Inside the Moon
Barefoot Kickoff Party A2
Fishing A7
Sports A8
Winter Texan Roundup A13
The
Issue 613
Island Moon
The voice of The Island since 1996
January 14, 2016
Around The Island By Dale Rankin editor@islandmoon.com
Weekly
FREE
Barefoot Mardi Gras Tickets Available
You can’t make this stuff up In non-Island related news the Tax Assessor-Collector in Cameron County in the Rio Grande Valley was arrested this week for allegedly selling fake vehicle registrations taken off old junked cars for $100 apiece out the backdoor of the courthouse. When the confidential informant working for the Texas Rangers went in to make the buy the chief investigator from the Assessor’s office saw him adjusting his idden microphone in the mens room. But when he was searched the mic was nowhere to be found. When the investigator said he wanted to conduct a body cavity search things got testy. They do things a bit differently down there in The Valley.
Barefootin’ The seventh version of the Barefoot Mardi Gras is coming up on Saturday, February 6 and we talked to Jim Beal who is part of the band for the King and Queen’s Ball that night and we’re trying to put together a Gospel Brunch for the following Sunday. We should have a definitive answer by our next issue. Aside from our usual practice of tossing Moon Pies to the crowd the Moon Monkeys might have a little surprise cooked up for the parade which this year will begin at the end of Whitecap. The event raises money for two great non-profits, the Big Brothers and Big Sisters program which has been onboard since the beginning, and new this year is the Island Foundation schools here on The Island. Get your tickets early. We’ll see you there and in the meantime say hello if you see us Around The Island.
Bingo is Coming Back to The Island Circle six Dates for Fun and Prizes By Brent Rourk ‘O-75…O-75’ and many other needed numbers will be summarily called soon at the Holiday Inn on the Island as the Kiwanis Club of Padre Island begins their series of six BINGO at the BEACH evenings. Much like in past years, there will be a large variety of varied prizes (including cash) and fun.
Bingo continued on A14
Photo by Miles Merwin
A little Island history
94 Year-Old World War II Fighter Ace Scores Hole in One “I hit it into the fog”
By Dale Rankin When it comes to tall tales about the only thing that can beat a good fish story is a good golf story. But what happened to Islander George Kirk when he stepped up to the tee box on the second hole of Palmilla Beach Resort and Golf Club last week is a golf story you couldn’t make up.
We talked to Patti over at CVS and she recommended an over the counter remedy which helps to dampen the symptoms, which the best we can tell last about seven days if you take the medicine – about a week if you don’t.
But be careful out there and avoid The Brainfog if you can.
Live Music A16
Free
The soundtrack for our little sandbar this week has been hacking and coughing and speaking voices in the sound register of foghorns. There’s a fungus among us everybody and it’s a booger. It creeps up like a coyote on a pocket gopher but stays as long as relatives from an East Texas trailer park.
Our friend Billy got the crud, he calls it “the Brainfog “and got a little too much of the cough syrup and when he went fishing along the Packery his waders filled up with cold water and now he claims he’s got walking pneumonia; did we mention that our friend Billy may have had a little too much of the cough syrup?
Mardi Gras Registration A15
Barefoot Mardi Gras is only three weeks away and tickets for the seventh annual Kings and Queens Ball are now available at the Veranda Restaurant at Schlitterbahn where the party will be held from 7 p.m. – midnight on Saturday February 6. Tickets are $25 and include a Cajun dinner and music by Miss Neesie and the Earfood Orchestra which have become part of the Barefoot Mardi Gras tradition. Earlier on Saturday the Barefoot Mardi Gras Beach Parade will kickoff at 11 a.m. on the beach at the end of Whitecap. The parade route was lengthened this year due to overcrowding on the shorter route which had been used since the event’s inception. New this year, orange markers will designate the parade route along the beach and cars can park on the beach on either side of the markers.
Also new this year, an afternoon festival will be held at Briscoe King Pavilion which begins at 11:00 a.m. when the parade begins and run until 5 p.m. It will feature exhibits, a children’s area, artists, live music, food and beer.
“The fog was so thick we couldn’t see the green, George said. “It was a 140-yard hole and I could only see about 80 yards. The wind was out of the north so I took out my driver and let it rip.” But as George got ready to dig in his bag for a new golf ball one of the other Throw Up Gang members happened to walk by the hole.
The event is a fundraiser for Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Corpus Christi and for the Island Foundations schools on Padre Island. More information is available on the Barefoot Mardi Gras Facebook page. A parade map, registration forms for the parade, and a full schedule are included in this issue.
“What kind of ball were you hitting George?” When George and the other members of his thrice-weekly golf group, who call themselves the
And there was George’s ball in the hole. A hole in one. “I couldn’t believe it,” George said. “It was in the hole.”
Mardi Gras Schedule, Parade Map & Registration form A15
GLO Coastal Bend Winter Beach Cleanup February 13th Seven beaches targeted for trash pick up
Texas Land Commissioner George P. Bush is calling on volunteers for the 12th Annual Winter Beach Cleanup Saturday, Feb. 13 at seven Coastal Bend beaches. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. The cleanup will take place from 9 a.m. to noon. The locations participating in the Winter Beach Cleanup are:
near Packery Channel. Contact Uma Venkat at 361-882-3439 or via e-mail at uma.venkat@texasadoptabeach. org. • Port Aransas − Check-in is at Avenue G at the beach. Contact Deno Fabrie at 361-749-0256 or via e-mail at deno.fabrie@texasadoptabeach.org
• Padre Island National Seashore − Check in at the Malaquite Visitor Center, 20420 Park Road 22, contact Buzz Botts at 361-9498068 or via e-mail at buzz.botts@ texasadoptabeach.org
• Aransas Pass/Redfish Bay − Check-in is at Lighthouse Lakes Park, four miles east of Aransas Pass on Highway 361. Contact Richard Gonzales at 361-779-7351 or via e-mail at richard.gonzales@ texasadoptabeach.org.
• Packery Channel − Check-in is at the parking lot off Highway 361
Cleanup continued on A8
The Essex-class aircraft carrier USS Bunker Hill Throw Up Gang got to the green and they could only find one golf ball and it wasn’t George’s. “We looked in the weeds and we looked in the bunkers, we looked all over the place, “George said. “I figured with my driver I had hit it all the way into the next fairway.”
A hole in one for a three-times per week golfer might be a real lifetime highlight for most 94 year olds, but George isn’t your average 94 year old.
Ace continued on A3
Winter Texans of the Week Winter Texan Roundup A13
Naval Air Station Corpus Christi is celebrating its 75th anniversary NAS Corpus Christi is celebrating its 75th anniversary with several events leading up to a culminating event on March 12, which will include an official ceremony, flyover, static displays, tours, concert and fireworks. A golf tournament is scheduled for Friday morning, March 11. And, the South Texas Navy Historical Committee is planning a 1940s-themed gala Friday evening. The official ceremony will be held Saturday morning, March 12, beginning at 11 a.m. - 75 years to the minute that the commissioning ceremony was held. Following the ceremony, the festivities will continue with static displays, tours, entertainment, concert and fireworks. Sunday morning, March 13, a nondenominational church service will be held at the Protestant Chapel, followed by breakfast at the Catalina Club. The station was about 70 percent complete when it was dedicated March 12, 1941.
Capt. Alva Bernhard, first commanding officer of the U.S. Air Training Center at Corpus Christi, proclaimed the facility, "the University of the Air." And, during World War II, 35,000 men successfully completed flight training here. It was said that during the war there probably was not a pilot in the Navy who had not landed at the air station. Either the pilot took flight training at the Corpus Christi base or stopped here on a cross-country flight. Surrounded on three sides by water Corpus Christi Bay, Oso Bay and the Laguna Madre -- Naval Air Station Corpus Christi's primary mission continues to be flight training. Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and foreign student pilots earn their "Wings of Gold" training in the four squadrons of Training Air Wing Four, using NAS' Truax Field and outlying airfields. More than 12,800 service members, civilian employees, contractors and family members, live, work and play aboard the air station.
Larry and I arrived December 29, 2015, beginning our 5th year in this lovely town. We spoke with my Mom this morning and it is 3 degrees above zero..in northern Iowa, where we call home for 9 months of the year..the other 3 months or maybe 4 or 5 next year., our home and hearts are in Port A. We had wintered in Florida for 3 years and decided it wasn't for us... went searching on the internet and wanted to be near a beach and small town feel...Port A came up and that was the
beginning of our adventures here on the island...great choice for us..We love the small town atmosphere, the variety of music venues, the delicious dining options. But most of all and the most important, the friends we have met here...They know who they are and how much we love them..the joy and comfort they have brought to our lives will never be forgotten... And yes, Ronnie Narmour, we did have the best rocking New Year's Eve party ever seen. Blessings to all... Larry and Cheri Zubrod
A2
January 14, 2016
Island Moon
Barefoot Mardi Gras Kickoff Party at Mikel Mays Photos by Miles Merwin and Debbie Noble
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Barefoot Mardi Gras February 6, 2016
Calendar of Events January 29, 6p February 6, 11a
Fat Friday Party @ The Boathouse Parade @ The Beach Between Whitecap & Briscoe King Pavilion
February 6, 11a-5p
Festival @ Briscoe King Pavilion
February 6, 7p-12a
King & Queens Ball @ Schlitterbahn
www.barefootmardigras.com
January 14, 2016
Island Moon
Letters to the Editor
Moon Monkeys Mike Ellis, Founder
Did Ya Hear?
