The Island Moon Newspaper

Inside the Moon...

Dee-Scoveries A8

Port A Mardi Gras Parade A2, A7

The

Island Moon

FREE PUBLISHED EVERY THURSDAY

Barefoot Mardi Gras A9

Angler’s Alley A11

Sports A14

Free

Weekly

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

February 14, 2013

Photo by Miles Merwin

Soon to be The only Island in Texas with more water parks than grocery stores Next Publication Date: 2/21/2013 Facebook: The Island Moon Newspaper

Around The Island

By Dale Rankin editor@islandmoon.com

By Dale Rankin

In Rome the first Pope in 600 years is calling it quits and in the Gulf of Mexico a Carnival cruise ship out of Galveston is bobbing around without power but with a lot of very angry passengers.

Here on The Island our city council spent the weekend at a retreat on The Island where they decided to put all their marbles downtown, and restaurant salt shakers are in short supply.

Two Mardi Gras parades went off this week and both played to robust crowds as the moderate weather and Island full of Winter Texans rolled into a perfect storm for a little pre-lent partying.

You couldn’t swing a string of beads this week without hitting somebody screaming “Laissez Le Bon Temps Roulez” and wearing the green, purple, and gold.

So as we wind our way through what is passing for the Winter Season here on our sandbar we are exactly one month away from the height of the Spring Break Onslaught and before we know it we’ll be staring down the barrel of Memorial Day.

Big Doings at the sewer plant For the second time in the past few months there was another flash and big noise over at the Whitecap Treatment Plant. This time we are told the event was captured on tape by the surveillance camera at a house in the area but this second unexplained event will likely be like the first in that the people who saw it know what they saw but its origin will remain a mystery.

Moon Bandit When we went to a weekly publication a little over a year ago we figured we would be able to cut down some on the number of papers we publish each week since we were coming out twice as often, but it hasn’t worked out that way. We are now printing almost twice as many copies each month as we were back then and it is still hard to keep papers on the racks.

But to make matters worse it seems we now have a Moon Bandit who is going around the various Stripes stores and taking stacks of them for reasons unknown. According to the folks at the stores he runs and grabs a stack and runs out before they can ask him what he’s doing. One lady at the Big Stripes over on Whitecap did manage to get a word in a while back and the fellow said he was supplying a condo somewhere. We appreciate his help in distribution but we would ask that he pick them up at the Moon office so we can keep from running out in the stores. We keep printing more papers and they keep flying off the racks and we need all the help we can get.

This issue will be no exception because of the headline you see at the top right of this page.

Schlitterbahn And speaking of that headline…it’s been a long time in coming (or at least it seems that way) but it has arrived. We got the word first about 10 a.m. Tuesday morning before any of the other media outlets in the market but the chance of that staying under wraps until we hit the streets on Thursday was almost zero so we posted it on our Facebook page. As of this writing – on Wednesday- the groundbreaking is scheduled for Friday afternoon. We’ll see you there, and in the meantime say hello if you see us Around The Island.

Whoop It Up!

Seashore Fundraisers on for March 3 It’s almost time to Whoop It Up! again. The annual fundraiser for Island Foundation schools is Sunday March 3, from 6-10 p.m. at Whisky River (Staples at Holly). This event marks the greatest single migration of Islanders going OTB of the year and is always great fun.

Tickets are $25 advance $35 at the door table and tickets for a table are $600. If you are 21 or older – it’s a bar - tickets can be purchased at any Seashore School, SLC, SMA, SECA or call 949-0076. The proceeds benefit Foundation’s Seashore Schools.

Whoop it Up Ya’ll!

Year 16, Issue 461

Mardi Gras Island Style

How a Little Jar at Snoopy’s has Raised $10,000 for Wounded Texas Marines You’ll never get a Purple Heart hiding in a foxhole!

By Dale Rankin When Snoopy’s Pier owners Corliss and Ernie Buttler were approached last July about joining a group who takes wounded Texas Marines for outdoor activities they didn’t hesitate.

When it comes to fishing the local waters no one knows them better than Ernie, so he signed on to take wounded veterans who are undergoing treatment at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio for fishing trips in his boat. The effort concentrates on Marines with Texas ties who have come home with war injuries and gets them out in the open for a day of hunting, fishing, or just enjoying being outdoors.

To help raise money for the cause Ernie placed a plastic jar on the counter at Snoopy’s so people who came in could help out. In the six months since the jar went out, even though it is the off season, that little jar has raised $10,000.

“We want to thank the patrons of Snoopy’s for showing their generosity,” he said. “It shows how the people of The Island support our soldiers. In just six months we’ve collected $10,000 for the vets with just a little jar out on the counter.”

For every $750 that finds its way into the jar Snoopy’s adds $250 and about twice each month Ernie loads his boat with vets and heads out. So far he has taken about fifty of them fishing. They drive down from San Antonio, Snoopy’s feeds them lunch and off they go. He even built a special lift on his boat so those in wheel chairs can cast their line and see what’s going on.

Mercury MerCruiser provides the motors for the boat and all repairs and parts at no cost.

“If something breaks, they overnight the parts and we’re back in business,” Ernie says.

He also wants to particularly thank Islanders Bob Collier, who encouraged his friends to contribute, and Mike and Margo Moore who introduced him to the Combat Marine Outdoors organization.

“We got a lot of five and ones in the jar,” Ernie says, “But at least once a week we get a $100 in there. It’s amazing and encouraging how much people want to help our vets.”

So the next time you stop by Snoopy’s and you notice a little jar there next to Pete behind the counter, dig a little deeper in your pocket and help out; because as Captain Henry Crowell, USMC, famously told his Marines, “You’ll never get a Purple Heart hiding in a foxhole!

Follow me!”

We’ll see you at Snoopy’s.

Police Blotter

Fed Up 84-Year Man Opens Up on Island Cats

An 84-year old Island man had enough and he wasn’t going to take it anymore. It was just after 9:45 a.m. on Tuesday at Aquarius Street and Keel Avenue when he cut lose on a herd of feral cats with his scattergun. Residents told police they saw the man sitting in his car, shooting at the cats and called police. The man said he was just tired of all the feral cats in his neighborhood.

“You don’t take it upon yourself to start shooting at them,” said Senior Officer Michael Goodman of the Corpus Christi Police Department. “It Police Blotter continued on A13

Two great Island Mardi Gras traditions happened this week as Barefoot Mardi Gras made its way down the North Padre Beach on Saturday and the Port Aransas parade took to the streets on Fat Tuesday. Both had great crowds and great weather.

More Barefoot Mardi Gras photos on pages A9. Port A Mardi Gras photos on A2 & A7

Schlitterbahn Groundbreaking Set for Friday Developers of the Schlitterbahn waterpark and resort have set a groundbreaking ceremony for the park at 2 p.m. on Friday, February 15 at the Padre Isles Country Club. Work at the site is scheduled to begin soon after with ground work expected to take at least one month before building can begin.

The press release announcing the groundbreaking said the park is expected to open in 2014.

The final touches were put on the sale of Padre Isles Country Club early in the week and the groundbreaking was announced Tuesday.

Developers say plans call for the clubhouse at the Country Club to remain open throughout the construction, with portions of it closed for work at various times. Plans call for a 8000 squarefoot meeting space and a remodeled kitchen at the headquarters. They also said golfers will be able to continue to play the course during construction but most likely not all 18 holes, as construction progresses.

The waterpark and surrounding development will cover 574 acres centered in the area around the golf course. The sales tax incentive package negotiated by the developers and the city totals $117 million and then entire development will cost an estimated $552 million. $78 million of the tax incentives will come from the hotel/ motel occupancy tax on hotels inside the development.

The new park will include the latest in energy and water-saving technologies including compact fluorescent lights, LED technologies, low-flow fixtures and the constant capturing, filtering, sanitizing and recirculation of water through the Waterpark’s rides and attractions.

One of the first phases of the construction will be the removal of the existing underground irrigation system which will be relocated.

The entire development will be called Schlitterbahn Beach Country and the park as well the surrounding resort, hotels, and retail space will be jointly owned by a partnership made up of three groups: Island Walk Development made up of Paul Schexnailder and partners; Wind Water and Waves made up of Willard Hammond and partners; and the Henry family, owners and operators of Schlitterbahn.

Family-owned and operated, Schlitterbahn Waterparks and Resorts has been existence since 1979. The company operates four parks: Schlitterbahn Beach Resort and Waterparks in South Padre; Schlitterbahn Galveston Island Waterpark; Schlitterbahn Kansas City Waterpark; and Schlitterbahn New Braunfels Resort and Waterpark in New Braunfels.

New drawings of the site plan and further details are expected to be released at the Friday groundbreaking. The public is invited to attend.

A little Island history

Nueces County is Born Amid Lead and Gunpowder

By Dale Rankin

Editor’s note: This is the first in an ongoing series of stories about the formation of the various counties in and around South Texas. We’ll start with Nueces County because, well, that’s where we live.

By Dale Rankin On April 18, 1846 Nueces County was born. It was on that date that the legislature carved the county out of San Patricio County (a story for another day).

Corpus Christi was named the county seat and incorporated that same year (unconfirmed reports say that the debate over whether to tear down Memorial Coliseum began that afternoon but we’re not sure about that). The county was organized (insert punch line here) on January 11, 1847 (again unconfirmed reports say a money-losing baseball field was built in Robstown about that same time).

Freebooters, adventurers, and ranchers Nueces County had long been the hangout for freebooters, adventurers, and ranchers since first sighted in 1519 by Alvarez de Pineda who gave it its name – Body of Christ. The first reliable information about the townsite and the bay came from Joaquin de Orobio y Basterna who was attached to the Mission Espiritu Santo which headed an expedition into the area in 1689 and who first

The site of Fort Lipantitlan today noted the sand reef that separated Nueces and Corpus Christi bays. The Indians had earlier shown Cabeza de Vaca across the reef in 1532 and which in his writings he called the “great river’ which the Indians called the River of Nuts but there is debate among historians whether it was in fact the Nueces or the Guadalupe river.

