Port A Kids Halloween Parade photos by Ronnie Narmour
Issue 550
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The voice of The Island since 1996
The Island Moon
October 30, 2014 Around The Island By Dale Rankin editor@islandmoon.com
We get the Double Whammy for Halloween this year with the actual holiday falling on Friday and a second night of ghouling on Saturday. We will have the Trick or Treat parade on Hawksnest Bay and Eaglesnest Bay as well; everybody remember the skeeter spray as we got us a healthy crop this year. There’s a lot going on Around The Island…here’s some of it.
Beach maintenance
Early Voting Totals Lagging
We’ve had several inquiries about this motor yacht that has been parked at the visiting docks in Port Aransas for several months. It belongs to San Antonio Spurs owner Peter Holt. We respect Mr. Holt’s privacy so all we’ll say is Go Spurs Go!
New Pirate Ship The Pirates of the Lydia Ann have a new ride. T-Joe and boys brought this open wooden boat in from Louisiana and let her sink to the bottom so the wood could soak up water and seal. She’s now afloat in Port A and soon to be armed with eight cannons and an arsenal of squirt guns, so be prepared to surrender up your booty!
Hutch sighting
By Dale Rankin
As of Tuesday evening 23,206 Nueces County voters had cast ballots, the total Early Voting in 2010 was 33,709, so another 10,000 voters need to show up by the close of Early Voting on Friday to match the 2010 numbers.
This pelican flew through the Partial Solar Eclipse on October 23rd which took a bite out of the sun. . The solar eclipse only took a slight bite out of the top part of the sun. Brent Roark took this shot from the deck at Doc’s. Is this a great island or what?
Islander Ullberg Creates Masterwork for Colorado Museum Bronze statue depicts first American Mastodon ever discovered
The journey ended this week at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science with the dedication of Ullberg’s latest creation, his largest freestanding sculpture to date at 19 feet, which now stands in front of the museum. The bronze sculpture of the American mastodon (Mammut americanum) is entitled Snowmastodon. News of the discovery quickly spread worldwide though the scientific community. The project was soon dubbed The
On Oct. 23rd a 19 foot bronze Mastodon, sculpted by Island Artist Kent Ullberg was dedicated at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science in Denver, CO, this week. Governor JohnHickenlooper did the honors. Naturally, our ISLAND MOON was an invited guest! The people in the photo are: Kent, Veerle, Laurie, Seaton and Robert Ullberg. Snowmastodon Project and scientists eventually pulled more than 6,000 bones from 50 different species at the site, including infants and juveniles and the largest accumulation of American Mastodons ever found. The specimens are the subject of ongoing scientific study with more research papers currently underway.
One of a kind Within days of the discovery of the bones scientists realized they were something special. While the bones of woolly mammoths had been found in the Siberian Tundra, no such discovery had been made for the American Mastodon. The find
Wounded Warrior Project Golf Tournament at Schlitterbahn Wild Outfits, Silent Auction, and Fun Golf Mark the Day Dressed in a wide array of fashionable, unique, and riveting costumes, 46 golfers and 10 guests made their way around the golf course at Schlitterbahn Waterpark on the Island last Saturday. Golfers and duffers alike joined forces to raise money for the Wounded Warriors Project.
Wounded Warrior Project Selected Project director and recent Islander Heather Mader revealed how the tournament idea came
“A good portion of the money to buy the land came from a settlement awarded the State of Texas from the recent oil spills in the Gulf of Mexico,” said Suzette Freeman at Port Aransas Realty, who handled most of the negotiations for the sale. “The land will be added to the park and the deed restrictions in the park will apply to it and guarantee that the land will never be developed.”
According to a spokesman for Texas Parks and Wildlife Department the final use of the land has not been determined but may never be opened to the public. Robert McCorkle from TPWD sent us this statement on future use of the land.
Ullberg continued on A5
By Brent Rourk
After nearly two years of talks the Texas Nature Conservancy, and Texas Parks and Wildlife last week reached a $6.32 million deal that will add about 700 acres of land to Mustang Island State Park. The land is located on the west (bay side) of State Highway 361 just north of the current park entrance.
A TPWD spokesman said there are no plans to open the newly acquired land to the public.
By Dale Rankin When a bulldozer driver discovered bones of a Columbian mammoth while working near Snowmass Village in Colorado in 2010 it set in motion a series of events that led to the doorstep of Island resident and world renowned sculptor Kent Ullberg.
Mustang Island State Park Adds 700 Acres No plans to open the new land to the public
Early Voting totals for the General Election which culminates next Tuesday, November 4, are lagging behind those of the last gubernatorial cycle in 2010 by about 5%.
Early Voting continued on A12
Big boat
Partial Solar Eclipse
By Dale Rankin
As of Tuesday evening a total of 905 voters had cast ballots at Seashore Learning Center on The Island; 500
We want to send a big Moon Attaboy out to the beach maintenance crews. After years of moving sand from the waterline to the duneline and narrowing our beaches they have reversed course; this week they have been busy moving the sand from the seawall and the dunes to the water’s edge making our beaches much wider; the effect of the new approach is already observable. This new method is in keeping with the beach re-nourishment project that brought us Packery Channel. The idea has always been to make the beaches wider, not pile up sand in front of the seawall. Keep up the good work.
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about, commenting, “I was brainstorming with some friends in early July about how they could raise money and make a difference.” They subsequently put together a little tournament and then aimed for something bigger and better. Why Wounded Warrior Project? Mader was quick to respond, “Quite simply, we couldn't live the lives we do, full of these amazing opportunities, without them. They are who make our
“My understanding is the property was acquired first and foremost for conservation purposes. We will be assessing the natural resources of the property that will most likely remain undeveloped. If TPWD determines at some point that the land has recreational value or wants to proceed with development, the agency will go through its normal public use planning process." "The bottom line is there will be no public access allowed any time soon, and when and if it is permitted, it would likely be by foot or kayak. Also, opening the almost 700 acres to the public some day for lowimpact recreation, such as birding or kayaking, in the future will be dependent upon having the necessary funding to make it accessible and to provide any necessary facilities.”
Inside the Moon
Island Halloween Legends A6
Modeling their stylish kilts, these four golfers set the tone for fashion Golf continued on A2
A little Texas history
On the Rocks A7
Cut a Little Swathe and Lead the People On
By Dale Rankin Our old friend Hutch, Man About Town and duck carver extraordinaire is back after a too-long absence. As you can see here Hutch is a Fireball and guards the Men’s Room at the Back Porch while talking to his bookie about Sunday's games. Welcome home Hutch.
9th Annual Dog Gone Halloween Festival Ray and Dr. Christi are once again throwing the Mother of All Dog Parties Friday night at the Animal Hospital of Padre Island. It runs from 4-8 p.m. and includes a dog costume contest, obedience and trick demonstration and all sorts of fun for canines and humans alike. All we can say is, if you miss it your dog’s friends are sure to tell him and you’re going to be in a lot of human trouble. We’ll see you there. In the meantime say hello if you see us Around The Island.
As we go to the polls to pick a new Governor for the Great State of Texas this election season it’s a good time to take a look at some of the folks who have filled the office in the 169 years of statehood; prior to that Texas had Presidents. Over the years Texas has produced some fine examples of, shall we say, quirky Governors. In no particular order here are a few, and something about the house they called home.
The Big Drunk Over time The Father of Texas has taken on mythical qualities; when the legend becomes fact print the legend. But Sam Houston was no Boy Scout. Before coming to Texas he was accused on the House floor of being in league with men profiting from supplying
rations to the Indians who his friend Andrew Jackson had kicked out of the South. He confronted his accuser on Pennsylvania Avenue and hit him with a hickory cane and the man pulled a gun and fired; the gun misfired sparing Texas the loss of its future first governor. Houston pleaded self defense and hired Francis Scott Key, who wasn’t busy writing songs that day, to represent him. He was convicted but suffered little consequence. Then after leaving his child bride home in Tennessee he came to Texas where he earned the Cherokee name Oo-tse-tee Ar-dee-tah-skee, or "Big Drunk”. While serving as President of Texas the then 47 year old Houston got married for a third time, this time to the 21-year-old Margaret Moffette Lea. They had eight children together. Then when the Civil War broke out
Election A11-A16
Ima Hogg History continued on A6
Live Music A18
A2
Golf continued from A1
October 30, 2014
Island Moon
Cub Scout PAC 949 on the Move
country great, and every single member of the service deserves our gratitude. The sacrifices these men and women have made impact every part of their lives, and this is the least we can do for them.”
Awards and Halloween Costumes Top Meeting By Brent Rourk
Great Turnout for the First Year “I was thrilled about the turn out. Actually, we are considering moving to a bigger course next year so that we can accommodate more golfers. We were limited to 50 and had to turn teams away. I want to be able to at least double that number next year. I am hoping this only gets bigger and better. Dressed to kill: This foursome looked like they were ready for a musical instead of a golf outing. The community was so gracious and is Photos by Brent Rourk a big part of the event's success”, stated Mader. and costumes, another highlight of the day The money raised from the entrance fees and was speaker Rene Coronado. Mader disclosed, the silent auctions will be turned over to the “Rene Coronado, Veterans Field Representative Wounded Warrior Project. “We raised just shy from the office of Congressman Blake of $2100.00 this year.” revealed Mader. Farenthold, and retired Army Captain, who is The costumes were as varied as the scores in fact a Wounded Warrior, said a few words.” as golfers paraded around in the Stay Puff Even with little time to put the event together, Marshmallow Man, a quartet of kilt clad course it was very successful, largely due to several killers, a ladybug, a devil, a Charlie Sheen look supporters. “I want to thank the donating alike, and many other clever disguises. organizations, our community who showed In addition to the golfing scores, auctions, an outpouring of support, and the participants and guests who really rallied and made this a successful event. A shout-out definitely needs to go to The Boathouse Bar and Grill staff who were with me every step of the way in any way they could help. But, most importantly, we all need to thank our service men and women." conveyed Mader.
