The
Issue 574
Island Moon
The voice of The Island since 1996
April 16, 2015
Around The Island By Dale Rankin editor@islandmoon.com
We had the latest in what has turned out to be a long string of cars – actually it’s usually trucks – go swimming on the North Packery Jetty this week. Southbound drivers who (apparently) don’t know there is a channel there hit the north jetty and get wet. So far the water has softened the landing and no one has been seriously hurt. But this week the driver was making enough speed that he ended up (according to the police report in this issue) a full forty yards out into the channel. That’s some mad hops friends. It’s not very often that a land vehicle becomes a maritime navigational hazard.
Big blow Early risers on Tuesday morning had to hold on to their hats as winds estimated (no firm record) at over 60 mph blasted through leaving the canals full of debris and lawn chairs visiting the neighbors. The black clouds came blasting in out of the northeast and drivers who had left their vehicles outside overnight got a free high-pressure carwash curtesy of Mother Nature. It was the latest in the spring showers this week which dropped almost six inches of rain in the Rockport area and has left a healthy crop of wildflowers and water in the bar ditches from Banquette to Swinney Switch. The country all the way to San Antonio and points north is as green as it has been in years. Lake Corpus Christi has come up 13 feet in the last month and is now at 60% capacity but still six feet shy of getting us out of conservation levels.
Power outages One of the first things new Islanders learn how to do is reset their clocks due to power outages and this week we all got plenty of practice. Large chunks of The Island went black at various times with the area just north of Whitecap out for about two hours on Tuesday morning. That’s okay; just grab the dog and head for the beach – it’s the Island Way.
Just an idea File this in the Someone Ought to Do File; as development between Port Aransas and Padre Island continues to fill up the empty spaces it becomes more and more apparent that the denizens of the two ends of the same sandbar have a communication problem. While Padre Islanders have much more in common with Port Aransians than with Flour Bluffians and Port Aransians have more in common with Padre Islanders than with Aransas Passians, there is still a Gulf of Communication between us. We share many common problems from beach access and traffic issues to taxes and tourism economies. Maybe it is time for some sort of regular mixers along the SH 361 runway to discuss what is going on in both places. The plan here is to launch some Moon Mixers in the near future, so stay tuned to these pages for details.
New Barge docks on the Lydia Ann
Adopt-A-Beach Cleanup This Saturday Volunteers needed This Saturday, April 18, volunteers across the state will take part in the nation’s largest coastal cleanup. Volunteers can sign up online at www.texasadoptabeach.org to take part in the cleanup which starts at 8:30 a.m. Each volunteer will be given data cards, gloves, pencils and trash bags. All volunteers are advised to wear closed-toe shoes, bring sunscreen and plenty of drinking water. The Texas General Land Office Adopt-A-Beach Cleanups are held rain or shine!
Beach Cleanup continued on A4
Gulf Resilient Five Years after Deepwater Horizon Harte Research Institute Leads Unprecedented Post-Spill Research Effort The Gulf of Mexico remains resilient five years after the explosion of the Deepwater Horizon caused the second largest oil disaster in world history. Scientists at the Harte Research Institute (HRI) for Gulf of Mexico Studies at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi are leading a historic effort to study the spill’s impact from the deepest waters of the Gulf of Mexico to the people who live on its shores.
Free
Weekly
FREE
Wings Over South Texas This Week! Blue Angels return to Flour Bluff after four-year absence
If you hear loud noises in the sky this week it may be Mother Nature’s thunder, or it may be the manmade variety in the form of the Blue Angles. The precision flying team is returning to Naval Air Station-Corpus Christi in Flour Bluff for the first time in four years for this weekend’s Wings Over South Texas Air Show. Traditionally the Wings Over South Texas performs at NAS-CC in odd-numbered years and in NASKingsville in even-numbered years but because of budget sequestrations in 2013 the Blue Angels were grounded for lack of funds and missed the 2013 Corpus Christi show so their last performance here was in 2011. The air show kicks off the naval air station’s year-long 75th anniversary celebration. Activities reach a head with a big celebration March 12, 2016. The celebration coincides with the 100th anniversary of the Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce. In years past the show has been easily visible from The Island and given the 90,000 people expected to turn out for this year’s show watching from The Island may be a good idea due to traffic. Most Islanders with boats (or have friends with boats) know that the best way to view the two-day show is from the water. Photos by Miles Merwin
Blue Angels continued on A4
Island Leads City in Population and Income Growth Island Homes Gain 13% in Appraised Value in Last Two Years
Padre Island Residential Homes
Oil Spill continued on A6
Senate News
Senate Committee Approves Red Light Camera Ban
The Senate Transportation Committee passed a bill Monday that would ban the use of traffic cameras to issue citations statewide. These devices, which use unmanned cameras to catch traffic violators, have been controversial since their implementation in some cities. Opponents say they are merely revenue generating devices that do nothing to improve public safety, while police departments say they reduce the number of crashes and encourage safe driving.
Cameras continued on A12
A little Island history
Whoop it up 2015 A5
Source: Adame Reality Advisors, Residential Market Trends Report. By Jim Lee Director, South Texas Economic Development Center Most Island residents should have already received a home appraisal statement in the mail. The prices of homes on the Island, and so their appraised values, have risen more than 5 percent within the past year, following an even stronger appreciation of more than 8 percent in 2013.
The housing market is cyclical, meaning that it closely follows the ups and downs of the economy. The shale oil boom that began to develop in 2009 has also created a housing boom in Corpus Christi and much of Texas. Despite the economic headwinds due to low oil prices today, whether the local real estate market has passed its peak remains to be seen.
And say hello is you see us Around The Island.
Fishing A7
Growth continued on A4
The Way it Was
The talk of Port A these days is often of the newly constructed barge docks along the Lydia Ann Channel. As we have reported before at any given time there are upwards of a dozen barges beached up on the back of St. Joseph Island waiting to enter the Port of Corpus Christi. The new docks are essentially a parking lot for them. We plan to have an in depth story in the next edition but rather than rush it to press this week we'll take some time to try to do justice to a story with many twists and turns. In the meantime we refer readers to David Sikes column in the Caller-Times on the subject last week. He covered the issue well in a very balanced way. The Jack Crevalle are running and the temps are mild. Get out there and enjoy our Island.
Inside the Moon
Sports A8
Our story last week about real estate development on The Island prompted an influx of new/old Island photos and sales pamphlets from the 1960 through the 1990s. So this week we included some old photos and information you may not have seen before . We thank Joan Johnson and Charlie Eskridge for the information.
History continued on A9
Live Music A16
A2
Island Moon
Yard of the Month
The monarchs return. Photo by Miles Merwin
Robert Pruski, Jr. 361.652.2278 adventure1mgmt@gmail.com The Island Gardeners awarded the April yard of the month to Thomas and Kelly Jackson at 13618 Catamaran Drive. Their yard is very attractive with palms and tropicals of every color. Drive or walk by this beauty. The Island Gardeners' annual plant sale will be held at Keller Williams Saturday April 25th, watch for signs!! To share your suggestion for yard of the month please contact Dianne Gimpel at 563-0951.
The Travelling Moon Gets Around
Patty Synenko took the Moon traveling to Paul Bunyan country near Auburn, Kansas (LEFT) The traveling Island Moon newspaper in front of Larry Bird bronze statue in Terre Haute, Indiana taken Thursday, April 9, 2015 with Padre Island resident, Wendy Taylor.
April 16, 2015
April 16, 2015
Island Moon
Letters to the Editor
Moon Monkeys Mike Ellis, Founder
Country Club Dale, the club opened on July 1, 1971, not 1973. I was hired April 1971 and have ample pictures and docs to back this up. We had our official opening of the golf course July 29th with a media/dignitary tournament. I have a picture of the first ball being hit on #1 by Louis Anderson, the golf sports writer at the time for the Caller Times. It is date by photographer on back.
