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The Island Newspaper since 1996 Island Area News ● Events ● Entertainment
November 21, 2012
The Island Where Ducks Come For the Holiday
Around The Island
By Dale Rankin editor@islandmoon.com
It’s been high tides and green grass on our Island of late. The recent rains have provided some rare greenery and, knock on wood, relatively few of the usually requisite mosquitoes who accompany them. So far this season the Chamber of Commerce Weather has prevailed for the most part and here’s hoping that continues. We have had some high tides of late which have pushed water up near low-lying roadways but so far nothing drastic.
Ducks and Pax Islandia After years of back and forth between duck hunters who hunt along the Laguna Madre and homeowners who want to keep them at falling-shot distance - defined as 1000 feet by city ordinance - we’re happy to report we have reached a Pax Islandia.
Next Publication Date: 11/29/2012
Windstorm Fight Developer Says Schlitterbahn on Schedule Headed for Austin for Spring 2014 Opening By Dale Rankin but Progress is Being The Schlitterbahn Waterpark on The Island is Made on schedule to open in the Reform bill is written and will be pre-filed with legislature By Dale Rankin Local attorney Charlie Zahn has been busy the last few months. Zahn is the person tapped by State Representative Todd Hunter to write and present a bill to the Texas Legislature in January that will reform the way property owners in the 14 counties along the Texas Coast pay for catastrophic windstorm insurance coverage. Zahn spoke to the Padre Island Rotary Club on Tuesday at the Padre Isles Country Club. First the bad news; if the Texas Legislature doesn’t change the rules for Windstorm Insurance in Texas during its session which begins in January, and if a major storm hits the Texas Coast next summer, Coastal homeowners could face a 46% increase in rates on their insurance policies including homeowners, car, boat, and most other policies.
A couple of issues back we ran a letter from our City Attorney which announced that due to the overlapping of state and city rules for enforcing the prohibition on firing a weapon within 1000 feet of a home while hunting he had ordered CCPD not to enforce the city rule. This came on the week before the kickoff of duck season and to put it mildly instigated a lot of confusion and yes, anger, on the part of both homeowners and conscientious duck hunters who didn’t want the rogues among them to define the rest of them. Since then, we’re happy to say cooler heads have prevailed. The Police Department, which for years has been trapped in the middle of this problem as each season officers listened to the loud complaints of homeowners who awoke each autumn Saturday to the sound of blasting shotguns and to duck hunters who pointed out that they had a legitimate right to hunt. The city ban on hunting within 1000 feet of homes was difficult if not impossible for the PD to enforce since; 1) they didn’t have boats, and 2) there were no markings showing where the 1000 foot boundary was located. This season two things have happened that have largely solved the problem. The first, in spite of the kick the can down the street approach by the City Attorney, the PD has adopted an “enforcement without prosecution” approach that is working. It is predicated on the presumption that most duck hunters aren’t out to break laws or cause problems, just hunt ducks. So anticipating the enforcement of the 1000foot rule the responsible hunters went to the Laguna ahead of the opening of the season and, GPS in hand, scoped out a hunting spot outside the 1000-foot parameter. Simultaneously, PD officers, as well as responsible duck hunters, have pointed out to the rogue hunters the error of their ways and the problem, at least for now and for the most part, has worked itself out through common sense – a rare and precious commodity in these divisive times. The first week of hunting officers wrote about a half dozen warnings and the word went out that the “enforcement without prosecution” program would seek to reign in the Wild West approach of previous years. We’re proud to announce that the irate calls to the Moon office from homeowners have dropped to zero. All hail the Pax Islandia and long may it live!
A couple of problems still exist There are still some wrinkles to be ironed out. Some hunters are still crossing private property between Aquarius and the Laguna to access hunting spots. Aside from trespassing this means they are going over, under, around, or through barriers placed there to stop them from doing that. It promises to be an ongoing problem. Second, is the practice of some hunters to field dress ducks and then throw the remainder of the carcass back into the water. This just isn’t right. The dead ducks then float up under the docks of people in adjacent homes who have to fish them out or watch them decay. This isn’t good for Around continued on A5
Year 15, Issue 450
The good news: the task force headed by Zahn, a Port Aransian, will pre-file a reform bill with the state House prior to the session that has some traction in Austin and appears to stand a fair chance of passing and will head off the bad news. The series of events leading to the current predicament began after Hurricane Celia ravaged the Coast Bend in 1970. After the storm the legislature formed a catastrophic damage pool – known as the CAT – to be insurer of last resort in the cast of major damage from coastal hurricanes. Then in 2001 the legislature dissolved the CAT and formed the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association to take its place. The idea was that a state-run pool of available dollars would be used to offset repair costs in the case of a major storm – costs over and above those covered by homeowner and other policies. Problems began soon after when Windstorm continued on A8
La Posada Schedule Several events are planned for leading up the La Posada Lighted Boat Parade on Friday, December 8 and Saturday, December 9. Here are the highlights with some details to be filled in by next issue.
Saturday, December 1 Breakfast with Santa 9 a.m.-noon at Catholic Church Social Hall. Admission is a toy to donate to Toys for Tots. Sponsored by the Kiwanis Club.
Tuesday December 4 La Posada Kickoff Party 3 p.m. through the evening at Scuttlebutt’s Restaurant Bring toy for Toys for Tots
spring of 2014 according to the park developer and part-owner Jeff Henry.
“Plans for the construction of the park are right on schedule,” Henry, head of construction for the new park said on Tuesday. “Our concepts for the park haven’t changed much. We are close to groundbreaking. It always takes the lawyers and bankers twice as long to do their work as it takes for us to build it. All the money is in place, financing for the project is completed and is ready to go, the plans are done but will change right up to the time we start building. Once we start we will work straight through.” Henry said his crews have begun to build the equipment at their construction yard at their New Braunfels headquarters; those include some of the castles and other custom equipment that his crews have also built for other parks. He said his crews usually take two weeks off in
Ice Cream with Santa TBA Judging of front yard decorations TBA Judging of waterfront decorations TBA
Friday, December 7 La Posada Lighted Boat Parade on North end of The Island
Saturday, December 8 La Posada Lighted Boat Parade on South end of The Island Public viewing at Padre Island Yacht Club
Sunday December 9 Handing over of toys to Toys For Tots 9 a.m. at Padre Island Yacht Club followed by Pot Luck Brunch
The $41 million resort will be located on a 65-acree tract that is currently the site of Padre Isles Country Club. While no new drawings of the park have been released in almost a year, Henry said the concepts for the park haven’t changed much in that time.
Under a $117 million incentive agreement with the city Phase I of the park must be finished by summer 2013.The waterpark is part of a proposed $552 million master plan for The Schlitterbahn continued on A9
A little Island history
The First Thanksgiving in America was Celebrated on the South Texas Plains in 1534 By Dale Rankin It wasn’t an official Thanksgiving as there was no such thing yet. It was November, 1534 and four shipwrecked Spanish wanderers making their way across the prairies of what is now South Texas had little to be thankful for – at least until the end of November rolled around and their fortunes began to change.
A Moorish prediction Before 1536 there were 95 Church holidays, plus 52 Sundays, when people were required to attend church and forego work and sometimes pay for expensive celebrations. In 1536 reforms reduced the number of Church holidays to 27 and the Thanksgiving holiday as we now know it began to take shape. Days of Fasting were called for after the drought of 1611, and for relief from the plagues of
1604 and 1622; in 1588 it was the defeat of the Spanish Armada, and in 1705 the deliverance of Queen Anne, then the failure of the Gunpowder Plot in 1605. History Continued on A14
CCA Texas Makes Historic Contribution to Marine Science
CCA and Harte Research Institute Partner to Create Sportfishing Science Center
Auction and other events
Week of December 1
December and equipment should begin arriving at the Island site around the end of year or early January.
Coastal Conservation Association Texas recently pledged $500,000 toward the creation of a Sportfishing Research Center within the Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. This unique research center holds promise to address many of the key scientific issues facing the ecosystems that support Gulf of Mexico sportfishing. Dr. Greg Stunz, Endowed Chair for Fisheries and Ocean Health at HRI, will direct the Center’s operations. Stunz has a long history in the marine science community and was CCA’s first marine science scholarship recipient. “This research center is unique in a number of ways, and truly there is nothing like it in the western Gulf,” said Larry McKinney, executive director for HRI. “The timing for the creation of the center is perfect. With such pressing issues as the role of Gulf passes on bay ecosystems and the impact of diminishing Gulf habitat, recreational anglers need a center that can tackle these multi-decade concerns.”