Patiently waiting for the PAC 949 Halloween Costume Contest at the Padre Island Baptist Church on Tuesday evening, Eager Cub Scouts climbed the stairs of the stage to receive awards and ribbons for hard work they have already accomplished during the first two months of scouting this year. Supportive parents and eager Cub Scouts beamed as local Den Leaders awarded the scouts a variety of awards, patches, and ribbons. Prior to the award ceremony Cub Master Bryan Haney reviewed the first two months of activity, highlighted by the incredibly productive annual popcorn sale. This year the Cub Scouts matched last year’s sales, totaling almost $34,000 in gross sales. Proceeds from the popcorn sales will help PAC 949 purchase ribbons, awards, books, and supplies for camping outs. The top 3 Cub Scout popcorn salesmen totaled almost $5,000.oo in sales. Many of the scouts received awards for their sales. Haney then discussed the Scouting for Food drive that PAC 949 will begin in two weeks. Scouts will be knocking on Island doors collecting food that will be donated to the church. Following information about the food drive, Haney Briefly discussed the Campout on November 15th and 16th which will include a service project and several fun den activities. The evening concluded with the Halloween Costume Contest that included a huge variety of
Cub Scounts receive awards as parents watch Photos by Brent Rourk
Twelve costume winners hold their prizes costumes. A panel of judges chose 1st through 3rd place winners in 4 categories; Funniest, Scariest, Best Home Made Costume, and Other. The boys paraded along the stage showing off their costumes as the judges carefully reviewed each costume. Twelve happy boys went home with prizes, but again everybody was a winner at this months’ meeting.
Moon On the Road to Mandalay The Island Moon cruised with Ken and Sue Parsons on the Irrawaddy River through Myanmar (formerly Burma). This river was immortalized as "The Road to Mandalay" by Rudyard Kipling's poem of the same name. The picture was taken October 8th, Sue's birthday. This year, the "Holiday of the Full Moon" also fell on October 8th. In Myanmar, the full moon holiday is similiar to the "Last Day of Lent" in Christian countries in that it ends a period of self sacrifice. Coincidentially, a total lunar eclipse occurred just at moonrise (about 6:10 PM Myanmar time or 6:40 AM CDT in Corpus Christi). The moon appears in the picture as a golden crescent because it was just leaving eclipse totality. While enjoying cocktail hour on the top deck of our river boat, the MV Viking Orient, we watched it's gradual transition to a full moon. The inset at the bottom right is a telephoto shot of the full moon taken a few hours later.
October 30, 2014
Island Moon
Moon Monkeys Mike Ellis, Founder
Coast Guard Auxiliarist Rourk Serves the Community
This letter is to endorse for Flour Bluff School Board Place 4 Mr. Brent Rourk and inform the public about his service in the Coast Guard Auxiliary (CGA). I have known Mr. Rourk for 9 years in the CGA and I have observed how much he has done for Corpus Christi, Flour Bluff and North Padre Island as a member of the CGA. He is a straight up guy with outstanding character who serves the country and our communities in many ways.
Distribution
• Crew member on patrol boats on North Padre Island and Flour Bluff
Pete Alsop Island Delivery
• Coxswain (captain) on patrol, search and rescue, and special missions in this area and along the coast
Coldwell Banker Advertising Jan Park Rankin
• Mentor to several other CGA members
Classifieds
• Boating Safety Instructor for students and adults in North Padre Island, Flour Bluff and Corpus Christi
Arlene Ritley Design/Layout Jeff Craft Contributing Writers Joey Farah
• Officer In charge of Public Education for local Flotilla 7-11 for two years • Taught hundreds of students Boating Safety in Flour Bluff, North Padre Island and Corpus Christi
Andy Purvis Devorah Fox
• Is also a certified Boating Instructor for Texas Parks and Wildlife, allowing students to get their boating licenses
Mary Craft Maybeth Christiansen Jay Gardner
I support Brent Rourk for FBISD Board of Trustees Place 4. Why? Because he is intelligent, passionate about education, loves bringing out the best in everyone, listens to others and has a wonderful humor.
Dotson Lewis Ronnie Narmour Brent Rourk Dr. Donna Shaver Photographers Miles Merwin Jeff Dolan Mary Craft Ronnie Narmour Office Security/Spillage Control (Emeritus)
Those of us that have children on the Island have a choice of where to send our children. We have excellent schools on the Island, as well as, the Flour Bluff ISD system. My children attended SLC and SMA (the Island schools) prior to furthering their education in the Flour Bluff schools. And, both were involved in varsity athletics at Flour Bluff. If you reside on Padre Island and your children attended the Flour Bluff schools from K – 12 then the parents, most likely, have not had the honor of knowing Brent Rourk.
Riley P. Dog Editor/Publisher/Spillage Control Supervisor
Yes, Mr. Rourk’s background is in Colorado. He was a teacher, principle and athletic director for a period of 27 years. And, a business man for 16 years. He came to Padre Island to retire but realized he missed being a teacher. He has been teaching at Seashore Middle Academy for several years and is involved in many
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
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Stripes @ Beach Access Rd. 1A
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A Mano
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Pioneer RV Park
Wash Board Laundry Mat Port A Parks and Rec Public Library
Snoopy’s Pier
Holiday Inn Texas Star (Shell) Jesse’s Liquor Scuttlebutt’s Restaurant Subway
Chamber of Commerce
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And all Moon retail advertisers
Back Porch
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Woody’s Sports Center Shorty’s Place
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Stripes @ Cotter & Station
Liquid Town
Gratitude Gift Shop Keepers Pier House Port A Glass Studio The Gaff
• Taught ABS (About Boating Safety) and BSS (extended boating safety course) to the public • Recipient of lots of well-earned medals of achievement and commendations • Recipient of Division Public Education Award
Whataburger on Waldron Ethyl Everly Senior Center Fire Station Police Station Stripes on Flour Bluff & SPID
by Mary Craft mkay512@aol.com or @padreeyelander on twitter
New Advertisers The 2nd Annual Spoonapalooza featuring Blues artist Robert Spoon, El Jefe and the Cerveza Libre Band will be held at Doc’s on Saturday, November 1st 8 pm – midnight with a $5 cover charge.
• Recipient of George Bush Volunteer Award
Business Briefs
• Honorary Admiral Designation in the Texas Navy
The Annual Island Art Walk will be held Sunday, November 2nd noon to 4 pm. at Billish Park. There will a variety of items by local artists for sale.
I know that he has also been a teacher on the Island for going on ten years, teaching math and Spanish. I also know that he is in several community organizations, serving the public in lots of other ways. His businesses also serve the public. But I know him well as an Auxiliarist and have seen him serve his country and our community well. I think that he would make an excellent FBISD School Board member because he is a problem solver and works well with others. He is very energetic and puts everything into the task at hand. FBISD and the students will be better served with Rourk on the Board. Sincerely, John Brough
Regarding the FBISD Elections
Chad Peters Todd Hunter
Did Ya Hear?
Letters to the Editor
A3
community and service organizations. Flour Bluff ISD is a wonderful school system. Just because you attended this school system and graduated from Flour Bluff High School does not automatically make you the best qualified to lead the school system into the future. Sometimes thinking outside the box, or in this case, thinking outside Flour Bluff can create robust discussion and ideas to make the education experience of the children even more valuable. As a former student said “There are so few dedicated educators out there and we need to appreciate and recognize the ones that make the most difference. Brent Rourk does that on multiple counts!” Let’s get the best qualified on the FBISD Board of Trustees. Brent Rourk is qualified with a lifetime of education experiences. He will work diligently with the other Trustees and make the future brighter for all the children. Vote for Brent Rourk for FBISD Board of Trustees – Place 4.
The La Posada Boat Parades will be December 12th and 13th. The 19th Annual Fall Back Festival will be held Saturday, November 1st 7 – 10 pm at the Black Marlin Restaurant/Bar at Palmilla Beach Golf Resort. There will be menu samples from local restaurants, a variety of wines to taste and music by the Unrehearsed and Unashamed Band. There will also be a Chinese Auction of gifts provided by local merchants and a costume contest. Admission is $30. The 9th Annual Dog Gone Halloween Festival will be held at the Animal Hospital on October 31st 5 – 8 pm. Live music will be provided by the Rockoholics. There will be tricks & treats for costumed kids 4 – 5 pm. Scuttlebutt’s is having a costume contest October 31st 6 – 8 pm with a chance to win $100, $50 or $20 gift card. The Flour Bluff Hornets are 8-0 and are ranked 6th in the 5A state ranking. Junior 6’6” QB Cody Brewer is getting a lot of attention from Division1 schools. Their homecoming game is Friday, October 31st at 7:30 pm. Bella’s Nails & Spa is now open next to Farmers Insurance on Park Road 22. The Parrot Heads of Port A will have a happy hour celebrating "5th" Thursday on October 30, 2014, 6:30 p.m. at the Island Mooring Marina next to La Barataria. Bring your chairs, drinks and snacks for a hearty party! Deluxe Nails next to Padre Pizzeria has a new owner and new staff offering many services including permanent cosmetics of eyeliner, lip liner and eye brow and eyelash extensions.
John Vaughn
FBISD Elections
With regards to the FBISD school board elections. People keep talking about they disapprove of the us vs. them mentality but yet those are the people creating the division! By reading Mr. Rank ' s letter I feel he sees anyone that graduated or has kids going to school at Flour Bluff is "us". Those that don't fall in the category is "them." I am thoroughly disgusted with this attitude. Why would anyone think that just because you graduated from the Bluff makes you the better candidate? That’s' absurd, and I'm offended by this opinion. I grew up in Corpus and graduated from Carroll. That doesn't mean I can't become an asset to FB by serving the school and community. Flo East has done more than anyone else in this community and for a longer period. She didn't just help out at a few events. She runs the events and tries to get the community involved. This in itself is a major battle. I came from another school district and when we first got to the Bluff you couldn't find enough people that wanted to volunteer. Now that has changed mostly because of the people coming into the school district from other districts. And to take something she might have said about not wanting to hear concerns from people is ridiculous.
