Section a for web 2

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Inside the Moon

Moon on a Spoon A6

On the Rocks A7

Winter Texan Roundup A13

Sports A8

The

Issue 612

Island Moon

The voice of The Island since 1996

January 7, 2016

The only Island in Texas where Santa wears shorts and flip flops.

Around The Island By Dale Rankin editor@islandmoon.com We made it through to the other side everybody. The holidays are behind us, the great weather is back, at least for now, and the JFK Causeway will soon be sagging from the weight of RVs piloted by Winter Texans fleeing the Great White North. Islanders living along the waterfront on our little sandbar have noticed that the winter tides this year have been abnormally high. While the tide charts have shown fluctuations of around a foot that incoming water is on top of the extra foot or so that is already here. We are used to wide tidal fluctuations in the winter, due to windblown tides but this is the first time in memory when the water has come in and stayed as long as it has this season. In the days before Al Gore invented the Internet, when The Island was the best ranchland in America (no fences needed, plenty of good grass and water) the ranchers crossed their cattle in the winter on a sandbar that ran from a spot near the end of what is now Whitecap across the Laguna Madre to Flour Bluff. We had some low-water days right before the New Year when that would have been possible, but for the most part those cattle would have to do some swimming to make the crossing this season.

UBER gap We get regular inquiries here about the absence of ride-hailing outfits UBER and LYFT on The Island and in Corpus Christi in general. When Islanders travel to other American cities and use the companies they wonder why we don’t have them available here on The Island. We have written about this before and the short answer is that our city doesn’t appear to want them. While most cities in Texas now have rules in place for drivers ours has been mute on the subject. The city of San Antonio has been the bell cow in Texas in the debate over the main point of contention which is background checks for drivers. They split the baby by passing rules which do not require drivers to have a fingerprint background check but give the customer the option of only using drivers which have had the check; a practical market-driven solution to the problem. Austin is now going to require fingerprint checks and both companies say as a result they will leave the city. Houston has gone the other way and even provides a designated space at their airport for ride-hailing services.

Free

Weekly

FREE

New Law Requires Boat Operators Under the Age of 23 to Have Certification Card

Photo by Miles Merwin

Port Aransas Barefoot Mardi Gras Kickoff Party Plastic Bag Ban January 12 at Mikel Mays in Place

By Dale Rankin It is now illegal for anyone under the age of twenty-three to operate a boat on Texas waters with a motor of more than fifteen horsepower, a sailboat over fourteen feet, or a jet ski without first passing a boater safety education class. The IAW Water Safety Act passed by the 2015 legislature, which took effect September 1, 2015, requires a boat operator to take a state-approved boater education class. The new law is an expansion on a previous law, still in effect, which requires teens between the ages of 13 and 18 to have documentation of a successfully completed, state approved boater education class, or an adult (over 18 years of age) on board any watercraft they are operating, including a jet ski, or to have the same boater safety training required by the new law for operators born after September 1, 1993. “The idea is to create a safer environment on the water by making sure that everyone operating a watercraft has a basic understanding of the skills, rules, and regulations,” said, TPWD instructor Chuck Pendlyshok who is teaching classes on The Island. “Even for boaters over

Boater Education A8

Help kick off Barefoot Mardi Gras at the Kick Off Party at 5:30pm on January 12, 2016 at Mikel Mays on Bob Hall Pier! Admission will be $7.77. Food will be provided and drinks available. A Silent Auction will offer fun deals from around As of January 1 plastic bags are now banned in the City of Port Aransas. The Port Aransas City Council approved the move last year with the effective date of January 1 Shoppers in Port Aransas will have the choice of either requesting their purchase to be placed in paper bags or they will need to bring their own reusable bags. Some businesses may also have reusable bags available at checkout counters. The use of single-use plastic bags will still be permitted for bait and seafood purchases, as well as for raw foods such as meat or fruit and vegetables. Violations carry fines up to $500 for each offense. The City of Corpus Christi currently does not have a ban on single-use plastic bags.

Update on Island projects

Water Exchange Bridge and New Island Traffic Light

By Dale Rankin

The documents required by the Texas Department of Transportation for the construction of a water exchange bridge on SPID between Commodores and Whitecap are in place, a public hearing on the project is expected by the end of February, and plans for construction and funding of the bridge will go to the Corpus Christi City Council by the end of January, according to information provided by city staff to the Island Strategic Action Committee in its

regular meeting Tuesday night.

Public comment on the project closed in late 2015 and according to city staffers each of the questions raised has been addressed by city planners who are now waiting for final word from TxDot so a public hearing which requires a thirty-day notice can be scheduled.

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It’s time to get serious about floats and costumes for Barefoot Mardi Gras as the parade is now only five weekends away. It’s time to get your beads on folks. We’ll see you there and in the meantime say hello if you see us Around The Island.

Meet and Greet for Islanders

All Islanders are invited to attend an island United Political Action Committee Meet and Greet on January 13th beginning at 6:30 PM at the Island Italian Restaurant. This is the third in a series of Meet and Greets provided to inform Islanders about what is happening in our governments and school districts. Joe Kelly from the Flour Bluff Independent School District will

Aquarius canal no matter what the day's climate! At 1:16 on New Year's Day, residents of Jackfish and the surrounding streets jumped from their docks for a very, very brief swim in the 52-degree water on a 45-degree windy and rainy day. Insanity reigns on our Island! Jason Towns

Also featured on the venue will be Guy Watts from Del Mar College who will inform us about the latest happenings at Del Mar. Plan to attend and learn more about what is happening and take time to chat with these representatives.

Impressive Line-up of Classics By Brent Rourk It was straight out of American Graffiti, except the actors were more mature; at least a few years past the youthful escapades comically portrayed in the movie. One of that movie’s great messages was the place of the automobile in American culture in the 1950s and 60s.

sample of their history and beauty. Adra Campbell, one of the founding members of the PIACC along with her husband Bob-O, stated, “We have only been in existence for two months and there were 9 cars in attendance from Island residents. More car owners are planning to attend the next Cruise-In.”

Cars continued on A3

A little Island history

A red beauty drew looks at the Cruise-In.

Many Islanders know of the annual Jackfish Christmas Street party and hundreds attend whether they live on Jackfish or hail from a hundred miles away. However, the Jackfish New Year’s party always seems to be much less popular... Maybe it's because at the latter celebration, you're expected to join in an Auld Lang Syne plunge into the Old

share, along with the CFO, the current status of FBISD including progress on the bond issue and other recent developments.

Padre Island Antique Car Club Shows at Sonic

Jackfish Polar Bear Plunge

Pictured here are-- in no particular order: Andy, Darian, Jason & Shamay Mansfield, Zach Zarbock, Mike & Jody Dunne, Andy Musfeldt, Terry & Sally Palmer, Jason & Lisa Towns, Joseph Saenz, Matt Jimenez, and Polar Bear Plunge Party hosts Charlie & Kelly Lohr.

For additional information email to barefootmardigras@yahoo.com

By Brent Rourk

Projects continued on A14

Barefoot Mardi Gras

the Island and Corpus Christi. All proceeds will benefit Big Brother Big Sisters of Nueces County and the Island Foundation Schools.

IUPAC Presents FBISD and Del Mar Speakers

Design plans call for the bridge, at a projected cost of $10.5 million, to feature three arches of about 40

The debate on ride-hailing companies in Corpus Christi has yet to begin so as things now stand, for better or worse, the nascent ride-call industry trying to take hold OTB does not look like it will become robust enough any time soon to provide comprehensive and reliable service to The Island.

Barefoot Mardi Gras

Live Music A16

Padre Island Real Estate Sales 2015

By Cindy Molnar Coldwell Banker

Racing hot rods, beefed up cars, chrome clad classics, and the automakers’ best proudly paraded down most Main Streets in America while providing freedom and movement to our youth. It was a new phenomenon wildly enjoyed by youth, and the ways the old cars were used defied imagination.

• 106 Waterfront Homes Sold Between $228,000-$1,250.00 Average Sales Price $428,317

The car industry changed as did our culture, becoming used to the automobile, perhaps taking it for granted. But along with the memories of classic and antique cars, there still exists man beauties on the Island and the Padre Island Antique Car Club (PIACC) is making every effort to preserve those classics and to show them off like they did at their CruiseIn on Saturday, December 26th at Sonic on the Island.

Average Sales Price $199,203

Lined up as they might have been in the 1960s, a dozen colorful antique automobiles owned by Islanders in the PIACC offered visitors a

• 152 Interior Lot Homes Sold Between $136,000-$485,000 Average Sales Price $253,136 • 86 Waterfront Condominiums/ Townhomes Between from $40,000-$385,000 • 58 Interior Condominiums/ Townhomes Between $60,000$290,000 Average Sales Price $162,287 • 17 Waterfront Lots Sold Between $117,500-$325,000 Average Sales Price $197,888 • 74 Interior Lots Sold Between $27,500-$210,000 Average Sales Price $46,734


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January 7, 2016

Island Moon

The Travelling Moon Gets Around

The Island Moon travelled to Fairbanks, Alaska and went dog sledding with Fred and Lyn Edler at Chena Hot Springs Resort.

