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2013 the Year in Pictures A2,A4
Seashore News A11
On the Rocks A5
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Island Moon
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361-949-7700 editor@islandmoon.com The Island Newspaper since 1996 Facebook : The Island Moon Newspaper
December 26, 2013
The Only Island in Texas Where we Celebrate Festivus for the Rest of us
Around The Island
Island trespassers The number of visitors to our Island has reached critical mass with regards to land use. For decades trespassing on the 2000-plus acres of privately-owned land on The Island has been a daily fact of life. No Trespassing signs are torn down as fast as they go up and trespassers go around any barriers put in place. But two events have brought the issue to a Rubicon in the past two months. First, the Manti group was raked over the coals by a local muckraking television news organization for not placing trash cans on their property just inside the Packery Channel Bridge which is a popular fishing and littering spot. Not only is that charge unfair, it is borderline irresponsible. In our litigious town where ambulance chasing attorneys out shout each other for attention and juries hand out large fortunes for less than large transgressions there is a tort that goes by the name of “attractive nuisance” which poses the notion that placing trash cans there is tantamount to inviting the public in; which means that if/when a fisherperson falls into the channel and drowns, or when a brush fire takes out a house the property owner is on the hook for damages. The second event was the recent 500-acre brush fire on the privately-owned land south of Sea Pines which was caused by a vehicle which drove around the No Trespassing signs, got stuck, and set the grass on fire. More signs and barriers went up and no sooner were they in place than a person on an ATV carrying a shotgun went around them, even as inspectors were on the site from the previous fire, and found himself afoul of the law. In both cases the landowners have appealed to the city to limit access to private land from public rights of way where the trespassers are entering. This is an issue whose time has come.
Beach use The bigger crowds have also pushed beach use to the limits from PINS in the south to the jetties in Port Aransas in the north and brought us face to face with the fact that we don’t have a long-term beach use/management plan. That issue, like traffic, is one that we no longer have the luxury of avoiding. The issue of limiting beach driving is an incendiary one which no officeholder in his/her right mind wants to tackle, and understandably so. The problem has been that in the past we have addressed it one project at a time and that muddling through approach only serves to divide us. Somehow/somewhere on our twentysix miles of public beaches there needs to be a pedestrian beach; where and how we decide which beach that will be needs to be the result of a transparent and rational process; once again; an idea whose time has come.
Photo by Miles Merwin Next Publication Date: 1/2/2014 Facebook: The Island Moon Newspaper Year 16, Issue 506
2013 The Year That Was
Schlitterbahn Construction Top Story of the Year
By Dale Rankin editor@islandmoon.com
It’s been a year to remember on our little sandbar; probably the most benchmark year since 2000 when voters approved the digging of Packery Channel. We have reviewed the year’s events in this issue but some are unresolved as we loosen up the vocal chords for auld lang syne. Here are a few.
By Dale Rankin For the last twenty years the thought has been “one of these years things are going to start happening on our Island;” well, this year was that year. The groundbreaking for the Schlitterbahn Beach Country Resort waterpark was the watermark for 2013 which will go down as a year full of groundbreaking events. Five years after the formation of the Island Strategic Action Committee and three years after the formation of the Island Strategic Action Committee The Island began to see the fruits of organization.
The Shlitterbahn groundbreaking ceremony in February
Dee-Scoveries
The year saw progress in a number of Island projects which had been stuck in the planning stages for years, some for Schlitterbahn continued on A7
2014 Year of the Horse (Men: be sure to read all the way to the end) 2014 is the Year of the Horse. The Year 2014 is the 4711th Chinese year. The Chinese believe that the first king of China was the Yellow King whose reign began in 2697 B.C., therefore China will enter its 4711th year on January 14, 2014. On January 1 Latvia will officially adopt the euro currency and will become the eighteenth Eurozone country. From February 7-23 the 2014 Winter Olympics will be held in Sochi, Russia. On April 29 an annular solar eclipse will occur. From June 12 – July 13 the 2014 FIFA World Cup will be held in Brazil. On August 24 NASA's New Horizons spacecraft will cross the orbit of Neptune after traveling for over eight years. New Horizons is 2014 continued on A6
Padre Island Ukulele Club Guaranteed – learn to play a song in 60 minutes By Brent Rourk
Let’s all review Isaiah 1:18 Come now, let us reason together.
Harbor Island That admonition was the subject of a story in these pages several weeks ago with regards to the flap over development on Harbor Island. When we broke the story of Martin Mainstream’s plan to put a 300-plus acre liquid gas processing plant there we took them at their word. But a careful review of their permits shows that in fact it includes an oil processing plant. From the looks of things they tried to sneak one by the goalie, and if so shame on them. But on the other side calls to rezone the land for non-industrial use are cost-prohibitive pie-inthe-sky brayings with little purpose other than firing up the torch-carrying crowd and lining the pockets of lawyers on both sides. From the sound of things cooler heads are prevailing and the shouting has died down and the talking has begun. Once again the Prophet Isaiah’s words are transcendent. 2013 has been a great year for our Island and 2014 looks to be an even better one. We’ll see you on the other side, and in the meantime say hello if you see us Around The Island.
Seeing the Light
Turkey Bowling marked the close of the season for the Back Porch.
In play mode - all smiles and music He always has his ukulele (uke) with him – always. You can find him at the beach casually strumming some Jimmy Buffett, at a coffee shop effortlessly shifting through chords, or at an airport gate blazing some memorable classic rock. He finds his way around the uke brilliantly and flawlessly after 50 years of guitar and 30 years of banjo, and his weathered but welltuned voice still hits the pitch and melodically complements the soothing sounds of his tenor uke. He has played the uke for only three years, but now he is now a ‘uke’ man. It’s who he is and it’s what he does. Have you thought about learning to play the Uke Club continued on A5
by Devorah Fox http://devorahfox.com On 16 acres of land situated in Aransas Pass between St. Joseph’s Island and Mustang Island sits the Lydia Ann Channel Lighthouse. The property includes not just the lighthouse but also the lighthouse keeper’s residence and guest accommodations. Once owned by the state of Texas, the land was sold to the federal government in the 1850s. Permanent structures were erected to house boat pilots and provide rescue and aid to shipwrecked sailors. The socalled United States Life Saving Station was
administered by the United States Revenue Marine which was later renamed the United States Revenue Cutter Service and was run with a volunteer crew. This service merged with others to form the United States Coast Guard in 1915. The Coast Guard took responsibility for all lighthouses beginning in 1939. .
The Lydia Ann Channel Lighthouse was deactivated in 1952 after a major channel shift left the station a mile from the channel entrance. To better mark Aransas Pass, a new light was established in 1952 at the Port Aransas Coast Guard Station, and the Aransas Pass Lighthouse was deactivated. No government agencies Dee-Scoveries continued on A8
A Little Island History
Changing Times on The Island
By Greg Smith
History is not generally about slow change but comes in spurts, with the Island being no different. As we end 2013 and look towards the next year we see a changing place. The venerable Padre Isles Country Club, like a Phoenix rising from the ashes grows taller, wider and unrecognizable. The back nine has disappeared and the water park is sprouting up under the watchful eye of the energetic and colorful Jeff Henry.
flowing in. Unfortunately for those who thought the riches would never end learned a painful lesson when the price collapsed in
Harbor Island in Port Aransas has suddenly become a hot item for deep water access with its two largest vacant The entrance to Padre Isles Country Club during tracts being in play and causing construction quite a bit of consternation in that old port town. The five 1986. The late eighties and early nineties miles of beach in Kleberg County is now brought the hardest times that South Texas looking to join the list of Island parks, either had seen since the Great Depression. The as a County Park or an extension of the 2008 bust was like a mild norther compared National Seashore. to the hurricane of that eighties bankruptcy
Oil Boom For the third time in South Texas history we are in an oil boom, the first starting in the 1920’s, when Corpus grew a whopping 570% in twenty years. The next boom began in 1979 when oil prices tripled and the old oil fields saw a surge of activity and money
parade.
