February 19, 2015
A 11
Island Moon
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A 12
February 19, 2015
Island Moon
Unclaimed Property
STATE
By Todd Hunter, District 32
Texas is currently holding about $3.4 billion in cash and other valuables waiting for their rightful owners to claim. The Texas Comptroller estimates that one in four residents of the State of Texas have unclaimed property. Examples of unclaimed property include dividend, payroll or cashier’s checks; stocks, bonds and mutual fund accounts; utility deposits and other refunds; insurance proceeds; mineral interest or royalty payments; dormant bank accounts; and abandoned safe deposit box contents. The Texas Comptroller’s office receives unclaimed property as required by law from financial institutions, businesses, and government entities that are holding personal property which is considered abandoned or unclaimed. The unclaimed or abandoned property is turned over to the Comptroller’s office when the property owners’ whereabouts are unknown and the property has been inactive on the books of the reporting company after the necessary abandonment period has expired. It is important to know that the Comptroller’s office acts only as a custodian of the unclaimed property, and holds the property in a trust until such time as it can be claimed. Texas does not take legal ownership of the unclaimed property, so there is no time limit for filing a claim. Over the past several years, the Texas Comptroller has travelled around the state to bring public attention to the billions in unclaimed property being held by the State of Texas. In 2014 the Comptroller’s office returned over $200 million in unclaimed property. This is important because since the unclaimed property program began, the Comptroller’s office returned over $1 billion worth of unclaimed property. The average individual claim that is paid out is around $1,000 and the single largest claim was made in 1996 at $4.3 million. In order to make the process of claiming your property easier, the Comptroller’s office has outlined a number of recent features on their website to help enable the process. The Comptroller is regularly updated with new property that has been received by their office.
To find out if you are one of these Texas residents with unclaimed property, I strongly recommend that you check the unclaimed property list by visiting Texas Unclaimed Property at https://mycpa.cpa.state.tx.us/up/ Search.jsp or by calling 1-800-654-FIND (3463). 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 the House floor, 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/. The Texas Governor’s official website can be found at http://governor. 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.state.tx.us/, while the Texas Railroad Commission’s website is located at http://www. rrc.state.tx.us/. As a reminder, the 84th Texas Legislative session began on January 13th and is currently underway. As always, I want to hear your ideas and suggestion. Your ideas and information are important forms of feedback and I hope that you will not hesitate to contact my office. 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.
Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, AgriLife Research Approved for Drone-Based Plant Health Study
Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi and Texas A&M AgriLife Research have received the state’s first permit to use drones to conduct agricultural research at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center in Corpus Christi.
Research will begin soon in the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), sometimes called drones, that will help growers improve crop quality and yields while reducing production costs, savings that could be passed on to consumers. “This represents another excellent opportunity for us to continue conducting cutting-edge agricultural research,” said Dr. Juan Landivar, AgriLife Research’s Corpus Christi Center Director. “After submitting an application and undergoing an extensive review process by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), we were issued a permit to conduct research in flight operations for precision agriculture. This technology will eventually improve agriculture and could bring an entirely new drone-based, multi-million dollar industry to Texas.” Also involved in the research is the Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station, College Station. The first test flight of the UAV, a fixed-wing lightweight platform called a Sensefly eBee, will take flight within days, according to Dr. Michael Starek, Assistant Professor of Geographic Information Science and Geospatial Surveying Engineering at Texas A&M-Corpus Christi. A demonstration for the media will be planned in the next few months. “This technology has huge potential,” Starek said. “Such systems can be equipped with specialized cameras to precisely map where crops are stressed, assess moisture conditions, image 3-D plant structure, detect pest infiltration, and potentially determine early on where crops are diseased. Compared to traditional aircraft or satellites, UAVs provide the capability to scout crops at a fraction of the cost and at spatial and temporal scales previously unattainable.” Current FAA regulations prohibit flying unmanned aircraft systems for commercial purposes. A few companies have received waivers or permits. The permit that A&MCorpus Christi and AgriLife Research received is specific to their role as a state agencies, and does not pertain commercial uses. The FAA is currently working to establish guidelines for safe integration of unmanned aircraft into the national airspace. The technology for growers is already here, Starek said. But challenges still remain in how to effectively operate these systems and process data that is easily useable for the end users. “I see small-scale UAVs becoming an integral tool for growers, big and small, enabling them to target their needs to better manage crops” said Starek. “It’s relatively inexpensive, capable, and a technology that is rapidly evolving. Eventually these platforms will perform all kinds of applications beyond crop scouting, such as precisely watering or distributing insecticide. The possibilities and potential are impressive.” Starek said the current flight permit has very strict guidelines about how, when, and where the fixed-wing UAV can be used. Initial
operations will include conducting baseline surveys of crop fields at the AgriLife Research and Extension Center in Corpus Christi. Texas A&M-Corpus Christi and AgriLife Research are in the process of applying for another agricultural UAV permit. “A second permit would use a roto-copter that operates more like a helicopter to hover and focus in on a particular problem in a field,” Starek said.
