229.002 allows hunting provided that the weapon used for hunting is a shotgun, air rifle or pistol, BB gun or bow and arrow and discharged on a tract of land at least 10 acres in size and more than 150 feet from a residence or occupied building on another property.
Inside the Moon...
City Authority (green colored water areas): Areas annexed on or before September 1, 1981 may be regulated by City Code of Ordinances 33.75 Discharging firearms; waterfowl hunting. The conditions of 33.75 include: No hunting lawful within 1,000 feet of a residence; business, school, public beach, park, JFK Causeway or US 181 Causeway Hunting only allowed for waterfowl in accordance with state / federal licenses in the prescribed areas: o Corpus Christi Bay o Nueces Bay o Upper Laguna Madre
Draft South Texas in 1534 A4
San Antonio Vacation A9
Port A Shop-Around A7
City Calls Duck Hunting Meeting A11
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The
November 27,
When Cumacho fought in Corpus Christi A14
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Island Moon
The Island Newspaper since 1996 Island Area News ● Events ● Entertainment
November 29, 2012
Photo by Miles Merwin
The La Posada Boat Parade – the one night of the year when The Island lets out the clutch. Next Publication Date: 12/06/2012
Around The Island
38th Year!
By Dale Rankin editor@islandmoon.com
Here on The Island things have been pretty quiet. We’ve had some bad weather cells pass us by on the east and west, at the same time in a couple of instances, but all in all it’s been Chamber of Commerce Weather of late. The beach has been beautiful with days fit for barefoot beachcombing, beach driving conditions fit for the most timid of motorists, and nights perfect for beach fires. All in all it’s been a welcome quiet time hereabouts as we head into the Christmas season.
Big noise at the little plant Our phones and e-mail have been abuzz this week with questions about a loud hissing noise, bad smell, and explosion at the Whitecap Water Treatment Plant last Wednesday evening. The reports say the hissing sounded like some sort of high pressure gas was escaping from something and there was an overwhelming foul odor. Soon a crowd gathered but they disbursed after reporting a loud explosion. We contacted the City Engineering Department and their response is included below. The holiday season is upon us and it’s time for that greatest of Island traditions, the lighted boat parade. We’ll see you there and in the meantime say hello if you see us Around The Island.
Water Treatment Plant
Editor’s note: As noted above we received several questions this week about noises and odors coming from the Whitecap Treatment Plant on Wednesday and Thursday of last week. We contacted the city’s Chief Engineer Dan Biles, who forwaded the question to Foster Crowell, Director Wastewater Department, City of Corpus Christi. This is his response. Following is response to concerns at the Whitecap Wastewater Treatment Plant. The plant was reviewed on the morning of November 27 by the Plant and Facilities Superintendents and the Assistant Director : 1. There are several possible noise sources at the plant. The plant process airline outside the blower building has a leaking air gasket. Also, an air-release valve was making some noise during operation. Both these items will be repaired by the end of the week to minimize the concern. 2. Odor sources have been surveyed. On the morning of November 22 (Thursday), plant operators arriving for the morning shift noted the plant aerobic blowers had been off overnight. Because of this, odors may have occurred upon re-starting the blowers/motors/ pumps and the biological operation re-initiated. Also, all other plant processes will be reviewed and modified so as to minimize all odors. 3. The plant has been completely reviewed for sources of any explosions. This includes all major power sources, pumps and motors. No evidence of any explosion at the plant can be found. Our crews are continuing electrical checks to assure no problems in any of the plant process and automated alarm systems . AEP was also contacted and no call outs for the island were reported. Foster Crowell, Director Wastewater Department City of Corpus Christi
It’s Time to Posada Everybody!
Lighted Boat Parade Activities Kick Off Saturday December 1st
In Washington State they are closing state parks because people are being attacked by juvenile owls who, it seems, are particularly fond of women with pony tails and people wearing headphones. In Washington D.C. a parade of naked protesters, mostly women, invaded the office of Representative John Boehner (please don’t throw us in the briar patch), in London the Rolling Stones kick-off concert for their 50th anniversary tour was cut short due to a noise curfew which pulled the plug before they could announced they couldn’t get no satisfaction and the London Telegraph called on them to retire. Closer to home our park – national not state – is open and celebrating its second fifty years with a story in the Big Daily about Islander Louis Rawalt and nary an owl in sight, there have been no recent reported sightings of naked men on the Kleberg County beach, and it was revealed this week that one local woman found satisfaction at the recent visit of the Antiques Roadshow when it turned out that a painting she had stored in her house was in fact the lost Diego Rivera painting “El Albanil” appraised between $800,000 to $1 million. Now that’s a roadshow baby!
Year 15, Issue 451
38th Annual La Posada Lighted Boat Parade Schedule (Suitable for taping to your refrigerator door) Saturday, December 1
Viewing Area at Gypsy Boat Ramp
Viewing Area at Copa de Bara
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Saturday Marshalling Area
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Breakfast with Santa, Saturday December 1 from 9 a.m. -12 at St. Andrew By the Sea Catholic Church Family Life Center 14235 Encantada (Encantada is across from the entrance to Balli Park). It is sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Padre Island and pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus will be available. There is no charge for this event but each child is encouraged to bring an unwrapped toy to share with a less fortunate child. For more information, call 361 8161243.
Monday, December 3 Streetside and Waterside decorations need to be up by Monday, December 3 to be eligible for judging. Judging will take place during the week of December 3.
Viewing Area at Marrianna’s Way
Tuesday, December 4 Yacht Club- Bring a Toy to get in
Kickoff Party for La Posada at Scuttlebutt’s sponsored by Padre Island Yacht Club. The doors open at 3 p.m. with the Marines in dress blues, a color guard, and military vehicles. There will be a dance floor brought in especially for the event with music by a swing band from 8-11 p.m.
Saturday Parade Route By Dale Rankin This year’s La Posada Boat Parade marks the 38th anniversary of the event.
Public Viewing area Jackfish Boatramp
The parade began to commemorate the search by Mary and Joseph for lodging as described in the Gospel books of the Bible in 1974 when Bishop Thomas J. Drury from the Diocese of Corpus Christi blessed the boats as they set out going from house to house in their symbolic search for shelter. The boaters decorated their boats and sang Christmas carols at each stop. It wasn’t until later years that the Toys for Tots drive was added. In the beginning the boats set out from the canal across the street from the entrance to Padre Isles Country Club and eventually moved the muster point to the canal behind Anchor Resort where the Padre Island Yacht Club had set up shop.
Wednesday, December 5 Ice cream with Santa from 5-6:30 p.m. at Seashore Leaning Center Gym.
Thursday, December 6 Cookies with Santa at Seashore Learning Center Gym from 10 – 11:30 a.m. (Santa’s going to have to diet after the Christmas season). Friday Marshalling Area
The parade grew over the years and has become the largest single annual event on The Island and now runs for two nights. Its offspring – the Fourth of July Boat Parade – was done as a one-time-only event – also blessed by Bishop Drury – to commemorate the United States Bicentennial in 1976 and then also became an annual event.
Friday Parade Route
So when you take part in the La Posada Boat Parade you are helping to grow an Island tradition that began as informal get together way back when a new home cost $34,900, gas was 55 cents per gallon, inflation was 11%, and
It’s time to get out the Christmas lights and see which ones still work folks because the 38th version of the La Posada Lighted Boat Parade is here!
President Richard Nixon took his last airplane ride from Washington to California. It has turned into the largest single-event for gathering toys for Toys for Tots in the state. The Marine boat in the parade each night will collect toys from docks around The Island.
A Thanksgiving to Remember: A holiday On the Rocks By Jay Gardener The starry skies were just beginning to lighten up from the east over the water when we finally crawled out of our Tent-cots and began scratching around with rods and tackle in the predawn hours. No one needed an alarm this morning; the anticipation of the morning’s fishing session has caused us to sleep light and be ready to ensure we didn’t miss the first cast of the day. Kevin and I were down south on the sand during the week of Thanksgiving being thankful in our own way.
On the sand The days before had been a few day-trips down the National Seashore chasing pompano, and we had been hit and miss, with a few to show each day. The weather was chamber-of-commercebeautiful, as we have been enjoying an Indian summer here in the coastal bend. The water was beautiful green and the winds had been light. Jason “Zep” joined us on one of the trips, and
Bring a toy to be eligible for raffle tickets to win prizes – including weekend getaways. A full house is expected so get there early for a good seat. This is the second year for the event and it promises to be a good crowd.
Mandatory Captains’ Meeting 7 p.m. at the Padre Island Yacht Club, 13403 Whitecap Blvd. Parade positions, call signs, parade route, communications and safety procedures will be covered. Official entries for the parade(s) will not be accepted after this meeting. For questions on the parade contact Jim at 361-774-0177 or trawlergenesis@yahoo.com.
Friday December 7 La Posada Lighted Boat Parade on north end of The Island. Starts at 7 p.m. Boats begin staging at 6:30 p.m. at staging area at the end of Cabana North at Commodores Cove. On both nights toys will be collected at docks along the route. To contribute flash a white light at the collector boats in the parade displaying a yellow flashing lights and they will get to you. This parade goes off rain or shine. No matter the weather conditions the collector boats will be on the water.