Changing times An old practice in Port A that is disappearing is the closing of businesses for the month of December. Before the Condos History continued on A3
Island Moon
A 2
December 26, 2013
2013 in Pictures
Send Travelling Moon Photos to editor@islandmoon.com
Island Creations
More on page A4
Paddle for Parkinsons Year of the waterspouts
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
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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
Island Moon travels to Asia
Doing Everything a Home or Business Needs
2013 was a light year for sargassum
Get Six Years of Product Protection Free on New Suzuki Outboards from 40 to 300 HP
Just Say...
Plastic bags are still a problem
GIMMESIX!
These Island lifeguards were recognized for their quick thinking and decisive action during a rescue.
Buy a new 40 to 300 HP Suzuki 4-stroke outboard from October 1 until December 31, 2013 and you’ll get Suzuki’s standard three-year limited warranty, plus Suzuki’s three-Year Extended Protection Plan at no extra charge. It’s a value worth up to $1640.
After years of neglect the apartments at the end of Granada are being rebuilt.
Whether you’re looking to repower or shopping for a new boat, now’s a greet time to buy a new Suzuki outboard. For complete details, see your participating Suzuki Marine dealer or visit www.suzukimarine.com.
You Get Suzuki’s Standard Three Year Limited Warranty Plus An Additional Three Years of Extended Protection At No Extra Charge
Beach Babe of the Year
You've gotta be tough if you're gonna be stoopid...
PIBA mixers are an Island staple. This offer is good through December 31, 2013
www.suzukimarine.com
Gimme Six Extended Protection offer applies to new (unused, not previously warranty registered) Suzuki DF40A through DF300AP 4-stroke outboard motors. Promotion applicable to eligible stock in inventory which is sold and delivered to buyer between 10/1/13 and 12/31/13 in accordance with the promotion by an authorized Suzuki Marine dealer in the continental US and Alaska to a purchasing customer who resides in the continental US or Alaska. Within 60 days of purchase date, customer should expect to receive an acknowledgement letter with full copy of contract including terms, conditions and wallet card from Suzuki Extended Protection. If an acknowledgement letter is not received in time period stated, contact Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. – Marine Marketing at 714-996-7040, ext.2242. The Gimme Six Promotion is only available for recreational, non-commercial use. There are no model substitutions, benefit substitutions, rain checks, or extensions. Not redeemable for cash. Suzuki reserves the right to change or cancel this promotion at any time without notice or obligation. This promotion can be used in conjunction with other Suzuki offers. Registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Don’t drink and drive. Always wear a USCG-approved life jacket and read your owner’s manual.
Beach Babe Jennifer Blaire HernandezPhoto by Jeff Dolan 1
10/8/13 8:06 AM
HAPPY HOLIDAYS! RAY HERRERA DIRECTOR Marketing & Operations
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361-949-8200
Thank You Islanders! For Voting Dr. Christi Kresser The Best Veterinarian In South Texas & The Coastal Bend Area
BRING THIS AD IN & RECEIVE A *FREE sample of puppy or kitten food **BRING THIS AD IN & RECEIVE 20% OFF On Any Services *While supplies last **No Coupons on Boarding or Grooming during Holidays
Foster Angels Get Christmas Help
CHRISTI KRESSER VETERINARIAN
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Voted The Best Of The Best Veterinarian 2006 - 2013
A move to put an RV park near the JFK Causeway went down in flames.
County Court At-Law Judge Brent Chesney chipped in to help the Foster Angels of South Texas bring some Christmas cheer to kids in fosters homes around Nueced County.
"Every day in my court I see the most gut wrenching cases where children are taken from their homes due to allegations of abuse and neglect. Never has there been a time when I have reached out for the basic needs for children in foster care that Foster Angels of South Texas has not come to the rescue.
Christmas can be a very lonely time for children in foster care. There is certainly no better time than now for me to reach out and provide help and support for Foster Angels of South Texas, a local nonprofit foundation, who reach out and help so many children in need right here in South Texas.
Everyone and anyone who cares about these traumatized children in foster care should care about what Foster Angels of South Texas does." Judge Brent Chesney said.
Snappy
Snappy is looking for his forever home. Ms Miley was pulled from Aransas County Animal Control, very pregnant. We thought the babies would come 'any day'...well, that turned into several weeks wait...but the wait was well worth it, of course! 8 BEAUTIFUL babies If you'd love Miley or one of her babies forever, please email us at info@ guardiansrescue.org —Or come by our Adoption Event Saturday 11 - 3:30 inside Ace Hardware on the Island. Come out and meet our babies in search of their forever homes. They'd really love to have a new home for Christmas!
December 26, 2013
Moon Monkeys Mike Ellis, Founder
Island Moon
STATE
Did Ya Hear?
A3
This Year’s Season of Giving
by Mary Craft
mkay512@aol.com
New Advertisers Starkey Property Management is opening a location on North Padre next month. They have been managing rental properties in Port A for almost 20 years at 121 Cutoff Road. They are currently offering off-season discounts of up to 30%. Call 888-951-6381 for more info.
Distribution Pete Alsop Island Delivery
Business Briefs
Coldwell Banker Advertising
Snoopy’s now has a heating and air conditioning system so you can keep warm during these cold fronts. They also now take Discover, Mastercard and Visa.
Jan Park Rankin Patrick Kelliher Office
Dragonfly Restaurant has a four course New Year’s Eve special for $85 for two people. There is a four course wine pairing option for an additional $20. Reserve your table now at 949-2224.
Lisa Towns Classifieds Arlene Ritley Design/Layout Jeff Craft
Captain Jack’s Restaurant inside the Holiday Inn will be closing around the end of the year and will re-open with a new owner, who will also run the inside bar, afterwarde
Contributing Writers Joey Farah Devorah Fox
Farley Boat Works Shop Crew in Port A is hosting a party every first Saturday at 5 pm with food, fun and live music. It is a volunteer appreciation party by the Port A Preservation and Historical Society. Bring an instrument and join the music festivities. The public is welcome. They are located at 716 Avenue C.
Mary Craft Maybeth Christiansen Jay Gardner Todd Hunter Danniece Bobeché Ronnie Narmour
Waterfront home for sale by Owner with 101’ bulkhead on a wide canal selling for $579,000. This 4 bedroom 3 1/2 bath 2500 sq ft home was built in 1992 and is located at 14118 Palo Seco. If interested call Steve Chisholm at 658-7724.
Brent Rourk Dr. Donna Shaver Photographers Miles Merwin
The Party Cove Volleyball Club plays games every Thursday at 6 pm at the first cove to the right as you enter “ski alley” Everyone is welcome to participate or spectate.
Jeff Dolan Mary Craft
The popular Winter Texan band PA Rockers will be back at Bernie’s Beach House in Port A on January 15th. They will be playing every Wednesday from 6:30-9:30.
Office Security/Spillage Control Riley P. Dog Editor/Publisher/Spillage Control Supervisor Dale Rankin About the Island Moon
The Island Moon is published every Thursday, Dale Rankin, Editor / Publisher. Total circulation is 10,000 copies. Distribution includes delivery to 4,000 Island homes, free distribution of 3,000 copies in over 50 Padre Island businesses and condos, as well as 600 copies distributed in Flour Bluff, 1,400 copies on Mustang Island and Port Aransas businesses. News articles, photos, display ads, classified ads, payments, etc. may be left at the Moon Office.