Debbie Lindsey-Opel Dear Dale: I have served on the Beach Management Advisory Committee with Debbie LindseyOpel for the last 3 years. And I have worked with her on several different community projects over the years. Debbie has always been involved in the community -- through the Chamber of Commerce, United Way, or the American Cancer Society, just to name a few. She worked as "Chief of Staff" to Mayor Mary Rhodes and is very familiar with how to help build strong, inclusive public organizations. Thousands of people in our communities and others have been positively impacted because of her past work with H-E-B. She would be a tremendous asset as a Flour Bluff Independent School District Trustee. I hope everyone will vote for her. Pat M. Eisenhauer
Brent Rourk To the Editor I am a little concerned by Mr. Jeffery Rank’s letter in the October 23rd Island Moon. He seems to think that if you did not attend Flour Bluff Schools, you are not qualified to serve on the FBISD Board. I was not aware that was a prerequisite to serving our community on the FBISD Board. In my humble opinion, Mr. Rourk is more than qualified to serve on the Board of FBISD. He brings a fresh prospective to the job. He has spent much of his life in the academic world but he has also owned and operated many of his own businesses so he understands both sides of the aisle. I have known Brent Rourk for many years. And I know he is a man of integrity and has done much to support the children of the area… not just in FBISD. I guess Mr. Rank only believes community involvement only counts if it is done is FBISD. I would urge all to consider voting for Brent Rourk for FBISD Board, Place 4. Gladys Choyke
I don't really know much about much about Debbie Lindsey Opal except that she's a smart and savvy woman and volunteered for the athletic booster club. She was responsible for putting together the football programs and selling ads. That is a full time job for about five months. I know because I've done it. I don't know her opponent either but I do know he never helped out when I was involved with the school for eight years. Mr. Rank said he showed up at his kids extra curricular activities. Wow, don't we all. And lastly, Mr. Rank really did an injustice to Mr. Rourk. So what that he came from Colorado? Does that mean people from Colorado are ignorant and incompetent? No it doesn’t. So what that he doesn't work for FBISD. He works for the Island school which as Mr. Rank said" the island and Flour Bluff are all in the same" working for the betterment of the kids. He appears to be a smart and well rounded individual. His opponent is just an educator too. If it was up to Mr. Rank he would only vote for Bluff alumni. I guess the rest of us should just leave the district and take our tax dollars too. DK Bailey Dear Sir;
Brent Rourk
One of the very first friends I made when we relocated to the island in 2012 was Brent Rourk. He is absolutely one of the most talented men I know. Not only is he an outstanding writer, photographer and businessman, but he has been an incredible teacher to my children. Any student of Brent's has been undoubtedly touched by his gift of guidance and authentic concern for others. As a fellow educator, I have a deep respect for Brent and am truly inspired by him. He is a natural leader, extremely intelligent, with a very simplistic way of thinking. Brent Rourk, once elected and in leadership, will do amazing things for our children and for our community. In my opinion, there could be no better candidate to fill Seat#4 on the Flour Bluff Board of Education! Catherine Clark
St. Joseph’s Island
This past weekend, I took my daughter and a friend to St. Joseph's Island. I was a bit discouraged because of the litter not only on the beach, but washing in from the Gulf. My question to whoever will listen is, 'Why is there no trash cans on St. Joseph's Island?.' Probably more importantly, if there were trash cans, how can we assure someone would be responsible for disposing of said trash? Additionally, I would like to know if there is anyway public citizens like myself could sponsor having trash cans and trash pickup on St. Joseph's Island? I am quite surprised that Fisherman's Wharf who is the only public transportation to St. Joseph's Island is not involved with the trash pickup. Or am I incorrect to assume that? I would be interested in sponsoring an ongoing cleanup on St. Joseph's Island, as I visited this past weekend. I picked up trash floating into the Island but realized there was no receptacle to place the trash in. How do I go about collaborating with the citizens who have an interest in the overall beauty of this Island and Fisherman's Wharf who have a monetary interest to keep this beautiful place clean? Susan Avenell
The Boathouse Bar & Grill is having a Halloween Bash on October 31st with a DJ, $3 Halloween shots, $100 costume contest and $100 couples costume contest. The Semi-Annual Dunk Your Junk in Port A with free trash disposal will be on Saturday, November 1st 9 am – noon. Take your “junk” to the City transfer station at the end of Ross Avenue. The Back Porch in Port A is having a costume contest on October 31st and entertainment that night will be the Cruise Control Band. They will close for the season on Sunday, November 30th and The Turkey Bowling with the “fowl” line will be that day. For you shuffleboard aficionados, there is a tournament every Tuesday at 7:30 pm at the Pelican Lounge. Entry fee is $5 and all skill levels are welcome. It’s a great fun way to meet your neighbors and our Winter Texan visitors. The picture of Chuck Norris at Snoopy’s broke the record on our Moon Facebook page with more than 42,000 views.
Lights on for safety As a Mustang Islander, I spend a good deal of time driving up and down Highway 361. Along that long road in all kinds of weather and lighting, it’s not always clear whether that little gray dot way up the road IN MY LANE is a vehicle I’m following at a distance, or it’s a brave risk-taker passing vehicles and COMING TOWARD ME in my lane. If they had headlights on, I’d have a better chance of telling the difference. I was delighted with the positive reactions to the safety suggestion I made to City Council atlarge members Lillian Riojas, Mark Scott, and soon-to-be at-large Chad Magill, and especially our District 4 representative, Colleen McIntyre, Mayor Nelda Martinez, and our State Rep, Todd Hunter. I suggested we adopt the “Lights ON for Safety” for while driving our islands — from the causeway to PINS to the Port A ferries to help make our fellow travelers more visible on our high-speed thoroughfares. I heard that the City Council acted immediately and, on the 22nd, asked TXDOT to make it so, and they agreed. Can The Moon report or otherwise help track progress on this safety measure? BTW, you can see two variations of this sign (#I-17T or I-17aT) in the Sign Index of the TXDOT Standard Highway Sign Designs for Texas. Alese Smith Editor’s note: A representative of the Texas Department of Transportation who appeared before the Corpus Christi City Council Last week, at the request of the council members listed above, said he would pursue placing “lights on” signs along SPID and near the ferry in Port Aransas. We will keep you informed of the progress.
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October 30, 2014
Island Moon
Dee-Scoveries
Tail Waggin’ Tutor by Devorah Fox devorahfox.com I’m a cat person but my sister’s recent experience with the Tail Waggin’ Tutor program makes me want to rush right out and get a dog. I love to read. My parents were bibliophiles who read to me when I was a baby and taught me to read at a young age. When I was old enough to attend school I was already literate. I so excelled in reading that in the third grade I was excused from Reading Circle. I was sent back to Mrs. Epstein, the second grade teacher, to repeat penmanship since mine was dismal. Having to go back and study with the babies was embarrassing and to this day my handwriting still sucks—but that’s another story. Back to reading. Not all little kids have book-loving parents. When the little ones do get to school, the whole business of words and reading can be strange and frightening. It can even be humiliating if other students tease them for stumbling over a word. Kind of reminds me of my remedial penmanship experience but let’s not go there.... To quote the slogan of the nation’s largest nonprofit children’s literacy organization, Reading Is Fundamental. There’s not much chance for success as an adult if one is illiterate so to be traumatized and dissuaded from reading as a child is truly a tragedy.
Picture it: The nervous new reader reports to a public venue like a library. There in a quiet corner is a smiling therapy dog handler and a friendly dog. The child selects a book to read, one that is often something the child thinks
Buster helps Olivia Read the dog would enjoy, according to TWT. The child gets comfy in a chair or on a blanket or cushion. The therapy dog comes and lies down alongside. As the child reads, haltingly at first, the dog looks up with wide, adoring eyes that makes the hesitant reader feel like the most amazing being in the world. Now that’s positive reinforcement.
The program not only fosters a love of reading, it also gives kids a chance to get acquainted with and spend some time with dogs. The certified therapy dogs who are eligible for the Tail Waggin’ Tutor program are trained to be calm, gentle and approachable.
That’s where the Tail Waggin’ Tutor comes in. TWT is a program of Therapy Dogs International. As they explain on their Web site: “Tail Waggin’ Tutors program encourages children to read by providing a non-judgmental listener and furry friend to read to that won’t laugh at them if they make a mistake or stumble over a word, but rather lie next to them and enjoy the story being read to them. The children learn to associate reading with being with the dog, and begin to view reading in a positive way. Over time, the child’s reading ability and confidence can improve because they are practicing their skills, which will make them enjoy reading even more.”
by Dale Rankin A few months back I went to the administrative offices of the Flour Bluff Independent School District and asked for a copy of their new budget. State law requires governmental bodies in the state to keep a hard copy of their budget available for public viewing and most, including the City of Corpus Christi, place their entire budget on their website. I had already checked the FBISD website where I found a budget summary with 31 items which provided a skimpy, at best, overview of the district’s $47.2 million budget. When I requested a copy of the budget from the district’s public relations office I was e-mailed a copy of the overview from the website - not a budget - hence my trip to the district office. After my third unsuccessful trip the nice lady at the desk finally handed me a candidate package to file to run for the school board but still no budget.
And that’s exactly what happened the evening of Oct. 21 at the Red Hook Public Library in Red Hook, New York. My sister Barbara and her rescue canine, “Buster the Literacy Dog” had their first Tail Waggin’ Tutor session. Four kids attended and it was a total success. For example, the librarians report that “Olivia read several stories to Buster this evening. She’s a good reader. And he’s a good dog.”