Saturday December 8 The Night The Island Parties!
La Posada Lighted Boat Parade starts at 6 p.m. Boats stage at Caravel boat ramp beginning a 5:30 p.m. Parade starts at 6 p.m. The Padre Island Yacht Club will open to the public at 5:00 for parade viewing. Bring a toy, cookies, coffee and punch, no pets or alcohol.
Kevin with a kingfish on the fly. tied into a pretty good over-sized red, which many people had been catching. James was down south shark fishing, and we had planned on catching up with him later in the week. After a few days of fishing the north end of the beach, Kevin and I knew we needed to get south. We loaded up enough supplies to feed Pharaoh’s army and eased down the Island. We Rocks Continued on A11
Awards will be given for first & second places in the following categories: Most Traditional, Most Joyful, Most Patriotic, and Best Island Spirit. The top boat across all categories will receive the Fleet Award. Judging will be done at the Yacht Club.
Sunday, December 9 Toys will be handed over to the Marines beginning at 9 a.m. at the Padre Island Yacht Club followed by pot luck brunch.
Island Moon
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Travelling Moon in France
Sue and Ken Parsons recently returned from a seven day cruise on the Rhone River through the wine country of southern France. While in Lyon, they posed with the Moon in front of one of 60 building-sized outdoor murals which populate that city. This mural was done in the Trompe L’oeil (Trick the eye) style. in the Picture, Only Sue, Ken, and the Moon are real. All of the book store and the man exiting it’s door are only paint on a flat surface. The second picture is a wide shot of the entire building.
November 29, 2012
Sometimes The Moon Travels Fast
The Island from the air
Islander John Cooper went to the Formula One race in Austin last week. It was the first race at the new track, the on Formula One track in the United States. He took his camera along.
Photo by Jason Towns
Ullberg Sculpture
Mystery Person of the Week
Yard of the Month
Anyone recognize this handsome paisano?
This picture was taken in 1996 and captured the first major clean up. The marlin was installed October 1989. Veerle Ullberg said “It was put up on Friday the 13th and obviously was good luck since it is still standing.” Photo by John Cooper
Scuttlebutt’s 2nd Annual La Posada Kick Off Event Tuesday, December 4th. We’re bringing in a dance floor for a night of dancing to the Swing Rayz. Open 3 to 11. Bring an unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots
The Island Gardeners have awarded yard of the month to Derek and Desiree Wilson. 15737 Finistere, on the north corner of Encantada and Finistere. This couple have completely transformed this property with creative landscaping utilizing native as well as waterwise plants, shrubs and trees. Please drive by and see the great improvements they have made. They will continue as yard of the month for December. If you know someone deserving of yard of month please contact Dianne Gimpel at 949-7684.
The 4H Club is Staying Busy By Jack Weaver
The FB/PI 4H club has been busy. At the November 5 meeting a coat drive was held for Timmons Ministries. Also at the meeting were Deputy Wood and his narcotics dog Urgy. They are from the Nueces County Sheriff’s office and Urgy demonstrated his talent for finding drugs. The club is working hard getting ready for the Nueces County Junior Livestock show which begins January 6 and ends with the live auction on Saturday, January 19 most events are at the Richard M. Borchard Fairgrounds. Abby Phelps will be representing the FB/PI 4H club in the Queen’s Contest which will be Saturday, January 12 at the Robstown High School Auditorium. For the show schedule you can check the website at www.ncjls.org. Hope to see you there!
Don’t be a Grinch! Pets Need Grooming Too!
25% OFF Dec
Must Present coupon at drop-off
November 29, 2012
Island Moon
Skywatch
Legislative Update
Todd Hunter, District 32
A Daily Astrological Timing Guide for All Signs
News And Notes - December Brings Opportunity Project or their educational programs can be found at www.wreathsacrossamerica. org.
The following is a collection of news and notes from your State Capitol involving opportunities that affect House District 32.
Wreaths Across America
One of the greatest gifts you can give this holiday season is to save a life. During the winter holidays, blood centers often experience a decline in blood donations and thereby a shortage in blood supplies. In order to maintain the blood supply for the Coastal Bend, the blood center requires 120 donors a day to donate blood. Each year approximately 4.5 million people nationwide would die without the lifesaving blood transfusions made possible by generous donors. A single blood donation made this holiday season can be used to save up to three lives.
The Wreaths Across America story began over 21 years ago when the Worcester Wreath Company from Harrington, Maine initiated a tradition of donating and placing wreaths on the headstones of our Nation’s fallen heroes at Arlington National Cemetery. Recognition of the service and sacrifice of our veterans, and their families, is especially poignant during the traditional holiday season.
District 32 is serviced by two blood donation centers, which are the Coastal Bend Blood Center and the South Texas Blood and Tissue Center. The Coastal Bend Blood Center provides services to fourteen medical centers in its ten-county service area of Aransas, Bee, Brooks, Duval, Jim Wells, Kleberg, Live Oak, Nueces, Refugio and San Patricio. The South Texas Blood and Tissue Center provides blood, plasma, platelets and other blood components to 100 hospitals and clinics in forty three South Texas counties including the Victoria/Calhoun area. If you would like to donate this holiday season, you can get additional information by contacting the Coastal Bend Blood Center at 1-800-299-4943 or the South Texas Blood and Tissue Center at 1-800-292-5534.
This year the program has set a goal of providing wreaths to over 850 veteran’s cemeteries across the United States. Of those 850 cemeteries, they hope to place more than 500,000 wreaths on gravestones and will count on the assistance of hundreds of thousands of volunteers. The wreath laying officially takes place on the second Saturday in December, which this year falls on the 15th. An extremely important part of Wreaths Across America project is to reach out to kids across the country each year and to stress the importance of “Remembering, Honoring and Teaching” about the fallen servicemen and women who have served their country so faithfully. The themes are Remember the fallen, Honor those who serve including their families who sacrifice, and Teach our children the cost of the freedoms we enjoy each day. Through their webpage, Wreaths Across America provides a number of educational programs directed at middle school students. One of the programs is the Million Memories Project which seeks to preserve the memory of veterans as a way to remember their lives and teach future generations the value and cost of the freedoms that they enjoy. Additional information about the Wreaths Across America By Mary Craft Send your business news to: mkay512@aol.com
If you have any questions regarding the Wreaths Across America Project or would like more information on being a blood donor please don’t hesitate to contact either my Capitol or District office. My offices are available at any time to assist with questions, concerns or comments (Capitol Office, 512-463-0672; District Office, 361-949-4603). Rep. Hunter currently represents Aransas, Calhoun, Nueces (Part) and San Patricio Counties. He can be contacted at todd.hunter@ house.state.tx.us
Did Ya Hear?
New Advertisers
Island Italian will host the Mathews Brothers Band on Saturday, December 1st 6:30 – 9:30 pm. The South Texas Grass Roots Band will be back every Sunday starting December 9th. This band is popular with the Winter Texans so get there early.
Cita Furnishings in Port A has great gifts, clothing and accessories for the holidays. There is a wide selection of tropical and unique items. They are having a big holiday sale Friday and Saturday November 30th and December 1st 10 am – 6 pm. Port A Holiday Shop Around presented by the Chamber of Commerce will be held Friday, November 30th 5 pm – 8 pm with about 30 local businesses involved. Receive a 20% discount at participating businesses. Wedding Photographer and Wedding Officiant Brent Rourk is a caring individual and sharp photographer for your memorable moment. Call 244-7603 for pricing and availability.
South Texas Grassroots Band
Inside-Out in Port A has plenty of beach décor, novelty items, beach paraphernalia, hammocks and more. They are located on Highway 361 near Ace Hardware.
Breakfast with Santa will be at St. Andrew Saturday, December 1st 9 am until noon. It is sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Padre Island. Photos with Santa will be available.
Island Carts n Scooters in Port A picks up and delivers to your vacation rental or residence 24/7. Hourly, half day and full day rentals are available. They are located next to Inside-Out.
Padre Island Mail Plus is one of the Toys for Tots drop off locations. While there check out their premium cigars, Island artists’ work and Circle E candles.
Business Briefs
Johnny D’s Restaurant has a shrimp boil every Thursday out on their patio. Ruben Limas provides the entertainment. First planning meeting for the Island Festival will be held here Friday, November 30th at 6 pm. All are welcome.
Padre Landscapes can professionally install your Christmas lights and decorations. Call Javier at 949-6999 for free estimate.
Doc’s Seafood & Steaks has 6 select lunch specials for $6.99. Enjoy live music every weekend. They are open daily at 11 am. They are currently reserving times for holiday parties.
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.
Coffee Waves will open their third location in Flour Bluff Saturday December 1st. The shop will serve pastries from J.B.’s German Bakery. The new Coffee waves is located on Flour Bluff Drive across from Walmart.
Isle Mail N More Now inside Mail N More...