For the past five years we have been coming to the Island and have enjoyed reading the Island Moon. This past November we took a Eastern Caribbean cruise and took the Moon with us. I have attached a few photos of our stops. Happy New Year! Dave and Debbie Nowicki

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The Island Moon went to North Pole, Alaska and saw the ice sculpture park with Islanders Fred and Lyn Edler and Robby and Thelma Coggin.

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Barefoot Mardi Gras February 6, 2016

Calendar of Events Kick Off Party - January 12, 2016 @ Mikel Mays Fat Friday Party – January 29, 2016 – 6pm @ The Boathouse Parade – 11am The Beach Between Whitecap & Briscoe King Pavilion Festival – 11am-5pm – Briscoe King Pavilion King & Queens Ball – 7pm-12am – The Veranda at Schlitterbahn

www.barefootmardigras.com


January 7, 2016

Island Moon

Moon Monkeys Mike Ellis, Founder

Letters to the Editor

Distribution

Anniversary

Pete Alsop Island Delivery Coldwell Banker Advertising Jan Park Rankin Classifieds Arlene Ritley Production Manager Jeff Craft Contributing Writers Joey Farah Andy Purvis Devorah Fox

On December 23rd we were pleased to see our good friend's occasion of their 60th wedding anniversary featured on the front page in an interesting article in The Island Moon. What a beautiful memory! How often do we hear that someone's marriage has lasted for sixty years? The happy couple's family came from all over the U.S. to celebrate with them. We couldn't pass up the opportunity though to request that the spelling of their name be corrected. The spelling is Joe and Ginny Vitale, not Vitzle as was written.Thank you in advance for correcting the faux pas. We appreciate you at the Moon and wish you a prosperous new year.

Mary Craft Maybeth Christiansen

Happy 60th Anniversary Ginny and Joe! May you enjoy many more years of wedded bliss and blessings.

Jay Gardner Todd Hunter

Islander Friends

Dotson Lewis Ronnie Narmour

Editor’s note: You are correct. A couple of issues back we ran a story on the 60th anniversary of Islanders Joe and Ginny Vitale and we butchered their last name so badly they probably wouldn’t have known the story was about them except for the accompanying photo. If we could find someone else to blame it on we probably would but, alas, it was us.

Brent Rourk Dr. Donna Shaver Photographers Miles Merwin Jeff Dolan Mary Craft Ronnie Narmour Office Security/Spillage Control (Emeritus) Riley P. Dog

Publisher Dale Rankin About the Island Moon

The Island Moon is published every Thursday, Dale Rankin, Editor / Publisher.

News articles, photos, display ads, classified ads, payments, etc. may be left at the Moon Office.

The Island Moon Newspaper 14646 Compass, Suite 3 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

Coffee Waves

Whataburger

Moby Dicks

Doc’s Restaurant

Spanky’sLiquor

Snoopy’s Pier

IGA Grocery Store

Isle Mail N More

Carter Pharmacy

Brooklyn Pie Co.

San Juan’s Taqueria

Ace Hardware

Wash Board Laundry Mat

Texas Star (Shell)

Island Italian

Holiday Inn Jesse’s Liquor

Public Library

Scuttlebutt’s Restaurant

Chamber of Commerce

Island Tire

Duckworth Antiques

And all Moon retail advertisers

Back Porch

WB Liquor

Subway

Shorty’s Place

Flour Bluff

Giggity’s

H.E.B.

Gratitude Gift Shop Keepers Pier House Port A Glass Studio The Gaff

Liquid Town Whataburger on Waldron Ethyl Everly Senior Center Fire Station Police Station Stripes on Flour Bluff & SPID

2016 Happy New Year! The tradition this Friday is to make resolutions, but only a very small portion of those resolutions are actually carried through. A book I recently read (Five by Dan Zadra) talked about how nearly eighty percent of Americans say that they don't have goals. Sixteen percent say they have goals, but don't write them down, and fewer than four percent actually write down their goals. Less than one percent write down their goals and look back on them regularly, and (non-coincidentally) those are the people who strive for and achieve greatness. The new year is a great new beginning for some people, but after the first few weeks of January, that enthusiasm seems to wear off; the gyms begin to lose their crowds, and a lot of people fall back into their previous routines. Writing your 2016 resolutions down and reviewing them daily will strengthen your drive. Take baby steps. Also, get a friend with similar interests involved in a friendly competition or even a team effort to reach that goal--having someone to push you along will provide a lot of motivation. Simple actions like these will surely make your resolutions, and 2016, a success. If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions, email me at PadreIslandTeen@ gmail.com.

Jake

Texas Windstorm Insurance Association Revisions to Dwelling and Commercial Policies The Texas Windstorm Insurance Association has submitted new mandatory endorsements for its dwelling and commercial insurance policies to the Texas Department of Insurance for approval. The endorsements add storm doors to the list of items in the "Property Not Covered" section of the policies.

Did Ya Hear?

by Mary Craft mkay512@aol.com or @padreeyelander on twitter

Business Briefs New Advertisers Zoe’s Ribs is a new food truck that will start serving meals on Friday, January 8th at the Pelican Plaza parking lot at 6 pm. Raggdoll Boutique & Raggdoll Boutique, Too are having a January sales event with 25% off sweaters January 8 – 14, 25% off boots and shoes January 15 – 21 and 25% off dresses and jewelry January 22 – 31. They are located at 124 E Avenue G in Port A and 14457 SPID.

Business Briefs Island Shuttle Service provided by Elite Limo is now available on the Island on Fridays and Saturdays 7 pm - 3 am at a cost of $3 one way to and from an Island locations. There will be a vehicle on the Island during these hours so there should be only a 5 – 10 minute wait. Call them at 850-0633 and be sure you let them know you heard about them in the Moon! The Night at the Races hosted by the Padre Island Rotary will be held at the Veranda Restaurant on Friday, January 22nd at 6 pm. Actual horse races will be shown on the TVs and you can bet on a horse with the funny money you receive as you enter. The cost is $35 and includes dinner. Tickets are available at the Veranda. The Angry Marlin Restaurant & CoolWater Bar is very close to opening – they are just waiting for their liquor license paperwork to go through. The Barefoot Mardi Gras Kickoff Party will be held at Mikel Mays on Bob Hall Pier on Tuesday, January 12th at 5:30 pm. Admission will be $7.77 and food will be provided. There will be a silent auction with fun deals from around the Island and in town.

Dale: I enjoyed your article about my experiences and wanted to add some things. First, I would never do something as plebian as eat from a CRATE! I eat from a custom-made high chair that dad made for me. Three times a day I sit up, eat and drink, then remain sitting for 20-30 minutes while my parents love on me. I do this because I have diffuse esophageal dismotility,which means the muscles that are supposed to move my food from my throat to my stomach don't work, so I have to let gravity do the job. Otherwise, I would probably die. I've had it since I was two, so maybe it's not from the lead poisoning. One thing though: my parents don't give me hot dogs; so if any of Riley P.Dog's supporters want to send me some, they can do so at Riley's former drop spot. They can just mark the package, "These are not hot dogs and they are not for Jake T. Dog." Second, I don't think my parents were clear about how grateful they are for the support that has saved my life three times now. Dr Christi Kresser, our talented island vet, has worked with me all my life, including on nights and weekends. She even gave me a fecal transplant (yes, it's as gross as it sounds) from her own dog one weekend in an attempt to control the inflammatory bowel disease that nearly killed me the third time. When that didn't work, she called A&M to get me into the ER and greased the skids for me. Her wonderful staff treats me like the prince that I am. I am almost ready to forgive Dr. Christi for removing my (ahem) doghood. Dr Ray Trimmier of the Loop 410 Vet Hospital in San Antonio is also my neighbor here on the island. He has spent hours of his personal time to help me decipher the tons of lab work that's been done on me, and offered lots of research, advice and personal contacts that have made a huge difference for me. I would not be here if it weren't for him.

North Padre CVS

Stripes @ Cotter & Station

But things worked out and the Vitzle’s have been Islanders for 20 years now and celebrated their anniversary with a table full of Island friends Saturday night.

Port A Arts

A Mano

Woody’s Sports Center

“Even then there was nowhere else in the country where you could get a beachfront condo for $50,000.” Ginny said. “Then hallway home Joe said, ‘You realize we just bought a condo and we don’t even know how to get back to the place’!”

WB Liquors

All Stripes Stores

Port A Parks and Rec

Islanders Ginny and Joe Vitale celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary at Cancun Restaurant last week. The story of Ginny and Joe’s arrival on The Island is a common one among folks who arrived here mostly by accident and bought a residence on their first visit; in their case they attended an auction where they bought a condo for $50,000.

Sandpiper Condos

Stripes @ Beach Access Rd. 1A

By Elizabeth Clark

After 60 years Ginny and Joe deserve better. So we run the story here a second time in hopes of doing better so they can have a copy with their names spelled correctly. We sincerely apologize for our error and wish Ginny and Joe sixty more.

Happy 60th Anniversary!

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.