CCA Texas and HRI have partnered on a number of ground-breaking projects including Dr. Stunz’s spotted seatrout catch-and-release study, state-of-the-art electronic tracking programs, and efforts regarding the reopening of Cedar Bayou and Vinson Slough.
“CCA and HRI are natural partners in conservation,” said Mark Ray, chairman of CCA Texas. “This center and the scientific research it will create are keys in ensuring healthy marine resources for the future of recreational fisheries.” The Harte Research Support Foundation has also pledged $300,000 for a research vessel that will be used in addressing the broad array of Gulf of Mexico research needs. The Center is expected to attract additional support from private foundations, corporations and individuals.
“CCA’s policy positions have always been based in sound science,” said Robby Byers, executive director of CCA Texas. “This partnership with HRI will further the important impact recreational anglers bring to the conservation of coastal marine resources.”
Island Moon
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Island Duck Party!
November 21, 2012
Restaurant
& Wine Bar
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including: Mimosas, champagne cocktails and house Specialty champagne Martinis
-Sunday Brunchnoon - 3:00 pM -Mondayall wineS 1/2 price by the glass or by the bottle -thurSdayMartini MadneSS! $6 executive martinis
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wine flights every day
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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 & sunday Noon - 10 pm Closed Tuesday & Wednesday
The Leona Turnbull Birding Center in Port A this weekend was amok with ducks Photos by Miles Merwin
Red Hats
From all of us here at Scuttlebutt’s Bar & Grill we wish all of our family, friends and staff a Happy Thanksgiving. We will be closed on Thanksgiving Day and Re-open on Friday at 11:00 a.m. for lunch.
On November 15th, the Island Red Hats attended their 2nd year visit to the Restaurant Management Facility at Del Mar College. The students presented their restaurant management skills such as decorating with a Red Hats colors of red & purple ambiance, cooking, taking our orders, serving and billing. They made us feel very special.
Storm is a wonderful female, schnauzer mix. She gets along well with other dogs and loves to play with toys. Her favorite pastime is trying to please the people around her so we think she would be great at learning lots of new tricks! Storm is neutered,up to date on shots, heartworm negative, and microchipped. Her adoption fee is $66.00. Please TEXT 361-438-3232 for more information.
25% OFF Dec
Holiday Grooming Now offering hair color Must Present coupon at drop-off
Hercules is a great dog with other dogs, kids and everyone. What he doesn’t have is a home. Both Hercules and Gwen are neutered, microchipped and up to date on all shots. THEY ARE BOTH FREE WITH AN ACCEPTED ADOPTION APPLICATION. Please share this and help find them a home. Time is running out. Thank you Island. Hercules is also running out of time at Animal Control. If we cannot find him a home, he will be euthanized. Please TEXT 361-438-3232 for more information.
November 21, 2012
Island Moon
A3
Texas
Haven After a Hurricane
Baylor University Students Will Design a 400-square-foot Dwelling in National Competition
After a devastating natural disaster such as Hurricane Sandy destroys their houses, people need a place to call home temporarily while they begin to sort through problems ranging from a lack of safe drinking water to long lines for gasoline to shattered nerves.
Baylor University interior design students, with a helping hand from other students and faculty from such diverse disciplines as psychology, engineering, and film and digital media, will design a tiny dwelling — no more than 400 square feet – which could serve as a model for a family of four. The three-dimensional model will be entered via video in a national contest sponsored by the Interior Design Educators Council (IDEC) and Florida International University’s Department of Interior Architecture. Baylor students will huddle in Waco for an intensive, high-speed design collaboration Nov. 9-10 in The Social Design Summit: Designing for Disaster Relief Temporary Housing.
Beach Work
(Above) The latest Packery Channel dredging project is underway as crews have begun moving in equipment on the beach at the Michael J. Ellis Seawall. The project is an extension of the work cut short earlier in the year by the onset of the turtle nesting season and will remove about 70,000 cubic feet of sand from the mouth of Packery Channel and from the basin near the boat ramps which was left behind by Hurricane Ike. (Left) City crews are also busy working to clear sand from the ramp along the seawall. The City Council has also approved funds to begin the installation of lighting around the parking lot and boat ramps on the north side of the channel near the S.H. 361 Bridge. (We don’t know what the Green Beach Machine is for.)
Statewide Superintendent Salary Survey Released
A recent survey of district trends in superintendents’ salaries and benefits was released by the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) and Texas Association of School Administrators (TASA). The TASB/ TASA survey conducted annually by the TASB HR Services division is the first of a series of four reports that is the most definitive study of compensation and benefits practices in Texas. The information is used by policymakers at both the local and state levels to make decisions about educators’ pay. Of particular note: • Forty-four percent of returning superintendents (281) did not receive a pay increase. Eighty-nine percent of respondents (639) had a returning superintendent for 2012– 13. • The average superintendent pay increase was 2.5 %, up from the 10-year low of 1.6 % in last year’s survey. • The average superintendent salary for 2012–13 is $127,358, a 3.5 % increase from 2011–12.
• Average superintendent salaries range from $86,782 in districts with fewer than 500 students to $281,722 in districts with more than 50,000 students. Half of reported salaries are less than $111,000. The 2012–13 survey also reveals that superintendents have been in their current position for an average of five years and report an average of seven years of total experience as a superintendent in any district. Most superintendents have been the superintendent in only one school district. Of the 79 districts (11 percent) with a new superintendent for 2012– 13, 63 percent hired a superintendent with no previous experience in the position. TASB is a nonprofit association established in 1949 to serve local public school districts. School board members are the largest group of publicly elected officials in the state. The districts they represent serve more than 4.9 million students.
While students have been gearing up for the event for several weeks, the massive destruction caused by Sandy has brought home the urgency and trauma that disaster victims face for months and even years, said Greta M. Buehrle, faculty adviser for the Baylor Interior Design Association and an interior design lecturer in the department of family and consumer sciences in Baylor’s College of Arts & Sciences. “The visual images put all this in the forefront of the students’ minds,” she said. “This will definitely be a unique learning experience for everyone involved.” Media outlets have reported victims staying with relatives and at hotels for now — even a “floating hotel” provided by a maritime academy in its training ship. But as rebuilding begins, people will want other alternatives. “We’ve never done anything like this project. It’s very schematic, all-encompassing, and it engages so many of Baylor’s initiatives” in its 10-year strategic vision, Pro Futuris,” Buehrle said. Among those are Christian faith, a search for knowledge and responsibility for the world, she said. At a kick-off today, Nov. 5, Marla Bearden, disaster recovery specialist with Texas Baptist Disaster Recovery, will talk about the group’s work in temporary disaster housing in Japan, Haiti and the Gulf Coast. To prepare for the competition, students have researched what went right – and wrong – in lodging provided by the government for past disasters. Those shelters have ranged from shacks following the 1906 San Francisco earthquake and fire to Federal Emergency Management Agency trailers for disasters to the cozy Katrina Cottages in the wake of Hurricane Katrina in 2005. (Those cottages caught on later as a housing trend).
While the allotted space for the shelter is small, the challenge of designing it to aid victims physically and psychologically is huge, said Allison Lutz, a senior interior design major and president of Baylor Interior Design Association.
“My apartment is 450 square feet, but I live by myself,” she said. “When you think about four people living in that space, it’s hard to know where to start.”
For starters, contest guidelines specify that no tents will be allowed. The unit must contain a sleeping area, a food preparation area and a bathroom, with a sustainable solution considered. Students are urged to “push the boundaries of creativity and innovation” — all the while considering such possible problems as a lack of water fit to drink, no utilities and no waste management. To boot, the building must be quick and easy to assemble and disassemble. Interdisciplinary teams are encouraged by competition coordinators. Students must create a three-dimensional model of the temporary lodging to include in a three-minute public service announcement video. Floor plans, elevations and news clips may be included. Students may choose the location and type of disaster, according to the guidelines.
The Texas Gulf Coast, with its potential for hurricanes and flooding, seemed a logical pick for Baylor’s scenario, Lutz said.
“We’ve talked to faculty members and students in sociology, psychology, social work, (George W. Truett Theological Seminary), child and family studies, engineering and environmental science,” Buehrle said. “It’s getting good buzz.”
The collaboration is “one of those one of those projects that’s a perfect match,” said Chris Hansen, an associate professor and director of the Film and Digital Media Division in Baylor’s department of communication. “Our students have ability to shoot and write PSAs, and the design students are coming up with presentation and design elements.”
Sara Dolan, Ph.D., an assistant professor of psychology and neuroscience at Baylor, said taking part in the project could be a good learning opportunity for students in the department’s crisis intervention classes.