All your Packaging needs FedEx, UPS, USPS P.O. Boxes Local Artistry Gelato & Coffees Cards & Gifts (361) 949-9325 14493 S.P.I.D, Ste A Corpus Christi TX 78418
Research & Analysis by Islander W. Lance Ferguson Available online at www.skywatchastrology. com
This Holiday Season You Can Save A Life
This month marks the 21st anniversary of the Wreaths Across America Program which was started in 1992 with the donation and laying of 5000 Christmas wreaths in the Arlington National Cemetery by Morrill Worcester. Though the program initially started as the Arlington Wreath Program, recent years has seen it cultivate into a nationwide project.
Costa Sur Cevicheria & Cafe
Try the Leche del Tigre Hangover Shot $2 Chef Nicolas Mackrizz 361-949-1989
Mikey
Mikey is a purebred Pekingese, male, 11 pounds between 1-2 yrs old. Mikey was born with only one eye with vision. Then on Feb 13th, 2012 his good eye was knocked out of the socket. His owner took him to the kill shelter in SA TX and asked to have him euthanized. Well we could not see him put to sleep for just being blind so we rescued him. We helped him through the adjustment period of being 100% blind. Then he got very very sick after his hernia repair and neuter surgeries so we nursed him through this hard period as well. Now Mikey is ready to find his loving forever home with someone who knows Pekes! If this is you please contact Terrilyn Cesta with HummingforaLovingForeverHome@ aol.com or call 210 886 8367. Thank you for choosing to adopt rather than shop!
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Thursday, November 29. Another strange day. The Moon is again lost and Void of Course from yesterday evening until she enters Cancer tomorrow morning. Our intuition and judgment are not sharp when the Moon is V/C, so hold off on making major purchases and decisions today. But keep your radar on, however, as a lovely Venus Mars sextile appears in the heavens at 4:34 pm Thursday afternoon. Sextiles bring times of opportunity—work and play. So this is a good day and night check out new ideas, places, people and situations. You are quite likely to find something of value. Evening skies are pleasant with the Moon in curious Gemini encouraging a heavy burst of tweets, calls and emails. As times change. ★ Friday, November 30. Back to normal. The Moon enters home sign Cancer at 7:55 am Friday morning and green lights come on for work or play. Luna trines/harmonizes with psychic Neptune at 8:52 am offering you a good moment to listen and trust your intuition on Friday. Clear skies follow until the Moon squares jumpy Uranus at 5:22 pm. This is minor, the moment passes quickly, and the Moon enjoys her next connection, a trine, with reliable Saturn at 9:18 pm. Quiet hours follow. Saturday, December 1, 2012. Don’t go overboard in the weeks ahead—you will be tempted. A very rare Yod formation, with Jupiter making two stressful inconjuncts, appears in the heavens this month. This translates into some folks spending, eating, drinking and expecting more than is healthy, wise or possible. Jupiter makes the first exact in conjunct on Dec 20 and the second on Dec 22. The Jupiter connections go to Saturn and Pluto who align in a welcome sextile at the same time and their motto is: steady, patient attention pays off as small steps lead to big gains. Complicated, I know, but the ultimate outcome of a Yod is victory after a struggle. And with Jupiter in the hot seat, this struggle is about keeping things in perspective, financially and emotionally, during the holiday season. Green lights are up Saturday morning as the Moon opposes Mars at 6 AM and then trines sweet Venus at 7:40 AM. Clear skies follow for the rest of the day and night. Sunday, December 2. Relax. The Moon turns Void of Course early Sunday morning and stays V/C until she enters Leo at 7:57 PM Sunday evening. Hold off on shopping and dealing with the material world in this window of time. V/C hours are excellent for pulling back and checking out nature, art and the spiritual world—and for helping others. The Sun lines up exactly opposite Jupiter at about the same time. This could be a helpful conversation or someone challenging your thinking. Be open to a new idea. And let times change. Monday, December 3. One quack. A grouchy Moon Saturn square at 9:30 AM calls for your attention to the job and business at hand Monday morning. Organizing (Saturn) the pieces first can help you be more efficient. That’s the only stress marker in the Skywatch on Monday and it’s minor. The Moon will quickly travel on and green lights kick on by 10 AM. Save the important calls for Monday afternoon as the Moon sextiles/harmonizes with optimistic Jupiter at 5:50 PM. The kiss of the day follows as the Sun and Moon form a balanced trine in fire signs in the heavens at 8:04 PM. This is a moment of Zen and good
energy for meeting new people or ideas, and throwing a touchdown pass. As times change. Tuesday, December 4. Calm. The Moon in Leo sails out into calm seas this morning. Green lights are up for work or play. Leo rules the boss, your father, authority figures of all kinds—people likely to touch your world today. Or you may play one of those roles to others borrowing the warmth of the Sun, Leo’s ruler, to help them. Caution lights kick on as the Moon finally catches up to a spot that makes a square to Mercury at 4:08 PM. Communication problems, confusion and sloppy thinking are more likely here and especially since the Moon will turn Void of Course a minute later until tomorrow morning. This is a long one. Stick to routine and keep it simple when the Moon is V/C. Let times change. Wednesday, December 5. A sleepy start. The Moon enters Virgo at 5:51 AM, ending the V/C cycle from yesterday, and immediately lines up opposite dreamy Neptune at 6:52 AM. More coffee and your head will clear as the Moon leaves this spot and sails out into calm seas—green lights are up after your second cup. Luna will travel on to sextile dependable Saturn at 7:14 PM and then trine healing Pluto at 9:35 PM this evening. This is a good pair for work or play—and laying your cards on the table. If your birthday is this week (Dec 2–8), this is the year when you have to come to terms with your ambitions and your quest for glory, Sagittarius. As your ruler, Jupiter, sits opposite your Sun in your new Solar Return, the chart of your new year. Two ideas come out of this placement. The first: doors can open this year for you to bring a powerful vision into reality. Or you could bite off more than you can chew and give yourself no chance to win. The stakes are going up, Sag, and times are changing around you. Some will be to your advantage as you also have the Saturn Pluto sextile in your SR. This is a good sign that you’ll have success with people who have money and power. Venus and Mars are also in a positive sextile in your SR which says love is around if you’ll come downstairs and look around. Get focused, Sag. You can make this a year to remember. As times change. Thursday, December 6. Slow down, slow down. We have a rare occurrence in the Skywatch this morning. Caution lights are up. The Moon will trine eager Mars at 9:31 AM and simultaneously square the Sun at the exact same moment! Accidents, arguments and fights on the school playground are all more likely with this pair. This could be a breakthrough moment as well—it will certainly raise everyone’s energy level. Green lights come back on by 10 AM and the rest of today’s Skywatch is calm and pleasant. The kiss of the day shows up at 3:54 PM when the Moon sextiles sweet Venus. Clear skies follow into the late hours. As times change. 2013 Skywatch Long–Range Datebooks are now available. Here is your guide to working with the once-in-a-lifetime energies and aspects that appear in the heavens in 2013. I’ve outlined the major events in the Skywatch month by month, including the dates for Mercury and Venus Retrograde cycles that are up ahead. Kiss and Quack days for each month are also included. Order your personal copy for $25 by either sending a check through the post and I’ll send you a hard copy. Or you can go to www.skywatchastrology.com and order through PayPal—and we’ll send you a pdf that smartly prints out the eight-page Datebook— yes, you’ll want to print extra copies for friends and loved ones at the same time. Tremendous changes—for better and worse—appear in the Skywatch in 2013. Read ahead and you’ll be ready to profit from the good times, and know when to stay out of the line of fire.
A 4
Island Moon
A little Island history
Walking the South Texas Plains in 1534 By Dale Rankin Editor’s note: In the last issue we began the journey of three Spaniards and the former slave who had cast their lot with the unknown as they fled the area just south of the Nueces River and headed out into the prairie in hopes that their trail would eventually lead them to the Spanish settlements in Mexico. It is now late November, 1534 in the area just south of the Nueces River. Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca, Andrés Dorantes de Carranza, Alonso del Castillo Maldonado, and an black Moroccan Berber slave named Esteban (later called Estevanico) who had made the Atlantic crossing in bondage, had fled the Karankawa bands along the Coast during the harvest season of the tunas fruit from the prickly pear cactus, but the end of the tunas season was upon them and as they set out on their own they had no food, no way of knowing what lay ahead of them in the vast open territory of what is now South Texas. They were in the land of “indomitable savages” – that is to say, somewhere near present day Alice. The tale of their journey comes to us from two primary sources; one, the most famous, called Shipwrecks by Cabeza de Vaca, and a second in an account later written by Dorantes. Their accounts vary chronologically but fundamentally agree in the experiences the men encountered. According to De Vaca, just as night fell, “we noticed smoke and we headed for it. Just before nightfall, we saw an Indian, but as soon as he saw that we were heading toward him, he ran off without waiting for us. We sent the black man after him.”
Events kickoff at 11 a.m. on Saturday with the Children’s Parade and will run all day in the area across the street from the T-Heads on the bayfront. The lights will be turned on during the festival that evening. The event is free.
Public Meeting on Harbor Bridge Project Set for Dec. 4 The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) Corpus Christi District has scheduled a public meeting Tuesday, Dec. 4, to give Coastal Bend residents the opportunity to view preliminary designs of the four proposed routes currently under consideration for the Harbor Bridge replacement project and to ask questions and make comments about the routes and the project.