A3
by Mary Craft mkay512@aol.com or @padreeyelander on twitter
Business Briefs
Uber Uber Gap?
Island Uber
Hello, Distribution Pete Alsop Island Delivery Coldwell Banker Advertising Jan Park Rankin Classifieds Arlene Ritley Production Manager Jeff Craft Contributing Writers Joey Farah Andy Purvis Devorah Fox Mary Craft Maybeth Christiansen Jay Gardner Todd Hunter Dotson Lewis Ronnie Narmour Brent Rourk Dr. Donna Shaver Photographers Miles Merwin Jeff Dolan Mary Craft Ronnie Narmour Office Security/Spillage Control (Emeritus) Riley P. Dog
Publisher Dale Rankin About the Island Moon
The Island Moon is published every Thursday, Dale Rankin, Editor / Publisher. 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 14646 Compass, Suite 3 Corpus Christi, TX 78418 361-949-7700
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Dale Rankin,
This is in regards to the Uber gap you mentioned in the latest issue of the Island Moon. As an Uber/Lyft driver, I have some insight to the shortage of drivers on the island. When I first started I would hang out on the island waiting for a rider. However, the demand on the island is so low that I would only receive 1 or 2 ride requests in 4 or so hours on the island. Whereas, if I was downtown or south side, I would receive as many as 4 or more ride requests per hour. Also, the island is a bit of a haul for us drivers, especially since we have to pay that fuel cost out of our own pocket. So, those two factors, lack of demand and having a long way to travel to get in the area is the main reason for the lack of drivers that are available. Now, I drive a very fuel efficient car, but it still costs me about 3 dollars in fuel and mileage related costs just to make the trip over the bridge. Then when I arrive I receive a ride request from the Boathouse to the Pelican Lounge and nothing else for the evening. I made about 2 dollars off that ride, and before I even leave the island I am already a dollar in the hole and I have to spend 3 more dollars just to get back off the island to an area where I can start making some money. However, if demand were to pick up I would happily sit on the island driving people around, but it is just not there yet. My tip for people that need to use this service, and show there is some demand, is this; request a Lyft on the Lyft app. The Uber app only allows a rider to request a ride if there is a driver within about a 12 minute radius, whereas the Lyft app will work on a radius of 20 minutes. So, if you are on the island you can request a ride from a rider who is near TAMUCC and even as far away as downtown. This would allow you to get a ride, but please keep in mind the number of miles the driver is having to drive to pick you up and tip as you see fit. Finally, another option is if you have an Uber driver that you really like, ask them for their personal cell number. Then the next time you need a ride you can send them a text to see if they can pick you up from the island. You will tell them where you are at and then will meet you there. Once they arrive you can then place a ride request in the app and go on your way.
It's unfortunate that you did not take time to check at Uber.com or Uber_Corpus that would have afforded you the ability to correctly report a story that would actually benefit the readers of the Moon newspaper. As one of the Driver/Partners with the Uber Origination, who happens to reside on the Island and service the Island and surrounding area's I sincerely hope and trust future Moon articles will be based on true and correct facts and information. Travelers in the greater Corpus Christi area wishing transportation with Uber can simply,electronically download the app and take advantage of the local service. Thank you for your attention, John P. McShane
Uber Rules Dale, I understood from when the former police commissioner commented (prior to his death), that Uber and Lyft would not happen in Corpus Christi unles they were licensed under the same conditions that existing Taxi services were made "street legal." Mark Formsma Editor’s note: That is correct Mark and so far the City of Corpus Christi has held to that policy. As we mentioned in last week’s edition the cities of Houston, Corpus Christi, and Austin have addressed the question of how to handle the ride-call industry, each has done so in a different way with Houston being the most pro-active and San Antonio now requesting but not requiring that drivers have a fingerprint background check and Austin requiring them beginning in February. So far the City of Corpus Christi has been mute on the issue even as the nascent industry has begun service.
Thank you, Dan Lord
Kleberg
A Sabin by any other name I doubt that I am the first to tell you the photo in January 7 Moon, page 8, is Nick Sabin rather than Lou Sabin. I knew Lou when he took a one year coaching job at Peru State College in Nebraska after he had retired from pro coaching. He told me he was not related to Nick. Everett BrowningProf Emeritus, Peru State College. I Winter on the Island at El Constante.
Maybe you've seen this before this but I was running way down in Kleberg county and saw some guys with a Christmas tree on a rope tied to their bumper, taking turns riding it - fast - 20 plus mph Also a shout out to Kleberg county sheriffs - I am pretty far south quite a bit and see them a lot more than I thought we would - On Sunday saw them going after several guys riding quads in the high dunes Howard Ludlow
There will be an Open House at 16122 Sea Grape on Sunday, January 17th 1 – 4 pm. The home is a 3 bedrooms/2 bath with a new roof and is move-in ready.
Business Briefs Lorelei Brewing Company, a craft microbrewery and taproom, will be opening soon at 520 NAS Drive in Flour Bluff. Two other breweries recently opened in Corpus – The Lazy Beach Brewery near Yorktown and Rodd Field Road and Rebel Toad Brewery downtown. The Boathouse Bar & Grill will feature Super Bowl 1 on Friday, January 15th at 7 pm. The NFL Network will be the first ever to replay this game which was played 49 years ago between the Green Bay Packers and the Kansas City Chiefs. There will be drink and food specials. Reserve your table at 5895601. Snoopy’s Pier has oysters on the half shell for $7.50/dozen on Fridays and Saturdays from 5 pm until they run out. The 17th Annual Home & Garden Show will be held this weekend at the American Bank Center. Tickets are $7.50 and the event is free for children under age 17 and there will be a Kids Zone with fun activities. Hours are Friday 2 – 7 pm, Saturday 10 am – 7 pm and Sunday 11 am – 5 pm. The Barefoot Mardi Gras Beach Parade will be held on Saturday, February 6th beginning at 11 am and will run from Whitecap to Bob Hall Pier. The Festival will be held afterward at the Briscoe Pavilion and end at 5 pm and will provide fun for the whole family. The King & Queens Ball will be held at Schlitterbahn with music provided by Miss Neesie & the Earfood Orchestra. Tickets are $25 and $35 at the door which includes a Cajun meal. For more info go to barefootmardigras.com. The Palmilla Golf Resort has a $49 golf rate until January 31st at any time of day for Nueces County residents. The Padre Island National Seashore will be fee free on Monday, January 18th for Martin Luther King Day. The 2nd Annual Stomp Festival at Cinnamon Shores in Port A will be held on Friday January 29th starting at 6 pm and on Saturday, January 30th 3 – 9 pm. There will be live performances by Jon Wolfe & Aaron Copeland. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased at cinnamonshores.com. Kiwanis Bingo at the Beach will be back on Thursdays 7 – 9 pm at the Holiday Inn starting on January 28th. It will run until March 3rd. The Boathouse Bar & Grill Craft Fair will be held on Saturday, January 23rd 10 am – 3 pm with more than 15 vendors. There are still vendor/craft tables available. Call 589-9601 for more info.
editor@islandmoon.com Facebook: The Island Moon Newspaper
Where to Find The Island Moon Port Aransas Lisabella’s Restaurant Pioneer RV Park
Sandpiper Condos WB Liquors Port A Arts
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A Mano
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Whataburger
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Doc’s Restaurant
Spanky’sLiquor
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IGA Grocery Store
Isle Mail N More Island Italian
Carter Pharmacy
Brooklyn Pie Co.
San Juan’s Taqueria
Ace Hardware
Wash Board Laundry Mat
Texas Star (Shell)
Port A Parks and Rec
Holiday Inn Jesse’s Liquor
Public Library
Scuttlebutt’s Restaurant
Chamber of Commerce
Island Tire
Duckworth Antiques
And all Moon retail advertisers
Back Porch
WB Liquor
Woody’s Sports Center
Subway
Shorty’s Place
Flour Bluff
Giggity’s
H.E.B.
Stripes @ Cotter & Station Gratitude Gift Shop Keepers Pier House Port A Glass Studio The Gaff
Liquid Town Whataburger on Waldron Ethyl Everly Senior Center Fire Station Police Station Stripes on Flour Bluff & SPID
Islam Island Moon, I have an unusual question that I think only the Island Moon can help me with. Every day I read stories about the two sects within the Muslim faith but I have little knowledge of the difference between the two. Can you fill me in? Bill (last name withheld by request) Editor’s note: Well Bill, we don’t usually delve into national or international issues here in the Island Moon, much less those involving theocracy. But since you asked here goes. Here is a primer which was printed in the New York Times recently under the heading...