“After a crisis, the faster we can get people into a stable situation with housing and food, the better they will fare psychologically,” said Dolan, who is in the Federal Emergency Management Agency Medical Reserve Corps. “The immediate need may be to give them a toothbrush or a bottle of water or to get them their medications, not counseling. I think we can help the interior design students understand the needs of these survivors so they can design a home.” The project is due Dec. 15. Winners will be announced Feb. 19, 2013, at IDEC National Conference in Indianapolis, Ind.
Legislative Update
Todd Hunter, District 32
Sunset Review Process: Public Utilities Commission Through the summer and over the last few months, I have been outlining Texas’ sunset review process. The agencies I have covered include the State Employee Charitable Campaign Policy Committee, State Commission on Judicial Conduct, the Texas Pension Review Board, Procurement and Support Service Division of the Comptroller of Public Accounts, the Department of Information Resources and numerous others. As a reminder, in order to identify and eliminate government waste, duplication and general inefficiencies in state agencies, the Texas Legislature established the Texas Sunset Advisory Commission in 1977. The sunset review process is designed to review each of these agencies every twelve years. This review is done by taking up a certain number of the state agencies each session when the Texas Legislature convenes. In my previous article covering the sunset process, we examined the Procurement and Support Service Division of the Comptroller of Public Accounts which has undergone a partial sunset review. The Procurement and Support Service Division is responsible for managing and awarding hundreds of statewide contracts on behalf of more than 200 state agencies and approximately 1,900 local government coop members. In this week’s article, the final article this year covering the sunset review process, we are going to review the Public Utility Commission of Texas which is currently under a partial sunset review process following its full sunset review prior to the 82nd Texas Legislative session. The Public Utility Commission was established in 1975 along with the passage of the Public Utility Regulatory Act. The Public Utility Regulatory Act provided for and has expanded
Member Padre Island Business Association
the statewide regulation of both the rates and services of monopoly electric and telecommunication companies. Due to the complex nature of the electric and telecommunication industries in Texas, the Public Utility Commission serves as the most reviewed of all the state agencies subject to the sunset review process. During the 82nd Texas Legislative Session, the bill allowing for the continued operation of the Public Utility Commission was filed as Senate Bill 661. Unfortunately due to the limited time bills have to be passed during the legislative process, Senate Bill 661 failed to be passed. The failure of Senate Bill 661 to pass would have resulted in the Public Utilities Commission being shut down. As a result of the need for the functions in which the Public Utilities Commission provides, the Legislature allowed for it to continue for two more years. This gives the 83rd Texas Legislature the opportunity to review a comprehensive Public Utility Commission bill. This is the reason why the Public Utility Commission is currently under a partial sunset review process. If you are interested in learning more about the Public Utilities Commission, you can go to their website at http://www.puc.texas.gov/. On their site you can find information specific to consumers and industry along with information about the Public Utility Commission. If you would like to learn more on your own about the Sunset Advisory Commission or other agencies undergoing the sunset review process, you can go to www.sunset.state.tx.us . Rep. Hunter represents Aransas, Calhoun, Nueces (Part) and San Patricio Counties. He can be contacted at todd.hunter@house.state. tx.us or at 512-463-0672.
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A 4
Island Moon
Did Ya Hear?
By Mary Craft Send your business news to: mkay512@aol.com
New Advertisers La Barataria Restaurant in Port A at Island Mooring’s Marina offers great food with a great view. Every Monday they offer complimentary informal wine tasting and wine is half price. Bubbly drinks are half price all day on Sunday with brunch from noon until 3 pm. They are closed Tuesday and Wednesday. Padre Island Baptist Church’s 2nd Annual Island Art Festival will be held Saturday, December 1st 10 am – 5 pm. Artists from all over Texas will be represented. Come join the food, fun and music. Pipe’s Creations has the last outdoor furniture you will ever need. They have patio furniture, bars and swings and can reupholster your old pieces. Visit them at 3207 Rodd Field or call 939-9731. Personal Trainer Cynthis Nichols is offering the gift of health. Support your loved ones by helping them lose weight, get energized and gain self confidence. Order gift certificates at 533-4105.
Business Briefs Island Foot Rash
By Denise Grady
The Cone of Silence
Death of the Twinkie – Can Science Ever Recover?
From the New York Times The possible death of the Twinkie, announced on Friday, would be a loss not just to the world of junk food, but also to the world of science — science in the classroom, at least. My husband has used Twinkies for years to teach high school science and to explore the scientific method with his after-school chemistry club. He got some of his ideas from a series of classic Twinkie experiments that were apparently dreamed up at Rice University during finals week in 1995. Do Twinkies burn? No. They toast like a marshmallow, but they do not burn, unless you first dry out the eerily moist golden sponge cake, by soaking it in alcohol. Then a Twinkie will indeed catch fire. What becomes of the “creamy” filling is not fit to describe in a newspaper that people read over breakfast. Do Twinkies dissolve? Sort of. In water, they swell up grotesquely, turn pale, ooze and then fall apart if you touch them. How do you measure the density of a Twinkie? It involves a blender and a beaker, and yields the startling (to some people, anyway) discovery that a Twinkie is 68 percent air. How does gravity affect them (say, if they are dropped from a great height out a classroom window)? They hold up a lot better than you might expect.
What happens if you microwave them? Don’t.
Two years ago, an overweight nutrition professor at Kansas State University went on a diet that was low in calories but consisted mostly of Twinkies and other junk food. In two months, he lost 27 pounds, lowered his bad cholesterol and raised his good cholesterol. His point was that for weight loss, calories mattered more than the actual content of the diet. Twinkie lovers rejoiced, but the nutrition world put its collective head in its hands. As soon as my husband heard that the Twinkie could be on the way out, barring a last-minute deal or sale by its maker, Hostess Brands, to another company, he began making the rounds of local stores to stock his laboratory. But the supermarket shelves were bare. We tried a few bodegas, buscando los Twinkies, but the owners laughed at us and said Twinkies were out of business. Now, Twinkies are going for stiff prices on eBay. The nation was not prepared for this. As far as we know, even though Twinkies, with their 37 ingredients, seem to last forever without spoiling, they were never designated for inclusion in any national strategic stockpile or scientific repository. A resource has been depleted. The loss is incalculable.
Desserted Island in Port A will be re-opening in the old Souvenir City building on Allister near Cotter. Erin hopes to be open in a couple of weeks. Shapes for Women will also be opening in that building. It is a franchise similar to Curves with a 30 minute work-out. The 2nd Annual La Posada Kick Off Event at Scuttlebutt’s will be held Tuesday, December 4th. They are bringing in a dance floor to swing your partner to the music of the Swing Rayz. Doors open at 3 pm and music is 8 pm – 11 pm. Don’t forget to bring your unwrapped items for Toys for Tots and earn a chance to win prizes. There is usually a shortage of toys for older kids. Friends of the Ark Gift Shop are now open across from IGA. A Tony Amos Photography Reception will be held there Thursday, November 15th 5 pm- 7 pm with all proceeds benefiting the Ark. Shop hours are 10 am – 4 pm and closed Sunday.
People Who Live in Tropics More Likely to Die Seven Years Earlier People living in the tropics are likely to die more than seven years younger than those in other regions, according to the first findings of a new global research project. The “State of the Tropics” study, run by 13 institutions across 12 countries, reported that people living in the world’s tropical zones in 2010 had an average life expectancy of 64.4 years. This was 7.7 years less than those living in non-tropical areas, according to the broadranging research project, which was initiated by Australia’s James Cook University (JCU). Overall mortality in the region was affected by disease, conflict, poverty and food insecurity, the study said. Investment in social services, such as health and education, as well as access to water, sanitation and medical technology, were also important factors.
November 21, 2012
The Animal Hospital at Padre Island has coupons in this issue of the Moon for 25% off holiday grooming and 20% off dental exam and cleaning. They have been voted Best of the Best Pet Services the last six years.
Cinnamon Shore on Mustang Island will begin a new community tradition on Thursday evening with its first annual Christmas Tree lighting ceremony. The Thanksgiving evening ceremony kicks off at 6 pm with caroling and hot drinks then the lighting of the 14-foot, designer decorated Christmas tree. All are welcome.
The Annual Christmas Bazaar hosted by the Episcopal Church Women of Trinity-by-the-Sea Episcopal Church in Port Aransas is set for Saturday, December 1st, from 8:30 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. Christmas ornaments, baked goods, and holiday candies will be among the specialties
The Brazilian Pepper Tree Eradication Group needs volunteers to work with the City of Port Aransas Parks and Recreation Department’s ground crew. They meet the second Thursday of each month and will begin efforts in areas of the Nature Preserve at Charlie’s Pasture.
