Inside the Moon
La Posada 2015 A5
Seashore Reading A6
Issue 608
The
Fishing A7
Enchanted Forest A9
Island Moon
The voice of The Island since 1996
December 10, 2015
14646 Compass, Suite 3 Corpus Christi, TX 78418
Around The Island By Dale Rankin editor@islandmoon.com It looks like the weather will hold for the La Posada Lighted Boat Parades on Friday and Saturday nights so fire up the blender. We’ve reached the part of the Island calendar when we are bracing ourselves for what passes for winter on our little sandbar. It’s the time of year when Island women ask two questions when they meet a new fellow: First, do you own a car? If the answer is yes then the second question is, do you live in it? If the answer to both questions is yes then you probably have got yourself a scallywag looking for a winter hibernation site. Run!
IPR One of the questions we often get this time of year concerns party etiquette during the La Posada parades. When is it acceptable to attend (crash) a party you weren’t technically invited to? Moon Mike had a rule he called his Island Party Rule. The IPR states that if you have heard about a party then you are invited. If someone tells you they are going to a party then under the IPR you are invited. The same applies if you are in the parade and pull up to a deck where a good party is going on; tie up and join in.
Port A Christmas A11 Photo by Ronnie Narmour
Free
Weekly
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New Navigation Aids for Packery Channel
By Dale Rankin
Packery Channel will soon have new navigational aids if the Corpus Christi City Council approves $60,941 in funding during its December 15 meeting. The plan presented to the council this week calls for an interlocal agreement with the Conrad Blucher Institute at Texas A&M University Corpus Christi which will install and maintain the aids which will consist of channel markers and lights at certain locations, according to information provided to council members this week. The Corpus Christi Parks and Recreation Department – Gulf Beach and Natural Resources Division
is responsible for the navigational aids on Packery Channel. When the Packery Channel was opened in 2006, navigation aids were installed as per US Coast Guard specifications, but since that time, many of the ATONs have been damaged or destroyed. The City of Corpus Christi was notified by the US Coast Guard in October 2014 that many of the navigational aids on Packery Channel were not in compliance with the Eighth Coast Guard District Private Aids to Navigation Marking Requirements and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Permit for the channel. If the contract is approved by the city council the Blucher Institute would have until June, 2016 to install the devices.
Santa Visits the Island
Received Lengthy Toy Request
Coyote Lounge
By Brent Rourk
increase in excitement.
Entering by the dozens, children dragging their parents, families filed into the St. Andrews By the Sea Catholic Church on Saturday to enjoy a free breakfast and to see and chat with Santa Claus. Mr. and Mrs. Claus paid their annual Christmas visit to the Island and took careful notice of Island child Christmas lists. Sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Padre Island the popular event was again free to the public, with the request that attendees donate a toy to the less fortunate.
Children quickly visited with Santa and the Elves as a local photographer snapped pictures.
Breakfast and Elves
The Friday night parade on the north end of The Island kicks off at 6 p.m. and the Saturday parade is at 7 p.m. For complete information on routes and registration see the forms in this issue. This is the weekend The Island shines and there will likely be a swarm of parade-watchers from OTB so give yourself time to get to your
An Islander in Cuba
party destination on Saturday night. If you have toys to donate to Toys for Tots keep an eye out for the boats with flashing lights and they will come to your deck. If for some reason you are unable to make contact with a collector boat you can drop toys at the Padre Island Yacht Club Sunday morning. Look for us in the Island Moon boat and we’ll see you on the water. It’s time to La Posada everybody!
Schedule & Map Page A5
Port Aransas resident Zahn Accompanied Governor on Cuban Trade Mission
By Dale Rankin
Facing Santa Most children loved visiting with Santa, and one young girl took Santa a stuffed animal gift, thankful for what Santa does for the children of the world. There were, however, several young children who were
The delegation represented a cross section of Texans; small business owners, agricultural managers, and representatives of the major Texas ports. Two of those aboard represented the first attempt by the Port of Corpus Christi to prepare for trade with Cuba as U.S./Cuban relations begin to thaw and one of those representatives was Islander and Vice-Chairman of the port Charlie Zahn.
Zahn wth Governor Greg Abbott
A renovated house in Havana once owned by a Mafia Don.
“It was like stepping off the airplane into the 1950s,” Zahn said. “Our ride was a 1956 Chevy Bel Air.” The foreign trade visit was Zahn’s second with Abbot, the first being to Mexico City. The Cuba visit was to establish relationships with an eye toward future opportunities. “Cuba imports 80% of its food,” he said. “Right now the Port of Corpus Christi exports $183,000 per year in beans to Cuba, but there are many other things we could be sending if the embargo is lifted.”
The new US embassy in Cuba
Prior to the embargo Cuba imported much of its rice from the Port of Beaumont and food and medical
Cuba continued on A5
A little Island history
La Posada Lighted Boat Parade has a Rich Tradition
By Dale Rankin
Barefoot Mardi Gras
Around continued on A3
Elves (Islanders who attend Seashore Middle Academy) scurried around the building, ambitiously refilling coffee, juice and milk and then cleaning tables while children posed with Santa and parent picked up free photographs. The scent of pancakes and sausage filled the room until the grills were turned off and the last child visited Santa.
Santa continued on A8
It seems naugahyde is in for coyote dens this year. Who knew!?
Secondly, there will be an afternoon festival event in the parking lot of the Briscoe King Pavilion. In past years there has been a gap between the end of the beach parade and the start of the Kings and Queens Ball at 6 p.m. so the new event is designed to fill the gap. There will be live music and vendors, and a kid’s play area.
If you are near an Island canal Friday or Saturday nights watch out for flying candy. The weather looks to be perfect for the 41st La Posada Lighted Boat Parade so expect a flotilla of candy-flinging crews to hit the water.
Onboard were a group of about thirty Texans who would meet with Cuba’s Minister of Foreign Trade and Investment Rodrigo Malmierca Diaz and Ricardo Cabrisas Ruiz, Vice President of the Council of Ministers, the government’s top executive and administrative body, who oversees foreign trade, foreign investment and other economic matters and has been a close associate of the Castro brothers since the Cuban Revolution.
We hope that helps.
The 2016 Barefoot Mardi Gras Parade will be early on Saturday, February 6, and there are a couple of changes this year. First, the beach parade will start on the beach at the end of Whitecap. In the past it has started at the access road just south of Whitecap but it has outgrown the route and more parking was needed so the route has been lengthened.
La Posada Weekend!
When the small jet lifted off from Austin last week headed for Cuba it was the first time a Texas Governor had visited Cuba since the revolution nearly sixty years ago.
Be aware that a corollary of the IPR is that whether you are technically invited or directly invited bring you own beverages. If Island partythrowers had to provided beverages for all their guests they would need financing.
A while back some human dropped off two couches in the brush just south of Verdemar Street. Since no humans were using the couches a pack of coyotes decided to settle in on the new furniture. When Islander Lonnie Schwirtlich happened on the pack they were settled into their couches but scattered when he approached, all except this guy who stuck around to make sure Lonnie knew who owned the furniture.
Live Music A16
A scrumptious breakfast, prepared by a handy kitchen staff of Kiwanis Club members, helped wake up Islanders as they patiently waited for Santa and Mrs. Claus to appear. Once Santa entered, there was a noticeable
As we swing into the 41st year of the La Posada Lighted Boat Parade this weekend we are taking a look back to where it all began; with an idea among Island boaters. It started in the early 1970s when Island houses were rare. The informal “parade” started at the Club House at Anchor Resort which was the original home of the Padre Island Sailing Society by a group of sailing enthusiasts who liked the acronym. Boaters began making an annual pilgrimage from dock party to dock party – a very informal affair. Then in 1974 with the Gospel books of the Bible in mind Bishop Thomas J. Drury from the Diocese of Corpus Christi decided to begin
Thousands of toys are collected each year for Toys for Tots during La Posada blessing the fleet in commemoration of the search by Mary and Joseph for lodging as described in the Bible going from house to house in their symbolic search for shelter. The
boaters decorated their boats and sang Christmas carols at each stop. In the beginning the boats set out from the canal across the street
History continued on A4
A2
December 10, 2015
Island Moon
Record Atlantic Moonfish caught by Robert Bennett in the Gulf of Mexico in October
Heidi Cluck’s daughter Fisher shot her first ten point deer on her recent trip to the ranch.