Crossing a cultural divide
Cabeza de Vaca among the Indians
“It was there,” Oviedo wrote later, “that the Indians first began to fear these few Christians, holding them in great esteem and showing reverence for them. The Indians came up to them and began to rub themselves, gesturing to the Christians to rub and stroke them. They brought some sick people to be cured, which the Christians did, for all that they were more used to hardships then performing miracles.” The desperate survivors had suddenly somehow morphed in medicine men, shamans who could perform miracles. That same night the Indians came to Castillo and explained they were suffering from terrible headaches. He made the sign of the cross over them and the headaches stopped, the Indians left and returned a short time later bearing tunas and venison. The next morning more Indians arrived with five comrades who were “paralyzed and very sick” who offered their bows and arrows. By the morning the sick men were recovered.
De Vaca’s Route Esteban and the Children of the Sun The “black man” was Estaban, a remarkable character in the history of South Texas who was largely ignored by historians until the last century when his contribution to the survival of the Spaniards and their ability to deliver to Spain the first accounts of the land that would become Texas was recognized. For a man who began his life in bondage, Estaban lived a trailblazing life that brought fame from the plains of what is now South Texas to the Spanish Court. His tales of wandering in South Texas and beyond would eventually be a large part of the motivation of Francisco Vasquez de Coronado to mount his quest for the Seven Cites of Gold which would eventually open the Southwestern portion of present day American to settlement. He was the most accomplished of the Europeans in the languages of the Indians and the most physically imposing. It was he who would go ahead when the group encountered a new band of Indians, and it was through him that the Indians came to know the blonde-bearded Europeans as they came to be known by the Indians as the Children of the Sun.” The irony that the first foreigner, European or otherwise, who the Indians of the Texas Plains encountered was a black man has largely been ignored by historians, but as you will see of the four men who were the first outsiders to South Texas and the land beyond, Esteban’s story was the most unusual and interesting. The freedom he found in the wilderness after spending his life in bondage not only led him back into the wild but also granted him his freedom when he returned to the Spanish settlements in Mexico.
The Avavares Estaban alone followed the followed the frightened Indian they had encountered and as soon as man saw that Estaban was alone in following him he stopped and stared in wide wonder. “We are looking for the people making the smoke,” Estaban told him, in the local dialect. “I will take you to some houses near here,” the Indian replied. As they approached the village in the creeping darkness they found four Indians waiting for them beside the trail, ready to welcome them… as gods. “In the language of the Mariames, we told them that we had come in search of them.” Their language was different from that of the Mariames but similar enough that they understood it. “They seemed happy to have us among them and took us to their dwellings.” These Indians were known as the Avavares and with winter coming on the four survivors decided to spend the winter with them. During this winter, 1534-1535, the Europeans almost starved. The Avavares moved constantly in search of food and the bellies of the children “swelled up like toads” with malnutrition. They often awoke in the morning to find another of the Indians dead.
Harbor Lights Festival Kicks off on Saturday The 75-foot Tree of Lights on Shoreline Boulevard in downtown will be lit up with more than 1000 lights will be lit up during the 31st annual Harbor Lights Festival on Saturday.
In the summer of 1535 Estaban set out with Cabeza de Vaca to make contact with a band of friendly Indians camped nearby. After traveling twenty miles they reached the camp. Three days later the other Spaniards caught up with them and they all set out cross country, surviving by eating some kind of pea or bean, the fruit of what might have been mesquite trees but is still the subject of speculation by scholars. They traded some of the animal pelts they had kept them warm over the winter for creatures described as dogs as they continued their journey. At night they dug out pit ovens which they filled with prickly pear cactus which after roasting overnight made their breakfast. After three days they came across an Indian village of about fifty wigwams of a type which were different than those of the Karankawas; they had crossed a cultural divide and entered the world of the Mexican Indians known as the Coahuiltecans.
November 29, 2012
It was a pattern that was to repeat itself as the travelers made their way across the Southwest and formed a legend which preceded the men as they traveled from tribe to tribe; men who not only cured headaches but cured paralysis. As the four survivors moved on they were sought out by Indians who brought food and trade goods. They were called to help a patient at a distant tribe and upon their arrival found his hut dismantled, a sign he was dead. In fact they found him with no pulse and with eyes rolled back in his head; but after prayers and blowing on the man’s face he miraculously was soon walking, eating and talking. This struck awe and terror into the Indians across the land as work of the feat spread.
Legend becomes fact How much of the story is true and how much
The Avavares was later embellished by publishers in Spain to sell books is unknown. What is agreed upon by scholars is that the Indians held the Spaniard’s healing skills in such high esteem that the visitors were treated as semi-gods and this was the key to their survival. The legend was supplemented by the tale of one of the Spaniards who was lost in the wilderness for five days in the winter cold. According to De Vaca’s writings the man survived when he found a burning tree and was able to warm himself without the tree being consumed; South Texas’ own Burning Bush story. The story gained some credence when many years later a Louisiana physician named John Sibley came upon such a strip of land ten miles long and five miles wide near the bay of Saint Bernard in which there was “a mountain of coal, which was on fire for many years.” Who knows, the Spaniards may have discovered Texas’ first oil field.
The Evil Thing They were also asked by the Indians to protect them from the Malo Cosa the “Evil Thing,” which the Indians described to the Spaniards who recorded it thusly, “He was small of stature, wore a beard, and they could not see his face clearly.” He was said to terrorize the Indians, brandishing a burning torch, entering their homes, and stealing whatever took his fancy. “He slashed three long cuts into a man’s side with a sharp flint” and thrust his hand inside, carefully drawing out the entrails. He would then “cut off a small slice of intestine and
throw it into the coals of a fire.” Sometimes he appeared dressed as a woman; at other times he dressed as a man. He never at the food the Indians offered him. He could pick up a wigwam and throw it high in the air – yet despite all the violence he did to the Indians, afterward he would heal their wounds - sort of an early day Chupacabra but with a benevolent side. At first the Spaniards believed the Malo Cosa was no more than a myth but were then shown the wounds on victims he had attacked. Whatever the source of the myth the Spaniards were grateful they were never called on to confront the Evil Thing but it added to the otherworldly tale they later took back to Spain from the New World of South Texas. The wanderers spent the winter of 1535 with the Avavares in South Texas and their existence there was even harder than it had been with the Karankawas along the coast.
TxDOT officials, historians and project consultants will be available to answer questions about the four alternatives and historic resources within the project area. Everyone interested in this important transportation project is urged to attend. The meeting will be is at the Nueces Room of the Solomon P. Ortiz International Center at the Port of Corpus Christi, 402 Harbor Drive. It will open at 5 – 6:30 pm, with an open house, then a presentation by TxDOT from 6:30 – 7 pm,
Community Carol Fest! Presbyterian Church December 16 Island Presbyterian will hold its Community Carol Fest on December 16, starting at 4 p.m. in the Courtyard at Island Presbyterian Church, 14030 Fortuna Bay Drive. Sing-a-long carols and special music around the fire. And you don’t want to miss the Frog Percussion Band! Bring your friends, hot cider, cocoa and Holiday treats.
“We were always treated well, but we had to dig for the food we ate and carry our own loads of drinking water and firewood.” They spent the day naked, like their hosts, and at night covered themselves with deerskins. The Avavares “had neither corn, nor acorns nor pecan nuts” While the three Spaniards and the Moroccan Berber had achieved some degree of celebrity among the Avavares their biggest notoriety was still to come as they moved further into the uncharted southwest. Curiously, the further they ventured into the wilderness the more their fortunes would soar.
Next issue: Into the great unknown.
Marine’s will invade the Island soon to collect Toys for tots. Please think about gifts for the older kids ten years and up. Make Up, jewelry, CD’s and DVD’s and other stuff teens might like.
November 29, 2012
Moon Monkeys Mike Ellis, Founder
Island Moon
Letters to the Editor Moon,
If you want to head to Rockport-Fulton for the holidays the season officially starts with the Christmas Tour of Historical Homes in Rockport and Fulton. The tour begins at 4p.m on Friday November 30. Five private homes and two historic venues will be open until 8p.m. for visitors to enjoy and again on Saturday from10a.m. -4p.m. Dress in historic costume and have your picture made in a 100 year old horse-drawn carriage.
This letter is in response to the editorial in the Corpus Christi Caller Times entitled “Give Thanks for Nueces County’s Consolidated November Election.”
Pete Alsop
I’m sure the Editorial Board of the Caller Times had already heard rumblings from the electorate concerning the effects of consolidation of the national, state, county, and city elections into one process and fired a preemptive strike. The “Give Thanks for Nueces County’s Consolidated November Election” editorial was exactly that.
Island Delivery Coldwell Banker Advertising Jan Park Rankin Raeanne Reed Office
Tropical Christmas
While the editorial covered most of the common ills of any election (trouble with voting machines and voter ignorance of the election laws) the real issue concerning consolidation of the elections was never touched…and that is the move toward polarization of our local elections into Republican and Democrat races totally controlled by national and state races. Over time Mayor and City Council races will be decided by who is Republican or Democrat and that is just not acceptable. Those positions should be decided on purely local issues.