“What is the difference between Sunni and Shia Muslims” Things have heated up in the struggle between the two factions this week with the execution of Shia cleric Sheikh Nimr al-Nimrby by the Sunni rulers in Saudi Arabia. In the Shiite theocracy of Iran, the supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, said on Sunday that Saudi Arabia, which is ruled by a Sunni monarchy, would face “divine vengeance” for the killing of the outspoken cleric, which was part of a mass execution of 47 men. Sheikh Nimr had advocated for greater political rights for Shiites in Saudi Arabia and surrounding countries. Saudi Arabia had accused him of inciting violence against the state. What caused the split? A schism emerged after the death of the Prophet Muhammad in 632. He died without appointing a successor to lead the Muslim community, and disputes arose over who should shepherd the new and rapidly growing faith. Some believed that a new leader should be chosen by consensus; others thought that only the prophet’s descendants should become caliph. The title passed to a trusted aide, Abu Bakr, though some thought it should have gone to Ali, the prophet’s cousin and son-in-law. Ali eventually did become caliph after Abu Bakr’s two successors were assassinated. After Ali also was assassinated, with a poisonlaced sword at the mosque in Kufa, in what is now Iraq, his sons Hasan and then Hussein claimed the title. But Hussein and many of his relatives were massacred in Karbala, Iraq, in 680. His martyrdom became a central tenet to those who believed that Ali should have succeeded the prophet. (It is mourned every year during the month of Muharram.) The followers became known as Shiites, a contraction of the phrase Shiat Ali, or followers of Ali. The Sunnis, however, regard the first three caliphs before Ali as rightly guided and themselves as the true adherents to the Sunnah, or the prophet’s tradition. Sunni rulers
embarked on sweeping conquests that extended the caliphate into North Africa and Europe. The last caliphate ended with the fall of the Ottoman Empire after World War I. How do their beliefs differ? The Sunni and Shiite sects of Islam encompass a wide spectrum of doctrine, opinion and schools of thought. The branches are in agreement on many aspects of Islam, but there are considerable disagreements within each. Both branches include worshipers who run the gamut from secular to fundamentalist. Shiites consider Ali and the leaders who came after him as imams. Most believe in a line of 12 imams, the last of whom, a boy, is believed to have vanished in the ninth century in Iraq after his father was murdered. Shiites known as Twelvers anticipate his return as the Mahdi, or Messiah. Because of the different paths the two sects took, Sunnis emphasize devine power in the material world, sometimes including the public and political realm, while Shiites value in martyrdom and sacrifice. Which sect is larger, and where is each concentrated? More than 85 percent of the world’s 1.5 billion Muslims are Sunni. They live across the Arab world, as well as in countries like Turkey, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Malaysia and Indonesia. Iran, Iraq and Bahrain are largely Shiite. The Saudi royal family, which practices an austere and conservative strand of Sunni Islam known as Wahhabism, controls Islam’s holiest shrines, Mecca and Medina. Karbala, Kufa and Najaf in Iraq are revered shrines for the Shiites. Saudi Arabia and Iran, the dominant Sunni and Shiite powers in the Middle East, often take opposing sides in regional conflicts. In Yemen, Shiite rebels from the north, the Houthis, overthrew a Sunni-dominated government, leading to an invasion by a Saudi-led coalition. In Syria, which has a Sunni majority, the Alawite Shiite sect of President Bashar al-Assad, which has long dominated the government, clings to power amid a bloody civil war. And in Iraq, bitter resentments between the Shiiteled government and Sunni communities have contributed to victories by the Islamic State.
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Island Art Center in Port A Winter Texan Roundup A13
Ace continued from A1 According to records at the Pacific War Museum where George recorded his wartime experiences for the Oral History Archive, after graduating from high school in 1939 he enrolled at the University of Iowa and while there participated in the Civilian Pilot Training Program and received his pilot’s license. In June 1942, he joined the Navy and came to Corpus Christi Naval Air Station and on to the Kingsville Naval Air Station for training. In 1944 he found himself bouncing around the Pacific in the pilot’s seat of a Grumman F6F Hellcat fighter based on the Aircraft Carrier Bunker Hill as part of the Island hopping campaign that won the war in the Pacific. He took part in the invasion of Guam, Tinian, and Saipan and was involved in the Battle of the Philippine Sea, more commonly known as the Marianas Turkey Shoot, where he was credited for shooting down seven Japanese aircraft, thus classifying him as a fighter Ace. So you will have to excuse George if he doesn’t get too worked up about a little old hole in one; even a hole in one doesn’t stack up against being a Fighter Ace. But let us just say this George, it’s going to be pretty hard to come up with a Golf Story better than the truth, but if you decide to embellish a bit you’ve earned the right. “There I was, standing there on the second tee. It was so foggy I could barely see my ball on the tee…” Congratulations George. Now you can say you are a double Ace!
A4
January 14, 2016
Island Moon
Letters to the Editor
School choice When it comes to K-12 education, America’s parents want more choices. In fact, almost two thirds of parents – 64 percent – say they wish they had more options for their children’s education. In a society where Americans choose practically everything, from the brands of coffee they drink in the morning to the types of cars they drive, it is understandable that parents are demanding more of a say in where they send their children to school. Parents understand that with greater options come better results for their children. Every child is unique, with distinctive interests and learning styles. Moms and Dads know that a school that might work for one student might not be a good fit for another. From January 24-30, millions of Americans will raise awareness about the importance of school choice at an unprecedented 16,140 events – including 1105 events in Texas. These events are planned to coincide with National School Choice Week, the largest celebration of opportunity in education in US history. For families in the Lone Star State, National School Choice Week provides a good opportunity to review the different types of education options available to their children. Parents can choose from schools in the public sector – such as traditional public schools, public charter schools, magnet schools, or online academies. Parents can also pay to send their children to private schools, or educate their children in the home. Parents who are not happy with their children’s current schools, or would like to explore their options, should use January to consider the alternatives available to them. Families can use National School Choice Week as an opportunity
Harbor Bridge Replacement Project Moves Forward
to visit schools, ask lots of questions of teachers and administrators, and talk with other parents to find a school that may be a better fit. Starting the school search process in January, rather than waiting until summer break, means that parents have more options available to them. Of course, some – if not many – parents in Texas will find that they do not have as many education options as children and families in other states. For these families, National School Choice Week provides an opportunity to stand up and have their voices and opinions heard. Providing greater access to education options in Texas and across the country is essential, not just for individual families, but for the future prosperity of communities. Research has demonstrated that when parents actively choose the schools their children attend, or choose to educate their children in the home, high school graduation rates increase dramatically. A student with a high school diploma will, over the course of his or her life, earn more than a quarter million dollars more than a student who has dropped out. High school graduates are far less likely to be incarcerated, and are six times more likely to participate in community and civic affairs, than individuals without high school diplomas. In the short term, and over the long haul, school choice pays dividends. Most importantly, though: school choice matters because every child in America has potential. Today’s students are tomorrow’s leaders, and together, we must do everything possible to prepare them for success. Andrew R. Campanella President of National School Choice Week
Social Security The Affordable Care Act (ACA) provides Americans with better health security by expanding coverage, lowering healthcare costs, guaranteeing more choice, and enhancing the quality of care for all Americans. Everyone is entitled to affordable healthcare. Under the law, a new “Patient’s Bill of Rights” gives the American people the stability and flexibility they need to make informed choices about their health. Some of the benefits of this coverage include: • Ending Pre-Existing Condition Exclusions for Children: Health plans can no longer limit or deny benefits to children under 19 due to a pre-existing condition. • Keeping Young Adults Covered: If you are under 26, you may be eligible to be covered under your parent’s health plan.
Open enrollment began in November and ends January 31. Compare healthcare plans so that you can find the best one for you, and sign up before the enrollment period ends. You can learn more about the insurance marketplace and how to apply for benefits at www.healthcare. gov. If you are 65 or older, you are entitled to Medicare. Certain people younger than age 65 can qualify for Medicare, including those who have disabilities and those who have permanent kidney failure. The program helps with the cost of healthcare, but it does not cover all medical expenses or the cost of most long-term care. You can access everything you need for Medicare, including online applications and publications, at www.socialsecurity.gov/ medicare.
• Ending Arbitrary Withdrawals of Insurance Coverage: Insurers can no longer cancel your coverage just because you made an honest mistake.
Social Security and affordable healthcare go hand-in-hand. The Affordable Care Act and Medicare help ensure that you and your family are covered.
• Guaranteeing Your Right to Appeal: You now have the right to ask that your plan reconsider its denial of payment.
Social Security Public Affairs Specialist in Brenham, TX
Sheryl Schroeder
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Project Partners Receive Record of Decision from Federal Highway Administration On Friday the Harbor Bridge replacement project cleared the last major hurdle in moving toward construction with a record of decision from the Federal Highway Administration. The Harbor Bridge replacement project brought multiple partners together for the common good of the region including the Texas Department of Transportation, the Port of Corpus Christi, Nueces County, Corpus Christi Housing Authority, the City of Corpus Christi and many elected officials on local, state and federal levels. Reaction to the good news including the following comments: Port Commission Chair, Port of Corpus Christi Judy Hawley – “This is a monumental decision for the Coastal Bend and the State of Texas. The Port Commission’s substantial financial commitment ensures that 60,000 vehicles a day will have a safe, structurally sound bridge. Having a world class 21st century bridge will support the state’s economic growth for decades to come. Congratulations to our city, state and federal colleagues who have been championing this new bridge for nearly two decades. Port Corpus Christi Executive Director John LaRue – “Part of the Port’s strategic mission is to leverage commerce to drive prosperity. The new Harbor Bridge is a vital element that will support our mission. It will enhance economic opportunities for the entire region and connects our community to the global marketplace. The Port looks forward to working with TxDOT to construction a new bridge over our channel that will server our region well into the 21st century. We are also ready to work with the Hillcrest community on the relocation effort.” United States Congressman Blake Farenthold – “As a result of a team effort, a successful resolution has been achieved to the issues delaying construction of a new Harbor Bridge. The new higher bridge will allow the Port of Corpus Christi to accommodate the larger ships coming through the Panama Canal, enabling the port to remain competitive and providing jobs that benefit the local economy.”
