Inside the Moon
Moon on a Spoon A6
Sports A8
Fishing A7
Winter Surfing A9
The
Issue 610
Island Moon
The voice of The Island since 1996
December 23, 2015
The only Island in Texas where Santa wears shorts and flip flops.
Around The Island
Live Music A16
Free
Weekly
FREE
Christmas Island Style
Fees at Padre Island National Seashore Changing January 1
By Dale Rankin editor@islandmoon.com Ahh, Christmas on The Island. As we sit here a few days before Christmas running our air conditions the weather forecast calls for more balmy and dry. It is starting to feel a little like winter on our little sandbar as area beaches are taking on the look of Winter Beaches with driving getting to be dicey and the Dallas Cowboys taking their late-season swoon early; but temperature-wise it looks to be more Chamber of Commerce Weather. It’s been a rather slow Winter Texan Season so far with out of state plates being about as rare as YETI drink holders in Island stores. Temperatures in the Great Frozen North have been unseasonably temperate thus far and haven’t flushed out the usual crop of early Winter Texan runners.
Windsurfers at Bird Island Basin. Photo by Jan Rankin Visitors to the northern portion of Padre Island National Seashore will get a break starting January 1.
Bird Island changes There are some welcome changes in policy and prices at Bird Island Basin that are good news for Winter Texans and Don Jackson and the windsurfers at Worldwinds. For details see the story on this page but the upshot is that camping for Winter Texans at the basin will be $2.50. That’s a good deal even in Winter Texan dollars. It will also be easier for fisherpersons to launch there. Don will be back open mid-January and the new rates will be in effect.
Barefoot Mardi Gras The seventh annual Barefoot Mardi Gras Parade will go off from Whitecap Beach in a mere six weeks. We will have more information on the parade and first-ever festival in the coming issues but it’s time to start thinking about your costume and float for the Saturday, February 6, event.
Mis Neesy and the Earfood Orchestra will bring the zydeco music again this year and the party will be at Veranda at Schlitterbahn. Everyone have a safe and merry Christmas and say hello if you see us Around The Island.
A Little Island History
The Mazoch home at the end of Whitecap continues to draw crowds of onlookers
Stuff I Heard on the Island
by Dale Rankin
It’s the time when we get reflective here around the old Word Factory as we ease our way from 2015 right into the second half of the decade. As things go on our Island it’s been a rather calm year but we have seen the beginnings of several things that look like they may come to fruition in 2016.
The biggest item on the Island agenda that is hanging fire is the planned Water Exchange Bridge that would connect our current Island canal system to Lake Padre. It is a project that has been a long time coming since it appeared on a ballot in 2004. As we sit here today the $10.5 million project needs $3.5 million more in funding to come to fruition. The additional money likely will come from funds in the Island Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone but there has been some trepidation expressed as to who will build the type of bridge that in the words of city staff last month “has never been built in this area.” The normal bridge design from the Texas Department of Transportation won’t work for this bridge because it doesn’t provide a wide enough passageway. The concrete span design of the bridge allows for a 120foot opening for pedestrian and boat traffic and is clearly the best design for the budget but the question is whether a local contractor can build it, and if so, can it be done within the budget allowed. The answer should
come by mid-2016 as bids, as of this writing are expected to go out no later than April. Developer Paul Schexnailder says the digging on the canals leading to the bridge site will be underway by the time bids go out and will likely be in place by the time work on the bridge begins. So 2016 will tell the tale about this crucial piece of Island infrastructure which is the linchpin for major development on both sides of SPID and is the culmination of years of effort and organization by Islanders to give us the political presence to push our projects to completion.
This just in And speaking of politics word came Monday that City Councilwoman Lillian Riojas is leaving the city to take the head Public Relations job with Valero in San Antonio. I can say from experience that the PR job with Valero in San Antonio is a very highprofile spot because over the years I when I covered city politics there the company would place its staff at the disposal of the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce during the push for the Alamodome, Sea World, Fiesta Texas (now Six Flags) and a number of other major projects. Lillian will be a busy lady and her experience on the Corpus Christi City Council will come in handy. Her departure means that there are now four members of the current
Seawall continued on A5
The changes will mean that Bird Island Basin Campground fees will now be $5.00 per night. Camping fees can be paid at either the entrance station or through a new selfregistration system located at the Bird Island campground. The system includes an upgrade to allow credit card use for paying camping fees. Users possessing an Interagency Senior Pass, or an Interagency Access pass for the permanently disabled, will be able to camp for half price ($2.50 per night). An “iron ranger” fee storage box has been installed in the campground for depositing the self-registration envelope during the camping registration process. This will provide a secure method of fee collection for camper use.
Visitors such as wind surfers, birders, kayakers and people fishing during the day, but not staying overnight in a campsite, will no longer need to purchase a Bird Island Basin Pass. The regular entrance fee for Padre Island National Seashore will now include the previously charged day use fee for the area.
Happy 60th Anniversary! Islanders Ginny and Joe Vitzle celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary at Cancun Restaurant last week. The story of Ginny and Joe’s arrival on The Island is a common one among folks who arrived here mostly by accident and bought a residence on their first visit; in their case they attended an auction where they bought a condo for $50,000. “Even then there was nowhere else in the country where you could get a beachfront condo for $50,000.” Ginny said. “Then halfway home Joe said, ‘You realize we just bought a condo and we don’t even know how to get back to the place’!” But things worked out and the Vitzle’s have been Islanders for
The Christmas Miracle of 2005 Snow on The Island
The fee for the boat ramp will not change. Boat ramp users will continue to pay the park entrance fee and purchase the boat launch pass at the entrance station. After paying the entrance fee of their choice (i.e. weekly or annually), ramp users may purchase either a $5.00 per day launch pass or an annual pass for $10.00. Users possessing an Interagency Senior Pass or an Interagency Access pass for the permanently disabled will be able to launch for half price. ($2.50 per night or $5.00 per year)
20 years now and celebrated their anniversary with a table full of Island friends Saturday night.
A2
USS Texas
December 23, 2015
Island Moon
The Virginia-class fast-attack submarine USS Texas (SSN 775) arrived at Fleet Activities Yokosuka Dec. 22 for a visit as part of its Indo-Asia-Pacific deployment. Texas is the second Virginia-class fast-attack submarine commissioned by the United States. This submarine is capable of executing a multitude of missions including antisubmarine warfare, anti-surface ship warfare, strike, surveillance and reconnaissance, irregular warfare, mine warfare and shallow water operations. To maintain the stealth advantage inherent in submarines, the U.S. Navy does not normally release information about what specifically a submarine did while on patrol.
The condos at the end of Granada are getting a major makeover after years of sitting vacant.
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December 23, 2015
Island Moon
Letters to the Editor
Moon Monkeys Mike Ellis, Founder
Music Dear Ronnie, I would first thank you and Dale Rankin and crew for a wonderful, informative, interesting local paper with a sense of wit and humor. My wife Gail and I moved to our sandbar in 2010 after ~ 30 years in Rochester NY. She's originally from Cleveland and I grew up in Beirut, Lebanon, of Armenian heritage. We love it here, and the Moon is integral to our getting grounded and oriented here.
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
Habitually I read the music column first, which is a great guide to the live music scene around here. I like to say my enjoyment of music ranges from reggae to Rachmaninof with blues, R&b, rockabilly thrown in the mix. (unfortunately reggae is becoming a fading niche in most places. I guess after the genius and charisma of the great Marley everyone else is bound to fall short). Among my favorites locally: WC Clark, Mike Mulligan, Matt Hole, Austin Heat... As for middle age (at 61, I keep extending the definition thereof) lifestyle drugs, I feel your pain: something for gastric acidity, another for lipids, one for hypertension, allergies, perhaps a baby aspirin for good measure; I'm thankful for all, they enable me to continue indulging in joie de vivre, some of which, in moderation, might actually be beneficial for health ;) Best wishes to all.