The Island Moon Newspaper 15201 S. Padre Island Drive, Suite 250 Corpus Christi, TX 78418 361-949-7700 editor@islandmoon.com Facebook: The Island Moon Newspaper
Where to Find The Island Moon Port Aransas Lisabella’s Restaurant Pioneer RV Park Stripes @ Beach Access Rd. 1A
Port A Glass Studio
North Padre
Doc’s Restaurant
IGA Grocery Store Port A Business Center Carter Pharmacy
CVS
Snoopy’s Pier Isle Mail N More Island Italian Ace Hardware Holiday Inn Texas Star (Shell) Jesse’s Liquor Padre Isles Country Club
San Juan’s Taqueria
Scuttlebutt’s Restaurant
Wash Board Laundry Mat
Subway
Port A Parks and Rec Public Library Chamber of Commerce Duckworth Antiques Back Porch Woody’s Sports Center Shorty’s Place The Flat’s Lounge Giggity’s Stripes @ Cotter & Station
Giggity’s Restaurant & Bar in Port A will celebrate New Year’s Eve with Mike Milligan. They have live music every Friday, Saturday and Sunday and open mic with Melissa Brooke on Mondays.
on Padre and Mustang were built Port A was a just a summer season town. After Labor Day you could fire a cannon down SH 361 and not hit a car. The only Winter Texas traffic was in Rockport and the Rio Grande Valley. There were but two camp houses on the fifteen-mile stretch between Packery Channel and Port A.
Felder Gallery
Spanky’sLiquor
Padre Landscapes was the winner of the State of Texas Small Business Award. Besides landscaping they do organic and conventional gardens, stone work and water features. Call 949-6999.
History continued from A1
Whataburger
Moby Dicks
Padre Pizzeria delivers within 30 minutes and delivery is free with an order of $10 or more. You will soon be able to order online so no more busy signal. They also have take and bake pizzas now so take advantage and have them feed your out of town guests.
Tarpon Ice House
Amano
Coffee Waves
The Boathouse Bar & Grill is now open at 10 am seven days a week. Bring in their ad in this issue of the Moon for a free appetizer wih entrée. I just enjoyed their cheese wedges that came highly recommended.
Wild Horse Saloon
All Stripes Stores
Coast Club
Guided Beach Walk – Join guide Shirley Fischer on Port A’s beaches to hunt for shells and other treasures! [4th Friday of month] Meet on Friday, Dec. 27, at 9 am under purple pennant near Horace Caldwell Pier at end of Beach St. FREE!
The Gaff
Miss K’s Catering & Bistro
Island Woman Boutique
Port A Noon Year’s Eve Party will be held Tuesday, Dec. 31, 11:30 am at Roberts Point Park Main Pavilion. Count down and toast the New Year at noon. Music, free non-alcoholic drinks and cookies provided or bring your own. For those who don’t want to wait until midnight to countdown and those who want to do it twice!
Island Tire And all Moon retail advertisers WB Liquor
Flour Bluff H.E.B. Liquid Town Whataburger on Waldron Ethyl Everly Senior Center Fire Station
Gratitude Gift Shop
Police Station
Keepers Pier House
Stripes on Flour Bluff & SPID
Then with the oil boom in the late 70’s Ada Wilson sold a portion of Mustang Island to the Terrmar Corporation and the developers got busy. Up sprang the condos we are familiar with today, from the Seawall on Padre to Port Aransas. Folks buying presale units could flip them for a profit before their condo was complete. So instead of buying one and making little money, some folks betting the gravy train would never end bought two, three or four condos on speculation. When the price of oil collapsed in 1986, lending slammed shut and the boom exploded into a bust. Those hapless speculators overnight had units that were half the price of what they paid and not the big profits of their dreams. As more condos were dumped on the market, prices plummeted with some going for twenty percent of what the original owners paid when the market hit bottom in 1993. One lasting result of this building boom were thousands of condo’s units available for rent at low prices in the winter season. It didn’t take long for a lot of the Winter Texans to find that the Islands were a great place to be and quite a deal. Though few businesses close for December now as before the winter market developed, being a traditionalist I am going to call it a month and a year for Island stories. To all the folks that have read this far,have a great Christmas and a most delightful New Year. In closing I would like to give special thanks to those special folks who share a passion for history and have been so helpful to these pages; the three Mark’s, Rick and Guthrie Ford of the Port A Museum, Murphy Givens and Jim Moloney of the Nueces Press, cousin Caroline and a debt to her mom Clara and last but not least, Dale Rankin, the quintessential Islander, quirky, entertaining, and like all good Islanders, marching to the beat of his own drum.
By Todd Hunter, District 32 December 23, 2013 During this holiday season, we have seen a much colder winter than we have in recent years. In fact, some places in the Coastal Bend have reached close to freezing temperatures. While we are experiencing these extremely cold weather situations, it is important for us to remember those who are facing difficult conditions and are currently without a home. In Texas, there are a variety of organizations that help to assist those who are in need. Many of these organizations rely heavily on the support of their local communities to help further many of their initiatives so they can continue their worthy programs. The Texas Homeless Network is one of these great organizations that works to help those individuals that find themselves in difficult circumstances. One of the key challenges that many of the advocacy groups face is to try and maximize their resources for outreach and to try and minimize administrative expenses. The Homeless Network in particular, has proactively streamlined their organization and its structure to where they are able to spend roughly 97% of their funds on their programs, while having a small portion of their budget going towards administrative expenses. In 2010, the Texas Homeless Network worked to train over 1700 people and conducted close to 200 training sessions across the state. During that same year, the organization was awarded the Outstanding Homeless Management Identification System Achievement Award for Effective Project Management by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. This award was in recognition of their impressive ability in working to revamp their Homeless Management Identification System which addressed data quality issues as well as usability concerns.
In South Texas, the Homeless Issues Partnership (HIP) is a non-profit organization that acts as Corpus Christi’s Homeless Coalition. The HIP is made up of a number of local businesses, agencies, and individuals that work with the objective of resolving and addressing the issues related to the homeless community in the Coastal Bend. Much of the participation from this organization is done through outreach in education and their resources and actions are directed toward those who are currently living without a place they can call home. If you are interested in becoming involved with HIP they meet every second Thursday of each month at Corpus Christi City Hall in the Sixth Floor Conference Room at 11:00 a.m. All interested parties are welcome to attend. If you would like to help this holiday season or at any time during the year, Nueces County has many charities and organizations that you can get involved with. If you would like to make a donation of food or personal care products you can do so at: Food Bank of Corpus Christi 826 Krill Street Corpus Christi, TX 78408 361-887-6291 Those wishing to donate clothing can do so at a number of charities and organization located throughout Nueces County. If you have questions regarding any of the information mentioned in this article, please do not hesitate to call my Capitol or District Office. As always, 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 represents Nueces County (Part). He can be contacted at todd.hunter@house. state.tx.us or at 512-463-0672.
Twelve Texans Get Christmas Clemency Governor Rick Perry is granting clemency to 12 individuals after each case was favorably recommended for clemency by the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles: • Georgeanne Michelle (Driver) Battle, 39, was convicted of unlawfully carrying a weapon in 1993 at the age of 19. She was sentenced to four days in jail, and paid a $100 fine. She is granted a full pardon. • Kathryn Lee (Gill) Drew, 49, was convicted of theft in 1982 at the age of 17. She was sentenced to three days in jail, and paid a $350 fine. She is granted a full pardon. • Sonia Fernandez Duque, 37, received two years deferred adjudication for assault in 1998 at the age of 20. She paid $500 restitution. She is granted a full pardon. • Kaye Kathline (Lindsey) Elam, 56, was convicted of theft in 1979 at the age of 21. She was sentenced to three days in jail, and paid a $50 fine. She is granted a full pardon. • Cheryl Janea (David) Hicks, 48, was convicted of theft in 1985 at the age of 19. She was sentenced to three days in jail, and paid a $150 fine. She is granted a full pardon. • Jill Elizabeth (Houston) Hopson, 51, was convicted of theft in 1981 at the age of 19. She was sentenced to one year in jail, which was
probated for one year, and paid a $200 fine. She is granted a full pardon. • Gail Lee Korfiatis, 50, was convicted of assault in 1993 at the age of 30. She was sentenced to 90 days in jail, which was probated for two years, and paid a $200 fine. She is granted a full pardon. • Robert Leos, 45, received two months deferred adjudication for burglary of a coin operated machine in 1987 at the age of 18. He paid a $50 fine. He is granted a full pardon. • David Russell Littlefield, 55, received one year deferred adjudication for theft by check in 1982 at the age of 23. He paid a $200 fine. He is granted a full pardon. • Barbara Anne (Miller) Lussier, 57, was convicted of theft in 1981 at the age of 25. She was sentenced to three days in jail, and paid a $250 fine. She is granted a full pardon. • Edith Marie Peace, 66, was convicted of theft by check in 1986 at the age of 37. She was sentenced to 180 days in jail, which was probated for six months, and paid a $50 fine. She is granted a full pardon. • Rebecca Louise Walker, 38, was convicted of theft by check in 2008 at the age of 31. She was sentenced to one day in jail. She is granted a full pardon.
