taxes.”

Fourth, they are not happy about this either.

Texas Constitution Truth-in-Taxation Provisions

Playing the same old game

New Islanders continued from A1 When traffic is heavy you can get from one side of The Island to the other without using SPID. This route involves using the new Aquarius to Commodores then the access road – yes we have one – to go past the Whataburger then through the neighborhoods to old Aquarius. (this Aquarius does not connect to the rest of Aquarius – a story for another day). This will put you on SPID at Jessie’s Liquor at the base of the bridge. From there you are on your own.

Stuff I Heard on the Island

by Dale Rankin

By Colleen McIntyre

There has been much discussion regarding the street maintenance fee and its relationship with the proposed 2% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) and I wanted to take an opportunity to clarify any misunderstanding.

In the last issue I chronicled, through the use of their budget, the fact that the Nueces County Commission has raised taxes by 5.52% in the last two years while proclaiming far and wide that they have not raised taxes by pointing at the steady tax rate. As of this writing it now looks like the city in its new budget is trying to play the same game; keep the tax rate constant while evaluations go up thus putting more of your money in their pocket. Fifth, this game is getting real old real fast. I understand that the streets need attention. But I would point out that most cities use bonds to build new streets and annual operating funds (tax revenue) to maintain them. We are about to use an additional street tax – euphemistically being called a “fee”, to do both. The fact is that this fee/tax is nothing more than a substitution for the political will to cut current city spending to pay for streets without the additional tax. Our city used to do it this way but hasn’t since the 1980’s and that’s why our street are in the condition they are in. To make these cuts would by nature result in a backlash from those whose spending ox is being gored; it is more politically expedient to call the tax a “fee” and not have to tell the city employees who have collective bargaining that you are taking some money from their pot to make up the difference. It’s easier to keep the tax rate the same while property values rise, pass a street tax, call it a fee, and tell taxpayers you did not raise their taxes even as the number of zeros on the tax checks they write multiply annually. To quote our very quotable former Governor Ann Richards, don’t pee down my leg and tell me it’s raining.

August 7 is judgment day So watch what the city and county do in the

All taxing entities must publish their proposed tax rates for the next budget by August 7. If tax increases are kept below 8% there is no possibility of a tax rollback election; except of course a year from November when they once again declare themselves the mortal enemy of tax hikes. I have to go now; I think it’s raining on my leg. A review of the applicable law is appropriate at this point. Here’s the language.

The Texas Constitution sets out the general requirements for truth-in-taxation. Tax Code Chapter 26 provides the specifics. Article VIII, Section 21. INCREASE IN TOTAL PROPERTY TAXES; NOTICE AND HEARING; CALCULATION. (A) Subject to any exceptions prescribed by general law, the total amount of property taxes imposed by a political subdivision in any year may not exceed the total amount of property taxes imposed by that subdivision in the preceding year unless the governing body of the subdivision gives notice of its intent to consider an increase in taxes and holds a public hearing on the proposed increase before it increases those total taxes. The legislature shall prescribe by law the form, content, timing, and methods of giving the notice and the rules for the conduct of the hearing. (B) In calculating the total amount of taxes imposed in the current year for the purposes of Subsection (a) of this section, the taxes on property in territory added to the political subdivision since the preceding year and on new improvements that were not taxable in the preceding year are excluded. In calculating the total amount of taxes imposed in the preceding year for the purposes of Subsection (a) of this section, the taxes imposed on real property that is not taxable by the subdivision in the current year are excluded. (C) The legislature by general law shall require that, subject to reasonable exceptions, a property owner be given notice of a revaluation of his property and a reasonable estimate of the amount of taxes that would be imposed on his property if the total amount of property taxes for the subdivision were not increased according to any law enacted pursuant to Subsection (a) of this section. The notice must be given before the procedures required in Subsection (a) are instituted.

Watcher continued from A1 the line’s contents along without problem. But imagine for a moment what would happen if something went wrong and think of the consequences. The permanent line is a 30-inch line so the volume of “product’ going through it is large. When the pump at the Cruiser station kicks in the “product” in the Whitecap/Gypsy manhole comes alive like a living breathing thing trying to break free of its subterranean banks like a giant malevolent Sewer Creature trying to breathe free air. So what would happen if all of a sudden something did go wrong and all of that “product” began disgorging itself onto the roadway? That’s The hole where the sewer monster lives enough of thinking about that; but not to worry, because standing ready between it backs up and vents at the pump station as it is us and disaster is The Man Who Watches the designed to do. The problem is that the system Line. He would spring into action, leaping from was not designed to have the main line half, or his truck in a moment’s notice like a Sewer more, full of sand. Crews are having a very hard Line Superman and shut off that pump saving time removing forty years worth of sand and the us from the lurking Sewer Creature. Bang. Just process, originally thought to take about two like that the problem would be solved. Most months, will take at least three, certainly four, of us would never even know that the Creature and probably more. It’s a dirty job but they are tried to let loose on our Island. We would go doing it; inch by inch, foot by foot. Once the line is cleaned a camera will be run through it about our business with nary a worry. to check for holes and then, if none are found, So while Steve and his colleagues work 12- The Man Who Watches the Line can go back hour shifts and check the line every half hour, to civilian life secure in the knowledge that for writing down its behavior in a little book, we that brief shining moment he was all that stood can rest easy. And it’s a good thing too because between our island and chaos. the line that is being cleaned is one clogged up So friends the next time you see him wave, or mess. better yet stop by and say hello because for now The main sewer line was installed way back in he is – The Man Who Watches the Line. the 1970s and crews now working to clean it say that the 30-inch line in some places has less than four inches of clearance that is not jammed up by forty-plus years worth of sand. Over the years enough sand has found its way into the pipe that at its best the line is half full of sand. since 1987 Islanders have been complaining for years • New Homes about the foul odor emanating from the Cruiser • Remodels station which forces us to roll up our windows • Additions and hold our nose as we drive by. City crews • Repairs have done smoke tests to determine if there • No job too big is a leak but none has been found - except of or too small course when the Sewer Monster got loose a few years ago and turned the entire Gypsy/Whitecap intersection into a giant sinkhole. Call 774-7043 for estimate

Creating Dreams for Island Homeowners

The problem, as it turns out, is that when the pump kicks on sending “product” down the line

www.billgoinhomes.com

A 4

Island Moon

Are You Really Ready for Marriage? Divorce?

Editorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s note: Brent performs weddings around the area and has developed an unique viewpoint on the couples he meets. He is not married.

how to discuss crucial, emotional, and often discordant topics in a relationship. Marriage counselors, pastors, priests, officiants and readily offer their pre-marriage counseling services to their eager and often starry-eyed couples. Checklists abound in self-help books as well as marriage guides, all potentially useful in helping couples determine if they are, in fact, prepared for the rigors and joys of matrimony.

By Brent Rourk June is here as are countless weddings, some intricately planned for years and others â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;thought aboutâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; for a few weeks. Summer weddings have been popular forever or so it seems. Great weather, time off from the job, and typically a time for taking vacations or trips make June an ideal month to have the ceremony and reception. Hundreds of weddings are performed right here in the Coastal Bend, with beach weddings being extremely popular. But are all of those who have planned their wedding actually ready to get married? Based on divorce statistics, it would appear not because divorce lawyers and mediators are seemingly as busy as ministers and wedding

June 13, 2013

Divorce cakes are becoming popular officiants. According to divorce statistics.org 45 to 50% of first marriages end in divorce. About 65% of second marriages end in divorce and over 70% of third marriages end in divorce. After officiating many weddings and talking with the couples about their readiness for marriage and after reading many books and articles about relationships and marriage, it is abundantly clear that there are many questions that couples should thoroughly answer and address prior to committing to marriage. Couples should approach this vital communication as a method of determining how to improve their relationship. It can also serve as a model for

Some noted surveys have 5 questions, while others have 8 or 10. What they have in common is helping couples identify potential problem areas in their relationship that could get much worse and could painfully tear apart their relationship. I have carefully sifted the most important questions from many surveys and added a couple more. You can either answer them as Yes/No or you can use a scale (1 to 5 or 1 to 10 with the higher number being the most frequent or true) to help make the answers more concrete and real. Another method of measuring responses is to use a word scale; (always/ sometimes/frequently/infrequently/never). The 13 point reflective questions below should serve strictly as a guide for healthy communication between couples planning to marry. 1. Do you love, like, respect, and trust your partner? If there is an issue with any of these four, then there are some serious landmines in the future of the relationship. 2. Am I attracted to more than looks? Is there more than physical attraction? The beginnings of a relationship are generally noted for their increased physical attraction, lust, and sexual desire. But how long does physical attraction by itself create and sustain a healthy real relationship? 3. Will I always put energy and effort into remaining together happily? Marriages require effort and the desire from both parties to make it work. Once one of the parties to a marriage withdraws support or refuses to put energy into it, then the relationship is completely doomed.

6. Can I be true to myself? It is important for people to be able to be themselves in a relationship. Walking on eggshells or having to act and behave differently because one is afraid of being shunned or afraid of upsetting the other is usually a sign that one partner is controlling or abusive and the other fearful or in denial. Putting on fronts because of fear is not healthy. 7. Do the people closest to me see it as a great match? What do they see and say? This is something that many people ignore, but they should not. 8. Can we communicate about everything proactively? The key to a healthy and long term relationship is the ability to positively and proactively communicate about every aspect of ourselves and our relationships 9. Are we responsible and fun? There is a balance that all people have to find between being responsible and having fun

4. Does my partner make me a better and more self-fulfilled person? Does my partner help me find my grounded spots? Does my partner help me grow as a person? Reach my goals?

10. Has he/she effectively and positively dealt with their past? Frequently, the spoils and toils of past relationships can continue to dominate our thoughts, feelings and behaviors.

5. Do I desire and appreciate their company and companionship? A healthy relationship is formed from a balance of a couple and the individuals in that relationship. One of the chief reasons to marry is for companionship and company from another person who enjoys our company.

11. Is she/he addicted to alcohol, drugs, or gambling? Another red flag! 12. Are we spiritually aligned or compatible? Spiritual compatibility can be a deal breaker as far as marriage goes. It does not have to be a deal breaker, however, it is important that each partner can articulate their spiritual beliefs and have them respected by the other person. 13. Do I want this person to be the mother or father of my child? If you intend to have children or if you have them already, then this question must be addressed carefully, thoroughly, and thoughtfully. Interestingly, the same questions should be revisited from time to time during a marriage. Nothing wrong with keeping a pulse on your relationship and its health and status. Do you need to strengthen your marriage? How? Are there areas that need work? Which ones? Good luck.

June 13, 2013

Island Moon

Skip the Plastic Hero!

Read the Island Moon on Facebook The Island Moon Newspaper

WHERE THE LOCALS SHOP

Skip the Plastic is pleased to announce our June Bag Hero, Jennifer Reid of Threads resale clothing shop. Jennifer and her staff have set a great example for other locally owned retail businesses to follow. Please see the attached press release and photographs for more information.

This was taken in 1970. They built model homes on Emerald Street so they could make a sales pitch film to show potential buyers many from other countries. There was originally going to be a bridge at Aquarius.