Distribution
The second nine opened in 1973 with the Southern Texas Section PGA Championship in September. There is a plaque in that old display case with the winners of the opening event, and I understand from Stan he was on hand when a lot of that stuff was sent to a warehouse, where it probably still is. I was aware of all the financial and legal stuff going on, but not my focus at the time.
Pete Alsop Island Delivery Coldwell Banker Advertising Jan Park Rankin Classifieds Arlene Ritley Production Manager Jeff Craft Contributing Writers
Thanks. Charlie Eskridge
Joey Farah
Elks
Andy Purvis
The Proposed Corpus Christi Elks Lodge are hosting a “Meet and Greet” for Past Grand Exalted Ruler(national President) Charles F. Williams and the Texas Elks State Association President Tom Hougham and First lady Liz .
Devorah Fox Mary Craft Maybeth Christiansen Jay Gardner Chad Peters
The “Meet and Greet” will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 pm Sunday April 26, 2015 at Eagles Lodge 2249 , 2429 Johanna St. Corpus Christi Texas ( the corner of Ayers and Johanna ) . All are welcome to attend.
Todd Hunter Dotson Lewis Ronnie Narmour Brent Rourk
The Benovelent and Protective Order of Elks is a charitable, Fraternal order with about 800,000 members nationally and about 17,000 members in 57 lodges in Texas.
Dr. Donna Shaver Photographers Miles Merwin Jeff Dolan Mary Craft Ronnie Narmour Office Security/Spillage Control (Emeritus)
The proposed Corpus Christi Elks lodge meets the second and fourth Tuesday’s of every month; all Elks and interested persons are invited to attend. The Elks meeting are held at: Eagles lodge 2249 2429 Johanna St. (corner of Ayers & Johanna St.) If you would like to join us in this effort to give back to our communities please contact Ted Owens at 361-867-1342 or E mail at Elkscorpuschristi@gmail.com
Reader
Riley P. Dog Publisher 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
Sandpiper Condos WB Liquors Port A Arts
North Padre
Island Moon, What “don’t’ you and your staff of reporters know about the islands?
Abandoned sailboat Is there any info on the abandoned sailboat anchored at the end of the main channel near the yacht club? It has been there for a week.
Spanky’sLiquor
Snoopy’s Pier
IGA Grocery Store
Isle Mail N More
A day at the Back Porch.
Island Italian
Carter Pharmacy
Brooklyn Pie Co.
Pet Adoptions at Ace
San Juan’s Taqueria
Ace Hardware
Wash Board Laundry Mat
Texas Star (Shell)
And all Moon retail advertisers
Back Porch
WB Liquor
Woody’s Sports Center
Flour Bluff
Giggity’s
H.E.B.
Gratitude Gift Shop Keepers Pier House Port A Glass Studio The Gaff
Plants and veggies We had our first theft of the new plants on Whitecap! Someone obviously felt their yard was just not complete without the plant and didn’t want to make the trip OTB to buy one. There have also been some reports of folks helping themselves to the vegetables at the community gardens. Although they are “community” gardens, they are not your HEB produce department. Folks spend a great deal of money and time working those plots in order to have the resulting vegies. Do not just help yourself!
Weekly pet adoptions are being held at ACE Hardware on the Island Saturdays from 11-3. The events are held by Mission Pawsible Animal Assistance. Stop by and say hello and if you can’t adopt an animal they would gladly take a donation for care of the animals in foster homes.
by Mary Craft mkay512@aol.com or @padreeyelander on twitter
New Advertisers Garage Sale at La Casa del Sol 15113 Leeward 8 am – 5 pm on Saturday, April 18th. There are items from remodeled condos including ceiling fans, light fixtures, bar stools, art and miscellaneous household supplies. They ask that you park on the street and not their parking lot. Four Family Garage Sale on Key Largo Ct on Saturday, April 18th 8 am – noon with hunting gear, storage shelf, bookcase and much more.
Business Briefs The Island Moon Art Walk will be held on the Veranda patio Saturday, April 18th 10 am – 2 pm rain or shine since the patio is covered. The Wings Over South Texas Air Show this weekend is best viewed by Islanders by boat. The area around the seawall at NAS in the Bluff will be open for spectators to set up their own chairs and blankets. Gates open at 8 am with the show set for 10 am – 4 pm. The All Hands Blue Angels Reception will be held at the Catalina Club on base 6 – 11 pm. There will be free hors oeuvres and a cash bar. Dave’s Duo will be performing. Everyone with base access is invited to meet the Blue Angels. Island Italian Restaurant has happy hour 4 – 6 pm weekdays with $2 domestic, $3 import and $3glass of wine. Enjoy live music by John Eric on Thursday, Brian Winfrey on Friday and Ruben Limas on Saturday. Spring Fling Dinner & Dance with music by Bud Whittington will be held at the Eyerly Senior Center in the Bluff on Friday, April 17th 4:30 – 7:30 pm. The cost is $6 per person. The Padre Island Business Association Monthly Mixer will be held at the Veranda on Tuesday, April 21st at 5:30 – 7:30 pm. The Veranda at Shlitterbahn has live music on Fridays and Saturdays 6 – 10 pm. This weekend John Eric will entertain on Friday and David & Ross on Saturday.
Port A Happenings… H.E.L.P. (Health/Ecology/Lifestyle/Preparation) Activity: Essential Oils for Healthier Life Tuesday, April 21, 7pm - A Port Aransas Parks and Recreation Department activity presented by Theresa Spurgin explaining the value of using oils to improve and enhance your health. It will be held at the Port Aransas Community Center, 408 N. Alister Street. Call Community Program Coordinator Pam Greene at 361-7494158 for more information. FREE! Birding on the Boardwalk – Guided birding tour for anyone, novice to expert. Every Wednesday at 9 am at Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center at end of Ross Ave, with local guide Nan Dietert FREE! Beach Walk – Join guide Shirley Fischer on Port A’s beaches to hunt for shells and other treasures! [4th Friday of month] Meet on Fri, April 24, at 9 am under purple pennant near Horace Caldwell Pier at end of Beach St. FREE! Ave. A, on corner of Ave. A and Cut Off Road.
Port Aransas Community Park Pool Work has begun on a new aviary at the Marine Science Center in Port Aransas.
Open Swim: Tue-Thu: 1-2pm, Fri-Sat: 1-5pm. Lap Swim/Exercise: Tue-Thu: 8am-2pm, Fri: 8am-5pm; Sat: Noon-5pm. Water Exercise: Tue-Fri: 12 noon. Deep Water Aerobics: Wed & Fri: 11am, involves aerobic exercising with belts to keep you afloat in the deep end of pool. Total Body Aquacize: Tue & Thu: 10:30am & Sat: noon, with AAAI Water Aerobics instructor Sally Jo Bartlett - total body workout to strengthen all major muscle groups. Mom & Tot Time: Tue – Fri: 10:30-11:30am. Private, Semi-Private and Adult Swim Lessons available on request at pool office, 749-2416. COMMUNITY PARK POOL HIRING LIFEGUARDS NOW! Application online at www.cityofportaransas.org or call 749-4158. BEACH GUARDS ALSO BEING HIRED FOR SUMMER!
Pirate Bendy made an apperance at Shorty's last Saturday
Where Guys Go For Haircuts!
Subway
Shorty’s Place Stripes @ Cotter & Station
Be a good neighbor and do not leave your dog outside unattended. Noise travels quite a distance out here on the Island.
Debbie Michelle Galindo
Doc’s Restaurant
Duckworth Antiques
Barking dogs continue to be a nuisance. If you are a dog owner, you may not be aware that your dog gets lonely when it is left outside while you are away. So, it barks continuously! I’m sure it is trying to get your attention to let it in, but since you are not home, it hopes someone will pay attention and let them in out of the weather. Be a responsible pet owner. If you actually are home, maybe you need to turn the sound down on the TV or get the Ipod out of your ears!