Congratulations to Todd Hunter on his move from the depths of the House Office Complex at the State Capitol Building in Austin to the first floor of the Capitol Building. That’s where they send you when you serve on 54 (by our count) House Committees, including the Calendars. Todd was recently sent back to Austin by the voters of District 32. All we can say Todd is be careful up there, you’re going to be a lot easier to find now.
We want to send a Get Well Soon out to Islander Mark Pugh who took a bad fall from his bicycle on the way home from the Community Gardens recently. Mark is the Minister at Kings Crossing Church of Christ on Yorktown Boulevard and suffered multiple facial injuries when he hit a rough patch of road and is currently in the ICU at Memorial Hospital.
We wish him a speedy recovery and we will be thinking of him. The Island is with you Mark, get well soon.
Coffee Waves Opening in Flour Bluff
Coffee Waves will open its Flour Bluff location at 1241 Flour Bluff Drive, Suite B, on December 1st. The location will be the fourth Coffee Waves location with two locations already in Corpus Christi and one in Port Aransas.
The Grand Opening for the Flour Bluff location will kick off at 6:30 am and The Beach radio station, 96.5, will be on hand from 5-7 p.m. The store will close at midnight daily. The Beach radio station 96.5 will be on location from 5pm7pm with promotional items and live music broadcast.
Attendees will be invited to tour the new 2500 square ft. building, taste our menu and see the pastries featured from J&B Bakery on the island, enjoy free WIFI, sample gelato flavors, learn more about their local coffee shop, and meet the owner, management and staff. This location will open at 6:30 am and close at midnight daily with a drive thru window located in the front of the newly remodeled location.
According to the report, Central and Southern Africa had the worst adult mortality rates, with 377 in every 1,000 people who live to 15 years old dying before they reach 60.
Contact them at Coffeewavesevents@gmail. com
That compares with an average of 240 in every 1,000 across the tropics and 154 in every 1,000 for the rest of the world. The study estimates that all continents except Europe and Antarctica are partly in the tropics and 144 nations or territories are either “fully or partly in the tropical region”.
Time to Get Your Pecans
The report found that life expectancy in the tropics has increased in the past 60 years, with people living 22.8 years longer than in 1950. Infant mortality in the tropics also decreased from 161 deaths per 1,000 live births in 1950 to 58 per 1,000 in 2010, though this is still much higher than the 33 per 1,000 rate in the rest of the world.
The Padre Lions Club is now conducting their 8th Annual Pecan Sale. The pecans come from the first crop around the Seguin area and 100% of the proceeds go to support Texas Lion’s Camp in Kerrville. The camp is for kids with physical challenges and the kids each get one week at the camp free.
The 12 –ounce bags of pecans are $12 and available from any Lions’ Club member, at the Island Coldwell Banker office, or by calling 361 949-4979 or 949-1338. The sale will continue through December.
Serving: Padre Island, Flour Bluff, Port Aransas, Mustang Island and Rockport. 9 9 9 9 9 9
Landscape Design h Decks and Docks First Time Cleanups h Shade Structures/ Pergola Demolitions & Scraping h Outdoor Kitchens We install: Plants, Palms, Rock, h Boat Lifts Sod, Pavers and Outdoor Decor. h Fences & Gates Yard Maintenance h General D&D Repair Concrete Drives/Patio & Retaining Walls
We’re your full service outdoor solution! Give us a call today. Tim Arlitt - Decks & Docks Specialist 361.229.2530 Sami Wilson - Landscape Designer 361.949.2691
IslandLandscapingDecksAndDocks.com Quality & Insured.
November 21, 2012
Moon Monkeys Mike Ellis, Founder
Island Moon
Letters to the Editor I know this is nothing like the burglary ring we had a few weeks ago, but this afternoon between 4 & 5, someone stole the talavera frog sculpture from our front yard. About 2’ in diameter, multi-colored (though mostly green), so relatively large and heavy. We live on Isla Colon, off of Cuttysark. If anyone spots this little fellow hopping down Whitecap, or more likely for sale on a street corner or someone’s garage sale, I’d love to get a FB message. Moreover, I guess now we need to keep an eye on our yards as well as our homes. Apparently “theft season” has arrived.
Distribution Pete Alsop Island Delivery Coldwell Banker Advertising Jan Park Rankin Raeanne Reed Office
Pam Donnelly
Lisa Towns Classifieds
Barefoot Mardi Gras
Arlene Ritley
Organizing the Barefoot Mardi Gras Celebration “Island Style” has begun. We are looking for sponsors, and anyone who would like to help with this ever growing Celebration on the Island. This years Barefoot Mardi Gras Parade and Party will be February 9th. We hope to have a big and better celebration for 2013. If you know of anyone who wants to help or sponsor please contact barefootmardigras@ gmail.com. Or call Duane Ebert 361-658-2459 or Denise Ebert 361-774-2845.
Design/Layout Jeff Craft Contributing Writers Joey Farah Devorah Fox Mary Craft Maybeth Christiansen Jay Gardner Todd Hunter
Around cont. from A1
anybody. Hopefully, once again the experienced hunters will clue in their novice comrades and the problem will take care of itself.
Facebook Fish Story
Anybody seen a frog?
La Posada kickoff party
Dear Mr. Editor: Sir, is it true that Kathy Gifford Hess (11/15/12, A11) really caught that beautiful redfish on the Moon Facebook page? I have obviously been fishing in the wrong place ! George Crawford Port Aransas
Re: Bicycling in the Valley of the Shadow While I can certainly agree with Editor Jan that the referenced letter was written in a very creative manner, its publication violated not one but two of the caveats that most local papers (and hopefully our Moon) have - yes it was unsigned which is certainly forgivable but secondly and less forgivable with its publication was its inclusion of a bluntly untrue Democratic talking point - “ By voting for Romney you gave up your rights that all women deserve ....” If the Moon intends to allow itself to become a forum for that sort of partisan drivel which litters the LTTE in the Caller Times on a daily basis, then shame on it. I believe that most of us Associate Moon Monkeys are happy with the Moon limiting its political discourse to local matters directly affecting our Island and Schools and only going OTB when it involves political matters about our tax monies being reallocated away from our Island by the gang of nine on Leopard street (apologies in advance to Colleen).
Danniece Bobeché Ronnie Narmour Daphne Fine Dr. Donna Shaver Photographers Miles Merwin Jeff Dolan
What an irony that this letter was unsigned how consistent with the current administrations view of transparency!
Mary Craft Office Security/Spillage Control
Howard Ludlow
Do You Need a License for Those Things? Police are investigating an incident at a Berks County hunting club in Pennsylvania in which someone on the hunting grounds allegedly targeted and shot down a mechanical flying object during a pigeon shoot.
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 All Stripes Stores (Except the one next to the VFW where they throw them away) Sandpiper Condos Port Royal Condos
Snoopy’s Pier
Beach Lodge
Isle Mail N More
Amano’s
Island Italian
Miss K’s Catering & Bistro
Ace Hardware
IGA Food Store Carter Pharmacy San Juan’s Restaurant Wash Board Washateria Port A Parks and Rec Port Chamber of Commerce Duckworth’s Antiques Woody’s Sports Center
The Drone, “Angel” after being shot down
SHARK claimed “a
If you are interested in being part of the planning for a new Island festival don’t forget to attend the meeting at 6 p.m. at Johnny D’s on Thursday, November 29. It’s the first planning meeting and we’re looking for ideas and input.
For years we’ve said we need some event to showcase The Island and after a meeting with the Convention Visitors Bureau last week the process is picking up steam. Everyone is invited and encouraged to attend. It will be completely informal and we hope to see you there.
Have a happy Thanksgiving and say hello if you see us Around The Island.
Spain Offers Permanent Residency to Homebuyers
Looking for a new place to call home? Spain is hoping to give you a little bit more than a welcome basket of baked goods if you decide to move there. In an attempt to reduce the country’s bloated stock of unsold homes, the government is set to offer permanent residency to any foreigner provided they buy a house or apartment worth more than (EURO)160,000 ($200,000). The plan, unveiled by Trade Ministry secretary Jaime Garcia-Legaz Monday and expected to be approved in the coming weeks, would be aimed principally at Chinese and Russian buyers. Spain has more than 700,000 unsold houses following the collapse of its real estate market in 2008 and demand from the recessionhit domestic market is stagnant.
The stricken state of the country’s real estate market was highlighted Monday by figures from the Bank of Spain which showed that the level of bad debt in the country’s banks had risen to a record 10.7 percent of their loan total in September.
The bank said the amount totaled (EURO)182 billion, up from (EURO)179 billion in August the 15th monthly increase in a row.
The 16 other countries that use the euro have agreed to lend Spain up to (EURO)100 billion to help support the country’s banks weighed down by these bad loans and investments. On top of
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“I’m convinced that the worst is over,” Rajoy told reporters after meeting with Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff.