JESSE'S LIQUOR

We hope your media outlet will help to spread this positive message to your viewers, listeners and readers in your broadcasts, publications and websites. If you would like to contact Jennifer to learn more about Threads’ proactive bag program, she can be reached at 884-7323 or ccthreads@ ymail.com. If you have any questions about Skip the Plastic or our Bag Hero program, please reply to this email or call me at the phone number below, Neil McQueen www.skiptheplastic.org 361-765-4445 a

at the Esplande

1702 HWY 181, N Portland, TX (361) 643-2129 140 E. Ave. G, Port Aransas, TX (361) 749-4484 501 S. Alister, Port Aransas, TX (361) 749-6994

13947 SPID, Corpus Christi, TX (361) 949-8961 1623 Wildcat Dr., Portland, TX (361) 643-2300 The walls are coming down at the Padre Isles Country Club as work begins on the entryway for the Schlitterbahn Park. Work on the new canals is expected to begin in the next two weeks. Work continues on the other areas of the site.

June 13th - June 19th

NEWDeep Eddy Ruby Red Vodka

.750ml for $17.99 Sampling June 14 & June 15

Boat Crash

Smirnoff 80* 1.75L for $17.99 Jameson Irish Whiskey .750ml for $24.99 Jagermeister Liqueur .750ml for $20.99 Bud Light Lime-A-Rita and Straw-Ber-Rita 12 pack for $12.99 Robert Mondavi Napa Valley Chardonnay for $15.99 Family Owned & Operated since 1987 OPEN Monday - Saturday 10:00 a.m.- 9:00 p.m.

A boat crash at the Ski Basin last weekend narrowly missed injuring a group of people standing nearby. The boat crashed with enough force to burrow the bow several feet into the sandbank.

Restaurant

& Wine Bar

Mary Ann McShane, Realtor, GRI, SRES e-mail: malm335@sbcglobal.net Corpus Christi Realty Group Considering a move to the Island? Let me help you find your piece of Paradise - waterfront or interior homes, condos, townhouses, lots Considering selling your Island Property? Call me for a free consultation to obtain the current market value along with tips to make your property the one buyers will put on their “must see” list

Island Office (361) 215-8629 STILL THE OLDEST, STILL THE LEAST EXPENSIVE, STILL THE NEWEST EQUIPMENT.

Automotive & Wrecker Service COMPLETE AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR Computer Diagnostics Oil Changes

NEW TIRES

Air Conditioning Service Tire Repair MARINE REPAIR Motors • Boats Trailers • Electrical • Fuel Systems

(361) 749-4290

& MORE

Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Saturday 8:00 a.m. - Noon 422 W. Avenue G. Port Aransas, TX 78373

www.mrswoodys.com

-SUNDAY BUBBLY BUBBLY ALL HALF PRICE!

Including: Mimosas, Champagne Cocktails and House Specialty Champagne Martinis

-SUNDAY BRUNCH11:00 - 3:00 PM -MONDAYALL WINES 1/2 PRICE by the glass or by the bottle -THURSDAYMARTINI MADNESS! $6 executive martinis

Wine Flights Every Day

361-749-2212

3500 Island Moorings Parkway at The Island Moorings Yacht Club & Marina in Port Aransas

www.labaratariarestaurantwinebar.com

HOURS

Monday, Thursday, Friday 4 pm - 10 pm Saturday Noon - 10 pm Sunday 11 am - 10 pm Closed Tuesday & Wednesday

A 6

Moon Monkeys Mike Ellis, Founder

Island Moon

Letters to the Editor Lost Cat

Business Briefs

by Mary Craft

New Advertisers 1st Community Bank has an easy-in, easy-out location right here on the Island. They offer auto, home, boat or small business loans with in-house approval. Drivethru lanes are open 7:30 am – 6 pm and the lobby hours are weekdays 9 am – 5 pm except Fridays they are open until 6 pm. House Sitting is available by a responsible adult writer working on a book. Josefina Villarreal has strong character references available by request. She is seeking a wonderful home on or near the water to sit through August. She will gladly handle routine chores, mail, etc. Call her at 817-565-5232.

Distribution Pete Alsop Island Delivery Coldwell Banker Advertising Jan Park Rankin

Business Briefs

Office Lisa Towns Classifieds

Island Moon,

Arlene Ritley

MISSING SIAMESE CAT!!!! The first cat I ever fell in love with and he ran away this morning! We live at Whitecap and Yardarm (on the corner of Captain Kidd). Nearly all tan and white (with black markings) Male Siamese Long Hair Cat. His name is MOLLY - long story....we thought he was a she until we took it to Padre Island Veterinary Clinic to get fixed and was told Molly was a HE! So we then called him Holy Moly, or Moly for short. He knows his name and will come to you if you call him. He is mainly an inside cat, and is liter box trained, but usually goes outside with us to potty. He loves to snuggle at night and give kisses. I miss Moly something terrible, so if you can help me find him, GOD BLESS YOU!!!!! Nancy Rich - 13838 Captain Kidd - (361)443-0692 or Scot (361) 438-1210.

Design/Layout Jeff Craft Contributing Writers Joey Farah Devorah Fox Mary Craft Maybeth Christiansen Jay Gardner Todd Hunter Danniece Bobeché Ronnie Narmour Brent Rourk Dr. Donna Shaver Photographers

He has a collar and tags with his city tag and Vet tag from Padre Island Vet, and I have notified them too. PLEASE POST THIS ON YOUR FACEBOOK PAGE AND SHARE!!!!!! I REALLY NEED A HAPPY ENDING.