Lisa Towns Classifieds Arlene Ritley Design/Layout Jeff Craft Contributing Writers Joey Farah Devorah Fox Mary Craft Maybeth Christiansen
Ray and Ruby Salinas would like to announce the engagement of their son Ray Anthony to Laura Barr. They will be married September 14, 2013 in Long Island, New York.
Those voters who voted a straight ticket did their city a disservice by not expressing their choice of local candidates. Also those voters, who only came out to vote for the to of the ticket and then did vote for mayor and City Council candidates, probably didn’t have a clue who they were voting for.
Jay Gardner Todd Hunter Danniece Bobeché Ronnie Narmour Daphne Fine Dr. Donna Shaver
Johnny D’s Moon,
Election consolidations does not help the local voters, it makes it easier for outsiders to control local politics. Actually, anyone with a lick of sense and a bias toward problem solving didn’t want consolidation.
Photographers Miles Merwin Jeff Dolan Mary Craft
Just wanted to thank Johnny at Johnny D’s for making the most delicious Thanksgiving Dinner. What a superb blend of spices that went into the side dishes. Portabella and Shitake mushrooms with wine in the gravy added a beautiful flavor to the perfectly roasted turkey. The sweet potatoes went so fast it was a blur. The cornbread dressing was browned on top and prepared without being over spiced or mushy.mashed potatoes with a hint of garlic and rosemary, who does that??
Despite consolidation, I think we elected an outstanding Mayor and City Council.
Office Security/Spillage Control
Carroll “Blackie” Pitzer Island
Coastal Windstorm Task Force Notice of Rally
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.
Facebook: The Island Moon Newspaper
Where to Find The Island Moon
The Tarpon Ice House
North Padre CVS
Snappy’s Convenient Store
Whataburger Doc’s Restaurant
Kody’s Restaurant
Snoopy’s Pier
Beach Lodge
Isle Mail N More
Island Woman Boutique Neptune’s Retreat Stripes (361 & IA)
Don’t these people realize how dangerous that was or don’t they care? Jerry Donahue
Save Duckie! Gee Dale, Just a week after I pled to save Duckie, you published a story written by a blood hungry redneck who said the best way to introduce CHILDREN to hunting was to kill the ducks... and adding insult to injury, published a photo of a row of dead ducks. So much for water foul conservation....! Happy Holidays.
The last Moon Market of the year will be on Saturday December 15, just in time for some Christmas shopping.
Diane P.S. Duckie has survived so far....
Port A Glass Studio
Pioneer RV Park
Felder Gallery
Last Saturday, I watched two women in a golf cart try and cross Whitecap from Cruiser. They had two babies, less than two years old, in the back seat without restraints of any kind. After several attempts to cross, they turned around and went back down Cruiser. The driver was on her cell phone.
WHITECAP LIQUOR
The Wild Horse Bar & Grill
All Stripes Stores
Miss K’s Catering & Bistro
Moon,
Editor’s note: For questions on the market e-mail Phil and Darce at islandmoonmarket@ gmail.com.
The Gaff Bar
Amano’s
Thank you,
Isabella Vann
Gratitude Boutique
Lisabellas Restaurant
Bad Drivers
Question for you guys: two months ago there was a stall at the Island Market selling benches with pretty mosaics. Do you have the contact info for the gentleman? I have lost it. Thanks in advance.
editor@islandmoon.com
Port Royal Condos
Island
Moon Market Question
361-949-7700
Sandpiper Condos
Maomi and Mimi Hamilton
361.695.2048
Corpus Christi, TX 78418
(Except the one next to the VFW where they throw them away)
A windstorm rally will be held in Corpus Christi next Monday at 2 p.m. at the Council Chambers at Corpus Christi City Hall. . The purpose of the rally is to unify the coastal communities on windstorm issues for the upcoming legislative session. Islander Charlie Zahn is the Task Force chairman. Show up and show your support!
State Rep. Todd Hunter - Dist. 32
15201 S. Padre Island Drive, Suite 250
All Stripes Stores
Johnny made not only a perfect pumpkin pie but he added a meringue to the top per my request. The turkey was the crown jewel, each slice had a golden roasted top and moist doesn’t even describe the tenderness and juices that flowed onto your plate. We all thank you enough Johnny! Can’t wait to see how you will outdo yourself for Christmas.
Angie Flores
The Island Moon Newspaper
Port Aransas
Holiday Events in Rockport-Fulton
Consolidated Election
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On Saturday, December 1, Downtown Rockport and the Rockport Harbor come alive with an all-day celebration of “Tropical” Christmas. Shop and dine while you enjoy a wide variety entertainment. Catch one of the scheduled birding seminars and watch the Giant Kite Fly-over. Enjoy the “Pirate Costume Contest” for toddlers to 5th graders. Watch kids create their own ornaments, see them dig for coins in the “ Run for Yar Treasure” hunt, and visit with Tropical Santa. Even the pets are included! Dress your pet in tropical attire to enter the Pet Pageant. New this year: Downtown Shops will be participating in the Window Decorating Contest” and there is also a “Tree Trimming Contest” at the festival grounds at Rockport Harbor! The fun doesn’t end when the sun goes down. Don’t miss the lighting of the 75 ft. Children’s Tree or the Illuminated parade starting downtown and ending at the Rockport Beach Park. The grand finale of the evening is a magnificent fireworks display over Little Bay.
Lighted Boat Parade On Saturday, December 8, bring the family for an evening of elegance and beauty on the water as boats parade the waters for the Lighted Boat Parade. Boats will gather in the first canal of Key Allegro (canal nearest entrance from the bay). The parade will run from there through Little bay and back. Shallow draft boats may make a run through the area called the “Ski Basin.”
Holiday Symphony Be sure to take in the sound of the season as the Corpus Christi Symphony and the Rockport High School Choir perform at the Martha Luigi Auditorium-Rockport-Fulton High School on Sunday, December 9, 2p.m. -4 p.m. for the Holiday Symphony by the Sea. Immediately following the Holiday Symphony by the Sea, The Flavor of Success Event will be held in the Rockport-Fulton High School Commons area. Refreshments will be provided by The Education Foundation and by local restaurant volunteers.
Christmas in Fulton Christmas in Fulton, another fun family event takes place Wednesday and Thursday, December 12-13, on the Fulton Harbor at Paws and Taws Fulton Convention Center and the Fulton Fishing Pier. Mayor Jimmy Kendrick, will open the ceremonies. Wednesday evening there will be Christmas readings by Pastor Hughes Varner, Fulton Community Church and performances by the Paws and Taws Line Dancers. Thursday night, Fulton Alderman Les Cole, will conduct the opening ceremonies. Entertainment will be selections from the RFHS Tropical Wave Choir, an appearance by Santa and much more. Enjoy FREE hot chocolate, hot cider and chilidogs and beans!
Fulton Mansion Tour While in town for the holidays, don’t forget to visit some of our wonderful attractions: Tour the Fulton Mansion, built in the1870’s, the house was a wonder of its time. Experience the rich maritime heritage of Texas from Spanish exploration to the search for offshore oil and gas at the Texas Maritime Museum. Rockport Center for the Arts is free to the public. It houses magnificent art pieces, has a unique gift shop, plus hosts workshops and lessons. The Aquarium at Rockport Harbor and the Bay Education Center are two of the area’s most educational and entertaining attractions and they are FREE! And don’t forget to visit Rockport Beach - Texas’ first Blue Wave Beach Park,
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Texas Star (Shell) Jesse’s Liquor
Padre Isles Country Club Scuttlebutt’s Restaurant
Full Service Catering Available For Private Parties
Offering Gourmet Take-Out Meals Subway GIFTS CERTIFICATES AVALIABLE IGA Food Store Every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday Island Tire Carter Pharmacy And all Moon retail Hours: 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. San Juan’s of the Choice advertisers Recipient People’s Award Restaurant Visit ourFlour website at www.AuntSissysKitchen.com Wash Board Bluff 2011 Taste of the Island Washateria For weekly menus Port A Parks and H.E.B. Moby Dick’s Restaurant
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Liquid Town
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Fire Station Police Station
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14813 S.P.I.D. Corpus Christi, TX 78418 (Next Door to Island Wash) Salon: 361‐949‐4890 www.michellessalon.com
Island Moon
A 6
by Dale Rankin
Tickets Available to Experience the Music of Iconic Group with Orchestra What would The Beatles have sounded like if they had the chance to perform in concert with a symphony orchestra? You can experience the event and concert A Tribute to the Beatles, as the tribute group Classical Mystery Tour performs live with the Corpus Christi Symphony Orchestra on Thursday, January 10, 2013 7:30pm at Selena Auditorium.
good and bad.
The holiday season is a time for touching base with old friends and remembering Ghosts of Holidays past – both
This week my friend Short and Wide Jerry – at least that’s his name for these pages – called and I reminded him of a ride through Palm Beach in the back seat of a Bentley that at the time was a hair raising experience but now more than a decade in the rearview takes on an opaque quality.