Port A Outfitters The Flats Lounge
As usual with La Posada events this one is a Toys For Tots collection and everyone is encouraged to bring a toy to donate, and a portion of the night’s proceeds will be donated to La Posada. The La Posada Watercraft and Lighted Boat Parade this year is on Friday, December 7 and Saturday, December 8. Any and all questions can be addressed to organizers at the Kickoff event.
The country’s residency offer would beat others in bailed-out countries such as Ireland and Portugal, where residency papers are offered to foreigners buying houses worth more than (EURO)400,000 and (EURO)500,000, respectively. However, Latvia on the Baltic coast offers a cheaper deal, with property buyers eligible to receive residency permits if they purchase real estate in the capital Riga worth (EURO)140,000 or (EURO)70,000 in the countryside.
Whataburger
Kody’s Restaurant
Moby Dick’s Restaurant
So their drone, nicknamed “Angel,” was recording a live pigeon shoot on Sunday around 3 p.m. when investigators say it was suddenly struck by gunfire.
North Padre
Doc’s Restaurant
Sponsored by Scuttlebutt’s and the Padre Island Yacht Club, the event kicks off at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, December 4 at Scuttlebutt’s and features a swing band, half-price bottles of wine, Prime Rib, displays of military hardware and some other stuff they haven’t thought of yet.
The plan to unload the unsold homes comes as thousands of houses have been repossessed by banks and their owners evicted because they cannot pay their mortgages. The government last week approved a decree under which evictions would be suspended for two years in specific cases of extreme need.
The Tarpon Ice House
Snappy’s Convenient Store
The Second Annual La Posada Kickoff Event at Scuttlebutt’s is just around the corner.
Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy stressed Monday that the plan has not yet been finalized, but added that Spain “needs to sell these homes” and that getting them off the market could help revive the nation’s devastated construction industry.
“The pigeon shooters are using a ring that’s up a hill and completely surrounded by trees. So the only way you can get to it is through the air,” said Steve Hindi, president of SHARK.
Port A Glass Studio
CVS
Neptune’s Retreat
The Wing Pointe people are not commenting.
The Wild Horse Bar & Grill
Pioneer RV Park
Stripes (361 & IA)
State Police are investigating the incident. SHARK claims this is the fourth time the drone has been shot at while trying to spy on what they claim are inhumane pigeon shoots.
The Gaff Bar
All Stripes Stores
Island Woman Boutique
single sharp rifle crack rang out,” in a press release sent out on Monday. The group says the camera’s video feed was terminated and the drone went out of control before it was manually brought down. The gunshot caused around $4,000 in damage to the camera, according to SHARK.
Gratitude Boutique
Lisabellas Restaurant
Felder Gallery
A group calling itself SHowing Animals Respect and Kindness (SHARK) are in the midst of a campaign against the Wing Pointe commercial hunting grounds in Hamburg, Berks County and its live pigeon shoots. SHARK began to use an “Octocopter,” a remote controlled flying machine with a high tech video camera, to secretly record the pigeon shoots as they happen.
A5
Floyd’s
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A 6
Island Moon
by Dale Rankin
It’s that time of year when folks’ attention starts to wander as we approach the Holiday Season. We all start thinking about how to keep from having to go OTB for the holiday and what we’re going to buy our weird cousin who doesn’t like anything but wants it anyway.
by Devorah Fox In 1995, John Evans wasn’t living in Port Aransas nor was he retired. He’s doing both now. He retired in 2006. He and his wife, Margaret, bought a house in San Antonio and in Port Aransas. They’ve recently decided to sell the San Antonio house and live full-time in Port A.
So in that spirit here we go with the scattershots…
In the mid-1990’s, though, the couple lived in Alexandria, Virginia. John was working hard at the Pentagon, serving as a Senior Executive in the Office of the Secretary of Defense.
Requiem for a Twinkie I’m still trying to figure out if we can live in a world without Twinkies, Ding Dongs, and Wonder Bread. The parent company had been badly run for years and the company’s unions in a puzzling move decided to dig in their confectionary heels and powzapbang!...no more hollow calories unless the Mexican billionaire who is thinking of buying the company comes to the rescue with his company Grupo Bimbo.
His hands, however, were lobbying for early retirement. John started experiencing annoying aches and pains. His doctor diagnosed arthritis and told John that it was important to keep his hands moving. John looked for a seriously hands-on hobby. At first he tried tying flies. Then Margaret bought him a jewelry making kit and that became John’s new “occupational therapy.” Margaret has been the happy beneficiary of John’s projects ever since. She proudly shows off a bracelet specially designed with a flat underside so it doesn’t get in the way when she rests her wrist on a desk to write. John also makes Christmas and birthday
presents and donates jewelry to be raffled and auctioned off for charities. He donated some 30 pieces to the Parrot Heads of Port Aransas for that group’s Wings Over Port A 2012, a fundraiser for the ARK and the Food Pantry. It was at Parrot Head fundraisers where I acquired two of John’s silver rings, one set with an amethyst, the other with a white topaz.
The good news, of course, is that those Twinkies have a shelf life of about one hundred years so they should still be around for a while. Port o what? keeps his hands busy by writing novels. He started his first one over 20 years ago. In the mid 1980’s, some Reagan- administration government workers were given computers to use at work, and were encouraged to take them home so that they could get even more work done outside the office. The computer was the IBM 8080. It came with an integrated word processor/database/ spreadsheet program called Enable. (To this day there are still collectors and users who meet in online forums to trade notes and tips about this legacy software.) John used it to keyboard his first novel. The problem came years later when he wanted to publish the book. By then, the 8080 and Enable were “so yesterday” that there was no easy way to get John’s book out of the computer. It took a lot of work to remove all the unnecessary code from the digital file so as to get a usable manuscript. Due to the sensitive nature of the work that
John’s quite expert now but his first attempts didn’t all yield gorgeous results. “My first pieces were slag,” he says. He almost burned down a bedroom trying to smelt gold. John was also not pleased with himself the time that he cracked a one-carat piece of rare and costly tanzanite. These days he tackles less challenging designs. After all, “I’m retired,” he says which is also why he hasn’t gone commercial. He likes making the jewelry but marketing and selling it would be too much like work. When he’s not making jewelry and otherwise enjoying being retired in Port Aransas, John
On a more local note, we sat in the Island Strategic Action Committee meeting at the Padre Isles Country club this month trying to come up with ways to pay for a permanent restroom at Billish Park. The city staff could identify many obstacles to funding the project but no ways to actually fund it. Right now we have a Portapotty over there, which is fine enough as Portapotties go. It has an advantage over a real restroom in that during the summertime it doubles as a sauna and while you are in there doing regular business you can also shed a few pounds by sweating out some bad living – sort of like killing two birds with one stone if you will. That Portabpotty is paid for in two ways; one partially by the POA, and secondly it doubles as a way to teach the kids over at Seashore the value of hard work by sending them out to Island roadways to pick up aluminum cans to pay for the remainder of the cost – yet another dividend paid to the Island by this multi-service facility. Meanwhile, while we’re in the meeting, 150 feet down the hall at the polling place at the Country Club voters are lining up to vote on $150 million in city bonds as the city staff regrets to inform us that the money in the section of those bonds called Park Improvement Bonds is earmarked for parks OTB. So in spite of the fact that Island taxpayers will pay $20 million of those bonds we can’t have $100,000 to pay for a restroom at Billish Park, which means the Seashore kids will continue to reap the benefits of collecting aluminum cans to pay for the Portapotty – the gift that just keeps on giving.
John uses gold and silver for his rings, pendants and bracelets, and he uses natural, not manmade, gem stones. “They have the beauty that nature makes,” he says.
he did, John can’t draw too heavily on his Department of Defense experience for his novels. However, while John’s books Wild Options, Mercenary Angels and Encounter in Las Vegas are categorized as science fiction and fantasy, he does bring to his writing the serious credentials earned during his career. He’s currently at work on a fourth novel. For more information about John’s books, visit the Web site at www.johnevansbooks.com. I’ll see you there. —http://devorahfox.com.
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Scammers, flimflammers and downright fools I’ve decided I need a new/old truck so we decided to sell our old Infiniti which is actually older than our fat dog, which is saying something. We ran an ad in the Moon and on Craigslist and when it hit Craigslist the scammers came out of the woodwork. Those of you who are frequent readers know that I take a perverse pleasure in baiting those among us who think they are so much smarter than everyone else they can talk the chicken right off the bone. However, I was unaware that the flimflam industry had expanded to include the used car classified arena and I’m here to tell you there is some cutting edge work going on in this field. It reminded me of my old friend Chris Holzhaus who while employed in the Taillights Over the Curb Business would confuse potential buyers with the admonishment, “Trust me, I’m a used car salesman.” The first call we got was from a nice lady who was most anxious to purchase the car, however, first she needed an “insurance estimate.” A little checking discovered that there is a workforce out there who makes their living by getting paid a piece rate for every “insurance estimate” they collect.