Barb and Buster
Stuff I Heard on the Island
I love my cats but I must admit they would make poor Tail Waggin’ Tutors. They would more likely to want to sit on the book than let anyone read from it. It is definitely a job for a certified therapy dog. For more information about the Tail Waggin’ Tutor program, visit the Web site at http://www. tdi-dog.org. I’ll see you there. P.S. If you already love to read, you’ll be excited to know that soon I’ll be whipping up something new for you to enjoy. National Novel Writing Month begins Nov. 1. I’ll be striving to meet the goal of writing 50,000 words in 30 days. That’s about 200 pages. I’ll be working on the fourth book in my high fantasy series “The Bewildering Adventures of King Bewilliam.” It will be the follow-up to “The Lost King,” “The King’s Ransom” and “The King’s Redress.” If all goes well it will be available Summer 2015. Wish me luck!
Can’t follow the money I went to the board’s meeting a few nights later where they approved the new budget and, once again, no copy of the budget was available for public viewing. So I went to the next regular board meeting and signed up to speak. I mentioned to the board that it had been three weeks since the new budget was approved and no one but board members and staff had actually seen it. I requested they put it on their website as is the custom for most districts in the Information Age and to their credit, within a few hours it was there…well, sort of. What is posted is an eighteen-page budget summary, which I was provided a hard copy of at the meeting, which shows revenues and expenditures by fund. It provides a decent budget overview but what it doesn’t show is how much individual district employees are paid, their expense accounts, and which contractors and services providers are cashing district checks and for how much; how much is being spent on specific programs within the district; in other words, where the money is going. It shows that “Instructional Payroll Costs” are $1.3 million, but it doesn’t say how many instructors are on the payroll and how much each is being paid. It shows that the district is receiving $1.6 million in “State Compensatory” money, but doesn’t say exactly where that money goes and how it is dispersed throughout the district. It shows that “School Leadership Payroll Costs” are $2.3 million. Does that mean the Superintendent is getting paid $2.3 million and everyone else is working for nothing: I doubt it but from that document you cannot tell. In other words, almost two months after the district’s line item budget, I’m told it's about 650 pages, was approved it has still not been released to the public. District officials have told me I can come to the offices and pick up a copy but that is not the point. By state law the budget must be available for viewing by any member of the public – not on request – but public information as soon as it goes on the boards’ agenda. Still two months after its approval only board members and staff have seen it. That’s not how things work in the Information Age. Why doesn’t the district simply place its budget on their website like everyone else? I don’t know. I am assured the district “has nothing to hide” and I don’t believe they do. I have learned over the years not to attribute to conspiracy what oversight can explain. But that doesn’t change the fact that the public has still not seen the budget. But that’s not all.
Unanswered questions Also not available to the public is a list of contributors to races for the school board seats. Who is paying the political freight and what – if any – business do they or their companies do with the district?
NOVEMBER 2014
Also, who owns the district’s logo and where do the licensing fees, if any, from its use go. The logo is sold on T-shirts in stores, and used freely by certain candidates in the race for board seats. The FBISD website clearly says “The FBISD World logo and the Hornet mascots are trademarks of Flour Bluff I.S.D. Use of these logos is prohibited without permission from District Officials.” Did district officials give
their permission for use of the logo in political campaigns for seats on the board? Another case in point are inquiries I made about the program which allows high-achievers to earn college credits at Texas A&M CC while they are still in high school; a very commendable and successful program which has attracted smart, college-bound students from out of the district. But parents now complain that a recent policy change has restricted admission to the program to students whose parents didn’t attend college; certainly well-deserving students, but the change creates a hardship for students whose only transgression is that their parents have a college degree. When I inquired about the change I was told it was recommended to the Superintendent by the program’s administrator; when I asked a board member about the policy change I was told it was recommended by the Superintendent. What no one seems to know is why the change was done. A simple press release from the school’s information office with a phone number for questions would have clarified the change for parents whose kids are impacted but none is forthcoming. Also, when the public attends a board meeting they are only allowed to speak prior to the meeting, they cannot address the board on specific agenda items as they come up for consideration as is the norm in other forums. Why? There are a plethora of examples of this approach to governing but you get the point.
Culture of circumspection There is a troubling habit of circumspection and opaqueness, deliberate or not, that originates with the board of directors and percolates throughout the district’s culture and over the years has become de facto policy. This approach to governing inevitably leads to an oligarchy and a withering of trust in the institution by the public. I fear we are at that point.
Time for change I issue a challenge to two organizations: First, to the Flour Bluff Independent School District Board of Trustees, whoever they turn out to be, open your currently closed feedback loop. Put your entire budget on line. You should be doing this without asking but for whatever reason have not. It’s just good government. And ask your public relations office to be pro-active in releasing information to the public rather than having it pried loose piece by piece. Open your process. This is how public organizations work in the Information Age. Secondly, I issue a challenge to the Island United Political Action Committee; hold public debates for board candidates and let your members vote on endorsements in the races. These are non-partisan races which fill a board that levies fully half the entire tax load for Island taxpayers - your constituents. It’s time to get in the game. Transparency is the currency of the times and it’s time for FBISD to enter the Information Age.
Art Walk Sunday at Billish Park The Padre Island Property Association is hosting the 4th Annual Padre Island Art Walk. This is a free event open to all of Corpus Christi. The location is Billish Park (on Gypsy Street) from Noon to 4:00 PM. This event is Free to the public so come out and meet the Craftsmen and Artists. It i designed to improve all aspects of the Art Community and will foster community unity and provide an opportunity for the public to meet our local Artists and Craftsmen. Come out and be a part of one of the biggest Art Walks on the Island. Any Artist or Craftsmen who would like to participate at no charge please call JoAnn Smith for more information at 9497114 or 815-7431
October 30, 2014
Halloween on the Island
By Erica Rose Bertero – www.ericaroseb.com beachgalbare@gmail.comHalloween on the Island Okay, folks! Halloween is officially four days away (at the time I am writing this)! I am BEYOND excited. I am planning my famous Halloween menu for our upcoming October 31st bash, putting the finishing touches on costumes, and adding the last of our decorations to our haunted home. We are pretty excited this year - it is our first time to experience it here on the Island! I've decided I'm going to take a drive-about at night - to see what I see in the way of Halloween decorations. Since I can't go around knocking on doors, like a crazed maniac, to peek inside possible decorated homes - I will have to settle for looking at the outside of homes....I have seen some orange lights on my street, a few decorations here and there - I feel like a small child on Christmas morning when I see the Halloween spirit in various expressions. October 31st and everything related to it is what blows my skirt up! What can I say? My family, friends and colleagues - they all know this about me. I've received some small tokens of the Halloween spirit from colleagues throughout the month of October. My family and friends have been sending recipe ideas via Facebook and Pinterest. Halloween humor is abound as well, via these social networking sites - outrageous costumes, funny comic book strips and GREAT Halloween videos. I've even turned the history of Halloween into an assignment for one of my writing classes. It works perfectly in the fall semester, and I have to (sadly) replace
this assignment in the spring semester.
The fringed leather pouch David Crockett carried his musket balls in the day he fell at the Alamo probably started out its life in a Creek Indian village in Tennessee. Its trip to Texas with Crockett in 1836 was just the start of a journey that would eventually land it in Switzerland, in the hands of British pop legend Phil Collins. This week Crockett’s pouch returned to the Alamo, along with Collins and the rest of what is widely considered to be the biggest and best collection of Alamo artifacts ever assembled. The Collins Collection will be unloaded from a truck in crates and be placed in the Gallagher House, 723 E Houston Street, under the direction of Collins himself and Texas Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson, the state’s steward of the Alamo. Collins’ Alamo collection includes invaluable artifacts like Jim Bowie’s legendary knife, and one of only four remaining rifles owned by
Ullberg continued from A1 was so rare scientists weren’t even sure what they actually looked like, that’s where Kent and his creativity came into play. "I had the freedom to do the soft tissue, the face, the eyes, to make him look kind, oh you know, benevolent," Ullberg said, from his studio in Loveland, Colorado. The museum first brought the Swedish-born Ullberg to the United States to consult for them.
dioramas. Two years later, he moved to Denver and began supervising the development of Botswana Hall. He was one of the masterminds and the sculptor of the cheetah-impala diorama at the Museum, a visitor favorite. In 1976 he left the Museum to pursue his ultimate dream of
I have a feeling I am going to really enjoy celebrating Halloween on the Island. We are throwing our annual Halloween bash at our home, and I decided to do the neighborly thing and invite my street to stop in for tricks and treats. On a cool evening last week, I went from house to house, dropping From Sweden to The Island off our invitations. Then, last Friday night, A 6 Island Moon A native of Sweden, Kent Ullberg is after arriving home from the beach (there recognized as one of world's foremost was awesome surf for the whole family, by Letters to Riley wildlife sculptors. He studied at the the way) - we found two boxes and a card on Swedish University College of Art in our doorstep. The boxes weren't wrapped, and Stockholm and also worked at museums we could see that they contained AWESOME in Germany, theBy Netherlands Riley P. Dog and Halloween decorations. I opened the card France. He was curator at the Botswana Foundation, International Falls, Minnesota. addressed to us as "Family B" - and the note It Gallery was a and goodin the week National Museum and My friends there will send them to me. Don’t said "Thanks for the invite! We look forward to for we Island dogs. I U.S. at the Denver Museum of Nature There a Falls.sculptor and found becoming a bronze wildlife seeing you on Halloween! Here are a couple of went to Stingrays up in Port Aransas where forget…hotdogs…International and Science. He is a long-time Island resident his way to The Island. Island th treats for your party!" What an amazing gesture my friend Deb slipped me a good supply of Don’t send anything to the cats. Stoopid cats and sculpted the marlin statue which greets of the Halloween spirit to extend! We haven't pizza bones. There were a lot of The shear scope of the Snowmastadon project Island visitors from atop the “The Island” sign met this family yet - I was so full of the season's humans yelling at a little square Drivers at the base of the JFK Bridge and the namesake made the movement of the finished product joy that I also invited some of the homes on thing on the wall with people all from studio to final destination throughnotice city th of Ullberg Park on The Island where more of his the street connected to ours, and I think I may dressed alike running around on place. C streets to the museum a challenge. work can be viewed. it. Humans are funny. have happened upon a family who appreciates persisten "Hauling it down there was really scary, was working at the Botswana National Halloween as much as we do! IUllberg got kicked out of two other Museum in Africa in 1969 when he guided a even laying it down as we did," Ullberg said. There is a lot of fun to be had this upcoming places but that was okay 7 field crewmyfrom the Museum during a collecting Even on its side, the mastodon was 14 feet because humans left with Corpus Friday, October 31st! Enjoy it with your me. Sometimes get Ullberg’s in and expedition. In dogs 1972, new Denver inches tall. Some underpasses on the interstate hole in t friendly Island neighbors, as we certainly will. sometimes we don’t. I can’t and w canals friends invited him to visit the Museum, and are under 13 feet, which meant the driver Stay safe, don't drink and drive, and take notice figure it out. Commit to while here he sculpted animals for a couple of caravan of flashing cars took a creative route of the ghosts and goblins that are sure to be have the Denver with the sculpture from Art Castings My humans left me and the Little roaming around! Happy Halloween, y'all! in Loveland where the work was loadedsooner onto o Yappy Dog home two nights in a the Ullberg’s custom trailer and hauled told down row but we got even. I peed the police st Interstate 25, around overpasses and dodging floor and the Little Yappy Dog pooped the back porch. We dogs power lines to reach its final destinationlooking at the for volu got our ways. Museum.