Texas Lawmaker Introduces Bill to Ban Trade of Shark Fins
A Brownsville lawmaker has introduced a bill that would prohibit the sale, trade, purchase and transportation of shark fins in the state. H.B 1579 introduced by Rep. Eddie Lucio III (D-District 38), would ensure that Texas no longer participates in the trade in shark fins and would halt the state’s contribution to the global decline of shark species.
If passed, Texas would become the 10th state to crack down on the shark fin trade. Similar legislation has been enacted in California, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Massachusetts, Maryland, New York, Oregon and Washington, as well as in the three U.S. Pacific territories of Guam, American Samoa and the Northern Marianna Islands. “Sharks are the top predators in our waters and serve a vital purpose within that ecosystem,” said Rep. Lucio. “Shark-finning is an inhumane act banned on the Federal level, but we have to make sure Texas is not encouraging that illegal act by restricting what can be done with those fins.” Shark finning involves cutting off the fins of sharks, often when the shark is still alive. Sharks are then thrown back into the ocean, only to drown, starve or die a slow death. The fins are then sold to markets in China and Hong Kong, as well as in the United States, where they are used in shark fin soup, which is considered a delicacy. Some species of shark are on the brink of extinction due to the exploitative shark fin industry. Shark finning is illegal in U.S. waters. However, fins that are imported and sold in Texas can come from sharks harvested in unsustainable foreign fisheries or finned in the open ocean. The majority of the global shark fin trade goes through China and Hong Kong, which receive their supply of fins from at least 80 countries, most of which have lax and ineffective shark finning bans. In recent years, after other states have banned trade of the product, Texas has emerged as a trade hub for shark fins.
Katie Jarl, Texas state director for The HSUS, said: “With many coastal states already having eliminated the market for shark fins within their borders, it’s time for Texas to end its involvement in the highly destructive global shark fin trade. We are grateful for Rep. Lucio’s leadership on this important issue.” “Sharks are worth more swimming in our oceans than floating in our soup. Healthy marine ecosystems depend on healthy shark populations, but the global shark fin trade has decimated many species,” said Jacqueline Savitz, Oceana’s vice president for U.S. Oceans. “By allowing trade and possession, Texas is enabling this grisly and unsustainable practice to continue. Texas can be a leader on shark conservation by passing this bill which would diminish the role of the United States in this brutal practice.”
Facts about shark finning: • Since 2010, the shark fin trade in Texas has grown by 240 percent, partly due to bans passed in other states which have likely redirected fins to Texas. • Tens of millions of sharks are killed each year simply to supply the wasteful demand for shark fin soup. Shark populations cannot sustain current slaughter rates. • Sharks are apex predators whose survival affects all other marine species and our oceans’ ecosystems. • Unlike other fish species, sharks produce few pups, and thus many species are endangered and/or threatened due to the fin trade. • In 2011, President Obama signed the Shark Conservation Act, which closed critical loopholes to ban shark finning by requiring boats to land sharks with their fins still attached. Unfortunately, this does not prevent processed fins, including imported fins, from being traded in and out of the U.S., which is why state laws prohibiting sales are so crucial.
Abbot Lays Out Priorities in Address Governor Greg Abbott delivered his first State of the State address before a joint session of the Legislature Tuesday, highlighting issues he wants lawmakers to concentrate on for the session. He opened the door for legislation by naming five emergency issues. The Constitution precludes the House or Senate from passing legislation in the first sixty days of the session unless the Governor declares an issue an emergency. The issues that will now be open to both chambers are: early education, higher education research initiatives, border security, transportation funding and ethics reform. Abbott also presented his budget proposal at Tuesday’s speech. Though the Legislature will write the state budget for the next two years, the Governor’s proposed budget informs lawmakers where the executive office’s priorities lie. The Governor also wields some budget authority in the form of a veto pen, and Abbott cautioned legislators that he would reject any budget that doesn’t include property and franchise tax relief. His budget would split $4 billion in tax cuts evenly between franchise and property tax cuts. The proposed Senate budget would spend the same amount for tax cuts, but would prioritize $3 billion for property tax cuts and a billion dollars for franchise tax cuts. Many of the priorities laid out by Abbott already align with Senate legislative priorities. Abbott called for record levels of funding to increase the permanent DPS presence on the
border. The Senate Budget includes more than $800 million for that purpose. Lt. Governor Dan Patrick said last week that the Texas National Guard presence on the border should remain while DPS prepares to take over sole state responsibility for border security. Abbott announced Tuesday that he has ordered the Texas National Guard to do just that. Road and bridge funding in the Senate proposed budget also lines up with Abbott’s transportation priorities. Abbott’s budget would use funding from last year’s transportation ballot measure and would end diversions from the state highway funds to pay for other areas in the budget, two provisions which are included in the Senate budget proposal. Abbott also called for using a portion of the state motor vehicle sales tax to pay for transportation construction, which mirrors a bill filed last week by Jacksonville Senator Robert Nichols. While Abbott can ask for legislation, it is up to the Senate and House to make the Governor’s priorities a reality. By adding issues to his emergency agenda, Abbott does help bills begin moving through the legislative process. While other bills must wait until mid-March before coming up for votes in the Legislature, bills related to emergency issues can benefit from increased media exposure and legislative attendance. By getting out early, many of these bills can avoid the press that comes from the large amount of legislation that is typically considered at the end of the session.