Tony Amos receives the 2014 Recovery Champion Award from Joy Nicholopoulos of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Photo by Ronnie Narmour Young Port Aransas hunter Wylie Duxstad bagged his first hog on a recent hunting trip and boy was it a biggun!
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December 10, 2015
Island Moon
Letters to the Editor
Moon Monkeys Mike Ellis, Founder
Young Conservatives Island Moon,
David Simpson (90).
This week, Young Conservatives of Texas (YCT) released its ratings of the 84th Texas Legislature. These ratings mark the 21st consecutive installment of the YCT scorecard. With biyearly installments dating back to 1975, YCT issues the most thorough, respected and consistent legislative ratings in the Lone Star State. You can view their ratings online at http:// ratings.yct.org/.
Distribution Pete Alsop Island Delivery Coldwell Banker Advertising Jan Park Rankin Classifieds Arlene Ritley Production Manager Jeff Craft Contributing Writers Joey Farah Andy Purvis
Scores for the 84th Legislature are calculated based on 50 votes taken in both the Senate and the House. Members of the legislature received a score for the session based on their votes on bills that have a clear left/right policy choice. Each legislator also has a combined career score covering his or her time in the legislature. Taking into account all members of each chamber, the average score in the House was a 46 and in the Senate a 56. The average score amongst Republicans in the House was a 63 and a 74 in the Senate. Senator Konni Burton and Representative Matt Rinaldi earned the group’s ‘Rookie of the Year’ awards for their first legislative session in their respective chambers of the legislature.
Devorah Fox Mary Craft Maybeth Christiansen Jay Gardner
YCT recognized 13 Legislators with scores of 90% or above on their “Honor Roll” for the session. They were Rep. Jonathan Stickland (100), Sen. Konni Burton (98), Rep. Matt Rinaldi (98), Rep. Matt Krause (96), Rep. Tony Tinderholt (96), Rep. Matt Schaefer (94), Rep. Scott Turner (94), Rep. Matt Shaheen (92), Rep. Stuart Spitzer (92), Rep. Molly White (92), Sen. Bob Hall (90), Sen. Don Huffines (90) and Rep.
Todd Hunter Dotson Lewis Ronnie Narmour Brent Rourk Dr. Donna Shaver Photographers Miles Merwin Mary Craft
Dear Riley:
Ronnie Narmour Office Security/Spillage Control (Emeritus) Riley P. Dog
I am 10 weeks old. Some of my little doggie friends say there is no Santa Paws. Papa says "If you see it in The Moon, it's so". Please tell me the truth, is there a Santa Paws? Dee Dee Skowronski Hey Dee Dee,
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
Of course there’s a Santa Paws Dee Dee. You’re just a puppy so you may not know yet, but he’s out there and pretty soon he’ll take you to the beach and you’ll understand. He doesn’t wear a red suit and he doesn’t live at the North Pole around here he mostly wears flip flops and smells like bait. He’s not really one human he’s a whole bunch of humans and our Island is covered with Santa Paws. They pick up the stray dogs that inhuman humans dump here because they know people on The Island will pick them up and take care of them. On the weekends you can see Santa Paws with Guardians Rescue spending their weekends to set up adoptions for dogs that need a place to live. There are Santa Paws all over The Island who pick up strays and help them find their lost humans. There are the nice humans who let us dogs, and even some Stoopid Cats, come into their homes and businesses, and there’s even a group trying
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to get us a Dog Park so we can tailpipe without our leashes. They let us ride in their boats and surfboards and hang our heads out the windows of their cars so we can pretend we’re flying. Sometimes they feed us hotdogs but not enough. More hotdogs Santa Paws. They take us over to Dr. Christi when our ears hang low to get us fixed up and she takes care of us. Lately Santa Paws has been busy taking care of our Cold Turtle Friends. For some reason turtles don’t like cold weather and they all end up on the beach and the Santa Paws humans go out there in the cold and pick them up and take them to get warm. And then when they get warm they put them back in the water. Santa Paws likes turtles too. If Santa Paws was just one human Dee Dee he/ she would live on The Island because we Island dogs have it just about as good as it gets for dogs and once a year Santa Paws would get on his sleigh – I think it would be pulled by cats but I’m not sure – and he would spread Island Dog and Turtle Cheer to the other dogs and turtles that have to live OTB. I feel sorry for those OTB dogs – I don’t think there are any OTB turtles. So just give it a little time Dee Dee and you’ll see that Santa Paws doesn’t live at the North Pole, when it comes to Santa Paws the North Pole is North Padre because Santa Paws lives here.
I am writing this mail to you with heart full of tears and sorrow, I know that this mail might come to you as a surprise because you don't know me and I also do not know you but I believe in God that you will not fail me because I did not contact you by my power as I prayed that God will touch your heart and give you the grace to help me. My name is Miss. Amian Jimmy, I am 19 years old Medical student in University of Sudan , I am the only child of my father of a blessed memory by name Late Mr. Jimmy Lemi Milla was the rural development minister in Sudan . You can read more about my father death in the BBC news below website: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/worldafrica-12403620 My late father was killed by his driver whom was paid by unknown people to assailant my family but he succeeded in killing my father and the shocked death of my father leads to my mother death after 3 days of father's death. May they soul rest in perfect peace, AMEN. I am actually in search of an honest and reliable person who will help me relocate to his country for a better life as I was advised by my late mother, I have chosen to contact you after my prayers and I believe you will not betray me now that you have known my life story. Meanwhile, two days later after my father's death my mother gave me the information for the secret deposit them made with a bank in Burkina-Faso. The deposit value is US$4.5 Million US Dollars only and I am presently in Burkina-Faso where my late parent's made the deposit and I have gone to the bank to confirm the deposit and establish ownership, please I need your assistance urgently in moving this
Unidentified Flaming Objects Did anyone else see the orange lights over North Padre Island tonight? Really weird! Ah ha! I picked up some trash on the beach this morning and I thought it was a garbage bag but it was paper, wet paper. And underneath the paper was a wire circle about 12" across, with cross wires. I'll bet it was one of these lanterns. Robin Moore They were lanterns lit to celebrate a friend’s birthday that passed on Thanksgiving. Cristina Edlin
Police Station
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Stripes on Flour Bluff & SPID
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by Mary Craft mkay512@aol.com or @padreeyelander on twitter
New Advertisers The Turtle’s Nest has opened at 13941 SPID next to Jesse’s Liquor. Donna Gates and Melinda Newcomer formerly at the gift shop at the National Seashore offer lots of gift items including Cobian sandals, Yankee and Koopa candles and Paul Brent prints. Hours are 10 am – 6 pm Tuesday – Saturday. Wind & Wave Surf Shop is having great holiday deals on all their perfect canal toys. The place is chock full of items including, kayaks, SUPs, surfboards, clothing, skateboard accessories and more. Island resident Frank Floyd has owned this shop since 1987. It is located at the corner of Laguna Shores and frontage road. Jackson Yacht Sales can boost your boat sale or purchase with their negotiating and pricing expertise. Call Thomas Jackson at 832-7678229 or visit Thomas@jacksonyachtsales. com.