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Gulf Coast
November 21, 2012
Stuff I Heard on the Island
Dee-Scoveries
From Lemons to Lemonade
Then we got this: Good day and how is your day? I am very sorry for not getting back to you as expected, it is just that i have been very sick and i have been receiving treatment, with the hope that my Husband was going to give you an update about the payment. But i just received
the confirmation from my Secretary that the payment has been issued out and was mailed by the United Parcel Service. It will be delivered to your address 2 days from now according to the courier, and it was my secretary who posted the payment, but to my greatest surprise, She included the moving fee with your payment, instead of the actual amount of the purchase, she made out the pay check for $4,850. This was due to the accumulated unpaid transactions undertaken by the mover in the past weeks and they said they can’t come and pick this up if I do not pay them all together. So once you have the Payment, i want you to cash it and deduct the money for the purchase. The remaining funds should please be sent to my mover via Western union the same day you do receive the payment so that my mover can make the trip over for the pickup at once. You will also have to deduct an additional $30 to offset the cost of your run around expenses. I will need your immediate response via email assuring me that i can trust you to handle this with care and have the remaining funds returned appropriately. I am hearing impaired and will hope that your intentions remains noble through out the duration of this transaction. Thank you and stay bless you. Now let me just say first that if you ever get a call from anyone who says they can’t use the phone for any reason your antennae should go up immediately. This is the oldest trick in the book. The reason they “can’t use the phone” in most cases is because if they do they will be subject to federal penalties for using a regulated medium to commit a fraud. The internet is a lot more anonymous and easier to use from the home office in Nigeria. The second thing is that what this person is asking us to do is to write her a check for $2,850 – over the $2000 cost of the car - for “the accumulated unpaid transactions undertaken by the mover” and wire her the money before his most excellent check for $4,850 even arrives. We lose a little bit on every deal…but we make it up in volume… We replied: This sounds like a great business opportunity. Do you know of any widows of deposed Nigerian rulers who need help retrieving $12 million from their Swiss bank accounts? The reply: But Why the embarrassment from you have told you everything that happen and i am very sure i had this problem with my secretary, because of my disability cos she could not hear me clearly. Please have this taken care off as instructed in my previous message and have this for me cos the moving company is aware that you would be sending them money and they already on the look out for the funds. Thank you My reply: Dear Lady, To my greatest surprise my intensions remain noble throughout this transaction. First of all my condolences that both you and your secretary are hard of hearing as this business arrangement must be most frustrating to you for your most excellent losses. You can trust me to handle this with care and have the remaining funds returned appropriately. However, I regret to inform you that my cost of expenses has exceeded the $30 allowed as during my trip OTB to wire you the money for the accumulated unpaid transactions undertaken by the mover my most excellent Infinity car inadvertently drove itself to the Barton Street Pub where my run-around expenses have exceeded $2,850 and your check for $4,850 is not excellent enough to pay for car and even more excellent bar tab. I will send you a check for $9,000 when the cool earths but before it arrives I need you to immediately wire $6,112 to attention of: English Mike, Daytime caretaker: Barton Street Pub, Flour Bluff America. Once this amount is delivered to my business associate in Flour Bluff America then English Mike who you most excellently find will sitting at the west end of the bar near men’s room he will deduct the $1,243 to buy an additional round for the house and forward the remaining amount to you by carrier seagull. Anxiously awaiting your most excellent reply. Thank you and stay bless you. So sometime next week boys…most excellent drinks are on me.
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November 21, 2012
Island Moon
A7
A Mano Shop While You Can!!! Island Surprise
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Heading Out. Photo by James Thompson
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A 8
land Moon
Next President inherits FDA Reform
By James Robinson Special to the Moon
Demand for drugs is on the rise, yet FDA remains undermanned, underfunded, and misunderstood. If Our next President is serious about healthcare reform, he needs to make a concerted effort to improve drug safety in this country. Priority number one should be a renewed commitment to educating the public about drug safety. FDA should be the public’s number-one source for information on pressing drug safety issues. Every regulatory action the agency takes should be seen as an opportunity to speak to a larger public health issue. FDA should also increase its support for the Reagan/Udall Foundation, a joint publicprivate partnership that supports innovation in the pharmaceutical industry. The FDA commissioner should work with foundation administrators to develop the regulatory tools appropriate for today’s medical technologies. Secondly, key drug regulations need to be clarified. Too often, regulators love ambiguity. Why? Because ambiguity is power. But ambiguity can lead to regulatory inconsistencies, hampering the drug approval process. Oftentimes, safety trial protocols are approved by one FDA committee and carried out by drug manufacturers, only to be derided by another agency committee after the fact. Likewise, FDA has been known to send warning letters to companies over marketing materials that have already cleared another branch of the agency. It will be much easier for industry to follow FDA regulations if those regulations are well-defined and applied equally. Thirdly, FDA needs to reform its information management system. The agency sits atop a vast accumulation of vital public health information, yet most of it is unusable because
FDA has yet to develop a reliable means for determining which information is important. The commissioner should immediately appoint an information technology czar charged with modernizing and streamlining existing systems. Solid information management will allow the agency to do its job faster, cheaper, and more effectively. The agency’s food safety and security programs are also in need of substantial reform. Witness the case of bisphenol A, an industrial ingredient often used in plastics that has been the source of health concerns for decades. Yet only after a significant controversy arose over the use of bisphenol A in consumer products did FDA decide to order an expert review of the chemical. Behavior like that cements the perception that the FDA is ineffective – or worse, apathetic. Similarly, rather than proactively stepping forward with regular and transparent risk communications programs, FDA has been driven by the winds of crisis. The agency has implemented certain programs that provide risk information, but without any context. The effect is confusion among patients and physicians. Drug labels – the most important piece of communications material the agency regulates – also need to be improved. The agency must ensure that new labeling rules are adopted for all products, even those licensed prior to the new rules’ implementation. The agency also needs to educate physicians about how to use drug labels, particularly when it comes to “safe use” recommendations that deal with administration – rather than composition – of pharmaceuticals. These are urgent reforms that must be carried out with determination, creativity, and passion by the new administration.
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November 21, 2012
Windstorm continued from A1 the five largest insurance companies in Texas didn’t want the risk of paying for catastrophic coverage and pulled out of the windstorm coverage business, leaving TWIA as the sole source of windstorm coverage for the state. In the its last three sessions - the Texas Legislature meets every two years with the next session in January 2013 – the legislature has wrestled with the problem of how to pay for windstorm coverage around the state and came up with a plan which didn’t get a lot of attention until earlier this year. That plan calls for a three tier system in which catastrophic storm damage would be paid for by selling three classes of bonds: In the event of a large storm on the coast the first class of bonds would be paid for solely by residents of the 14 Texas coastal counties; If a second tier of bonds became necessary 70% of that cost would be paid for by residents of the coastal counties, 30% by the insurance companies; in the event a third tier of bonds was necessary – up to $500 million - they would be paid for solely by the insurance companies. To back those bonds the state began adding a surcharge on the policies of coastal property owners which collects about $200 million per year. The problem arose when Hurricane Ike hit Galveston in 2008 causing – so far - $2.3 billion in damage making it the costliest hurricane to ever hit the Texas Coast. In the wake of that storm Texas Insurance Commissioner Eleanor Kitzman, when asked by a legislator from the Texas Panhandle whether the TWIA fund was solvent in case of a major storm, issued a statement stating it was not. In order to make the fund solvent Kitzman, who was appointed by the governor but has not been conformed by the Texas Senate, called for increases on policies that would have bumped rates along the coast by 46%. That sent shock waves through the banking industry all along the Texas Coast as lenders feared it would bring construction to a standstill. “We felt like a governor’s appointee should not determine our ability to make a living on the Texas Coast,” Zahn said. We felt like we needed a united effort all along the Coast to find a permanent solution to this problem. We approached the governor and he agreed that something needs to be done. He said ‘bring us a plan’.” Thus was borne the Coastal Windstorm Task Force with Zahn as the Chairman. Since last spring the Task Force has held meetings up and down the Texas Coast and met with lawmakers, the governor, insurance lobbyists, and local officials in the fourteen Texas Coastal counties. “We do not believe it is right to have coastal homeowners see rate increases when a hail storm hits Dallas,” Zahn said, citing a storm which caused $2 billion in damage in the Dallas area and was reflected in windstorm rates across the state. The solution proposed by Kitzman would do two things that could have catastrophic effects on Coastal rate payers. First, her plan would put the entire burden of paying for damage along the Texas Coast solely on Coastal property owners; the Coastal Task Force wants that risk pool to be spread out statewide. Second, her plan would allow for different rates inside the same county – meaning rates on The Island would be higher than those inland in say, Calallen, even though both would suffer similar damage in the event of a major hurricane.
several years for coastal property owners.