The first to mention The Island is his report was Colonel Diego Ortiz Parrilla who was sent to explore the barrier islands along the lower coast in 1766, but it was not until 1776 that progress was made in establishing Rancho Santa Petronila about five leagues from the mouth of the Nueces. To see where this site is today look west from SPID at the 1000-foot television broadcast towers located there.

Prior to that era ranchers had followed herds as they moved north from the Rio Grande and History continued on A3

Island Moon

A 2

February 14, 2013

Port A Mardi Gras Parade Two Salads, Two 6 oz. Filets with

Two Sides, and a dessert for

$49.99

2

FUN! FUN! FUN!

Saturday, February 16th

Noon-7pm

Port Aransas, Texas

All Ages Welcome

Wiener Dog and Small Dog Races

LIVE MUSIC

Raffles All Day!

Swamp Fever

Cajun Lotto Cake Walk Chinese Auction Silent Auction & Much More!

Back By Popular Demand!

Lemon Roll!

Country, Cajun, Blues, Rock

1-5pm / Outside / No Cover

All Proceeds to Benefit the Jody McCormick Scholarship

Food and Merchandise Vendors Welcome $20 Donation to the Jody McCormick Scholarship Fund 2600 State Hwy 361 • Port Aransas • Texas • 78373 361.749.4254 • www.sharkeysbeachclub.com

High Quality Work at Competitive Pricing!

ason’s Greetings Happy Holidays 27 Years Experience ● Commercial & Residential Member On The Island

On Padre Island Duane Ebert 361-658-2459 | 361-949-0661 decksanddocksnorthpadre.com Member Padre Island Business Association

Padre Island Business Assoc.

emodeling and More...

Cell: (361) 658-2459 Bus: (361) 949-0661

Experience l Commercial & Residential

No Extra Charges * Medicines Administered Every Pet is Examined * Soft Bedding Hill’s Science Diet * Grassy Exercise Yards Weekday Coupon $5 OFF/DAY Not valid on Holidays weeks or Fri-Sat-Sun

Season & Happ

*Must Present Coupon at Drop-Off *Coupons Cannot Be Combined*

Home Remod

Duane Ebert Cell: (361) 28 Years Experienc

GOOD THROUGHDec FEB. 28, 2013

February 14, 2013

History continued from A1 in 1800 the Spanish government formalized this movement by issuing land grants to cattlemen that reached up to the Nueces River. These were largely political awards that went to absentee owners who likely never visited the area. Relics of corals and cattle pens have been uncovered at the Herrera and Montemayor ranches northwest of Corpus Christ, and a trap for mustangs appears on a map of the Herrara land grant southeast of present day Calallen. The landowners hired their own private armies to fight off Indians and their headquarters looked more like forts than homes; one of these was called Casa Blanca and was located in the same area.

Trapping the wild mustangs of what was often called the Wild Horse Desert was a good source of income.

Once Mexico achieved independence from Spain in 1821 more focus was placed on the area around Corpus Christi Bay. Soon the empresarios like Steven F. Austin began securing land grants, and in this area the grants to John McMullen and James McGloin were the first signs of what was to come. Many of the names of current day towns and counties in South Texas originated from the holders of these grants – the San Patricio Colony, and the Refugio Colony, among others.

Henry L. Kinney

The first recorded business transaction was recorded in 1829 when John Linn bought a load of tobacco that had been delivered to Corpus Christi Bay by a Captain Pierce. Linn eventually settled the town of Linnville near Victoria which was wiped out by the Indian raid we described in an early edition of the Island Moon. Then during the Texas Revolution the area around Nueces Bay became a smuggling route as the factions in Mexico battled for supremacy. Many of the men later credited with the settlement of the area began or enhanced their fortunes in this manner during the war.

Kinney arrives Eventually, Colonel Henry L. Kinney established a trading post on the bay in 1839 and hired forty guns for his own private army.

In 1845 he received authorization from the Republic legislature to “raise and organize one company of men with one captain and one lieutenant for the purpose of protecting the settlements at Corpus Christi and vicinity.”

But Kinney’s choice of locations soon brought attention of the legal owner of the land, Captain Enrique Villareal who brought 300 men with him. All but Kinney and eight men fled but Kinney convinced the Mexicans he had secret bombs rigged around the place and was able to negotiate a buy for ten leagues of Villereal’s land for $3000 and $1000 for merchandise which was used to found the Rincon del Oso Ranch. It became Kinney’s Trading Post and became the center of cadre of groups who operated on the fringes of the law rounding up cattle and horses with little care for their brands and trading them into Mexico. Texas President Mirabeau B. Lamar looked the other way and Kinney became a local power as evidenced by an incident in 1841. Philip Dimmitt and James Gourley had established a trading post near present day Calallen to get in on the Mexico trade. Their post was stocked with $6000 worth of merchandise and they were about to launch a cattle roundup when a squadron of Mexican cavalry rode in off the plains. The post was plundered and Dimmitt and three other leaders were hauled off to Mexico. Kinney’s post, however, just a few miles away, was untouched and suspicion was settled upon Kinney’s head for the calling in of the Mexican military. This was at a time before the U.S.-Mexican War when the land between the Nueces and the Rio

Grande was claimed by both Texas and Mexico.

President Lamar backed up Kinney and asked Kinney to go to Mexico to smooth out the problem at the jail in Hacienda de Agua Nuevo, near Monterrey where Dimmitt was being held.

Dimmitt took his own life with an overdose of morphine and Kinney’s reputation as a man who operated on the fringes was secured.

Plundering Gringos Then a gang of about thirty gringos under John H. Yerby plundered Mexican traders in the area to the point that General Pedro de Amudia, commander of Mexican forces at Matamoros sent a force of 200 men to investigate. They surprised a group of Yerby’s men in the area west of what is now Calallen and killed all but one. The area west of Corpus Christi Bay remained a no-man’s land and Mexican soldiers and bandits vied with swashbucklers from the Texas side for plunder.

A man named Coleman McCampbell described it this way. “It (Corpus Christi) is a oneman city. Kinney is the leading citizen and promoter; he has a government of his own. He is alternately friend and foe of Mexicans, Texans, Indians. Sometimes he defies them, using force; sometimes he bribes and wheedles them. The bulk of his trade is in leaf tobacco, domestic cotton, and calicoes.”

Island Moon

Stuff I Heard on the Island

by Dale Rankin

The streets were terrible and the transit authority wasn’t paying its share for repairs. The council and the transit authority board were likely headed for a showdown over whether the city should get a share of the authority’s half cent sales tax to use to fix the streets which were sagging under the burden of the heavy buses; the transit authority was resisting.

The downtown area was getting its share of tourists to the established attractions but its growth was hidebound by the dilapidated buildings where homeless people took up residence, and blocks of empty storefronts where a generation ago there had been a bustling business district. Clearly something needed to be done but no one knew exactly what. There were a lot of grandiose ideas for new tourist attractions that never got past the planning stage and a lot of Chamber of Commerce blabber about a “world class downtown” but the fact was that nobody had a good idea of what to do.

Implode or explode

But no matter his relationship with formal law, Kinney’s army of hired gunmen brought a degree of stability that kept the robbers and cutthroats at bay. The editor of the Corpus Christi Star put it this way: “…there will in all

A lot of bond money had been thrown at the problem with little to show for it except debt.

That meant it was going to make it hard to build anything on a grand scale downtown that had to be approved by voters who were tired of the empty “downtown is about to explode” promises and becoming increasingly cynical about who was getting the construction contracts for downtown projects and who believed their tax money was only being spent to benefit a few downtown landholders who reaped the benefits from the improvements while committing little of their own treasure to help built them. Things were at a crossroads and while some areas of the city were prospering and the outer boundaries of the city expanding, downtown looked more like it was ready to implode than explode. What to do?

Fort Lipantitlan site

“Let’s build something that will draw people downtown,” was the common theme; but what?

And how to pay for it? The existing convention center was doing alright if not flourishing; it had to be subsidized with annual tax revenue to keep it in the black because the revenue generated from the hotel/motel tax, then at thirteen percent, didn’t cover the expenses of the city’s biggest loss leader. In order for the professional sports franchises that played in the downtown arena to stay afloat they had to have the concession contract so that money was off the table. Downtown needed something new, something big, something different that no other city had; a central, defining attraction that everyone would think of when they thought of the city. But what?

probability be bands of marauders to prey upon property on the frontier. Unprincipled Mexicans from the other side, united with Americans, who have lived without labor as ‘followers of the army,’ and who will find a life of marauding more congenial to their natures than honest industry.”

A statement as true today as it was then.

Lead and gunpowder This period between independence from Mexico and statehood was a tough time that required tough men who did not wait to be backed up by the power of the state. By the time help arrived any issue that arose would be settled with lead and gunpowder. Lamar and later President Sam Houston understood this and left Kinney to his own accords. Kinney boosted his new town and by 1843 was doing a booming business, legal or otherwise. Corpus Christi had become a port and on March 1, 1845 the United States Congress annexed Texas by joint resolution when a battle between the leftover Texas Republican Army and Mexican Colonel Antonio Canales clashed near Fort Lipantitlan in June of 1842. The fort was located in northwestern Nueces County and was the site of camping grounds of the Lipan Apache Indians on the west bank of the Nueces River about three miles upstream from the old town of San Patricio on the east side of the river, at a point where a number of ancient trails beaten by game animals, Indians, and explorers crossed.

It was to be the last battle before The War but Corpus Christi and Nueces County were established and so we end our story where it began; when in 1846 Nueces County was born, with war on the way.

Next time: Corpus Christi – life in wartime.

Holiday Spa Packages Spa Package Retreat

A3

Gaping maw There was a gaping maw in the city’s downtown landscape adjacent to the main

downtown business district. It was the site where there had once been a defining building and business that had been a mainstay of the economy and culture. Now it was a dusty sad old site that had passed its prime and it just sat there reminding visitors and locals alike that the millions of dollars thrown at downtown had done little to really help. Something needed to be done with the site, if for no other reason than it was an embarrassment; a monument to the city’s decision making process that couldn’t get out of its own way.