Business Briefs Sparkey’s BBQ in Flour Bluff is now open and is located where Howard’s BBQ used to be. The Howard’s BBQ in town on Antelope Street is still open. Island Jewelers can make a new piece of jewelry with your silver or gold pieces. They do on-site jewelry and watch repair and have unique pieces of jewelry on display for sale. They are located next to Scuttlebutts and can be reached at 867-8028. The Boathouse Bar & Grill is planning a special and fun afternoon for the Army/Navy football game on Saturday, December 12th. They will have a complimentary appetizer buffet at 1 pm and kickoff and quarterly prizes at 2 pm. There will be excellent drink specials. You can reserve a table at 589-9601 or james. gay@boathousepadreisland.com. PIE Club president Katherine Pierce informed us there was a great turnout for the Holiday Home Tour this year. The tour included six homes, some offering desserts, champagne or punch and Kim Irwin’s home even had a saxophone player. They raised $1666.00 for their scholarship fund for local students. The Litter Critter will be here this Saturday, December 12th 7 am – 4 pm. The Surfrider Foundation Christmas Party will be held at the Boathouse Bar & Grill on Friday, December 11th 6 – 10 pm with a $5 minimum donation at the door. There will be fish & chips, longboard and shortboard raffle and silent auction. Music will be provided by the Deadbeats Band. The City Glass Recycling Event will be held at the POA office on Fortuna Bay on Saturday, December 12th 9 am – 3 pm. They ask that the colors be kept separately. If you would like to write a letter to the editor send it to editor@islandmoon.com or post us a message on The Island Moon Facebook page.
Around continued from A1
Dearest
Patricia Menard Dugas
Shorty’s Place Stripes @ Cotter & Station
YCT prides itself on being objective in the record votes it chooses to rate. In general, the ratings do not include unanimous votes, since those votes do not measure on an ideological scale. The ratings are not padded by any additional weights, nor are legislators given any special sponsorship credit. Higher scores are generally difficult to obtain on this rating spectrum. These ratings were compiled by a committee of members of our organization. In order to keep the ratings as objective as possible, the committee itself was comprised of individuals who do not currently serve in any legislative office or on any particular campaign.
Scam
editor@islandmoon.com
Lisabella’s Restaurant
Along with the release of this year’s ratings YCT also announced the new ‘Ratings Web Application.’ This year, YCT students and young professionals volunteered to research and compile all historical ratings. These ratings, along with the current ratings, now reside within an interactive web application.
Santa Paws
Jeff Dolan
Port Aransas
The most liberal Republicans in the House were Rep. JD Sheffield (33), Rep. Gilbert Peña (33), and Rep. J.M. Lozano (36). The most liberal Republicans in the Senate were Sen. Kel Seliger (56), Sen. Craig Estes (60), and Sen. Kevin Eltife (58). The most liberal Democrats in the House were Rep. Dukes (2), Rep. Johnson (9) and Rep. Anchia (9). The most liberal Democrats in the Senate were Sen. Ellis (16), Sen. Menendez (16), Sen. Jose Rodriguez (16) and Sen. Kirk Watson (14).
Did Ya Hear?
A3
fund to your country for investment and also help me relocate to your country, when my inheritance is properly secured you will have 20% of the value for your assistance. I shall appreciate an urgent message indicating your ability and willingness to handle this transaction sincerely so that I will visit the bank to submit your account and instruct them to transfer the money to you immediately because I want to leave this refugee camp as soon as possible, life here to me is a hell, no love, no affection and no amenities, more importantly, I love my studies and here nothing is happening and people here are not friendly, I am really suffering in this place, it is too painful, but I hope with your help to transfer the fund in your account, I will have a better life to live so kindly let me know your readiness to help me and I promise to always be nice and faithful. I am waiting your urgent and positive response.
For the second year the ball will be at the Veranda at Schlitterbahn. Last year just under 1000 people attended and this year the Corpus Christi Convention and Visitors Bureau has jumped in to help promote Barefoot Mardi Gras so look for a good crowd. We will have details on all the events and how to register for the parade and where to buy tickets for the party in the next issue. Our Island advice for this week comes from an Islander who wishes to remain anonymous - or as the news types often say “someone who is familiar with the situation but not authorized to speak”- Don’t argue with women when they’re right. That sounds like pretty good advice on both sides of the bridge. Until next time here’s saying Osmosis Amoebas, and say hello if you see us Around The Island.
Please do keep this only to yourself please i beg you not to disclose it to anybody because I do not want to be noticed for security reasons. With due espect, I am pleading that you help me, i am giving all this detail information with every transparency believing that you will have a clear picture of the base of help i need from you and I hope you will not refuse to help me. I hope to hear from you immediately because I am suffering so much here and wish to leave as soon as possible. May truth and love be the guiding word in my refuge in you dear helper. PLEASE SEND ME YOUR RESPONSE HERE: xxx@yandex.com Ms. Amian Jimmy Editor’s note: What?! No amenities!
Holiday Home Tour Dale and Jan, I just wanted to thank you again for all your support with the Holiday Home Tour. We missed seeing you at the tour. I hope all is well. We had a great turn out. Gross sales were $1666.00. There was a lot of excitement over the tour this year. We already have 8 houses for next year. How good is that. I did take some pictures and I will bring them by tomorrow to see if you would like to use any of them. (See page A9) The houses were even better than last year and Kim Erwin had a sax player and an unbelievable amount of desserts for everyone. Thank you again and have a great day! Sincerely, Katherine Pierce President Padre Island Enrichment Club
The new view across Paradise Pond Photo by Jay Gardner
A4
December 10, 2015
Island Moon
Police Blotter
History continued from A1 from the entrance to Padre Isles Country Club and eventually moved the muster point to the canal behind Anchor Resort where by then the Padre Island Yacht Club, so named in 1986, had set up shop.
Park Rd. 22 wreck
First Friday Fun Fact The Corpus Christi Police Department has a campaign called “First Friday Fun Fact” that will focus on different Texas traffic laws. It will run on the first Friday of each month. Here is this month’s traffic fact.
The parade grew over the years and has become the largest single annual event on The Island. Its offspring – the Fourth of July Boat Parade – was done as a one-time-only event – also blessed by Bishop Drury – to commemorate the United States Bicentennial in 1976 and then also became an annual event. Then in August 1996, the doors to the current home of the Yacht Club, the two-story building at the west end of Whitecap were opened and that location became Ground Zero for the parade as boats line up in the water east of Whitecap and made the turn past the Yacht Club where the Judge’s Stand was located. This was the choice spot for parade watching as this is where the boats would make their promenade to impress the judges.
Advisory speeds What is the speed limit on the curve marked by the sign at the left? Most people would say 25 MPH, but the answer is that we don’t have enough information to know what the speed limit is here. The “25 MPH” sign here is a speed advisory sign only, not a speed limit sign. Speed advisory signs indicate the recommended speed for a particular upcoming hazard like a turn or a curve in the roadway, but they are not a legal speed limit. Enforceable speed limits are marked by the familiar black and white SPEED LIMIT signs. So, the speed limit for this curve would be whatever the last black and white.
But as the parade and the number of boats on The Island grew a problem arose; judges would often look at their scorecard with a list of boats which had officially entered the parade and often it didn’t match the boats they saw passing before the judges’ stand as some boaters who didn’t bother to enter the parade just jumped in Island Style wherever they saw an opening. It caused some confusion and as the boats would linger at the Yacht Club while seeking judges’ approval the boats would string out as they entered the Main Canal where most of the deck parties awaited.
Thanks to the Texas Highway Man
Assault on security guard December 3
A security guard at a condominium in the 14300 block of South Padre Island Drive called Corpus Christi Police after a man he was trying to get to leave the property attacked him.
To remedy the problem two years ago the Coast Guard Axillary got involved and the Muster Point was moved to the Cartagena Canal just north of Whitecap and the judging was done there so the boats could be judged as they left the starting gate to avoid mix ups with interlopers. That system has worked very well and also served to keep the boats more together as they move off the start and into the canal system.
Officers arrived and the uniformed guard said that he was trying to calm a man who was yelling and screaming in the parking lot. When the security guard asked the man to leave the area the man threw him to the ground and put him in a head lock.
Along the way Toys for Tots was added as the event’s charity and it has now become the largest single toy-raising event in Texas. Six years ago the La Posada Kickoff Party was added and this year, for the first time a golf tournament.
Before Officers arrived, the suspect left in a 2007 Chevrolet truck. Other Officers were able to catch up to him on Waldron Road and the suspect, Christopher Williams (03/03/1984), was arrested for assault.