Island Dogs
Davy Crockett’s Ammunition Pouch and Jim Bowie’s Knife Arrive at The Alamo
Largest collection of Alamo artifacts ever assembled
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Island Moon
Crockett. There are letters from William B. Travis and many other historical documents that shed insight on early Texas history. Like many Alamo artifacts, the story of Crockett’s pouch is not entirely clear. Some say Crockett gave the prized possession to a Mexican officer. Some suspect it was looted from Crockett’s corpse. But its return will bring its own story full-circle. The pouch, when found, held Crockett’s last remaining musket balls and two tortillas, long gone. After the battle, somehow, the bag found itself in the possession of Mexican Col. Jose Enrique de la Peña. When Peña died, it was documented along with the rest of his belongings. Patterson, as chairman of the Alamo Endowment, is leading the effort to build that permanent home for the Collins Collection. The private collection was popularized in Collins’ 384-page book, “The Alamo and Beyond” in 2012. Patterson said Collins’ decision was swayed by the Texas General Land Office being granted authority over the 300-year-old former mission in 2011.
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I tried to blame the wet spot on the cat but the cat ratted me out. Stoopid Cat!
"The Museum is very close to my main heartpo because it's changed my heart completely," He also he said. "This is a wonderful relief (tocameras have finished the mastodon). “It's the closingdepartm of a circle for me." should b
I got to go back and see Dr. Christi again because I found another one of the pounds I lost. I think it might have been the pizza bones. Or it could have been the stuff I found when I went trash diving in the office last week. Boy did I get in trouble for that. But I scored a piece of an old hamburger that made my stomach feel funny. I got to stop writing now my nose is starting to throb from hitting the space bar. Please send me some hotdogs. Just put them in a box with Not Hotdogs on the outside and send them to the Save Riley P. Dog
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Serving: Padre Island, Flour Bluff, Aransas, Mustang Island 3 Board Port positions are up for and Rockport.
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9 Landscape Design h Decks and Docks 9 First Time Cleanups h Shade Structures/ Pergola Statements of why you want 9 Demolitions & Scraping h Outdoor Kitchens to be on9 the Board need to We install: Plants, Palms, Rock, h Bbe oat Liftsin to the Sod, Pavers and Outdoor Decor. h Fences & Gates POA office by November 15, 2014. 9 Yard Maintenance h General D&D Repair 9 Concrete Drives/Patio & Retaining Walls
Questions? Calloutdoor - 949-7025 ortoday. We’re your full service solution! Give us a call maybeth@pipoa.net Tim Arlitt - Decks & Docks Specialist 361.229.2530 Sami Wilson - Landscape Designer 361.949.2691
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October 30, 2014
Island Moon
History continued from A1 Houston refused to swear fealty to the Secessionist government until adversaries threatened to burn him out of the Governor’s Mansion. He issued this statement: "Fellow-Citizens, in the name of your rights and liberties, which I believe have been trampled upon, I refuse to take this oath. In the name of the nationality of Texas, which has been betrayed by the Convention, I refuse to take this oath. In the name of the Constitution of Texas, I refuse to take this oath. In the name of my own conscience and manhood, which this Convention would degrade by dragging me before it, to pander to the malice of my enemies, I refuse to take this oath. I deny the power of this Convention to speak for Texas....I protest....against all the acts and doings of this convention and I declare them null and void.” Then he rode off into the sunset with his wife and eight kids.
Ain’t got a durned thing against Pa Ma Ferguson was the state’s first female Governor and the second in the U.S. She took office in 1925 after her husband, former Governor James (Pa) Ferguson, went and got himself impeached, convicted, and removed from office during his second term. As part of his conviction, he was not allowed to hold state office in Texas again but that didn’t stop Ma from running on the promise that she would follow the advice of her husband and Texas thus would get "two governors for the price of one." Her slogan was the pithy line: "Me for Ma, and I Ain't Got a Durned Thing Against Pa."
Police Blotter
Island legends
An Island Halloween Tale
CCPD Monthly Auto Auction The City of Corpus Christi will auction over 88 cars, trucks, vans and motorcycles at the Corpus Christi Police Vehicle Impound Lot located at 5485 Greenwood Drive on Saturday, November 1, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. The general public is encouraged to register and view the vehicles for auction from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Friday, October 31. The general public can also register and view the vehicles again from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. on the day of the auction. The vehicles for auction may be viewed online and an auction list may be downloaded from http://www.siskauction.com.
By Jackie Bales “Mother, may I go fishing in the morning”? She didn’t know that I meant one o’clock in the morning. “Yes dear, just be careful”. The year was 1960 and I was nine years old. I loved the night. I would sneak away with my Coleman lantern, cast net, gig and tarp. Everything nicely mounted on my bicycle; I would go out into the night in search of fiddler crabs and flounder to be sold the next morning. Charlie’s Pasture was my usual destination. On one such night I was overcome with the beauty and serenity of the early morning. I headed to my little place on White Hill. It was just a little dugout covered by a sheet of tin and cardboard and concealed by tall sea grass. In the pre-hurricane Carla days White Hill was a huge sand mountain over by U.T. Marine Science Institute. I crawled into my little place positioning myself to view the jetties and beach. I would sometimes go there to experience the rising moon casting a great glowing highway across the ocean not unlike the negative of a picture waiting to be developed. I fantasied of pirate ships and Spanish Gallons filled with gold and silver. I must have fallen asleep. I awoke to silence. I listened for the drone of the engines from distant ships and crew boats or the low rumble of the surf. Nothing; no fog horns or wind rustling through the sea oats. No moon or stars only black black darkness and the island had no form.
2014 DWI Stats The Corpus Christi Police Traffic Safety Section released statistics related to the offenses associated with driving while intoxicated for the year to date. The Corpus Christi Police Department has made 1195 arrests as of October 27, 2014 for Driving While Intoxicated or Driving Under the Influence which is a 20% increase from the same time last year. The Corpus Christi Police Traffic Safety Section further recorded the following statistics:
In those days everybody was a Democrat because to be a Republican meant you were associated with Reconstruction and Carpetbaggers. Ma won and got busy doing what she and Pa did best, pardoning convicts, (if they were pardoned they could vote). During her first administration she averaged over 100 pardons a month, and accusations of both bribes and kickbacks overshadowed her term, resulting in unsuccessful attempts to impeach her and she was defeated.
Then there was the first Governor actually born in Texas. His name was James Stephen "Big Jim" Hogg born near Rusk, Texas. Like many Southern politicians after the Civil War Hogg was good at “Waving the Bloody Shirt” and his brand of populism called the New South Creed essentially wanted to act like the Civil War never happened. But what set him apart from the crowd was the monumental misjudgment of naming his beautiful daughter Ima. The name came from an epic poem The Fate of Marvin, written by his brother Thomas Elisha Hogg, who Ima probably hated. The story goes that she had a sister named “Ura” which she didn’t, but might as well have. In spite of her ungainly name Hogg attended the University of Texas at Austin; she then moved to New York City to study piano and music theory then after her father's death in 1906, she traveled to Europe and spent two years studying music under Xaver Scharwenka in Vienna. When she returned to Texas, she established and managed the Houston Symphony Orchestra and served as president of the Symphony Society. But her name was still Ima Hogg. Imagine her chagrin at the Sadie Hawkins Dance, “Hi, Ima Hogg. What’s your name?” Where’s a Boy Named Sue when you need him?
The Mansion The Governor’s Mansion is itself quite a story. The house was completed on June 14, 1856- in true Government Job Style --six months over schedule with the contractor having to pay the Governor’s rent in the meantime which also put it over budget. During his time there Governor Hogg's four children, when not occupied by their collection of dogs, cats, squirrels, raccoons and exotic birds, entertained themselves by sliding down the sweeping stair rail. Unable to get them to cease Governor Hogg hammered tacks down the banister and ended the fun. The tacks are gone, but visitors may still inspect the filled nail holes. The mansion housed every governor from Sam Houston to George W. Bush until 2008 when a Texas-based anarchist group – yes, we have a few of those – set it ablaze by hurling a Molotov cocktail at it while it was undergoing a $10 million renovation to install, among other things, a fire sprinkler system. The house still stands proudly today right across 11th Street from the Capitol building, only a short walk from the Texas Chili Parlor where the bartender moonlights as an announcer for Roller Derby.
989
DWI Arrest at the same time in 2013
405 breath
Suspects consented to give a sample of their
284 blood
Suspects consented to give a sample of their
9 Suspects refused and no evidence was obtained 16 Suspects were DUI arrest and no specimen was obtained 124
Felony DWI cases.