The year was 1987 and the city was San Antonio; and the idea was the Alamodome; but it sounds a lot like Corpus Christi in 2013.

Decision time

As things now stand the Corpus Christi City Council is set to discuss in its February 19 meeting whether and/or how to proceed with the Destination Bayfront park which would be located at the site of the now demolished Memorial Coliseum downtown. The idea was shelved last year after politicians and taxpayers got a case of sticker shock when the price tag for the park was placed at $60 million. What the council is expected to discuss Tuesday is whether to put the matter before voters in November as part – or all – of a bond issue. If so, they must also decide what price tag to put on it. But so far all the discussion has centered around using bond money.

But the example of how the Alamodome was funded might be a good model to take a look at.

Ironically, when legislative action was required in order to allow the use of a half-cent sales tax to build the dome was needed the measure was tacked onto a funding bill for the Corpus Christi transit authority. A downtown bus station was included in the design of the Alamodome which allowed the transit authority’s taxing authority to be used for its construction. I think it’s safe to say that if Destination Bayfront is ever built a place for buses to stop will be part of the design.

The Alamodome was fully funded before it was ever built. Sales tax revenue was allowed to build up in the account in advance of construction and during its five year run before being automatically phased out the sales tax raised the $179 million needed.

At this point it is unknown if any private investment money will be required to make the project politically palatable enough to move Destination Bayfront forward. If not, and the entire project is to be funded with tax money, a sales tax would at least be a way to pay for it without taking on more long term debt. The legislature is now in session in Austin so if action is required it could be done between now and the May adjournment.

The benefits of sales taxes are being recognized across the country as many states move to rid themselves of unwanted state income taxes. If Destination Bayfront is to be publicly funded at all, a sales tax might be a good option.

La Barataria Restaurant hosted a VIP Mardi Gras Party at Island Moorings Yacht Club & Marina on Fat Tuesday. The Port Aransas Art center held a raffle and fundraiser for their new facility too.

Come Shop The Stores At Padre Station 14457 S. Padre Island Drive

Serving Coffee, Tea, Hot Cocoa, and Lattes 14457 S. Padre Island Dr. Ste. 107

Corpus Christi, TX 78418 N. Padre Island

Ask about our VIP Membership Cards New Slimming Body Wraps

30 Minute Massage with

99

Massage Facial Pedicure 30 Minute Foot Wrap,

$

Facial, Retreat Spa 30 Minute Spa Pedicure Package a wrapped Spa Gift Full Service Body Waxing • Permanent & Cosmetics • Call about our Four Handed Massage

361-949-1444

13915 SPID

Day And Night Boardwalk Shopping Center off Kenedy Bridge to the first right.

Come check out our new shop and recieve

%10 Off! 361-949-1144 www.sweetswirlfrozenyogurt.com

10% off any purchase

Coupon not valid for alcohol Expires 2-28-2013

Open every day 11am-8pm Dine in or carry-out Catering Big & Small

Two Sisters Vintage

Vintage furniture, home decor and unique gifts Monday 10-6 Closed Tuesday

Member Padre Island Business Association

Member Padre Island Rotary Club

Wednesday thru Saturday 10-6 Sunday 12-6

14457 SPID Suite 111 + 361-949-4644

The Donut Palace Bring in this coupon and get

One Dozen Free Donut Holes with the purchase of a dozen donuts

Serving a wide variety of donuts, croissants, pigs in a blanket. Also serving fresh hot coffee, teas and juices.

A 4

Senior Moments

Island Moon

Skywatch

News From Your

A Daily Astrological Timing Guide for All Signs

By Dotson Lewis dlewis1@stx.rr.com

By Maybeth Christensen

Dancing Moments

The long awaited ground breaking for Schlitterbahn is set for Friday, February 15 at 2 PM at the Country Club. We are looking forward to seeing the final plans for the park and the development.

It has been a long process and many residents have either won or lost bets on whether this development would really happen.

For those of you that claim a Senior Moment, this reminder is for you.

Valentines Day Dance at Ethel Eyerly Senior Center, 4:30-7:30 pm, Friday, February 15, 2013.

Dotson’s note: The music for the dance will be furnished by Billy Jack Collard instead of the Texas Wing Rays as previously announced.

Reservations are strongly suggested since it is expected that this one will be sold out. The music is by Billy Jack Collard and a barbeque dinner is included. The center is at 654 Graham Road in Flour Bluff, for reservations call 9373218.

Ethel Eyerly Closing Date We are still waiting for the closing date of Ethel Eyerly Senior Center for remodeling.

We will keep you posted. Note that “Silver Haired Fitness” and “Quilting” have been moved. Please call 361-937-3218 for further information.

For Persons Age 50 and Over DAILY ACTIVITIES Meals Served For Persons Age 60 and Over AT 11:30 p.m. ($1.50 SUGGESTED MEAL DONATION)

Dredging the North channel and some of the main canals in the original area of Padre Isles will start later this month. All permits have been obtained and the contractor will start dredging in the north channel. They will operate on a 24 hour basis, 7 days per week, in the channel from the Laguna Madre into the area just west of the canal that runs from Primavera to Suntan.

When they start working in the area where there are houses, they will operate from 7 AM to 7 PM 7 days per week. The more number of days they are in the area, the more the price of dredging increases. To be efficient, they should operate on a continuous 24 hour basis, but we recognize the problem of noise and have requested they only operate for 12 hours when they are near houses.

There is approximately 30,000 cubic yards of material that needs to be removed from the channel and canals in order to take them to the permitted depths. The spoil material will be piped to an area in the undeveloped part of Commodores Cove.

All boaters need to watch for the dredge, pipelines and accompanying boats and barges.

We are using the same company we used in 2010 when we dredged the south channel. They were very cognizant of the residents and boaters so we expect there will not be any problems.

The Litter Critter will be in the POA parking lot starting at 9 AM on Saturday, February 23. This program has taken tons of trash off the Island and it has certainly cut down on the illegal dumping on undeveloped land and lots.

MONDAY Computer Interest Group 12:30 2:00 p.m.

Wii Bowling –12:30 p.m.

TUESDAY Bingo 10:00–11:00 a.am. ($.50 Cards) Zumba Gold (Co-Ed.) 10:30 a.m. ($20.00/mo, or $3.00/session) Table Tennis and Table Games – 12:00 p.m.

3rd Tuesday of the month - Bunco – 1:00 p.m.

WEDNESDAY Art Class 1-3 p.m.

AARP #4181 @ 1 p.m.

2nd and 4th Wednesday THURSDAY Wii Bowling and Chair Volleyball - 12:30 p.m.

FRIDAY Table Tennis – 11:00 a.m.

Bingo – 12:30 p.m. ($.50 Cards)

The Island Moon Newspaper T-Shirts are here!

Get yours for only $19.95 plus $5.05 shipping and handling.

Or you can purchase them at The Island Moon Markets held the fourth Saturday of every month. Shirts come in grey or white short sleeve T-Shirts sizes L. XL and XXL. Tank Tops come in Aqua and White in sizes Med and Large.

Only

To order by mail please send your checks made payable to J. Park to The Island Moon, 14493 S.P.I.D., PMB 220, C.C., Tx 78418.

February 14, 2013

by Islander W. Lance Ferguson Available online at Research & Analysis www.skywatchastrology.com Thursday, February 14. Three in a row.

The deck is stacked in your favor over the next three days as astrological skies are filled with positive, high-energy aspects. Yes, yes, yes. Eager Mars will sextile/harmonize with powerful Pluto and then trine dependable Saturn in this window of time. Green lights are flashing at dawn on Thursday as the Moon in Aries motors out into quiet seas suggesting a good day to do something new for your Valentine. The kiss of the day appears at 9:35 PM this evening when the Sun and Moon form an easygoing sextile—state your intentions then and see what happens. As times change.

Friday, February 15. Green lights. This is a day of Grace. The Moon enters favorite sign Taurus early this morning suggesting a very good day to handle finances, priority business matters and for stocking up on necessities.

Trust your instincts as Luna aligns in a complementary sextile with psychic Neptune at 9:13 AM. The main event in the Skywatch follows as Mars lines up in a sextile to Pluto at 12:14 PM. Pluto is one of the best at cleaning up messes and finding solutions to problems.

This is also a very good day for elective surgery or taking your car to the mechanic.

Clear skies follow until late hours when the Moon trines Pluto and sextiles Mars at 2:13 AM early Saturday morning—the party might not end until we get past this moment.

THE WEEKEND: Saturday is also a day of Grace. That means green lights are up for work or play. And that you will enjoy the Mars Saturn trine that forms in the heavens Saturday morning, exact at 10:14 AM. Trines don’t kick you out of bed and put you to work, but they are the best times to do just that. So Saturday is a very good day to tackle important projects and to organize and handle important papers and chores. A clever Moon Mercury sextile helps the process and is exact at 12:21 PM. The only bit of drag is the Moon squaring Venus at 4:48 PM which could mean your blood sugar is low— where’s the candy bowl?

Clear astrological skies quickly return a few minutes later for the rest of the day and night.

It’s quiet in the heavens Sunday morning. A challenge of some kind is likely to show up when the Sun and Moon square at 2:31 PM Sunday afternoon. The Moon turns Void of Course a minute later until she enters Gemini at 3:50 PM. Hold off on major purchases and decisions while the Moon is V/C. Green lights come back on as the Moon changes signs and we get a fresh burst of energy. Luna squares dreamy Neptune at 9:19 PM and the yawn is contagious. Quiet hours follow. As times change.

Monday, February 18. Surf’s up. The Moon meets optimistic Jupiter in the heavens at 5:54 AM Monday morning which suggests smiling faces at the breakfast table. Green lights come on at this moment as the rest of the Skywatch is peaceful. The only quack in the heavens today is minor and shows up at 7:02 PM when the Moon squares impatient Mars. Not the moment to criticize. This is a good day and week to complete projects and to finish matters at hand. Mercury will begin a threeweek Retrograde cycle this coming Saturday increasing the chances of delays, confusion

and problems with cars and computers especially. Get them fixed and backed up; get the most important matters in your life under control this week. As times change.