By Linda Walsh The Padre Island Rotary is bringing back their popular, “Night at the Races”. The event is Friday, January 22, at the Veranda at Schlitterbahn, beginning at 6:00. Ticket price is $35.00, which includes dinner and a cash bar with Happy Hour prices all evening. Tickets are being sold at Schlitterbahn, by all Rotary Members, and at Timon’s Ministries. You will watch actual races shown on multiple TV's around the restaurant. You will place your bets at three betting windows then proceed to cheer your horse to win. There will be 8 races with ten horses in each race. You will bet on them with $1,000.00 in funny money that you will receive upon entrance. During the evening if you run out of the funny money, you can always buy more. At the end of the evening you change your winnings in for raffle tickets for some great prizes.They include a $1000.00, 1 carot, diamond ring in a 14 carat gold setting from The Gold Smith; a $500 package from Schlitterbahn including a Season pass for 4; A sunset cruise for up to 6 friends from Laguna Madre Anglers; A Silver Anchor on a silver chain from Island Jewelers; A pool/deck ladder from Decks and Docks, a $50 gift card for dinner at the Veranda, gift cards and certificates from Island Times Sushi, The Boathouse and various other establishments, Gift Baskets and lots of good wine.
Call for our Daily Specials 361-993-9300 book online at www.servicemaster-tx.com
Nueces County Judge Loyd Neal – “This is another example of how working together can move even more than mountains. This close collaboration has undoubtedly changed the face and economic capability of South Texas for generations to come.” Housing Authority of Corpus Christi Chief Executive Officer, Gary Allsup – “The Corpus Christi Housing Authority is proud to be a partner in the effort to replace the Harbor Bridge. We believe this new bridge will be a tremendous asset to the community for generations to come.” Texas Department of Transportation Corpus Christi District Engineer Chris Caron – “The Harbor Bridge project promises to benefit the Coastal Bend and the State of Texas for generations to come. The Texas Department of Transportation is pleased that the project has received approval to move forward.” Kim Womack Director of Communications
Your admission ticket will have a door prize stub on it that you will drop in the bucket upon entering. We will be calling numbers throughout the night for some good prizes as well. This is a really fun night on the Island. Get up, shake off the cold and come join us at The Races. We also welcome our Winter Texans to join in the fun. For additional information contact lawalshva@ yahoo.com.
FUN
FUN
FUN
PADRE ISLAND ROTARY
IS BRINGING BACK
NIGHT AT THE RACES Friday, January 22, 2016
Doors open at 6:00 pm The Veranda at Schlitterbahn Tickets available at The Veranda & From Rotary Members $35.00 Includes dinner and cash bar For more info lawalshva@yahoo.com
This is a real night at the races! You will watch actual races shown on multiple TV’s set around the restaurant area. Bet on them with funny money you will receive as you enter. If you want bigger returns, buy a horse for each race for $20, if your horse wins you receive a Bottle of Champagne and $100. At the end of the night, change your winnings in for raffle tickets for tremendous prizes. The more winnings, the more tickets, the more chances of winning. Sponsorships are still available to advertise your business in our program.
Police Blotter
A 69 year man shot and stopped an armed robbery suspect who approached him in the front yard of his home, located in the 1300 block of Calle San Carlos, just before 9 p.m. on January 6. .
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Mayor of Corpus Christi Nelda Martinez – “I am so thankful for the Port’s investment and leadership with our regional team in making our new Harbor Bridge become a reality. This historic win is reflective of our regional partnerships that are stronger than ever. This new world class bridge will have global reaches and significant economic multipliers for our Coastal Bend families for many years to come.”
Night at The Races is Back!
Wednesday, January 6 8:49 p.m. 1300 Calle San Carlos Aggravated Assault
Carpet Cleaning Air Duct Cleaning Upholstery Cleaning
State of Texas Representative Todd Hunter – “The new Harbor Bridge will be a guiding light for Corpus Christi, the Coastal Bend and the State of Texas. It will be a magnificent project and a landmark for our area.”
City of Corpus Christi
License To Carry Holder Shoots Robbery Suspect
24 Hour Emergency Service
State of Texas Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa – “Thank you to the Port of Corpus Christi, the City of Corpus Christi, Nueces County, TxDOT and community leaders for working together to achieve such a major milestone for our community. All of us working together as a team united towards a common goal to get this final approval to be able to move forward with transforming the Harbor Bridge project into a reality that will bring tremendous economic benefits to the Coastal Bend.”
The investigation of the crime revealed that the man and a woman arrived at their home and parked in their carport driveway. As they both exited the car, a suspect, wearing a hoodie, approached the couple pointing a gun at the man. The suspect made demands for the victim to give up his wallet. The man, a firearms license to carry holder, fearing for his safety and the safety of the female with him, pulled out his handgun and shot the 23 year old robbery suspect.
The man then held the suspect down until police arrived. The suspect was then transported to Spohn Memorial Hospital by CCFD EMS. Officers recovered two handguns from the crime scene. The suspect is in the hospital under police guard and faces charges of aggravated robbery and unlawful possession of a firearm. He is currently in stable condition. No charges are expected to be filed against the man who shot the suspect.
Police Calls 13500 block SPID 8:02 a.m. January 9 Vehicle impound 13300 block SPID 7:36 p.m. January 11 Burglary of a vehicle Beach Marker 210 (North Packery) 6:17 p.m. January 9 Assault with injury
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361-949-1900
January 14, 2016
A5
Island Moon
BBB offers tips and resources for filing your taxes and finding a tax preparer
Stuff I Heard on the Island By Dale Rankin
By Heather Massey, Regional Director, Permian Basin Better Business Bureau
With the passing of the New Year the election season is now officially upon us and while the attention goes to the sturm and drang at the top of the ticket the race that could have the greatest impact on The Island is one we can’t vote in. Precinct 1 County Commissioner Mike Pusley is the incumbent who was first elected to his first four-year term of office in 2008. Precinct One includes most of northern Nueces County including North Beach, Downtown Corpus Christi, the Del Mar and Lindale areas, Agnes and Leopard Street corridor, Annaville, TulosoMidway, Calallen, Bluntzer and ends at County Road 70. Not anywhere close to The Island. Pusley is a Republican and being challenged by a field of Democrats one of which he will eventually face in the November election.
Why should we care? You may be wondering why we Islanders should care who wins a County Commissioners seat on the other side of the county. Without getting into party politics here’s why. The Nueces County Commissioners Court, the ruling body of county government, is made up of five members three of whom are Republicans and two of whom are Democrats. Until recent times the court was traditionally controlled by Democrats. When the Dems controlled the court they embarked on a building program at the Richard M. Borchard Regional Fairgrounds in Robstown, an area that is a bastion of Democrat support, which included a baseball stadium which opened in 2004 and hosts the annual Nueces County Junior Livestock Show and Rodeo among other events. The facilities there are managed by the Philadelphia-based Global Spectrum and include a central pavilion, two exhibit halls, and an arena; all of the things that every community needs but facilities that Nueces County Taxpayers annually subsidize with a seven figure dollar amount and which compete directly with the city-subsided American Bank Center downtown. So rather than have one facility which might actually make money for taxpayers we have two that are subsidized by taxpayers. The baseball stadium is where teams have gone to die. When control of the Commissioners Court passed into Republican hands they stopped the bleeding by cancelling more than $80 million in additional funds that were in the Robstown pipeline so that the money could be spread more evenly around the county.
On The Island While the cash was flowing into the Robstown facility the Nueces County Coastal Parks Board had a plan to improve the county owned facilities around both Bob Hall Pier on Padre Island and around Horace Caldwell Pier in Port Aransas that were stuck in the sand due to lack of funding. Park operations at that time selffunded about 70% of their budget but due to the way the budget numbers were handled if the parks had an unusually good year with cash flow the unexpected, and unbudgeted windfall sailed right off The Island into the county’s general budget. The result was that for years plans for improvements to the county parks on Padre Island and in Port Aransas collected dust due to lack of funds.
impossible for me to get an accurate estimate on what the turnout may be this time around. What I can say is that it will be influenced, both on the Democrat and the Republican sides, by the race at the top of the ticket. It is Presidential races which get the most attention and which drive voter turnout. I have no crystal ball for who will be at the top of either ticket and for this discussion it only matters as it affects local voter turnout, or more specifically voter turnout in Pusley’s Precinct 1. Assuming Hillary Clinton will be the Democratic candidate and assuming that the daily e-mail I get from Democrat Party operatives the push is on for a heavy turnout on that side of the aisle. I can’t say if that will in fact be the case, but if it is I think it is safe to say that the turnout by Dems in Commissioners Precinct 1 will be high. If the Republican nominee, whoever that turns out to be, doesn’t have the same voter appeal in that part of the county some Republicans who are less enthusiastic about their candidate may choose to vote with their feet and stay home. Forget about who wins Texas and its prize of 38 Electoral Votes, second only to California’s 55 and ahead of Florida and New York’s 29; concentrate on the 1168 votes out of 19,806 that Pusley won by in 2012 and you can see that the race could go either way and think about what a change in that precinct could mean for our Island. It is fair to say that based on past history if control of the Commissioners Court passes to the Democrats our projects on The Island will not get priority when it comes to funding. There is no guarantee that the money already committed to the improvements at Balli Park and IB Magee will remain in place. Bids on Phase 1 of the projects there are due to go out in the next few weeks and will have contracts likely signed by Election Day. But funding for the remainder of the project at Balli Park and at IB Magee Park in Port Aransas will fall under the control of the Dems who in the past have preferred to spend it in Robstown. The good news is that Precinct 4 County Commissioner Brent Chesney has pledged to spend all of the $3 million allotted for his precinct from Certificates of Obligation issued by the county last year on The Island because those projects are the ones which should potentially generate the most revenue. The bad news is that while the $3 million is fully committed to Island projects, any revenue generated by those projects which could pay for future improvements is not. The fact is that our daily lives are much more impacted by the down-ballot races. As it was expressed to me by a wise political writer, “You are a lot more likely to meet the dog catcher than the President.”