75
DWI with two or more prior convictions
21
Intoxicated Assault
25
DWI with Child Passenger
3
Intoxicated Manslaughter
.17 Average Breath/Blood results from suspects (.08 is legal limit)
Years later a reporter asked then Governor Ann Richard what she would do if the legislature sent her a bill outlawing the death penalty?
Big Jim and Ima Hogg
D.W.I. & DUI Arrests as of October 27, 2014
481 Suspects refused and a search warrant was obtained
But not before she and Pa left their indelible mark on the Governor’s seat. Early on Governors had sweeping powers of pardon for convicts. A convict who knew this escaped from prison so he could get to a telephone and call Pa for a pardon. Pa gave him a lecture about escape but told him he would give him a pardon if he returned to prison, which he did. Pa sent the pardon by telegraph and the legislature restricted the power of the gov. to a mere thirty day stay of execution in capital cases. After that sentence is carried out they don’t vote for anybody, except in parts of South Texas where the right of franchise carries past the grave.
“I’d faint,” Gov Ann said.
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A dim orange glow
DWI arrest were involved in Traffic Crashes.
Police Calls
It was then that I saw it. A dim orange glow. I thought that it may be the sun rising but it was coming from the wrong direction. A horrifying thought crossed my mind. It was Constable T.R. Smith with his police car. He was a man that often enforced the law with his bare fist (even though he only had one leg). I crawled back in my hiding place hoping that my bicycle was properly concealed at the base of White Hill. When I looked out again the glow had taken a form like an orange glowing ball. It seemed to be bounding down Brumley Avenue which dead ended at the base of White Hill. At that moment it rose high in the sky as if to have a look around. It settled back to the street and I could see orange sparkles darting from the orb, not unlike embers from a beach camp fire. It slowly continued around the base of White Hill and on to Army Hill, the next sand dune over, where the old cannon turrets lay in ruin from World War II. It was a rattlesnake infested area that I avoided.
14300 block SPID 10:32 p.m. Oct. 26 Public intoxication 13700 block Primavera 7:45 a.m. Oct. 23 Building fire 15300 block Gypsy 3:49 a.m. Oct. 22 Driving with invalid license/Possession of controlled substance/drug paraphernalia/possession of marijuana/possession of dangerous drug 15300 block SPID 12:22 a.m. Oct. 21 Credit card abuse/possession of controlled substance/possession of marijuana/public intoxication 14700 block Whitecap 10:51 p.m. Oct. 20 Possession of controlled substance/possession of drug paraphernalia/vehicle impound 15600 block Cuttysark 7:30 a.m. Oct. 24 Runaway
The orange embers seemed to dart out further and further from the mysterious orange globe. I felt a lump in my throat and could not breathe as one came flying straight at me. It landed just by my side and I was overcome with fear as I viewed the strange little creature. It erected the hair on the back of neck. It was an orange glowing beetle of sorts but it had a human head. It laughed boorishly, dancing around as if in celebration. It stopped, stared directly into my eyes and smiled before flying off to rejoin the mother ship.
Beach near Bob Hall Pier 12:09 a.m. Oct. 24 Reckless driving 15800 block SPID 8:10 p.m. Oct. 22 Computer security breach 15800 block SPID 3:20 a.m. Oct. 21 Possession of marijuana/possession of drug paraphernalia/warrant Whitecap and Windward 10:57 p.m. Oct. 27 Public Intoxication
The strange odyssey skirted the base of White Hill and meandered in the direction from which it came. There in the Mercer neighborhood, near where I lived, it gained in intensity lighting up the night before diminishing into nothing. I knew in my mind that it came from the little cemetery on Oak Street. Terrified, I crawled back into the safety of my little dugout. It seemed that I passed out from the fear. When I opened my eyes I saw the sun rising over the jetties. The beach was beautiful with a low breaking surf and the wind was lightly blowing as pelicans and seagulls were headed off to work.
It’s Fall Back Festival Time The 19th Annual Fall Back Festival will be held on Saturday, November 1st, 2014. An evening of food, wine and live music is planned under the stars. This year the festival will be at the Black Marlin Restaurant and Bar Veranda located at Palmilla Beach Resort and Golf Club on Access Road One, in Port Aransas, Texas.
At home, my mother was just taking the biscuits out of the oven. “I thought you were going fishing”, she greeted. “Well you are just in time for breakfast”, she said, “Are you going trick-ortreating tonight with your sisters”?
Samples of food will be provided by some of the finest restaurants in the area, multiple varieties of wine will be provided for tasting and a band named ‘Unrehearsed and Unashamed’ will provide live music all evening.
One’s mind can be a strange place to live. Partly truth and partly fiction.
A Chinese Auction of lovely gifts provided by local merchants and a Costume Contest will be held between 7:00 and 10:00 P.M. No food or wine will be available before 7:00 P.M.
HAPPY HOLLOWEEN EVERYONE…
Some transportation will be provided from the City Hall parking lot to and from the festival for those who cannot drive at night. Call the PACT Theatre (361-749-6036) for information. Leave a message, your name and phone number if no one answers.
The Sidestep Our favorite Governor is the one Charles Durning, created in The Best Little Chicken Ranch in Texas. His song The Sidestep put it in a few lines:
Admission is $30 per person. Admission will be pre-sold at The Gratitude Shop, 316 North Station Street, Port Aransas. Admissions will be available there beginning on Friday, October 17th, or pay at the entrance of the event.
The Sidestep Fellow Texans, I am proudly standing here to humbly see.
All profits go to the PORT ARANSAS COMMUNITY THEATRE.
I assure you, and I mean it- Now, who says I don't speak out as plain as day? And, fellow Texans, I'm for progress and the flag- long may it fly. I'm a poor boy, come to greatness. So, it follows that I cannot tell a lie. Ooh I love to dance a little sidestep, now they see me now they don'tI've come and gone and, ooh I love to sweep around the wide step, cut a little swathe and lead the people on. Indeed.
Send letters to the editor to editor@islandmoon.com
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October 30, 2014
A7
Island Moon
Backwater Adventures Citizen Science in Action: Scientists and volunteers measure movements of the big and the small
On the Rocks By Jay Gardner
Well, the Gulf Council went regarding the private recreational sector and and did it again. In a move that catch data. The framework even admits that boggles the mind, they passed the amendment does nothing for accountability. Amendment 40. What the NOAA is responsible for proper stock The Texas State Aquarium heck is Amendment 40 you ask? It’s a change assessments and catch and effort data, yet has is investing in research at the in the red snapper regulations that reduces decided to put the cart before the horse and University of Texas Marine recreational fishermen (those with a boat who divide quota without having a good idea of Science Institute (UTMSI) catch red snapper, basically most everyone that what’s out there and what’s being caught. to help understand the reads this) to only 2 days to fish for snapper in movements and migrations In addition, this will create the “haves” and Federal waters (outside of 9 miles) and gives the “have-nots” regarding quota trading and of both Atlantic tarpon and their other days to charter boats. Only two historical catches. There will be winners and larval blue crabs. Both of days to fish for rec snapper season next year there will be losers. Smaller charter boat these animals are important to the sport and commercial Studying the scales from fish like the Atlantic Tarpon provides in federal waters (which is where most of the operations will go out of business because fishing economy of the Texas resarchers with information about the chemistry of the oceans snapper live). Suddenly you want to know a they won’t be able to compete with the larger little more about Amendment 40 and why the operators who have historical catch logs of larger Coast. where they live. heck they passed it, don’t you? proportions. This will put the “mom and pop” In fact, Atlantic tarpon is plan to use the developed techniques on other Amendment 40 to the red snapper fishery operators out of the game and give their portion one of Texas’s best known sport fisheries. In important fishery species such as red drum. plan was born from frustration in the federal of the pie to larger businesses. This will create the late 1800’s Port Aransas was known as the The Texas State aquarium is also providing mis-management of red snapper. Despite less options and higher prices for those wanting town of “Tarpon” due to the large number of anglers fishing for tarpon. Since that time, the funding to UTMSI for a citizen science project growing stocks and a healthy fishery, the season to go fishing. The unintended consequences, number of tarpon in our bays have dramatically that will provide insight into the causes of keeps getting shorter due to inadequate stock unfortunately, will have an economic toll on decreased, although tarpon numbers may be declining blue crab populations in South assessments, incomplete catch landing data, the CFH industry, yet those clamoring for it Texas. Blue crabs support a $12 million dollar and additive penalties slowly increasing in recent years. commercial fishing industry and are the primary regarding discard Dr. Benjamin Walther at UTMSI will be food source for many beloved species, such as and overage buffers. conducting research with the support of the Texas the endangered Whooping Crane and red drum. Basically the Gulf State Aquarium to understand the movements Blue crabs have a complex life cycle and move Council is using penciland migration habits of this valuable sport fish. between the ocean and bay systems. Scientists whipped statistics to This understanding of migration is crucial to at UTMSI, led by Dr. Ed Buskey, are interested shorten the season in the management of the fishery. Dr. Walther’s in better understanding this complexity and what they claim as approach is particularly valuable because it what makes the crabs move and migrate. Adult their duty to rebuild uses the non-lethal collection of scales. The female crabs move from the bays to the open snapper stocks under scales contain a wealth of information about the Gulf with large clusters of eggs under their the Magnuson Stevens water that the fish move through. When scales bodies. These eggs hatch into tiny crab larvae Act. I see it as a blatant are created by the fish, they contain chemical that drift with the currents along the coast. attempt to stop private signatures that scientists can use to help figure When they encounter the passes between the recreational fishermen out how salty the water was when the fish bay and the Gulf, they sense the changes in catching fish that could created that scale. This is especially important salinity and chemicals in the water from the otherwise be bought and for Atlantic tarpon who migrate between the bays and wait for incoming tides to sweep them sold, or “regulated” as salty ocean and less-salty bay systems. into the bays. While in the bays, the small crab they refer to it. This is The Texas State Aquarium is collaborating larvae encounter sea grasses and other plants on about the money. with researchers to provide scales from the bottom which they attach to, and grow into Some people are under Atlantic tarpon that have lived at the aquarium juvenile crabs. the impression that I Ian and Mickey with a red snapper for approximately 10 years. Studying the In order to figure out when and where the am against the charter scales from these fish gives researchers a very small crab larvae are going, scientists will put industry when the truth accurate baseline for the chemistry of the fuzzy traps made with a material similar to air couldn’t be farther from it. Charter for hire are unwilling to see the long term effects this water that those fish were kept in. This step conditioning filter in different parts of our local (CFH) boats are the life-blood of communities will have on their own industry. It’s a shame is important for researchers to validate the bays. The fuzzy surface of the traps provide the like Port Aransas all around the Gulf of Mexico. to see people not only sell out, but also lobby sampling technique so that they can properly perfect location for a larval crab to settle and People come from near and far to get on a party and stack committees to do so. While there interpret the scales from Atlantic tarpon in the cling to. Volunteers pull up these traps each boat and head out to the deep blue to catch may be a short term re-bound of red snapper wild. The research team, with the support from day, wash off the crab larvae and preserve snapper. I have been on party boats many times fishing tourism, in the long run most will be left Saltwater-fisheries Enhancement Association them so scientists can identify and count them. before, and it provides opportunities that many standing on the dock because of the greed of a (SEA), is cooperating with local fishermen and This allows scientists to know how many blue can’t afford on their own. I don’t personally few, and the failure of the Gulf Council to do fishing tournaments by distributing waterproof crab larvae are making their way back into the own an offshore boat myself. The CFH their jobs. Shoot me an email at jaygardner@ scale collection envelopes that allow anglers bay from the Gulf of Mexico. Because of the industry provides a needed service, and with scientist.com with your comments. I’ll call this to retain and return any scales collected during limited number of local passes between the ever decreasing season lengths, they are getting a Part I of this installation of On the Rocks, with their trips. The involvement of local anglers bays and the Gulf, scientists think that blue crab squeezed out of business, literally. Some next weeks’ additional points on the subject. as “Citizen Scientists” will provide valuable populations could be declining because there CFH operators lobbied and pushed hard for samples and ensure the continued success of are not enough larval crabs finding their way Amendment 40 to get passed so they can have this important project. back into our bays. For example, the reopening more flexibility in their business models, and
A Bad HaircutÉ
This research will help shed light on the well-loved Atlantic tarpon sport fishery. If resource managers understand the movements and migrations of tarpon in our local bays and estuaries they will be able make good decisions that help support healthy tarpon populations. Once this project is successful, the researchers
of Cedar Bayou will allow more larval blue crabs to enter Mesquite Bay near the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge. This should help increase the populations of blue crabs near the refuge, which are an essential winter food for Whooping Cranes.