Tuesday, February 19. A quack and a kiss.

The Moon squares forgetful Mercury at 5:39 AM early Tuesday morning. Likely you’ll sleep through it but the morning newspaper might be wet or chewed up. Green lights come on a few minutes later and we’ve got an excellent morning for important calls, interviews and meetings as the Moon in clever Gemini lines up in a very welcome trine to agreeable and charming Venus in Aquarius at 12:48 PM. The Moon turns Void of Course a minute later until she enters Cancer tomorrow morning. Just hold off on finalizing matters while the Moon is V/C. Otherwise, vibes are good for social plans Tuesday night. As times change.

Wednesday, February 20. Emotions surface as the Moon travels through home sign Cancer today and suddenly there are 6 planets (counting the Sun and Moon as planets for convenience) in water signs: Cancer, Pisces and Scorpio. Trust your feelings and instincts Wednesday morning as the Moon trines the Sun at 9:04 AM and then trines psychic Neptune at 10:24 AM—all in water signs. This is creative energy and useful for teaching and inspiring others. A challenging Moon Uranus square at 5:52 PM could bring a difference of opinion and a time to compromise. Evening hours are spacey as the Sun and Neptune meet in the heavens at 1:19 AM early Thursday morning. Powerful dreams are likely with Neptune while others will get a celestial transmission tonight—pay attention. As times change.

If your birthday is this week (Feb 17–23), you are going though a rare time of it as spacey Neptune sits next to your Sun in your new Solar Return, late Aquarius and early Pisces birth signs. The last time he came this way was in 1846! Neptune brings a new era to your life that will last a couple of years. Aquarians are almost through it as Neptune met your Sun more than a year ago. Pisces folks are just getting started and will feel a loss of faith or direction from time to time. And unreasonable fear. Neptune’s gifts are in art, music, theatre, charity work and in giving others a boost— here’s where your spirit will soar. But you will be more sensitive to drugs, allergies, booze, infections and problems with your feet while Neptune is around. Take precautions in health matters and you can escape major difficulties.

Where are you going next? That’s the question Neptune asks. Take some time to dig deep and find out; Neptune also has the power to make a dream come true. As times change.

Thursday, February 21. Saddle up. The Skywatch is excellent for everything on your agenda on Thursday. The Moon in Cancer trines Mars in Pisces at 11:47 AM increasing your energy level and ability to hit the target.

Trust your instincts today and try to clear your desk of important details and calls—Mercury Retrograde is up ahead. Luna trines articulate Mercury at 8:08 PM suggesting success in your efforts. The Moon then turns Void of Course until tomorrow afternoon. No big deal.

Evening skies are clear and good for clucking on the phone and social plans—reach out. As times change.

Art Center Raffle

Well known local area Artist- Dinah Bowman has donated a piece of her work titled-Corpus Christi Bay it is an Original Gyotaku (fish print) /Collage, with a Trout chasing a Shrimp and a Redfish chasing a Crab on a chart of Corpus Christi Bay-Valued at $3,000. You may stop by the Art Center to view the piece or go to www.portaransasartcenter.org and view the image on the homepage.

You may buy a ticket for the Raffle anytime between now and then. We are Open 11-5 Mon. & Sat., 12-4 Sunday. Each Ticket is for One Chance in the Drawing which will be

held August 2nd at the First Friday.

Tickets are $10 each and Proceeds Benefit ~ Port Aransas Art Center Land/Building Fund. The Art Center is a 501 (C) (3) Nonprofit Celebrating Art & Education since 1996.You may buy as many tickets as you wish. If you are from out of town & win, it can stay at the center (for a little while) till you can come to town to pick it up or if it is to be shipped the winner is responsible for the shipping costs. Port Aransas Art Center 323 N. Alister Port A 361-749-7334

14.95

$

While Supplies Last

Peewee's Animal Shelter Peewee’s Animal Shelter is located at 1307 Saratoga and has been in operations since May, 1997. Peewee’s presently houses over 300 animals, including dogs, puppies, cats, kittens as well as, pigs, goats, rabbits and other barn animals. Peewee’s relies on donations only for its operation.

14701 SPID, Corpus Christi, Tx 78418, 361-949-2224 Facebook for daily specials: Dragonfly Restaurant Menu online at www.DragonflyCuracao.com

Shelter operations are accomplished strictly by donations.

Peewee’s does not get any government, city or federal funding.

Peewee’s helps those animals no one else will - the sick and the stray. The volunteers at Peewee’s work tirelessly to rehabilitate poor orphaned pets in the hopes that they will find new, loving homes. The dogs and cats are spayed/neutered, given regular heartworm preventative, and are on flea & tick prevention and medications as needed. Peewee’s does not discriminate due to age or health conditions of the pet. Please visit Peewee’s Pet Adoption World & Sanctuary at 1307 Saratoga Road. You can call them at 361-8884141 but they do not have staff to answer phones so please leave a message.

February 14, 2013

Moon Monkeys Mike Ellis, Founder

Letters to the Editor

Island Moon

2013 Spring Break Youth Basketball Camp

Crabs Dear Island Moon, We are going to begin Larval Blue Crab sampling for the 2013 season this March. I’m in need of volunteers willing to commit to about an hour of work, at least once a week. I would like to form teams of volunteers for each sampling site. The 2013 sample sites are:

Distribution Pete Alsop Island Delivery

Horace Caldwell Pier, Port Aransas

Coldwell Banker

Hunt’s Castle Pier, Rockport

Advertising

Aransas Marine Ways Pier, Conn Brown Harbor, Aransas Pass

Jan Park Rankin

UTMSI Pier, Port Aransas

Office

Lydia Ann Lighthouse dock, Mud Island (volunteers not needed here)

Lisa Towns Classifieds

If you are interested in helping please respond with the site/s you would like to help at and the day/s you can help by February 22, 2013. We would also like to schedule a work day to help prepare and assemble collectors and train new volunteers. I have created a poll for those of you interested in helping, please indicate what days you are available to come to the work day..

Arlene Ritley Design/Layout Jeff Craft Contributing Writers Joey Farah Devorah Fox Mary Craft

I would also like to invite you to attend a Bay Talk at the Bay Education Center in Rockport Friday February 15, 2013. Zack Darnell, the lead scientist on this project, and myself, will be giving a talk on the background info, results, and future plans for the Citizen Science Larval Blue Crab Monitoring Project. Please help spread the word, the project is quickly expanding and we need more help! If you have any questions please let me know.

Maybeth Christiansen Jay Gardner Todd Hunter Danniece Bobeché Ronnie Narmour Brent Rourk Dr. Donna Shaver Photographers

Thank you for all you do!

Miles Merwin Jeff Dolan

Colleen McCue

Mary Craft

Mission-Aransas National Estuarine Research Reserve

Office Security/Spillage Control

Dangerous Island Streets

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

What is really dangerous on these streets mentioned, especially Tesoro, is that although there are speed bumps (I drive every day and do cut thru on Reales occasionally) because since people park their boats, cars, trucks, and various other vehicles (including construction vehicles), and really don’t have a “front yard”, and let their children ride bikes, or play in the driveway. You cannot see a child/pet because of the amount of “vehicles blocking the view”. I have become very wary and troubled by what will likely be the eventual outcome. Actually I was driving over one of the speed bumps and darting out of driveway, between vehicles was a young child laying on a skateboard. Speed bump or no, little guy would have been done for if he hadn’t looked up and rolled over out of the way. Please people, there are parks and safe areas for your kids to ride their toys. You live on the island-no big yards, long driveways etc. Adapt.

Three-Day Camp Offered at Corpus Christi Gym The Corpus Christi Parks & Recreation Department will be offering a Spring Break Youth Basketball Camp for boys and girls ages 8-18 March 11–13, 2013 from 1pm–5pm at the Corpus Christi Gym, 3202 Cabaniss Parkway.

Professional instruction will be provided by local High School Basketball Coach Roy DeLaPena who has over 23 years of coaching experience. This program provides the fundamentals of the sport in a positive and safe environment for youth. It will include a variety of skills and drills, along with frequent basketball games against fellow campers.

REGISTRATION will be held now through March 9, 2013 from 9pm–4pm at City Hall (1201 Leopard Street), 3rd floor, Parks & Recreation Department. ONLINE REGISTRATION is offered now through March 9, 2013 at www. ccparkandrec.com. Participants may also register on the day of the camp, March 11, 2013, from 12pm–1pm at the Corpus Christi Gym. Cost for the three-day camp is $60 per camper.

For more information, contact Martin Huerta at 361-826-1726 or John Delgado at 361-8263588.

The Corpus Christi Parks & Recreation Department is dedicated to providing quality, affordable and enrichment programs for all ages and interests. For more information about the wide variety of programs and services offered by the department, visit www.ccparkandrec. com. We invite everyone to Live. Learn. Play!

Bingo At The Beach – Coming Up

By Brent Rourk Nothing like playing Bingo on a perfect evening on North Padre Island. You will get that opportunity a few times soon as the Padre Island Kiwanis Club will sponsor three evenings of Bingo on February 21st and 28th and March 7th at the Holiday Inn Sunspree, 15202 Windward Drive.

Bingo begins at 7:00 P.M. and costs only $5.00 plus cost of your Bingo cards. Aloha Wa will have a special menu for Bingo players. Adult beverages available for purchase. Win a prize in one of 10 Bingo games or a door prize.

Put the dates on your calendar, tell your friends and neighbors and come join the fun.

PIBA Mixer

Mary Calhoun

Mardi Gras

Corpus Christi, TX 78418

The February mixer for the Padre Island Business Association will be Tuesday, Feb. 19, at 5:30 p.m. at the

361-949-7700 editor@islandmoon.com

PIPOA Office on Fortuna Bay Dr.