Depending on the objective and the particular sensors on a drone, an entire field crop can be surveyed in less than 30 minutes, Landivar said. The data could then be plugged in to a “smart” tractor via a computer jump drive. The tractor would proceed through the field, responding to plants’ needs based on a data map showing the tractor where to apply herbicides, insecticides, water, growth hormone regulators or whatever the crop needs.
AT V O LT E N T I O UNT N EER S
“That’s precision agriculture,” he said. “It would apply only what’s needed where it’s needed. It will make for a higher-quality, higher-yielding crop, saving the grower time and money.” Landivar said UAVs could also eventually drastically reduce the amount of time a plant breeder spends in the field evaluating new varieties. “This technology could help in phenotyping, or evaluating the thousands of prodigy lines that now must be done by hand, plant by plant,” he said. “With the proper sensors on the platform, the UAV could do in very short order what normally can take up to several weeks, depending on the size of the study.” A new, technology-based industry for the state could result from the preliminary work now being done, he said. “In addition to aiding in the production of crops, other uses for this technology include the management of water, minerals, livestock, and wildlife,” Landivar said. Dr. Craig Nessler, AgriLife Research Director in College Station, said this new field of research fits well with the organization’s goals of agricultural research. “AgriLife Research has long been known for setting the scientific bar, which ultimately benefits the grower, consumer, and national food security,” he said. “With this sophisticated technology, our researchers will be able to advance their studies and solve agricultural issues in new ways.”
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2015 is here and that means the 2015 Billy Sandifer Big Shell Beach Cleanup is around the corner. This cleanup can not happen without the help of our volunteers and your help is needed again. S E E YO U T H E R E !
The Big Shell Beach Cleanup Saturday
February 28, 2015
8 am
Volunteers will meet at Malaquite Pavilion on Padre Island National Seashore. To reach Malaquite Pavilion just stay on (SPID) through Corpus Christi out onto North Padre Island where it becomes Park Road 22. Just keep driving till you come to the entry gate of PINS. Tell the attendant you are there to volunteer for the beach cleanup and you will not be charged admission. The second set of buildings is the Malaquite Pavilion and turn into the huge parking lot. It’s on the left side of Park Road 22. All volunteers will be back at the pavilion by 2 pm. Four wheel drive vehicles, trailers for hauling trash in and out of the work area, and working volunteers are needed. Walking volunteers (those arriving in two wheel drive vehicles) are welcome and will be afforded transportation to and from the work area. Those unable to pick up trash but having four wheel drive vehicles are most welcome to aid in hauling volunteers and trash. The event will not be rescheduled and will take place rain or shine.
Refreshments will be available in the work area and at Malaquite following the event. Long pants and sturdy foot wear recommended. Don’t pick up broken glass or flammable items. Report all hazardous items to your section leaders.
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February 19, 2015
Moon Crossword
This is the Daily Crossword Puzzle #7 for Feb 18, 2015 Across 1. Show up 5. Mexican house 9. Batman's sidekick 14. Orangutans 15. Exclude 16. Make disappear 17. Relevant 19. See eye to eye 20. Dollar bill 21. Cookstove 22. More rational 23. Farm worker 24. Lighting gas 26. Throbs 29. Auto type 31. "____ Clear Day..." (2 wds.) 34. Whirl 35. Hindered 37. More strange 39. Achieved 40. Car accessory 41. Like a fridge decoration 43. Sharp bark 44. "We ____ Family" 45. Glue 47. Most inferior 48. Cried 49. Gyrate 51. Revolt 54. Fall bloom 56. Sheep's cry 59. Flawless 60. Declaration 62. Take off 63. Lug 64. Divorce city 65. Came to a close 66. Widemouthed pitcher 67. Flower part
Find the solution at http://onlinecrosswords.net/85445
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 Social Club Since 2013 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. Down 1. Guitar device 2. Not shut 3. Simple 4. NY time zone 5. TV Host ____ O'Brien 6. Changes for the better 7. Vocalize 8. Sat in on 9. Thinker 10. Church instrument 11. Horse's home 12. Got it! (2 wds.) 13. At no time, poetically
42. Dance like Astaire 46. Manor 47. Electricity carrier 48. Manufacture cloth 50. Anchorman ____ Jennings 51. Stir up 52. Biblical garden 53. Rosary segment 55. Store away 56. Borscht ingredient 57. Green Gables girl 58. Potent particle 61. Married woman (abbr.)
18. Retirees' accts. 23. Singer ____ Reddy 25. Break bread 26. Scent 27. Fragrant wood 28. Bushy fence 30. Proclamation 31. Sequence 32. Armstrong and Diamond 33. Take as one's own 36. Synthetic fabric 38. Drove back 39. Dislike
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Padre Island Dog Owners Group (PI DOG). PI DOG March activity will be coffee & dog walk in Dowden Park Saturday, March 14. Meet at 9 am. Bring leash, water, poop bags, etc!