The plan also calls for the second tier of bonds – currently funded 70% by ratepayers and 30% by the insurance industry – to be funded at a 50%-50% rate.
For the third tier bonds the plan calls for the TWIA fund, if needed, to borrow from the Governor’s Rainy Day Fund then use a statewide assessment to pay the money back.
“That plan has met with some approval in Austin,” Zahn said. “That puts us in a position to handle a catastrophic storm without killing the coast. The biggest problem we have with Windstorm Insurance in this state is in the way claims are processed,” he said. After Hurricane Ike a total of $880 million in damage was accessed, however, the total cost to the TWIA fund is currently at $2.3 billion and climbing due to litigation over claims.
”We are proposing that if people want to challenge their damage assessment after a storm that they do so through mediation and not through the courts,” Zahn said. “Further, the current State Insurance Board is made up almost entirely of people from the insurance industry; we are proposing that it be turned into a consumer body.”
In addition, the new plan calls for uniform statewide enforcement of building codes and a change in the current system in which there is no enforcement of building codes in the unincorporated areas of Texas counties – outside city limits where city codes don’t apply. Under Texas law counties have very little authority to pass ordinances except where specifically granted by the legislature.
“We can mitigate losses after big storms if we require everyone around the state to build according to the same code, and if we do that the insurance industry must recognize that and give credit in premiums,” Zahn said.
So now the issue moves to the legislature. Zahn said he expects to have the TWIA reform bill pre-filed before January and the issue will be one of the top five on the legislative agenda. If an agreement can be made before the issue progresses to a floor fight the proposed reform bill stands a good chance of passage, he said. If not, look for a fight in the Senate where twothirds of the 31 members would have to vote to approve the appointment of Kitzman as Insurance Commissioner. According to Senate watchers in Austin, those votes currently do not exist.
Zahn said Island property owners will be called on during the legislative session to contact their state leaders to encourage them to back the reform move. The Coastal Windstorm Task Force is also contacting the 3600 non-resident property owners in Port Aransas to encourage them to contact their local representatives across the state.
“When Texas became a state in 1845,” Zahn said, “We reserved the right to split into five states. Well, now we have a group of people who are trying to divide our state according to region.” To solve the problem the Coastal Task Force has drafted a bill which includes an eight point plan for TWIA rates. It calls for the insurance industry in Texas to bear more of the burden of issuing bonds in case of damage from a major storm. Currently exposure to the state’s insurance industry is capped at $800 million in the event of a major storm– a fraction of the $33 billion in rates currently collected by the industry each year in Texas. The bill proposes raising that cap immediately by $208 million from a reserve fund already in place, money collected from existing insurance premiums which have gone up 5% in each of the last
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Snoopy’s Scoopy’s
(361) 949-8815
(361) 949-7810
13313 S. Padre Island Drive Corpus Christi, TX 78418
Offering Gourmet Take-Out Meals Every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursda Hours:Recipient 4:00 – of 7:00 p.m. Choice the People’s Visit our website at www.AuntSissysKitchen 2011 Taste of the Island For weekly menus Full Service Catering Available For Private Parties
Recipient of the People’s Choice Award 2011 Taste of the Island
November 21, 2012
Real Estate Roundup
Island Moon
By Mary Lou White week. Late on Saturday afternoon, my father would take our car (not the work truck) to the nearby gas station where they would “service” the car, which included a car wash and many extras, unheard of today. Then, my parents and I would drive downtown to the restaurant where the oilmen and ranchers were frequent customers. The dining room in the back had tables covered in white tablecloths and chairs covered in red leather. The walls held oil paintings of ranch and oil scenes with lamps above each one. At the end of the meal, finger bowls were part of the ending ritual. Sunday was the only “free” day of the week. But even that day had a rigid pattern. As my mother and I left for church, my father was getting ready to hold Open House. Usually, we would stop by to visit him on our way home from church. We all knew that dinner that evening would be roast and potatoes. The patterns rarely varied. I look back now, and I wonder at their dedication and perseverance. However, my parents understood that was what it was going to take to put bread on the table and reach their goals in the future. I actually believe that some things never change, that dedication and hard work will be rewarded, at the end of the day. Hope to see you at a future Open House….Being informed is a good thing!
True Examples For all the times, I have been told, “Open Houses Are a Waste of Time”, I will always remember that our first home was purchased on a Sunday afternoon where we stopped at an Open House. It was a little two bedroom, one bath house near White Rock Lake in Dallas and the minute I walked through the door, I knew I was meant to live there. The agent wrote up the offer and a month later, the moving van delivered our meager possessions to the front door. The only way that transaction happened was by virtue of the Open House. Many years later, in a different city altogether, I went next door to meet my new neighbors and during the conversation, the wife told me that they had stopped to look at the house about six months previously, but they arrived at the end of the Open House and the agent was locking up and suggested they make an appointment later to see the house. Being a busy architect couple, they never pursued that option. Then, the house was re-listed with another agent and this time, they were able to see the property, during an Open House, which led to their purchase. To add to the value of this story, I know for a fact, that same couple bought their next home, by stopping at an Open House and making a spur of the moment decision to re-locate, when they weren’t really considering that option. A picture is worth a thousand words, according to the old adage, and being able to view a property first hand, without any time constraints, can be a very powerful motivator.
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Schlitterbahn continued from A1
Open House To Open House or Not to Open House, that is the question. Having spent my whole life around the real estate industry, I have heard both sides of this coin debated endlessly. In truth, I am glad to be working with a firm that believes in the value of an Open House, as a marketing strategy. The main advantage to the agent and the homeowner is obviously exposure. As the agent, you can present the home and talk about the features, giving a first person account of the positive selling points of that particular property. In one afternoon, you can have more customers view the home, than during days of waiting for appointments. Will they all be potential buyers? Probably not, but it is like throwing a pebble in a pond, you never know how far-reaching the ripples might flow. Is it easy to give up your week-end hours to prepare and hold the Open House? No. Are the homeowners happy to stage their homes for viewing and then leave for three or four hours, leaving their comfort zone behind? No. We do it, because we all have a common goal. That being the successful marketing and closure that will allow everyone to move on with the next phase of their life.
Island, which investors Willard Hammonds, Paul Schexnailder and the Henry family, owners of Schlitterbahn, are developing.
every job required to keep the project on time and done right. We can do any part of the job. We will use as many local contractors and workers as we can. We will do whatever we have to do to make sure we get the best job done.”
“We will shoot for an opening by Spring Break of 2014,” Henry said, “but it will likely be May before we are actually open. It always takes a little longer than we would like, but we will be open no later than the summer of 2014. We won’t move any dirt until everything is ready, all the way around, and then we hit the ground running.”
Henry said there have been few surprises as the process of planning and construction for the park has moved forward. He said there are still some unresolved permitting issues with the IslandWalk portion of the project which will be a 3500-foot canal connecting the Schlitterbahn park on the west side of SPID to Lake Padre (Padre Sound), where a marina is planned, via a 40-foot wide water exchange bridge under SPID. The IslandWalk will also connect the current canal system to Lake Padre and through it to the open Gulf of Mexico.
He said the Phase I of the build out will include the waterpark and about 20 overnight stay rooms. “After that we will build out as the market allows,” he said. “We will get the park open and then expand as the market stabilizes. Once that happens we will go to Phase II immediately.”
“There are plenty of places for us to begin building while any permitting issue for the IslandWalk are worked out,” Henry said. “We are excited about this project and ready to hit the ground running around the first of the year.”