Padre Island Teen

The doctors and staff at Texas A&M have now saved my life twice: once with the IBD and now with this flesh-eating thing (necrotizing fasciitis) that you wrote about . I cannot describe how well they treated me and my parents from the moment we entered the ER until well after discharge. We Texans are fortunate to have such a facility. Go Aggies! Finally, thanks to my support staff (neighbors) who spoil me rotten (which I richly deserve) and shower me with love, affection and presents (which I also richly deserve). Hanging out at Ray's Garage and making everyone laugh are the high points of my day. Should any of my staff want to send hot dogs to Riley's drop spot, I promise I won't share them with stoopid cats. I look forward to getting back to the beach to protect you all from all those stoopid birds! Stinkin' birds!

Boater Education classes will be held at the Padre Balli Administration Building on Saturdays January 23rd, February 20th and March 19th 8:30 am – 3:30 pm. The class is now required for anyone under age 23. The cost is $20 and classes are expected to fill up quickly. For more info call 443-4426 or email windlinetexas@gmail.com. Christmas tree recycling will be held Saturday January 16th 9 am – 3 pm at the POA office 14015 Fortuna Bay Drive, Flour Bluff High School gym parking lot and the Walmart in the Bluff. La Playa Mexican Grille in Port A has a buy one entrée and get a second one free coupon on Ronnie’s Three Chords & the Truth page in this issue. The 20th Annual Whooping Crane Festival will be held February 25 – 28 and is headquartered at the Port Aransas Civic Center. You can now register for field trips at www.whoopingcranefestival.org. They recommend early registration because the tours fill up quickly. The fee is $20. Last weekend an elderly gentleman, who is an Island Whataburger regular, walked into the restaurant and gave each of the employees and the customers there a $100 bill. What-aGuy! Latest rumor I heard – there is a brewery going in on NAS Drive. The Litter Critter will be at the end of Whitecap near the wastewater treatment plant on Saturday, January 9th 7 am – 4 pm.

Cars continued from A1 With a host of classic cars and servers blasting around the Sonic on their roller skates, it was like a moment from the past, when youngsters cruised to the drive-ups for those new, popularized culinary treats; hamburgers, fries, and shakes. It was a place to socialize and show off their wheels. If you missed the last Cruise-In, then know that they will be a regular event here on the Island, especially as the club grows and more Islanders want to take a step back in time. People interested in joining the club or in attending any of their events should contact Adra and Bob-O Campbell at piaccarclub@aol.com. Last week’s Cruise-In classics included: A purple Willy (Norm Baker), ‘68 Shelby Mustang (Cheryl Byma), ’57 Chevy Bellaire “Miss Betty” (Jim Byma), ’31 Ford Model A Tudor Sedan “Bessie” (Bob-0 and Adrea Campbell), ’76 MGB (Georgia and William Consterdine), T-Bucket (Cheryl and Eric Gray), 1940s Red Pick-up (Irene and Skip Kretschmar), ’75 MGB (Dave and Isabella Vann), and a ’60 MG Coupe (John and Suzie Watson).

Jake T. Dog (aka Lucky)

TDI will post the notice on its website and in the Texas Register. The submission is available for review in the Office of the Chief Clerk. You may comment on the submission or may request a hearing on the notice within 20 days after notice is posted. http://www.tdi.texas.gov/submissions/ indextwia.html For more information, contact TDI's Public Information Office by email at MediaRelations@tdi.texas.gov.

Send Letters to editor@islandmoon.com Or Facebook:

TheIslandMoonNewspaper

A3

Winter Texans making crafts- find out more on A13


A4

January 7, 2016

Island Moon

STATE

Club News

Look at the Interim Committee Charges for the 2016 Interim By Todd Hunter, District 32

practices to ensure coordination between municipalities, counties, and state agencies.

I wanted to follow up from last week's article to discuss some of the recently announced interim charges for the 2016 interim. As you may know, the Texas Legislature meets during odd-numbered years for 140 days. While the governor may call a special session or sessions, the interim is a critical part of the process that determines some of the agenda for the next upcoming session. The Speaker of the House, Joe Straus, has released a list of interim committee charges for the standing committees of the Texas House of Representatives. These charges can range from new ideas or concepts to the examination of some of the measures that were not fully realized in the previous session.

2. Review the current penalties for operating a commercial motor vehicle that is in violation of state or federal safety standards. Evaluate the role of state and local law enforcement agencies in enforcing commercial motor vehicle standards, and make recommendations to ensure the safety of the traveling public. 3. Monitor the implementation of the "two steps, one sticker" program as it relates to passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, light duty trailers, and other vehicles. Recommend measures to ensure an efficient transition to this system and improve the ease of use for consumers.

In this week's article, I will feature some of the committee charges as well as what agenda items will be up for discussion. I will be featuring some of the topics that will be posted so that we can discuss them. If you would like to look at a complete list of the interim agenda items, please visit: http://www.house.state.tx.us/_media/pdf/ interim-charges-84th.pdf

4. Review the process of dissemination by public entities of criminal records containing incomplete or inaccurate information, assess options for the subjects of such records to correct the misinformation specifically as it interferes with their ability to obtain employment, and determine the need for greater regulations over this process. (Joint charge with the House Committee on Government Transparency & Operation)

Below is some information about some key aspects related to the topics outlined in the Speaker's 84th Texas Legislative Interim Charges. I hope in the coming weeks to feature some details about these charges, as well as the related agendas. More information will become available in the future.

If you would like to follow the Texas House and learn more information on news, committees or other aspects of the legislative body, you can access its website at http://www.house. state.tx.us/ . The site features live streaming from committee hearings as well as access to a number of other resources. You can also follow the Texas Senate at http://www.senate.state. tx.us/ . For important information regarding transportation in the state, feel free to visit the Texas Department of Transportation's website at http://www.txdot.gov/ . The Texas General Land Office's website can be found at http:// www.glo.texas.gov/ , while the Texas Railroad Commission's website is located at http://www. rrc.state.tx.us .

Here are some examples of charges given to the House committees as well as what will be discussed during the interim: House Committee on General Investigating & Ethics 1. Examine the ethics laws governing public officers and employees in this state and identify areas in which the laws are inadequate to maintain the public's trust and confidence in government. Assess whether required financial disclosures by those making governmental decisions adequately inform the public of potential conflicts of interest.

If you have questions regarding any of the information mentioned in this week's article, please do not hesitate to call my Capitol or District Office. Please always feel free to contact my office if you have any questions or issues regarding a Texas state agency, or if you would like to contact my office regarding constituent services. As always, my offices are available at any time to assist with questions, concerns or comments (Capitol Office, 512463-0672; District Office, 361-949-4603).

2. Study the contracting practices at major state agencies to determine if additional reforms are needed to maintain public confidence and trust in the expenditure of state funds. House Committee on Homeland Security & Public Safety 1. Review the functions of the Texas Division of Emergency Management and the state's natural disaster preparedness planning efforts to determine their effectiveness at addressing a growing range of threats. Identify best

Rep. Hunter represents Nueces County (Part). He can be contacted at todd.hunter@house.state.tx.us or at 512-463-0672.

The Island Moon provides this space for Island organizations. If you are a member of a club and want to get the word out about your events and/or projects send them along and we will get them in. Be sure to include a brief description of what your organization does and a contact person for those interested in joining. Send the info to editor@islandmoon.com and we will include it. Or call us at 9497700. Padre Island Antique Classic Car Club (PIACCC) is open to all vehicles 25 years and older: Antique, Classic, Roadsters, Hot Rods, etc; who would like to meet to plan meetings, socials, rallies, tours, car shows on and around the Island. Please contact piaccarclub@aol.com for information on the upcoming meeting. Please include your contact information and the type of car owned. Padre Island Dog Owners Group (PI DOG). Meets monthly for dog & owner activities, training and education. Free to join. For more information contact Lyn Edler (lyn.edler@gmail.com) or Bev Hoffman (bevhoffman@aol.com). Kiwanis Club of Port Aransas. Kiwanis meet at Noon each Wednesday at Stingray’s, 401 Beach Ave., Port Aransas. For more information please email portakiwanis@ gmail.com. Padre Island Ukulele Club – We meet every other Tuesday night! Call or text Danny Salazar at (316) 877--‐7071 for the next meeting date. Beginners Workshop: 6 to 7 PM and Open Jam: 7 to 8 PM. All Skills levels welcome. Location: Island Joe’s Coffee and Gallery, 13919 SPID, right here on the island. A $3 per person donation covers the workshop, materials and the open jam. Loaner ukuleles available at no extra cost. RSVP online. PadreIslandUkeClub@gmail. com Padre Island Yacht Club – is looking for new members. We have boat slips available to members. You are invited to attend any Friday Night Happy Hour event. Contact Mr. Bill Vincent, Rear Commodore in charge of Membership, lynnmvincent@ hotmail.com, to receive information about attending Happy Hour at PIYC. For those prospective members interested in renting a boat slip contact Mr. Barratt Sturtevant, bcsturtevant59@gmail.com. The Membership hosts nearly 100 social events every year: Holiday Events and Potlucks, Dinner Dances, Murder Mysteries, Soup Nights, Chili Cookoffs, Old Fashioned Picnics, Talent Night, Theme Parties such as Brazilian, Western, and Medieval Nights. Every Friday Night is Happy Hour from 6:00 p.m. to 9 p.m. KIWANIS Club of Padre Island. Kiwanis meets at Veranda Restaurantat Schlitterbahn at Noon on the first and third Wednesday of the month.