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© Web Sudoku 2015 www.websudoku.com
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Brain-Buster
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Evil Puzzle 9,389,216,283
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Padre Island Uke Club – NOW Meets Every Other Week from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Island Joe’s Coffee and Gallery located at 13919 SPID right here on The Island. This is your chance to learn to play the uke. More than 40 people attend most meetings so you’ll want to arrive early to get a good seat. A $3 per person donations covers the workshop and instruction book and loaner ukulele (if you need one) RSVP online or call Barber Joe Sexton at 361 500-8955.or email at PadreIslandUkeClub@gmail.com. You’ll be playing your first song in just 20 minutes.
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Padre Island Yacht Club – http://piyc.org Padre Island Yacht Club (PIYC) is a private club whose membership enjoys boating: small boat cruises to area restaurants, extended cruises to Palacios, TX. and South Padre; as well as numerous social events. The Membership hosts nearly 100 social events every year, including Happy Hour every Friday Night from 6:00 p.m. to 9 p.m.
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For more info, contact Lyn Edler lyn.edler@ gmail.com or Bev Hoffman bevhoffman@aol. com To join go to padreislanddogpark.com. lyn.edler@gmail.com
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The club will sponsor a beach bonfire on February 21st; a Sunday Funday at the Beach on March 1st; a brunch on March 22nd; an Island Pub Crawl and Party Bus on March 28th; $40 Donation per Person. All donations are tax deductible and benefit the Playground efforts at Billish Park. Go here to register: https:// squareup.com/market/IslandPlayground
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Hard Puzzle 9,161,095,071
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This is the go-to Social Club for the Island and general Corpus Christi Shenanigans. Find us on Facebook or email Jennifer Seymour at SeymourStyle@gmail.com.
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. Event details find us on Facebook or email Jennifer Seymour at SeymourStyle@gmail.com.
Knuckle-Cracker
Medium Puzzle 1,892,975,113
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Club News 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.
Crossword Solution on A17
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Island Moon
Free Printable Crossword Puzzle #7
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Send Letters to the editor to Editor@IslandMoon.com
PIYC is accepting new membership applications. Prospective members are invited to attend any Friday Night Happy Hour event. Contact Mr. Doug Seefeldt, Rear Commodore in charge of Memberships, dgjetmover@aol. com, to receive information about attending Happy Hour at PIYC. PIYC also maintains a marina with 26 boat slips, 14’ x 40’ with 30 amp service, and courtesy docks. Contact Mr. Barratt Sturtevant, PIYC Dock Master, bcsturtevant59@gmail. com, for any interest in the Marina. One must become a PIYC Member to rent a boat slip. PIYC also hosts the Annual La Posada Land (Golf Cart and Jeep) Parade, The North and South La Posada Boat Parades, and several related events whose mission is to gather toys and other donations for the US Marines “Toys for Tots” campaign.
come join us and see what we are all about. For more information contact Jacqueline Carlson at 361-331-8618 or jcarlson@jmcarchitecture. com. Rotary Club of Padre Island Corpus Christi – The Rotary Club of Padre Island is always looking for new members seeking to put “service above self”. If you are interested, please come join us and see what we are all about. The Padre Island Rotary usually meets every 1st thru 4th Tuesdays at noon at the Boathouse Bar and Grill (upstairs), 15241 Leeward Dr, Corpus Christi, TX 78418. On the fifth Tuesday of the month we will meet at 5:30pm for a Social Hour at The Barrel, 15201 SPID. For more information contact Jacqueline Carlson at 361-331-8618 or jcarlson@ jmcarchitecture.com. The Annual Rubber Duck Race is Coming Saturday April 4th! Tickets available at ISLAND ARCHITECTS (BEHIND MAIL AND MORE) or from any Rotarian. Call 361-331-8618 for tickets. Tickets are $5 to enter one duck in the race, $20 to enter five ducks in the race, and $100 to enter 30 ducks in the race. Proceeds benefit Rotary Community and International Service Projects. Don’t miss out on this fun event! Island Strategic Action Committee. Is a 14-member committee which meets (usually) 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 the Corpus Christi City Council on matters pertaining to The Island. The next scheduled meeting is at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 3 at Comfort Suites on Windward Drive. The public is invited to attend and public comment is welcome. 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. Cassandra Strom hosts a Creative Referral Network that meets every Friday at Boathouse Bar and Grill from 8:30 to 10:00 am. Association phone number is 361-949-9498. P.I.E. Padre Island Enrichment Club, Inc, P.I.E. strives to enrich the lives of Padre Island women through social activities and community involvement. Full membership luncheon meetings are held the second Friday of each month at the Holiday Inn. Members may also participant in special interest clubs (bunco, bridge, spades, books, etc) that meet throughout the month. For more information about PIE, please contact Katherine Pierce, President, at 361 960-0327 or Jaki Boyd 361 533-0854. Island United Padre Island 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. Contact Persons: President – Linda A Walsh lawalshva@yahoo.com 361445-7999. Meetings are open to the public. Parrot Heads of Port Aransas – Parrot Heads of Port Aransas is a not-for-profit 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. On February 12 6:30 pm, the monthly meeting will be held at Island Hotel on Highway 361. February 17 Mardi Gras Parade. Meet at LouAnn’s to decorate float at 2 pm 612 Lantana. Happy hour on February 26 has been moved to the new Ed’s Beachcomber bar on Highway 361. Thanks Fins Up!