Facebook: The Island Moon Newspaper

Bon Temps Great time had by all at the Island’s Mardi Gras parade and party on Saturday Huge KUDO’s to Dwayne - Denise and many many other folks who have grown this and turned it into a must do event on your Island calendar.

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

Gratitude Boutique The Gaff Bar Port A Glass Studio The Wild Horse Bar & Grill

Lisabellas Restaurant

All Stripes Stores

Pioneer RV Park

CVS

Snappy’s Convenient Store

Whataburger Doc’s Restaurant

Kody’s Restaurant

Snoopy’s Pier

Beach Lodge

Isle Mail N More

Amano’s

Island Italian

Miss K’s Catering & Bistro

Ace Hardware

Felder Gallery Island Woman Boutique Neptune’s Retreat Stripes (361 & IA) Moby Dick’s Restaurant 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

Whenever one of the crew gets hit over the head with something that’s been right in front of our faces the whole time, it’s called “Thunk del Coco.” In our thirteenth hour of blasting down ten foot very confused waves in 30-40 knots of wind under a triple-reefed mainsail, I finally realized why most women refuse to live aboard or venture on a boat further than binocular view from one tiki bar to the next. We ladies do not normally prefer bobbing around on a giant punching bag or muscling a rudder from the clutches of waves the size of school buses. All the while wearing puffy foul weather overalls that make us look like Tweedle Dweeb and Tweedle Dump. A far cry from high fashionSheer terror all around.

Shakedown cruise

I always thought the term “shakedown” was an overly dramatic term. During our first ocean jump, or “shakedown,” from Cape Fear to Charleston, the cast iron wood burning stove tray went on a magic carpet ride depositing ashes all over the white settees, and the cat was so mad she peed on Justin’s long underwear.

We were so beat up, our big Thanksgiving meal was a bowl of popcorn, a coupla beers, and a 14 hour nap. From Charleston to Jacksonville Beach, we sheared an entire steel bolt off the alternator, had a swaggering drive shaft (which sounds fabulous but isn’t), and the fridge went on strike. Try cooking all 8 of your hamburgers in a big pot on a gimbaled, tipsy stove while the vat of bubbling hot stuff keeps turning up to stare you square in the eye. Anything that wasn’t tied or bolted down went airborn, including the cat. So that’s why they call it a “shakedown.” I guess the joke is on me- “Thunk del Coco.”

On the other hand, there really is something to sitting on high in a swell-risen throne, peering across miles of a moonlit cavalry of galloping waves lit up like an undulating carpet of sparkling diamonds, and the challenge of intuiting how and when to position your own steed so you may safely surf down each of Poseidon’s mood swings. Who needs a diamond ring when you can surf billions of them?

Coconut Woman

We named our boat, “Coconut Woman” because that was the Harry Belafonte song that got us into all this trouble in the first place. A sailor’s mantra: “ Everything is a compromise.”

Another way to put it is, “How would you prefer to get your ass kicked? Internally, in a life lived without making a go at your crazy dreams, or physically, in a life Because you’re making a go at your crazy dreams?” It’s the tragic comedy of humanity and all that jazz, so we figured we may as well go the full nine.

We took it as a sign from the gods that while the heavy duty water thermos sustained significant damage, the handblown margarita glasses remained intact! That’s why, as a reasonably intelligent woman holding on to one last remnant of common sense, I decided to toss it into the waves at sunrise along with the headlamp that fell overboard. (not the margarita glasses- the common sense)

The grand joke is on me, but at least I got to choose this one myself.

“Thunk del Coco.”

Sea Weed

From the Moon Facebook page The Island Moon Newspaper…

Duckworths would like to thank the community for coming together to make the 1st annual pancake breakfast a success.

Everyone that helped us and showed us your support we are so grateful! We want to make it a pre Mardi Gras tradition, we can’t wait to do it again next year!

Thank you so much,

Oddly one entry in the Port Aransas parade was an adorable small tugboat - with a tall curly haired fellow on the bow. Couldn’’t see clearly but I thought the small tugboat was named the SS Island Moon Hope we on the Island can get that fellow and his tugboat and crew to participate in our festivities next year. laissez les bon temps rouler Howard Ludlow

Joe and Tiffany Duckworth

Does anyone there know which months the sea weed makes land on the Island?

Editor’s note: The ubiquitous weed usually prefers the spring and summer months for its appearance, but it is unpredictable…

Texas Star (Shell) Jesse’s Liquor Padre Isles Country Club Scuttlebutt’s Restaurant Subway

GIFTS CERTIFICATES AVALIABLE

Island Tire And all Moon retail advertisers

Flour Bluff H.E.B. Liquid Town Whataburger on Waldron

Michelle Matthews

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

Ethyl Everly Senior Center Fire Station Police Station

Back Porch Bar

Stripes on Flour Bluff & SPID

Stripes (Cotter & Station)

By Merideth Dunning

Holiday Inn

Port A Outfitters The Flats Lounge

Editor’s note: Islanders Meredith and Justin set off from The Island over a year ago on their sailboat for points east. A few months ago they traded their 26-foot boat for a larger one more suited for the open seas. They rode out Hurricane Sandy on the east coast and are now making their way south.

Had a real nice time at the Mardi Gras parade in Port Aransas on Tuesday evening as well.

Port Aransas parade had more entries but the floats at the our Island parade were much larger, nicer and unique.

The Tarpon Ice House

North Padre

Thunk Del Coco

Basketball Jones!

Floyd’s

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

A5

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

A 6

Island Moon

Frostbite Betty’s Winter Texan Roundup

February 14, 2013

Frostbitebetty@gmail.com

News from Frostbite Betty

the Animal Friends of Port Aransas (b); 200 N Station St. for First Baptist Church (b); 430 N. Alister St. for the Computer center (m); 2035 State Hwy 361 Park Road Storage for Project Graduation (m); 433 Trojan for Second Time Around Shop (m); and 114 Oleander for the Diabetes Association.

Well, it being Mardi Gras and all, I dragged Bert into the float building project for the Port A Parade last Tuesday. This was the 17th year of this goofy and glittery fun event in Port A. The Frostbite Falls parade in the summertime during the Mosquito Days festival is more about all three fire trucks and a couple of police cars and logging trucks. They all throw candy though, but not beads.

Co-sponsored by the City of Port Aransas Parks and Recreation Department and Keep Port Aransas Beautiful (KPAB and held for individuals and businesses in Port Aransas to clear out unwanted items and make them available for a new home. It is part of the two entities part in repurposing items and keeping them out of landfills. Maps will be ready for pick up on Friday morning at the Parks and Recreation office, City Hall, the Chamber of Commerce. They also will be available at the Community Center on Saturday morning. Maps can be emailed on request by emailing Greene at address listed above.

Eating and drinking It’s been a very social week for me and Bert; we went to a Bourbon Tasting hosted by Sirena Waterwear, Felder Gallery, and Island Woman Boutique at the Tower Center. We each picked out our favorite beverage, and both liked the Gumbo brought by La Barateria Restaurant at Island Moorings. That whetted our appetite.

Speaking of seafood, The Fish House Restaurant is open now, next to the Tarpon Inn. We nicknamed it “The Lower Deck” as it is the downstairs part of The Upper Deck Bar, our newest Island favorite. They often have live music too. The outstanding dishes so far are the Charbroiled Oysters (fresh from Fulton), and the Fish (fresh drum) Tacos. Mmmmm....

We’re Having Fun

New Songwriting Class It seems like a lot of us Winter Texans find the time to do something creative while we’re on the Island and away from the ordinary daily life of Up North. Well my new thing, since you were wondering, is trying my hand at writing a song. Now who would have ever thought that, don’t cha know? I found a great songwriting class with musical master Carol Elliott (email Frostbite Betty if you’re interested). I wonder what will come of it? Stay tuned (ha!). Maybe it will be a love song... Bert is taking me out for Valentine’s Day tonight at the Rialto Theater in Aransas Pass. Carolyn Wonderland is performing, and there’s even a Chocolate Buffet. I’ll get out my red scarf for that sweet fun. Check out this great little venue at www. rialtotheater.org.

Port A Animal Shelter Fundraiser was a success.

Bert and I went to the fundraiser for the Animal Friends of Port A coordinated by Connie and Dave Beane there at the civics center last Saturday. We had a good time dancing to a great band, Roberta Morales. And, we saw lots of public officials there like Mayor Keith McMullen and Police Chief Scott Burroughs.

Even saw councilman Edwin Myers there with his wife Amy. Sure was a fun event for a great cause.

And he looked just like an angel.

I’ve started attending the Trinity By the Sea Episcopalian Church in Port Aransas and really enjoy the preacher there, James Derkits. He’s a friendly young man with a penchant for music.

When the three piece musical group played I’ll Fly Away during the service last Sunday, James joined in on his mandolin. I swear he looked just like an angel up there. He told me later that he’d rather play a mandolin than a harp any day.

Thanks for the pancakes Joe and Tiffany!

Our good friends Tiffany and Joe Duckworth had a great little pancake breakfast for the community last Saturday morning. Even though the weather didn’t cooperating very well, a nice little crowd showed up for free pancakes and music by Billy Snipes and Uel Jackson.

We even saw Mayor McMullen there. BTW, Tiffany and Joe have a great little antique store (Duckworth’s Antiques) right on Cotter behind Fox Yachts. They are super nice people and have amazing creativity.

FROM THE JELM (Joint Effort Leisure Ministries) Community Presbyterian Church 113 S. Alister, Port Aransas, TX (361) 749-5319

3 L’s One of the most important 3 L’s the JELM is having is the one on February 19th – Joyce Williams will speak on MY ADVENTURES IN HAITI. The money we collect at this talk will be given to Joyce’s charity, a children’s

Father James Derkits at Trinity By the Sea is about the coolest preacher around... he plays a mandolin. orphanage in Haiti. Joyce has a great power point presentation show. Participants are invited to bring in their lunches and eat while listening and watching. There is usually a question and answer session at the end.