The 2013 Darwin Awards Are Out! They Walk Among Us and They Can Reproduce Yes, it’s that magical time of year again when the Darwin Awards are bestowed, honoring the least evolved among us.
Here Is The Glorious Winner: 1. When his .38 caliber revolver failed to fire at his intended victim during a hold-up in Long Beach, California would-be robber James Elliot did something that can only inspire wonder. He peered down the barrel and tried the trigger again. This time it worked.
And Now, The Honorable Mentions: 2. The chef at a hotel in Switzerland lost a finger in a meat cutting machine and after a little shopping around, submitted a claim to his insurance company. The company expecting negligence sent out one of its men to have a look for himself. He tried the machine and he also lost a finger. The chef’s claim was approved. 3. A man who shoveled snow for an hour to clear a space for his car during a blizzard in Chicago returned with his vehicle to find a woman had taken the space. Understandably, he shot her. 4. After stopping for drinks at an illegal bar, a Zimbabwean bus driver found that the 20 mental patients he was supposed to be transporting from Harare to Bulawayo had escaped. Not wanting to admit his incompetence, the driver went to a nearby bus stop and offered everyone waiting there a free ride. He then delivered the passengers to the mental hospital, telling the staff that the patients were very excitable and prone to bizarre fantasies. The deception wasn’t discovered for three days. 5. An American teenager was in the hospital recovering from serious head wounds received from an oncoming train. When asked how he received the injuries, the lad told police that he was simply trying to see how close he could get his head to a moving train before he was hit. 6.. A man walked into a Louisiana Circle-K, put a $20 bill on the counter, and asked for change. When the clerk opened the cash drawer, the man pulled a gun and asked for all the cash in the register, which the clerk promptly
provided. The man took the cash from the clerk and fled, leaving the $20 bill on the counter. The total amount of cash he got from the drawer… $15. [If someone points a gun at you and gives you money, is a crime committed?] 7. Seems an Arkansas guy wanted some beer pretty badly. He decided that he’d just throw a cinder block through a liquor store window, grab some booze, and run. So he lifted the cinder block and heaved it over his head at the window. The cinder block bounced back and hit the would-be thief on the head, knocking him unconscious. The liquor store window was made of Plexiglas. The whole event was caught on videotape. 8. As a female shopper exited a New York convenience store, a man grabbed her purse and ran. The clerk called 911 immediately, and the woman was able to give them a detailed description of the snatcher. Within minutes, the police apprehended the snatcher. They put him in the car and drove back to the store. The thief was then taken out of the car and told to stand there for a positive ID. To which he replied, “Yes, officer, that’s her. That’s the lady I stole the purse from.” 9. The Ann Arbor News crime column reported that a man walked into a Burger King in Ypsilanti, Michigan at 5 A.M., flashed a gun, and demanded cash. The clerk turned him down because he said he couldn’t open the cash register without a food order. When the man ordered onion rings, the clerk said they weren’t available for breakfast… The frustrated gunman walked away. [*A 5-STAR STUPIDITY AWARD WINNER] 10. When a man attempted to siphon gasoline from a motor home parked on a Seattle street by sucking on a hose, he got much more than he bargained for. Police arrived at the scene to find a very sick man curled up next to a motor home near spilled sewage. A police spokesman said that the man admitted to trying to steal gasoline, but he plugged his siphon hose into the motor home’s sewage tank by mistake. The owner of the vehicle declined to press charges saying that it was the best laugh he’d ever had and the perp had been punished enough!
Island Moon
A 4
December 26, 2013
2013 in Pictures
Turtle hatchling releases remain very popular
Plans call for Kleberg Beach to be put under the control of Nueces County..
Island Tailgating
La Posada collected a record number of donations for Toys for Tots
Artist's rendering of completed Schlitterbahn
Tim Burdick surfs at Horace Caldwell pier. Photo by Carson Einkauf. Island Spider invasion of 2013.
Recently Listed! ¥ Located on Fairway #4 ¥ Stylishly redone ¥ Immaculate ¥
14902 Dasmarinas Dr.
$273,500
Call 361-949-7281 Mary Melick Real Estate
Island flower garden of the year
The crew from the Animal Hospital swam with the dolphins.
Orthopaedic Associates
A good year for climbing
of Corpus Christi Announces the Formation of
Beauty and the beast on Halloween
BERNARD M. SEGER, M.D. Sports Medicine, Arthroscopy, Knee & Shoulder Surgery
JOHN P. MASCIALE, M.D. Adult Spine Surgery
DAWN M. GROSSER, M.D. Foot & Ankle Surgery
CHARLES W. BRECKENRIDGE, M.D. Sports Medicine, Arthroscopy, Shoulder & Knee Surgery
JOHN M. BORKOWSKI, M.D. Adult Spine Surgery
RYAN B. THOMAS, M.D. Surgery of the Hand & Upper Extremity
361-854-0811
JUSTIN KLIMISCH, M.D.
Adult Joint Reconstruction & Hip and Knee Replacement
FRANK A. LUCKAY, M.D. General Orthopaedics
CAL285541
A good year for sand balls and Farley boats
se habla español
601 Texan Trail • Suite #300 www.southtexasboneandjoint.com
Happy 4th of July from Brewski and owner Cherish Ruddick. Brewski is proud to be an American dog.
December 26, 2013
ukulele? Playing music with a group of fun people from the island? Having a retreat for yourself where you can socialize and meet new, music-minded people? Well you are in luck. Enter Joe Sexton, an experienced musician from Wisconsin who recently moved to the island. He is providing all of us on the island a terrific opportunity to learn to play the uke in a non-threatening and easy going environment as he is starting the Padre Island Ukulele Club and is strongly encouraging all interested islanders to try a session or two (with good reason, he is convinced that you will get hooked).
On the Rocks By Jay Gardner
Speaking of other projects, we had the best CCA banquet we’ve ever had. Around that time we also donated another $100,000 to the Packery Channel Reef project, which allowed another 70 pyramids to be constructed and eventually reefed during this first round of placement. As I type this there are red snapper and other fun fish that are recruiting to the reef. It’s going to be a great summer.
I sold my beloved skiff in early May, after a good decade and a half of running her in the Laguna and points north and south. She wasn’t my first, and she won’t be my last, but we all had a great time on her. As of this writing, I’m still working on Dad’s skiff and looking for a 150HP, but expect to hear stories coming up in 2014.
We bombed out to Key West for a birthday trip and had a blast. Zep landed a tarpon. We got the Donzi back out of the shop and had a pretty phenomenal snapper season (albeit a short one, and this year’s season is projected to be a whopping 40 days. Wheee….). I even made it out on the Nyati wwwaaayyy offshore and got away with some yellowfin tuna and good stories.
I re-learned to be trusting and let things go. I traded a loved offshore fishing reel to a total stranger for a smaller, more versatile reel that I love and use even more. Let it go, and you’ll be rewarded in other ways. I re-learned that there are usually three ways to do about any project, and that my way may not always be the most efficient. I re-learned to listen more carefully.