KIWANIS Club of Padre Island. For more information contact Jerry Kaczmarek jer4angel@gmail.com. 734-751-1101. The Kiwanis meet at noon each Wednesday at MikelMays at Bob Hall Pier
POA - Padre Isles Owners Association. The POA Annual meeting is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 14, at the Seashore Learning Center Gym where board members for 2015 will be selected.
Rotary Club of Padre Island is always looking for new members seeking to put “service above self”. If you are interested, please come join us and see what we are all about. The club usually meets every 1st thru 4th Tuesdays at noon at the Boathouse Bar and Grill (upstairs), 15241 Leeward Dr, Corpus Christi, TX 78418. If you are interested, please
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.
St. Andrew’s Lenten Fish Fry February 20, 27, March 6, 13, 20 & 27 5PM - 7PM. Dine in or take out $8 per plate
Fried Fish, Fries, Cole Slaw, Green Beans, Coffee & Tea. Plus our famous Tartar Sauce. St Andrew’s Family Life Center. 14238 Encantada Ave., Corpus Christi (Padre Island) Tx. 78418. For More Information - Call the Parish Office. MondayFriday. 9AM - 4PM. 361-949-7193 or 210-379-2705. St. Andrews KOC. Council #11677
AA 6 14
February 19, 2015 February 6, 2014
Island Moon Island Moon
Letters to Riley
Port A Kiwanis Club ‘Beach Dash’ Island Dogs Approaching By Riley P. Dog
Free Programs Padre Island Stuff I Heardoffered on theatIsland National Seashore by Dale Rankin
Foundation, International Falls, Minnesota.
It was a good week • Birding Tour - 9:30 a.m. 2:30 My friends there will send them to me. Don’t Terrific Fund Raiser for we Island dogs. I Provides Fun Runs for All p.m. There are a lot Monday-Saturday of things happening and on our forget…hotdogs…International Falls. went to Stingrays up in Port Aransas where Sunday. Take Island this 9:30 week.a.m. Hereonly are on a few of them. Don’t send anything to the cats. Stoopid cats my friend Deb slipped me a good supply of Ages a 2-3 hour guided driving tour Dasmarinas speed humps pizza bones. There were a lot of
By Brent Rourkat a little square humans yelling thing on the wall with people all It is time again to getonout your running dressed alikeonce running around gear and are condition it. Humans funny. your legs and lungs in preparation for the annual Kiwanis Club Beach I got kicked out of two other Dash. This 11th annual Beach Dash features places that races wasincluding okay a 10k run, 5k several but separate because my humans left with run, 2 mile walk, and a kid’s dash. This fun me. Sometimes dogs get in and set of raceswe is geared sometimes don’t. to I racers can’t of all ages and abilities. figure it out. Thehumans race will be and heldtheonLittle February 21st at the My left me HoraceDog Caldwell Piernights in Port beginning Yappy home two in Aransas a at 8:00 AM row but we gotsharp. even. ICost peed of theentry in advance floor andforthe Dog$20 for the other is $15 theLittle kid’sYappy race and pooped the back We dogscost is $25 for all races. Race dayporch. registration got our ways. races. Awards will be given to the overall top female male in on addition to the top I tried toand blame theracers wet spot three in ratted 16 different the catfinishers but the cat me out.age divisions. Stoopid Cat!
around Padre Island to observe
Drivers onbirds Dasmarinas of Whitecap in theirnorth natural habitat.will five new humpsand are bird now in Online registration is available at notice www. thatBring yourspeed binoculars place. Congratulations to Dave Zeiler for his PortAransasBeachDash.com. Race registration guide (extras are available). persistenceSpace in getting done. packets can also be picked up on Friday, in itthe tour vehicle is
Beach sticker prices A move to raise the price of beach parking stickers from the current $12 has been underway for about a year but is getting nowhere fast. It will take agreement of the cities of Corpus Christi and Port Aransas, and Nueces County to do it and so far it doesn’t appear they are talking. Even after they agree it will take about a year to get the approval of the Texas General Land Office which must sign off on the deal.