So when you take part in the La Posada Boat Parade you are helping to grow an Island tradition that began as an informal get together way back when a new home cost $34,900, gas was 55 cents per gallon, inflation was 11%, and President Richard Nixon took his last ride in Air Force One
The security guard was not seriously injured.
Police Calls 14500 block Compass 2:24 p.m. December 7 Failure to comply w Registration Requirements 10 years. (Sexual offense)
It’s a Dog Party! Saturday, December 19, will be a good day to be an Island Dog. That’s the day that Padre Island Dog group is holding its dog Christmas party where good dogs and humans are always welcome. The party is at Bev Hoffman’s House, 13913 Skysail St., at 10 a.m. If you don’t take your dog he or she is sure to hear about it and be mad at you.
15400 block Dyna 2 a.m. December 5 Assault with injury 13800 block Doubloon 9:12 p.m. December 1 Failure to identify fugitive from justice/Warrant/Burglary of a motor vehicle
Islander April Noyles is recovering from injuries she suffered when her vehicle collided with another vehicle in the southbound lane of Park Road 22 at the Commodores intersection Sunday afternoon. The City of Corpus Christi is currently in the process of redesigning the intersection to make traffic flow more smoothly.
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Port Aransas Happenings…
editor@islandmoon.com
Pam Greene Parks and Recreation Department City of Port Aransas 2015 Enchanted Holiday Forest – Still seeking individuals, families, civic & non-profit organizations and businesses are invited to enter. No charge, but please register so we can list those participating. Show off yourself, your family, your friends, your group/organization and/or your business! The 2015 theme is "The Magic of Christmas". Join in the friendly, festive spirit and set up a tree 1-4 pm on Sunday, Dec. 13. Contact Pam, 749-4158 or email pamg@cityofportaransas.org to sign up. Prizes will be awarded. Forest will be open Monday-Friday, Dec. 14-18 and Monday-Wednesday, 21-23, 8am-5pm in Civic Center. Yoga on The Beach – Certified instructor Nancy Myers will conduct a session Saturday, Dec. 12, at 8 am, next to Horace Caldwell Pier at end of Beach Street. Bring mat or towel suitable for use on beach. This event is held the 2nd Saturday of each month. FREE! COME PLAY -- 2nd Annual Rocket & Drone Fest - Saturday, Dec. 12, 12-2pm. Players Wanted! Enthusiasts of all ages are invited to come have fun with us. Open to hobbyists and watchers at the Community Park inline skating rink, 700 Clark Pkwy, off Ross Ave. Several launch pads will be available, bring own rockets, engines, igniters & drones. Hot dogs/punch provided for participants. Bring chairs and friends. STILL TAKING NAMES--America Honors & Remembers tree - VETERANS’ Names Wanted for this tree in the 2015 Enchanted Holiday Forest-Any Serviceman/Woman important to you, living or deceased. Call 749-4158 or email Pam at pamg@cityofportaransas.org. Need name, photo if you have it, and current status. Each ornament will be differentiated by its status - Yellow ribbon for those deployed, blue star for US - based troops, gold star for fallen soldiers, silver star for those who were wounded, red star for our veterans, white star for those missing in action and purple star for those receiving an honor. Island Fishing Workshop – Thursday, Dec. 17, at 1:30pm. Bill Hoffman, with 40 years of offshore, bay and surf experience will share his knowledge and answer questions (so bring questions) in the small pavilion in Roberts Point Park as the series continues on the 3rd Thursday of each month. FREE! Interval Training - Offered 7 am, noon & 5:15 pm on Mondays, Wednesday and at 7 am & noon on Fridays. Call certified instructor Karen Decker for place 361-9032-0901. High Intensity Training in short spurts for all ages/ levels. Work at own pace. $3 a class or $30 for 15 classes. Cash or check to COPA. For men & women. Bring mat & water. No classes Friday, Dec. 25. Port Aransas Gymnastic Camps - Parks & Rec has brought Southern Coast Gymnastics to Camp Marlin! Camps are open to ANY experience level for grades K-5. Session II will be held Dec. 14-18, Monday, Wednesday & Friday, 3:30-4:30 or 4:305:30, $60. Sign and register at Port Aransas Parks & Rec or at Camp Marlin. All fees must be made to City of Port Aransas (COPA). Call 749-4158 for more information. More sessions begin after the holidays and will include Pre-K.
11:35 p.m. 14300 South Padre Island Drive Assault
classes will be at 7 pm. Great for newbies & experienced yogi. $2. Cash or check made out to COPA. Open to men and women. Bring mat & water. Chair Yoga - Perfect for any men or women--any age or shape. Great for beginners and seasoned yogis. Held in the Girl Scout hut, 10 am, Thursdays, by certified instructor Brittany Young. $2 per class paid to the City of Port Aransas [COPA]. Bring mat & water. Breakfast with Santa - Saturday, Dec. 19, 9-10:30am. Free meal & Santa will be on hand for kids to talk to and for photos. Sponsored by Parks & Recreation. Location moved to the Port Aransas Civic Center, 710 W. Avenue A. Ride the Polar Express to the Port Aransas Community Theatre, Sun, Dec. 20. Doors open at 6:30pm, movie at 7:05pm. Reservation Required - call 749-4158. Once again-make it an annual tradition to wear your jammies and bring the family to watch "The Polar Express" movie. Pretend yourself into believing in Christmas again! Yummy deserts & hot beverages. Sponsored by Parks & Rec.
Spaz
Beach Walk – Meet on Friday Dec. 25, at 9 am (weather permitting), under purple pennant near Horace Caldwell Pier at end of Beach St. Join guide Shirley Fischer to hunt for treasures! FREE! Noon Year’s Eve Party – Wednesday, Dec. 31, 11:30 am, at Roberts Point Park Pavilion. Count down & toast New Year at noon. Music, free non-alcoholic drinks and cookies provided or bring your own. For those who don’t want to wait until midnight to countdown and those who want to do it twice! Port A RPG Game Night - For 16 and older, high school and college gamers may play Pathfinder, Star Wars RPG and Mutants and Masterminds in a controlled environment. Every Friday and Saturday (not Christmas), 4:30 pm, in the Girl Scout hut inside Parks and Recreation building, 739 W. Ave. A. No charge to attend, but food is usually ordered if gamers want to eat while playing.
Hi! My name is Spaz and I am a 14 month young Beagle mix. I am one of the happiest pups you have ever seen and never meet a person or dog that I don’t love! I adore children because they enjoy running and playing with me! Some of my favorite things in life are playing fetch and playing with squeaky toys! I think I could chase sticks all day long because I am a Super Star fetcher! Also ranking up there pretty high on my Favorites list is giving hugs and kisses and sitting on a comfy lap! I’m a quiet boy who loves car rides and just being with my humans and being a great companion. I live with an awesome foster family who loves me very much but I am ready for my Furever family to find me so that we can begin our life journey together!
Birding on the Boardwalk – Guided birding tour for anyone, novice to expert, with local guide Nan Dietert at Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center at end of Ross Ave. Every Wednesday at 9 am. FREE! Winter Walking Tours – Mission-Aransas Reserve partners with Parks & Rec for 1-hour, 2-mile nature walks. Meet at the pavilion in Nature Preserve at Charlie’s Pasture, at the end of Port Street. Tours have been changed to Fridays at 3pm. Bring binoculars, camera & water. Wear walking shoes, sunscreen & mosquito spray.
You can also arrange to meet me by calling 361-277-1731 or contacting Mission Pawsible at info@missionpawsiblecc. org. I hope our paths cross soon!
Candlelight Yoga - Relax & restore doing easy Hatha Yoga with certified instructor Lianne Thomas, will be held on Wednesdays at the Community Center, 408 N. Alister for Dec. 9-30. All
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December 10, 2015
Island Moon
La Posada Events for 2015 Dec. 10 Parade Boat Meeting – 7:00 PM Padre Island Yacht Club Dec. 11 La Posada Lighted Boat Parade – 6:00 PM North Side
Dec. 12 La Posada Lighted Boat Parade – 7:00 PM South Side Dec. 13 La Posada Brunch – presentation of toys and check to the Marines – 8:00 AM (open to PIYC members, Marines, and Parade Boat families).