Cedar Creek, NE
Moby Dicks
Island Tire
Barking dogs
The Dawsons
Whataburger
Chamber of Commerce
Tax statements have arrived at most of our homes. If you think the value was increased too much, plan to attend a Town Meeting on Saturday, May 2, 10 AM at the Seashore Learning Center Gym, Encantada, west of Park Road 22. You will learn what you need to do to protest your increases.
Keep up the good work. We appreciate everything you do.
Coffee Waves
Public Library
Town Meeting on Taxes
Thank you for providing such a great paper at all of our favorite places, at such an “affordable’ price.
CVS
Scuttlebutt’s Restaurant
Neighborhood Watch For those of you interested in starting a Neighborhood Watch, there will be a meeting Thursday, April 30 at 6:30 PM at the Police substation which is located at Zahn Road and 361 (on your way to Port Aransas). They will have information on how to get your neighborhood organized. There is no better way to have a safe neighborhood than getting to know who is supposed to be there.
Reading your newspaper from front to back is something we look forward to every week. The pictures are great too.
A Mano
Jesse’s Liquor
The storm that came through Tuesday morning may well be followed up with more rain and wind, if the weather forecasters or prognosticators are right.
We have been coming to Padre Island and Port A for over 30 years. First on vacation and now as Winter Texans. It is definitely our favorite place to be. We like everything about it. Everyone is so friendly. From the greetings we get at the restaurants we frequent, to the help and enthusiasm in the stores and shops.
All Stripes Stores
Port A Parks and Rec
By Maybeth Christensen
You're such a wonderful paper. Its weekly reports about fishing, birding, eating, current activities, upcoming events and Island History are very informative and interesting.
Stripes @ Beach Access Rd. 1A
Holiday Inn
News from your POA
Did Ya Hear?
A3
Liquid Town Whataburger on Waldron Ethyl Everly Senior Center Fire Station Police Station Stripes on Flour Bluff & SPID
Barber Joe Make your appointment ONLINE today on your computer or phone. Step #1-‐Go to BarberJoeSexton.com, #2-‐Click on the big yellow “Appointments” buCon, #3-‐ Click the cut you want and #4-‐Click an open Dme slot in my schedule. (Turn your phone sideways and click on the yellow bar at the top). I’m INSIDE the yellow Alamo-‐looking building at 15037 Park Rd 22. Text or call 361-‐500-‐8955.
A4
Port Aransas offers Rain Barrels Through New Program
Port Aransas is pleased to announce they are now offering “Ivy” rain barrels through their new rain barrel program. The rain barrels are being sold at a discounted price to encourage residents to conserve precious water resources and protect water quality. For more information on the rain barrels go to: http://www. rainbarrelprogram.org/portaransas
Beach Cleanup continued from A1
Locations in the local area are as follows: North Padre Island Contact: Gladys Choyke, 361-816-1243, Jim Needham— Surfrider Foundation, Todd Dwyer Packery Flats
Contact: Nina Cardenas 361 - 749 - 5246
“This program is an important step toward protecting clean water in our community because it offers an inexpensive and proven option to help people make a difference in their own backyards” says Julie Findley. “We are committed to helping residents conserve water and learn the benefits of rainwater harvesting. The use of rain barrels will provide residents the tools they need to conserve water and help prevent water pollution.”
Contact: William "Buzz" Botts, 361 - 949 – 8068
Ivy Bain Barrel Features: Made in the USA! 100% recycled plastic Dimensions 42.5”H x 22” W x 18” L Child proof, bug proof lid
The College of Science and Engineering will hold the STEM Summer Institute week-long summer educational program from Saturday, June 20, through Friday, June 26, for talented high school students interested in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
361-853-9877
Order now for a May 9, 2015 pick up in Port Aransas Water District Office, Nueces County WCID #4. 315 South 9th Street, Port Aransas, TX 78373. Quantities are limited. Deadline to order online is Sunday, May 3, 2015.
http://www.rainbarrelprogram.org/portaransas
Deadline to apply is Friday, May 1
Check - in:Padre Balli Park Office, 15820 Park Road 22
Check - in: Parking lot off Hwy 361, on Mustang Island between Packery Packary Channel and Newport Pass
For more information on the Port Aransas rain barrel program or to order, please visit:
College of Science and Engineering to Hold Summer Educational Program for High School Students June 20-26
Texans who are not able to attend the cleanup can help keep their beaches clean by making a tax-deductible donation online at www.TexasAdoptABeach.org. There are several different Adopt-A-Beach sponsorship levels ranging from $25 to $25,000, allowing both individuals and corporations to contribute to this major cleanup effort.
The rain barrels can be purchased directly through the program’s website using a credit or debit card. There will also be a limited number of rain barrels on the day of the sale as a first come first served basis. The normal retail price is $129.00 but through this special promotion they are only $69.00 each. Port Aransas Water Control and Improvement District customers qualify for a $20.00 subsidy, see website for details.
The rain barrel captures rainwater from roof tops by connecting to the homes downspout. This water would typically be sent down the storm drain carrying potential contaminants. The cumulative effect of rain barrels implemented throughout a geographic area can have a significant impact on stormwater management and water quality. Water collected by the rain barrels can be used for gardens, lawns, and to wash cars and pets.
April 16, 2015
Island Moon
The camp will introduce students, ages 16 to 18, to oceanography research and engineering opportunities, in particular ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle) operation, through lectures, exercises, hands-on activities, design and rapid prototyping, field trips, and project competitions. Students will spend one week on the Texas A&M-Corpus Christi campus gaining knowledge in underwater robotics, interacting with other teens, and learning from experienced professors.
Contact: Teresa Carrillo, Coastal Bays Foundation 361 - 882 – 3439 Mustang Island State Park Check - in: Park Headquarters Parking Lot, 17047 State Highway 361
This year, the camp will feature a live broadcast with the Exploration Vessel (E/V) Nautilus, a 64-meter research vessel operated by the Ocean Exploration Trust. The broadcast will give camp participants an opportunity for Q&A with crew members on the ship at sea. The cost is $500 which covers food, lodging, and instructional materials.
Padre Island National Seashore Check - in: Malaquite Visitor Center, 20420 Park Rd 22 Port Aransas
The deadline for application is Friday, May 1. For more information or to apply, go to entc.tamucc.edu/stemsi/; or contact Dr. Dugan Um at dugan.um@tamucc.edu; or call 361.825.5849.
Check - in: Avenue G at the beach Contact: Deno Fabrie, 361 - 749 – 0256
Growth continued from A1
St. Jo Island/Port Aransas
Corpus Christi has seen two housing booms in the past decade. The first boom took shape in the mid-2000s as part of the nationwide real estate bubble, which burst along with the 20072008 financial crises. After a brief retreat in the wake of the most severe national recession in the postwar history, the local housing market regained momentum as early as 2011. And the Island market again has been ahead of the region in price appreciation.
Check - in: 8:00 am, Fisherman's Wharf, 900 Tarpon Street Contact: Deno Fabrie, 361 - 749 - 0256 *Limited access – advance reservations required Rockport Check - in: Rockport Beach Park beachfront pavilion Contact: Kerry Goodall, 361 - 729 – 6661 Aransas Pass/Redfish Bay Check - in: Lighthouse Lakes Park, 4 miles east of Aransas Pass on Hwy. 361 Contact: Richard Gonzales, 361 - 779 – 7351 Baffin Bay, Loyola Beach, Riviera - Kleberg County Check - in: Kaufer - Hubert Park, FM 628 Contact: Susan Ivy, 361 - 595 - 8591
3/4” ball valve easily connects to garden hose
The Island has long been leading Corpus Christi in population and income growth. The influx of new residents means surging home demand. The average sale price of Island homes exceeding $316,000 today is the highest among all districts in Corpus Christi. The South Side and Del Mar areas, including Ocean Drive, might have some of the most expensive homes in the city, but most houses on the Island are selling at relatively high prices over $150,000. Only 17 percent of Island homes are currently sold with a concession, and the average concession is a mere 1.8 percent of the sale price, compared to the city’s average of 2.3 percent.