Todd Hunter
Island Obituary
Melissa Shearer 12/28/1958 – 12/03/2015
Long-time Islander Melissa Shearer passed away this month after a short illness. Melissa was an accomplished author with fourteen books to her credit, and was an artist known around The Island for her fish prints. She was also a Real Estate Agent, working on The Island. She is survived by her parents Harold and Ivy Shearer; brother Steve Shearer; sister Cindy Forbes; and sons John Michael Maupin and Mark Maupin.
La Posada Foundation Thanks the Following Donors and Supporters
Brent Rourk Photographers Miles Merwin
The following donors and supporters were instrumental in making our La Posada successful. Over $17,000 was raised and 3,500 toys were collected for Toys for Tots. The money and toys went a long way in helping 20,000 children have a brighter Christmas. A huge THANK YOU to all and Happy New Year.
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 editor@islandmoon.com Facebook: The Island Moon Newspaper
Where to Find The Island Moon Port Aransas Lisabella’s Restaurant Pioneer RV Park
Sandpiper Condos
Westrup
My Coastal Home
Prints Charming Royal Tees
Niro, Johna, and Lynn
Bethany Bell, Coastline Real Estate
Not Your Average Joe
Berkshire Hathaway
NuStar Energy
Coastal Eds Golf Carts
Padre Island Mail Plus
Neal Nelson – Edward Jones
Romay’s Auto Service
Snoopys
Rudy’s Country Store & BBQ
Steve and Nancy Janett
Salon Paloma & Day Spa
Higgenbotham Insurance
Salon Salon – Vicki Beitzel
SILENT AUCTION
Salt Grass Boutique
A captured Moment Photography
Shells Pasta & Seafood
Ace Hardware
Silver King
A Mano
Smith, Joanne
Andrews Distributing
Speaker, Linda
Animal Hospital of Padre Island
Sports Clips
Anthony’s Aveda Concept Salon
Sports Fitness Solutions
Armadillo Sport Chiropractic
Stripes
Art Museum of South Texas
Susan Castors Collections
Aunt Sissys Kitchen
Swim Schools of Corpus Christi
Bella’s Nails and Spa
Texas State Aquarium
Benjamin Surf & Skateboards
The Island Car Wash
Boutique Du Jour Salon
Time Miller – Padre Island Hair Salon
Bowlero Bowling Alley
Treasure Island Golf and Games
Bron’s Beach Carts
West Marine – Sean Washington
Brooklyn Pie Company
Willett Family
Candlewood Suites
Woody’s Sport’s Center
American Bank
North Padre
Chilla’s Storage and Gift Shop
Ascuba Venture Inc.
CineMark Movie Theater
Balanese Wellness Spa
Coastline Property
Blackbeard’s Restaurant
Corpest
Black Marlin Bar & Grill
Corpus Christi Ice Rays
Corpus Christi Cycle Plaza
Corpus Christi Live
Corpus Christi Live
Cunningham, Joanne & Scott
Costa Sur Bar & Grub Peruvian Restaurant
David Satterwhite Photography
Erwin, Kim
Donut Palace
Frost Bank
Dragonfly Restaurant
Gaugler, Jim
Eagle Lock & Key
Grimaldi’s Pizzeria
Edlers and Gauglers
Holiday Inn
Fajitaville
Janet’s Cakery
Fire It Ceramics
La Barataria
Fly It Port A
LaQuinta Inn& Suites
Fun Trackers
Lexington Museum on the Bay
Gerber, Amanda
Life Martial Arts
Gold Falcon
L & F Distributing
Gossip Nails & Spa
Mikel May’s Beachside Bar & Grill
Gulf Coast Marine
Norfolk River Resort
Hatcher, Donna
Oso Beach Municipal Golf Course
Island Creations
Pamilla Beach Resort & Golf Club
Island Day Spa
PF Chang’s
Island Italian Restaurant
Port Royal Ocean Resort and Conference Center
Doc’s Restaurant
Spanky’sLiquor
Snoopy’s Pier
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)
Holiday Inn Jesse’s Liquor Scuttlebutt’s Restaurant Subway
Chamber of Commerce
Island Tire
Duckworth Antiques
And all Moon retail advertisers
Back Porch
WB Liquor
Shorty’s Place
Flour Bluff
Giggity’s
H.E.B.
Stripes @ Cotter & Station
Liquid Town
The Gaff
Miss K’s Bistro & Catering
LIVE AUCTION
Moby Dicks
Port A Glass Studio
McCumber, Steve
Papa Murphy’s Pizza
Center for Autism & Related Disorders
Whataburger
Keepers Pier House
Tim Lyons
C & G Sisters Island Boutique
Coffee Waves
Gratitude Gift Shop
Mayo, Lisa
Port A Arts
A Mano
Woody’s Sports Center
Fast Signs
Wordon, Kay
CVS
Public Library
L & F Distributing
CC Hooks
All Stripes Stores
Port A Parks and Rec
The Island Moon Newspaper
WB Liquors
Stripes @ Beach Access Rd. 1A
Whataburger on Waldron Ethyl Everly Senior Center Fire Station Police Station Stripes on Flour Bluff & SPID
Island Jewelers Island Sports/Padre Islander Gift shop Island Tire and Automotive Karen Wall Kat Wilkinson La Palma Mexican Restaurant La Playa Restaurant – Roddfield La Posada Foundation Larick, Sylvia Lexington Museum
Business Briefs The 2nd Annual Stomp Winter Wine Festival at Cinnamon Shore on Mustang Island will be held on January 29th and 30th. There will be food, art, wine, live music and a grape stomp. Tickets are available at CinnamonShore.com. Call 210-6305 for more details. Treasure Island is a new nightlife spot opening soon in Port A at 315 N Alister where the Tarpon Ice House was located. They will have 14 beers on tap, wine and an extensive cocktail menu.
Ronnie Narmour Dr. Donna Shaver
by Mary Craft mkay512@aol.com or @padreeyelander on twitter
Business Briefs
Jack Chelebian, M. D.
Dotson Lewis
Did Ya Hear?
A3
Red Dragon Pirate Ship San Juan Restaurant Schlitterbahn Waterpark & Resort Sharp Shooter Surfside Sandwich Shop Texas Mesquite BBQ West Marine Woody’s Sport’s Center Yo Philly Cheese Steaks & Subs
Dragonfly Restaurant will be celebrating New Year’s Eve with an enticing menu that starts with smoked salmon tartare, Maine lobster tamale with green chile sauce and cucumber mango salsa, duck leg confit with wild mushroom polenta and ends with gelato dessert. The dinner is available by reservation only and cost is $42/person. Call 949-2224. Port Aransas Brewing Company on Alister that closed has new ownership and is now The Brewery. Snoopy’s and Scoopy’s Restaurants will be closed December 23 – 25. The Boathouse Bar & Grill is hosting a Hospitality Industry Christmas Party on Wednesday, December 23rd 9 pm – close. They will be serving $2.50 well drinks, drafts and select shots with all appetizers $5. There will be prizes and giveaways. Kody’s Restaurant in Port A on Hwy 361 has all you can eat fried shrimp Wednesdays 5 pm – close. They have lunch specials daily except Saturdays. On Monday its beef kabobs, Tuesday garlic fish, Wednesday chicken fried steak, Thursday “Big Daddy” burger, Friday grilled tuna and Sunday pot roast (I’m definitely there for that one) Cancun Seafood Restaurant is looking for kitchen help and they prefer experienced but are willing to train. Apply in person at their location on Hwy 361 across the street from the American Bank.
Island Churches Christmas services: Church Unlimited will have Christmas Eve service at 6 pm and 8 pm. Padre Island Baptist Church will have a Christmas Eve "Eve" Candlelight on Wednesday, December 23rd at 6:30 pm. Island Presbyterian Church will have their annual Christmas Eve Candlelight worship service at 6 pm. Island in the Son United Methodist Church will have their Christmas Eve Candlelight and Communion service at 6 pm. St. Andrew By the Sea Catholic Church will have Christmas Eve mass at 5 pm and on Christmas Day they will have midnght mass and 10 am mass. Scuttlebutt’s Bar & Grill will be bringing in the New Year with Oyster Rockefeller and champagne drink specials. On New Year’s Day they invite you to recover with a cup of black eyed peas and jalapeno cornbread and enjoy 2.50 Bloody Marys all day.