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Padre Island Rotary Club. Of the things we think, say or do…. Is it the TRUTH?…. Is it FAIR to all concerned?.... Will it build GOODWILL and better FRIENDSHIPS?.... Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?

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                    

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             

If you can answer this 4-WAY TEST the Padre Island Rotary is looking for you! The OBJECT of ROTARY is to encourage and foster the ideal of service as a basis of worthy enterprise and, in particular, to encourage and foster: 1. The development of acquaintance as an opportunity for service; 2. High ethical standards in business and profession; the recognition of the worthiness of all useful occupation; and the dignifying of each Rotarians occupation as an opportunity to serve society; 3. The application of the ideal of service in each Rotarians personal, business, and community life; 4. The advancement of international understanding, goodwill, and peace through a world fellowship of business and professional persons united in the ideal of service. This is what Rotary is and stands for. The Padre Island Rotary is involved in many aspects of our community. Some examples of this are in our upcoming programs and fundraisers. Contact Linda Walsh, Secretary at lawalshva@yahoo.com or 361-445-7999 to join Island Strategic Action Committee. Is a 14-member committee which meets at 5:30

p.m. on the first Tuesday of each month at the Comfort Suites on Windward Drive. The committee’s purpose is to advise the Corpus Christi City Council on matters pertaining to The Island. All meetings are open to the public and the public is invited to address the committee during the public comment period. Padre Island Business Association. The association is a not-for-profit organization whose primary purpose is to advertise and promote Padre/Mustang Islands, Flour Bluff and Corpus Christi while advancing the interests of the business community. It is managed by a 9-member board of directors. A membership luncheon is held on the 2nd Thursday of each month at Holiday Inn-Padre Island starting at noon. Mixers are held on the 3rd Tuesday of the month. The association annually has two fundraising events – Taste of the Island in the fall and a Wine Tasting in the spring. P.I.E. Padre Island Enrichment Club is a ladies only social club open to all owners/ residents of North Padre. We hope to enrich our members through social activities and community involvement and we have A LOT of FUN in the process. We have monthly luncheons (2nd Friday) along with groups of bunco, bridge, spades, craft club and book clubs. We also have social events throughout the year including a monthly “Happy Hour” where the guys join in. We enjoy raising money for scholarships for local graduating seniors as well as other worthy causes in our community. We would love for you to join us and see how PIE can be part of your life. For more info please contact our membership chair Jaki Boyd @ 533-0854 Island United Political Action Committee: Maximize representation of Corpus Christi residents on Padre and Mustang Islands in area government by promoting and supporting, by the endorsement process, proactive and unified voting in non-partisan races and other issues and referendums put to public vote. Meetings are open to the public. IUPAC meets the second Wednesday of the month at Island Time Sushi Bar and Seafood Grill. Board President - Brent Rourk, Phone 361-2447603 e-mail: brentrourk@yahoo.com. Parrot Heads of Port Aransas – is a not-forprofit organization whose purpose is to assist in community and environmental concerns and provide a variety of social activities for people who wish to volunteer. Founded in 2009 the club motto is “Partying With a Purpose.” To join go to portaransasparrotheads.com or call LuAnn Ferguson, 361 749-5141 or 817 2917034. POA - Padre Isles Owners Association. The Association’s primary responsibility is to maintain the Common Areas, assess and collect the annual fees and provide information and assistance to property owners. .. Membership in PIPOA is automatic for anyone acquiring record legal title to any property within Padre Isles. Their office is located at 14015 Fortuna Bay Drive on The Island. (361) 949-7025, padreisles@pipoa.net. ARK – Animal Rehabilitation Keep. Located in Port Aransas the ARK is affiliate with the University of Texas at Austin Marine Science Center. They handle the rehabilitation of most species of wildlife in the area with an emphasis on marine animals. They care for about 1300 animals each year, including about 300 sea turtles and more than 100 species of birds. If you find an animal in peril they can help Tony Amos is the Director. 750 Channel View Dr. Port Aransas. 361 749-6793, 361 442-7638. afamos@mail.utexas.edu. Island’s PIPPs Chapter of Corpus Christi Red Hat Society. In 2004 a group of Island ladies got together under a Palapa and founded the Padre Island Palapa Pals (PIPPs). Our only rule is that there are no rules! We are all about fun and friendship. We meet once a month for lunch and various fun outings from cupcake making to CPR. Padre Island Social Club is a group of fun loving people that enjoy experiencing the area. We get together for social and cultural events like Sunday Funday at the beach, diner or a night on the town. If you are interested in meeting new people, politics, fashion, all types of musical genres, pop culture, books, theatre, art, movies, museums, wine, beer, food, traveling and more then this is the place for you. This is the go-to Social Club for the Island and general Corpus Christi Shenanigans. You can contact them on their Facebook page.

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Ethel Eyerly Community Center The Ethel Eyerly Community Center in Flour Bluff is open with a full activities schedule which is shown below. All are welcome. 654 Graham Road

Call (361) 826-2330

For More Information

Nutritious Meals Served For Persons Age 60 and Over 11:30 A.M.

Under the Bridge Serving South Texas Seafood Dishes for Over 30 Years Open Daily 11:00 - 9:00 Lunch Specials Monday-Friday 11 am - 2 pm AlsoScoopy’s Veranda With Sweet Treats, Soups, Salads & Sandwiches Now Accepting Visa Mastercard & Discover

Snoopy’s Scoopy’s

(361) 949-8815 (361) 949-7810

13313 S. Padre Island Drive Corpus Christi, TX 78418

($1.50 Suggested meal donation) Monday

Thursday

Silver Haired Fitness 10-11 AM ($8/month-Ladies Only)

Zumba Gold (Co-Ed) 10:30-11:30 AM ($20/month, or $4/session)

Computer Interest Group 12:30-2 PM

Wii Bowling & Chair Volleyball 12:30-4:45 PM

Wii Bowling 12:30 PM

Tuesday Zumba Gold (Co-Ed) 10:30-11:30 AM ($20/month or $4/session) Table Tennis & Table Games - 12 PM

Wednesday

Quilting 2nd Thursday of the Month

Friday Silver Haired Fitness 10-11 AM ($8/month – Ladies Only) Table Tennis – 11 AM

Silver Haired Fitness 10-11 AM ($8/month-Ladies Only)

Bingo -12:30 PM ($.50 Cards)

Chair Volleyball 12:30 PM-??? (about 3:30 PM)

Site Council Monthly Dinner/Dance

AARP Chapter 4181 Meeting @ 1 PM (2nd & 4th Wednesdays) Painting Class 1:30-4:30 PM $5 per class 1st & 3rd Wednesdays

Third Friday of the Month 4:30-7:30 PM Tickets sold by Site Council members or phone reservation: 361-826-2330


January 7, 2016

Stuff I Heard on the Island

By Dale Rankin

Last week I found myself outside the Sands Motel on Austin Highway in San Antonio and I could feel the tinge of fear and trepidation in the pit of my stomach. Very strange that it is still there after all these years; 35 years almost to the day. From that day forward I carried a gun as long as I worked the overnight police beat, never telling my editor even though it was he, a retired San Antonio Police officer, who advised me to do so after that night. I had been on the overnight police beat less than a week and now I found myself in a situation they never mentioned in Journalism school

Police Blotter Suspicious Person near Douden Park

Gave up his bullets Later that day when Margaret Mayfield Palm went missing friends feared the worst and they were right. In late afternoon Morin had kidnapped Palm as she walked to her car in a K-Mart parking lot on the northwest side. I later interviewed Palm who said she saw in Morin a guy who was tired of running. They drove around for ten hours as she played him tapes by Texas evangelist Rev. Kenneth Copeland on a recorder which she had in her car and read him Bible verses. When they got to the bus station in Kerrville Palm persuaded Morin to give her the bullets out of his gun as he boarded a bus for Austin. When he got there he was arrested without incident.