It’s that time of year again. Over the next few weeks, W-2 forms will show up at your work desk or in your mail. And while the thought of a hefty tax return could be a happy one, the consequences of filing your taxes the wrong way is not. While it can be tempting to rush out and get your taxes done so you can get your refund sooner, your Better Business Bureau serving Central, Coastal, Southwest Texas and the Permian Basin encourages taxpayers to take time and use caution when selecting a tax preparer you can trust. It is important to avoid mistakes that could result in additional fees or even tax identity theft. Unfortunately, identity theft is not the only thing to watch out for when enlisting the help of a tax preparer or tax software to file your taxes. BBB receives thousands of complaints from consumers against tax preparers every year. In fact, BBB has seen a rise in complaints over the last three years. In 2015, BBB received more than 3,300 complaints against tax return preparation businesses across the United States and Canada. Common complaints state that the tax preparer made errors in their return which resulted in fines and fees. Other complaints allege customer service, billing and contract issues. BBB offers the following advice when searching for a tax preparer: • Look for credentials. Ideally, your tax preparer should either be a certified public accountant, a tax attorney or an enrolled agent. All three can represent you before the IRS in all matters, including an audit.
• Ask around. Find BBB Accredited tax preparation businesses in your local area. There are over 300 BBB Accredited tax preparation businesses serving Central, Coastal, Southwest Texas and the Permian Basin. Check out bbb.org to find a BBB Accredited tax preparation business near you. Tax season is a busy one for identity thieves. It is important to avoid mistakes that could result in additional fees, or even tax identity theft. This can happen when someone uses your Social Security number to get a tax refund, or even a job. According to the Federal Trade Commission, tax identity thieves get your personal information in a number of ways, including: going through your trash or mailbox; through emails asking for information, which appear to come from the IRS; employees at hospitals, nursing homes, banks and other businesses stealing data; and phony or dishonest tax preparers misusing confidential information or passing it along to identity thieves. In 2014, tax identity theft made up 33 percent of all identity theft complaints, according to the FTC’s Consumer Sentinel Network Data Book. That’s an increase of nearly 3 percent from 2013. To lessen the chances of becoming a victim of tax identity theft, the FTC has the following advice, whether you choose to file your return yourself or use a tax preparer: • File your tax return early. Do it before identity thieves have a chance to steal your information.
• Don’t fall for the promise of a big refund. Be wary of any tax preparation service promising larger refunds than the competition. Avoid any tax preparer who bases their fee on a percentage of the refund.
• Use a secure Internet connection. If you file your return electronically, don’t use unsecure, publicly available Wi-Fi hotspots. • Shred documents. This includes copies of your tax return, drafts or calculation sheets you no longer need. The IRS recommends that most people keep three years’ worth of tax returns in case of an audit. Keep hardcopy and electronic files in a secure location.
• Think about accessibility. Many tax preparation services only set up shop for the months leading up to April 15. In case the IRS finds errors, or in case of an audit, make sure you are able to contact you tax preparer at any time of the year.
• Check your credit report. To ensure your identity hasn’t been stolen or compromised, go to annualcreditreport.com to get your free credit report.
• Read the contract carefully. Read tax preparation service contracts closely to ensure you understand issues such as how much it is going to cost for the service, how the cost will be affected if preparation is more complicated and time consuming than expected and whether the tax preparer will represent you in the case of an audit.
For more information and resources for filing your taxes, go to BBB’s Tax Resource Center. For more consumer information, BBB Business Reviews or to file a complaint, visit your local Better Business Bureau online at bbb.org/central-texas.
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In this case projects on The Island could live or die by voter turnout in County Commissioner’s Precinct 1 and that turnout will be directly impacted by the name at the top of the ticket. The nationwide race will have local consequences no matter whose names are at the top of the ballot.
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Since the regime change happened and the money stopped going to Robstown the new addition was built at Bob Hall Pier, doubling the size of the area where Mikel Mays is located, and the Park’s Board has moved ahead with their plan for Phase I of about $1.6 million in improvements to the park grounds at Balli Park and looking at doing similar improvements at IB Magee Park around Horace Caldwell Pier in Port Aransas. You see where this is going.
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w Ne nt r de me Un nage Ma
A narrow win When Pusley ran four years ago there were 19,806 votes cast in the race and he won by only 1168 votes. I can find no reliable up to date population numbers for the precinct past the 2010 census so it is
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A6
January 14, 2016
Island Moon
Christmas Tree Recycling January 16th The City of Corpus Christi Solid Waste Operations and the Clean City Committee advises citizens from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 16th, there will be an opportunity to recycle Christmas trees at eight convenient locations. The collection sites will be staffed by volunteers who will help unload trees. In return, those dropping off trees will receive a free tree seedling, based on availability. Only clean, non-flocked (fake snow) Christmas trees with no decorations will be accepted. The following locations will be accepting Christmas trees from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 16th: • Wal-Mart – 6101 Saratoga • Wal-Mart – Flour Bluff Drive • Flour Bluff High School – 2525 Waldron Road (High School Gymnasium parking lot) • Padre Island Property Owners Association – 14015 Fortuna Bay Drive (across from Billish Park)
Island Moon on a Spoon
Citizens not participating in this effort may only set-out trees during their regularly scheduled brush collection days, not any sooner. For setout dates, please refer to the 2015 Solid Waste Services Customer Guide or check online at www.cctexas.com/ government/solid-wasteservices. If residents want to throw it out sooner they will have to take it to one of the tree recycling events or to the J.C. Elliott Collection Center on Highway 286 at Ayers, Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Beginning February 2016, residents may visit the J.C. Elliott Collection Center to collect freshly ground Christmas tree mulch.
Time Saver! One Recipe… Many Options! Pulled Pork
By Chef Vita Jarrin
Pulled Pork is one of my favorite go to recipes. It has the ability to be versatile in its application and it’s rather inexpensive, especially when feeding a crowd. It’s a rather large cut of meat that’s full of flavor. When cooked for a long period of time on low heat, for about 4 hours, it becomes shred-able. That makes it go a long way. The cut of pork I use is called pork shoulder or pork butt. It’s really not a butt. It’s a shoulder. It’s a very tender and juicy cut of meat layered with its own natural fat. This very fat, is what renders down while you cook it, and surrounds the meat in a luscious, savory flavor.
Mon
Tue
¼ C vegetable oil 3 tsp kosher salt 1 tsp black pepper 3 tsp. ground cumin 3 tsp. granulated garlic 3 tsp. granulated pasilla peppers 2 tsp. granulated chile de arbol 3 tsp. granulated ancho chiles 1/3 C brown sugar 2 packets Sazon Goya with achiote powder and cilantro
Volunteers are needed to help unload trees at all locations. Community service certificates will be provided for completed shifts. For more information contact Solid Waste Operations Outreach Coordinator, Celina Ybarbo Pulcher at (361) 826-1655 or at Celina@cctexas.com.
3 carrots cleaned and cut into pieces 3 celery stalks 2 medium onions 3 bay leaves (put in roaster when you pour in liquid) 2 C coca cola
Moon Phases, January 2016 Sun
Pulled Pork Recipe 6-8 lb. Pork Shoulder
Wed
Thu
Fri
2 C Orange Juice
Sat
2 C Chicken Stock Bake in Roasting pan at least 5-6 inches deep and wide enough for the roast. Turkey roasters work great!
Typically, I use this meat for making tacos. However, depending on the amount you are using… you can always repurpose some of the extra meat for recipes like, pork green chili, pulled pork barbeque sandwiches, Cuban sandwiches, soups and casseroles. When making the pulled pork, I either use an oven and cook it low and slow, and capitalize on that time to make the sides and sauces. However, when I’m in a rush, I cook it in a pressure cooker in a 1/3 of the time. The only down fall to the pressure cooker is that you don’t get a nice crispy outer layer on the roast. It’s basically stews the meat instead of roasting it. Another great option, since most of us have smokers these days, is to smoke it.