TxDot Announces 6th Port Aransas Ferry Art Contest Winning selections to be displayed on four ferries The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has announced the start of its sixth annual contest to select artwork to be featured on the towers of four ferry boats in its Port Aransas ferry system. The contest is open to anyone and includes two categories – youth (age 18 and under) and adult (older than age 18). The deadline for submitting art work for the contest is 5 p.m. Central Standard Time on Feb. 29, 2016. Winners will be selected soon thereafter. Winning entries in the adult division will be reproduced on the towers of three of 20-vehicle ferries. Winning entries in the youth division will be displayed on one of the 28-vehicle ferries. The first art contest took place in the fall of 2010. Entries should depict people, places, plants, animals, environment, scenes, settings, events, or activities relevant to Port Aransas and TxDOT’s Port Aransas ferry system. Contest guidelines can be found on the TxDOT website, Facebook and Twitter.
A4
December 23, 2015
Island Moon
STATE
Club News
Joint Committee on Cruise Ship Industry Appointed By Todd Hunter, District 32
December 17, 2015 Recently, the Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives, Joe Straus, gave me the privilege to serve as the chairman of the Joint Interim Committee to Study the Development of a Cruise Industry. This appointment is great for our area and should act as another step forward in showcasing the benefits of bringing the cruise industry to the Coastal Bend. The study would look at involving the cruise industry to locate a potential departure point between Calhoun County and Cameron County. Our local tourism industry is a strong economic factor that fuels our state and region’s workforce and infrastructure. According to the Global Travel Industry News, the global cruise industry impact on the Texas economy in 2014 was an astounding $1.33 billion. Additionally, Texas accounted for around 6.3% of the nationwide cruise industry spending. The cruise industry could help our region expand our economy in the Coastal Bend. As an example, according to a recent publication from the Cruise Lines International Association, in Texas, the cruise industry generated over 22,000 jobs which translated to over $1 billion in wages and salaries. Additionally, according to that same study, tourism-related industries received around $569 million of the overall total direct spending. In addition, another $481 million of the overall spending was spent on other business industries outside of the tourism industry. These business segments included food processors, advertising agencies, machinery manufacturers and petroleum refiners in the manufacturing sector, management and technical consulting companies in the nonmanufacturing sector, and insurance carriers. The other remaining industries that saw a positive economic impact included wholesalers of products that were purchased by the cruise lines, software publishers and communication companies, apparel manufacturers, and navigation equipment. Through the appointment of this joint committee, we will be able to showcase the strong benefits of bringing the cruise industry to the Coastal Bend. I hope that you will join me, as
we further discuss the expansion of this industry. I am very honored to be appointed as chair of the joint committee, and I am truly looking forward to exploring this topic in the weeks and months ahead. If you would like to learn more about the cruise industry, please feel free to visit the website for the Cruise Line International Association at http://www.cruising.org/ as well as the Global Travel Industry News website at http://www.eturbonews.com/ . South Texas represents one of the fastestgrowing regions in the State of Texas. Along with the significant population in the region and its surrounding areas, the Texas coast offers a robust tourism industry, a wealth of natural resources and a number of ports which could be used to host a cruise ship line. If you would like to follow the Texas House and learn more information on news, committees or other aspects of the legislative body, you can access its website at http://www.house. state.tx.us/ . The site features live streaming from committee hearings as well as access to a number of other resources. You can also follow the Texas Senate at http://www.senate.state. tx.us/ . For important information regarding transportation in the state, feel free to visit the Texas Department of Transportation’s website at http://www.txdot.gov/ . The Texas General Land Office’s website can be found at http:// www.glo.texas.gov/ , while the Texas Railroad Commission’s website is located at http://www. rrc.state.tx.us . If you have questions regarding any of the information mentioned in this week’s article, please do not hesitate to call my Capitol or District Office. Please always feel free to contact my office if you have any questions or issues regarding a Texas state agency, or if you would like to contact my office regarding constituent services. As always, my offices are available at any time to assist with questions, concerns or comments (Capitol Office, 512463-0672; District Office, 361-949-4603).
Rep. Hunter represents Nueces (Part) County. He can be contacted at todd.hunter@house.state.tx.us or at 512-463-0672.
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We now have Gluten Free Pizza!
Family Owned & Operated Since 1987
Live Music Ruben Limas Thursdays Brian Winfrey Fridays and Saturdays South Texas Grassroots Returns Jan. 3
Daily Specials Monday - unlimited spaghetti salad and bread $7.50
Tuesday- 9 in. sub for 6in. sub price Wednesday- pasta menu full order for 1/2 order price Thursday- salad 6 in. sub and drink $6.50 Friday- unlimited dinner salad $5.99
The Original Pizza of Padre Island The Island's oldest full-service restaurant Private Party / Meeting Room Available by Reservation
Delivery on The Island after 5pm
Hours: Mon- Thurs 11 AM - 9:30 PM Fri - Sat 11 AM - 10 PM Sun 5-9:30 PM 15370 SPID (Just south of Whitecap) 949-7737 islanditalian.com
The Island Moon provides this space for Island organizations. If you are a member of a club and want to get the word out about your events and/or projects send them along and we will get them in. Be sure to include a brief description of what your organization does and a contact person for those interested in joining. Send the info to editor@islandmoon.com and we will include it. Or call us at 949-7700. Padre Island Antique Classic Car Club (PIACCC) is open to all vehicles 25 years and older: Antique, Classic, Roadsters, Hot Rods, etc; who would like to meet to plan meetings, socials, rallies, tours, car shows on and around the Island. Please contact piaccarclub@aol.com for information on the upcoming meeting. Please include your contact information and the type of car owned. Padre Island Dog Owners Group (PI DOG). Meets monthly for dog & owner activities, training and education. Free to join. For more information contact Lyn Edler (lyn.edler@gmail.com) or Bev Hoffman (bevhoffman@aol.com). Kiwanis Club of Port Aransas. Kiwanis meet at Noon each Wednesday at Stingray’s, 401 Beach Ave., Port Aransas. For more information please email portakiwanis@ gmail.com. Padre Island Ukulele Club – We meet every other Tuesday night! Call or text Danny Salazar at (316) 877--‐7071 for the next meeting date. Beginners Workshop: 6 to 7 PM and Open Jam: 7 to 8 PM. All Skills levels welcome. Location: Island Joe’s Coffee and Gallery, 13919 SPID, right here on the island. A $3 per person donation covers the workshop, materials and the open jam. Loaner ukuleles available at no extra cost. RSVP online. PadreIslandUkeClub@gmail.com Padre Island Yacht Club – is looking for new members. We have boat slips available to members. You are invited to attend any Friday Night Happy Hour event. Contact Mr. Bill Vincent, Rear Commodore in charge of Membership, lynnmvincent@hotmail.com, to receive information about attending Happy Hour at PIYC. For those prospective members interested in renting a boat slip contact Mr. Barratt Sturtevant, bcsturtevant59@gmail. com. The Membership hosts nearly 100 social events every year: Holiday Events and Potlucks, Dinner Dances, Murder Mysteries, Soup Nights, Chili Cook-offs, Old Fashioned Picnics, Talent Night, Theme Parties such as Brazilian, Western, and Medieval Nights. Every Friday Night is Happy Hour from 6:00 p.m. to 9 p.m. KIWANIS Club of Padre Island. Kiwanis meets at Island Italian Restaurant 15370 S Padre Island Dr, at Noon on the first and third Wednesday of the month. Padre Island Rotary Club. Of the things we think, say or do…. Is it the TRUTH?