Miles Merwin Jeff Dolan Mary Craft

Nancy Rich

PIYC Concert Series Dear Dale & Jan,

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

Thank you for the complimentary article on the Padre Island Yacht Club’s first Live Songwriters Concert. We do plan on making the Concerts an ongoing benefit to PIYC members. In the past our members had to go into Corpus Christi or Port A to enjoy popular Songwriters sing their original works and we wanted to give them a safe, secure environment close to home to enjoy original music. Unfortunately the Concert tickets are available initially to PIYC members only and then about 3 weeks before the Concert we open the tickets to Members and Member’s guests. However we did want the residents of Padre Island to know that if they have an interest in Padre Island Yacht Club membership we would like to invite them to one of our Friday evening socials. Just contact our Rear Commodore, Susie Paramore @ 290-6696 or Fred Edler, Commodore @ 949-4749. Thank you again for all you do for our little slice of Paradise called Padre Island.

361-949-7700 editor@islandmoon.com

Fred

Wakes

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

CVS

Isle Mail N More Island Italian Ace Hardware Holiday Inn

I’d like to add a reminder that it’s Wakeless Speed’ on all the canals, especially in front of houses. There are more and more kayaks and canoes and it’s very dangerous to them when people come by really fast on jet skis and even flat bottom fishing boats. Thanks!

Tuesday, June 18 @ 5:30pm PADRE ISLAND BUSINESS ASSOCIATION MIXER

Jesse’s Liquor

Port A Business Center

Padre Isles Country Club

Hosted by The Office Lounge and CBS Mowing

Carter Pharmacy

Scuttlebutt’s Restaurant

Networking! Food! Refreshments! Fun! Door Prizes!

Island Tire

Port A Parks and Rec

And all Moon retail advertisers

Public Library

Flour Bluff H.E.B.

Chamber of Commerce Duckworth Antiques Back Porch Woody’s Sports Center

Liquid Town Whataburger on Waldron

Shorty’s Place

Ethyl Everly Senior Center

The Flat’s Lounge

Fire Station

Giggity’s

Police Station

Stripes @ Cotter & Station

Stripes on Flour Bluff & SPID

Gratitude Gift Shop

Floyd’s

Keepers Pier House

Bert’s Feed

The Office Lounge - Padre Island

No charge - just bring your business cards. If you are a PIBA member and would like to donate a door prize, please reply or call 9499498. Tuesday, June 25 @ 6:30pm Flour Bluff Business Association Community Public Forum Real Life Conference Center on Flour Bluff Drive Topics: “Destination” Parker Memorial Park and Parker Pool; Public Action Committee (PAC) Wednesday, June 26 @ 6:00pm Island United Political Action Committee Annual Meeting Holiday Inn - Padre Island All Padre Island registered voters are considered members of PAC and are invited

Tuesday, June 18th 5:30 – 7:30 pm. Everyone is welcome to hob nob and network while enjoying cocktails and appetizers. A Captured Moment Photography is a great choice for your next special event. Brent Rourk has a great eye for making each photo a memorable one. Call him next time you have a family reunion, birthday party, anniversary party, wedding or sports event at 244-7603 or email brentrourk@yahoo.com. Market by the Sea has lots of fresh produce at a great price. It will be open every Wednesday through August. Every weekend there will be a market with a variety of vendors at the same location next to the Hampton Inn on SPID. Port Royal Ocean Resort has completed their pool renovation. They now have a heated lap pool, a children’s splash play area, new waterfall, new fountain, more deck space and 14 curtained cabanas with cushioned furniture. Island Moon Artwalk & Beach Market will have margaritas, two produce vendors, local honey, organic coffee, artwork, photography, jewelry, clothing, food and way to much to list. The Island Farmers Market normally at the Island Presbyterian Church will be there this Saturday. Renowned artist Guy Morrow has just signed up too! Live music will be provided by Ruben Limas, Sky Malone and Stevie Start. This is going to be a great weekend so join us in the Michael J. Ellis seawall parking lot from 9 to 6 on Saturday, June 15th and Noon to 6 on Sunday, June 16th.

Island in the Son United Methodist Church Seeking Vendors For “Christmas in July” Arts and Crafts Sale By Connie Harris, Administrative Assistant Island in the Son United Methodist Church Island in the Son United Methodist Church will have their annual “Christmas in July” Arts and Crafts Sale on Saturday, July 13, 2013 from 9:00 AM until 3:00 PM. You won’t want to miss this opportunity to “shop ‘til you drop” among the great selection of unique items for sale. A Vendor information packet with registration

form is available by emailing or calling the church at islandintheson@yahoo.com or 361749-0884. Tables will be reserved on a first come, first served basis, and only after payment is received. Deadline for registration is July 3. Island in the Son UMC is located at 10650 Highway 361 on Mustang Island, 2 miles north of Packery Channel between Newport Pass Road and Beach Access Road #3. “Come as you are!”

Skate Park Hello Wranosky Skate Park Fans,

Construction Timeline As you may have noticed, the project (in Flour Bluff) is not moving as quickly as we’d originally planned. Grindline experienced some equipment problems early on in the project and that has set us back a few weeks. So that’s the bad news. But like the rainbow after rain, there is always some good news that follows bad. Because of the delays Grindline has agreed to provide signage for the skate park AND throw in a party packet with skateboards, t-shirts, etc for the grand opening!

New Schedule Provided by Grindline Week of 6/10: Formwork, Pour Ledges Stairs Week of 6/17: Formwork, Pour Transiton/ Bank Features Week of 6/24: Set Up Pour Flats, Sidewalk and Irrigation Installation begins Week of 7/1: Sidewalk and Irrigation Installation, Demobilize Week of 7/8: Soft Opening Grand Opening Target Date after July 12 before July 25 (this is just a range)

Grand Opening I know that Flo and Laura mentioned planning and putting together the grand opening activities. Please let me know if you’d like to get together so we can start planning the event. I can meet in the evenings if that accommodates everyone’s schedule.