Cuba continued from A1
supplies are exempt from the embargo as humanitarian cargo, however, no ships have ever been permitted to import medical supplies since the embargo began, and a prohibition on extending credit for food shipments means that Cuba would have to pay cash for Texas rice or grain – money which the Cuban government lacks. Instead rice is imported from Vietnam with a 180-day window for payment. “If the credit prohibition is lifted the Port of Corpus Christi could begin exporting Texas rice to Cuba, along with grain and peanuts” Zahn said. “We could also export farm implements and the expertise to use them.”
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“We can do business there once the regulations are relaxed.” It was Zahn’s first trip to Cuba and there was a learning curve. For instance American credit cards cannot be used there, strictly cash which must be converted to the Cuban Peso – called the CUP – which involves an 18% surcharge. “I expected to see old, falling down buildings in Havana,” Zahn said. “And there were some of those but they were the exception, most of the old section of the city has been renovated.” But, he said, everything there is old. “The television set in my hotel room was
2015 LA POSADA BOAT PARADE REGISTRATION Sponsored by the La Posada Foundation
Please print legibly ‐ ALL of the following information is required
NAME___________________________________________________________________ ADDRESS________________________________________________________________ PHONE with area code_______________________ CELL_________________________ E MAIL ADDRESS________________________________________________________ POWER________ SAIL________ BOAT NAME_________________________________ BOAT DESCRIPTION______________________________________________________ STATE REGISTRATION #___________________________LENGTH_______________ NAME OF INSURANCE COMPANY_________________________________________ Additional requirements:
CAPTAINS OR A VESSEL REPRESENTATIVE MUST ATTEND THE CAPTAINS' MEETING DECEMBER 10, 2015 AT THE PADRE ISLAND YACHT CLUB AT 7 PM.
ALL VESSELS MUST MEET STATE & FEDERAL SAFETY REQUIREMENTS. ALL VESSELS MUST HAVE A WORKING VHF RADIO. CAPTAINS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE SAFE AND PRUDENT OPERATION OF THEIR VESSELS. ONLY ENGINE-POWERED VESSELS ARE ALLOWED TO PARTICIPATE. PARTICIPANTS ARE ASKED TO COMPLETE THE ENTIRE PARADE ROUTE FOR WHICH THEY ENTER.
Indicate Parade Area(s)/Dates in which you will participate: ______FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2015. GALLEON BAY/COMMODORES COVE Marshalling area at the entrance to Commodores Canal by 6:30 PM. Parade begins at 7 PM. ______SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2015. NORTH & SOUTH OF WHITECAP BLVD Marshalling area by the Caravel Drive boat ramp (north of Whitecap) by 5:30 PM. Parade begins at 6 PM. Instructions: Return this completed registration form Electronically to: Brent Rourk at brentrourk@yahoo.com or Brent Rourk 15606 Gypsy St. Corpus Christi TX 78418. Or deliver it to PADRE ISLAND MAIL PLUS, the PHARMACY at CVS or NORTH PADRE ISLAND ACE HARDWARE. You will receive a confirmation call after I receive your registration form.
Renovations in old Havana
2015 La Posada Parade Routes
What is being imported to Cuba currently is tourists; 3 million in 2014 and 3.5 million so far in 2015. The tourist economy is large enough that the state-controlled tourist industry is building 88,000 new hotel rooms and converting the Port of Havana into strictly a tourism port.
an eighteen-inch set circa 1950 and I’ll bet it weighed 150 pounds,” he said. “It’s going to take a while, but I think at some point in the future the Port of Corpus Christi can do business with Cuba.”
The centrally-controlled real estate industry uses money from renovated colonial-era buildings to renovate adjacent buildings and has created a vibrant tourist district in Old Havana. To handle the industrial cargo the government, with the help of Brazilian investors, expanded the port at the city of Mariel, which the Zahn and the port officials from Houston and Beaumont visited during their trip. “We are a natural trading partner for Cuba,” Zahn said.
Guns captured during the Bay of Pigs invasion
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CRAB BOIL Every Wed. Night
City Glass Recycling Event Scheduled Saturday, December 12th from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 event will take place Saturday, December 12th from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Padre Isles Property Owners Association, located at 14015 Fortuna Bay Drive, near Billish Park. Crews will set up in the parking lot. Glass is one of the few materials that can be recycled indefinitely without losing strength, purity or quality. During the recycling event, all colors of clean glass and any type of glass will be accepted from participating citizens. Citizens are asked to keep the colors of their glass separated for processing.
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.
Volunteer opportunities and community service hours are available for the event. Interested parties can register at www.cbvc. org. Volunteers should wear closed toe shoes, hats and sunscreen. The City of Corpus Christi Solid Waste Operations and the Clean City Committee will sponsor a glass recycling drop-off location. The
For more information contact Celina Pulcher at (361) 826-1655, (361) 765-1900, or via email at celina@cctexas.com.
BOOK YOUR CHRISTMAS PARTY OR SPECIAL EVENT Call Jessica at (585) 750-2292 or jcsalespro@gmail.com
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BBB offers advice for safe holiday traveling this season
Island Obituary
By Kelly Trevino, Regional Director, Better Business Bureau serving Central, Coastal, Southwest Texas and the Permian Basin • Research last minute ‘Tis the season to be merry and bright! travel deals. Bargains With Christmas only two weeks away, many on airfare or a hotel people are finalizing their holiday travel plans. may be tempting, but be Whether you are booking a last minute hotel cautious when booking on an unknown travel reservation, flight or gearing up for a road website or through an online advertisement. trip to visit relatives, Better Business Bureau Common travel-related complaints to BBB serving Central, Coastal, Southwest Texas and reported trouble with reservations, online the Permian Basin advises holiday travelers advertisements and incorrect charges. Be sure prepare for safe travels. you understand all anticipated charges to help According to the U.S. Department of you compare prices with confidence. Transportation, the holiday period between • Prepare for extra travel fees. Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day is among the busiest long-distance travel period of the year. • Baggage fees: Some airlines charge to check In fact, the American Automobile Association bags. If a bag check-in is free, bags weighing projects that 98.6 million Americans will over 50 pounds may cost you more. journey at least 50 miles from home during the • Pet fees: Most airlines accept pets if they holiday season. This travel forecast represents a are kenneled, but there is a charge of around 4 percent increase from last year. $100. If you want your pet in the cabin with If you plan on driving this winter, the National you, make a reservation. Typically, there is a Highway Traffic Safety Administration limit on how many animals can be in cabin on recommends getting your car serviced before a single flight. you hit the road, especially if you anticipate • Ticket changes: Plans can change, but keep traveling in inclement weather, like snow and in mind that your travel cost was determined ice. Visit your mechanic for a tune-up and have by your original departure and arrival times. your entire vehicle thoroughly checked. Changing your plans may cost you extra, especially during the holiday travel season. Before you hit the highway or tarmac
this holiday season, BBB recommends that you: • Check out the business first. Whether you’re looking for a trustworthy travel agency, hotel, resort or auto mechanic, check out a company’s BBB Business Review at bbb.org. • Create a vehicle safety kit. Holiday driving often includes the threat of dangerous winter weather. Prepare for bad weather by creating your own safety kit. Basics for the kit include blankets, a flashlight with extra batteries, a radio, a first aid kit, jumper cables, nonperishable foods like granola bars and nuts, bottled water, an ice scraper and warm gloves. Consider having your vehicle checked out by a professional before going on a long road trip.
December 10, 2015
Island Moon
• Hotel fees: Many hotel rooms may charge extra fees for room service and WiFi. Remember to read the fine print when booking a hotel, and save your receipts. For more consumer information, BBB Business Reviews or to file a complaint, visit your local Better Business Bureau online at bbb.org/central-texas. Kelly Trevino is the Regional Director for the Corpus Christi office of Better Business Bureau serving Central, Coastal, Southwest Texas and the Permian Basin. Kelly is available for media interviews and speaking engagements. You can reach her by phone: (361) 945-7352 or email: ktrevino@corpuschristi.bbb.org.