…. Is it FAIR to all concerned?.... Will it build GOODWILL and better FRIENDSHIPS?.... Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned? If you can answer this 4-WAY TEST the Padre Island Rotary is looking for you! The OBJECT of ROTARY is to encourage and foster the ideal of service as a basis of worthy enterprise and, in particular, to encourage and foster: 1. The development of acquaintance as an opportunity for service; 2. High ethical standards in business and profession; the recognition of the worthiness of all useful occupation; and the dignifying of each Rotarians occupation as an opportunity to serve society; 3. The application of the ideal of service in each Rotarians personal, business, and community life; 4. The advancement of international understanding, goodwill, and peace through a world fellowship of business and professional persons united in the ideal of service. This is what Rotary is and stands for. The Padre Island Rotary is involved in many aspects of our community. Some examples of this are in our upcoming programs and fundraisers. Contact Linda Walsh, Secretary at lawalshva@yahoo.com or 361-445-7999 to join Island Strategic Action Committee. Is a 14-member committee which meets at 5:30 p.m. on the first Tuesday of each month at the Comfort Suites on Windward Drive. The committee’s purpose is to advise the Corpus Christi City Council on matters pertaining to The Island. All meetings are open to the public and the public is invited to address the
committee during the public comment period. Padre Island Business Association. The association is a not-for-profit organization whose primary purpose is to advertise and promote Padre/Mustang Islands, Flour Bluff and Corpus Christi while advancing the interests of the business community. It is managed by a 9-member board of directors. A membership luncheon is held on the 2nd Thursday of each month at Holiday Inn-Padre Island starting at noon. Mixers are held on the 3rd Tuesday of the month. The association annually has two fundraising events – Taste of the Island in the fall and a Wine Tasting in the spring. P.I.E. Padre Island Enrichment Club is a ladies only social club open to all owners/ residents of North Padre. We hope to enrich our members through social activities and community involvement and we have A LOT of FUN in the process. We have monthly luncheons (2nd Friday) along with groups of bunco, bridge, spades, craft club and book clubs. We also have social events throughout the year including a monthly “Happy Hour” where the guys join in. We enjoy raising money for scholarships for local graduating seniors as well as other worthy causes in our community. We would love for you to join us and see how PIE can be part of your life. For more info please contact our membership chair Jaki Boyd @ 533-0854 Island United Political Action Committee: Maximize representation of Corpus Christi residents on Padre and Mustang Islands in area government by promoting and supporting, by the endorsement process, proactive and unified voting in non-partisan races and other issues and referendums put to public vote. Meetings are open to the public. IUPAC meets the second Wednesday of the month at Island Time Sushi Bar and Seafood Grill. Board President - Brent Rourk, Phone 361-2447603 e-mail: brentrourk@yahoo.com. Parrot Heads of Port Aransas – is a not-forprofit organization whose purpose is to assist in community and environmental concerns and provide a variety of social activities for people who wish to volunteer. Founded in 2009 the club motto is “Partying With a Purpose.” To join go to portaransasparrotheads.com or call LuAnn Ferguson, 361 749-5141 or 817 2917034. POA - Padre Isles Owners Association. The Association’s primary responsibility is to maintain the Common Areas, assess and collect the annual fees and provide information and assistance to property owners. .. Membership in PIPOA is automatic for anyone acquiring record legal title to any property within Padre Isles. Their office is located at 14015 Fortuna Bay Drive on The Island. (361) 949-7025, padreisles@pipoa.net. ARK – Animal Rehabilitation Keep. Located in Port Aransas the ARK is affiliate with the University of Texas at Austin Marine Science Center. They handle the rehabilitation of most species of wildlife in the area with an emphasis on marine animals. They care for about 1300 animals each year, including about 300 sea turtles and more than 100 species of birds. If you find an animal in peril they can help Tony Amos is the Director. 750 Channel View Dr. Port Aransas. 361 749-6793, 361 442-7638. afamos@mail.utexas.edu. Island’s PIPPs Chapter of Corpus Christi Red Hat Society. In 2004 a group of Island ladies got together under a Palapa and founded the Padre Island Palapa Pals (PIPPs). Our only rule is that there are no rules! We are all about fun and friendship. We meet once a month for lunch and various fun outings from cupcake making to CPR. Padre Island Social Club is a group of fun loving people that enjoy experiencing the area. We get together for social and cultural events like Sunday Funday at the beach, diner or a night on the town. If you are interested in meeting new people, politics, fashion, all types of musical genres, pop culture, books, theatre, art, movies, museums, wine, beer, food, traveling and more then this is the place for you. This is the go-to Social Club for the Island and general Corpus Christi Shenanigans. You can contact them on their Facebook page. North Padre Mahjong Group meets weekly to play in small groups for the fun of it. We are looking for those who play the game but would also be willing to teach anyone to play who would like to learn. For more information contact Mitzi Mendez at almimendez@att.net for more information.
Ethel Eyerly Community Center The Ethel Eyerly Community Center in Flour Bluff is open with a full activities schedule which is shown below. All are welcome. 654 Graham Road
Call (361) 826-2330
For More Information
Nutritious Meals Served For Persons Age 60 and Over 11:30 A.M. ($1.50 Suggested meal donation) Monday
Thursday
Silver Haired Fitness 10-11 AM ($8/month-Ladies Only)
Zumba Gold (Co-Ed) 10:30-11:30 AM ($20/month, or $4/session)
Computer Interest Group 12:30-2 PM
Wii Bowling & Chair Volleyball 12:30-4:45 PM
Wii Bowling 12:30 PM
Tuesday Zumba Gold (Co-Ed) 10:30-11:30 AM ($20/month or $4/session) Table Tennis & Table Games - 12 PM
Wednesday
Quilting 2nd Thursday of the Month
Friday Silver Haired Fitness 10-11 AM ($8/month – Ladies Only) Table Tennis – 11 AM
Silver Haired Fitness 10-11 AM ($8/month-Ladies Only)
Bingo -12:30 PM ($.50 Cards)
Chair Volleyball 12:30 PM-??? (about 3:30 PM)
Site Council Monthly Dinner/Dance
AARP Chapter 4181 Meeting @ 1 PM (2nd & 4th Wednesdays) Painting Class 1:30-4:30 PM $5 per class 1st & 3rd Wednesdays
Third Friday of the Month 4:30-7:30 PM Tickets sold by Site Council members or phone reservation: 361-826-2330
December 23, 2015
City Announces Schedule For Christmas and New Year’s Holidays City of Corpus Christi Holiday Schedule
Friday Garbage Collection Routes Moved to Saturday December 26 Most City of Corpus Christi offices, including City Hall, libraries, the Health District, Animal Care Services and Municipal Court will be closed Christmas Day, Friday, December 25, 2015 and New Year’s Day, Friday, January 1, 2016. Garbage Collection: Friday (12/25/15) routes will be collected Saturday, December 26th. Mon. /Tues. /Wed. /Thurs. routes will have no change in collection. Friday (1/1/16) will be collected on Saturday, January 2nd.
Friday, December 25th. OPEN Thursday, December 31st from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. for Noon Year’s Eve event. Visit www. ccmuseum.com for details.
CLOSED Christmas Day OPEN New Year’s Day
CLOSED Christmas Day OPEN December 31, 9am–2pm
Mon. /Tues. /Wed. /Thurs. routes will have no change in collection.
Al Kruse Tennis Center:
OPEN December 24, 9am–2pm
CLOSED New Year’s Day
Friday (1/1/16) routes will be collected on Saturday, January 2nd.
OPEN December 24, 8:30am–6:30pm
Mon. /Tues. /Wed. /Thurs. routes will have no change in collection.
OPEN December 31, 8:30am–6:30pm
CLOSED Christmas Day
Pools: Collier Pool and Corpus Christi Natatorium:
Landfill:
CLOSED December 24, 25 and January 1, 2016 Latchkey after School Program: CLOSED December 21–January 4, 2016 Latchkey Vacation Station Winter Break Camp will be offered from 7:30a.m.–6:00 p.m. on December 21–24, 28–31, 2015 CLOSED Christmas Day and New Year’s Day Cultural Services:
Fellowship of Oso Creek Church-7402 Yorktown Boulevard
The Galvan House will be CLOSED December 25 and January 1, 2016.