It was just before midnight when things busted loose on the Northside at an all-night restaurant called Maggie’s. It I didn’t cover his trial, but by was a popular spot at the corner the time his first execution date of Loop 410 and Broadway; not rolled around I was covering the a part of town where murders Courthouse but defense attorneys were common. But this night in those days never allowed a call came out for a robbery jailhouse interviews. But when with a shooting victim. When I Stephen Peter Morin they brought Morin over for arrived they were carrying away his hearing they placed him in the victim and being new to the a holding cell in Judge David Berchelmann’s beat I didn’t wait for the police to tell me what happened. I knew a waitress there and ducked courtroom and I knew the bailiffs. I got ten under the police tape to go find her – when I minutes with him. By this time he had also did she was in hysterics and could barely speak. been convicted of killing 21 year-old Janna The story was straightforward; three ladies who Bruce and burying her body on the Padre Island worked at the restaurant were walking out to National Seashore. After a few silly questions their cars when they were confronted by a man about his trial I asked him, “Why, why did you with a gun and when the gunman tried to grab do all this?” Carrie Marie Scott – Marie to her friends – and “Drugs mostly,” he said. But I tell by the look drag her into her own car she resisted and tried in his eye that was a cop out. By this time I knew to talk to the man and he shot her. that some people kill people just because they He managed to steal a car and he was gone into get in their way and Morin was one of them. the night, wandering somewhere around the The bailiffs had told me they had to move him city. It was the first time I realized what I was in from floor to floor in the jail because otherwise for on the overnight police beat in what turned he would be running the cell block. The other inmates who hoped to one day get out were out in 1981 to be a very tough town. afraid of him. I was glad he still had cuffs on because I knew that if killing me meant he could City on edge run down the courthouse hallway even for a few Investigators got the license number of the seconds he wouldn’t hesitate. stolen car from the owner but it still hadn’t been located as dawn approached. The city was on Mad Dogs edge. The shooting had happened after the 10 This was in the days when executions still p.m. newscasts and in those days there were made the front page and after talking to him and no morning television shows and the morning News, for which I worked in the days before the listening to evidence in his sentencing hearings Express and News combined, had done its level I came to the opinion that if ever anyone best to, as we used to say, “Scare the most people deserved the death penalty Stephen Peter Morin possible with the fewest facts allowable.” So by was it. He would go on killing people until he the time radio reporters started doing live shots couldn’t; the reasons didn’t matter. He ended up outside the Sands the city was abuzz with wild waiving his appeals and asking to be executed and I didn’t go witness his execution; I filled rumors and doors were locked all over town. out the paperwork with the state but by the The killer had been identified and he was time his execution date rolled around I had met trouble. His name was Stephen Peter Morin many more like him; what we referred to in the and he was a fixture on the FBI’s Most Wanted Murdoch paper as Mad Dog Killers and it turned List and at the time was a suspect in more than out there were a lot of them and sooner or later 30 violent crimes across the country; he was they all found their way to the courthouse. armed and loose somewhere in the city and now Like many on Death Row Morin found wanted for Capital Murder which carried the death penalty; if ever there was a man on the religion on the jailhouse floor where options are limited and excuses are useless. But even run with nothing to lose he was it. his final statement as he lay on the executioners Back at the PD opinion was split. Around the table shows that he was still the consummate coffee pot at the Patrol Division the talk was narcissist. that Morin was out of town; but that was mostly “Forgive them for they know not what they do, wishful thinking because even a rookie reporter as I know that you have forgiven me, as I have could feel the tension in the air. Upstairs the old guys on the overnight Homicide Squad didn’t forgiven them.” A cold-blooded killer making himself the victim to the end and forgiving the believe he had left town. world for making him what he is and taking “He’s holed up somewhere,” they said. “The no personal responsibility. World War II was car will turn up.” started by such a man. The drug use had left his And sure enough just before dawn it did; at the veins so withered it took the medical technicians Sands Motel on Austin Highway where they forty minutes to find a vein to administer the offer Daily and Weekly rates on rooms with injection. HBO, kitchenettes and a phone. As I stood there Over time I covered the Capital Murder trials last week I remembered thinking to myself of twenty three defendants. One missed dodging when I drove up that night thirty-five years the executioner’s needle by scoring three points ago, “Why would a guy on the run for Capital too high on an IQ test to be considered unable Murder need a kitchenette? Does he really have to aid his attorney in his own defense. He had time for cooking?” killed a clerk over a six-pack. I would have let

This was in the days before there was a real SWAT team; instead of busting in police would surround the place and wait the suspect out; time was on their side. But this night they wanted this to be over and nobody was trying to be John Wayne. After a few hours of talking through a loudspeaker and trying to call the room a woman finally answered; the man they were looking for was not there. He had been there when police arrived but as they set up a perimeter he hid behind a Coke machine and by the time the police were in place he was gone. As we will see later, a Will O The Wisp who before his death would himself be led to salvation by his kidnap victim. But for now the city was really on edge; the guy was armed, on foot, desperate, and scariest of all loose in Alamo Heights!

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Island Moon

him live in my house. He was a good soul who made a bad mistake at the urging of his friends. Another stabbed to death his ex-girlfriend, her mother, and her 12-year old sister. Another wiped out an entire family of siblings killing his ex-girlfriend and all three of her brothers and sisters under 10 years old just because they were there. The kids’ father stole a piece of lawn furniture from a store so he could go to jail and seek revenge. I still have mixed feelings about the death penalty even after witnessing two executions. But one thing I learned. Even if the Capital Murder process has problems, which it certainly does, people like Stephen Peter Morin will keep on killing people until they can’t. They are Mad Dog Killers right to the end.

Police report calls in the past week from residents around Douden Park where a suspicious man and woman in a van have been approaching children. They have reported two separate incidents this month. A twelve-year-old girl and her younger sister were playing near the park when they say a man and woman in a white van drove up to them. The girls said the van, with a lady in the passenger seat, followed them when they ran across the park and down the street. Another 10-year-old boy who lives in the area told police he was also approached by a white van at Douden Park. A police report filed by his family states a man offered the boy candy to get inside his van. The kids describe the van's occupants as a white man with an orange beard and a middleaged woman with curly brown hair.

CCPD Stays Extra Busy During New Year celebrations The Corpus Christi Police Department were busy for the new year. They responded to 1531 total calls resulting in 241 formal criminal complaints being filed between 6 p.m. December 31, 2015 and 6 a.m. January 1, 2016. 51 of those 1531 calls were for vehicle crashes. 431 of those 1531 calls were for fireworks 66 people celebrated New Year’s in jail on various charges

the city, a Class A misdemeanor. He was additionally charged with possession of marijuana, a Class B misdemeanor, when the illegal substance was found in a pocket of his shorts. The shotgun was tagged as evidence. Then just after midnight, Corpus Christi Police responded to a home in the 700 block of Eleanor Street after a man was seen in the driveway of his home firing a handgun into the air. Officers arrived and found the man in possession of a .9 millimeter pistol and 11 shell casing along the driveway of his home. He was arrested for discharging a firearm in the city, a Class A misdemeanor, and his handgun was recovered as evidence. Then a 43 year-old man was lucky he was not seriously injured when a shot went through his home and struck him in the torso. Corpus Christi Police responded to the home, located in the 4200 block of Easy Street just before 9:30 p.m. and when Officers arrived they were told that a bullet came through the kitchen window and hit the homeowner who was sitting inside in the stomach. Luckily, he was not injured by the bullet. Officers believe the shot came from an open field near the home, where gunfire had been heard earlier in the evening. At this time, Officers have not located the person they believe is responsible. It is unknown if the shot was fired by a hunter or if someone celebrating the New Year fired the gun.

December 30

15 of those 66 were charged with driving while intoxicated 23 of those 66 were charged with public intoxication 2 of those 66 were charged with discharging a firearm in the city. Officers Arrest two for Firing Guns On New Years Eve – man shot on Easy Street

Corpus Christi Police made two separate arrests for people celebrating the arrival of the New Year by firing a gun into the air.

The Corpus Christi Police Department responded to 787 calls for service and generated 164 reports for formal criminal complaints from 7:00 a.m. December 30 to 7:00 a.m. on December 31, 2015.

Island Police Calls 13500 SPID (JFK Causeway) 12:12 a.m. January 2 Reckless Driving/eluding a police officer/DWI 14000 block SPID 11 p.m. December 31 Burglary of a motor vehicle 14300 block Commodores 5 a.m. December 29 Burglary of a building

At about 11:25 p.m. officers responded to a home in the 11200 block of Willowood Creek Drive after reports came in that a man was firing a .12 gauge shotgun into the air. When Officers arrived several witnesses told them that they saw a man come out of his home and fire shots from a shotgun into the air.

15200 block Cartagena 1:30 p.m. December 31 Burglary of a habitation

Officers contacted the homeowner and arrested him for discharging a firearm in

15300 block SPID 4:32 a.m. January 1 Assault with injury

15300 block Gypsy 11:17 p.m. January 1 Assault with injury 15200 block Cruiser 9:01 p.m. January 4 Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon

We now have Gluten Free Pizza!

Family Owned & Operated Since 1987

Live Music

Ruben Limas Thursdays Brian Winfrey Fridays and Saturdays South Texas Grassroots Sundays 6-9 Reservations recommended

Daily Specials

Monday - unlimited spaghetti salad and bread $7.50

Tuesday- 9 in. sub for 6in. sub price Wednesday- pasta menu full order for 1/2 order price Thursday- salad 6 in. sub and drink $6.50 Friday- unlimited dinner salad $5.99

The Original Pizza of Padre Island The Island's oldest full-service restaurant Private Party / Meeting Room Available by Reservation

Delivery on The Island after 5pm

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Brunch is served until 2 pm.

BOOK YOUR CHRISTMAS PARTY OR SPECIAL EVENT Call Jessica at (585) 750-2292 or jcsalespro@gmail.com


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January 7, 2016

Island Moon

Christmas Tree Recycling January 9th & 16th

Island Moon on a Spoon

It’s time for healthy eating!

The City of Corpus Christi Solid Waste Operations and the Clean City Committee advises citizens from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 9th and Saturday, January 16th, there will be an opportunity to recycle Christmas trees at eight convenient locations. The collection sites will be staffed by volunteers who will help unload trees. In return, those dropping off trees will receive a free tree seedling, based on availability. Only clean, nonflocked (fake snow) Christmas trees with no decorations will be accepted.