February 20, 2015, 3-7 PM at Stingray’s limited; call 361-949-8069 for No police boat Taphouse & Grill, 401 Beach Street and or on reservations. Corpus Christi Floyd Simpson poked the final Saturday, February 21, 2015 (Race Day) at race • Beach Walk boat - 11:00 a.m. Island on hole in the hull of a police to patrol The City of Port Aransas sold about $900,000 start from 6:45am - 7:45am. Call Parks & canals Rec at when he told the Island Strategic Action Sunday, Tuesdays, Thursday, in stickers last year while Corpus Christi sold 361-749-4158 if you have questions. Committeeand (ISAC) this week thatalong he doesn’t Saturdays. Come on only about $700,000. That has led to some havefor the manpower staff it. It could happen The Beach Dash is a large annual fundraiser a leisurelyto45-60 minute walk with a ranger and in Port Programs be subject to change. For more grumbling A that may splitting the sticker sooner or later but as of now it will be later. He the Kiwanis Club of Port Aransas. In addition to learn about what makes Padre Islandrevenue National information, callfeet the Malaquite according to linear of beach Visitor Center at told the group that hesuch would prefer toand have a providing a series of fun races for the public, Seashore a special important place. by 361-949-8069. maintained each entity might need a review. police storefront on The Island and is currently funds earned from the races are earmarked for Bring a hat or other items appropriate for the Stay tuned. looking for a location and then will be looking children. The Kiwanis Club of Port Aransas weather. This light stroll suitable for has volunteers to help staff it. He saidishis goal for all ages. Island Dog Shelter been a leading source of scholarships foris to Port ultimately haveWalk an “Island Cop” whoonisWednesdays the • Plant - 11:00 a.m. and Aransas students for many years. main policeFridays. contact for citizens on The Island. The Island Moon Facebook page – Enjoy a stroll through rare coastal – has become prairie habitat and into learntheabout beautiful He also said the PD is looking use of thetheislandmoonnewspaper the Island bulletin board and by watching wildflowers and as plants that cameras tonative catch No Wake violators part of a cover much department-wide of the computer island. system upgrade that it everyday it has become apparent that the
I got to go back and see Dr. Christi again because I found another one of the pounds I lost. I think it might have been the Club of Port Aransas presents the pizza Kiwanis bones. Or it could have been the stuff I found when I went trash diving in the office last week. Boy did I get in trouble for that. But I scored a piece of an old hamburger that made my10K Run, 5K Run, 2 Mile Walk, Kids' Dash stomach feel funny. www.PortAransasBeachDash.com
Beach Dash
should be in place by the end of the year.
Where Guys Go For Haircuts!
number of abandoned dogs on The Island is
up steadily and quickly. Some are being • Deck Talk - 1:00 p.m. on Sundays, going Mondays, abandoned Code enforcement Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. Join a by puppy farms when they become tootalk old on to sell and others, sadly, just simply ranger anFebruary informal 30-45 has minute Simpson also saidfor as of 1 CCPD because people don’t want them anymore and various aspects of the island’s natural & cultural taken over code enforcement. That means they know history, to learn itemsthat thatif they dump them on The Island we now can help police or dumping andabout other fascinating formerly won’t let them starve. Indeed a large number of been found on Padre Island’s non-policehave offenses and that trespassing is at the coastline.
11th Annual
good-hearted Islanders are taking the dogs in
top of the list.
• Birding Class - 1:00 p.m. on until Tuesdays they can find permanent homes. and Saturdays. Learn how to select But the we right Trespassing are reaching a tipping point where that binoculars and what birding terms really mean. system won’t work much longer. We need an And speaking of trespassing; the No Birding Class upwill of animal facility where volunteers can take care TrespassingThe signs that went on compare private several birding field two guides that of themand while they are looking for a home. property allthe over The Island weeks agoare areavailable, tips onoffinding good birding locations. now gone.provide The half-life a No Trespassing
I got to stop writing now my DATE: Saturday, February 21, 2015 START TIME: 8:00am SHARP nose is starting to throb from PLACE: Horace Caldwell Pier, Port Aransas COURSE: Out & back on beach. Map on website. hitting the space bar. Please send DISTANCE: 10K run, 5K run, 2-Mile walk*, Kids' Dash mePARKING: some hotdogs. Just putis them There are plenty of people who will/are helping Parking on beach free north of pier. Parking to south requires beach parking permit. sign hereabouts is aboutProgram the same- as a Cheeto in Wednesdays. in WATER: a box Stations with Not Hotdogs but they can only have so many dogs in their at halfway points and at finish of all events • Evening 7:00 p.m. on a flock of seagulls. on the outside and send them This is my nice human friend Deb. homes. Ifonwe had a place where could Enjoy a starlit, 45-60 minute program Right here on tthe he dogs island! Easy 4 Step Pre-registration: RACE DAY REGISTRATION: $25/ALL EVENTS to REGISTRATION: the Save Riley P. Dog$15/Kids' Dash, $20/All Other Events be kept there is no shortage of volunteers.