These locations will be CLOSED on Friday, December 25th and Friday, January 1, 2016, but will OPEN for operation as usual on Saturday, Sunday and Monday from 8:00 a.m.to 6:00 p.m.
Gymnasiums:
Animal Care Services: CLOSED Friday, December 25th and Friday, January 1st. Libraries:
The old shooting gallary site is now off limits, even for dogs.
CLOSED New Year’s Day
WILL NOT BE COLLECTED on Friday, December 25th or Friday, January 1st.
HEB at Alameda Street & Glazebrook Street
New county park land One of the most significant developments of 2015 was the addition of 2680 acres of park land to the Nueces County Coastal Park inventory. The Park Board took over the land
Lozano Golf Center and Oso Golf Course:
Friday (12/25/15) routes will be collected Saturday, December 26th.
HEB at Leopard Street
more important than ever.
Golf Courses:
Recycling Collection:
Recycling Drop-Off Sites:
city council that were endorsed by the Island United Political Action Committee and supported by Island voters. Another Islandsupported member Mark Scott is not eligible for re-election next November due to city term limits. So the IUPAC process will result in the endorsement of at least two new candidates
The following schedule will be observed at City Parks and Recreation facilities during the holiday season.
H-E-B Tennis Center:
The J.C. Elliot Citizens Collection Center WILL BE CLOSED Friday, December 25th and Friday, January 1st and will open again during normal operating hours on Saturday, December 26th and Saturday, January 2nd.
Stuff continued from A1
Parks and Rec
Mon. /Tues. /Wed. /Thurs. routes will have no change in collection.
Brush & Bulky:
A5
Island Moon
Corpus Christi Gym and Ben Garza Gym: CLOSED December 25 and January 1, 2016.
Regular trash pickups have begun on Kleberg County beaches.
Recreation Centers: All five centers will be CLOSED December 25 and January 1, 2016.
All Public Libraries will CLOSE at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 24th and reopen for regular operating hours Monday, December 28th. All locations will CLOSE at 6:00 p.m. Thursday, December 31st and resume regular business hours on Monday, January 4th. The Neyland Library will be closed Sunday, December 27th and Sunday, January 3rd.
Senior Centers:
Corpus Christi Science & History Museum:
Juvenile Assessment Center:
All eight centers will be CLOSED December 24 and 25 and January 1, 2016. Senior Companion Program: CLOSED December 25 and January 1, 2016 78415 Community Youth Development: CLOSED December 25 and January 1, 2016 CLOSED December 25 and January 1, 2016
CLOSED Thursday, December 24th and
Deluxe Nails Offering: Full Set Refill Pedicure Manicure Gel Polish Waxing Facial Eyelash Extensions Permanent Makeup
2 off $20 Purchase, $ 3 off $30, $5 off $50 $
100 colors of SNS Powder gel 300 colors of Powder
Free Wine & Soft Drinks
361-949-1794 Mon - Sat 9:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m • Sunday 11 a.m - 5:30 p.m. 14493 S. Padre Island Dr., Unit B Next to Padre Pizzeria
when Election Day 2016 rolls around. Look for a schedule early next year for meetand-greet events for candidates to allow for voters in the Island voting precincts to begin the process of deciding who the 6200 registered Island voters will support. Precincts 41 and 80, and Precinct 19 in Port Aransas, repeatedly have the highest turnout of any Nueces County precincts and even with the high countywide turnout during the Presidential cycle, around 100,000 votes across the county, Island voters should still make up about 4% of the total vote; enough to swing races at the city and county levels, as well as the Flour Bluff ISD races which the IUPAC has never made endorsements in. With what is ahead of us in 2016 getting Islanders to register and vote as a block will be
Check our Facebook page for daily lunch and dinner specials
CRAB BOIL Every Wed. Night
Saturday & Sunday Brunch Due to Popular Demand we will now be offering our Sunday brunch menu on Saturday too.
Brunch is served until 2 pm.
BOOK YOUR CHRISTMAS PARTY OR SPECIAL EVENT Call Jessica at (585) 750-2292 or jcsalespro@gmail.com
Gone are the denizens of the six miles of beach who liked to wander around in the altogether, the unregulated shooting gallery on the back of The Island has now been roped off, regular trash pickup is underway, Nueces County Constables are now making regular patrols, and plans are in the works to stop the defoliation of The Bowl where a breach in the dunes continues to widen. So get ready for 2016 everybody, as the Chinese say – it looks like it will be interesting times.
City Authorizes Legal Fees in Response to Department of Justice Demands The City began negotiating with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) through the Department of Justice (DOJ) in 2011 regarding alleged sanitary sewer overflow and treatment violations. Earlier today, the City Council authorized additional funding for outside legal counsel and consultants to protect the City against pending legal action. The original demands issued by the EPA were for $855 million. The City countered with a proposed settlement of $655 million over 15 years in capital improvements to the wastewater system. The City has made substantial progress in capital improvements and dramatically reduced overflows. The primary cause of sanitary
ew r N ent e d m Un nage Ma
in mid-year after it was purchased by Nueces County last January through a grant from the Ed Rachal Foundation with a big push from State Representative Todd Hunter. The Park Board wasted no time in bringing some order to the traditionally wide-open space while it was under the control of the Texas General Land Office.
sewer overflows and treatment violations is the aging wastewater infrastructure. If the City wins in court, citizens could be protected from an additional $20 per month in wastewater fees, potentially extending the time for the City to comply and increase the feasibility for implementing the final plan. Other cities that faced similar EPA actions include San Antonio, Dallas, San Diego, Memphis, Orlando, Baton Rouge, Indianapolis and St. Louis. The City of San Antonio reached a settlement in 2013 for an estimated $1.1 billion in repairs and upgrades to the wastewater system and a $2.6 million fine.
A6
December 23, 2015
Island Moon
BBB offers advice for returning and exchanging gifts after the holidays
Island Moon On A Spoon
Tis the Season…For Elevating French Toast!
By Kelly Trevino, Regional Director, Better Business Bureau serving Central, Coastal, Southwest Texas and the Permian Basin The first few weeks after the holiday season often consists of using gift cards, exchanging items and returning unwanted gifts. Before you stand in a long line to return holiday gifts, Better Business Bureau serving Central, Coastal, Southwest Texas and the Permian Basin advises you to read and understand the policy on gift returns and exchanges. In most states, stores are not legally required to accept items for refunds, credits or exchanges unless the merchandise is defective or was misrepresented. However, stores must comply with their own stated return policy, which should be sufficiently conveyed to the customer before purchase. Many retailers have their return and exchange policies posted on their website or displayed in the store. According to a recent survey conducted by the National Retail Federation, approximately 90 percent of consumers considered stores’ return policies to be fair. Even so, your BBB offers these consumer tips to ensure a hasslefree return or exchange experience: • Read and understand return/exchange policies. Return policies for clearance or holiday merchandise may be different than merchandise sold at full price. Every store has its own return and exchange policy and consumers should understand the policy before expecting a full refund. When making an online return, know a store’s online store policies, too.
• Bring receipts. While many retailers may allow consumers to make returns without an original receipt or gift receipt, especially right after the holidays, some may not. Without the original receipt or a gift receipt, you will not be able to get cash when you return unwanted gifts. You may, however, be able to get store credit or be able to exchange the item for other merchandise. • Mind the time. Many retailers may only allow returns within a certain time frame and that time frame usually begins when the item is purchased, not when you receive it. If you have gifts to return, do it as soon as possible. • Be aware of restocking fees. Some merchants charge a restocking fee for returns of electronics products or large-ticket items. If you are returning electronics, you should keep the original packaging.