Duck Hunting We had a great “reefing” fall with the partnerships with HRI, SEA, TPWD and others. We celebrated with Dr. Jennifer Beseres Pollack when we put down oyster reefing material in Aransas and Copano Bay. We also celebrated when the contractors placed the culverts and pyramids down at the Packery Channel Reef. One of my mentors Dr. David McKee retired from teaching out at TAMUCC. We got a beach camera at the Seashore that is still up and running. The squirrels had a bumper crop this year and there’s five of those suckers living in my barn now. Our friend Rachel finally moved to town with Zep. I lucked into being in line to chair of the Watershore and Beach Advisory Committee, and we had a productive year on the Island Strategic Action Committee. And of course there’s been some bitter-sweet occurrences. My folks are pulling up stakes and heading to Houston. My truck’s getting even more covered in rust from the beach, the weeds are winning in the back 40, and taxes went up. But I guess the worst is just recently learning that our buddy Bert Almarez went home to be with the angels, after an extremely short diagnosis and quite sudden passing. I guess sometimes such vibrant souls are needed elsewhere in the Universe, despite what we think. My heart goes out to the entire clan, and I’ll miss your smile and laugh buddy. Well, for the rest of us still toiling away down here, I wish the best for you all in 2014. Be careful driving in all the holidaze traffic, and be patient. Most importantly, Cherish your friends, family and loved ones loyal readers, and I hope to see you On the Rocks in the coming year.
Tides for Corpus Christi (Bob Hall Pier) December 26 - January 2, 2013
Day
High /Low
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26
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26
F
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Height in Feet
His uke band was wildly successful, growing to over 200 enthusiastic members with subclubs and groups within the main band. They met weekly in a shopping mall. Several of those uke players also played in splinter groups of musicians who enjoyed or preferred a particular type of music. The Cheez Land Uke Band started with beginners, intermediate players and advanced strummers and pluckers.
Joe Learns the Uke
Tides of the Week
A5
Uke Club continued from A1
Backwater Adventures
Well, Merry belated Christmas and Happy early New Year loyal readers! Another year for the history books. I for one will be happy to see 2013 end and a promising 2014 start fresh. Don’t get me wrong, I had a great year in many ways. We started off in January with the planning and eventual execution of the Big Shell Clean Up with the help of Sharkathon and a $5,000 donation from them. By March we received news from the TPWD that they were donating $3 million to the Cedar Bayou Project, which was a real shot in the arm. Here almost a year later, there’s some good news right around the corner on that particular project, stay tuned.
Island Moon
Sunrise Moon Time Sunset
% Moon Visible
3:52 AM 0.2
7:17 AM Rise 1:10 AM
47
High
8:04 PM 1.1
5:42 PM Set 12:58 PM
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4:23 AM -0.1
7:18 AM Rise 2:08 AM
27
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1:48 PM 1.2
5:43 PM Set 1:39 PM
Sa
28
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5:02 AM -0.3
7:18 AM Rise 3:08 AM
28
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2:28 PM 1.4
5:43 PM Set 2:25 PM
Su
29
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5:46 AM -0.6
7:19 AM Rise 4:11 AM
29
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3:11 PM 1.6
5:44 PM Set 3:17 PM
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6:34 AM -0.8
7:19 AM Rise 5:14 AM
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3:55 PM 1.7
5:44 PM Set 4:15 PM
Tu
31
Low
7:24 AM -0.9
7:19 AM Rise 6:17 AM
31
High
4:37 PM 1.7
5:45 PM Set 5:18 PM
W
1
Low
8:15 AM -0.9
7:19 AM Rise 7:17 AM
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High
5:11 PM 1.7
5:46 PM Set 6:25 PM
Th
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9:06 AM -0.9
7:20 AM Rise 8:12 AM
2
High
5:48 PM 1.6
5:46 PM Set 7:33 PM
37 27 17 9
3 0 0
The Island Moon T-Shirts The Island Looks Good On You!
Get yours for only $10.95 plus shipping and handling. Shirts come in grey or white short sleeve T-Shirts sizes L. XL and XXL. Tank Tops come in Aqua and White in sizes Medium and Large. To order by phone, call 361-949-7700. To order by mail please send your checks made payable to: J. Park The Island Moon, 14493 S.P.I.D., PMB 220, Corpus Christi, Tx 78418.
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Sexton promises that you will learn quickly and be playing songs in no time. Previously he played the guitar and other instruments for years until a fateful day in 2010 when he discovered the ukulele in Hawaii of all places. He heard a uke group playing and instantly became hooked. Within two days he purchased a nice tenor uke or maybe it is he married his tenor uke. Joe eagerly welcomes beginners and advanced players to uke club sessions and promises that you will be playing a tune or two within the first hour. How is that for a guarantee?
Guitar Background Raised in the tundra of Wisconsin, Joe had plenty of time during the winter to play the guitar in bands during his high school years. His love of the guitar has now spanned an incredible 50 years and over the years he expanded his repertoire of instruments. He has played in various bands throughout his life, balancing music interests with varied, successful business ventures and his marriage. Music flows melodically through his veins as does helping others. Joe’s ever-present smile is inviting and his friendly demeanor puts people at ease quickly, unquestionably a valuable trait for teachers to have. Joe remembered, “I started playing the guitar when I was 8 years old until the guitar teacher went out of business”. Back then he rented a guitar for $3.00 a month. But misfortune continued when the guitar broke. “I was carrying the guitar and slipped in the snow and fell on top of the guitar. It broke into small pieces”, Joe admitted. All was not lost as Joe’s father bought him a Kent Guitar and Joe took more lessons. According to Joe, his big moment in music occurred in 6th grade when he played before his school. “In front of my 6th grade class I played ‘Snoopy and the Red Barron’ and ‘I am a Believer’”, Joe recalled. “I was hooked after that”. Though Joe did not play music in high school or college classes, he did have tremendous musical influence from his mother who played the piano. She introduced him to many styles and genres of music, broadening his experiences and appreciation. He subsequently formed his own bands, one of them called ‘The Psychotic Illusion’ (1967/1968), where he played rock. Ah, the sixties. An avid fan of all types of music, Joe admitted that his favorites are Rag Time, Tin Pan Alley, and Classic Rock on the uke. He effortlessly moves from song to song, in tune, on time and with an expression that glows with his love of music.
Joe Adds the Banjo In addition to playing the guitar for 50 years, Joe has played the banjo for 30 years, the tenor banjo for 25 years and the 5 string banjo for 10 years. He has only played the uke for 3 years, but to listen to him play is to listen to a budding master. He loved the banjo because as he shared, “Banjo music is happy and upbeat. No sad songs. It is bright and happy and people love it”. But now the tenor uke is the constant companion that he happily plays.
Music as an Escape Music has always been an escape for him and throughout all of his careers and professions, music has been his loyal companion. Joe spent most of working life in corporate America. He offered, “ I used music to put the craziness behind me. It was a stress reliever. It was relaxation”. Sexton has been a business owner, mortgage banker, florist and most recently (in his retirement) he graduated from The Barber Academy. He intends to have his tenor uke alongside his shears and clippers at his barbershop on the island. He promises a sharp cut and some sharp tunes.
Founding the Cheez Land Uke Band Sexton also used music every day to meet people in Wisconsin. After he fell in love with the uke, he was sure that people could learn to play it quickly and with confidence. He wanted to give that gift to the public. He eventually founded the very successful Cheez Land Uke Band in Lacrosse. http://www.cheezlandukeband.com/
Clutching his ever-present tenor ukelele, Sexton discusses the Padre Island Uke Club. Bringing the Uke to the Island Currently, he plays uke wherever he goes – hotels, the car, the beach. He helps teach people on the spot and helps them make music. At the same time he plays throughout the area, he meets new people and learns about them and their community. He concluded that it would be a great idea to begin a uke band or club here on the island just as he had done in Lacrosse, Wisconsin. Tenaciously holding to his goal of helping people learn and play music while staunchly enjoying the benefit of a group, Joe claimed that his goal in starting a uke club on the island is, “to provide a musical outlet for people who like to make their own songs. I want to teach as many people who want to learn”. The club will allow all levels of musicians an outlet to socialize, LEARN, and play various genres of music together. Not only is learning the uke fairly easy, but it sounds great. Joe added, “You can play every kind of music with the ukulele”. Beginners and advanced players alike can find thousands of tunes chorded for uke online. Joe opened a book that he had handed me minutes earlier. We chatted and I picked up one of my own ukes. Soon at Joe’s urging we were playing a few pieces together. I looked back at Joe and saw his wide smile as he strummed away.