All parts included and ready to set up Gravity fed. No pumps required 50 Gallon Rain Barrel. Not all rain barrels are created equal. The “Ivy” rain barrel provides a new era of design innovation for an economical price. All components are included to start collecting and using your rainwater. The barrel is made out of black, 100% recycled, HDPE material. Barrels nest for easy storage - three barrels will easily fit in the back seat of a mid size sedan. It has a locking lid with a screened inlet, two overflow ports, and is able to be linked to other barrels. It also meets EPA safety standards and is made in the USA! According to the EPA, 40% of household water usage in summer is from lawn and garden watering. Homeowners can save 1,300 gallons of tap water every summer by purchasing a rain barrel. http://www.epa.gov/reg3esd1/garden/pdf/what-is-rainbarrel.pdf
Blue Angels continued from A1 The area around the seawall at NAS-CC in Flour Bluff will be open for spectators to set up their own chairs and blankets for the show. Gates open at 8 a.m. April 18 and 19 with the show set for 10 a.m. to 4 p.m
A few highlights • The show can also be viewed from the area around the Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi campus or from Ocean Drive.
Local Home Prices and Days on Market
• The Blue Angles, at least in past years, practice in the days before the show and may be overhead as you read this. • This year’s show includes a new maneuver for the solos, which will take off together in a section similar to the Diamond take-off. • The Diamond 360 maneuver, one of the most popular and awe-inspiring in the show — now includes six rather than four planes. • At times, the jets fly within 18 inches of each other and travel speeds up to 700 mph — just under Mach 1. Although the F/A 18 can fly up to Mach 2 — almost twice the speed of sound at about 1,400 mph — it is not allowed to do so during an air show.
Source: Adame Reality Advisors, Residential Market Trends Report.
• The Golden Knights, the U.S. Army Parachute Team will also perform as will private aerobatic planes.
According to the historical data on building permits, new home construction on the Island has picked up since 2012. Surges in demand have also been met with an increasing supply of existing homes entering the market. In addition to the pinch from growing property tax bills, price appreciation has provided an incentive for Island residents to trade their houses.
If you go • Bring a lawn chair, seating is limited and chances of getting a seat a slim. • Tent seating is available for $75. Commanding officers and other VIPs will also have tents — along with some special guests.
Steve Coons was busy cooking up the BBQ for Shorty's 69th Anniversary last Saturday
The total inventory in Corpus Christi, which is the time to sell all existing houses on the market, is also below 5 months, compared to longer than 10 months in 2009 and 2010. An inventory of five months is commonly believed to be the adequate housing stock level. A typical Island home now takes 124 days to sell, compared to almost 200 days in 2011. So, currently the Island remains very much a seller’s market.
• Everyone entering the show will have to pass through metal detectors and have their possessions scanned. Beyond the obvious illegal contraband, visitors also cannot bring coolers; cooking grills; pop-up tents; large sun umbrellas; backpacks and large carry-all bags; bicycles, dogs (other than service dogs) skateboards or roller blades; kites, balloons or radiocontrolled devices, or fireworks.
Higher home values, of course, mean more hefty property taxes. According to WalletHub.com, Texas ranks among the highest in property tax payments, only after New Jersey, Illinois, New Hampshire and Wisconsin. Texans paid an average of more than $3,300 last year in property taxes, compared with the national average of $2,089. And Island residents paid on average twice as much as the typical Texan did. Texas is one of the few states that do not impose an income tax, but that doesn’t mean there is a free lunch.
• Visitors can bring child and infant care items, portable lawn chairs, cameras, sunscreen, small handbags, diaper bags. • Food and drink are available at a charge on site along with vendors and displays. Pilots often are available for autographs and fan photos and to answer questions. • There is a KidsZone for the younger visitors. Mon-Thurs 8am-7pm • Friday 8am – 4pm Member hours (with keytag): 4am-11pm every day (361) 949-3298 – (361) 947-7732 www.islandfitnesscc.com
GIFTS CERTIFICATES AVALIABLE
Michelle Matthews
Hair Cuts & Color, Waxing, Hair Extensions, Special Occasion Hair, Airbrush Make Up, Feather Extensions Are you tired of wearing mascara? Do you suffer from black circles of smudged mascara? Do you want to have long beautiful lashes 24/7, even when you swim? Do you want longer fuller eyelashes? If you answered YES to any of these questions, we have the answer..........
XTREME™ EYELASH EXTENSIONS Michelle is a Master Hair Stylist
949-0794 www.theislandsedgehairsalon.com
having learned from the best and having trained top stylists herself. She is an expert Colorist and Make Up Artist, and was the former Stylist and Make Up Artist for Miss Oklahoma.
Hours Tuesday‐Friday 10am‐6pm Saturday 9am‐2pm
Walk‐Ins Welcome * Late Appointments Available
14813 S.P.I.D. Corpus Christi, TX 78418 (Next Door to Island Wash) Salon: 361‐949‐4890 www.michellessalon.com
April 16, 2015
A5
Island Moon
Whoop it Up – A Boot Stompin’ Time
P.I.E.
Island Foundation Schools Fundraiser Successful By Brent Rourk After dustin’ off their finest western duds, a whole mess of people swamped the gates at Whiskey River on Sunday for the finest BBQ, dancing, rubbin’ elbows with other folks, and bidding on some right fine gifts in the silent and live auctions. Whoop it Up filled Whiskey River with fun, food, fancy clothes, and fine gifts.
The Whoop it Up committee invested hundreds of hours of time and several local businesses donated items for this event, making it very successful. Keep those boots ready for next year’s Whoop it Up.
The Whoop it Up is not only one of the most fun Island sponsored events of the year but it also raises funds for the Island Foundation Schools. This year $50,000 was raised from the event through admissions, silent auctions and the popular live auction.
[Writer’s note: last week I accidently sent a ‘post’ Whoop it Up article from a couple of years ago instead of the ‘pre’ Whoop it Up coverage that I wrote. My apologies to all for the mistake. Please attend next year’s event.
Barbara Beeler, Director at Seashore Middle Academy discussed the purpose of Whoop It Up stating, “Funds raised at these events help us to construct and maintain our facilities. There is no state funding or property taxes for Charter Schools Whoop it Up needs the support of the entire community.”
PIE (Padre Island Enrichment Club) luncheon that was held on April 10. As you can see we always have a great time. Even our president (Katherine Pierce) got into the act.
The community supported this year’s Whoop it Up, enjoying both auctions as well as the food and dancing. Many of the auction items were very popular, including a fishing trip, a boat ride for 85 on a pirate ship, a hog hunt, and magnificent painting of a crab, jewelry, and some of the large gift baskets.
Enjoying Woop it Up 2015
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A6
Oil Spill continued from A1
“There’s never been more research on the Gulf of Mexico than there is now,” McKinney said. “The Gulf has not received the kind of funding for research that we see on the Atlantic and Pacific coasts. But today, what we are learning from the Gulf will have applications all over the world.” McKinney compared the Gulf’s resiliency after the Deepwater Horizon to a rubber band, snapping back into place after a test of its strength. Many of the Gulf’s most iconic species, like crabs, shrimp and oysters, have shown no lasting effects from the spill, McKinney said. But he warned that coastal residents should not take that quick rebound for granted. The Deepwater Horizon spill in 2010 was just one of many challenges testing the resiliency of the Gulf of Mexico. Factors like climate change, habitat loss and ocean acidification continue to threaten the long-term health and productivity of the ecosystem.