Katherine Reynolds
Dear Editor, I am very proud to be the daughter of Katherine (Kay) Reynolds (age 94), who passed away on November 26, 2015. She proudly served in the Naval Communication Intelligence sector of the United States WAVES during World War II, from 1944 – 1946, and was awarded a ribbon for Meritorious Conduct. She also worked at The Pentagon as a civil servant for various branches of the Armed Forces. She moved to Corpus Christi about 10 years ago and was a resident of Garden Estates. I, Karen Sharp, as her only surviving daughter will be holding a dedication of her service to the United States Armed Services and a celebration of her life. A memorial service for friends and family will be conducted by the VFW and Patriot Guard Riders and Pastor John Sievering at 10:00 am on December 30, 2015 at Central Christian Church, 6301 Weber Road (near Saratoga) Corpus Christi, TX, with a reception to follow at the church. I love her dearly. She will remain in the hearts and memories of many and deserves
so much respect and recognition for her patriotism and service to her country! Sincerely, Karen L. Sharp Daughter of Katherine Reynolds
SMA Builders Club Reads to SLC Kinders SMA and SLC Working Together By Brent Rourk The two Island schools, Seashore Learning Center (SLC) and Seashore Middle Academy (SMA), work together in numerous ways to support their students and last Friday they worked together again as member of the SMA Builders Club (an arm of the Kiwanis of North padre Island) traveled to SLC to read to one of the kindergarten classes. Normally, a kinder teacher can spend 15 to 20 minutes reading one book to her entire class, but with help from middle school students from the Builders Club, each kinder student received personal attention from a reader. Middle school students read up to 5 books to each of their students.
Moon Phases December 2015
Kinder students quickly warmed up to their ‘giant’ middle school students, enjoying the personal attention and their own interest-based selection of books.
An SLC kinder listened to a story about Panda Bears. Photos by Brent Rourk
Middle school students left SLC, sharing with each other how cute and wonderful their SLC student was, asked their sponsor when they could return to the kinder class to read again.
Tides of the Week Tides for Corpus Christi (Bob Hall Pier) December 10-16, 2015
Day
High /Low
Tide Time
Height in Feet
Sunrise Moon Time Sunset
Th
10
Low
7:42 AM
-0.2
7:08 AM Rise 6:15 AM
10
High
4:39 PM
1.7
5:35 PM Set 5:22 PM
F
11
Low
8:13 AM
-0.3
7:09 AM Rise 7:09 AM
11
High
5:14 PM
1.8
5:35 PM Set 6:11 PM
Sa
12
Low
8:46 AM
-0.4
7:10 AM Rise 8:02 AM
12
High
5:49 PM
1.8
5:35 PM Set 7:05 PM
Su
13
Low
9:22 AM
-0.4
7:10 AM Rise 8:54 AM
13
High
6:24 PM
1.8
5:36 PM Set 8:01 PM
M
14
Low
10:02 AM
-0.4
7:11 AM Rise 9:43 AM
14
High
6:57 PM
1.7
5:36 PM Set 9:00 PM
Tu
15
Low
10:45 AM
-0.2
7:12 AM Rise 10:29 AM
15
High
7:28 PM
1.6
5:36 PM Set 10:00 PM
W
16
Low
11:32 AM
-0.1
7:12 AM Rise 11:13 AM
16
High
7:56 PM
1.5
5:37 PM Set 11:01 PM
Moon Visible
2
0
Parker Burkett read to an an energetic kinder
An SMA student at right read to an engaged kinder
PACT Presents ‘Elf JR. The Musical’ Terrific Holiday Family Play
0
2
6
12
20
By Brent Rourk Scurrying around with purpose, about 40 children swept the stage and prepared for a rehearsal prior to their upcoming performance of ‘Elf JR. The Musical’ at the Port Aransas Community Theatre (PACT). The show will be performed at PACT on December 9, 10, 11, and 12 with all shows starting at 7:00 PM (no Sunday matinee.) The show is comprised of students from Port Aransas Independent School District and is directed by long-time local actor and director Ken Yarbrough. It is a very entertaining play that all children will love to see, following the adventures of Elf while offering song and some surprises along the way.
Elf and the cast sing one of many songs Photos by Brent Rourk
Director Yarbrough stated, “It is the best way to see this musical without going to Broadway. It also teaches you something about life.” Actress Madi Sheffield commented, “I like Elf JR. because the cast is full of amazing kids. People should see it because the songs are fun and high energy.” Great family fun and a few pleasant surprises are in store for those who see ‘Elf Jr. The Musical’
The large cast shivers as snow falls on the stage
28th Annual Port Aransas Tour of Homes The Port Aransas Garden Club will host its 28th annual Port Aransas Tour of Homes on Mustang Island Saturday January 30, 2016. The tour originates from the Port Aransas Community Center at 408 N. Alister Street Port Aransas. This year’s tour features a diverse collection of nine homes as Port Aransas continues to grow in varied directions. From gated communities to architecture forward homes to beach properties to cottages to condos you will visit homes showing off island living at its best with remodeled and new construction exemplifying life at the beach Morning bus tours will be available for $25.00 per/person at 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM. There will be five homes on the bus tour. Your bus ticket also permits you to view those homes not included in the morning tour during the afternoon self-guided tours. Self-guided tours are offered between 1:00 PM and 5:00 PM. The
self-guided ticket is $20.00 p/p and tour maps will be provided at the Community Center for all tours. Bus tours and self-guided tickets can be purchased at Susan Castor Collection, 1908 Hwy 361 and Gratitude, 316 N. Station Street after December 15. Tickets can be purchased via our website www.PortAransasGardenClub. org using PayPal or on tour day at the Port Aransas Community Center. Bus tour tickets are limited to 90 per each tour, self-guided are unlimited. For ticket and other information call the PAGC ticket hotline 361-945-7306 or email portagardenclub@hotmail.com. Follow us at our website www.PortAransasGardenClub.org and our Facebook page Port Aransas Home Tour and our blog portaransasgardenclubhometour. blogspot.com. Tickets, refreshments, raffle and silent auction items will be available at the Community Center during tour hours with doors opening at 8:30 AM.
December 10, 2015
A7
Island Moon
Backwater Adventures
On the Rocks
Now We Are in Winter Mode!
By Joey Farah
Where - o - where did 2015 go?!! I can’t believe that I’m already behind on getting Christmas gifts. The mail running slow coupled with my procrastination should result in folks getting their Christmas gifts sometime after the weather breaks and Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow again. Sorry in advance folks. I’ll work on getting them out here in the next week or so. To those of you that were holding your breath that I would actually start doing Christmas cards this year; don’t bother. Go ahead and exhale, I’ll try again next year maybe probably not don’t think so.
Farah’s Fishing Adventures Call me Ishmael. My new fishing partner Gary set out today over a mirrored surface. We weren't looking for monster trout, or even massive stringers. We stopped along the ICW just south of the housing developments, where we watched groups of gulls sitting on the water and dolphins rolling in the channel. We could see a slight flow of current moving out to sea, against the powdery soft south wind. We hung the boat a few times along the mouths of the guts leading into Night Hawk Bay, and had a fish hit our lure on almost every cast. We could see larger fish rolling in the shallows surely feeling those same warm rays of sun we kept looking into. This week the warm up has allowed the fish to feed heavily and bask in the good times. As we look ahead there is inevitably the next cold front just around the corner. We took the day to make a long run from the JFK to Baffin checking all those winter feeding zones we talked about last week. We caught fish in every one of the ten places we cast our lines. These zones again, are deep areas with a combination of deep water with soft bottoms, rock and grass structure, and shallow water where the sun will warm the flats. In the months to come target the temperate movements of game fish in and out of the deepest holes in the bay. When it is warm and pleasant the best action has been in water depths over 4ft. concentrate on the transition zones between grass and deep open bottoms. Don't waste your time fishing in ultra-clear water when the sun is bright. We have been throwing soft plastics in white and natural color patters. A heavier jig head has made it easier to keep the bait down in the strike zone close to the bottom and make long casts as well. Most of the time the best lure presentation has been a soft fall to the bottom with a brisk jumping off of the bottom. The areas along the King Ranch are still full of trout and good ones too if you’re there during the major feeding times. Look for the best fish to come to hand during overcast conditions. The biggest trout have been caught by anglers not looking for numbers but wading the shallows that are a bit off color down in Baffin Bay. This is where the slower presentation of light weight soft plastics and suspending baits is tops. The DOA BAIT BUSTER SHALLOW WATER MULLET is my favorite. Compared to the famous CORKY lure it is much more user friendly, tons more consistent, and doesn't get caught on rocks and bottom grass. As we move forward into the cold, get out just after the fronts to catch fish gorging before the water temperatures fall as well as their metabolism. The channels in the Boat Hole and the sides of the ICW will serve you well this month. Christmas is upon us and many of us struggle in package panic! What do you get that person who has everything? Well let me throw a few ideas at you and send you out into the madness.