Come One, Come all – Any Age, Any Skill Level In case people are interested in joining the Padre Island Uke Club but are nervous because of their age or lack of experience, Joe instantly anticipated and dispelled such thinking. Sexton is an excellent, experienced uke teacher using proven methods of teaching beginners quickly. With a mammoth library of songs he has been able to teach beginners and novices from 5 to 85 years of age how to play a song in one evening. Beginners will learn a handful of basic chords that will enable them to play amazingly well. Smiles beam and confidence brims as beginners quickly ‘get the hang of it’. Some will no doubt become permanently hooked. To learn more about the Padre Island Ukulele Club or if you have questions, then check out the following link: http://www.padreislandukeclub. com/ The club will start on Tuesday, January 7th at 13958 Man O War Ct, Corpus Christi 78418. Hours are 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. The uke club will meet every Tuesday evening. Beginning ukulele players meet from 6 to 7. More experienced players meet from 7 to 8. The cost of $3.00 per session is very minimal and goes towards purchasing music, stands, and other supplies. Club members will also be able to use part of Joe’s extensive music library as they quickly find themselves learning and wanting more difficult music. He will have an experienced assistant with him to help offer one on one instruction. Dust off your uke, make sure it is strung and take it with you on January 7th when you attend the Initial meeting (charter member?) of the Padre Island Uke Club. If you do not have a uke but want to attend, then contact Joe in advance so that he can try to arrange to have an instrument for you to play that night. As Joe smartly suggested – it will change your life. Welcome to the island Joe. Islanders – start your strumming! I’ll see you there.
We now have Gluten Free Pizza!
Under the Bridge Serving South Texas Seafood for Over 30 Years Open Daily 11:00 - 10:00 AlsoScoopy’s Veranda With Sweet Treats, Soups, Salads & Sandwiches
Snoopy’s Scoopy’s
(361) 949-8815 (361) 949-7810
13313 S. Padre Island Drive Corpus Christi, TX 78418
LIVE MUSIC
South Texas Grassroots Bluegrass Band Starting Nov. 24th 6-9pm
♥ Reservations Recommended ♥
Lunch Specials Monday
Unlimited Spaghetti Salad
6.50
Tuesday
9 inch Sub for 6 inch Price
6.50
Wednesday Thursday
Pasta Menu Full Order for 1/2 order price Salad with a 6-inch Sandwich & Drink
6.50
Friday
Unlimited Dinner Salad
5.99
Hours: Mon- Thurs 11 AM - 9:30 PM Fri - Sat 11 AM - 10 PM Sun 5-9:30 PM 15370 SPID (Just south of Whitecap) 949-7737
December 26, 2013
Island Moon
A7
Schlitterbahn continued from A1 decades. The completion of Aquarius Street from Whitecap to Commodores has been on the planning table since the 1970s and was finally completed in early 2013. It provides a second north/south thoroughfare which is fast becoming a necessity as 2013 saw the completion of more than one hundred new Island homes with more still on the way. With the new street and increasing number of vehicles has come problems with more and faster traffic. The Island has already experienced three power outages as drivers going too fast on the Aquarius Extension have hit the utility pole there and knocked out power. As the end of the year approaches fast drivers have brought about the installation of speed tables on old Aquarius and speed humps on Dasmarinas. Traffic, especially during peak summer months, became a major issue in 2013. The City of Port Aransas is addressing the problem with an expansion of SH 361 South of Port Aransas from Avenue G to Beach Access Road 1. The project will add a travel lane in each direction, 1.3 miles of center, left-turn lane, 1.5 miles of raised median, a sidewalk west of SH 361, a hike/bike trail east of SH 361 and a curb and gutter system. Work is expected to begin early next year. 2013 was the year when Corpus Christi lost its spot at the Fattest City in America. When it comes to obesity we’re no longer Number One. Then on a tranquil, chilly, overcast, Sunday afternoon in early January at Padre Island National Seashore a crowd gathered into the visitor’s center to witness the opening of a bottle with a Welsh’s Sparkling Grape Juice label which had washed up on the beach; messages in a bottle to mark the new Year. Anticipation built, as the letters were removed, slowly, methodically one by one as visitors gathered around as each letter was read.
Digging of Island canals began.
governmental groups lined up for their share of an anticipated $225 million payout from British Petroleum in the aftermath of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. As 2013 draws to a close they are still waiting as litigation continues. . Much of the money, both statewide and in Nueces County is expected to go to fisheries and hatcheries to help increase and maintain fish populations. By early summer the City of Corpus Christi had announced to Remove Three Firefighters from Island Service Area on The Island, there were then eight, was shelved after Islands
call for it to be even bigger yet.
Islander Tara Dyan was attacked on the beach near Packery Channel on the July 4th weekend. The case has not been solved.
Dredging Packery Channel and District 4 City Council Member Colleen McIntyre pushed back with the collective voice of 6200 registered Island voters Also during early summer plans were announced to place a new reef in 71 feet of water ten miles offshore from the mouth of the Packery Channel and by year’s end its genesis was in place. Anglers and divers now have a new destination and more offshore reefs are planned.
June also saw a violent boat accident in the Main Canal on North Padre Island as a boat ran headlong into a bulkhead, seriously injuring one of the occupants. Then in July, after a request from The Moon, the Nueces County Appraisal District released figures showing the total appraised value of Island property to be $1,681,973,541 for tax year 2013, up from $1,658,775,631 in 2012 (total property values in Nueces County are about $15 billion.). That figure was soon followed by an announcement from the Corpus Christi City Council that they were raising taxes by 10.6% and the Nueces County Commissioners Court
But 2014 finds Islanders still waiting on improvements to the Whitecap Wastewater Treatment Plant where the discharge has been found to be out of compliance with state laws more than twenty times since 2009. A new Ultraviolet Light treatment system at the plant located at the end of Whitecap is scheduled for 2014. After more than four decades of relying on a single water line to The Island 2013 saw the completion of plans and bidding for a second line to run parallel to the JFK Causeway and be in place by the end of 2014. The ISAC has pushed to keep the project on schedule through 2013 and barring unforeseen problems the 2013 will bear fruit in 2014.
But disappointment followed as It soon became apparent that the letters were probably written by a group of college students and set adrift January. 1, 2013, all on the same stationary. There was no Robinson Crusoe stranded out there; just a school project. But it was to be one of the few disappointments of 2013 – a year of things happening on The Island. 2013 will be remembered as the year that Schlitterbahn broke ground under fair skies and a brisk breeze in February before a gathered crowd of several hundred, putting to rest years of planning and speculation about whether the day would ever come. As winter turned to spring earth began to move, canals were dug, and the old Padre Isles Clubhouse was shut down and began to sprout new upper stories. Eventually expanding from 1700 square-feet to over 30,000, promising to become the gathering place The Island has never had.
The Texas Women Angler's Tournament
In November voters went to the polls to decide whether to dedicate $43 million to the downtown Destination Bayfront park; citywide 25,996 of 182,547 registered voters,14.24%, turned out to defeat the measure by a landslide. were not part of the original vote to approve the
Setting up for the first ever 4th of July Fireworks show on the Island
digging of Packery Channel in 2000; they were approved by a vote of the city council when the Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ) #2 in 2003. The zone captures property tax revenue from new construction inside the zone since that date.
Barefoot Mardi Gras Parade that a tax hike from that corner would means county taxes have gone up by 10.3% over the past three years. This tax hikes plus rising Island valuations are putting Island taxpayers at the crest of a rising tax burden unseen in the rest of Nueces County. Island voters will have their chance to respond as both city and county officials will face voters in November, 2014. Plans announced in mid-2013 to bring a CCPD patrol boat to the Island have run around as the year draws to a close. Islanders have raised their share of the funds for the boat, $25,000 from private donations, but as of this writing the police department has declined to provide officers for it. One of the few disappointments 2013 has send our way.
The Island Moon Artwalk celebrated its first year and will return in 2014.
Then in October visitor to Padre Island National Seashore found the gates locked for eight days due to the federal shutdown in Washington, leading to the move to stop the addition of the GLO land to the park.