Started as a business meeting
From early Beatles music on through the solo years, this concert features all decades with original music, costumes, and ambiance. The show features more than two dozen Beatles tunes performed with the scoring of a full orchestra. “This concert will be a high energy performance,” said Robert Reed, Executive Director of the Corpus Christi Symphony Orchestra. “It is an evening for those that loved the 70’s and those who lived the 70’s.” Tickets go on sale Monday, November 26 and are $20, $35, and $50. VIP tickets are also available for $100. All tickets are available through TICKETMASTER.COM or by calling Ticketmaster at 1.800.745.3000. For more information, visit CCSOspecials. com or CCSymphony.org.
About Classical Mystery Tour Since 1996, Classical Mystery Tour has performed with more than 100 orchestras across the United States and around the world, receiving accolades from fans and the media. The Los Angeles Times called the show “more than just an incredible simulation...the swelling strings and soaring French horn lines gave the live performance a high goose-bump quotient... the crowd stood and bellowed for more.” “We really make an effort to sound exactly like the originals,” explains Jim Owen, the founder of Classical Mystery Tour who also portrays John Lennon in the show. “The orchestra score is exact, right down to every note and instrument that was on the original recording.” The recent release of The Beatles music on iTunes, plus the popularity of The Beatles Box Set and Beatles Rock Band, set off a new wave of Beatlemania and proved that The Beatles are more popular than ever. Because many Beatles fans never had the opportunity to experience a live Beatles show, Classical Mystery Tour offers that live experience in the comfort of a concert hall.
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 Auto Accidents l Personal Injury l DWI
l Paternity Cases l Wills and Probate
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
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It was just before Christmas 1998 and we were slaving in the television dodge at the CBS station in the West Palm Beach market when Jerry decided he wanted to start a business taking old family photos and turning them into videos for viewing at family gatherings. There are a lot of old families around those parts with all kinds of stories and pictures and Jerry aimed to cash in. The project had reached the Who Brought the Money Stage and Jerry had someone in mind. She was a nice lady of about 85 named Gertrude who did a pet segment on the station and Jerry set up a “meeting.” There’s a section of Palm Beach Island where the island is narrow enough that houses there have an ocean view on the front side, interrupted only by the county road, and on the back side border the laguna so they can have a boat dock. There are twelve houses, if memory serves, in that stretch of the island and it is known as Billionaires Row; these are not hovels. Gertrude lived in one of those. Her former husband had been the king of vending machines in Chicago and made a lot of money which Gertrude now had half of. “She’s going to invest in the company,” Jerry said. “We’re going to have a meeting with her on Saturday night.” “A business meeting on Saturday night?” I said. “Yea, in Palm Beach.” Well, okay. So on Friday afternoon Jerry comes by my office and says, “Gertrude’s car is going to pick us up at my house at five.” “Gertrude’s car - pick us up? I’m not liking the sound of this Jerry.” “Oh, don’t worry. Just be there at five and wear a suit.” So at five o’clock here comes Gertrude’s Bentley without Gertrude and myself, Jerry, and his friend Roger from Houston who had turned up get in and off we go for Palm Beach; not to a restaurant to Gertrude’s house on Billionaires Row. I wasn’t liking the looks of things and I wasn’t alone. Roger, who was a retired touring golf pro and television weatherman turned evangelist smelled a rat too. “Hey Jerry, how many other people are we meeting?” Jerry mumbled something into his hand and changed the subject. “This is going to be good,” Roger said ominously.
The Ride Home Turned Into Something Else So we arrive at Gertrude’s house and she is no where to be seen. As we admire the Remington sculpture in the foyer we are informed by the butler that we were going for dinner at the Galaxy Grill then drinks at Chuck and Harold’s, a popular nightspot where the Fabulous Baker Boys – brothers of Hollywood fame – were playing and where it was likely many of our friends would be hanging out. I was not liking the sound of this and I caught Roger in the kitchen looking through the phone book for the number of a taxi service.
“I’m making a plan B,” he said.
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November 29, 2012
Stuff I Heard on the Island
Corpus Christi Symphony Celebrates The Beatles
The four musicians in Classical Mystery Tour bring the magic of their rock sound and Broadway show as they join the Corpus Christi Symphony in a performance of the greatest Beatles hits – a rare treat that gives the Beatles’ classics new life and orchestration.
Day And Night Boardwalk Shopping Center off Kenedy Bridge to the first right.
Gulf Coast Stop Burglars & Hurricanes!
Our suspicions were confirmed when a few minutes later Gertrude made her entrance wearing a hat that cost more than the three of us made in a year and red lipstick so bright it would have made a crossdresser blush. Gertrude had been Miss Poland or something or other and was a nice looking lady for 85 but the sight of her in her hat arm in arm with Short and Wide Jerry in his off the rack J.C. Penny suit with the front buttons screaming for relief against his ample girth was more than Roger could bear. He busted out laughing. “When we get to the restaurant people are going to think you’re the doorman,” he said. “If you keep your mouth shut you can make some money.” But then it got worse.
“Let’s go,” I said. “Oh no, we can’t leave yet, we’re waiting on Francis,” Gertrude said. I looked at Roger. “Oh no, I just showed up today,” he said. “She’s all yours.” And sure enough Frances showed up with lipstick at least as red as Gertrude’s and in a dress that looked like it was made from the drapes at a Gypsy opera house. She was Gertrude’s “big sister” and was pushing ninety and it was clear she had more than dinner on her mind. “I’m going to kill you Jerry,” I told him as we headed for the car. “Well, if I’d have told you you wouldn’t have come,” he said. “Just slide on the ice. It’ll be fun.”
The human thumbtack When we entered the Galaxy Grill Gertrude and Francis knew everyone there from the owner to the shoeshine man, fortunately we didn’t know a soul. If we weren’t with our “dates’ they wouldn’t have let the likes of us in the place. Dinner came off without a hitch and Roger was having the time of his life. I could see the wheels turning in his head as he giggled his way through dinner as he kept adding chapters to the story we would never hear the end of. When we arrived at Chuck and Harold’s we cut quite the sight; me barely 40 with my 88 year old date and her lipstick and curtain dress, and Jerry at 48 with Gertrude and her hat so big she looked like a human thumbtack. Sure enough there was a table full of our friends well into their revelry who all made a point of coming by our reserved table for an introduction. The ladies had an open tab at the bar which our work-a-day friends took full advantage of as we watched Jerry sweat into his J.C. Penny suit; even sitting down he was half an inch shorter than Gertrude and looked every bit the plump little lamb being fattened up for the slaughter. “I’m calling a cab,” I told him when we got to the men’s room. “You can’t,” he said. “You’ll blow the whole deal.” “That’s what I’m afraid of Jerry,” I said. “Well, then I’m bolting as soon as we get back to the house.” “We’re not going straight to the house,” he said. “We’re going to the Leopard Lounge.”
The Leopard Lounge This was the coup de grace. The Leopard Lounge was/is an African themed bar in the Chesterfield Hotel which is just off Worth Avenue and has been there since the 1920s. It is Old Palm Beach and the Leopard Lounge was/ is known far and wide as prime trolling ground for Palm Beach’s Chicken Hawks and Cougars. Men with walkers came through the door with ladies who didn’t look old enough to vote on their arms wearing shimmering dresses they had to be poured into; women, well, in their 80’s with men in their forties who looked like they had bought their suits off the rack at J.C. Penny. If you ever visit Palm Beach a visit to the Leopard Lounge is a don’t-miss experience. Our friends from Chuck and Harold’s followed us there and our Movable Feast continued until the wee hours. On the ride home in the back of the Bentley we had the windows down and all of a sudden my backside started getting hot. I was looking for a graceful exit and considering bailing at a red light and I figured my nerves were causing my keister to heat up. “My tookus is getting warm man,” I said to Roger. “I think I might pass out.” “That’s heated seat you redneck,” he said. “I dare you to jump out at the next light. I can see you’ve been fidgeting with the door handle.” “Do you know any songs?” I asked him. He broke out in full voice with Don’t Fence Me In and by the time we hit Billionaires Row we had sung the only verse we knew half a dozen times at the top our lungs and our dates were sound asleep. We tipped the driver to let us out at the curb and learned a valuable lesson that night; if you ever find yourself escorting a couple of frisky octogenarians around Palm Beach in a Bentley take them to the Leopard Lounge and ply them with Harvey Wallbangers and be nice to the driver. A few years later Gertrude married a 41 yearold man and as far as I know lived happily ever after on Billionaires Row. Frances faded from view, and Short and Wide Jerry never got his video company off the ground. As for myself, my keister still heats up on occasion but at least now I usually know the cause.