By Chef Vita Jarrin When serving brunch, French toast is a must in my household. I love the sweet and savory elements in the custard from the eggs, sugar and salt. As well as the decadence of finishing it off with a warm maple syrup and a dollop of fresh whipped cream. Christmas and Holidays are a time for family gatherings. Some guests come and go, and others spend the night. Therefore, if you’re looking to add something familiar to your menu, yet elevating a traditional favorite, this Panettone French Toast is just the thing. Panettone, pronounced pá-nè-toe- nè, is an Italian sweet bread/cake that originated in Milan, Italy in the 1900’s. It was traditionally served at Christmas and New Year’s Eve only as
Tide Time
1 tsp vanilla extract 1 C honey yogurt (healthier than heavy cream) 1 Tbs. sugar ½ tsp. salt
Preparation for Egg Custard
Tides for Corpus Christi (Bob Hall Pier) December 24-30 , 2015 High /Low
6 whole eggs
• If all else fails, re-gift. If you get a gift that cannot be returned, you can recycle it by giving it to someone else, listing it on an online classified site or donating it to a good cause.
Tides of the Week Day
1 Panettone Classico (cut into 6 pieces)
1 tsp. cinnamon
Moon Phases
Panettone French Toast
• Online retailers may not refund shipping fees. If your gift was purchased online, you may have to pay a return shipping fee, or may not be refunded for your initial shipping payment. Sometimes merchandise can be returned to a store instead, but you still may not be refunded for the cost of shipping.
1 stick of salted butter (optional) use unsalted if you prefer less savory flavor Maple syrup for topping Fresh whipped cream and berries for garnish Beat the eggs with the remaining ingredients in a bowl with a whisk. In order to fully incorporate the yogurt into the egg mixture, whisk the mixture long enough for the yogurt and eggs to be completely blended.
Moon Phases
the texture and flavor above the average toast bread we typically use. However, this recipe will transport you to a café in Italy with the first bite. You won’t be disappointed.
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High 4:38 PM
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7:17 AM Set 8:06 AM
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High 5:59 PM
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Low 9:49 AM
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Low 10:29 AM
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7:18 AM Set 9:38 AM
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Low 11:05 AM
-0.2
7:18 AM Set 10:18 AM
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Low 11:39 AM
0.1
7:19 AM Set 10:55 AM
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Moon Visible
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an after-dinner dessert with espresso. However, what made having this sweet bread so special is the process that goes into making it. It wasn’t a task home cooks took on themselves for the simple reason it took over 24 hours to complete. The dough must be kneaded at least three times in a period of twenty hours, for it to have its distinctive light, airy texture. If it wasn’t done correctly, the chickens would have a feast for the next few days. It would be inedible. This bread also has a unique shape which enhances the look of the finished dish. It’s about 12 inches tall, and extends from a cylindrical base, with a hat shaped top called a cupola. The flavor is unique as well. It is typically flavored with a sweet liqueur, such as amaretto, and most panettone have candied fruit, raisins and notes of citrus, such as lemon and orange zest. Centuries later, this delicious sweet bread can be purchased pretty much all year round. Most of it is sold during the holiday season. Additionally, Panettone makers have expanded the choices and now make a plain version dusted with powder sugar as well as others stuffed with chocolate or vanilla cream. I found my panettone at HEB, but I’ve also seen it at other stores such as Walmart, Target, and William Sonoma. This week I am sharing my recipe for Panettone French Toast. Cutting thick slices and dipping both sides into an egg custard elevates
Heat your pan or griddle as you would for pancakes or regular French toast and keep on medium heat. You don’t want the pan too hot or the butter will smoke and burn. Melt butter on the griddle and dip the panettone slices in the egg custard. Place them down on pan and wait for them to brown, before flipping. I generally flip at least twice while cooking; this allows for the interior to cook as well as the exterior. Once done, place on a plate and add a little more butter if you wish and drizzle with maple syrup. To add a little flair, add fresh whipping cream on the side with some fresh seasonal berries. ***Have Questions? Write me at editor@ islandmoon.com As always… Have fun! Try new things… and Happy Eats!
Tip of the week: You might just want to have one of these delicious Panettone in your pantry. If you’re having a late night sweet tooth, make the same recipe and as it comes off the griddle, have a scoop of ice cream ready with that whipping cream. This dish is just as delicious served A La Mode! ;)
Have Questions for your Christmas Dinner? Need a Recipe? Write me at editor@islandmoon.com
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Happy Holidays!
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Snoopy's and Scoopy's wishes all our family, friends, employees and loyal customers a happy holiday season. We will be closed December 23, 24, and 25
We Double-Dog-Polar-Bear-Dare you! The Coolest Event in Town January 1 at North Beach Food, Drinks & Fun Benefitting ALS research
Register now at polarbearplunge.cc Facebook: polarbearblungecc Twitter: polarplungecc
December 23, 2015
A7
Island Moon
Backwater Adventures
Ducks Good, Fish Better
By Joey Farah Farah’s Fishing Adventures MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR! for many of us this is a time to look back a year that either flew by or perhaps dragged on. Mine has been blessed, my kids are at that age when we are into something every day that's exciting. Business has been great because I've been having fun out on the water. Of course there have been years that I've just wanted to let the rest of the day's sweep by so I could start a new. Regardless of your position we are in the dead of winter, and that's a great time to look within and count your blessings. Sometimes we miss the most simple pleasures in life, turn off he TV and take a walk. We live to play on and in the ocean for so many reasons, the biggest is because we stand along the edge of two different worlds. We can just jump out of one and into another. This is why a day or even an hour on the water can clean our minds hearts and souls. Fishing is a time for soul searching even when you don't even realize it. Opening the mind to try to imagine what is happening under the sea is just the crack in the door to opening our minds to our own paths. Do yourself and your friends and family a favor, go have a Island Adventure.
of January, large bull drum will flow into the Lagoon following the mature females. The big 20-30lb monsters can be caught on shrimp, crab, and sea lice. They are catch and release over 30" but a fight of a lifetime. The keeper sized drum are some of the best eating fish around. The trophy trout fishing this spring will start in the beginning of February till may. The large females will hunt the shallow mud flats for big shad and mullet. We like to wade fish for them using slow and methodical lure presentation. This can feel like torture until the thump on the end of the line proved to be a trout of a lifetime. They conserve energy all winter and are at their heaviest at this time.
On the Rocks By Jay Gardner Happy belated Winter Solstice and Merry Christmas loyal readers! Wow! Another year in the books! Hope Santa brings (or brought) you everything that your little heart desires! Santa was fairly good to me this year, especially in the toy department. Finally! The water in the bays is starting to drop out at this writing. We’ve had some of the highest winter tides that I can recall, for months it seems like. Although it’s starting to drop out a little bit, it’s not ripping out at a break-neck pace, which is what we need to maintain our
to hold these cute little residents of the Island, because they ARE rats and WILL bite you. However, Oz is a professional wrangler, who knows how both capture and to be extremely gentle with these guys on occasion for a photo op. Oz is the equivalent of Jim Fowler on the old Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom, where Marlin Perkins would narrate from the safety of the studio, and Jim would be out in the field wrestling lions or getting swallowed by a python on film, which was a running joke for years. I suppose I’m dating myself with that reference, but that was always great stuff.
Drifting with shrimp and poppers will kick butt! From now to the end of April. Covering lots of water and catching lots of variety is the best fun in a boat you can have, well maybe second....... Shallow water drifting with top water lures will be explosive in March and April. I'll be using my shallow water rig and long casting rod and reel set ups to fling big top waters out towards
Photo by Eric Ozlins passes into the Gulf. This becomes particularly important to you loyal readers in this area, as the water dropping out of the bays associated with hard northers is the primary mechanism for keeping Packery clean and deep (well, Besides dredging). The northers help to increase the time between the dredging events, although Deidre tells us that last year’s good solid events happened in February. So there’s still time (unfortunately. February sounds foreboding this year for some reason). The beach has been absolutely lovely for this time of year, when the winds aren’t whipping 30MPH out of one direction or the other. The sea water temperature at Bob Hall is listed at 65 degrees, which is a few degrees above average. The surfers are not complaining one bit, as the relatively warmer water temperatures and sometimes great surf has extended the season for many. In addition, the warmer water temps are keeping a few fish around in the surf, with people catching loads of whiting, some black drum, and even a few pompano still. I’m surprised that there haven’t been reports of the sandbar sharks being caught, but I guess the water really still is pretty warm.