Tides of the Week Tides for Corpus Christi (Bob Hall Pier) January 7 - 14 2016
Day
High /Low
Tide Time
Height in Feet
Sunrise Moon Time Sunset
Th F Sa Su M Tu W Th
14 14 14 14 15 15 15 15 16 16 16 16 17 17 17 17 18 18 19 19 20 20 21 21
Low High Low High Low High Low High Low High Low High Low High Low High Low High Low High Low High Low High
1:18 AM 4:27 AM 11:34 AM 7:06 PM 1:45 AM 6:17 AM 12:28 PM 7:25 PM 2:26 AM 8:17 AM 1:39 PM 7:42 PM 3:14 AM 10:38 AM 3:48 PM 7:56 PM 4:06 AM 12:57 PM 5:00 AM 2:14 PM 5:53 AM 3:08 PM 6:44 AM 3:53 PM
0.7 0.8 -0.2 1.1 0.5 0.7 0.1 1.0 0.2 0.7 0.5 0.9 -0.1 0.9 0.7 0.9 -0.3 1.1 -0.5 1.3 -0.7 1.4 -0.8 1.4
7:21 AM Rise 10:38 AM 5:55 PM Set 10:57 PM
16
7:21 AM Rise 11:20 AM 5:56 PM Set 11:59 PM
26
7:20 AM Rise 12:02 PM 5:57 PM
37
7:20 AM Set 1:01 AM 5:57 PM Rise 12:46 PM
48
7:20 AM Set 2:02 AM 5:58 PM Rise 1:32 PM 7:20 AM Set 3:04 AM 5:59 PM Rise 2:21 PM 7:20 AM Set 4:04 AM 6:00 PM Rise 3:13 PM 7:20 AM Set 5:02 AM 6:01 PM Rise 4:08 PM
Moon Visible
Before I leave you with my recipe, I want to include a couple of tips and tricks to get the most flavor out of your roast. When buying this cut of meat, you will notice that on one side it has a fat cap, a layer of pork skin with the fat underneath. You want to gently use the tip of a sharp knife and cut under that layer, (but do not remove it) and expose the meat underneath. This will allow you to cut three inch slits into the pork, so that you may season the interior part of the shoulder roast, as well as the outside. This will maximize the flavor, of your roast, because you’re not just seasoning the outer part of the meat, you’re seasoning all of it. Another tip is to score, or make slits across the fat cap so that it won’t shrivel up while roasting and the spices penetrate into the skin as well. If you have a couple of stainless steel skewers, it will help anchor the two sides of the skin that you lifted by placing them on both sides of the open ends, so that it stays put while cooking. This prevents the skin from curling up. Additionally, I score the skin as I would a ham. I make triangles, by cutting slits in one direction and then cutting slits in the opposite direction. The results should look like one inch triangles.
Tip of the week: 59 70 80 88
Not only is this recipe for pulled pork versatile, but so is the cut of pork. If you like making sausage, this cut of meat works great. It has the perfect balance of fat, that all you need to do is grind it up, season it to your liking and stuff it into pork casings. Or form patties and cook into burgers or use as a breakfast sausage. Or you can use a large grinder setting and make chili with it like you would with chili cuts of ground beef. Best part is …. It’s only about $1.30 to $1.50 a pound.
Heat Oven to 400 degrees. Remove pork from the bag and rinse. Place on a cutting board, fat side up and gently cut under the fat by lifting it, as you insert knife, cutting into it and exposing the skin. Pull skin back with your left hand as you cut, with your right hand or vice versa if you’re a lefty. Cut slits in the pork about 3 inches long and with your fingers, create little pockets for the garlic and spice mix to go in. In a bowl mix all of your dry spices, salt & pepper and toss in the brown sugar. Mix well. Insert cloves of garlic into the slits you made. Rub the oil all over the roast, over and under the skin and drop some of the seasoning mix into the slits as well. Rub the spice rub all over the roast and place in roaster. Put the veggies in the roaster by spreading them around the bottom and gently add the liquid to the bottom. (Do not pour liquid over the top of roast) You want the roast dry so the fat gets crispy on the outside. The sweet soda and acid from both liquids, including the orange juice, makes your roast sweeter as well as tender. The acid breaks down and tenderizes the strands of muscle. Bake at 400 for one hour. Reduce the temperature to 325 and bake for an additional 3-5 hours. Once the top layer is crispy, is suggested that you baste the meat with the liquid at the bottom. The way you find the texture you are looking for is by inserting a fork and pull it downward. If the pork shreds apart easily and you see the layers starting to fall apart it’s ready. If not, you need to cook it longer. The size and the age of the meat, causes a variance in the time it needs to cook, as well as the various ovens this recipe might be cooked in. But the longer it cooks, the easier the meat will simply fall apart. If the outer layer is starting to brown too much, cover in aluminum foil and continue to cook it. Once the meat is done, and you remove it from the oven, let it rest for at least 30 minutes. You may see a layer of oil and fat rise to the top. You can skim it and remove it. If roast is in the way, you can carefully transfer it to a large pan or cutting board and then return it. I suggest you return it in the roaster and let the juices soak into the meat. It will definitely enhance the flavor. Pull the meat out of the liquid and use for whatever you wish.
Have fun! Try new things! & Happy Eats and Enjoy!
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January 14, 2016
A7
Island Moon
Backwater Adventures
Winter Fishing
By Joey Farah
This month is a prime time for three different kinds of fishing adventures here on our Island Paradise. Water temperatures have finally dropped down enough to pull game fish into a slower digestion period. This means that there are gaps in feeding activity when game fish are digesting their prey at a slower rate because of their lower body temps. Watching both the daily lunar feeding tables as well as the best lunar days of the month will help ensure you have successful days on the water. Typically every month our best days are the week before both the new and full moon. The hardest days on the water are always just behind the moons as well. Keep this in mind when you are planning an outing, don't get burned out when they are not feeding. Take those slow days to explore new fishing grounds and mark structure.
No reason to go through the history of the seawall; the Moon has been covering that well in the past few editions. Hope you’ve been reading them. There have been several issues with the seawall that have come to a head lately, and sometimes it’s hard to separate them, but we all need to be clear about which issue we’re talking about, as there are different entities that deal with different issues. One of the issues lately has been the sand that blows onto and covers a portion of the seawall. The seawall owners have formed a committee, and are working with City staff on that one. Good deal; that likely should have happened in the past, but I don’t think the lines of communication were available in the past. Thanks to the “new” City folks who are getting things done.
This monster trout came from the shoreline in Baffin, the heron's hunting spot. 31 inch FARAH they are moving you can finish dinner and run over for a battle with a giant drum. Crabs, sea Lice, and shrimp are top baits, and anything you can use to help them smell the bait. We have been following the herds and catching them up and down the ICW and in Baffin. They are in the 2-9lb range with some of the big 30lb monsters. If you have friends or family coming in or just want fill the freezer with fresh fish give me a call. THIS JANUARY AND FEBRUARY I HAVE A DRUM RUN SPECIAL!! $200 off of our regular trip cost. It's a lot of fun and very productive. Give me a call and let me know you got it from the MOON!
The fog drifted passed the rolling waves on the surface. The winds carried the sounds of distant birds feeding along the bank. I heard the sound of a heron jumping back and forth chasing small minnows along the invisible shoreline only a few steps away. I slowly moved towards the brush along the bank, and found a large bit of matted seaweed along the entrance of a small marsh. The heron stood on the grass looking at me like I just interrupted a good movie. As he settled I watched his head stare into the water just where the grass matt broke free to the bay. My first cast was toward the beach and my big DOA AIRHEAD swam slowly along. There was a shadow that bloomed under the edge of the grass and my imagination made my heart jump thinking I was watching a giant trout hiding One of many trout landed along the ICW channel this week just under the cliff of the grass. on live shrimp. Photo by Joey Farah As my lure paused and danced the quiver of death in front of the "imaginary" monster channel. Lots of whiting and sand trout are still trout without a strike, I relaxed and dropped in these areas as well and will take small pieces my guard. The AIRHEAD broke out in open of cut bait and shrimp. These are all great eating water and a swirl boiled at the grass, THUMP and good marks for anglers who just want to go I FELT THE STRIKE! The line came right and she bolted out of the water with the first jump. have some fun and don't have a boat. Her gills flared wide as she tried to throw the The BLACK DRUM RUN HAS BEGUN! The hook, my WATERLOO ULTRA MAG brought drum have started coming through from the gulf her head back down and she circled and pulled and can be taken in and along all the channels in until her speckled sides turned over to show the Upper Laguna Madre. The piers around the the reflection of the orange morning sun on her JFK bridge are a great and popular place to land face. She had been waiting under that Matt of some Giants. Monitor the Marker 37 Marina grass, just below the heron. After she bolted Facebook site and you can see when they are back into the Lagoon I walked over to where catching them. This week Matt has been posting she had been hiding, swarms of tiny minnows pics as they land on the deck of the pier. When ran into the dead grass. I never got to see the inside of her stomach but from years past I can only guess it would have been full of little snack fish. SILENTLY BLEND INTO YOUR ENVIRONMENT, master the lures in hand to mimic a real baitfish, use your imagination to fuel your fishing, this is the lure of fishing that captivates men and women to fish. The surface of the sea is the port hole into a different world that we can escape into as we try to imagine WHAT IN THE HECK IS HAPPENING G DOWN THERE? I love hunting big trout this time of year and we can be successful in this from the boat or on foot. Get in the boat with me and learn some techniques that will let you start putting your hands on the biggest trout of your fishing career. Weekday trophy hunting trips with two anglers and myself are $600 this and next month. I look forward to sharing some of OLD MOTHER LAGOON's secrets with Fully Guided • All Tackle Provided you give me a call and ALWAYS FOLLOW OUR HOOKUPS ON FACEBOOK AT JOEY FARAH's BACKWATER FISHING. GO GET WET!
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By Jay Gardner I’m still getting questions via email (thanks loyal readers!) regarding the beach maintenance practices of the City and why they move sand around. The City has both a US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) permit for beach maintenance activities, and also a permit/ lease with the Texas General Land Office (TXGLO) for Packery Channel, that includes some provisions for nourishing the beach in front of the seawall. Both these permits dictate how sand is manipulated from the base of the south Packery jetty to past the southern end of the seawall. This stretch seems to be getting a lot of attention lately, so let’s take a closer look this week.