Eat Happy
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November 29, 2012
Island Moon
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A 8
land Moon
Last-minute ways to trim your taxes By Jason Alderman From now until New Year’s is probably when you have the least amount of time to spare on mundane financial bookkeeping tasks. But if you can dedicate a few minutes to review your benefits and tax paperwork, you might be able to shave hundreds – or even thousands – of dollars off your 2012 taxes. Here are a few suggestions:
If you contribute on a pretax basis, your taxable income is reduced, which in turn lowers your taxes. At a minimum, if your employer offers matching contributions (essentially, free money), be sure to contribute at least enough to take full advantage of the match. If you participate in employer-sponsored flexible spending accounts (FSAs), which let you use pretax dollars to pay for eligible healthcare and dependent care expenses, an important change is coming next year: Beginning January 1, 2013, the maximum annual contribution for healthcare FSAs will shrink to $2,500 from the $5,000 limit many employers currently offer; however, if your spouse has FSAs at work, you still may contribute up to $2,500 to each account. Dependent care account limits remain unchanged. It’s vital to calculate and use any untapped 2012 account balances before your plan-year deadline (sometimes up to 75 days into the following year); otherwise, you’ll forfeit the remaining balance. If you have a surplus, consider which 2013 expenses you could pay before December 31, 2012. And, keep the new limit in mind when planning your 2013 healthcare FSA. You can use your healthcare FSA for copayments, deductibles and medical devices such as glasses, contact lenses and braces,
among other expenses; over-the-counter medicines are only eligible with a doctor’s prescription (an exception is made for insulin). Charitable contributions. If you plan to itemize deductions on your 2012 taxes, charitable contributions made to IRS-approved organizations by December 31, 2012, are generally tax-deductible. If you’ve got extra cash now and want to lower your 2012 taxes even further, consider moving up donations you would have made in 2013.
November 29, 2012
Gone Fishin’
The Season is Upon Us
How in the world did December get here already? My list of Winter projects is untouched, and I was just getting used to Fall. Over the next few weeks we will begin to start having a significant temperature fall in local bay waters. This will be a great time for local anglers to get out and enjoy the areas close to the JFK. In the last few weeks I’ve seen many local boats out hoping to catch a few fish and enjoy the great weather. The days that have had the best weather have been overpowered by clear skies and high pressure. The best fishing conditions have been cloudy skies and lower pressure. During these beautiful yet hard fishing conditions many anglers have caught only small sport fish and lots of monster pin perch. There are some tactics one can use to make these hard days of fishing into some good days of catching. There are also some migrations and fish gatherings that are in full swing right now
Gifts. Unless Congress intervenes, the federal income tax exemption for estate distributions and lifetime gifts will drop from the 2012 limit ($5.12 million) to the pre-2011 level of $1 million (for married couples, it drops from $10.24 million to $2 million); in addition, the tax rate on gifts or estate distributions above those limits will increase from 35 percent in 2012 to 55 percent in 2013. One way to exceed the lifetime gift limit – and avoid having to file a Gift Tax Return – is by giving separate, annual gifts of up to $13,000 per year, per person. (Married couples filing jointly can give $26,000 per recipient.) Rules for gift and estate taxes are complex, so read IRS Publication 950 (at www.irs.gov) and consult your financial advisor. This isn’t an ideal time to take on any additional tasks, but if some or all of these situations apply, you could considerably lower your tax bill – wouldn’t that be a great way to start the New Year?
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Capt. Joey Farah (361)442_8145 Facebook: Farah’s Backwater Fishing Adventures
Special to the Moon
If you haven’t already maxed out on contributions, ask your employer if you can make a catch-up contribution to your 401(k), 403(b) or 457 plan before year’s end. Most people can contribute up to $17,000 in 2012 (a $500 increase over 2011), plus an additional $5,500 if they’re over 50.
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13313 S. Padre Island Drive Corpus Christi, TX 78418
Javier had his dad in from PortoRico to enjoy some cold weather and great fishng last week. that you should take advantage of and get out and enjoy what we have here on our Island.
Position is Key
When clear skies and light winds are in lots of smaller fish but still lots of action. The colors that have been working best have been lighter colors like white, sliver/black glittered bodies. Late afternoon has seen my old reliable black/ chartreuse on the job.
The Pompano One of the tastiest fish we have here is the silver sided pompano. During the winter months these hard fighters group up along the beaches and offer some of the best action around. Most fishermen that specialize in pompano use a small hook and a very small piece of peeled shrimp along with a piece of “FISHBITES”. Ghost shrimp are the best bait, these are small shrimp that are very soft and live deep in the sand along the edge of the surf. Some of you surely have seen people sucking sand out with PVC suck guns and wondered what they are doing. You can buy these CREATURE SUCKERS from most of the local bait and tackle stores. Me and my kids enjoy having them just to suck them up and check them out. When fishing for the pompano wade out and cast towards the third sandbar. At high tide they will run in the second gut as well. Bob Hall Pier is a great place to catch them without getting wet as well as along the surf side of the jetties. Along with Pompano the surf is a great place to bring in whiting, croaker, drum, and sharks right now. When the temperature drops a bit more some of the big winter trout will be sunning themselves in the first few guts waiting for anglers armed with Miro-Lures. The surf is a great place to let the kids run wild and do some fishing, even in Dec.
Sheephead Cruising the flats the other morning in the dark on the way to the duck blind I saw schools of fish bolting off in six inches of water. Later as we returned to the dock I saw that they were schools of Sheep Head. The last few weeks we have had a huge amount of sheep in the area. Many years ago most of them migrated north towards Port A but now with the Packery Channel we seem to have a good resident winter population holding tight to the Packery, Boat
Calm winds and clear skies dominated most of the time over Thanksgiving break, making catching difficult. The most important detail to remember is to relax and enjoy the entire experience, especially if you are out to enjoy good company with friends and family. When you have tried all your favorite spots with no luck, and you can see boats moving around looking frantically for fish, slow down and relax. Head towards fish funnels and position yourself to be in front of as many fish as you can. Many times I put together large boxes by catching The most detrimental factor in the Laguna Madre’ in the last quality mature fish as 20 years has been the release of dredge material into the we drift across scattered delicate closed ecosystem. This dredge came in with all the structures in relatively barges, pipes, and equipment this week. Time will only tell shallow water. When fish what the effects of this year’s dredging will have on water are “Locked Up” these fish conditions, brown tide, and salinity levels. are dormant, move towards deeper areas such as the Intracoastal, small side channels, deep natural hole, and Padre Island channels. They are hard guts, and channel intersections. The amount fighters and are great to eat. The Sheep Head of bait that takes refuge in these large holding don’t normally eat baitfish, but aggressively areas will hold a large population of small fish feed on shrimp, crabs, barnacles, and shellfish. as well as some good mature sport fish as well. The old timers used to pull up and scrape the Keep everyone busy with action and have fun. barnacles off of structures to bring them in then Pick the area apart and find the best locations in catch them on small peeled shrimp. Float a cork a small area. This might be the sandy edge of baited with a long drop along the jetties and the drop-off, up against the docks, the middle fishermen will hook up with some Mean Sheep of the channel, or along the grass line. In any Head. They have big teeth, long sharp spines on situation, the largest most dominant fish will the top bottom and sides, Watch out!! edge out the smaller ones for the best position Sleep in for the next few weeks because duck jockeying for warmth, cover, and opportunity season is closed for two weeks, it reopens on the for ambush. Vary your presentation to include heavier weights on the bottom, light weight 8th of December. This split season gives ducks or free-line, and the surface with lures and/or time without pressure to resume their natural migration. It also brings an enormous amount corks. of birds into our area. This second season is when the ducks will clear out the old grass Flour Bluff Flats on the bottom and actually push some of the The Flats along Flour Bluff have been hit and baitfish out of the shallows towards the deeper miss lately with some good days and areas but holes for us fishermen. When you get tired of for the most part trout and reds have been doing Christmas traffic in town rush out to the Island a lot of moving with the tide. When you make and slow it down, we are in paradise. For that a move do so in half mile jumps, searching for sportsman, family, or the kids a gift certificate areas where fish have settled. This might change for a guided fishing trip is a great gift. The over one night. The fishing with soft plastics has amount of information and knowledge one gets been a lot of fun. During favorable conditions from a day on my boat will fuel a great start of some awesome trout, reds, and flounder. a new fishing season and year, along with some lasting memories. Follow the Hunt for fish and more on FACEBOOK@ Joey Farah’s Fishing. Thanks see Ya’ll next week. WHY PURCHASE FROM GARY LUNT, INC.? t 13 years of proven quality and service t Over 3,200 lights sold and working TODAY t The only know system on the Gulf Cost which has actually passed the Building Inspector’s test using the National Electric Code Requirements U.S. Patent 7,008,081 Issued March 7, 2006
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Happy Holidays from
November 29, 2012
Island Moon
Vacation in Our Backyard – San Antonio
A9
District 4 Business
A Day or Weekend Trip
By Brent Rourk
By Colleen McIntyre Editor’s Note: Islander Colleen McIntyre is the newly council person from District 4 which includes The Island.
Frequently, I hear from islanders that we live in paradise? What makes it paradise? The climate. The people. The beaches. The water. The fishing. The water sports. The lack of traffic and insanity commonly found and fermented in many cities. We are within 30 minutes drive from major shopping, an airport, a university, a growing downtown, and an events auditorium. Include the Botanic Gardens, the Texas Aquarium, the Art Center, the Asian Center, excellent health care, a couple of museums, and dozens of restaurants and you have a garden land that is very attractive. For many, Corpus Christi, North Padre Island, and Port Aransas are vacation destinations. But are we alone? Are we the only draw in south Texas? No. Where can we go besides an international destination or halfway around our country? The answer is simple; San Antonio.