The following week the JELM will have Connie Beane of Animal Friends of Port Aransas. She will speak about our no kill animal shelter and we will try to raise funds for them. All of your donations at that luncheon will go to her cause.

We are asking everyone attending to bring a bag of dog or cat chow, treats or toys for animals.

All cash collected will go to Connie’s efforts at the Animal Shelter. That is Tuesday, February 26th at noon in the Pollock Center. If you have dog food or cat food to donate, you can drop it at the JELM at any time. We are here from 9am to 3pm, Monday through Friday.

Two Sisters Crafts The Two Sisters Crafts – who are the Two Sisters? – They are Joanne Piepho and Colleen Brewster from Lino Lakes, MN. They have conducted arts ‘n crafts projects for the JELM this year, every Thursday afternoon through March 7th at 1pm in the JELM Hospitality Room at 1pm to 3pm. Because there are still a lot of people here, interested in arts and crafts, Joanne and Colleen have offered to open the room on Thursdays, March 14th, 21st and 28th for what they call a CRAFT OPEN FORUM. Bring in your own crafts, projects, and pictures of ideas of crafts you would like to learn how to make and share with the JELM crowd. This would be a free project with a free will donation to the JELM.

Port Aransas Parks and Rec Department Pam Green pamg@cityofportaransas.org (361) 749-4158

Pastime Matinee Come laugh at old TV shows at the “Jack Benny” Marathon at the next Pastime Matinee tomorrow, Friday, Feb. 15. The old TV shows will begin at 3pm, but the doors open at 2:30, so Marion Fersing can serenade attendees with lovely piano renditions. Meet in the City Council Chambers, 710 W. Ave A, in the City Hall complex at the door closest to Cut Off Road. The matinee is FREE with free popcorn.

Open to all.

Citywide Garage Sale Shop til you drop all over Port A at the annual Citywide Garage Sale on Saturday, Feb. 16.

Individuals, non-profit organizations and business will be holding sales; some in the morning, some in the afternoon and some both.

Sales to benefit nonprofits include sales in the Community Center, 408 N. Alister for Keep Port Aransas Beautiful (m); 409 W. Cotter for

Get out and make something special each week at the We’re Having Fun (WHF) Activities.

Every Tuesday we learn how to ~or not to~ make or do something [sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t]…but we always have fun! They are held in the Girl Scout hut, 739 W. Ave. A, at 2pm. All activities are FREE with supplies provided unless otherwise stated. Open to everyone.

Feb 19 – Shaped Flowers, create one-ofa-kind flowers several ways with different supplies … from tissue paper or plastic spoons or bottle caps.

Feb 26 – Button Bracelets, use buttons and beads to create beautiful bracelets and jewelry Mar 5 – Water Bottle Jewelry, unique, definitely one-of-a-kind jewelry

Brown Bag Lecture Series Every Wednesday at 12 Noon at the Community Center, 408 N. Alister St. Doors open at 11:30 with Marion Fersing playing piano Bring a lunch and learn about different topics from people in the know. Free, open to all.

Feb 20 – Dwight Sokoll, Port Aransas Nature Photo slideshow. Come see beautiful photos of nature in this area.

Feb. 27 - Heather Tijerina & Diana Booth, Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA)

Dave and Connie Beane at the Port A Animal Shelter fundraiser.

Walk & Talk Come stroll and chat and enjoy the nature around us at the next Walk and Talk on Thursday, Feb. 21. The walk will be at 9 am through the Port Aransas Nature Preserve at Charlie’s Pasture. It is held the first and third Thursday of each month, courtesy of the City of Port Aransas Parks and Recreation Department.

All ages welcome. Meet at pavilion in Preserve.

You are welcome to bring your binoculars and cameras, but don’t look for much information from your leader. After all, this is a social walk, not a nature walk. But that doesn’t mean we don’t appreciate the wonder around us.

Beach Walk Join in the fun on a guided beach walk set for Friday, Feb. 22. Shirley Fischer, our wondrous leader, will take the group on an up-to-twohour stroll between the pier and the jetties, expounding her knowledge and entertaining with her witty sense of humor. Meet her under the purple flag near Horace Caldwell Pier at the end of Beach Street in Port Aransas. Bring a bucket, bag or box to hold whatever treasures you collect. The tour is free and is held the fourth Friday of each month courtesy of the Port Aransas Parks and Recreation Department.

Kids can make crafts at the Kid’s Korner while adults shop. Open Saturday, Feb. 23, 10 am to 5 pm, in the Civic Center, and it’s free.

Pedaling in the Preserve Mount up and ride at the next Pedaling in the Preserve on Monday, Feb. 25. Not a race, we ride at leisure through the Port Aransas Nature Preserve at Charlie’s Pasture. This exercise is held twice a month, the second and fourth Monday. Grab a bike; we start at 10am, from the pavilion. All ages welcome to join the free exercise in the Preserve.

Island Fishing

Islan da

Wonder what bait, which line, what pier…just want some fishing clues? City of Port Aransas

nd P

On Padre Island Since 1994.

Locally Owned by Island Resident

Bill Schroeder 15481 SPID Just past Whitecap on Right

ort

A ra

nsa

s’ O ldes t

The Pest Control Professionals Islan OVER 30 YEAR EXPERIENCE dB ase dP est Con trol Com pan y.

949-0208

Residential and Commercial Services Termite * Ants * Rodent * Critter * Roaches * Spiders * Fleas

Art Center for the Islands 323 N. Alister, Port Aransas (361) 749-7334 Dinah Bowman piece to be raffled.

Well known local area Artist- Dinah Bowman has donated a piece of her work titled-Corpus Christi Bay. It is an Original Gyotaku (fish print) /Collage, with a Trout chasing a Shrimp and a Redfish chasing a Crab on a chart of Corpus Christi Bay-Valued at $3,000. You may stop by the Art Center to view the piece or go to www. portaransasartcenter.org and view the image on the homepage. You may buy a ticket for the Raffle anytime between now and then. We are Open 11-5 Mon. & Sat., 12-4 Sunday. Each Ticket is for One Chance in the Drawing which will be held August 2nd at the First Friday.

Tickets are $10 each and Proceeds Benefit ~ Port Aransas Art Center Land/Building Fund.

The Art Center is a 501 (C) (3) Nonprofit Celebrating Art & Education since 1996.You may buy as many tickets as you wish. If you are from out of town & win, it can stay at the center (for a little while) till you can come to town to pick it up or if it is to be shipped the winner is responsible for the shipping costs.

Don’t miss the birding field trips with either a trek to the Port Aransas Nature Preserve led by local experts Joan & Scott Holt, or one led by educator Gene Blacklock to the Birding Center.

Photography expert Sean Fitzgerald’s field trip is another choice or the last Whooping Crane Boat Tour is today. Festival will wrap-up at 3:00 p.m. with the raffle drawing in the Bird’s Nest Trade Show; don’t forget to purchase your tickets for a chance at wonderful items.

Round up the kids and grandkids and come play with Pam during the Whooping Cranes Festival.

Pad re

Parks and Recreation Department Grounds Supervisor Mike McClure soon will share his knowledge of Port Aransas fishing spots.

The free tutorial will be hands-on and will be a spot-to-spot teaching lesson. It will be held on Thursday, March 7, from 11 am to 1 pm.

Mark your calendar now so you don’t miss this information tour. For more information, call the Parks and Rec office, 749-4158.

Whooping Crane Fest Field Trips

Kid’s Korner

Trust

The Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center in Port Aransas

Creating Dreams for Island Homeowners since 1987

• • • • •

New Homes Remodels Additions Repairs No job too big or too small

Call 774-7043 for estimate www.billgoinhomes.com

Whooping Crane Fest Overnight Photograph Excursion

Prior to the opening of the festival, enjoy an exclusive overnight photography excursion to La Copita Ranch with award winning photographer Sean Fitzgerald. Wednesday night you will experience night photography and “paint with light” from flashlights, flashes, and the stars themselves. On Thursday he will teach you how to photograph wildlife in this South Texas brush country setting. Dinner and breakfast provided on this working and research ranch – there are only 8 spaces available on this trip!

International Crane Foundation Children’s Art Exhibit

The International Crane Foundation’s Children’s Art Exhibit will be on display Feb. 17-25 at the Port Aransas Art Center. Be sure to stop by this local art gallery to view these lovely works of crane art created by children from around the world as well as the many interesting items with local flavor.

Whooping Crane Fest Overnight Trip to La Copita Ranch

When the festival winds down you can extend your fun by enjoying an overnight trip to La Copita Ranch. Sunday night learn about the beautiful Texas night sky with expert Geologist Eddie Hrncir, Jr. and his amazing telescope. See Jupiter, the four Gillilean moons, Saturn, the moon and much more under Eddie’s computerguided telescope. On Monday, bird with expert guide Tom Langschied and David McKown, La Copita Ranch manager, who will enlighten you to the many birds on this unique A&M working ranch.

Can you protect yourself against the latest fraud schemes?

If you are not sure, please join us to learn how to avoid scams and bad deals that consumers face …especially those that target the hard of hearing. Better Business Bureau (BBB) Regional Director, Alan Bligh, will be covering the following topics: •

Text phone telemarketing scams

•

Phony check scams

•

Door to door peddlers

•

Phony charities

• How schemers use Texas Relay to scam businesses • Identity theft (and why you need to get credit reports on minors) And, the newest scams using technology to rob the data in your smart phone.

HLAA, Coastal Bend Workshop, February 16 (10 a.m. Deaf & Hard of Hearing Center

5151 McArdle Road (Next to La Palmera Mall). Questions? Contact Brenda Fey at bfey3@sbcglobal.net

February 14, 2013

Port A Mardi Gras Parade

Island Moon

A7

Real Estate Roundup

Photos by Donald Hatch

Property Taxes This is the time of year when it is possible to lose track of time. In trying to prepare our taxes, it is easy to become distracted with all the 1099 forms and W2’s that must be collected and filed with your Income Tax Form.