April 16, 2015
Island Moon
of the spill’s impacts. All are leaders in their respective areas of research. “Because of our unique, multi-disciplinary approach, HRI is involved in more aspects of the spill than any other institute in the Gulf,” McKinney said. The center’s goals include creating a network of academic experts that can be called upon to respond to future Gulf-related disasters, such as oil spills or hurricanes, to ensure the best science is available for the emergency response and long-term research. Texas OneGulf will also integrate two of the largest and most powerful scientific databases now operating in the Gulf, the Gulf of Mexico Research Initiative Information and Data Cooperative (GRIIDC) and the Gulf of Mexico Coastal Ocean Observing System (GCOOS), to ensure that information is available to anyone, the public, scientists, emergency responders and public officials. Using that resource, Texas OneGulf
Stuff I Heard on the Island by Dale Rankin The San Antonio Spurs are headed into the playoffs this weekend. I consider myself fortunate to have had a front row seat for much of what is sure to be looked back on as the Golden Age of Spurs basketball. Early on David Robinson was a frequent visitor to newsrooms where I worked and in a town of the relatively small size for an NBA team, especially in the 1980s and 1990s, it wasn’t unusual to run into players around town. My first brush with the team was when I ended up as the Associated Press reporter covering home games. It came with free Lone Star beer, Bill Miller Barbeque, and a courtside seat within arm’s reach of Coach Cotton Fitzsimmons which came with free long-distance phone calls. The stories were never more than 150 words and I soon found out that at professional sports events reporters don’t ever have to leave their chair to cover the story because at every timeout a Spurs person came around with up to date stat sheets, game summaries, and after the game sheet with quotes from players. It was a bird’s nest on the ground. So I would sit at courtside and call my friends across the country and tell them to tune in to the game and I would wave at them in a game of photo bombing that was ahead of its time. It was just about the best reporting job I ever had.
King of San Antonio Spurs fans couldn’t believe their luck after a season in which Robinson was injured and the team tanked that they drew the lucky bean and got the first pick in the draft. Then General Manager Bob Bass, who I believe is now retired in the Coastal Bend, took a lucky lizard pin, or something like that, to the drawing and the rest is history.
Deewater Horizon “The true measure of the health of the Gulf of Mexico is how well it can bounce back.” McKinney said. “The spill was a tremendous test of that resiliency, and five years later it seems the Gulf has passed. But questions remain about the impact of the spill on longlived species like turtles, marine mammals, cold-water corals and the deep Gulf ecosystem. If you continue to stretch a rubber band to its limit, you’re losing some of that elasticity and making it weaker. That is the concern we must have for the Gulf.” Looking forward, the oil spill has created opportunities for an unprecedented research on both the long-term impact of major oil spills and the environmental health of the Gulf of Mexico. HRI was recently named as the lead organization of one of Texas’ two research Centers of Excellence, funded by oil spill fines set aside by the federal RESTORE Act. Created to serve as a hub of study into the effects of man-made and natural disasters to help guide future science and restoration efforts, the Texas OneGulf Center of Excellence will join similar efforts in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida. Texas OneGulf brings together experts from a variety of disciplines and state institutions, McKinney said, including traditional biological and physical sciences, human health and socioeconomics to provide a holistic picture
scientists will initiate GulfHealth Metrics, a program to continually assess the health and productivity of the Gulf of Mexico. HRI researchers have also been taking a first-time look at how oil impacts the deepest parts of the Gulf of Mexico. Research led by Dr. Paul Montagna, HRI’s Endowed Chair for Ecosystems and Modeling, found initial damage and losses suffered by the communities of tiny marine animals living on the sea floor. Because the deep sea and the sea floor are colder than the rest of the Gulf, that ecosystem could take decades longer to recover. As drilling moves father offshore and attempts to tap deeper oil reserves increase, it becomes more important to understand how spills impact these hidden communities on the soft, muddy bottom that make up the base of the Gulf’s food chain. To learn what the future may hold for areas affected by the Deepwater Horizon spill, HRI scientists will travel to Mexico this summer, teaming with local scientists to look for residual impacts from the 1979 Ixtoc spill in Mexico’s Bay of Campeche, the third largest oil spill in history after Deepwater Horizon. Almost no research was done immediately after the blowout of the well at Ixtoc. Dr. Wes Tunnell, HRI Associate Director and Endowed Chair for Biodiversity and Conservation Science, has long followed the impacts from the Ixtoc spill, and continues to lead this research initiative today. The summer’s research will cover coastal areas, fisheries and deep-sea regions affected by the catastrophe, as well as the social and economic consequences of the spill. “This is as in indicator of what the effects of Deepwater Horizon may look like 30 years from now,” McKinney said. HRI also will team with UNAM-Sisal, a leading Mexican marine research institute, to carry out a three-year biodiversity study of the southern Gulf of Mexico. About the Harte Research Institute: The Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies, an endowed research component of Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, is dedicated to advancing the long-term sustainable use and conservation of the Gulf of Mexico. HRI provides international leadership in generating and disseminating knowledge about the Gulf of Mexico ecosystem and its critical role in the economies of the North American region.
$6.00
off any oil change!
Duncan was scheduled to make his first appearance in San Antonio at a rally in front of the Alamo – everything from KKK rallies to quinceaneras are held on that hallowed ground - and I was alarmed to find out that the Executive Producer at KENS TV where I worked and who was a Suns fan, had not even scheduled a live truck for the event. The sportscaster was bouncing off the walls because every station in town except us would lead with it and we would look like the biggest schmucks since Billy Carter. With no reporters to send I grabbed the satellite truck and off we went. There were over 5000 people packed into the area around Alamo Plaza and lined up down Houston Street. We barely made it in time to get set up but luck was with us that day. To keep reporters from mobbing Duncan the public relations people for the Spurs had herded the reporters together and were keeping them behind a barrier for a onefor-all interview after Duncan made a speech to the crowd. By getting there so late we dodged the PR flacks and were able to mingle with the crowd. I asked a police officer where the bus would stop and he just kind of shrugged his shoulders and pointed to a spot on Alamo Street right in front of the wax museum with a lifesized bust of Michael Jackson in the window. This was a seat of the pants operation. So we set up our camera in the middle of the closed street and here came the bus, barely moving as it made its way through the pressing
throng. I waved him in like I was born to be a traffic cop. With no one else giving him any direction the driver gladly followed my lead and right on cue at 4:59:30 I brought the bus to a stop with the door right in front of my camera. “Tim Duncan has arrived in his new home town,” I told the city as we showed a live photo of the closed door, and as I spoke the door opened and was filled by the 7-foot frame of Tim Duncan. The PR flacks had planned it beautifully to hit the top of the 5 p.m. newscasts and give the city its first look at the new King of San Antonio. What they hadn’t counted on was a rogue reporter cutting him off before he got to the microphone. I introduced myself to the startled Duncan and informed him he was on live television. “What do you think of San Antonio?” I asked. “All I’ve seen is the airport and the ride in, and now the Alamo,” he said. As I tried to get in another question a cop grabbed Duncan and pushed him into the crowd; my interview was exclusive but short. When I got back to the station Dan Cook, the sportscaster, who hadn’t yet met Duncan grabbed me. “What do you think of him?” “He looks like a no non-sense guy to me, maybe even a gym rat,” I said. “He clearly doesn’t like being the center of attention. He’s no prima donna.”
A rear ender A few years earlier a reporter for the San Antonio Light was driving to work in her twoseater convertible on West Avenue when she was reared ended by then Spur Sean Elliott who ran to her car; “I got to get to the airport or I’ll miss the team plane,” he said. In those days the Spurs still flew commercial. In exchange for a ride he offered to buy her a new car like the one he had just bumped into. Elliott made his plane and paid to fix her car – at her request.