In August the 4th Annual Paddle for Parkinson's Event went off from Billish Park with a record crowd. We look forward to next year as plans
2013 also saw dredging in Packery Channel to remove 45,000 cubic yards of sand left in the channel by Hurricane Ike. The sand was pumped onto Michael J. Ellis Beach which is now wider than it has been in decades.
Also in November Seashore Charter Schools announced expansion plans which include improvement to facilities at all three of their Island campuses.
Plans call for the addition of classroom space at Seashore Learning Center, adding a cafeteria at Seashore Middle Academy, and moving Seashore Early Childhood Center from its current location to the Learning Center Campus. All the additions are expected to be in place by the start of the 2015 school year. The first phase of the plan – construction of a 2000 square-foot cafeteria at the Middle Academy is scheduled to be open by the beginning of the school year in August, 2014.
All in all 2013 goes on the books as a banner year for The Island. If plans put in motion in 2013 come to fruition in 2014, the year ahead promises to be even better. We look forward to it.
Restaurant
& Wine Bar
Dredging was also done in the north end of the Island canal system to remove silt sand left there over several decades. It was the first dredging done in that area since the canals opening more than thirty years ago. The year just passed also saw a move to add 3680 acres of land owned by the Texas General Land Office to Padre Island National Seashore blocked due to fears of restricted beach access. As of this writing plan is in place, but not
Spring Break 2013 At the end of 2013 the new canals on the west side of SPID are dug, the landscaping is nearing completion, the wave pool is almost done, and the clubhouse is looking more and more like a finished product every day. The $50 million waterpark is scheduled for opening by summer 2013 and work is soon to begin on the east side of the highway and when finished will include a marina, retail, and residential space. The $8.1 million Water Exchange Bridge to connect the two sides of The Island is set to go to bids by spring of 2014 and be finished by the opening of the summer season in 2015. It will provide much-needed Gulf water to the Island canal system as well as boat, pedestrian, and cart passage across the east/west axis of The Island. It may be said that Spring Break in March, 2013 may have come in like a lamb but she went out like a lion as The Island saw the largest crowds in its history overwhelm Island roads and businesses and drive home the point that managing growth is the theme we take away from 2013. Spring Break, and later summer crowds, set records for the number of people who visited both Padre and Mustang Islands as
-SUNDAY BUBBLY BUBBLY ALL HALF PRICE!
Including: Mimosas, Champagne Cocktails and House Specialty Champagne Martinis 2013 was a good year for the Flour Bluff Hornet Football Team. finalized, to purchase the land from the state and place it in the hands of Nueces County for management. 2013 was also the year Flour Bluff ISD voters passed $48 Million in construction bonds, an Island Dog Park began taking shape, and the First Annual Island Blast! Fireworks Show took to Island skies. Islanders Jerry and Sharon Watkins came up with the idea in early January and by July 4 had raised more than $15,000. The show was a wild success and its future as Dwayne and Denise Ebert have adopted it as their fundraiser for the Barefoot Mardi Gras which has also quickly become a great Island tradition. The summer also saw the return of Brown Tide to Island waters with a vengeance.
Corpus Christi Reef was placed 10 miles offshore. well as the amount of money they left behind. Our beaches are full and Mother Nature isn’t making any more of them; 2013 will mark the year that reality hit home. In May a baby pygmy sperm whale beached itself about 50 miles down the National Seashore. The Texas Mammal Stranding Network found a seven-foot long, 200 pound whale; an anomaly for our shores. Meanwhile, a litany of Nueces County
Ed Buskey, a professor at the University of Texas Marine Science Center in Port Aransas, found extremely high salinity levels, 54 Parts Per Thousand, almost twice the levels of Gulf water, in the Laguna Madre. It is not something that happens every year and if we are lucky 2014 will not see a repeat. In June the Island Moon broke the story of a $500 million gas production plant coming to Harbor Island just across the ship channel from Port Aransas. But as 2013 draws to a close the planned $500 million facility is mired in controversy and the future of the northernmost end of Harbor Island is very much in doubt. 2014 should tell the tale.
-SUNDAY BRUNCH11:00 - 3:00 PM -MONDAYALL WINES 1/2 PRICE by the glass or by the bottle -THURSDAYMARTINI MADNESS! $6 executive martinis
$6
Wine Flights Every Day
361-749-2212
3500 Island Moorings Parkway at The Island Moorings Yacht Club & Marina in Port Aransas
www.labaratariarestaurantwinebar.com
HOURS
Monday, Thursday, Friday 4 pm - 10 pm Saturday Noon - 10 pm Sunday 11 am - 10 pm Closed Tuesday & Wednesday
A 8
Island Moon
Agents Offer Checklist for Texans Buying Health Insurance Inside or Outside the Exchange
With some progress being reported on repairs to Healthcare.gov, many consumers are moving forward with efforts to purchase coverage through the electronic marketplace. However, gaining access to the website may only be the beginning of an exercise that could leave many consumers uncertain about key details regarding the coverage they choose.
with their customers when assisting them in choosing coverage:
Mark Bellman, president of the Texas Association of Health Underwriters, offered this assessment of the dilemma that many consumers may experience: “So many consumers will be focused on the pricing of the coverage available and may not be taking the time to consider details that, if known, might cause them to make other selections. The cheapest deal may not be the best deal.”
3. Make sure the plan covers any medical services or benefits that you require as well as future health care needs you may have.
Bellman continued, “Questions like, ‘Is my current doctor included in the plan?’; ‘How much will my out-of-pocket expenses be?’; and ‘Will I be able to receive the same medications that I’m currently taking?’ are among an array of important details that most will want to know before making a choice. Many will discover, after it’s too late, that their doctor or preferred hospital are not in the networks of the plan they select.”
Bellman commented, “Many of the navigator organizations that the government is funding to assist consumer sign-up are recognized groups that make significant contributions to our society. While their efforts are wellintentioned, we may be placing an unrealistic burden on them given their lack of expertise and experience in providing counsel on coverage options and in managing sensitive personal data.”
Because of complications in using the website immediately following its rollout, consumers now have until December 23, 2013, to purchase policies that will take effect January 1, 2014. Overall enrollment for the year will end on March 31, 2014.
Reports of efforts to defraud consumers have led state and federal agencies, including the Federal Trade Commission, to warn consumers to be cautious in providing social security numbers, credit cards, bank accounts and other personal information to individuals purporting to be involved in assisting with insurance registration.
Members of the association that Bellman leads are working feverishly to help Texans meet the deadline and make the right choices at no charge to the consumer, a fact that many fail to realize, since agent commissions are paid by insurers. Bellman added, “The cost of purchasing a policy will be the same for a consumer that uses an agent as one that does not. The commissions an insurer expects to pay are already built into the cost of a plan, so the price inside or outside the Exchange is the same whether or not an agent is involved.” He continued, “Consumers are, in a way, leaving money on the table if they don’t seek the assistance of insurance professionals in shopping for coverage that best meets their needs and preferences.” Following is a brief checklist covering some of the considerations that health agents address
1. Check whether your doctor and hospital preferences are included in the plan’s network. 2. Check to determine what you will have to pay out-of-pocket on things like deductibles, co-pays, and possibly co-insurance.
4. Make sure the plan covers any prescriptions that you must take. 5. Ask about processing time and what will happen after you apply so you will know what to expect.
“Benefit advisers’ experience and insight are not the only reasons to seek their help. Health agents are required to meet strict statelevel exam-based licensing laws and annual continuing education requirements, as well as significant federal and state privacy, security and market conduct requirements,” Bellman stated.