While many things in our city seem to move at a snail’s pace, the transition from one Council to the next is somewhat of a whirlwind. After the November 6 election, the former Council had its last meeting on November 13, the new was one sworn-in before a packed house on November 20, and our first meeting was held immediately following the reception. I’d like to thank all of you who helped with the campaign, those who voted for me, and those who attended the swearing-in ceremony. Your support was invaluable, I thank you for placing your trust in me, and I look forward to serving you.
A Variety of Choices San Antonio offers the best in a two, three, five, or seven day trip for an individual, a couple, or a family. Most San Antonio visitors truly have not explored its vast cultural wealth. The other benefits of a 5 day San Antonio Vacation are that it is a 2 hour drive and it cost much less than international trips. Also you will be able to customize the trip to your liking (museums, entertainment, music, fun parks, historical sites, restaurants, tourist sites) and not be held captive to the inflexible schedule that a tour company offers. You have a tremendous variety of hotel choices, from the modest to the five star deluxe, so there are hotels and motels for every budget.
The San Antonio Riverwalk is lit each Christmas by more than one million lights
A few different trip themes might require several visits to San Antonio. Personally, I like theme trips where I can focus on one element of culture for two or three days. Coupled with local music and terrific dining options, you have an ideal and affordable getaway in our backyard. Whether you are heading up to San Antonio alone, with a friend, or with your family, there are several theme approaches to captivate you for a few days.
opportunity to rest and dine on delightful lunches. Both the zoo and botanic gardens provide magical butterfly gardens. The Japanese Tea Gardens (http://www.japanesegardening. org/sunkengardens/index.html) provides amazing manicured gardens and ponds ready for photographing. It also creates a peaceful and relaxing aura that the optimal beginning or end of your day of exploration. As with all zoos and gardens, the morning and afternoons are the best time to view wildlife and take the best photos. Natural Bridge Caverns (http:// www.naturalbridgecaverns.com/), north of San Antonio, is a mecca for subterranean beauty that offers a 75 minute tour of its dramatically lit formations. It also offers, with reservations, “physically demanding” excursions into its rarely seen sections. Terrific traditional Mexican dinners available in several reputable San Antonio Mexican restaurants can perfectly punctuate your daily nature tours.
(Market Square) takes you to the largest Mexican market in the United States (http:// www.sanantonio.gov/marketsquare/). There you will find dining, shopping, and festivals. A stop at the San Fernando Cathedral (http://www. sfcathedral.org/) gives you a glimpse of an old Spanish, Catholic Cathedral. This cathedral has been serving San Antonio residents since 1738. Truly it is a step back into history. Again, visit a host of museums in the San Antonio area that will enhance your history/culture trip.
Art Tour
History Tour
For the art lovers, there are several museums to peruse. A tempting three day venture might include visits to the San Antonio Museum of Art in the reclaimed Lone Star Brewery building on the San Antonio Riverwalk (https://www. samuseum.org/), the stunning McNay with its gorgeous grounds (http://www.mcnayart.org/), the Whitte Museum (http://www.wittemuseum. org/), the San Antonio Art league Museum (http://www.saalm.org/) and let’s not forget the San Antonio Children’s Museum with its hands on exhibits and instruction (http://www. sakids.org/home.aspx). If you must see more museums, then do not fret. San Antonio is home to anther 20 museums. Other art centers, exhibits, or shops that might be of interest include the Blue Star Contemporary Art Center (http://bluestarart.org/), the Santa Fe Collection, and San Angel Folk Art (http://sanangelfolkart. com/), a very colorful art store.
Finally, a history themed exploration of San Antonio reveals several sites that contributed significantly to San Antonio’s history. First on the list is the Alamo (http://thealamo. org/main/index.php), one of several historic missions in San Antonio and famous site of the battle that pitted United States forces that included the likes of Davey Crockett, William Travis, and Jim Bowie versus a much larger and powerful Mexican army led by General Santa Anna. The iconic and curvaceous façade of the Alamo (actually named Mission San Antonio de Valero) is well recognized and its walls no doubt contain several secrets about our history. Next on the list of historical sites are the other four missions related to the Alamo. In the early 1700s the Spanish church established five Catholic missions along the San Antonio River. In building these five missions (Mission San Antonio de Valero, Mission Concepción, Mission San Jose, Mission Espada, and Mission San Juan, the Spanish both extended their base of influence and control northward from Mexico and also converted locals. The exploration of these missions can take an entire long yet rewarding day. Perhaps a dinner at one of San Antonio’s fabulous steak houses will take care of your appetite. A drive through the King Williams Historical District provides a glimpse of 1900s architecture. A trip to El Mercado
There are many websites that can assist you with information about San Antonio and all it has to offer. Try http://www.visitsanantonio. com/index.aspx as it contains a wealth of information about San Antonio, including hotels and restaurants. Other websites include San Antonio’s official website (http://www. sanantonio.gov/) and San Antonio Tours (http:// www.sanantoniotours.net/), and interesting way to see San Antonio and not worry about driving or directions, either taking expertly led tours or taking the Hop-on/Hop-off double decker bus. The San Antonio Riverwalk site might whet your appetite for a two or three day visit just to the expanding and exciting Riverwalk (http:// www.sanantonioriverwalk.com/).
Local art proliferates in Southtown where many stores proudly display ethnic and local art. Great buys abound. Definitely worth a visit. Art tours are available in San Antonio for those who might curiously follow a route leading from one dazzling store to another. A Riverwalk hotel might be the perfect place to bed down for a couple of nights. At least one dinner at the nearby 700 foot tall Tower of the Americas will allow you fine dining with breathtaking views of San Antonio.
More Choices There are several other theme trips available for visitors to San Antonio and, in fact, you do not have to restrict yourself to one theme per visit. Perhaps a more enjoyable approach is to alternate themes on different days, capturing the best of one theme in one day and then waking the next day to a different view, flavor, and perspective of San Antonio culture.
Enjoy your San Antonio explorations and do not restrict yourself to what I have provided in this article. Try a weekend theatre excursion to San Antonio, a restaurant weekend there, or a sports weekend. Drive safely and have fun.
The gun shots at 6:40 this morning reminded me that I had a column to write. Dale does an amazing job of detailing Council activity which you can also follow at cctexas.com, so I plan to focus on my activity between these meetings. I assure all residents of District 4 that I am spending time and energy in all areas of the district. Thanksgiving week, I dealt with issues in Oso Creek and Turtle Cove Parks, received and replied to 15 emails, and scheduled tours of City facilities. However, for the sake of the Moon readers, I will focus the column on those issues directly affecting the Island. * CCPD is now enforcing the 1000 ft rule for hunting, while at the same time rewriting the ordinance to be more in line with Texas law and TPWD policy. In addition to fielding the reports of guns shots too close to homes, police officers have proactively begun several days at boat launches at 4:30 to remind hunters of the law. As a direct result of Chief Simpson and the CCPD’s effort, the number of gunshots dropped significantly after the first weekend of hunting season. * I am working with the POA and city staff to clear the culvert under Encantada to improve water quality on the south side of the street. Thank you, John Hemphill, for bringing this to my attention while I was block walking. * Capt Mike Singleterry, Charlie Mader and I are working with city staff to move the 2007 Billings and Clem parking lot project forward. * Staff is developing the Bond2012 project schedule, and Mark Scott and I are working with staff to assure that the JFK street project is completed early. Please email, text or call if I can be of service to you or if you have a question or comment about an upcoming council action. ElectColleen@ gmail.com 361-549-8341.
Theme Parks For the theme park lovers there are a few dandy parks that will test your endurance while offering thrills that only park rides can create. Sea World San Antonio heads an impressive list of parks that could keep a family dizzy for days (http://www.seaworld.com/). Wear comfortable shoes and clothes that you don’t mind getting wet. Sunscreen, cold water, and a hat are musts. Schlitterbahn Waterpark in New Braunfels (http://www.seaworld.com/) is another fabulous park designed to cool you down in the blazing Texas summer heat. Six Flags Fiesta Texas (http://www.sixflags.com/ fiestaTexas/index.aspx) offers great coaster rides and another day of fun. If you have any energy left after those three days how, then how about a day at Splashdown San Antonio (www. splashtownsa.com), offering a wide variety of rides, especially for children. Theme parked out? Before you leave, make reservations for your next trek to San Antonio to check out historical or nature sites.
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
Nature Sites A few notable nature sites include the San Antonio Zoo (http://www.sazoo-aq.org/), with an eye-opening 3,800 animals representing over 750 species. Take your cameras! The San Antonio Botanic Gardens (www.sabot. org) is a spring and summer time treat. Their up to date site will let you know which flowers are in bloom. An on-site bistro gives you an
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Island Moon
A 10
November 29, 2012
COLDWELL BANKER ISLAND, REALTORS 14945 S. Padre Island Dr., Corpus Chris�, TX 78418
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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!
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