By Jay Gardner
Don't fall asleep on the beach with the tide coming in! There is more STUFF squeezed in that building than you can imagine. The coolest clothes around and stocking stuffers, wallets, earphones, cameras, go-pros, shoes, flip flops, surfboards, ALL SKATEBOARD ACCESSORIES, paddle boards, kayaks, hammocks and just about everything you could ever need to have fun on or around Padre Island. Check out the AWSOME parachute hammock, it is wrapped up in a sock that can fit in your purse, but opens big enough to lay two people in. Great for inbetween two cars at the beach or the back deck. The freshwater shower thing is just genius! You hook the water hose to it and it builds up water and pressure, then disconnect and take it to the beach, fishing, ski canals anywhere. It will keep pressure for over a week! Cool stuff… just stop bye and graze. As always you can treat your friends and family to a day on the water with me and let them have a good time building memories and learn more about this great place we are all so blessed to be a part of. Carry your Christmas spirit and get out on the water and GET WET!
Logan From WIND AND WAVE, this is how he washes down the rental fleet when Frank is gone!
Part of being a happy, healthy size is working out. We don't need to pump iron every day and for many that's not the environment you want to be in either. Our ISLAND FITNESS here on the Island is a family business that just makes you feel comfortable when you walk in. A membership is less than a dinner date and can bring both fun and some attraction to couples going in for a light workout or even a free yoga or fitness class. Doors are open to members from 5am-11pm so it's easy to grab just one hour for yourself, a good positive selfish time that we all need to get back to ourselves. Coming over the bridge makes you forget about everything bad, pull in and grab a membership for your better half. My dear friend Joy Zamora has been a massage therapist for over 20 yrs. now and a local Island resident most of her life. I don't know a more positive loving person, and that energy flows through her and cleanses your body. She can come to your home and build a personal relationship with you and your spouse. Call her up and get a gift certificate for a well deserving loved one. 361-658-7338. The tackle and most importantly the advice you will find up at Marker 37 will make shopping for your outdoor enthusiast an easy task. Those WATERLOO RODS WILL MAKE ANY FISHERMAN GET EXCITED! They have full wading gear and some really cool apparel that can be perfect small gifts for the fisherman in your family. Take one walk in our best real SURF SHOP, WIND AND WAVE WATER SPORTS. Frank and Nathan Floyd have had the shop for over 30 yrs. and have been watermen all their lives.
Its no secret that the dink trout are stacked up on the king ranch shoreline with a few drum mixed in. We’ve been lucky enough to be able to get out and enjoy being on the water lately, and Augs got a drum the other day that pulled a shamu (lept out of the water in an acrobatic fashion – strange for a drum) In addition, It’s really kind of weird that there’s been so many people on the water every time we go as well; doesn’t anyone deer hunt during the winter anymore? Lol. This beautiful indian summer we’re enjoying appears to extend into next week, and even then it doesn’t look that bad (so far). My only complaint is that the weeds in the back 40 are still growing, and I’m having to use my precious weekends during daylight hours to work on the lawn. Things could be much worse I guess, so I’ll enjoy the weather as long as it holds out. Theres been some really cool birds around, including a bumper crop of butterbutts (yellow rumped warblers). Speaking of birds, I was bombing around in Port A the other day for a meeting, and drove around town to check a few things out. Construction is still rolling down hill fast, not only on the section of hwy 361 from access road 1 to Beach street (Ave G), but also on businesses along that stretch and some housing going up along Port street. The latter what was really shocked me, as clearing for that particular parcel of land included the “back” of Paradise Pond. Yes, the rumors are true if you haven’t been out there, it looks like the place was gutted. While some of the trees were indeed Brazilian pepper which needed to go, some of them were not and just got wiped out too. Obviously, the trees were in the right-of-way, and weren’t actually ON the Paradise Pond property, but we had all gotten used to them for years. Hopefully the developers of the adjacent property will be amenable to work with regarding the future of the green space between the subdivision and Paradise Pond. As we do enter the holiday season, please remember those that are less fortunate than others. Small things that some people take for granted would make a world of difference in other people’s lives. Everyone is struggling with their own battles, true, but a little giving can make a difference. It doesn’t have to be anything extravagant or life-changing; you
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can get more “thanks” with a small gift card to the grocery store, or a simple small token of gratitude. Above all, doesn’t have to be money or some trinket; it could be a nice word or two. Some folks are battling very real depression, especially at this time of year. Sometimes the smallest gesture is enough to get people through. One of the hardest parts is when it’s a friend that needs or could use help. Friends and acquaintances will sometimes silently suffer, too ashamed to ask for help or accept what they might see as undeserved charity, or they’re suffering from depression. When you see this occurring, it’s really hard not to charge in and make a scene about it. Patience is a virtue, and anonymous gifts or just a card carefully placed or delivered can actually make more of a difference in someone’s life, without straining relationship boundaries. Sorry for the clandestine “parables” folks, but some of you know what I mean and can see an example in your own lives. Giving shouldn’t always result in a “thank you” or a gold star with your name on displayed somewhere. Sometimes you do it quietly, with no expectations of accolades, because it’s the right thing to do, and the right way to go about it. I challenge y’all to do so, and drop me a line about it at tarponchaser@ mail.com See yall on the rocks.
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December 10, 2015
Island Moon
SPORTS Sports Talk
College Football's Playoff Format Is Broken. Here's How To Fix It
By Dotson Lewis
Special to the Island Moon Dotson’s Note: Back in 1981 Bill Morgan, who at the time was the Southwest Conference Sports Information Director, and I developed an eight and a sixteen team NCAA Football Playoff plan. At that time no one wanted to even look at it. Now after 34 years, the eight team plan which we developed is laid out below. Bill & I wish to thank sportswriter Beau Dure, for his update of the plan and his support. The College Football Playoff Selection Day has come and gone and the process remains imperfect. A sensible fix is as obvious as it is inevitable. As a rule, college football folks don’t like math. Through the supposed Dark Ages of the Bowl Championship Series era, the “punditocracy” of ex-jocks griped that college football’s national championship was being decided by computers. Even after the formula was tweaked to reduce the influence of statisticians and put decisions back in the hands of humans who might have seen half the teams they were judging, sports talk shows blathered about math as if they were middle-school bullies out to beat up the mathletes. So let’s make this very simple argument to explain why the current football playoff is inadequate: Five is a larger number than four. Try it on your fingers, college football pundits … one, two, three, four … five. See? It’s one larger. Five is the number of big-time college football conferences – the so-called ‘Power Five’ of the ACC, Big 12, Big Ten, Pac-12 and SEC. Four is the number of slots in the college football playoff as it stands now. That means a major conference champion will be omitted. If independent Notre Dame – or, heaven forbid someone from the sort-of big-time ‘Group of Five’ conferences – goes unbeaten or otherwise impresses the committee, a second conference champion is out. Even in this relatively simple year for the playoffs, in which the four contestants were obvious there are still some teams that many feel should have a shot at the championship and seven will make for a much more interesting scenario and will for sure make the NCCA Championship Game a much bigger happening than the NFL Super Bowl. Any suggestions for the name of that game? We can’t wash our hands of subjectivity. Other college sports tournaments, including the March Madness brackets that make us all flush our money away in office pools, force selection committees to compare and contrast teams from all over the country. College football folks’ beloved ‘eye test’ will still be a factor. What we can do is add some objective criteria without resorting to the math that so befuddles the jockocracy. Start by doubling the number of teams in the tournament. Eight teams. Three rounds. If the FCS (formerly Division I-AA) can play five rounds, the FBS can play three.