The Worm makes an appearance A few years later I was at a bar on St. Mary’s Street when in walked Dennis Rodman with a couple of my friends; one a cross-dressing hair dresser with a full beard wearing a lime green lame dress and spike heels, the other a local restaurant owner. The hair dresser belted out Somewhere Over the Rainbow on the karaoke machine and we jumped into their limo and made the rounds of half a dozen karaoke bars where the process was repeated. He was the hairdresser who first started coloring Rodman’s hair various shades of orange and polka dot. Then after the Spurs’ first championship in 1999 I was kicked out of the post-game party Trump Bar due to what turned out to be a lifetime ban resulting from a friend setting fire to a pile of paper bar napkins in an ashtray which set off the fire alarm. Having a professional sports team is a real game changer for a city; a sure sign it has arrived. Eventually San Antonio/Austin will have an NFL team, but first and foremost it will always be a Spurs town. So get ready for the playoffs and Go Spurs Go!
April 16, 2015
A7
Island Moon
Backwater Adventures On the Rocks
By Joey Farah Farah’s Fishing Adventures
Spring Bull Tides The tide did come up after the last big moon as I predicted but we still haven’t received the first spring Bull Tides yet. With the last few fronts coming through what we need is a solid southeast wind for a good week. This will most likely push water in along with the upcoming New Moon that will give us a better chance to clear out some of this stained water out of the bay. The water north of the Causeway has been good when the tide is coming in as well as the water in Packery and along the beach. Port A and the surrounding water is gorgeous and I know some fishermen that have been catching some big trout and good limits of reds wading points to the north where there is clean water. The brown tide is not moving or hurting fish in the Lagoon and Baffin, we have caught many good boxes with live shrimp and popping corks the last few weeks. It just makes it hard to catch them on lures. All week I watched the Jetty while we surfed as anglers pulled in sheep head after sheep head off the rocks. The whiting in the surf are very plentiful as well, and the Spanish Macks have been all over the rocks on a good clean incoming tide. The beach front is the best quick pick for our local fishing unless you live in Port A. The Land Cut has seen some decent catches when we have a solid southeast wind for more than three days, but the water is still dirty and fish are scattered. Any day the tide will start to roll in and the fishing will turn the page. With all the fresh water we have gotten this year we
A few average keeper trout this week drifting the Lagoon with live shrimp.
have a great year for shrimp and crabs in the area. A trip with the kids to gather blue crabs for a boil is great right now. I WANT TO THANK EVERYONE THAT HELPED ON THE SEARCH FOR MY CRAZY BROWN DOG GOOSE. This dog is a runner and puts that nose to the ground and starts hunting. We got him neutered on Monday and he was still out looking for a girlfriend on Saturday morning. It only takes a second to turn your head and he bolted out with the gust of winds that carried the smell of love his way. It is amazing how a dog can become such a part of the family. Thank you for all the Island support this last weekend, he is home.
CINCO DE MAYO SURF CONTEST, PADDLE BOARD RACE, AND HORSESHOE TORNAMENT You will be missing the boat if you don’t look on the computer and see all the awesome events happening with this three day event. It starts on May 1st and runs all weekend. Lighthouse for the blind surf camp, Endless Summer Movie show and surf legions and stars, sign up party at the Boat House, Surf contest, paddle board course, horseshoe competition, BEACH VOLLYBALL, and more. It’s going to be a MONSTER PARTY OUT HERE ON THE ISLAND. I’ll have more info next week but check it out now. Follow all our hook-ups on Facebook at Joey Farah’s Backwater Fishing and let me help you find your adventure on the water now.
Black drum have spread out though out the Laguna Madre and Baffin Bay Area. They can still be caught but just not as easy as last month. Concentrate on rock and gravel bottoms.
By Jay Gardner As I sit here scrambling to get this written, I’m also juggling filling out the Schedule A form of my 1040, changing electricity providers to get a better rate, and filling out the appeal form to fight my Nueces County Appraisal District taxes. How did becoming a tax paying citizen sneak up on me like this?! What happened to those carefree bygone days of innocence?! Being a responsible adult is way overrated. I highly recommend avoiding it, if at all possible. Speaking of the joys of homeownership, that was a good little storm the other day. Tuesday morning right about the time the alarm was going off, so was the thunder and lightning. I’m always a little nervous when the weather comes through, as I have an older house that tends to leak in new and mysterious places when it gets crazy. I also have a tendency to leave windows open, and the wind likes to blow rain in through the screens. So, I pop up out of bed and sure enough, I’ve left a few downstairs windows open, and it’s starting to drip down the walls. The winds come up, and I hear some anarchy brewing outside on the porch, so I open the door to what looks like the tornado scene in the Wizard of Oz. The smoker unit takes a stage dive off the porch, the cast iron lid to the firepit rolls across the yard like a dime on the counter, and a roll of paper towels spools out across the lawn like it’s being ripped out like a freight train. Geez Louise! The barn doors pop the latch and swing open, banging loudly around. The sideways rain gives everything everywhere a nice rinse (including the battery charger and a few wayward electronics, NOT GOOD). Right about the time I’m scrambling around, I hear the hail set in and I dive back in the house. The nickel and dime sized hail is also coming in sideways in the 50mph winds, and I hear a window crack upstairs. As I’m standing there helplessly, the lightning and thunder hit a rapid pace all around me, and the wind shifts directions. Again, NOT GOOD. I can feel the house sway in the middle of it, and wonder if I should be seeking shelter in the stairway? I get away from the windows expecting them to shatter at any second, and it reminds me of the feeling before you get hit by a tornado. I really had the feeling that there was a spinner on the ground in my immediate vicinity, but I sure wasn’t going outside, and sure wasn’t going to look out any windows. It keeps up for a few minutes, and then slowly eases back off the throttles. Kind of intense. The storm was a good wakeup call. While the winds only hit around 5055pmh (my estimate), they would pale in comparison to a category 2 hurricane if it hit us. Things that you wouldn’t expect to move or go anywhere suddenly become flying
missiles that are looking to shatter glass and begin knocking structures down. Trees and fences went down all over the neighborhood, and there was debris everywhere. As we get closer to hurricane season, take a critical look around your place and think about sustained winds around 100mph and rain coming in sideways for a solid 8-10 hours. Is your place ready? Mine isn’t, but will be soon. The social media and watering holes are all abuzz with the news of the return of the brown tide in the laguna. I guess some folks just like to complain, because the brown tide has been around for 1,000’s of years, and we experience it every few years. Sometimes it lasts for a long time, sometimes for only a couple years. In any event, you basically just have to get used to it like fishing in the wind. Change tactics slightly, make more noise, or hire a guide like our very own Joey Farah, or Mike Singleterry. The brown tide didn’t bother us this past weekend, as we put a pretty good box of fish together throwing topwaters (which is one of my favorite ways to fish). Rachel scored a 28” trout that was a little under 7 lbs, which she released. Not a bad day for fishing right out front! Time to get some projects knocked out at the house. There is a small fallout occurring right now with yellow warblers, tanagers, grosbeaks, and a few other specialties. Drop me a line at jaygardner@scientist.com and I’ll see you on the rocks!
Rachel with a 28 inch trout released
Tides of the Week Tides for Corpus Christi (Bob Hall Pier) April 16-22, 2015
Great mixed bag of trout drum sheepshead and redfish from love shrimp and popping corks this week over the rock piles of Baffin Bay.
Colby Timplin teamed up with his dad on a recent calm day to grab some snapper off if the SEA Reef.