By Chef Vita Jarrin

January is here, and so are the few extra pounds we’ve picked up from all the delicious foods and desserts we’ve consumed over the holidays. It’s typical for us to set high goals and make health and weight resolutions this time of year. But a crash diet, no matter what time of year, is not the answer. Adapting a lifestyle change to healthy eating is the better option. Depriving yourself for the sake of losing weight fast sets you up for failure. You begin to crave the very foods you are eliminating and ultimately this sets you up to fail.

The following locations will be accepting Christmas trees from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 9th: • Wal-Mart – 4109 S. Staples • Wal-Mart – Greenwood & SPID • Wal-Mart – Calallen • Wood River Community Association – 4410 Wood River Drive The following locations will be accepting Christmas trees from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 16th: • Wal-Mart – 6101 Saratoga • Wal-Mart – Flour Bluff Drive • Flour Bluff High School – 2525 Waldron Road (High School Gymnasium parking lot) • Padre Island Property Owners Association – 14015 Fortuna Bay Drive (across from Billish Park) Citizens not participating in this effort may only set-out trees during their regularly scheduled brush collection days, not any

sooner. For set-out dates, please refer to the 2015 Solid Waste Services Customer Guide or check online at www.cctexas.com/government/ solid-waste-services. If residents want to throw it out sooner they will have to take it to one of the tree recycling events or to the J.C. Elliott Collection Center on Highway 286 at Ayers, Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Beginning February 2016, residents may visit the J.C. Elliott Collection Center to collect freshly ground Christmas tree mulch. Volunteers are needed to help unload trees at all locations. Community service certificates will be provided for completed shifts. For more information contact Solid Waste Operations Outreach Coordinator, Celina Ybarbo Pulcher at (361) 826-1655 or at Celina@cctexas.com.

Moon Phases, January 2016 Sun

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Fri

Sat

Once we commit to losing weight, we want results right away. The first thing we do is give up all foods that taste good and are high in calories. However, changing your meals overnight into low-cal, low-fat “diet food” creates a challenge for anyone who loves delicious meals. Social media and television are filled with people sharing recipes and information about our health and diet, which can allow us a better chance to make healthier choices, that don’t have to be tasteless… as long as the information is coming from reputable sources. One solution is to cut back on empty calories by eliminating processed foods, processed sugars and useless carbs and staying away from artificially hydrogenated fats. Many of us eat too much fried food and foods that are covered in rich heavy sauces. As a society, we are used to covering up food’s natural flavor, conditioning our minds and stomachs to push the healthier options aside. But there is hope! By using natural fats (in moderation), such as avocados, coconut oil, olive oil, nuts, and even butter you can still enjoy that richness you love. It also allows your body to naturally digest and process those fats. The formula is simple. If the body doesn’t easily recognize processed sugars, carbs and fats, it stores them. Storing them, and not burning off the excess, creates weight gain.

Tides of the Week Tides for Corpus Christi (Bob Hall Pier) January 7 - 14 2016

Day

High /Low

Tide Time

Height in Feet

Sunrise Moon Time Sunset

Th F Sa Su M Tu W Th

7 7 8 8 9 9 10 10 11 11 12 12 13 13 14 14 14 14

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

6:45 AM 3:59 PM 7:21 AM 4:29 PM 7:58 AM 4:58 PM 8:37 AM 5:27 PM 9:17 AM 5:55 PM 10:00 AM 6:21 PM 10:45 AM 6:44 PM 1:18 AM 4:27 AM 11:34 AM 7:06 PM

-0.5 1.4 -0.7 1.5 -0.7 1.5 -0.8 1.5 -0.7 1.4 -0.6 1.3 -0.4 1.2 0.7 0.8 -0.2 1.1

7:20 AM Rise 4:58 AM 5:50 PM Set 4:02 PM 7:21 AM Rise 5:52 AM 5:50 PM Set 4:54 PM 7:21 AM Rise 6:45 AM 5:51 PM Set 5:51 PM 7:21 AM Rise 7:37 AM 5:52 PM Set 6:50 PM 7:21 AM Rise 8:26 AM 5:53 PM Set 7:51 PM 7:21 AM Rise 9:12 AM 5:54 PM Set 8:53 PM 7:21 AM Rise 9:56 AM 5:54 PM Set 9:55 PM 7:21 AM Rise 10:38 AM 5:55 PM Set 10:57 PM

Moon Visible

11 5 1 0

By no means am I a physician, but I have read up on the matter, partially because I’m a chef who wants to help people make healthy food choices. When I found myself surrounded by terms such as “Clean Eating,” “Paleo,” “Vegetarian,” “Vegan” I had no choice but to research what they mean to me as a chef. What I’ve found is that the road to a healthy lifestyle does not mean depriving yourself. One of the most important things you can do is know the foods you eat, and the way they are prepared. Adapting a few health conscious choices makes a world of difference. It’s not magic, it’s just a lifestyle change. Here are a few simple adaptations you can incorporate almost immediately. Use fresh herbs along with a good olive oil when cooking and extra virgin olive oil when dressing salads, vegetables etc. Adding citrus to your recipes such as oranges, lemons or limes, adds flavor and brings out the natural taste of foods, such as fish, meats, etc. Grilling and baking food instead of frying is always the healthier choice. When snacking, choose fruits, vegetable, nuts and dips that are good for you, such as hummus, made from chickpeas and sesame oil. Once you taste food in its fresh healthy state, the food is so delicious, you actually think you went off your diet! This week I am sharing with you my recipe for Mediterranean Grilled Vegetable Platter

Veggies for Grilling 1 eggplant, ¼” slices 2 Portabella mushrooms, sliced 2 zucchini, sliced 2 yellow squash, sliced 2 Vidalia onions, sliced 1 bunch of asparagus 1 bunch of green onions 2 red bell peppers, cut into strips Marinade for the Vegetables 1 cup olive oil 4 lemons, juiced 3 cloves garlic, minced 10 fresh basil leaves, minced Salt & Pepper to taste (Reserve half of the marinade for dressing the cooked veggies)

Tip of the week:

Heat the grill (indoor, outdoor, your choice)

Feel free to be even more adventurous with your vegetable choices. Try halved baby bok choy, chayote squash, Poblano peppers, even romaine hearts. Be adventurous with your herbs as well… try using fresh oregano, parsley, thyme, etc. You may certainly substitute the lemons with limes, oranges or grapefruit too.

Mix the marinade ingredients together (remember to reserve half for later) and add the sliced vegetables. Toss and let sit for at least 15 minutes, but no longer than 30 minutes.

This makes a great main course for a smaller meal and an excellent side dish with just about any poultry, fish, or meat.

Have Questions for your Christmas Dinner? Need a Recipe? Write me at editor@islandmoon.com

Place veggies on the hot grill (feel free to use a vegetable “rack” for the grill to keep your sliced veggies from falling through the grates). Allow vegetables to begin to caramelize before turning. The amount of time this takes will depend upon the size of your slices, the type of the vegetable, and the heat of the grill. Once vegetables have cooked on both sides, arrange on a platter and drizzle the remaining marinade/dressing on top. This may be served either hot or cold!

0 3 9 16

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January 7, 2016

A7

Island Moon

Backwater Adventures

Ducks Good, Fish Better

On the Rocks By Jay Gardner

By Joey Farah

trash bags. Look them up on facebook for more details, and I’ll try to get more in next weeks’ On the Rocks addition.

Farah’s Fishing Adventures I sat out in the lineup on Christmas Day under Bob Hall pier, with only a pair of surf trunks on my butt. I was surfing on Christmas without a wetsuit! Now the winter's chill has settled in and I believe that he will stick around for a few months. Water temperatures have dipped down to a consistency in the 60's and sometimes into the 50's. This has not kept the gamefish from feeding and even in the coldest times the bite has been good. The water column will soon flip and the cold water will be pushed to the bottom and gamefish will be looking for any chance to move towards the shallows and intercept water warmed by the mid-day sun. This doesn't always mean they are in the shallows, but will find the flow off of the shallow flats. Filling the movements of bait will help anglers key in on where the gamefish are hunting. The ICW is full of bait and a great starting spot for anglers. The fast moving currents will push fish into small eddies and side channels off of the main channel. Soft mud in most of these side areas will be vital in the days of the coldest weather. When the tides slow down run back to the edges of the main channel with soft plastics. Some of the best trout fishing right now is along the edge of the ICW. Light colored soft plastics have been best in the morning and evening, natural colors when the sun comes out and in clear water. Our tides have slipped out here and there only to flood right back in. This is a bit off in that we normally see the lowest tides of the year at this time. I think that they will drop it is just a bit later just like the cold weather. When they do take advantage of this to go explore. We can see much more structure out in the bay during these lowest of tides. Later in the spring those exposed sandbars will be perfect fishing spots. The soft plastic of choice this week is the DOA 3" CAL SHAD. This small bait is a perfect match to the pin perch and small mud minnows that are the bulk of the trout and redfish diet