Farah’s Fishing Adventures
The beachfront along the Coastal Bend is full of good eating fish that group up along the jetty passes in January. Look for high tide and use light tackle and small circle hooks to fill your dinner basket with one of the best tasting fish in our area, the pompano. Baits that are best are small pieces of shrimp, crab, squid, and FISHBITES, the best is a portion of ghost shrimp. Ghost shrimp can only be obtained along the beach with one of those PVC shrimp suckers. If you have any questions on that, go ask the folks at ACE HARDWARE. The other great opportunity is the annual SHEEPHEAD run. Hit the PACKERY and PORT A JETTY for the best action. Any tackle will do but a longer surf rod works best to aid the fisherman in keeping the rig and fish off of the rocks when you are bringing them up. A good dip net will save you tackle and fish as well. Waxwing boots are a must as the rocks get very slippery and boots will slide off quickly. The best baits are the same as for the pompano and both can be caught back to back in the same location. The SHEEPHEAD also run the tide so if you are not catching them they may be on the inside or outside of the jetty or perhaps farther in the channel in the mouth of the bay or back up the
On the Rocks
What I’m talking about are the current activities that are going on with the re-grading of the beaches from the south jetty to the south end of the seawall. According to the USACE permit, the City is allowed to use equipment to move sargassum from the lower beach (water’s edge) and move it up to above annual high tide (AHT) but below the toe of the dunes during the spring and summer (actually, they can do that anytime, that’s just when the sargassum comes in). And then, in the fall and winter, the City is permitted and encouraged to move the dried sargassum material back down towards the water’s edge. This activity is done in order to balance the sand budget for the beach, and keep it as wide as possible. If the crews only moved material up, then the beach width would shrink down to
only a few cars wide, and would be really steep. Not an ideal situation, and when you consider the seawall is shut down to driving BECAUSE the beach is too narrow in that section, then that type of management is counter-intuitive. In addition, the grading in the fall is supposed to make sure that the beach has a continual slope from the toe of the dunes down to the water’s edge. When you scrape the material from the water’s edge, truck it up, place it by the dunes, and then truck it back down to the water’s edge, what happens? Right, you get a “belly” in the beach and a berm near the water that makes “lakes” between the berm and the base of the dunes. Hence, how “Lake Zahn” originated and is occurring near the jetty now. Unfortunately, that condition was exacerbated over several years. New management has
That's not how you play a guitar Curtis identified this condition, and by working with the ISAC and also the Watershore and Beach Advisory Committee, we’ve been able to get the ball rolling in the right direction. So, although the sand is currently being moved, and there is currently a berm and “Lake Local Beach” now, the City is continually working on it and will eventually get it graded. It’s going to take some time to move that much sand, so we need to have some patience. They are also helping with the grading of the sand in front of the seawall, and again, this is going to take some time to get it right. But we all have to give the City kudos; there is a huge improvement in the way things are going lately. Shoot me a note at tarponchaser@ mail.com if you have any other questions or additional comments on beach management, and I would REALLY like to hear your feedback on the new trash can set ups on the beach. Both are monumental tasks due to shear volume, as well as conflicting opinions on what should happen or the best way to do something. Y’all be good, and I’ll see you On the Rocks.
Last Packery dredging outflow
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January 14, 2016
Island Moon
SPORTS Sports Talk
Inside Facts about Game Officials in the National Football League By Dotson Lewis Special to the Island Moon Dotson’s Note: As expected I have had many, (more than many), questions about officials and officiating in the NFL. Since play-off officials are often times in the spotlight, I believe it is appropriate for me to let you in on some inside information. My thanks to former NFL football officials, website “NFL Zebras” writers Mark Schultz and Ben Austro for their contributions to the following articles.
Parry Playoff Crew Displays Skill and Intestinal Fortitude in Calling A Pressure Packed Game John Parry’s crew set the tone in the pregame warm-ups: There would not be a repeat of the Week 14 nonsense between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cincinnati Bengals. That game featured several altercations that later drew league fines. Parry’s crew put on a visible display in the pregame. The entire crew, including alternates spread out across the 50-yard line and made sure no player stepped over the line into the “no-fly zone.” Officials patrol this demilitarized zone in the regular season, but very rarely do we see an entire crew on patrol. The first real trouble occurred late in the first quarter when Steelers Offensive Line Coach,
Blandino to consider intangibles, such as leadership, decisiveness, and managing the pace of game. “There are some things that I, as a supervisor, need to have the ability to look at for the overall picture of what makes a good official,” Blandino said in a 2013 interview. The tiers generally align to the previous constructs of the assignment levels from 2012 and before. For example, Tier 1 was a fiveofficial group of the highest graded officials under the old system. Blandino could put four or six in that group depending on the qualifications he sees. Playoff referees are assigned individually to mixed crews in the postseason. The term allstar crews is not really applicable until the Conference Championship games. Crews were previously assigned as a whole unit (with an occasional substitution to promote or demote some officials), but this practice was ended by the most recent collective bargaining agreement with the officials. This prevents lower-graded officials from either riding the coat-tails of a good crew or to negatively affecting superior crewmates.
Playoff assignment procedure First, to qualify for any playoff assignment, an official may not be in his first season and a referee may not be in his first season as referee. (This excludes 10 new members on
Killing Gooble Gobbles By Andy Purvis Special to the Island Moon The year was 1966, and I was about to turn 15. Big for my age, I already stood six-feet tall and weighed over 200 pounds. My father, (Gordon Purvis) on the other hand, was only 5’ 10” and had no rear-end to speak off. My Uncle Walt Willard was even smaller. I would guess 5’ 6” and 140 pounds soaking wet in a snow suit. I was easily the largest of the three. It was November, and the three of us were on the way to see N.C. State play Duke University in football, at the new Carter Finley Stadium. We had great seats about 20 rows up, except for one problem. We were sitting behind a large man who was a die-hard Duke fan. The game was close and exciting, but dad and Uncle Walt had a tough time seeing around the fellow in front of us. And, of course, he was cheering for the wrong team. Then it happened. My Uncle Walt elbowed my dad in the side lightly and said, “Watch this.” Then he placed his hands behind the Duke fan’s right ear and slapped his hands together as hard as he could and then wiped his left hand with his right hand as if there were something in his hand that he did not want. Of course the man jumped when he heard the sound, but did not turn around. So, a few minutes later, Uncle Walt proceeded to repeat his hand slapping behind the big fellows left ear. This time he turned around and asked, “What the hell are you doing?” Uncle Walt calmly said, “I’m killing gooble gobbles.” The big fellow then asked, “What’s a gooble
Cleanup continued from A1 • Rockport − Check-in is at Rockport Beach Park pavilion. Contact Kerry Goodall at 361729-6661 or via e-mail at kerry.goodall@ texasadoptabeach.org. • North Corpus Christi Beach − Check-in is at the Texas State Aquarium, 2710 N. Shoreline Blvd. Contact Rosanna Gossett at 361-8811204 or via e-mail at rosanna.gossett@ texasadoptabeach.org. • Kid’s Place at Cole Park − Check-in is at 1526 Ocean Drive, contact Chelsea Craig at 361-946-3996 or via e-mail at Error! Hyperlink reference not valid..
John Parry-NFL Referee Mike Munchak, mixed it up on the sidelines with a Bengals player. Side judge Scott Novak (in his first playoff game in his first season of eligibility) moved in to play peacemaker. When Munchak kept stirring the pot, Novak threw the flag and called Munchak for unsportsmanlike conduct. There were several occasions in the first half when Parry’s crew called unsportsmanlike conduct or unnecessary roughness on seemingly minor incidents that would normally call for a “talk-to” where officials warn players tone it down. Not so with Parry’s crew. When in doubt they threw a flag. The teams finally lit the tinderbox at the 1:31 mark of the 3rd quarter. The Steelers Ryan Shazier went in with his helmet and laid out the Bengals Giovani Bernard. The Bengals screamed for a flag. Bernard left the field under his own power and even ran to the locker room. But, as Barnard lay on the field both teams started jawing at each other. Officiating analyst Mike Carey on CBS said Bernard was becoming a runner, wasn’t defenseless and called it a legal but “unfortunate” hit. On ESPN, former official and supervisor Jim Daopoulos said it should have been a flag. When the Bengals had to keep their poise late in the fourth quarter, they failed miserably and it cost them the game. Back judge Perry Paganelli flagged Vontaze Burfict for a personal foul, leading with his head when he hit a defenseless receiver over the middle. The penalty moved the Steelers into makeable field goal range. During the injury timeout, Adam Jones started to mix it up with assistant coach Joey Porter and drew a flag, turning it into a chip-shot field goal, made by the Steelers. Field judge Buddy Horton threw the flag on Jones. (Porter was on-field with the medical staff during an injury timeout, which escalated with back-and-forth chirping, leading the Bengals defense to swarm around him. Porter was no saint in all of this, but his actions were not quite enough to draw a penalty.) Many fans might criticize Parry’s crew for throwing so many flags and injecting themselves into the game. Too bad, the officials had a choice to make: Either try to manage the mayhem, or flag it out of existence. The crew chose the latter. Parry and his crew sent an early message that they were not going to tolerate any silliness out of either team that night, and it was up to the coaches and players to change their behavior and stay within the boundaries drawn by the zebras. The Bengals and Steelers hate each other. Put that hate into a playoff game, and it is a near impossible situation to control. Parry and crew did their absolute best in keeping a lid on things Saturday night, and all of the officials I know, are proud of the work they did.