Moon Phases
Day
High /Low
Tide Time
Height in Feet
Th F Sa Su M Tu W
16 High 1:23 AM 1.5 16 Low 8:16 AM 0.6 16 High 2:01 PM 1.3 16 Low 8:14 PM 0.6 17 High 2:43 AM 1.7 17 Low 9:29 AM 0.8 17 High 2:19 PM 1.3 17 Low 8:48 PM 0.4 18 High 3:56 AM 1.8 18 Low 10:40 AM 1.0 18 High 2:35 PM 1.2 18 Low 9:26 PM 0.1 19 High 5:05 AM 1.9 19 Low 11:55 AM 1.2 19 High 2:47 PM 1.3 19 Low 10:08 PM 0.0 20 High 6:12 AM 2.0 20 Low 10:53 PM -0.1 21 High 7:19 AM 2.0 21 Low 11:40 PM -0.1 22 High 8:26 AM 1.9 22
Sunrise Moon Time Sunset
Moon Visible
7:03 AM Rise 5:29 AM 7:54 PM Set 5:55 PM
12
7:02 AM Rise 6:13 AM 7:55 PM Set 7:00 PM
5
7:01 AM Rise 6:58 AM :55 PM Set 8:06 PM
1
7:00 AM Rise 7:45 AM 7:56 PM Set 9:10 PM
0
6:59 AM 7:56 PM 6:58 AM 7:57 PM 6:57 AM 7:57 PM
1
Rise 8:34 AM Set 10:12 PM Rise 9:25 AM Set 11:11 PM Rise 10:18 AM
5 12
A8
April 16, 2015
Island Moon
SPORTS Sports Talk
Texas’ Own Jordan Spieth Wins the Masters By Dotson Lewis Special to the Island Moon Dotson’s Note: You get two for the price of one in this week’s Moon Sports Talk. At one stage of my life, I planned to get out of the Army to become a professional golfer. I was a “scratch” golfer and thought I could make golfing my after-Army career. What happened is a story for another day, but this past weekend I watched golf on TV for the first time in years. I got hooked on watching this year’s Masters from Augusta. I believe that the Masters is “head & shoulders,” above any golf tournament in the world. So you get my view (with a lot of help from Doug Ferguson, AP Golf Writer) on the 2015Master’s Golf Tournament. In addition, I am providing you with some information about the person I am nominating for the Commissioner of Major League Baseball, a position that has been previously occupied but vacant* for the past 36 years. That vacancy* has existed since A. Bartlett Giamatti died in office September 1, 1989. Jordan Spieth got more than redemption and a green jacket Sunday. He took his place among the best in the game with a Masters victory for the ages.
One year after Spieth lost a bid to become the youngest Masters champion, the 21-yearold Texan turned in one of the most dominant wins ever at Augusta National. He never let anyone get closer to him than three shots after his record start. He never gave anyone much hope on Sunday. Spieth closed with a 2-under 70, missing a 5-foot par putt on the final hole n that would have set yet another record. Instead, r he tied the score set by Tiger Woods in 1997 at 18-under 270.
"That's something that you really can't teach," he said. "Some players are able to do it, some players aren't. And he is." Spieth showed early he was up to challenge. Rose, starting the final round four shots behind, rolled in a 10-foot birdie putt on the first hole, and Spieth calmly made his birdie putt from just inside him. Spieth went out in 35 to build his lead to five shots, and one putt later, the Masters effectively was over. Spieth rolled in a 20-foot birdie putt on No. 10 for a six-shot lead. It was his 26th birdie of the Masters, breaking the tournament record that Mickelson set in 2001. Spieth managed this in only 64 holes. The next target was the 72-hole scoring record that Woods set in 1997 and he almost got there except for that bogey at the end. He twice went for the green on par 5s on the back nine, barely clearing the creek at No. 13 and going just over the back on No. 15, both times making birdie. The birdie on the 15th made him the only player in Masters history to reach 19-under par. McIlroy had a 68-66 weekend, hurt by his slow start and put him 12 shots going into the weekend. He will have to wait until next year to try to win the Masters and become the sixth
"This was the ultimate goal in my golf life," Spieth said. For all the talk about the Grand Slam bid by Rory McIlroy and the return of Woods, this week was about the arrival of another star. "It's awfully impressive," McIlroy said after finishing fourth. "It's nice to get your major tally up and running at an early stage in your career. It's great to see, great for the game, and I'm sure there will be many more." Spieth became the first wire-to-wire winner at the Masters since Raymond Floyd in 1976, and this might have been even more special. Craig Woods in 1941 is the only other Masters champion who led by at least three shots from the opening round to the trophy presentation. Phil Mickelson tried to make a run. So did Justin Rose. Neither got closer than three shots at any point, and it wasn't long before Spieth was making another birdie putt to take the drama out of the back nine. Mickelson (69) and Rose (70) tied for second. It was the 10th time Mickelson has been runnerup in a major. Woods jarred his right wrist then he struck wood under the pine straw on the ninth hole. He recovered and closed with a 73, 13 shots behind. Spieth won for the third time on the PGA Tour and fifth time worldwide. He will rise to No. 2 in the world rankings, still a ways to go to catch McIlroy at the top. When McIlroy won back-toback majors last year to establish himself as the game's best player, the quest was to find a rival. Spieth provided the answer on perhaps the biggest stage in the sport with his record-setting week at Augusta. "I thought today might be easier having played with the lead on Saturday. It wasn't," Spieth said. "It's the most incredible week of my life. This is as great as it gets in our sport. ... I'm still kind of shock a little bit." And he will keep the editors of the Masters record book busy. Among the marks he established this week: — The 36-hole record at 14-under 130. — The 54-hole record at 16-under 200. — The most birdies for the tournament at 28. — The lowest opening round by a champion at 64. — The youngest player to lead after the opening round. "He has no weaknesses," Mickelson said. "He doesn't overpower the golf course, but he plays the course strategically well. He plays all the shots properly. And he has that ability to focus and see things clear when the pressure is on and perform at his best when the pressure is on.”
Jordan w/siblings Ellie & Steven player to complete the career Grand Slam. The way Spieth is playing, that task just got a little harder. In his last four starts, Spieth has won twice and finished second twice. In case you are interested, the estimated worth in endorsements for winning the Master’s is $10,000,000.
George W. Bush for Baseball Commissioner The following is just one example of former president George W. Bush in action and how he gets along with those in the world of Major League Baseball. He would make some much needed changes in the how MLB is administered; and I believe that he should be appointed MLB Commissioner and given the same power the first commissioner (Kennesaw Mountain Landis) had. Here are some supporting facts furnished by writer Mac Engle of the Ft. Worth Star Telegram. Regardless of what you think of his politics or his presidency, there is no debate that George W. Bush possessed a level of charm and charisma that not every elected President can boast. The man can work a room. A few minutes after walking out with retired U.S. Air Force staff sergeant Nicholas Bradley, who threw out the first pitch before the Rangers’ home opener on Friday against the Houston Astros, Dubya took a few questions from the media. He has been out of office for several years, but the man still knows how to control a press conference. “I would be happy to answer any questions you have,” he said. “Let me rephrase that - I’d be happy to dodge any questions you have.” Immediately after it ended, he graciously walked among the crowd to shake hands. He even asked about some of the veteran writers who covered the team when he was the Rangers’ managing general partner: “Where is T.R. Sullivan (MLB.com)? Where is Gerry Fraley (Dallas Morning News)? Where is Randy Galloway (Fort Worth Star-Telegram)?” *The person in office has done almost nothing to help MLB…therefore I consider the office has been vacant. Dotson’s other note: Do believe that the current MLB Commissioner is doing a good job? What about his predecessors since1989? Your suggestions, comments and/or questions/ concerns regarding “Moon Sports Talk” are appreciated. Call the Benchwarmers 361-5605397 weekdays, Mondays thru Fridays, 3-6 p.m. or contact me. Phone: 361-949-7681 Cell: 530-748-8475 Email: dlewis1@stx.rr.com
The BACK PORCH
Two Fingers and a Thumb By Andy Purvis Special to the Island Moon Comedian Rodney Dangerfield once said, “To be a comedian you have to get on stage and find out if you’re funny.” We never know how good we can be until we try. You may have never heard the names Dick Weber or Earl Anthony. These two achieved greatness, if only for a moment in time, but a moment most of us will never get close to. But once in a while, a guy comes along who knocks down all the obstacles that others have put in his way. If you ever wanted to build the perfect bowler, you would point at this guy and say, “Just give me him.” He was big for his sport, a powerful guy who stood 6’ 1” tall and weighed over 200 pounds. He was a high-energy guy, like owning a pet. Some said he was so lucky he could walk between raindrops. His family was dirt poor and he grew up in a town where everyone had the same thing, nothing. He was also cocky, the kind of guy who would buzz the flight tower if he were a jet fighter pilot. During competition, he developed the personality of a concentration camp guard. Like a comedian, he needed the crowd approval like a new puppy needs petting. In his sport, it was not so much what you do but how you do it and some said he could concentrate until his eyes melted into one. You either liked him or loathed him.