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additional days they can fish. Unfortunately, due to the inflexibility of the Gulf Council, days (snapper quota) will be taken from private anglers and “gifted” to certain CFH operators to use or trade as they see fit. They took our fish, unless you want to pay them to get on their boat and pay for it. Money in their pockets, and we get to stand on the docks instead of fishing. Sector Separation.
Privatizing a public resource is the end-game of the Gulf Council, not necessarily rebuilding the stocks. Amendment 40 framework admits that there are no biological benefits to creating sector separation. This does absolutely NOTHING to improve red snapper stocks; it makes a few people richer by deeding what was a public resource to a lucky few. Some folks claim that Amendment 40 is about “accountability”
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A8
October 30, 2014
Island Moon
SPORTS Flour Bluff Hornets 2014 Football Team By Dotson Lewis Special to the Island Moon In last week’s Moon, our friend Brent Rourk wrote an excellent article on Flour Bluff High School Football. He’s absolutely correct, high school football is the best show in town. The Hornets won again last Friday, defeating Calallen 34-13, making their record 8 & 0. The Hornets are currently ranked 59th nationally and 6th in the state. They are well on their way to the playoffs which start on November 13th. As has been bandied about in lexicon circles for many years, the popular old saying is “everything’s bigger in Texas.” That time-honored adage has perhaps never rung more true than how it applies to the Texas University Interscholastic League (UIL) state football championships. In 2013 no state in the nation had more high schools or more players (1,061 and 164,554, respectively) involved with 11-player football. That huge grassroots institutional and talent feeder system helps fuel our Lone Star State’s legendary football state championships. And speaking of big, that’s probably a gross understatement when used to describe the venue in which the UIL state football championships are currently held – AT&T Stadium, the Arlington-based home of the National Football League’s Dallas Cowboys – as well as the attendance of the state championship games.
5A Division State Championship Game-2013 With a normal seating capacity of 80,000 expandable to 105,000 with standing room, 54,347 fervent fans packed AT&T Stadium for the 2013 UIL 5A Division I State Championship Game in which Allen defeated Pearland, 63-28. To place that attendance figure into perspective, it ranks behind only twelve 2013/14 college football bowl games (including the BCS National Championship Game), but ranks ahead of 23 other college bowl games from that same season. In addition, it set an all-time attendance record for a Texas high school football game. In December 2013, the UIL conducted ten 11-player football state championship games (two divisions apiece in Conference 1A, Conference 2A, Conference 3A, Conference 4A and Conference 5A) and two in six-player (two divisions in Conference 1A Six-Man). The 2013 championships also marked the first time that all 11-player and six-player championship games were played at the same location (AT&T Stadium), and that the sixplayer championship games were played indoors. During the previous four years, the two Conference 1A Six-Man football championship games had been played outdoors at Shotwell Stadium in Abilene. Over the years, many outstanding facilities around the state have hosted UIL football state championships. Among those venues are Memorial Stadium in Austin, the Astrodome in Houston, Floyd Casey Stadium in Waco, Kyle Field in College Station, Texas Stadium in Irving, the Mustang Bowl in Sweetwater, Wood Stadium in Brownwood, Pennginton Field in Bedford, Bulldog Stadium in Abilene, the Alamodome in San Antonio, Bryce Stadium in Nacogdoches, the Birdville Athletic Complex in North Richland Hills, Waco ISD Stadium, Ratliff Stadium in Odessa, Rice Stadium in Houston, Rose Stadium in Tyler, Baylor University in Waco, Round Rock ISD Stadium, Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock, Bobcat Stadium in San Marcos, Ford Stadium SMU in Dallas, and Vernon Newsom Stadium in Mansfield.
The 2014 football championship games will be played at AT&T Stadium in Arlington. “Having all football championship games in one location truly makes for an amazing experience for the coaches, athletes and fans, and last year it led to a Texas high school football attendance record,” said UIL Executive Director Dr. Charles Breithaupt. “We are excited to return to AT&T Stadium and continue to improve on a world-class event in the state of Texas.” The 2014 football state championship will mark the fifth year all games in all conferences will be played at predetermined locations. The UIL has determined the site for the Conference 5A football state championship since 2006. Two high schools – Celina and Southlake Carroll – have both won a state-record eight state championships. Close behind is a fourway tie of seven titles apiece among Abilene, Brownwood, Katy and Plano. In terms of state championship game appearances, Katy holds that record with 12. Converse Judson and Odessa Permian both have 11 appearances to claim runner-up spots in that particular category. High school football fans remember the many standout players who have played for UIL football state titles at AT&T Stadium, who are listed in the National Federation of State High Schools Association online National High School Sports Record Book. One is Travis Quintanilla, a 5-10, 180-pound quarterback at Refugio, who helped lead the Bobcats to the Conference 2A Division 2 championship game as both a sophomore and a senior, in which they scored 36 points and played Cisco both times. In 2011, Refugio fell to Cisco, 56-36, but gained a measure of revenge two years later with a 3635 victory and the UIL state championship. During Quintanilla’s stellar three-year varsity career, he had 13,335 passing yards (ranks No. 7 all-time nationally) and 178 passing touchdowns (tied for third). In addition, all three of his single-season passing yard totals qualify for the Record Book. Flour Bluff competes in District 30 5A. The top four teams from each district advance to the playoffs. The two schools with the largest enrollments automatically advance to the Division I bracket. This year the Hornets are in Division I. The remaining two schools advance into the Division II bracket. The teams in District 30 5A are: Alice, Calallen, Flour Bluff, Tuloso-Midway, CC Miller, CC Moody, Gregory-Portland, Victoria East and Victoria East. If Flour Bluff advances to the playoffs, they will play against a team from District 29 5A. You may want keep up with how the teams in that district are doing in the last few weeks of the regular season. The teams are: Castroville Medina, Eagle Pass Winn, Laredo Cigarroa, Laredo Nixon, San Antonio Southside, Somerset and Uvalde. Except for the Championship game, the two schools in each game determine the game time and site. We will keep you informed of the Hornets playoff status as district play winds down. Dotson’s Note: Are you a high school football fan? Have you watched the Hornets play this year? If not, why not? Let us hear from you. Please call the Benchwarmers 361-560-5397 Weekdays, Mondays thru Fridays, 3-6 PM or contact me. Phone: 361-949-7681 Cell: 530748-8475 Email: dlewis1@stx.rr.com.