Recognition of Contributors We are planning on recognizing contributors of the project on bricks along/adjacent to the sidewalk leading to the skate park. Our list of contributors right now is: Highland Property Development LLC Flour Bluff Business Association Flour Bluff Lions Club Straight Skate (they agreed to allow us to move remaining funds from a contribution they made to Cole Park Skate Park to this one…roughly $1,000) We will have enough space to recognize future contributors. If I have left anyone off, please let me know. Let me know if you have any questions or concerns. Enjoy your weekend. Sincerely, Stacie A. Talbert, Corpus Christi Parks & Recreation Department

Nancy Rich

IGA Grocery Store

Subway

The Padres Island Business Association monthly mixer will be held The Office Lounge

This morning at 4:45 two coyotes jumped over our fence on Doudon Park and took our beloved cat, Chloe, from our lives. When I went out in search of her, I saw 4-5 coyotes roaming around. Please keep a close eye on your pets and children. I do not want anyone to experience what I am going through at this time.

Texas Star (Shell)

Wash Board Laundry Mat

Johnny D’s Restaurant is having a Father’s Day special prime rib entrée during their brunch Sunday, June 16th 11 am – 2 pm. The restaurant now offers half price bottles of wine on Tuesdays. They are open for dinner Tuesday thru Saturday and you can view their full menu on their website.

Coyote Invasion

Party Supply Liquor Store

San Juan’s Taqueria

The Seafood and Spaghetti Works in Port A is now open in their new location just south of where they were. The old building is being demolished to make way for the new CVS. Along with their great food they have a new bar and 70” TV screen.

Jodie Scales

PIBA Events for June

June 13, 2013

Taxation with Limited Representation By now all of you have received your new appraisal from the Nueces County Appraisal District (NCAD). Assuming you are like all of the Islanders I have spoken with you have probably been “ten percented” in your current year assessment, the maximum that your taxable value can be raised in any given year. If that’s not bad enough news for you, look several lines up from the bottom to see your actual appraisal. Assuming your appraisal is higher than your current year value, It is a given that your appraisal will continue to increase year after year in order for the NCAD to ultimately get your actual taxing value to that level. Many of us who live here on our sandbar have seen our appraisals increase by over 40% (FORTY PERCENT) meaning that we will be “ten percented” for the next four years. All of the comment from our Mayor and Council written in the Caller and other media sources would have one believe that nothing is going up on our taxes except for the 3.31% tax rate increase (1.89 cents increase on a rate of 57.0 cents) approved by voters in the recent bond elections. What the entire Mayor or Council apparently seem to forget to talk about is the increase in appraised value. Obviously if the tax rate stays the same and the appraisals go up, the amount of tax we pay goes up as well. It would appear that our elected officials seem to have partnered with the county commissioners in wanting to be able to claim they held our tax rate flat even as we pay ever more tax.

Unfortunately here it gets even more discouraging. The preliminary number for the increase in appraisals in that portion of Nueces County occupied by Corpus Christi is somewhere in the three to four percent range. While that should mean that our tax bills will increase about seven percent (3.31 plus appraisal increase) in fact most on the Island will see their taxes go up over thirteen percent (3.31 plus 10 percent appraisal increase). A logical question we all should be asking is – if the Island appraisal increased by ten percent, why then is the total appraisal increase for Corpus Christi only three or four percent? It will amaze you to discover there are numerous areas in Corpus Christi where entire neighborhood’s appraisals have been DECREASED BY 30%. Feel free to peruse the NCAD database and look at any address in the Moody HS / Greenwood area if you want an example. As the recipient of a 40% appraisal increase I am truly outraged and would hope all would feel the same. It would probably be slanderous to call NCAD corrupt but I have no problem suggesting they are incompetent or just plain stupid. I think that many of us on the Island recognize that our homes have increased in value, but dam sure not 40% and certainly not in the face of other areas being decreased in value by 30%. Howard Ludlow Howard.ludlow@gmail.com Palo Seco

June 13, 2013

Island Moon

Angler’s Alley

Fisherman Reels in Giant Swordfish In what could be a new state record a massive swordfish weighing nearly 500 pounds was pulled from the Gulf near Surfside. “This is the biggest one that we’ve caught here in the Gulf of Mexico,” boat captain Jeff Wilson said. “It was 500 the day before but we had to ice it and bring it in and it loses weight during that process.” A fisherman named Brian Barclay caught the fish on the sport fishing boat Booby Trap. The fish measured 107 inches and weighed 493 pounds. The previous record is 341 pounds and

On the Rocks

By Jay Gardner

124 inches, set back in January 2011. They were 100 miles off shore and had been at it for more than three days, fishing 24 hours a day before they came across the big one. Barclay fought the fish for more than four hours. The swordfish was weighed, photographed and a sample was taken from the fin to send to the state for verification. Then it was filleted. The crew of the Booby Trap should know in a week or two if this swordfish is officially one for the record books.

The alarm clock went off waaay too early after the late night revelry, and I literally rolled off the couch and hit the deck running. My “alarm clock” was Kip walking in the house and yelling “get up! we’re late!” Bobby and Allison were in town from California, and we were going fishing. The plan was to head down the Seashore and see what kind of trouble we could get into.

A bag of corn dogs We ran around quickly and loaded a bunch of rods, tackle, coolers, and all the necessities into Kips’ truck in quick fashion. After a stop for tacos and a bag of corn-dogs at the Super Stripes, we pointed her south and made tracks. Anticipation was running high, as Bobby hadn’t been down the beach past the 4-wheel drive sign in over a decade, and we all wanted to see what the beach had in store for us. Reports that we had gotten indicated that the farther south you went, the less seaweed was on the beach. The atmosphere was unstable, and there were rain showers all around us. We set out on a wing and a prayer that the clouds would part and we could get some quality fishing in. As we went through the Entrance Station, the board indicated that driving was “tough”, seaweed was “excessive”, and that debris was “plenty to go around”. We all approved of the new “beach conditions scale” that the rangers are using, and headed towards the end of the asphalt through a rain shower. As we rolled by HQ, I pointed out Donna’s “new” incubation room, and a variety of changes since he’d been there. I think one of the last times that Bobby went down the beach was when he was working for the park and helped construct the Turtle Shack at the 39.