Great family fishing is here as we all enjoy these mild winter days. These reds came on live shrimp and popping corks along the south shore of Baffin. The fishing at this time is off the hook! One stop anywhere along the ICW will land you contact bites on live shrimp. The drifting in the flats has been AWSOME with both live shrimp and lures. Looking ahead I'll clue you in to the plan of attack for the next few months. Surf fishing is and will continue to be at its best. Walk along the two big beach piers with a rod and some shrimp. I like to use heavy 30# mono leader and small #2 owner circle hooks. Small pieces of peeled shrimp will guarantee whiting most every cast, the drum reds and trout will hit it as well. At high tide fish from the beach in the first two guts. The pier at Marker 37 and Clem's will start their annual drum run the second to third week
the horizon. Watching your bait imitate a wounded baitfish will drive you to forget about everything on your conscience until your heart is stopped by a massive surface attack. You can start to see the fish make passes before the strike as you train your skills.
Oz sent me a pic the other day of him holding a kangaroo rat from around Newport area, which is cool. Can’t remember seeing them around that far north. Now, I don’t recommend attempting
Anyhoo, the k-rats hop on both feet like a kangaroo, live on the backside of the dunes in small burrows, and eat the seeds that the native dune plants shed every year. Remember my article from last week? Ok, you don’t, well, I wrote about the dune plants and how some go to seed in the fall/winter, and some actually go to seed in the summer. So there’s always a supply of seeds for the k-rats (and other birds and animals) to eat year-round. They gather up seeds in their cheeks and stash them in their burrow. Hence the nickname, “Mr. Cheeks” coined originally by Curmit (we think. The records are fuzzy from that time period). The k-rats get their water from moisture in the seeds, and don’t typically drink water. They are a part of the really cool and dynamic ecology of Padre Island. There’s some neat stuff out there folks, and you can learn more about it all by going and seeing our buddy Ranger Buzz at the Seashore, getting some books, and/or even taking a class at the university like some of us have. Fascinating stuff. Well folks, that’s about it for me this week. I still have a lot going on at the office, unfortunately, but it’s nice because everyone else is out and I can get things done without much interruption. At least that’s what I tell myself, LOL. Hi Emma. Drop me a line at tarponchaser@mail. com and I’ll see you on the rocks.
PIDOG Christmas Party
MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR A GIFTED YEAR HERE ON OUR ISLAND. I love knowing that my simple words might inspire someone to get out and enjoy our backyard. Monster thank you to Jan, Dale, and all the Moon Monkeys for all the hard work they do to give our Island a voice and all of us a written record of our moment here on Padre Island. God bless and GET WET!
17 well behaved dogs and 20 owners enjoyed dog & people refreshments and a gift exchange. Photos by Lyn Elder
A great trout from the King Ranch Shoreline. The shoreline can be one or twenty miles from the start of the ranch. This one was down by Baffin where the water wasn't as clear, live shrimp.
Bingo-Lunch-Fun! Padre Island Enrichment Club Invites All Ladies Of North Padre Island To Come See What Padre Island Enrichment Club Is All About When: Friday, January 8th Time: Doors Open At 11:20 Where: Veranda At Schlitterbahn Cost $15.00
This week I've been blessed with many trips with kids out from school. We talked this double in the mouth of Baffin. Live shrimp and poppers over shallow rocks and grass
Reservations Required Fully Guided • All Tackle Provided
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Email pieluncheon@aol.com Or Call Diane At 1-610-659-9227 By Monday, January 4th to reserve your seat
A8
December 23, 2015
Island Moon
SPORTS Sports Talk
In the Dugout with Dennis & Andy
NFL’s Deal on Gambling By Dotson Lewis
By Andy Purvis Special to the Island Moon
Special to the Island Moon Dotson’s Note: I thought gambling was against the law. I for one, am concerned that the NFL is getting involved in the gambling industry. My thanks to reporters James Glanz, Agustin Armendariz, Jacqueline William, Walt Bogdanich and Ken Belson for their contributions to this article and to Jack Begg for his research. Great job! The NFL signed a lucrative deal with a company called “Sportradar” which is based in Switzerland and little known in the United States. In August, the company began providing NFL data to “FanDuel,” one of the two largest daily fantasy sports sites, and a month later struck a deal to distribute data for the National Hockey League. Then it signed up a roster of high-profile investors. What went unsaid in the whirlwind, though, was that the upstart is well known in another industry with an insatiable need for live statistics: online sports betting, which is almost entirely illegal in the United States. And that line of business offers a contrast as obvious as a referee’s fluttering flag to the policies of the NFL, whose public opposition to all sports gambling is among the strongest of any major American professional league. The NFL deal, sweetened with an equity stake in “Sportradar” underscores the league’s ambiguous position on the shifting ground of gambling in the Internet age, in which betting is increasingly woven into the culture of American sports but the nation’s legal structure lags behind. Indeed, Sportradar’s rise in the United States raises a question: whether the company and its investors, along with the leagues, are positioning themselves for a loosening of restrictions on sports gambling. Almost every NFL team has a partnership deal with the fantasy sites, and two of the league’s most powerful owners have stakes in “DraftKings” the other top site. The league also has a partnership in Britain with “DraftKings,” which has a gaming license there.
online bookmakers that are known to be active in the United States, Sportradar said in a statement that it “does not comment on individual client contracts.” But Sportradar said that it “has a strict policy to only provide data to licensed bookmakers” and obliges its clients “not to target customers in jurisdictions where betting is illegal.” The company added that it would terminate a client if it was “found by U.S. authorities to be engaged in illegal betting operations.” Sportradar US, the statement said, does not provide services to any bookmakers. “Every sports fan has a little bit of inner geek,” said Rob Phythian, who was the chief executive of a statistics company in Minneapolis that was purchased by Sportradar in 2013, and who stayed on until last summer. Exactly how the statistics are compiled and delivered during a game depends on how quickly, and for what purpose, a customer needs the data, analysts say. The quickest and most costly approach requires placing so-called scouts inside stadiums with hand-held devices that instantly transmit basic events like field goals during an NFL football game. A scout from “Perform Group” in London used a hand-held device to transmit basic events like goals in a soccer match instantly, reported Andy Haslam for The New York Times.
Dennis Quinn and I have been talking sports on the air waves of Corpus Christi together for twenty years. We named our show Dennis & Andy’s Q & A Session because we not only wanted to bring the public great interviews but we are storytellers by nature and we enjoy educating our listeners about the history of the game. Therefore, when you listen to us you’re in the Session. We have also been blessed to have met so many of our heroes from the past, so we find it important to honor them when they leave us. You will recognize the opening music of our shows as the “William Tell Overture” or the theme music from the Lone Ranger, one of our favorite television shows growing up. And we always close with the music from the Jackie Gleason Show as one of us will say, “How Sweet It Is!”
Adam Jones, joined Dennis and me on tape. We also spoke to Nolan Ryan again, as the Hooks and TOPPS Baseball Card Company signed a national contest winner to a contract to become a “Hook-For-the-Day.” Both Jose Altuve and George Springer made their second appearance on the show. In July, Dennis traveled to Houston for the second time, and I had a chance to have former All-Star pitcher and now Hooks’ President, Ken Schrom, join us. I also met and interviewed local Solomon Coles High School players, Billy Sayles and Dee Hardeman, who played for the first team from Corpus Christi, Texas, to win a state championship in baseball. Texas A&M Islanders baseball Head Coach, Scott Malone
Those results can reach customers, in less than a second. Speed is essential for betting websites, which offer countless in-game bets on things like when the next goal will be scored. Once the event occurs, the information must reach the websites so they can close the wager immediately. Otherwise someone in the stadium, knowing the outcome, could quickly place a bet on a hand-held device. A method that is slower but much richer in data involves analysts watching games on television and tapping furiously on computers.