right now. Coming in second is the natural colored sand eel imitations and the red DOA Shrimp. Remember that this time of year start off with a very slow retrieve working only a foot or so off of the bottom. If nothing is working move to a more quick bounce, hoping to create a reaction strike. Their mood and aggression is powered by the lunar feeding times and their rate of digestion according to their temperature. The time is here to get out and catch your true trout of a lifetime. We work from dawn to dusk in our trophy trout trips hunting those big Baffin Bay monsters. If that is what you are gunning for give me a call. We will go over moon phases and select a time when you will have the best chance to hang into that massive 30 inch plus trout. Matt and I at Marker 37 Marina have started to plan another MARKER 37 Marina AND FARAHS BACKWATER SEMINAR SEASON. Many of you attended these in the past and I look forward to the exciting weekend we have planned ON MARCH 26th. We will have at least five experts covering everything from offshore fishing to trophy trout, bait fishing for trout and reds as well as drum busting, boat mechanics and more. We will be filling you in in the weeks to come. Matt has a drum and trout contest il there that lasts a few months and his monthly pot luck fishing tournaments. Stop by and have a coffee and ask what is going on. All of us will give you a war full about the fishing. Starting off to a great year with fish stocks high and the water quality gorgeous, I am excited to invite all of you for a days adventure in the water this year. When we spend the day together on the bay we leave as friends and I love helping all my customers become better anglers, and opening their eyes to the beautiful back yard we call home. FOLLOW ALL OUR HOOKUPS ON FACEBOOK AND LIKE OUR PAGE AT JOEY FARAHS BACKWATER FISHING. GO GET WET!

I don’t know about you loyal readers, but this year is off to a sprint right out of the chute. As soon as break was over, the emails and the phone are lighting up like a Jerry Lewis Telethon. The annual spring events are already well into the planning phases, and Augs is already asking when it’s going to be summer. Yes!! Bring back summer! Boo on winter! The first thing that is up is the water levels. What? Water levels? Yup, last I wrote that the water levels were FINALLY going down for the season, but then they came right back up. I was talking with David Perry at the ISAC last night, and he mentioned the same thing that the TCOON site is saying; that the water levels through the fall and winter have been the highest average that anyone can remember. Usually around Christmas boaters have a hard

On the fishing forefront, I don’t know anything. Ha! Between the folks crashing my place during the holidays, and the less-than-spectacular weather we’ve had recently, I haven’t made it out. On par for the working man’s curse, the weather always breaks on Monday and looks great during the week while most of us are at work. There’s been really good reports though, and I suppose the black drum run will kick off here anytime. People are already stacking up on the edges of the channels, and I’m not sure if the fish are already there or people are simply anticipating the bite. Get out there if you can, and send me a report at tarponchaser@mail.com as I’m going to have to live vicariously through you loyal readers for the next month or so. Worse news on the conservation front, the lawsuit that CCA filed against the National

Happy New Year from the Augs at the Elliotts Crab Trap time getting up into flats to hit the holes for fish, but there’s no issues because the tides are running almost a foot higher than they typically do. This has also likely hampered construction efforts for the JFK infrastructure project that will improve utilities for Docs, Snoopy, and Marker 37. The owners of those businesses are anxiously awaiting that project to be completed. The 21st Annual Billy Sandifer Big Shell Beach Cleanup is set for February 27, 2016. As usual, they need volunteers with 4WD vehicles to come out and suit up and clean up. Thankfully, starting at 8am was such a hit last year, that the organizers are going to start it again at that time this year. Pray for great weather (I am!) Of course there will be t-shirts provided by Sharkathon, CCA-Corpus Christi will provide the chili-cheese dogs after, and Daniel Dain of the local Dominoes will be providing pizzas. The most rewarding part is the look of the beach as you roll north and see it without any trash. Please make plans to join us, and contact Baxter and crew at info@friendsofpadre.com and see more at www.friendsofpadre.com

Family in town for Leo Clien's annual New Years fishing trip. The drum were fun! Farah.

Before that date, the Burners Without Borders are also planning a beach clean up, here’s a note from Patrick, the local contact: We are going to be having a beach cleanup at the Kleberg County beach on January 30th. The Kleberg beach is 7 miles in length and we are dividing it up into 1 mile sections. It takes 10 folks about 2 hours to clean a 1 mile section of beach. If have a group that would like to participate and/or adopt a 1 mile section of the beach, that would be awesome! This is a grassroots effort by us locals that use this beach regularly. We will be mustering at the bowl at 10 am to hand out

Marine Fisheries was overturned. This means that while the headboats (of which we have ZERO on Padre Island, ahem!) will get to take paying customers for around 50 days fishing in Federal waters, the rest of us with boats or friends with boats will only get around 10 days again this year. Is it me, or does it seem the Feds are under fire for a lot of things lately? What happened to States rights anyway? Well, I’ll just leave that sticky topic right there folks, and we’ll catch you next week On the Rocks.

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(361)442-8145 A great mix of trout and drum have been the normal box this week. Fishing is going off! Farah

Packery

Flats Boat slips on Packery Direct Access to Open Gulf Slips Available for Repair & Construction of Floating Cabins Between JFK Bridge and Packery Channel Not from space but a SEA ROBBIN. We start to see these fish in the winter, they have legs and walk along the bottom and put up a pretty good fight with those odd wings. Farah Leo Clien

A great mix of trout and drum have been the normal box this week. Fishing is going off! Farah

361-332-9978


A8

January 7, 2016

Island Moon

SPORTS Sports Talk

A Six Team Play-Off Would Work And Is Better Than The Current Four Team Format By Dotson Lewis Special to the Island Moon Dotson’s Note: Having been in the business for a long time, I know that the only way to get anything through the NCAA is to move in small doses. Never try to do it in one large dose but over a reasonable length of time, you must work slowly and try not to rock the boat. For example it took us more than 80 years to work up from 3 on-the-field officials, to the present 8, knowing full well that at least 9 are needed to efficiently work the modern (now 2016) game. Thanks to AP Sports Writer Braden Gall for his opinions and contributions to this article. Let’s Support a Six-Team College Football Play-off as the Next Step for The NCAA Division I Football Championships

Four Isn’t Enough The reasoning is that six is the perfect number. It solves every problem imaginable. Well, almost. The NFL uses a six-team bracket for each conference (for now) to determine what by many is the most important sporting event in the world, for a reason. So let’s take a look at some so called experts’ reasoning that six is the magic number for NCCA (College) football.

would require is just stupid. In the six-team structure, both first (quarterfinals) and secondround games (semis) would be played at home sites with the top seeds hosting each game.

Rotate the final: Just like the Super Bowl, the national championship game should be rotated every year throughout every region of the country. This is the NATIONAL championship not the regional or southern championship. Everyone loves New Orleans and Tempe, but Indianapolis, Detroit and New York have proven that title games can be held successfully in the Midwest and Northeast as well. Like the Super Bowl, the majority of the games would be held in warmweather locations but it doesn’t mean the sport should ignore the Pacific Northwest, Midwest or Northeast in the process. Lucas Oil Stadium and Indianapolis got rave reviews for the Super Bowl it hosted and would be an excellent fit for the college championship.

Shorten Down Time: One of the biggest issues that the four-team bracket hasn’t fixed is the inordinate amount of down time between the end of the regular season and the start of the playoffs. It has improved on the amount of down time that the BCS provided by a little more than a week. But the first two games of the three-round playoff could be held annually on Christmas Eve, for example, beginning a new college football tradition. The second round would still be held on New Year’s Day and the final played a week later.

Re-Seed The Second Round: Obviously, the initial seeding process would determine matchups between No. 3 and No. 6 as well as No. 4 and No. 5. Should the six-seed upset the three-seed, and then the second round would be re-seeded. This guarantees that the No. 1 seed will always face the lowest-seeded team in the second round.

Lou Sabin-Alabama Head Football Coach

A six-team playoff doesn’t solve every issue for college football. No system can be perfect. It doesn’t matter how big or small the postseason is, someone will always be upset about missing out. The ninth-ranked team in the eight-team playoff would be upset. The same could be said about the seventh-ranked team in a six-team format. That being said, for example, a six-team format would have been perfect for last year, in 2014.

First, a six-team playoff gets all five Power 5 conference champions into the playoff, an issue most are complaining about, if all five are deserving. Second, it gets roughly 10% of the Power 5 teams into the postseason. Third, it allows for a possibility that a Group of 5 champions could sneak into the sixth spot. Fourth, unlike an eight-team playoff, no threeloss teams will ever be in the postseason mix, maintaining a certain level of exclusivity for the prestigious national championship.

How awesome would this have been in Doak Campbell Stadium? The unbeaten, undisputed defending champion with Jameis Winston under center against Gary Patterson’s reinvented offense? Yes, please. If the Seminoles had won, they’d face No. 2 Oregon in Eugene while a TCU victory would have sent the Horned Frogs to Tuscaloosa to play No. 1 Alabama.

But how would a six-team playoff work? What

Number 5 Baylor at Number 4 Ohio

Number 6 Florida State vs Number 3 TCU:

Four Guys Named Joe By Andy Purvis Special to the Island Moon Gordon Purvis was my father. Born on a farm in 1924, he grew up in a time of need. The hardships of the depression and World War II created tough people who were not afraid of anything, especially hard work. I have often said that my father was everything you would not want to be. He was short, red-headed, freckles, lefthanded, wore glasses, dirt poor and was kicked out of school in the eighth grade and never went back. So, he was also uneducated. But you could not outwork him, and he possessed wisdom beyond his years.