My dad once told me I had a better chance of striking oil in my backyard, finding a buried treasure, or hitting the lottery jackpot, than of bowling a perfect game. Don Carter did not invent bowling, but you could not have convinced me otherwise. If it weren’t for Don Carter, we would more than likely never have heard of Dick Weber or Earl Anthony. With two fingers and a thumb, Carter changed a blue-collar sport into a permanent fixture on prime time television. During the fifties, baseball had Willie Mays, football had Johnny Unitas, and bowling had Don Carter. Donald James Carter was born in St. Louis, Missouri, on July 29, 1926. He grew up on the mean streets of town playing ball, baseball that is. Most of his time was spent in the infield, except when he was asked to pitch. Two of his American Legion teammates owned names you would recognize, Yogi Berra and Joe Garagiola. In 1944, after graduating from Wellston High School, he served a two-year stint in the United States Navy as a radar man in the South Pacific. He was relieved of duty in 1946 and came home to St. Louis. Carter signed a Minor League contract to play for the Philadelphia Phillies, but it was not to be. During his first season of Class-D League baseball, Don found out he couldn’t hit Major League pitching. He headed back to St. Louis again and got a job at Golden Eagle Lanes, sweeping lanes, setting pins, and tending bar. He practiced every chance he got; he had always loved bowling. You see, as a child, Don’s family struggled financially and money was always tight. His mother surprised him on his thirteenth birthday by purchasing for him one game of bowling for the price of thirteen cents. “Looking back on it now, that was the biggest birthday present of my life,” said Don. Professional bowling, not baseball, would be his life-long calling. He participated in one of the oldest sports in history, bowling. The game itself has a long and rich history dating back to England in the 1300’s, and some say there are possibilities that some form of the game existed during ancient Egyptian and Roman times. In his story about Rip Van Winkle, American writer Washington Irving mentions the sound of “crackling ninepins.” It wasn’t until 1951, when a company called Gottfried Schmidt invented the modern day pinsetter machine that the sport of bowling took off in the United States. Now, it is estimated that 95 million people in over 90 countries participate in bowling on a weekly basis. Lots of athletes have invested in bowling alleys in the past. Most athletes, like Johnny Damon, now just build their own lanes in their home. Mickey Mantle Lanes was located in the DallasFort Worth area. Did you know that the White House has its own built-in bowling alley?
Tyler Rogers Band
Jake Ward
In 1953, Don met and married female bowler, LaVerne Haverly. They divorced in 1973. Don then married another professional female bowler, Paula Sperber, who had won the 1971 U.S. Women’s Open. Both his wives ended up elected to the United States Bowling Congress Hall of Fame.
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Television shows like Jackpot Bowling, Make That Spare and Championship Bowling were watched by millions of people. By 1962, an incredible 32 events were scheduled in prime time. Don Carter achieved many firsts in his chosen sport. He became the first bowler to win every
This guy loved attention so much he would have changed his name to Ann Landers just to be mentioned in the newspaper. He would stop at nothing to win. He had incredible focus and drive, was a good all-around athlete and fearless. He was a right-handed powerhouse with an awkward delivery. He stood stoopshouldered and did the unthinkable by bending his elbow on his backswing and pulling the ball back around his stomach, then pushing it forward. No one could copy him, and they all tried. Some said he got into his opponents’ heads like a bad sinus infection. All he did was win. A lot of people don’t want to be different and, if they are, they hide it so no one judges them badly.
Beer is as much a part of bowling as blowing on your fingers. In 1951, Don joined the Pfeiffer Beer Team from Detroit, Michigan. They won the 1953 Open Championship. After moving back to St. Louis again, in 1956, he joined the Budweiser Bowling Team. This team won four straight National Team Match Games (19561959). The 1958 team set an American Bowling Congress (ABC) League Series record for a five-man team, by scoring 3,858 points. This record stood for 35 years. His partners in crime were Ray Bluth, Dick Weber, Tom Hennessey, and Pat Patterson.
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Championship. He won four titles and $49,000 in 1960 alone, while neighborhood bowling alleys sprang up in every small town in the USA. He was chosen Bowler of the Year six times and was voted the Greatest Bowler of All-Time in a 1970 bowling magazine poll. Even though he has not bowled since 1972, he is still ranked 11th on the PBA list of top 50 bowlers from the last 50 years. In 1964, Don Carter, a ten-pin bowling legend, was the first professional athlete from any sport to sign a one-million-dollar endorsement deal; it was with Ebonite International, a bowling ball manufacturer. Carter also won four out of nine All-Star tournaments. He won five World International events in a six-year span and he won the ABC Masters title.
The very first “Superstar” of professional bowling was Don Carter. After having learned the game as a child, Don went on at the age of 32, to become the founding member and first president of the Professional Bowling Association (PBA) in 1958. Before that, all he did was win numerous tournaments in single competition and in team play. He won seven PBA titles, including the 1960 National
Don Carter possible major tournament in his career. He’s the first bowler to have a tournament named after him. He was inducted into the American Bowling Congress (ABC) Hall of Fame in 1970, the Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) Hall of Fame in 1975, and he has written two books, entitled 10 Secrets of Bowling and Bowling The Pro Way. Carter also bowled five “800 Series,” 13 perfect games and six “299 games” in sanctioned events. One of the advantages of the game of bowling is that while most sports are not conducive to the elderly, it is possible to play this game well into old age. Don Carter was forced to retire from competitive bowling in 1972 because of a bad knee. “I really don’t think anyone under the age of 65 remembers me. I’m really big with senior citizens,” laughed Carter. Don owned a chain of bowling alleys and a clothing line of bowling apparel. He loved golf and painting and did charity work on behalf of abused kids. He did not like public speaking or flying airplanes, therefore he stayed close to home after retirement. In 1980, Carter’s star was dusted off by appearing in Miller Brewing Company’s award-winning commercials for Miller Lite beer. Don Carter, “Mr. Bowling,” a true pioneer and legend of his sport, died at his home in Miami, Florida, on Thursday night, January 5, 2012. He had suffered from pneumonia and emphysema. He was 85 years old. Carter is survived by wife, Paula, two sons Jim and John, a daughter Caycee, three grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Abraham Lincoln once said, “Whatever you are, be a good one.” Don Carter was the best. Andy Purvis is a local author and radio personality. His newest book “Greatness Continued” in now available to order online at bn.com, Amazon, Google Books, Bookamillion, etc. You may also purchase all three of his latest books at the local Barnes & Noble Book store in Moore Plaza. All three books are also available in e-book format, Kindle, Nook, Apple I Pad and Kobo. Please visit www.purvisbooks. com for more info and leave a message in the guest section. You may also contact him at purvis.andy@mygrande.net and don’t forget to listen to Dennis & Andy’s Q & A Session each Thursday night from 6-8 PM on ESPN 1440 KEYS.
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April 16, 2015
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Golf course and clubhouse under construction with partial hay cover - November 1970.
The causeway before the JFK Bridge was built
View from the top of the clubhouse Aerial view of the Island
Looking toward Three Fathoms. Date uncertain, sometime in the 1980s Clubhouse under construction
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