December 26, 2013
Ethel Eyerly is back! Veterans info & DMC Computer Classes By Dotson Lewis dlewis1@stx.rr.com Dotson’s Note: Don’t stop here, in addition to the Ethel Eyerly update; there is important information for Veterans and their families and information about upcoming Del Mar College Senior Education computer classes. After being closed for about eight months for renovation, the Ethel Community Center (must have been renamed) in Flour Bluff is open and will resume daily activities soon. The meal service resumed Wednesday, December 18th. Please call by noon the day before to make your lunch reservations. As soon as the new daily activities schedule is available, it will be published in The Island Moon. The center’s phone number and address is shown below. ETHEL EYERLY COMMUNITY CENTER NUTRITIOUS MEALS SERVED For Persons Age 60 and Over AT 11:30 A.M. ($1.50 SUGGESTED MEAL DONATION)
Information for Texas Veterans Dotson’s note: We receive many questions regarding veterans’ benefits which are available to those residing in Texas. If you have any questions regarding any veterans programs and/or services, please contact the appropriate office listed below. If you have run into a brick wall or feel like you are getting the run-around, contact CPT Rene Coronado, US Army (R) Phone: 361-884-2222, Email: ReneCoronado@ mail.house.gov. Rene is Blake Farenthold’s Field Representative and is an expert “red tape cutter.”
Veterans Education Program Toll Free: 877-898-3833 Local: (512) 463-3168 education@tvc.texas.gov
Fund for Veterans’ Assistance (512) 463-1157 grants@tvc.texas.gov
Some of the benefits provided are: Claims Representation & Counseling, Veterans Employment Services, Veterans Education, Fund for Veterans’ Assistance, Veterans’ Preference & Military Service Credit, Contract Preferences, Free Recording of Discharges, Texas Veterans Land Board Programs, Texas State Veterans Cemeteries, Texas State Veterans Homes, Specialty License Plates, Parking Placards & Registration of Vehicles for Disabled Veterans, Parking Privileges for Certain Veterans, Free Drivers License for Disabled Veterans, Fishing & Hunting Licenses, No Cost Medical Records, Concealed Handgun License Fees, State Park Admission, “Taps For Vouchers” Program and Property Tax Exemption.
Dotson’s 2nd note: All Veterans and Veterans families, if you have comments, questions, concerns or can’t seem to get a straight answer, please call or Email. Phone: 361-949-768; Email: dlewis1@stx.rr.com
Del Mar College Senior Education Computer Classes
The Texas Veterans Commission is a State agency created to serve Texas Veterans, their dependents or survivors in all matters pertaining to veterans’ benefits and rights.
“It would seem to be a bit of a no-brainer on whether to engage a trained professional at no cost to offer guidance on a decision of this importance,” he added.
Over 250 skilled counselors in 75 cities provide one-on-one guidance to Veterans and their families to ensure they get the maximum benefits they have earned.
Bellman concluded, “We just want consumers to understand we’re here to provide peace of mind with their enrollment decisions at no charge to them.”
Assistance is provided to Veterans in obtaining state and federal benefits such as disability compensation, pension, Islander Dick Derr-Instructor assisting a student in a recent DMC Senior Education Computer employment, education and training.
Individuals wanting to locate a health agent in their area may do so at www.tahu.org.
For information about how the Texas Veterans Commission can help you and your family go to www.tvc.texas.gov
Dee-Scoveries continued from A1 were interested in the Lydia Ann Channel Lighthouse but it found a series of private owners. The current owner is Charles Butt, president of the HEB grocery store chain.
Contact Information State Headquarters PO Box 12277 Austin, Texas 78711-2277 (512) 463-5538 info@tvc.texas.gov
Claims Representation & Counseling
If you’ve been out at sea, you know what it’s like to try to travel with no landmarks, no points of reference. Even being within sight of land isn’t always a help. The Texas Gulf coastline was considered so devoid of distinguishing features that in 1853 when the US Congress first explored the construction of a lighthouse at Aransas Pass one of the surveyors described the 400-mile shoreline as a “coast where there is so much sameness as to make it almost impossible to distinguish one place from another.” The lighthouse offered navigational guidance by day as well as night. Its light can be seen as far away as 18 miles. The lantern at the top of the 68-foot brick tower contains a fourth order Fresnel lens. There are six orders based on size and focal length; “fourth” is an intermediate size. The lens is constructed of separate sections mounted in a frame which makes it thinner and lighter than one formed from a single flat sheet. Upper and lower prisms catch all the light of a 300-watt bulb and direct it into the middle magnifying segment. Such a system was considered state of the art for lighthouses as recently as the middle of the 20th century. During the Civil War both the Union and the Confederacy sought to control the pass and the Lydia Ann Channel light. Shortly after the conflict began the light was removed from the lantern room
Senior Moments
(512) 463-6564 omfp@tvc.texas.gov
Veterans Employment Services (512) 463-5538 VetJobs@tvc.texas.gov
Class
The following Del Mar College Senior Education Computer classes are tentatively scheduled for the spring 2014 Semester. If you would like to attend a class or volunteer to be an instructor, please call/Email Dotson
Phone: 361-949-7681 Email: dlewis1@stx. rr.com
Beginning Computers Monday-Wednesday-Friday
8:30-11:30 AM- January 6, 8, 10, 13, 15, 17, 20 (21 hours)
Windows 7 Monday-Wednesday- Friday
8:30-11:30 AM-January 22, 24, 27, 29, 31; February 3, 5 (21 hours)
Introduction to the Internet
8:30-11:30 AM-February 7, 10, 12, 14, 17, 19, 21 (21 hours)
Seminars-
iPhones-iPads: 8:30-11:30 AM-Tuesday & Thursday; January 7 & 9 (6 hours) Tablets (Galaxy & (Windows 8 & etc.)
etc.)-Smart
Phones
8:30-11:30 AM-Tuesday & Thursday; January 14 & 16 (6 hours)
Social Networking (Instant Messaging, Face Book, Texting, Tweeting) and hidden in the marshlands behind the tower to keep it safe. It has never been found and its whereabouts remain a mystery to this day. Control of the tower shifted between the two sides. On Christmas Day, 1862, a Confederate general ordered that the tower be destroyed and explosives demolished the top 20 feet and much of the circular staircase inside. By the next year, the Union had taken control of the island. After the war, the state of Texas saw to the lighthouse’s repair. A new lens was installed in 1865. It was removed when the lighthouse was decommissioned. The one in place now is a smaller lens purchased by the lighthouse’s private owner. The week before Christmas 2013 I had the rare chance to tour the Lydia Ann Channel Lighthouse. Keeper of the lighthouse, Rick Reichenbach, contributed a tour-for-four as a silent auction prize for the Wings 2013 “Latitude with an Attitude” fundraiser to help raise money for the Animal Rehabilitation Keep. I was fortunate enough to know the folks who placed the winning bid. I was invited along on the tour and got a chance to see the light. Because it’s privately owned, you can’t tour the tower but you can see the lens that served the lighthouse for nearly 100 years at the Port Aransas Museum, 101 E. Brundrett St. in Port Aransas. Museum hours are from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. I’ll see you there.
8:30-11:30 AM-Tuesday & Thursday; January 21 & 23 (6 hours) We hope to see you in class.
December 26, 2013
Holiday Heart Attacks More Likely to Prove Fatal
Island Moon
600 Turn Out for Cold Stunned Turtle Release
A9
The holidays can be a happy time of connecting with friends and family. But all of that hustle and bustle, combined with too much good food and cold weather, can lead to a holiday heart attack. A study published in the Journal Circulation showed that cardiac arrest-related deaths increase by 5 percent during the holidays, with spikes on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Dr. Julie Fomenko, Clinical Assistant Professor at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi’s School of Nursing and Health Sciences, says it is a combination of things that cause this trend. People will ignore symptoms because they don’t want to disrupt the holidays or they think they just over indulged in food and drink. Fomenko says another factor could be weather around the holidays. Cold weather causes blood vessels to constrict, which raises blood pressure, and makes your heart work harder. Dr. Donna Shaver and friends from the Padre Island National Seashore, the ARK, Texas Sea Life Center, and U.S. Coast Guard released 108 cold stunned turtles on Maliquite Beach last Thursday.
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More than 600 people turned out to watch the release of the turtles found cold stunned in the inland waters of the Coastal Bend of Texas during the last few weeks. The surf release enables them to disperse into the warmer waters of the Gulf of Mexico.
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