Whether you are a diligent record keeper and can produce your Profit and Loss Statement and Balance Sheet with only a few clicks of the mouse…..or whether you are still handing your accountant receipts, in a shoe box….it can be time consuming to make sure all the forms and figures match up. Therefore, I want to use this article to remind you about another important task.

Property Tax Time Lines The window of opportunity to adjust your property tax status runs from the first of January to the end of April each year. Of course the big adjustment that applies to the most people in Texas, is to claim Homestead Exemption. This gives you a property tax reduction on the home that you own and occupy as your principal residence. You can obtain and print Form 50114 from the Nueces County Appraisal District Website: www.ncadistrict.com When filing, you must also provide proof of Identity and Residency. The acceptable forms of Indentification are listed on the 2 website. You only need to apply once and it will remain in place until you sell your home or should your principal 9 residency change, you have a duty to

notify the chief appraiser that your entitlement status has changed.

154

residence. Take the time to call or visit 201 North Chaparral Street and determine what options may apply to your situation.

The Final Piece of the Puzzle

Your Residential Property Tax Amount is based on a rate applied to the “appraisal value” of your home. You will be notified each year, by mail, as to the appraisal value the County has applied to your property. Along with that notice, they send instructions giving exact procedures you can follow to protest your “appraisal value” set by the County. Again, this protest must take place within a relatively small window of opportunity. It is the responsibility of each homeowner to meet these guidelines.

This is where diligence can have an impact on your pocket book. That includes taking the time to log on and access the tools that the Nueces County Appraisal District has posted to help you understand and take advantage of the complex process of determining your annual property tax payment. What is that old saying…….there are only two certainties in life….death and taxes!

At least one of those, we can try to mitigate.

Being informed is a good thing.

Island Real Estate Ticker

COASTAL BEND AdditionalBEND COASTAL &Property Tax Reductions

Multi Family Units For Sale From $330,000 to $2,500,000 Commercial Properties For Sale From $60,000 to $4,557,465 Island Lots and Land For Sale

Boat&OutdoorShow Boat OutdoorShow

52

Parcels on a Canal or Water From $99,900 to $1,850,250

2 columns x 3.5 Being over 65, may not seem like 102 Parcels not on the Water an advantage, until it applies to your From $27,000 to $930,000 property tax status. Once over this $39.20 each tim hurdle, you can notify the Nueces 207 Padre Island Residences For Sale County Appraisal Office and it will have a beneficial effect on your future 103 Attached Homes For Sale property tax payments. Portions of your From $58,000 to $529,000 future tax obligations will be exempt from tax increases. You can call 361- 54 Detached Homes on the Water 881-9978 from 8am to 5pm, Monday – February 21-22-23-24

From $224,900 to $2,200,000 Friday, to receive accurate information Parts • Accessories • Vendors February 21-22-23-24 on this exemption. It would also be to 50 Detached Homes not on the Water & •Fri. 1-8, Sat.under 10-8, Sun. your advantage to contact the Appraisal AllThurs.

Major Brands one12-6 roof Parts Accessories • Vendors

From $145,900 to $449,000 Office, www.CoastalBendShow.com if you are receiving disability | 361-205-9695 Thurs. & Fri. 1-8, Sat. 10-8, Sun. 12-6 insurance on 19 Padre Richardpayments.

M. BorchardExemptions Regional Fairgrounds • Robstown, TXIsland Residences Closed in Propertywww.CoastalBendShow.com Taxes are also allowed for | 361-205-9695

January 2013 Richard M. Borchard Regional Fairgrounds • Robstown, TX disability recipients.

This is especially true for Veterans who have 100% 7 Padre Island Lots Closed in Disability status. Even if you are the January 2013 surviving spouse of someone who was receiving the over 65 or disability 1 Multi Family Unit Closed in exemption, you may be eligible for a January 2013 reduction in property taxes, on your

Four BIG Days!!

Four BIG Days!!

COASTAL BEND COASTAL& BEND

Johnny Ds •

Boat&OutdoorShow Boat OutdoorShow

Fine Dining on the island

Wine down Tuesday February 19th Special prices on wine by the bottle and glass

Dinner

Four BIG Days!! February 21-22-23-24 Parts • Accessories • Vendors •February New• Vendors Trailers21-22-23-24 • Used Boats PartsDays!!

• Accessories Four BIG

served nightly Tuesday thru Saturday 4:30pm-9:30pm

& •Fri. 1-8, Sat.under 10-8, Sun. AllThurs.

Major Brands one12-6 roof Parts Accessories • Vendors www.CoastalBendShow.com | 361-205-9695 Thurs. & Fri. 1-8, Sat. 10-8, Sun. 12-6 Richard M. Borchard Regional Fairgrounds • Robstown, TX www.CoastalBendShow.com | 361-205-9695

Happy hour

beginning at 4:30pm

Sunday Brunch

Richard M. Borchard Regional Fairgrounds • Robstown, TX

11:00am-2:00pm

Private Parties Available for 15 or more • • Custom Menus • Indoor and Outdoor Dining • (weather permitting) Call for reservations at 361-949-2500 Located 15605 SPID on the Island •

BEAT THE BOAT SHOW

Storage iS our buSineSS! C

a

u

s

e

w

a

y

Clear your Clutter... while you go fishing!

Blue Wave

Sea Hunt

Shallow Sport

Everglades

Flo ur B luff Dr.

HEB

Flour Bluff

Lag una Sho res

no lonG lease aGreement! climate control on site manaGer open 7 Days electronic Gate access viDeo surveillance HouseHolD & commercial movinG supplies available

Wa ldro nR oad

Free move For new customers

Climate Controlled Storage Starting at $39.00 oFFice Hours:

(361) 937-8673

m-F 8:30-6:00

sat 8:30-5:30

10514 S.P.i.d.

Get a “BETTER than Boat Show” Deal NOW!

WIN 8’ POWER POLE Register to

Why Drive to Robstown?

$1,800

“Free Admission”

Why pay admission when you can shop Gulf Coast Marine?

“Texas’ Largest Saltwater Boat Selection” gcmboats.com

10121 S. Padre Island Dr.

361-937-7800

A 8

Did Ya’ Hear?

land Moon

Dee-Scoveries

Sharkeys in Port A is having their Mardi Gras Party Saturday, February 16th noon – 7 pm. There will be weiner dog and small dog races, raffles, Cajun lotto, cake walk and more. Music will be provided by Swamp Fever outdoors 1 – 5 pm with no cover. Come check out the many food and merchandise vendors.

Port A Citywide Garage Sale held by the Keep Port A Beautiful and Parks and Recreation will be held Saturday, February 16th. Maps of the locations can be picked up at City Hall, Parks and Rec, Community Center and the Chamber.

Business Briefs The Lighthouse near Holiday Inn will soon become The Boathouse Bar & Grill. Owner Tony Bowman promises he has big plans for

February 14, 2013

Comfort Food

By Mary Craft Send your business news to mkay512@aol.com

New Advertisers

by Devorah Fox

a restaurant and bar and is looking forward to helping the Island community grow.

Are you watching Downton Abbey, that PBS TV show about an upper crust British family and the servants and staff who help run the gorgeous mansion?

I get such a kick out of the meal scenes: the family gathered in the dining room, choosing from a whole fistful of cutlery, eating off china plates, drinking from crystal glasses. The women are The Padre Island Business Association beautifully gowned and coifed, February Mixer will be at the POA office on the men in suits with starched Fortuna Bay Drive Tuesday, February 19th at white collars and bow ties, even 5:30 pm. at breakfast! Not a pair of shorts The Back Porch in Port A is having its Grand or flip flops in the place.

Re-Opening Thursday, March 7th. Davin James Eating at Avery’s Kitchen is not Unplugged will entertain March 8th and Mike like that. It’s more like when, clad in your most Blakely y Los Yahoos on the 9th. Spring hours comfortable shorts and flip flops you drop by a they open at 2 pm on weekdays and at noon on friend’s house unannounced and she seats you weekends. not in the dining room but at the kitchen table.

Body Sculpt Class by Gerry is held at Island Presbyterian Church is the location of Body Sculpt class by Gerry held every Tuesday and Thursday 9 am – 10 am and is a great way to get that total body workout. Zumba Gold by Annie is offered on Tuesday and Thursday 10 am – 11 am and is a fun way to dance your way into shape! Everyone is welcome and a $3.00 suggested donation per class.

She pours you a generous cup of hot coffee or a tall glass of iced tea, whichever’s your pleasure, and serves you the special of the day. It may not be Salmon Mousse or Lamb Portmanteau but it is delicious and satisfying and she won’t let you leave unless she’s certain you’ve had your fill.

Ahhh, that was good!

Avery’s Kitchen may have been in operation only about two years, having opened Jan. 7, 2011, but Avery Hernandez has been cooking for decades. His history and that of Port Aransas’s restaurants are almost one and the same.

“Right” means hand-breading everything to order, not pre-breading and freezing fish, shrimp, and steaks. One bite will tell you that this results in a much tastier dish. It means emphasizing portions. Avery wants every customer to leave feeling satisfied. Once when a customer griped that his portion of meatloaf was small (which I find hard to believe because I end up taking half of it home!) Avery simply served him more. “Right” also means large omelets and great coffee. Avery brews it with an extra scoop of grounds “so it has a bit more kick to it.” “Right” means using grouper in the fried fish rather than some cheaper, less flavorful

Avery moved to the Island when he was 12 years old and worked at the Island Food Store, Bakery and Café which was located on Alister Street where Cita is now. He served as bus boy, stocked groceries and cleaned flounder but he had aspirations. When he learned that the best paying job was cooking, he took advantage of every chance to duck into the kitchen and learn from “Big” Pete Arzola.

Years later, Pete married Esther and opened the Island Café and Smokehouse in a spot on Cotter Street that had been Captain’s Cove. Avery was working at Moss Hall by then but joined Pete at the Café.

After that, Avery put in 15 years at the Dockside where Fins is now. He accepted an invitation from “Little” Pete to come back to the Island Café which had moved to its present location on Alister.