To fill those eight spots, take: 1. The five ‘Power Five’ conference champions. Yes, that means you might get a team that isn’t all that good – you’d have to take Florida, USC or North Carolina if one of those teams wins. But that team will have to earn its way in, and it will either provide a nice tune-up for a higher-seeded foe or go on a classic unexpected postseason run that we love so much in basketball. 2. Any remaining unbeaten team, no matter the conference. Quit penalizing ‘Group of Five’ schools for their supposedly easy schedules. The ‘Power Five’ bigwigs are loathe to risk their rankings by scheduling away games against the proletariat.
3. If no ‘Group of Five’ school is unbeaten, take the subjectively chosen conference champion from that Group. 4. Fill out the bracket with wild cards. Last year, the tournament would have included the four conference champions that were actually chosen – Alabama, Florida State, Ohio State and Oregon. Add the Big 12 champion (either Baylor or TCU). Add the highest-ranked Group of Five team (Boise State). That leaves space for two wild cards – the other Big 12 team (Baylor or TCU, whichever isn’t already in), then either Mississippi State or Michigan State. This year, the four most deserving teams did make it into the tournament. So would a couple of teams that stumbled early but are playing like potential champions late in the year. The dilemma posed by ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit between choosing the most deserving teams verses the best teams would go away. You’d get the five-to-six most deserving teams and the five-to-six best teams.
It appeared several children were frightened and needed encouragement or company of their parents to make the visit and photo shoot work.
Toys and Wish Lists Large, black plastic bags filled of toys were carried outside where they will eventually find a place under Christmas Trees of less fortunate children. As quickly as it began, it ended. Dashing off, Santa bellowed ‘Merry Christmas to All’ and 100 children happily left, convinced that their Christmas wishes will come true.
By Andy Purvis Special to the Island Moon American actor Humphrey Bogart once said, “A hot dog at the ballpark is better than steak at the Ritz.” Bogart, a preeminent motion picture tough guy and a top box office attraction during the 1940’s and 1950’s, loved baseball and understood that a hot dog at the park tasted much better than at home.
Cole slaw on top of your hot dog.
Numerically confused
In the 1850’s, terrible tasting food and overpriced drinks could be found at every baseball park in America. Harry M. Stevens, a British-born caterer from Derby, England, would turn concessions into an empire. Stevens was born in 1856 and immigrated to Niles, Ohio, in the 1880’s. He became obsessed with the game of baseball. Harry began designing and selling the sport’s first scorecards at
Have you ever noticed that when you buy hot dogs at the store they come ten to a package, yet a pack of buns only comes in eight? Who decided that? The number of hot dogs consumed in baseball parks between Memorial Day and Labor Day is estimated at 21.4 million. In 2014, 63% of baseball fans voted the hot dog as their favorite fan food at the ballpark, with peanuts coming in second at 18%, followed by pizza, cotton candy, and finally, cracker jacks. Babe Ruth was once voted the most likely to win a hot-dog-eating contest among current and former players, and legend has it that Ruth ate twelve hot dogs and drank eight sodas during an afternoon doubleheader.
the games, while quoting Lord Byron and Shakespeare to draw attention. Since the game of baseball was still years away from placing the players’ names on the back of their jerseys (1960-Chicago White Sox), Stevens also coined the phrase, “You can’t tell the players without a scorecard.” This scorecard design is still used today.
To end this piece on a light-hearted note, Pittsburgh Pirates’ first baseman, Dick “Hands of Stone” Stuart, received his nickname because of his terrible fielding skills. The only thing that kept him in the game was the power from his bat. “One night in Pittsburgh,” said Stuart, “Thirtythousand fans gave me a standing ovation when I caught a hot dog wrapper on the fly.”
Origin of the park dog
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.
Can’t tell the players without al score card
We might even see better scheduling in college football. Teams will have less reason to shy away from tricky non-conference matchups, secure in the knowledge that they can win their way into the postseason through their own conferences. An eight-team bracket will likely include a few teams with one or two losses, switching the focus for a wild-card team to the quality of its wins rather than the disgrace of their losses. College football progresses slowly. Like democracy as a system of government, the BCS was the worst way to decide a championship – except all the others that preceded it. The old system gave us national champions like the 1984 Brigham Young team that never played anyone of substance. Or the 1990 Colorado team that had a win, a tie, and two gifts from officials – the “fifth down” game and a clipping penalty that negated Notre Dame’s winning touchdown in the Orange Bowl. The BCS was a step in the right direction. So is the four-team playoff. And there’s momentum to take it to eight. It is being said that the bracket will expand to eight as soon as the champion of the mighty SEC doesn’t make it. College football doesn’t need to go much farther. No one wants to see a 24-team bracket, with Number 24 Utah playing Number 9 Florida State for the right to face the top seed. The college football regular season still counts for something. Just one more step – from four to eight – would give every team a chance to make its case within that regular season. Win your conference. Get a second chance if you’re really that good. And college football’s number-challenged pundits can still count the number of teams on both hands. Dotson’s Other Note: My choice for this year’s other four would be Stanford, Notre Dame, Florida State and Houston. I am sure you can figure the seeding. When the original of the forgoing article was written there was no NCAA play-off systems in place. Each year after all of the Bowl Games had been played different wire services and sports writers’ organizations named their own National Champion. As near as I can tell, very few are happy with the current four team play-off system. 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
Santa continued from A1 more in love with the concept of Santa than seeing the red clad, chubby, white bearded legend in person.
Hot Dogs
Island children were leaning towards receiving a variety of action figures, dolls, and LEGOS this year. Only a few children wished for a cell phone or X-Box as in previous years. A few of the other Christmas present requests included a puppy, a ‘surprise’, a hoverboard, a fishing pole (to fish with dad), a bow and arrow (from Audrey), and $100. Santa reviewed the list while nodding affirmatively, From all indications it appears that the Santa’s busy North Pole crew will be able to fulfill all requests (except for the C note.) A Special thank you to the Kiwanis Club of Padre Island for sponsoring this event and for using their influence to draw Santa to the Island.
In 1901, Stevens secured contracts to supply refreshments at several Major League baseball parks all across the country. Stevens also began selling hard-boiled eggs, ham sandwiches, slices of pie and ice cream, with great success, in ballparks from New York to Ohio. One cold April afternoon at the Pologrounds in New York, when his ice cream sales were slow, Stevens sent his guys out to purchase some links of German dachshund sausages. He placed the links in a long bread roll so fans could hold and eat the sausage. Harry and his employees filled the air of the ballpark with “Get your Red Hots.” According to legend, a cartoonist, recording the event, was said to have been unsure of how to spell dachshund, so he wrote hot dogs instead. For the cost of a nickel, Harry Stevens had introduced the hot dog to the game of baseball. The rest is history.
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Food has become as much a part of the ballpark experience as the seventh-inning stretch and it doesn’t matter whether the home team is winning or losing. The hot dog as we know it today became his greatest contribution to the game and lined his pockets with wealth. Now you can ask and receive all kinds of condiments to compliment your hot dog. Most fans enjoy cheese or chili. Mustard, ketchup and onions are a must for most, along with sauerkraut or pickle relish. And if you’re in the Deep South don’t be surprised if you’re offered
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This family has visited Santa for several years
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December 10, 2015
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This year’s Holiday Home tour on North Padre Island was held Sunday, December 6th featuring six Island homes. The tour which is put on by members of the Padre Island Enrichment club raised over sixteen hundred dollars for their scholarship fund. P.I.E. president Katherine Pierce says she expects next year to be even larger with eight Island homeowners already signed up. Photos by Katherine Pierce.
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December 10, 2015