In saying all that, there were two times a year that he made it a point to spend uninterrupted time with us. When the Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey Circus came to town, he would take us to watch the animals being unloaded from the train; and when the Harlem Globetrotters played at Dorton Arena in Raleigh N.C., we were there to see the likes of players such as Meadowlark Lemon, Goose Tatum, “Curly” Neal, and Nate “Sweetwater” Clifton. It was at a Globetrotters’ game that I vividly remember hearing my father laugh out loud for the first time. He loved the Trotters and they made him laugh, as well as millions of other fans around the globe. That was the real magic of the Harlem Globetrotters.

Four guys named Joe In high school I became friends with a future Globetrotter by the name of “Twiggy” Sanders and then met and enjoyed the company of another Globetrotter, Meadowlark Lemon. In fact, I have a signed personal check from Meadowlark that was written on his company name, “Four Guys Named Joe.” I asked Lemon about the company name, and the story goes like this: Meadowlark was from Wilmington, N.C. and was signed after returning from the Army by Harlem Globetrotter owner, Abe Saperstein. Abe took Meadowlark to Chicago to introduce

One of the best aspects of a six-team playoff is a first-round bye for each of the top two teams. Like in the NFL where the best two teams in each conference get an extra week of rest, so too, will the top two teams in the nation. It rewards four quality teams while also giving a big edge to the two most deserving teams in the nation, who would have earned the right to rest. Additionally, it shortens the season by one game as compared to the eight-team bracket for those concerned about student-athletes playing too many times.

Use Home Sites: One of the biggest issues many have with the four-team playoff was the usage of bowl games as semifinals. Despite what Bill Hancock wants you to believe, it’s not ever been about protecting the sanctity of the bowl system. No, it’s cronyism at its finest. There are 36 other bowl games that provide 72 other teams a season-ending celebratory trip. The bowl system is just fine and doesn’t need any more additional revenue. Instead, let’s allow college football to showcase what makes college football so uniquely great: Electric atmospheres on picturesque campuses and stadiums. And asking teams to travel to three consecutive neutral-site games like an eight-team playoff

Meadowlark Lemon

the Islanders. We are still great friends today. When I told Bull about the story of my father, he smiled and said, “I love that story and that’s why I’m a Globetrotter.” In an interview I asked Bull which Globetrotter he wished he could have played with. “Marques Haynes, Goose Tatum, ‘Geese’ Ausbie, Curly Neal, Meadowlark Lemon,” then Bull stopped himself, smiled and said, “All of them.” This past Sunday my father and I, along with millions of other basketball fans lost one of our heroes. Meadowlark Lemon died on December 27, 2015. He was living in Scottsdale, Arizona, with his current wife, Cynthia. Meadowlark Lemon was 83. The “Clown Prince” is no more.

Celebration Of Courage Tennis Tournament Come join us for a doubles day of play, laughter and education- all to support awareness of Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking! January is National Human Trafficking Awareness Month, so the Corpus Christi Tennis Association and Representative Todd Hunter have joined together with New Life Refuge Ministries to spread awareness and Celebrate the Courage of survivors on the tennis court. Not a good player? No worries! We will be auctioning off athletes to help improve your game. Food, drinks, raffle and other goodies will be provided. This is not a traditional tourney, rather a fun play day to benefit a great cause! All proceeds will benefit New Life Refuge Ministries, which is currently an All-Volunteer Organization whose mission is to:

• Build a REFUGE of healing for underage survivors • PARTNER with organizations to provide help to sex trafficking survivors Join us on: • Saturday, January 16 at the Corpus Christi Country Club at 10:00 am. • Registration is $45. • Please register at newliferefugeministries. org. For additional information please contact Amanda Cutbirth | 361-834-6726 | Amandacutbirth@aol.com or Paulette Guajardo | 361-688-9399 | Pauletteguajardo7@gmail. com. WE HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!

Boater Education continued from A1

Autzen Stadium-University of Oregon

First-round byes:

In 2008, I became friends with current Globetrotter, Will “Bull” Bullard, who attended Texas A&M Corpus Christi and played for

The important things to him were honesty, effort, and the value of a dollar. He and my mother moved to Raleigh, North Carolina, where my brother and I were born. They sold their car to rent an apartment and then later borrowed some money, and dad opened a small convenience store, kind of like a 7-11. He named it Gordon’s Market. It required him to work from 6 a.m. every morning until 10 p.m. at night, seven days a week. Therefore, my brother and I rarely spent any time with him, when we were younger.

• Bring AWARENESS through education to recognize and prevent domestic minor sex trafficking

would the rules and regulations be? And what would the bracket have looked like had it been in place this season? It’s awesome…here goes.

him to the press. No one had ever heard of Lemon and when he was introduced the first reporter asked, “Who the heck is Meadowlark Lemon?” Abe responded, “I can take Meadowlark Lemon and four guys named Joe and beat any team in the country.” Meadowlark then told me, “That was the best thing anyone had ever said about me, so I decided that if I ever owned my own business I would name it ‘Four Guys Named Joe.’”

State: Did anybody in Waco want the opportunity to prove that the Bears were better than the Buckeyes? Baylor fans would have traveled to any city in the world to play Ohio State if it meant a chance to prove the Bears belonged in the playoff. But The Horseshoe is as good a location as college football has to offer for the postseason and Baylor would have relished the opportunity. Where the winner of this game went would have depended on who won the other matchup. Meanwhile, No. 1 Alabama and No. 2 Oregon would have had a first-round bye and sat at home for an extra week. Then Bryant-Denny Stadium and Autzen Stadium would have hosted national semifinals before the final two teams met on a neutral field. Dotson’s Other Note: Although the ultimate will be eight teams in the championships, it looks as if it would be a good move to go with six teams for a few years beginning in 2017. Do the six team thing for at least three years or until the fans start yelling big time for eight, then go for it. I’m sure that the TV (advertising) money would also be there big time. Your comments, suggestions, questions and concerns regarding Sports Talk articles are greatly appreciated, please call the Benchwarmers at 361-560-5397 weekdays, Mondays thru Fridays, 5-8 p.m. or contact me. Phone: 361-949-7681 Cell: 530748-8475 Email: dlewis1@stx.rr.com

the age of 23 having the boater education course may cut their insurance rates by ten to fifteen percent.” Violators of the law can be fined up to $500. Under Texas law any boat operator convicted of BWI (Boating While Intoxicated) can also have their Texas Driver’s License suspended for six months.

“Most people don’t realize that and it’s another reason boaters should take a course,” he said. “Boaters also own their wake, they are responsible for any damage it does.” The boater education course may also be taken on line but requires the student to sit in front of a computer for six hours because the course is interactive.

Pendlyshok said that when it comes to ‘rules of the road’ recreational vessels are near the bottom of the pecking order, a fact which many operators are unaware of.

“Most people find it easier and more enjoyable to take the class in person,” Pendlyshok said. “And either way the student must pass a test at the end in order to get the certification.”

“The biggest danger is in the Intracoastal Waterway where commercial vessels have the right of way,” he said. “Recreational vessels must give them room.”

The classes cost $20, payable to the state, and will be held at the Administration Building at Padre Balli Park on Saturday, January 23, Saturday February 20, and Saturday March 19 from 8:30 a.m. 3:30 p.m.

He cited an incident where a recreational boater who cut across the bow of an oncoming barge caused the barge to run aground and the boat operator was responsible for the ensuing costs of $40,000.

Preregistration is required as the classes fill up: For more information call (361) 443-4426 or Email windlinetexas@gmail.com. Dale Rankin

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361-949-1900


January 7, 2016

A9

Island Moon

On December 30th, Isaac Contreras caught these photos of a vehicle being pulled out of the Packery Channel. Which leads us to ask, how does this happen? It seems like it would be hard to do even on purpose. Photos by Isaac Contreras

This is a Santa's eye-view of the Christmas village at Island Italian.

Kip Shannon at the Gaff's annual New Year's Day Black Eye Pea Off

The Tarpon Inn tells it like it is

The footman is still loose! Police suspect he might be on foot.

Return of the Island rooster!

Island Creations Remodeling

Total Renovation & Remodels, Outdoor Kitchens & Spas, Additions, Kitchen & Bathroom Upgrades, Sunporches, Replacement of Windows and Doors, Roofing, Painting & Stucco

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Flying kites on New Year's Eve on the beach in Port A

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

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Skip the Plastic is very pleased and proud to announce our January Bag Hero, Julie Findley with Keep Port Aransas Beautiful. You may recall that on New Years Day, Port Aransas' ban on single-use plastic checkout bags became a reality. From now on, shoppers will be encouraged to bring their own reusable bags (best choice) or accept paper bags in place of the flimsy plastic ones that litter the city's beaches and waters. Knowing that store owners and residents would need to know the finer points of the ban before it took effect, Julie was one of the main volunteers who have helped Port Aransas officials with the transition.

10th Year In A Row!

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14802 Compass (361) 949-8200


A10

Island Moon

January 7, 2016


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