Moon Phases for June

Kidney busting and sargassum As we made the final rise and saw the beach, we were a little relieved. We had expected raging surf and crazy conditions, but it wasn’t that bad. However, what WAS bad was the driving! Turtle nesting season is going on right now, and the speed limit is 15 MPH, but with the driving conditions like they are, you can’t go much over 10 anyway. It took us four hours to get down to the 40, and our kidneys were a little worse for the wear. The sargassum was indeed very thick, but started to thin out a little south of the 35. We ran

into James and Danielle, who were busy shark fishing. They had a pretty good trip, with 18 sharks tagged in a 4 day period. Awesome! We continued south and finally got set up and got fishing right as the rain broke. While fishing was pretty slow, we had a really good time just being out there, watching the birds and enjoying each others’ company. There were a lot of black terns down the beach, which is odd as they usually just migrate through the area and are long gone by now. We also saw a few red knots, which are little shorebirds that are headed towards the Threatened Listing by the USFWS. We eventually get to the point where the fishing just slows to a stand-still, and we decide that we’ve had enough and start packing up to get headed back north. Thankfully the tide had dropped by then, and we were able to go 15 miles an hour, which got us off the beach in a little over 2.5 hours with most of the teeth still in our heads. It was a really fun day (although there was some tragedy with a flipped kayak and an injury due to a kayak) but everyone made it off the beach in one piece. Thanks again Kip! Don’t forget Fathers Day is this weekend. This year my dad wants a super-awesome pellet gun with a scope, night vision, and silencer on it. I’m not going to ask what he’s going to do with it; I’m just going to be grateful that I live several miles away. Happy Father’s Day to all you dads out there, and we’ll see you on the rocks!

Tides of the Week

Tides for Corpus Christi (Bob Hall Pier) June 13 - 20

Day

High /Low

Th F Sa Su M Tu W Th

13 13 14 14 15 15 15 15 16 16 16 16 17 17 17 18 18 18 18 19 19 20 20

High Low High Low High Low High Low High Low High Low High Low High Low High Low High Low High Low

Tide Time

Height Feet

8:16 AM 1.5 12:07 AM 0.1 8:36 AM 1.4 12:43 AM 0.3 8:54 AM 1.3 4:47 PM 0.7 8:18 PM 0.8 1:24 AM 0.5 9:11 AM 1.3 4:48 PM 0.5 10:29 PM 0.9 2:16 AM 0.8 9:25 AM 1.2 5:07 PM 0.2 12:37 AM 1.1 4:08 AM 1.0 9:31 AM 1.2 5:38 PM -0.1 2:18 AM 1.3 6:18 PM -0.3 3:23 AM 1.6 7:03 PM -0.6

17’ Sundance • • • • • • • • • •

90 HP “Four Stroke” Power Tilt & Trim Stainless Steel Prop 24-Gallon Aluminum Fuel Tank Tachometer, Fuel Gage, Voltmeter All Composite “No Wood” Construction 10 Year Limited Warrany Live Well Stainless Steel Igloo Helm Seat Bilge Pump

Sale $19,995

10% down + TTL @ 5.9% APR for 180 months W.A.C.

Sunrise Sunset

Moon Time

% Moon Visible

6:33 AM 8:25 PM 6:33 AM 8:25 PM 6:33 AM 8:26 PM

Rise 10:52 AM Set 11:55 PM Rise 11:45 AM

Set 12:30 AM Rise 12:38 PM

6:33 AM 8:26 PM

Set 1:05 AM Rise 1:34 PM

6:33 AM 8:26 PM

Set 1:42 AM Rise 2:31 PM

6:34 AM 8:27 PM

Set 2:20 AM Rise 3:31 PM

6:34 AM 8:27 PM 6:34 AM 8:27 PM

Set 3:03 AM Rise 4:34 PM Set 3:50 AM Rise 5:39 PM

22’ Sundance • • • • • • • • • •

40 HP “Four Stroke” Power Tilt & Trim Stainless Steel Prop Stainless Steel Steering Wheel “Non-Feedback” Steering Wheel All Composite “No Wood” Construction 10 Year Limited Warrany Live Well Navigation Lights Bilge Pump

Sale $28,995

10% down + TTL @ 5.9% APR for 180 months W.A.C.

www.gcmboats.com

South Side Marine 4514 Corona Dr., Corpus Christi, TX Suspension/ Bunk Board Repair Wheel Bearing Service Galvanized Wheels/Trailer Tires Tire Pressure/Temp Monitor System Outboard Maintenance I.O. Repairs/Maintenance Jet Ski Repairs

Free USCG Marine Safety Examination Call Roy at 361-854-0875

Island Moon

A 8

Port A Happenings…

Kid/family activities Adults are welcome to attend Parks and Recreation activities with the kids. Kids under 5 may attend with an adult. 6/13, Thursday, 9:30-11:30am, Park play Water Balloon fun, All ages, outside pool, FREE. Come before and/or after swim lessons or during.

Sunset Sounds

6/17, Monday, 1-4pm, Bingo & Board games, free, all ages, Girl Scout hut

The concert will be held at a different day and time than usual: Friday, June 21, from 6:30 to 8:30 pm.

6/18, Tuesday, 2-4pm, Mad Science: fire and flame, Age 5 & up, Girl Scout hut, $2.