Barber Joe
various topics ATVs at the Malaquite Campground online appointment se6ng. #1-‐Go to my Amphitheater. In the case of inclementDeveloper weather, Paul Schexnailder has agreed to The ISAC this week recommended that some website: BarberJoeSexton.com, #2-‐Click this program willonbe Malaquite land near the water tower for a dog park. ATVs be allowed to remain the held beachatbutthe donate on bethe big yplace ellow Maybe that would a good for“Appointments” a No Kill Pavilion Auditorium. only if they are low speed. The question is how
PACKET PICKUP: Friday, February 20, 2015, 3-7 PM at Stingray’s Taphouse & Grill, 401 Beach Street. Saturday, February 21, 2015 (Race Day) at race start from 6:45am - 7:45am
shelter as well. buDon, #3-‐Click the cut you want and
to distinguish between a low-speed and aVisitor Center AWARDS 5K,10K and 2-Mile Walk (Winners in each division will be announced immediately following event). Overall • Junior Ranger - dailyATV during #4-‐Click any open slot in my schedule. male & female finishers will be presented with special awards. Additional awards to top three finishers in each of the following age high-speedhours ATV and it has now been forwarded of 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. This Something is a self- is going to have to be done and now groups will be presented: to the City paced Attorney’s office for a legal opinion. is the time to start what is the I’m thinking INSIDE tabout he yellow Alamo-‐looking program for individuals usually ranging 8 & Under 15-19 35-39 55-59 best thing to do. QUESTIONS? CALL Parks & Rec building a t 1 5037 P ark R d 22. Or call 9 & 10 20-24 40-44 60-64 fromFire ageshydrants 5-12, but anyone is welcome to 361-749-4158 11 & 12 25-29 45-49 65-69 ideas? participate. Upon completion of theAny booklet, 361-‐500-‐8955 a nd A recent test of Island fire hydrants found that 13 & 14 30-34 50-54 70+ participant awarded an leave a message. Kids' Dash (Ages 0-10): All finishers will receive a medal & will be entered into a drawing for cool beach prizes! 8% failed each inspection due toiscorrosion. Theofficial Junior Ranger badgeafter and acertificate, and is sworn in as NOTE: Kids' Dash will take place first, followed immediately by 10K, 5K & 2-Mile. Parents may check kids into a secure, fun area matter so became an issue storage facility Walk-‐ins OK. that they will be safely monitored while the parent(s) participate(s) in the 10K, 5K or 2-Mile. a National Park Service Junior Ranger. Program
Hal Linden, TV’s suffered severe damage over the summer “Barney Miller”, booklets pencils are because the nearest and fire hydrant was available unusable at the visitor center. due to corrosion. Brings Broadway The next check will be for water pressure after a local builder said he had to install a pump in Hits and Big Band a new building because the water pressure from the nearest hydrant was not sufficient to get Sound to the Island water to the second floor in case of a fire. So if you’re going to have a fire and don’t have University a pump make sure it starts on the first floor but
SORRY, NO REFUNDS OR EVENT CHANGES AFTER 2/20/2015
Under the Bridge Serving South Texas Seafood for Return entry form & check payable to Kiwanis Club: Beach Dash, P.O. Box 968, Port Aransas, TX Over 30 Years Last Name: ________________________ First Name: ____________________ Ml: ____ Open Daily 11:00 - 10:00
……………………………………………….Detach Here ……....................................................................
□10K □ 5K □ 2-MILE □ KIDS' DASH
78373
T-shirt Size: □ S □ M □ L □ XL □ Kid S □ Kid M □ Kid L
Traditional half-shell season is here!
Address: ________________________________City: ________________ State/Zip: ___________________ Email: ____________________________ Telephone: ___________________ Age: ________ Sex: □ M
Friday & Saturday Only From 5pm until gone $650 per dozen Daily lunch specials 11-2
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AlsoScoopy’s Veranda With Sweet Treats, Soups, Salads & Sandwiches
ENTRANT'S SIGNATURE: _______________________ PARENT/GUARDIAN: ______________________
Johnny D’s Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi’s ninth season of The Gloria and Robert R. Furgason Bravo! Series presents “An Evening with Hal Linden”, Tony and Emmy Award Winning Broadway and Film Star and TV’s “Barney Miller” on Friday, Feb. 14, at 7:30 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center.
remember, fire burns up.
WAIVER AND RELEASE: (Read carefully before signing) In consideration of acceptance of this entry, I, the undersigned, assume full and complete responsibility for any injury or accident which may occur during my participation in the Beach Dash, and I hereby release and hold harmless the officials, sponsors, volunteers, involved municipalities, other public entities, the Kiwanis Club of Port Aransas, Kiwanis International, its officers, their agents or employees, and do hereby waive for myself, my heirs, successors and assigns, any and all claims for damages for death, personal injury or property damage which I my have, or may hereafter accrue to me as a result of my participation in said event. Further, I hereby grant full permission to any and all of the foregoing to use my name, photographs, videotapes, motion picture recordings, or any other records of me participating in this event for any publicity and/or promotional purposes without obligation or liability to me. I also understand the my entry fee is non-refundable. This entry is not valid unless signed by the entrant. If entrant is under 18 years of age, parent or legal guardian must sign below.
All dogsRESTAURANT take notice!
ON THE ISLAND
Backed by a 7-piece former The Locals Meet Toband, EatLinden, andaDrink Jerky Treats toWhere Return, big band singer and instrumentalist with the Sammy Kaye Orchestra, will provide decades Day Veterinarians Provide Taking Reservations For Valentines worth of knowledge and talent and an entire concert filled with an assortment of poise, Advice entertainment and timeless big band, Broadway,
13313 S. Padre Island Drive Snoopy’s (361) 949-8815 3 Course Menu 29.95 The controversy surrounding jerky treats for and jazz standards. Corpus Christi, TX 78418 Scoopy’s (361) 949-7810 One Bite and You’re Hooked! pets has resumed following an announcement that two major pet treat manufacturers will soon return their products to stores’ shelves.
Per Person
Tickets are available for purchase online at tamucc.tix.com or by calling (361) 825-ARTS or stopping by the Performing Arts Center box office Monday-Friday between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. General reserved-seat tickets range from $26-$36; student tickets are $7 with a valid SandDollar ID.