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I’d Play For Anything
By Andy Purvis Special to the Island Moon
Willie Mays joined the New York Giants in 1951, but it was not until 1954 that Mays began to blossom into one of the greatest baseball players of all time. That year, Mays became the youngest African American to grace the cover of TIME magazine. He was also voted to participate in his very first All-Star Game. The Giants had a great year, winning 97 games and the National League pennant. They would face the Cleveland Indians, who won an American League record 111 games, eclipsing the old record of 110 wins held by the 1927 New York Yankees. The Indians had four terrific pitchers of which three would be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. They are as follows: Bob Lemon, Bob Feller, Early Winn and Mike Garcia. The Major League record for wins in a 154-game season was held by the 1906 Chicago Cubs, at 116. The 1954 World Series featured racial and ethnic diversity, as Cleveland had three African Americans, Larry Doby, Al Smith and Dave Polk, and the team also included Bobby Avila and Mike Garcia who were both of Mexican decent. New York boasted three African American players by the names of Willie Mays, Monte Irvin and Hank Thompson. Giants’ Pitcher Ruben Gomez was born in Puerto Rico. Game One began on September 29, 1954, and Mays batted fourth in the lineup. A crowd of 52,751 sat side by side as NBC readied to broadcast the game nationwide. It would be the first time most of the country would see Willie Mays play baseball. In the crowd were the wives of Jackie Gleason and Lou Gehrig. Perry Como sang the National Anthem. Righthander Sal Maglie started on the bump for the Giants. The first batter for Cleveland, who was the favorite to win, was Al Smith, and Maglie hit him right in the middle of the back with a fastball. The message: Welcome to New York. Avila followed with a single, and Vic Wertz hit a line-drive triple to right field, scoring both runners. By the time Mays came to bat, the Giants had scored a run against Indians’ pitcher Bob Lemon and had one man on base. Mays walked, and Hank Thompson hit a screamer to the right side, driving in another run and leaving Mays stranded at third. The score at the bottom of the first inning: Cleveland 2, New York 2. Lemon and Maglie would now settle into a pitchers’ duel. Wertz had Maglie’s number and singled in the fourth, and again in the sixth inning, he ripped another hit to right. With the score still tied, Larry Doby started the eighth inning with a walk. Al Rosen then got a hit. With two on, nobody out, Vic Wertz was the next hitter. Giants’ manager Leo Durocher was not going to let Maglie face Wertz again, so he brought in left-hander, Don Liddle. Now, the stage was set. Liddle got ahead in the count against Wertz, one ball, two strikes. Liddle’s next pitch, a fastball, was aimed inside but stayed out over the plate. Wertz extended his arms and hit the ball square. This line-drive blast passed just to the right of second base rising, as Wertz put his head down and started running hard to first base. Mays, in centerfield, said later he knew it was hit well, by the sound of the ball coming off the bat. Mays turned, full around, head down, running as hard as he could, straight toward the wall in centerfield. The wall stood an estimated 483 feet from home plate. This ball was sailing directly over Mays’ head, the toughest of all catches to make.
first. Wertz would stare at Mays in disbelief when he realized what happened. He cursed and then kicked the water cooler when he reached the dugout. NBC announcer Jack Brickhouse’s call went like this. “There’s a long drive...way back at center field…way back, way back, it is a-Oh, my! Caught by Mays! Willie Mays just brought this crowd to its feet with a catch which must have been an optical illusion to a lot of people. Boy!” Doby retreated to second base, touched and headed to third. But Mays whirled, losing his cap, and threw to second base all in one motion. As Doby reached third, Rosen had made it back safely to first base. No one really understood the importance of “the catch,” as there were still two Indians on base, at first and third, with only one out. With the stadium still in an uproar, Cleveland Manager, Al Lopez would now send up pinch-hitter, Dale Mitchell, and Leo Durocher countered with a new pitcher, Marv Grissom. Liddle was done after facing only one batter. It was at this time that one of the great lines in the game of baseball was uttered. When Grissom reached the pitcher’s mound, Liddle tossed him the ball and said, “Well, I got my man.” Mitchell was then walked to load the bases. The next Indians’ batter, Dave Pope struck out. Then catcher, Jim Hegan hit a fly ball out to right field. The game went into extra innings as neither team could score in the ninth. Wertz led off the tenth and hit what should have been a triple to left center, but Mays raced it down and held Wertz to a double. Some say this is where the Indians quit. In the bottom of the tenth, Mays was due up second. Mays walked with one out and stole second on the next pitch. Lemon then intentionally walked Hank Thompson, bringing “Dusty” Rhodes to the plate. Rhodes ended the game with a 257-foot home run, down the rightfield line. It landed in the first row, 200 or more feet shorter than Wertz’s blast to centerfield. The New York Giants won Game One 5-2, and would go on to sweep the Indians for the 1954 World Series title. It was considered one of the great upsets in World Series history. During the Series, Wertz batted .500, 8-for-16, with two doubles, one triple and a home run, but all anyone remembered was his out. Mays went 4-for-14 (.285) and drove in three runs. Mays was selected MVP. 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 Story Time with Uncle Andy on Tuesdays 5-6 PM and Dennis & Andy’s Q & A Session each Thursday night from 6-8 PM on ESPN 1440 KEYS.
Liddle headed over behind third base with his head down, to back up the throw that would eventually come from Mays in centerfield. Everyone in the park stood up, including the Giants in the dugout. After running nearly 90 feet, Mays finally glanced over his left shoulder. The dark green wall in front of Mays stood 8 ½ feet high and had no padding. When Mays right foot hit the cinders of the warning track, he knew there was only ten feet left between him and the wall. Mays now looked up and extended both arms like Jerry Rice, and opened his Rawlings Model HH glove. Wertz’s blast fell gently inside. Doby on second base had started towards third, but slowed as he realized he would have time to go back to tag second, if the ball was caught. Rosen on first base headed hard to second, certain he would score. Wertz never saw the catch and did not realize it had been made, until he passed Rosen coming back to
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October 30, 2014
A9
Island Moon
Beautify Corpus Christi
Post-Halloween Pumpkins
Port A Kids Parade
Photos by Ronnie Narmour
Coastal Cotillion
By Chelsea Craig, Executive Director, Beautify Corpus Christi
With Halloween only days away, pumpkins can be found everywhere. As one of the most recognizable decorations for the fall holidays, many of us indulge in at least one throughout the season. If you have resisted the urge to turn your innocent pumpkin into a carved work of art, you most likely have a few more weeks to reap the ornamental benefits of your pumpkin before deciding its fate. If your pumpkin has now become a Jack-O-Lantern, its days are numbered. Left on your porch, Jack will quickly turn into a smelly mess, attracting plenty of pests to your doorstep. Use the tips below to give Jack one more chance to please before his season is up.
The Coastal Cotillion Etiquette Class for 2014 is now complete. The debs in the picture are from left to right, and the back row is: Megan Allen, Mallory Smith, Kelsey McIntyre, Megan Denison, Miranda Wright, KeelyLaine Smith, Holly Cazalas, Allison Carroll, Caroline Ellis, Madeleine Lopez, Elizabeth Pogue, Emily Hellums, Andria Watring, the middle row is: Nadia Fardy, Mary Hediger, Sara Azali, Madison Steinbruck, TanaMarie Packard, Rachel Johnstone, Katie Lopez, Taylor Foster, Taylor Cook, Brooke Burgess, Ashley Abbott, and the front row is: Emily May, Stephanie Jacinto, Destiny Russell, and Brittany Holden.
Pumpkin Bird Feeder
Seashore Monster Ball
Jacob Caraker, makes his mom Julie proud competing in the challenge on PBS recently There are several ways to use your pumpkin as a feeder for the local birds depending on how you carved it. The easiest method is to find an area of the pumpkin left in a bowl shape. The side opposite of the carving is often the best option. Cut away the remaining pumpkin to leave only your shallow bowl. If you were able to save a large enough portion of the pumpkin, you can drill two small holes through it to thread twine or wire. If the pumpkin portion is not big enough for the holes, you can crisscross the twine to create a sling for the pumpkin piece to sit in. The pumpkin does not need to be suspended. However, leaving your pumpkin resting on a surface will speed up its decomposition. Once your pumpkin is prepared, fill it with the seed most likely to attract the birds of your choice. Sit back and enjoy the visitors!
Pumpkin Planter
Danny McCullough relaxes with Donna in Port A
Madison Phelps (far left) won first prize for cutest costume.
Hallowed out pumpkins are a great way to add a little something extra to your fall plants. Since your time is limited, I recommend using only established plants. Seeds will not have a fair chance before the pumpkin has run its course. Ensure that all of your pumpkin’s guts have been sufficiently cleaned out and that you have established some drainage. If your pumpkin is carved, the missing portions may be perfect for drainage, depending on their placement. This project is perfect for painted and/or etched pumpkins, however, drainage holes will need to be added. Fill your pumpkin with organic soil and the plant of your choice. If your carving holes are larger, you may need to pack the soil a little tighter to keep it contained. When selecting a plant, consider one that will be easily transplanted or one you intend to put in a bed. When the pumpkin nears its end, either remove the plant and replant into a pot, or plant the entire pumpkin in your bed and allow it to become soil amendments for all of the plants around.
Pumpkin Compost
9th Annual Dog gone
HALLOWEEN festival 5-8 PM October 31st
4-5pm
Tricks & Treats for Costumed Kids Candy, Popcorn, Toys & More... If you have an existing compost, or have been following along and recently began establishing a compost pile, pumpkin makes a great addition of “green” material. Depending on the size of your pile and/or pumpkin, you can toss the whole thing in, or cut it up into pieces. Be sure to balance your new “green” addition with a sufficient amount of “brown” material. If you do not have a compost pile already, once the pumpkin begins to turn, you can just bury it in your garden or yard. Be sure to remove any remaining seeds from the pumpkin, unless you are looking to start next year’s patch. With both previous project suggestions, once the pumpkin begins to turn, you can still choose to utilize it as compost. Be on the lookout for more seasonal beatification suggestions from your Beautify Corpus Christi Association. Find out what we are working on in your city by following us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/beautifycc. Join in the effort by becoming a member and/or volunteer today! Visit BeautifyCorpusChristi. org or call Chelsea Craig, Executive Director at 361.946.3996 for more information.
5-8pm
Dog & Owner Halloween Party Dog & Owner Costume Competition 1st Prize $1,000 * 2nd $500 * 3rd $100 Obedience & Trick Demonstration & Competition
Live Music by The Rockoholics Frozen Margaritas * Food * Fun * Prizes
For Information Call RAY 361-949-8200 14802 Compass Corpus Christi TX 78418 PadreVet.com
A10
Island Moon
October 30, 2014