The band will entertain with surf rock, reggae and shag music. Bring friends, food, and drink if you choose, and enjoy an evening of musical entertainment as the sun sets in Roberts Point Park. The public is invited to bring their kids [playground is in sight] and dogs [leashed] to the Patsy Jones Amphitheater in the park by the ferry.

Remaining 2013 Sunset Sounds Schedule

6/19, Wednesday, 2-4pm, Paper crafts, Age 5 & up, Girl Scout hut, $2. 6/20, Thursday, 2-4, Verbal Word Games, Age 5 & up, Girl Scout hut, $2.

Pool activities

July 12 The Rich Lockhart Band Classic rock, blues, reggae/ska and new & classic country 7-9 pm

Aug 9 Hilda Lamas

6/15, Saturday, 6-8pm, Water Wackiness, at Community Pool, 700 Clark Pkwy, off Ross Avenue. Whole family fun and games in the pool after hours. Regular fee applies.

Sept 13| Melissa Brooke Country, rock, hip hop 7-9 pm

6/26, Wednesday, 11:30am-1:30pm, Splash Camp: Ages 6-10, Drop kids off & enjoy leisure lunch without the kids. Send sack lunch with child, $1 per child. Grab Dad and head for the pool to cool off on Sunday, June 16. He will get to swim for free, if you take him. No charge for Dads accompanied by children, 1-6pm, at the Community Pool, 700 Clark Pkwy., off Ross Avenue. So celebrate with the whole family at the pool.

25 Cent Cinema Bring the whole family or send kids age 5 and up for a movie night every Monday for only a quarter! Courtesy of the City of Port Aransas Parks and Recreation Department, the series continues on Monday, June 17.

Babysitting Class Want to earn more money babysitting? Age 11 and up may earn certification in an American Red Cross Certified Babysitting Class scheduled for Sunday, June 23, 8am-4pm. Cost is $20 per student. Adults [new grandparents or parents] may also benefit from the instruction offered by the City of Port Aransas Parks and Recreation. Certification upon completing class covers all aspects of babysitting including First Aid and CPR. is

Contact Bonney Maurer 361-779-8388. It will be held in the Girl Scout hut, 739 W. Ave. A.

Come Sail Advanced 2

Tennis Instruction and Camps A year round tennis program for adults and kids of all ages has begun in Port Aransas.

Melissa Brooke

The second course this summer will be held June 18-19, Tuesday and Wednesday, 9:30-10:30am or 10:30-11:30am. Pre-registration is required. Call Parks and Recreation Community Program Coordinator Pam Greene at 749-4158 or email pamg@ cityofportaransas.org to register. Students will practice open water sailing skills in Harbor. Meet at main pavilion in Roberts Point Park, $15 per child for 2 days of lessons.

Island Fishing Workshop More guidance on fishing in Port Aransas will be imparted at the next fishing workshop. Friday, June 21, at 1 pm, Parks and Recreation Grounds Supervisor Mike McClure will share his knowledge on this subject. Meet Charlie’s Pasture Pier to find out more about fishing this pier. Learn what to use, how to tie, where to and not to cast, which bait for what area at what time of year and other tips to fishing Port A.

promote

responsible

dog

Dog parks foster social interaction between diverse groups of people.

This series is held from April through October, at the Patsy Jones Amphitheater in Roberts Point Park, courtesy of the Parks and Recreation Department.

Pre-registration required.

Those who have passed “Come Sail Basic” or comparable course may sign up for “Come Sail Advanced”.

Dog parks ownership.

Dog parks help keep dogs and people active.

Classic Country and classic rock & roll 7-9 pm

Email pamg@ cityofportaransas.org or call 749-4158 for movie schedule.

By Sara Russell

Well-exercised dogs create less of a nuisance and make better neighbors.

Oct 11 Russell Edge & Shirley Fischer

Family friendly movies will begin around 7:05pm, at the Library Meeting Room, 710 W. Ave. A. Free popcorn is included in the admittance fee.

Editor’s note: A group of Islanders are working to build a dog park at Aquarius Park. Here are some facts about dog parks they are using for the planning.

Dog parks customarily reduce barking and other problem behaviors.

7-9 pm

6/22, Saturday, 6-8pm, Tropical Night: Fruit luau & leis at the pool. Regular fees

Proposed dog park layout

Dog parks give dogs a safe place to exercise and play.

R&B, soul, blues, English & Spanish

6/16, Sunday, 1-6pm, Dads Swim Free at Community Pool when accompanied by a child.

Dads Swim Free

June 13, 2013

Call Parks and Recreation Department community program coordinator Pam Greene at 749-4158 for more information.

Grab a chair or blanket and experience a free concert overlooking the Corpus Christi Ship Channel featuring Aloha Dave and the Tourists.

6/18, Tuesday, 9:30-11:30am, Get Physical: games, relays and more [get rid of some of that energy out of the heat, inside in the cool] in the Olsen Elementary School gym, 100 S. Station, all ages, free

Some Things to Know About Dog Parks

McClure will be holding the workshop each month on the third Friday of each month.

6/13, Thursday, 2-4pm, Bubble Blowers: Come create your own personal blowers. Age 5 & up, Girl Scout hut, $2.

6/17, Monday, 7:05pm, 25 Cent Cinema: Family movie & popcorn at Library, $0.25. Email pamg@cityofportaransas.org or call 7494158 for movie schedule.