He said he expects Phase I of the park will require the hiring of about twenty local contractors who will be selected from a group of about 1000 already compiled. “We are the general contractor,” Henry said. “We are responsible for seeing to it that everything is right and on time. He said Schlitterbahn “Will not be hiring off the low bid. We will hire who we think can get the job done right and on time. If anyone gets behind we will take over the job. Our company is vertically integrated from design to finished construction and our crews know how to do
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A Blast From The Past The very mention of Open House, brings back many vivid memories for me. My father was a builder and real estate agent. In the early 1950’s, construction crews worked a six day
3
Multi Family Units For Sale From: $330,000 to $2,500,000
10
Commercial Properties For Sale From: $150,000 to $4,557,465
161
Lots and Land For Sale
61
Parcels on a canal or water From: $98,900 to $1,850,250
100
Parcels not on the water From: $17,500 to $975,000
219
Island Residences For Sale
110
Attached Homes For Sale From: $59,000 to $529,000
63
Detached Homes on the water From: $226,900 to $2,200,000
46
Detached Homes not on the water From: $149,900 to $315,000
I know how to market your property to get it in front of the right buyers and with the experience, expertise and state-of-the-art technology Coldwell Banker offers I’m sure we can get the most out of your property. Contact Jeremy Clayton at: Phone 361-960-7873 or 361-949-7077 jeremy.clayton@coldwellbanker.com
Jeremy Clayton Realtor
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 Get the attention you deserve.
Selling a home? Want results?
Unique Construction & Views of Pond/Birds
14981 Canadian Mist $315,000
Island Creations
Beach House Realty
361-332-1021
Remodeling
Total Renovation & Remodels, Outdoor Kitchens & Spas, Additions, Kitchen & Bathroom Upgrades, Sunporches, Replacement of Windows and Doors, Roofing, Painting & Stucco
Landscaping Insured Member, Padre Island Business Association Member, Builders Association, Corpus Christi
960-0327
Design work, Yard Maintenance, Decks, Pergolas, Installation of Rock, Grass, Plants, Trees, Walkways, Paths, Tree Trimming, Container Planting, Vacant Lot Mowing & Shade Covers. All Kinds of Fencing, Pressure Washing & Deck Staining & Sealing
Concrete
Driveways, Patios, Sidewalks, Patio Overlays, Decorative Stamping & Staining, Decks, Bulkheads, Grouted Stone Walls & Patios, Decorative Stone Paver Driveways & Patios
Owned & Operated by Island Residents David & Katherine Pierce References Available Upon Request Commercial & Residential
Doing Everything a Home or Business Needs
Call 361-949-7281
Mary Melick Real Estate
BIG REDUCTION!
WATERFRONT--Fortuna Bay’s finest! 3/2 penthouse with high ceilings, completely redone in style with stainless, glass tile, granite, quality fixtures throughout, sumptuous baths, attractive furnishings, storage closet, boat dock, community pool/ hot tub, tile/carpet. Ready to go, just move in or rent out--vacation rentals okay. Bring your boat. $164,900 Beach House Realty, Gail D. Spinn, Agent 2217 State Highway 361, Suite A-1, Port Aransas, Texas 78373
Island Moon
A 10
November 21, 2012
COLDWELL BANKER ISLAND, REALTORS 14945 S. Padre Island Dr., Corpus Chris�, TX 78418
ISLAND, REALTORS
(361) 949‐7077 or (800) 580‐7077 www.cbir.com
New Construction on the Island. 4/3/with study. Over 2300 sq.ft., stained cabinetry, granite countertops throughout. $239,900. Call Beth for plans 779-4943.
Customized house, superb canal location, upscaled kitchen w/granite counters + bamboo flooring, plantation shutters, abundant amenities. Dorothy 563 -8486. $445,000.
13541 Ducat fabulous waterfront home on 75’x120’ lot. 3-4 bedrooms, 3 full baths, Trex decks. Too many extras to list $600,000. Call Cindy Molnar 549-5557.
15401 Cruiser 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, 2 car garage $189,000. 1305 sq.ft. Very nice inside and out. Located on a canal. Call Charlie 361-443-2499.
15905 Punta Bonaire $620,100. 3 bedrooms, 3 full baths, concrete saltwater pool, boat lift, too many extras to list. Call Charlie Knoll 443-2499.
Beautiful Golf Course Home! 4/2.5/2, two living, covered patio, crown molding, granite countertops! 14006 Rudder Ct. $315,000. Call Shonna today 510-3445 to see.
Extraordinary canal location and view– highly customized s/s kitchen with granite counters & much more. Surprises abound. Call Dorothy 563-8486.
New construction by Seaquist Homes. 4-2-2 on Punta Espada. Open floor plan, split bedrooms, landscaped front yard, builder’s warranty. Call Cheryl 563-0444.
Gorgeous East facing waterfront lot with open views. Very wide intersecting canal & short distance to IC Waterway. 15014 Tesoro $184,500. Ana 361-443-7771.
13969 Mainsail 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath upscale Energy Star compliant home with inground pool, hot tub, outdoor kitchen and much more. $279,900. Call Cindy 549-5557.
Sale Pending!
Beautifully Updated 3-2-2 w/ multi purpose room. Split bedrooms. Gas stove. Tile & bamboo floors. Plantation shutters. Large backyard. Cheryl 5630444.
Beautiful waterfront lot on very wide canal w/open views. Short distance to IC Waterway. 15341 Bowsprit Ct. $157,500. Call Ana 361-443-7771.
This two story home sits on over 1 acre of land. Water well with sprinkler system. Four bedrooms with four baths. 3 car garage. Two living & 2 eating areas. Call Terry Cox 549-7703. $388,500.
Lovely Flour Bluff 1-story home on 1.3 acre corner. Spacious 4/3/2 w/2 living & 2 dining. Circular drive & water well for yard. Call Pam Morgan 2158116. $343,700.
13853 Topsail $284,000 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 2 car garage, 1756 sq.ft on a nice canal. Tile roof, rock front and back yard. Well maintained. Charlie 4432499.
25,570 sq.ft. feet int. lot in Coquina Bay. Two story with 4 bdrms-2207 sq. feet- $209,000. Call Dorothy @ 563-8486.
Reduced Price 15713 Cuttysark 3/2.5/1 lovely Island home. Large yard with room for a pool. Call Laura Wallace (361) 815-2116.
Investment opportunity! 4/2.5/2 waterfront with extra parking. Vaulted ceilings, fireplace and wet bar. $267,500. 13541 Royal Fifth. Call Shonna 510-3445.
722 St. Lucy $154,900 3/2.5/1. 1624 sq.ft of living area. 2 living areas. All bedrooms up. Nice landscaping. Above ground pool. Charlie 361-443-2499.
Sale Pending!
Great interior lot home. Exterior freshly painted. 3-2-2. Split bedroom. Open airy floor plan. Covered patio. Grass backyard with sprinkler system. Call Cheryl.
Sale Pending!
14945 S. Padre Island Dr. Corpus Chris�, TX 78418 (361) 949‐2131 (877) 269‐2131
www.rentpadreisland.com Superior Service, Outstanding Reputa�on since 1999 Looking for Professional Long Term Property Management Services? Our services include: Tenant Qualifying Collec�ons of Rents Coordina�ng Repairs & Maintenance Professional Itemized Monthly Statements Marke�ng/Adver�sing
New Construction by TwoSaam. 14126 Coquina Bay. 3/2/2 plus den/office. Granite countertops & tile floors throughout. $219,900. Charlie 443-2499.
13917 Primavera bring your decorating ideas, paint & flooring samples. This 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath home is waiting for the right person. $149,900. Cindy 549-5557.
Nautilus Galleria-one bedroom across the street from beach. Furnished. Secure entrance. Pool & hot tub. On site laundry facilities. Call Cheryl 563-0444.
3266 Roscher—zoned for horses, near 5 acres. 2 story home 3-2.52. Backs up to the Oso Bay, private beach, fishing pier, pool. Cheryl or Mary Lou.
Looking for Long Term Rental Property? Below are some of our available rentals:
13850 Longboat 3/2/2 $1600
Portono #705 2/2 $1800 furnished
Leeward Isles #5204 2/2 $1200
15542 Cu�ysark 3/2/2 $1700
15838 Punta Espada 3/2.5/2 $2200
3834 Priscilla 4/3/2 $2500
Lakeshore Villas #24 2/2 $1150
Seascape Villa #A‐5 1/1 $900
13765 Eaglesnest 3/2/2 $2300 pool
Waterfront Lots for Sale!!
Sale Pending!
Bounty $109,900 Palo Seco $154,900 San Felipe $200,000 Mystic Harbor one bedroom corner unit on water. Canal access. Tropical pool. Hot tub. Security entrance. Sold furnished. Call Cheryl 563-0444.
3918 Gulfton 3/2/2 $124,900. 1369 sq.ft. well maintained house with a nice location. New countertops & backsplash. Call Charlie 443-2499 or Jeremy 960-7873.
Cuttysark $189,000 For More Info Call: Terry Cox 549-7703
121 Gulfstream $209,900 Beautiful 1st floor unit, ss appliances/granite countertop. Updated furnishings. Easy pool/beach access. Call Shonna 510-3445.
6th floor side/front unit-long veranda-great gulf viewimmaculate-newer appointments. Call Dorothy Ernst at 563-8486.
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