Tier System Sets Officials’ Assignments for Playoffs The methodology of determining playoff assignments changed slightly when Dean Blandino was named vice president of officiating in 2013. It largely resembles the system previously in place. Rather than a straight 1-to-17 grade ranking, Blandino places the officials at each position into one of three tiers. Tier 1 is, for the lack of a better term, the championship level; Tier 2 is a qualified level; and Tier 3 are officials who do not get assignments. The placement into a tier is largely based on grades, but has the subjectivity to allow
the officiating staff and veteran John Hussey, a first-year referee.) There are 13 officials who became eligible, as well as two referees — Craig Wrolstad and Ron Torbert. Super Bowl. The Super Bowl assignment would be selected from the Tier 1 officials. An official at each position in that tier that has not previously worked a Super Bowl will get first preference. However, if an official was graded at the top in the previous postseason, and skipped over to award a first preference, he will not be skipped again if he ranks first in the current season. The first preference must also meet other qualification factors. For the referee, the minimum qualifications are as follows: • 5 years of NFL experience • 3 years as NFL referee • 1 playoff game as a referee
The Winter Beach Cleanup is one of three all-volunteer seasonal cleanups coordinated through the Adopt-A-Beach program of the Texas General Land Office.
gobble?’ and my Uncle Walt said, “It’s a small bug that hangs around horses’ a----.” Well, by this time I knew I was in trouble, because this guy was mad and he was going to go after the biggest of the three, and that would be me. The fellow now stands and he’s huge. He says with disdain to my Uncle Walt and Dad, “Are you calling me a horse’s ass?” With that, Uncle Walt calmly raises his hands and slaps them together again as if he’s killing a flying bug and then looks at the fellow and says, “No, but you can’t fool those gooble gobbles.” By this time, I’m dead but lucky, as now people all around us have heard this conversation and were laughing at the bravado of my Uncle Walt. Besides, most of them were N.C. State fans. Finally, the big guy smiled and then laughed. He turned around and sat back down. N.C. State won that day and in many ways, so did I. Andy Purvis is a local author and radio personality. Please visit www.purvisbooks. com for all the latest info on his books or to listen to the new radio podcast. Andy’s books are available online and can be found in the local Barnes & Noble bookstore. Andy can be contacted at purvis.andy@mygrande.net. Also listen to sports talk radio on Dennis & Andy’s Q & A Session from 6-8 PM on Sportsradiocc.com 1230 AM, 96.1 FM and 103.3 FM. The home of the Houston Astros.
Cold Stunned Turtle Count From 4-5 January 2016, 4 cold stunned green turtles were found in Texas. Temperatures have warmed, but colder weather is predicted for next week. The numbers of cold stunned sea turtles found to date during the 2015-2016 cold stunning season in Texas are as follows: All were green turtles. Area
Total
Galveston Area/ Inshore
1
Lavaca/San Antonio Bay
0
Copano Bay
0
San Jose Island
0
Mustang Island/Aransas Pass
2
Most trash found on Texas beaches is left there by litterbugs. Since 1986, Adopt-A-Beach volunteers have picked up 9,200 tons of trash, which is the equivalent to the weight of 44 blue whales, making it one of the most successful volunteer programs in the nation. Volunteers record data on the trash to learn more about the causes of marine debris and to help mitigate pollution along Texas’ 367 miles of coastline.
Upper Laguna Madre /
The Texas General Land Office’s AdoptA-Beach program is funded primarily by private contributions. To help out, or for more information, call the Adopt-A-Beach program at 1-877-TXCOAST or visit our website at www.texasadoptabeach.org. You can follow Adopt-A-Beach on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/TexasAdoptABeach or on Twitter.
For his crewmates, the minimum criteria are: • 5 years of NFL experience • 1 career conference championship game or 3 playoff games in the previous 5 years Also, an official cannot work consecutive Super Bowls, which excludes Bill Vinovich this year. This leaves 12 of the 17 referees qualified for the Super Bowl as we began the 2015 season.
Corpus Christi Bay
1
Padre Island National Seashore Gulf Beach
0
Lower Laguna Madre
0
Boca Chica Beach
0
TOTAL
4
Condition
Total
Alive
4
Dead
0
TOTAL
4
Thank you to staff and volunteers from the National Park Service, ARK, Sea Turtle, Inc., Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Sea World San Antonio, NOAA-Fisheries, Texas Sea Life Center, Texas Master Naturalists, Gladys Porter Zoo, University of Texas, Texas State Aquarium, other organizations, and private citizens for their help to find, document, rehabilitate, and release cold stunned turtles on the Texas coast this year.
Conference Championship. The remaining Tier 1 officials are distributed to the Conference Championship round and, if necessary, to Divisional Playoffs. Conference Championship officials must have three years of seniority and a prior playoff assignment. Divisional and Wild Card Playoffs. The Super Bowl crew will get divisional playoff assignments, although they won’t all be on the same crew. The Tier 2 officials fill in the remaining divisional’s and then the wild cards. An official working the Wild Card round will be ranked as low as 10th out of 17, and ranked lower depending on the number of officials at the position that are not playoff eligible. Tier 3 officials do not get a playoff assignment. Multiple officiating sources have indicated that three years in the low tier can cause an official to be dismissed. Pro Bowl. The Pro Bowl is assigned to the most senior member at each position not working a playoff game who also has not worked a Hawaii-based Pro Bowl. There are exceptions to award this assignment to a retiring official, even if they qualify for an outdoor playoff game in Minnesota. Alternate officials. Alternate officials have been assigned differently than in past years. Firstyear officials and first-year referees can qualify for alternate assignments. It seems that Tier 3 officials do not even get alternate assignments, as the 2014 season had some officials getting two alternates and some getting an on-field and an alternate assignment. Super Bowl alternates typically have an on-field playoff assignment earlier in the playoffs. There are three alternate officials, which usually fall into one of these three groups: referee/umpire, line officials, and deep officials. The Super Bowl has five alternates: referee, umpire, line officials, deep wings, and back judge. Dotson’s Other Note: Hope this helps you understand how the officials in the NFL are rated and assigned. Your comments, suggestions, questions and concerns regarding Sports Talk articles are greatly appreciated, please call the Benchwarmers at 361-560-5397 weekdays, Mondays thru Fridays, 5-8 p.m. or contact me. Phone: 361-949-7681 Cell: 530748-8475 Email: dlewis1@stx.rr.com
Winter Texans playing pickleball
Dancing at Port A Parks and Rec - Winter Texan Roundup on A13
January 14, 2016
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Island Moon
Nueces Delta Preserve Tops 10,000 acres
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Coastal Bend Bays & Estuaries Program (CBBEP) recently closed on the purchase of a 1,970 acre parcel of land in the Nueces River Delta, the final piece in a multi-year effort to acquire the entire 4,737 acres of what once was the Dos Rios Division of Wyatt Ranches. The acquisition of the ranch property nearly doubles the size of the Nueces Delta Preserve and creates more than 10,000 acres of contiguous conserved estuarine habitat for endangered and threatened wildlife species, protecting the fresh water flowing into Nueces and Corpus Christi Bays, and expanding environmental educational opportunities offered by CBBEP. Through the Natural Resource Damage Assessment (NRDA) process, the State of Texas Natural Resource Trustees (Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and Texas General Land Office) provided $2.435 million for the purchase of this last parcel from The Conservation Fund, who has been holding the ranch property since 2013 while the CBBEP secured monies for its permanent protection. The State Trustees awarded the money to the CBBEP for acquisition and conservation of habitat as compensation to the public for injuries to natural resources in the Corpus Christi Ship Channel, Corpus Christi Bay, and Nueces Bay resulting from releases of hazardous substances from the Encycle/Texas, Inc. (formerly ASARCO, LLC) facility. "The acquisition of Dos Rios Division of Wyatt Ranches has been a priority for the CBBEP since the first tract of land in the Nueces River Delta was acquired almost 12 years ago," said Jake Herring, Director of Land Conservation for CBBEP. The first two parcels of the ranch property were purchased with $3 million from a separate NRDA award and private funds from M&G Chemicals. "This last piece is significant in that it brings all our previous efforts together, and we are grateful for the support provided by the Natural Resource Trustees in helping realize our conservation goals in the Nueces River Delta." Located east of the Interstate 37 and Highway 77 junction, the property features a diverse mosaic of highly productive coastal marshlands, wetlands, open water, upland prairie and bay shorelines. Providing a safe haven for fish and
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wildlife, the delta harbors many bird species, as well as serves as a rookery and stopover site in the Central Flyway for migratory birds, and breeding and nursery grounds for numerous aquatic species. The newly protected land will nearly double the outdoor learning space provided to the CBBEP's environmental education program, Delta Discovery, which provides unique field-based, scientific experiences to students in grades K-12. The programs classroom curriculum and on-site activities introduce students and teachers in the Coastal Bend region to issues affecting the bays and estuaries as well as the local ecology of the Nueces River Delta. In 2015, over 8,000 students took part in the program designed to advance active wetland conservation and environmental stewardship. The purchase will allow the CBBEP and resource agency partners to manage and monitor the freshwater inflows to the Nueces and Corpus Christi Bays more efficiently, which improves water quality and preserves the essential and critical habitats of the Nueces River Delta. While management and restoration efforts at the Nueces Delta Preserve have been ongoing since 2003, CBBEP will now begin working with resource entities to develop a comprehensive management plan for the more than 10,000 acres to focus on protecting and restoring terrestrial and estuarine system habitats, as well as provide opportunities for research and education. To learn more about the Nueces Delta Preserve visit www.cbbep.org.
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Paul Haynes with the Moon in Dubai, United Arab Emirates on New Years Day. That is the Burj Khalifa in the background (world's tallest building)
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January 14, 2016