Then one fateful day, Avery was sitting on the couch with his wife Sandra and said, “Once in my life I’d like to have a place of my own.”

Mark Admire was selling Lil’ Joe’s Smoke ‘n Grill at the corner of Alister and Cut-Off Road so the Hernandezes went for it. They did some refurbishing and changed the barbeque menu to feature the recipes that Avery had perfected over a lifetime of cooking.

Avery had always “taken care of other people’s restaurants like my own” but as owner of a namesake restaurant has found that “when you own your own business you ALWAYS try to do it right.”

variety, and making his own soups, sauces and chowders.

Avery’s first year in business was a challenge because food prices skyrocketed. They haven’t come down but rather than increase prices or decrease portion size, Avery economizes in other ways, such as keeping his advertising budget small.

He’s proud of his upfront personnel, and not just because they’re family. Avery’s aided by sisters, nieces, a son, a brotherand sister-in-law and even his niece’s two young sons. However just because they’re related doesn’t mean they don’t take their responsibilities seriously. At work, Avery says, “I’m not your brother, I’m your boss” and he expects everyone to pull their own weight, which they do. Avery has most of the help, not to mention the customers, that he started with.

Avery’s is open every day from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. For more information, call 361-749-0650 or just stop by at 200 West Ave G, in Port Aransas. You can’t miss it: it’s the place with Chip Cooper’s sand sculptures in front. I’ll see you there.--http:// devorahfox.com

18th Annual Big Shell Beach Cleanup Set for February 23

By Capt. Billy L. Sandifer The event will commence at 7:00 a.m. and volunteers will be back at the Malaquite Pavilion by 2 p.m. Four wheel drive vehicles and operators, trailers for hauling trash and walking volunteers are all needed and welcomed. Walking volunteers will be afforded transport to and from the work area. Water, sodas and drinks will be available in the work area and at Malaquite after the event but if you feel like you might want something more feel free to bring it.

W illiam a. T hau iii, P.C. “F ormer U.S. N avy L awyer ”

l Divorce and Separation l Child Custody and Support l Adoption/Guardianship l Paternity Cases l Wills and Probate

l Auto Accidents l Personal Injury l DWI l Criminal Justice l Military Law

ConvenienT Flour BluFF loCaTion 9708 S.P.I.D., Suite A-101 s C orPus C hrisTi (361) 937-5513 s T oll F ree 1-877-888-1369 Licensed by the Supreme Court of Texas Former President of the Corpus Christi Family Law Association (1999-2000) Selected as a Texas “Super Lawyer” in November 2003, October 2004 and October 2005 Issues of Texas Monthly

We changed the date of the event this year as there is a potential change of speed limits on the beach from 25 mph to 15 mph on 1 March and at 15 miles per hour it would take most of our work day to simply travel into and out of the work area. In addition; over the years we consistently receive requests from volunteers to not hold the event during Spring Break. So, this date change will alleviate that inconvenience as well. Interestingly enough upon checking back for the past six years in my daily log books I found that typically the weather and tides are better in late February than in March.

The event will start at 07:00 a.m. but it would really help if people could arrive a bit early as things are awfully hectic and confusing getting everyone lined out in the dark. It is requested that all section leaders and those who are going to help in the parking lot get there by 06:15 a.m. A map will be made available explaining how things will take place in the parking lot prior to the event. Updates and the map will be available on Friends of Padre, Inc.’s web site, Tyler Thorsen’s message board at fishing corpus.com and on Friends of Padre’s web site at www.FriendsOfPadre, Inc.

This is a grass roots event made up of volunteers who care about the condition of this wondrous national treasure and are willing to spend one day a year being good caretakers of it. It is advised that vehicle operators carry fix-a-flat, tire plugs and a small air compressor in case of flat tires. Volunteers should wear sturdy shoes to avoid fish spines. Be sure to wear appropriate clothing for the forecast weather. Event t-shirts and goody bags will be given to volunteers. Big Shell beach is a one of a kind place and this is a one of a kind event. You are cordially invited to join us. Your Brother in the Sand.

Great Seafood and Burgers Libations Amusements 18 Holes of Minature Golf

Wednesdays All you can eat Fried Shrimp 5pm - 1am Open 11 am - 2 am $12.99 Kitchen Closes @ 1 am

One Bite & You’re Hooked

2034 State Highway 361

361 749- Taco (8226)

February 14, 2013 Photos by Miles Merwin

Island Moon

Barefoot Mardi Gras 2013

A9

Get the attention you deserve.

Selling a home?

Want results?

Spacious!

Island Creations 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

14978 Topgallant

$257,500

Call 361-949-7281

Mary Melick Real Estate

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

Island Moon

A 10

February 14, 2013

COLDWELL BANKER ISLAND, REALTORS 14945 S. Padre Island Dr., Corpus Chris�, TX 78418

(361) 949‐7077 or (800) 580‐7077 www.cbir.com

ISLAND, REALTORS

Immaculate home, sensational courtyard, open floor plan, granite countered kitchen, southeast exposure on a wide canal in Ports O’ Call. Dorothy 563-8486.

Enjoy the Good Life. This two bedroom, 2.5 bath at El Constante comes fully furnished. Awesome views of the Gulf of Mexico. Call Terry 549-7703.

Open Sunday Feb 17th 2‐5

Open Sunday Feb 17th 2‐5

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.

Padre Island Waterfront. Three bedrooms w/two baths. Loft area on 2nd floor. Deck w/plenty of room for a dock/boatlift. Priced at $289,000. Terry Cox. 13570 Camino De Plata.

13541 Ducat fabulous waterfront home on 75’x120’ lot. 3-4 bedrooms, 3 full baths, Trex decks.

Too many extras to list $549,900.

Call Cindy Molnar 549-5557.

13821 Hawksnest Bay new construction by Seaquist Homes. 3-2-2 w/multipurpose room.

Covered patio. Rocked front + landscaped.

Lots of tile. Cheryl 563-0444.

Sale Pending!

Open Sunday Feb 17th 2‐5

15397 Caravel Beautiful totally updated home on fingertip lot 3/2.5/2 with 2 living areas, wood/ tile flooring and granite throughout. $649,900. Cindy 549-5557.

15905 Punta Bonaire $595,000. 3 bedrooms, 3 full baths, concrete saltwater pool, boat lift, too many extras to list.

Call Charlie Knoll 443-2499.

Sale Pending!

Sale Pending!

13721 Cayo Cantiles 3/2/2,1926 sq.ft of living area, nice deck area w/great views. Located on a wide canal w/quick ICW access. Call Terry or Charlie. $295,000.

15942 El Soccorro Loop stunning stucco home on East facing lot w/room for a pool. 3/2.5/2 with a study, boat lift & many updates. $405,000. 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.

New Construction 13917 Suntan. 3/2 plus study-2,351 sf.

Open, split plan. Granite throughout, crown molding, arches, covered patio. Call Pam Morgan 215 -8116.

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. $379,900.

Great get-a-way. Two bedroom unit completely furnished at Surfside Condos. Great to use or to rent.

Awesome pool, close to beach. Priced at $134,900. Call Terry Cox at 549-7703.

722 St. Lucy $149,900 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.

25,570 sq.ft. feet int. lot in Coquina Bay. Two story with 4 bdrms-2207 sq. feet- $209,000.

Call Dorothy @ 563-8486.

13838 Eaglesnest Bay. Preconstruction 2450 sq.ft. 4/3. Granite countertops. Custom stained cabinetry. Call Beth for view of floor plan 779-4943. $245,000.

13817 Doubloon impeccable waterfront with separate quarters for guest or family. 4 bedrooms, 4 baths, 2 living and 2 kitchens. $439,900. Call Cindy 549-5557.

Mystic Harbor condominium furnished one bedroom, one bath first floor unit with deeded boat slip, security entrance and onsite pool. $79,900. Cindy 549-5557.

Open Sunday Feb 17th 2‐5

Mediterranean Bea uty — Waterfront, new construction by Seaquist. 3-2.5-2. Huge game room. Master down. High impact windows. Still time to choose colors. Cheryl.

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

Open Sunday Feb 17th 2‐5

14126 Coquina Bay. 3 bedrooms, 2 baths + den/office, 2 car garage.

1859 sq.ft. of living area. Tile and granite throughout. Open floor plan. $208,208. Charlie Knoll 443-2499.

Hurry to pick your colors. New construction-13913 Suntan. 4/2.5, split plan.

Granite counters throughout, crown mold ing. $239,000. Call Pam Morgan 215 -8116.

Open Sunday Feb 17th 2‐5

Open Sunday Feb 17th 1‐3

Mediterranean Beauty—3-2.5-2 East facing patio & deck on large water. Master down. Free flowing floorplan. Courtyard entrance.

Call Cheryl 361-563-0444.

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.

121 Gulfstream $209,900 Beautiful 1st floor unit, ss appliances/granite countertop. Updated furnishings. Easy pool/beach access. Call Shonna 510-3445.

Build Your Dream Home just a short walk to the beach! Great lot location on Sea Air in La Concha Estates. Recently reduced to $64,500. Call Shonna 510-3445.

Looking for Long Term Rental Property?

Below are some of our available rentals:

Beach Club #137 1/1 $850

Portono #705 2/2 $1600 furnished

15330 Cruiser #B 3/2/1 $1350

15422 Salt Cay #F 1/1 $725

7925 Wolf 3/2/2 $1000

15429 Salt Cay #C 2/2 $1250

13922 Sea Anchor $3/3/2 $1400

Seascape Villa #B‐5 1/1 $1000 all bills paid

13953 Fortuna Bay #9 2/2 $1250 furnished

Open Sunday Feb 17th 2‐5

Waterfront Lots for Sale!!

Bounty $109,900 Palo Seco $154,900 San Felipe $200,000

15125 Crossjack-New construction 3-2.5-2. Split floor plan. Lots of tile. Granite countertops. Covered patio. Fireplace. Gas cooktop. 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 Charlie Knoll 443-2499

www.coldwellbanker.com