Dennis & Me in studio ESPN 1440 KEYS
From left, Ted Leonsis of the Washington Wizards, Mark Cuban of the Dallas Mavericks and Michael Jordan of the Charlotte Hornets--NBA Owners Investing in “Sportradar” Sportradar Made Deals to Distribute Data from NFL & NHL Games On its website, Sportradar’s gambling arm, called Betradar, reports that it services “more than 450 bookmaker clients,” but it is the troubled legal status of some of those clients that has drawn attention in the industry. Sportradar’s business model has received a harsh public airing in Britain, where courts decided, in what is regarded as a landmark case, that the company was improperly copying sports data from a competitor and selling that data to betting websites. The NFL was aware of Sportradar’s focus and legal record, according to the former chief executive of Stats, the Illinois-based company that had held the data contract with the NFL and was negotiating to retain it.
Sportradar’s presence in the betting world is not hard to detect. Using the so-called developer tools of the browser during a recent soccer match between Manchester United and Bournemouth, a reporter inspected the site’s underlying HTML code and found that the live scores and match tracker for the betting service were being supplied by Betradar, the arm of Sportradar that works with gambling companies. A representative of BetCRIS has said the site “does not allow U.S. located persons to open or maintain accounts,” but reporters have repeatedly logged on to the site from the United States. Also among those bookmakers are 5Dimes. com, PinnacleSports.com and BetOnline.com. Pinnacle Sports and 5Dimes have also been named in multiple gambling indictments, and BetOnline openly solicits bettors in the United States with the motto “Because You Can.” Sportradar declined to say whether these sites are among its clients. Sportradar received a major endorsement in October, when it announced that three NBA owners were investing in the company. The American Gaming Association, an industry group, estimates that the illegal betting market in professional and college football alone will reach nearly $100 billion in 2015.
“We’re way behind in this country what they’re doing with gaming in Europe on mobile devices, which is not surprising given the legality differences,” Steve A spectator in a stadium, is placing a bet on a phone Byrd, Sportradar’s chief commercial officer, said in “We brought this to their attention,” said the July. Mr. Byrd added, “So that was fascinating executive, Gary Walrath, who left Stats last to see where the future is for us as betting month. “The league is very familiar with what’s becomes more legal across the country.” going on, in contrast to what they say publicly,” As logical as that move might appear to be, Mr. Walrath added. He said that he outlined both Sportradar’s core business and the court cases, experts in the area warn that political realities but that they seemed to make no difference to make it far from certain. Every business with a stake in the matter, from Las Vegas casinos the league. to corner convenience stores that sell scratchoff lottery tickets, has a political representative Wired for Profit at the state or federal level, said Jeff Ifrah, a In 2006, Congress tried to crack down on Washington lawyer who represents betting illegal online sports betting. Today, Internet clients. wagering is thriving, and a new business that “These are all industries that are concerned resembles gambling, fantasy sports, is winning that regulated sports betting is going to eat into millions of players and stoking controversy. their business,” Mr. Ifrah said. “There is a strict prohibition on distribution of Geoff Freeman, the American Gaming the NFL’s official data feeds to any gamblingrelated activity or entity, globally,” the NFL Association’s chief executive, said the said. “Sportradar US does not generate revenue Sportradar deal was “one example of the from gambling-related activities for any sport.” relatively rapid evolution of the approach to Sportradar is allowed to distribute official data sports and sports betting.” only “to consumer facing, digital distribution “It bodes well for those in this country who publishers,” the NFL said. are interested in seeing an expansion of sports When asked whether it works with several
betting,” he said.
I would like to thank ESPN 1440 KEYS and SportsRadioCC 1230 KSIX as we split our time between these two stations this past year. I would also like to thank Henry Hernandez, Marty Robinson, and Dotson Lewis who sat in for either Dennis or me, as we traveled to acquire interviews. We have had a blast while taking our listeners up front and center with some of the finest athletes and greatest coaches and broadcasters in the world of sports. This year alone we have had 44 one-on-one interviews in the span of 52 weeks. The list is long and varied but ties closely to our first love, baseball. Having the Corpus Christi Hooks in town and a long-standing relationship with the Houston Astros and Texas Rangers has made our jobs easier. The year 2015 started off fast with a Hall-ofFame announcer who joined us at least four times a year on air, the Houston Astros’ lead announcer for many years, Milo Hamilton. He truly loved Corpus and being on our show. Sad to say we lost Milo in September. He will be missed. Juan Castillo, offensive coach with the Baltimore Ravens and Jeff Lantz, the fellow in charge of Communications for Minor League Baseball, rounded out the month of January. February would bring our yearly interview with former Buffalo Bills linebacker, Shane Nelson, about the Super Bowl. The Astros’ Caravan would provide us interviews with former pitcher, Larry Dierker, and superstar, George Springer. We also paid tribute to Ernie Banks and aired an older interview from 2004. The South Texas Winter Banquet provided us time with legend Nolan Ryan, Astros’ General Manager Reid Ryan, retired local sportscaster, Dan McReynolds, and Orioles’ Minor League pitcher, Mark Blackmar, son of professional golfer Phil Blackmar. We also finished up the month of March with interviews with former NFL official, Mike Pereira, of FOX Sports and Los Angeles Dodgers’ star outfielders, Yasiel Puig and Joc Pederson. With three trips to Houston during the year, my partner Dennis Quinn led the league in Astros information. They say April showers bring May flowers and along with the rain came interviews with Astros shortstop, Carlos Correa and Zvee Geffen, a representative of the TOPPS Sports Card Company. Craig Biggio, the first member of the Astros to be elected into the National Baseball Hall of Fame, also joined us. In May, we spoke with local long-distance runner, Gabe Lucido, who also ran in this year’s Boston Marathon. Jose Altuve, Carlos Correa, and George Springer joined us again as the Astros looked to be “for real” this year. The month of June got even better as Orioles’ third baseman Manny Machado, and centerfielder,
and former Astros’ pitcher, J. R. Richards, joined us on air. In August, Dennis brought back interviews with Red Sox stars, Dustin Pedroia and David “Big Papi” Ortiz, along with follow-up interviews with Jose Altuve, George Springer, Dallas Keuchel and Carlos Correa. We couldn’t keep George Springer away. He loved being on the show. Keuchel was elected starting pitcher for the American League, for the July All-Star Game. In September, we spoke with Mike Trout, Jose Altuve for the third time, and VP of Communication and Education for the Baseball Hall-of-Fame Museum, Brad Horn. It was quite a month. Rookie-of-the-Year candidate, Carlos Correa of the Astros, joined us in October. Correa would win the award. It was his fourth time on Dennis & Andy’s Q & A Session. Both Craig Biggio and Reid Ryan joined us again to speak about the passing of our dear friend, Milo Hamilton. November would find us slowing down as the World Series ended with the Kansas City Royals on top, while football and basketball became front and center on the sports radar. We managed to snag a great interview with hometown kid, Cliff Pennington, who had participated in the MLB playoffs with the Toronto Blue Jays. Cliff became to first-ever position player to pitch in relief during a postseason game. We finished strong in December with our NASCAR expert, Bob Doty. At the end of each year we are always amazed at how many great folks that have joined us on the radio and we wonder how it can get any better. The good news is, it always does. You can always find our show dates and times in the radio section of the Caller Times sports page. We are usually on Thursday nights from 6-7 PM, but occasionally moved to Tuesdays, same time. The number to call if we hit a nerve is 361-8841230. If you missed our shows and would like to listen, please visit www.purvisbooks.com and press podcasts in the menu section. There are nearly 150 hours of radio interviews that we have done since 2004. Just choose an interview by name or date. Thanks for listening. 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.
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December 23, 2015
A9
Island Moon
Winter Surfing on The Island
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A10
Island Moon
December 23, 2015