It will be conducted by tennis pro and Guinness World Record holder Rob Peterson and his wife Becky, a former number one ranked player in Texas. It is offered by the Port Aransas Parks and Recreation Department. Summer Youth Tennis Camps: Session l: June 24-27, Session 2: July 22-25, held at Port Aransas High School. Kids 6-9 yrs at 8-8:40am, cost: $35. Kids 10-16 at 8:45-10am, cost: $50. Campers will receive instruction, exercise and movement drills in a fun and positive environment. Price includes a t-shirt, refreshments and “hit for prize” contests. Register at the Parks & Rec office, 739 W. Ave. A or 361-749-4158. For a special racket discount, call Rob or Becky at 361-790-8455. Private/group lessons and racket specials are available by calling. Visit www.TennisProunderdog.com for more information.

Dog parks provide seniors and the disabled with an accessible place to exercise their dogs. Dog parks enhance the livability of a city and provide a better sense of community. Dogs are quieter and less likely to bark at home or in public when they are well exercised and socialized on the neutral territory of a dog park. Dog owners who make the effort to visit a dog park are generally responsible people who clean up after their pets. Dog parks do not smell and are exceptionally clean and well cared for by their users. Dog parks are very popular places with regular visitors who get to know each other and develop bonds that help build the community. Dog parks are social hubs that are used year round and greatly enhance the quality of life of residents and visitors. Research shows a great reduction in crime in neighborhoods with dog parks. Who would want to commit a crime with dogs and their owners watching? Most opposition to dog parks stems from misplaced fears such as dangers from dog bites and problems emanating from dog feces. The evidence from existing dog parks shows that this fear is misplaced.

The dog park will have a “no excuses” policy requiring owners to pick up after their dog. Members and users will monitor the park usage to be sure that it is well maintained, safe, secure and clean. Research shows that there have been no lawsuits or legal actions against municipalities from dog issues related to aggression in dog parks anywhere in the U.S. in the last 10 years. Dog parks are proven community assets with both social and economic benefits – another place in town to have fun. A well-developed dog park brings local attention and amenities to our area that is deemed good and progressive. There are now over 2,000 dog parks across the U.S. Off leash dog parks provide a measure of security, both real and perceived, to potentially vulnerable users (handicapped, elderly, single women). The presence of a dog and other park users would deter crime. A dog park is an amenity that meets the needs of the whole community and not just special interest groups. Dog parks provide multigenerational activity for all ages. Dog parks are more for people than for dogs despite what opponents say. Dog parks attract the adult park users who vote to support parks and who are more vocal in the community. Dog parks provide outdoor exercise for the majority of park users who are often those who do not participate in organized sports. Real estate impact: Dog parks can increase property values. Research shows that property values near dog parks increase, sometimes significantly. In a San Francisco neighborhood, property values rose approximately 900% five years after the construction of a dog park. The more variety of parks a city has, the higher its property values tend to be. Being a community with a dog park will have a positive effect on the local real estate market and can be considerably more appealing than one with just a leash law.

Show Your Support / Fly The Flag By: Mary Lou White 361-960-9460 marylou@baxterbrooks.com This is not directly an article about real estate and yet anything we do to support the location, where we live and work, helps to raise the value of our homes and businesses. For several months, I have been on the Board of the Volunteer Services Council that is connected to the Corpus Christi State Supported Living Center. The Living Center is operated under the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services. Unfortunately, the names and titles are long and give very little meaning to the actual place and activities. This large campus, of 104 acres, is located across from Del Mar College on Airport Road. It was once the site of the Cliff Maus Airport. The opening was April 1970 and today there are 42 buildings on this

site. One of those buildings is a Gym, which the VSC renovated last year to help improve the living environment for the 250 residents, who live there and the staff members, who work there. The Living Center is the 16th largest employer in Corpus Christi. It provides living facilities for the residents, who deal daily with mental illness, intellectual disabilities and physical disabilities. The VSC provides goods and services that are needed, but not funded by the State of Texas. Examples include birthday and Christmas gifts for each resident. To offset the cost of the Gym renovation, we approached the Corpus Christi City Council and were granted permission to sell the Corpus Christi “official” Flag for five years. What better way to show your LOVE for Corpus Christi? Fly The Flag! We have three sizes available, that allow display on your boat, home, or business. These flags are provided by a Texas owned and operated company and produced in the USA. Since this is a fund-raising project, for our non-profit organization, a portion of your purchase price is tax-deductible. We will be happy to deliver your flag and receipt. We also have a package that includes a car decal, “flag” grocery bag and stick flag for a minimum donation of $15.

GIFTS CERTIFICATES AVALIABLE

Michelle Matthews

PERMANENT COSMETICS Hair Cuts & Color, Waxing, Hair Extensions, Special Occasion Hair, Airbrush Make Up, Feather Extensions

Speci

al Wax 25.00 &$Eyebrow

B i k i n i Lipliner Eyeliner,

Are you tired of wearing mascara? Do you suffer from black circles of smudged mascara? Do you want to have long beautiful lashes 24/7, even when you swim? Do you want longer fuller eyelashes? If you answered YES to any of these questions, we have the answer..........

XTREME™ EYELASH EXTENSIONS Michelle is a Master Hair Stylist having learned from the best and having trained top stylists herself. She is an expert Colorist and Make Up Artist, and was the former Stylist and Make Up Artist for Miss Oklahoma.

Hours Tuesday‐Friday 10am‐6pm Saturday 9am‐2pm

Walk‐Ins Welcome * Late Appointments Available

14813 S.P.I.D. Corpus Christi, TX 78418 (Next Door to Island Wash) Salon: 361‐949‐4890 www.michellessalon.com

s Pedicure...$20.00 s Manicure...$10.00 s Full Set from...$22.00 - $30.00 s Fill...$15.00 - $20.00 s European Facial...$40.00 In Big Shell Plaza on the Island NEW Around corner fromLOCATION! Subway Sandwich Shop

14457S.S.P.I.D. 14225 P. I. D.,Suite Suite109 7 Corpus Christi, TX 78418

June 13, 2013

Island Moon

Backwater Adventures