Texan Early Dinner Specials Wednesday All you can EatThe treats in question had beenWinter voluntarily public were Shrimp 4 PM - Close recalled, though members of the Tuesday warned by the Food and Drug Administration Wednesday & Thursday a report that approximately 4,500 dogs Prime Rib Specials on through had reportedly gotten sick and nearly 600 dogs 4:30 -continued 6:30 Libations from A1 Thursday 5 PM until it runshad died, allegedly from consuming jerky treats. Traffic Passing lanes on “The Landing Strip” Amusements Ultimately, an identifying cause of the illnessesView Our Full Menu on Other improvements along the SH 361 corridor and deaths was never found. Some human foods 18 Holesout of
Great Seafood and Burgers
All-You-Can-Eat Minature Golf Fried Shrimp Wednesdays Seafood, Steaks, Salads, Burgers 13.95 One Bite
Prime Rib Thursdays & a Full Bar You’re & Open 11am - 2am $15.95 Open 11 am 2 am Kitchen Closes at 1am ked Kitchen Closes @ 1 am
2034 Hwy 2034 StateState Highway 361361
Hoo
361 749- Taco (8226) 361-749-TACO (8226)
www.letseat.at/johnnydsrestaurant between North Padre Island and Port Aransas,
are toxic to pets; onions, garlic, chocolate, raisins, grapes, macadamia nuts, the sugar substitute xylitol, and raw or undercooked food can create major problems for pets.
colloquially called The Landing Strip by locals, include $10.5 million, currently not funded, to add two “Super Passing Lanes” to State Highway 361 between the SPID intersection on North Padre and Port Aransas. The lanes will allow for faster moving vehicles to pass slower moving vehicles without having to cross into the lane of oncoming traffic, or forcing slower moving traffic onto the shoulder. The new 12foot lanes will be spaced periodically along the 18-mile stretch of road. No timetable has been set for the project.
Call (361) 949-2500 For Reservations 15605 SPID Corpus Christi North Padre Island TX
It is a temporary solution to allow easing of the increasingly busy roadway with a permanent solution of a five-lane roadway all along the area to be done at a later time. That permanent configuration will also include a center turn lane and will cost an estimated $48 million.
Ferry improvements
Serving: Padre Island, Flour Bluff, Port Aransas, Mustang Island and Rockport. 9 9 9 9 9 9
Landscape Design h Decks and Docks First Time Cleanups h Shade Structures/ Pergola Demolitions & Scraping h Outdoor Kitchens We install: Plants, Palms, Rock, h Boat Lifts Sod, Pavers and Outdoor Decor. h Fences & Gates Yard Maintenance h General D&D Repair Concrete Drives/Patio & Retaining Walls
We’re your full service outdoor solution! Give us a call today. Tim Arlitt - Decks & Docks Specialist 361.229.2530 Sami Wilson - Landscape Designer 361.949.2691
IslandLandscapingDecksAndDocks.com Quality & Insured.
Also in the plan is $4.2 million in available funding for upgrades in the ferry system in Port Aransas. The majority of the money will be used to upgrade and repair the ferry landings, with $30,000 to be used to automate the information systems informing approaching motorists of the wait time. The new system will include a Bluetooth application that will automatically update display signs placed along roadway leading to the landings every fifteen minutes and will also pay for additional signs. That work is expected to begin as early as this summer. Also in the plan but not currently funded is $6 million for new ferry landings since the current number of ferries exceeds the number of landings (5). Another $2.2 million, currently unfunded, is needed to the acquisition of and for more space for cars waiting to board the boats. The current ferry system has two 28-vehicle ferries and six 20-vehicle ferries. Up to seven ferries can operate at one time. The plan calls for $39 million for new ferries to supplement the fleet and replacing aging boats currently in use, and another $7.3 million to decrease wait time including the addition of 22 traffic control personnel.
February 19, 2015
Winter Texan Life
Senior Moments
By Frostbite Betty Our Winter Texan friend Bob hit the ground hard and suddenly this week (but not for long we hope!), and set us on a train of thought about vulnerability and mortality, kind of a buzz killer, tears-in-the-beers if you let it. “But we’re still hippies at heart, aren’t we, Bert?” I queried as we were bellied up to the secondof-the-night music bar. “Y’know, I wish I had gone to Marrakesh,” he admitted. “Me too,” I said. But I had plenty of small children and was busy back-to-the-land-ing with the goats and chickens, and the garden and all those canned tomatoes that meant that we were changing the world. It was a quest realizing itself. Living by the work of our soft, young, suburban-lifeconditioned hands. We believed. And then, just days ago, back in our comfy Port A condo, on the couch with the cable TV, in a “stance” not likely to change the world, we watched icon Willy Nelson reuniting with the 40 year anniversary of Austin City Limits. He started it. Wow, the classic musical heroes of
back in the day, when we weren’t in Morocco, but were humming ourselves right onto the the train, the Marrakesh express. I just pulled up the lyrics and the play button went on automatically in my head. Crosby, Stills, and Nash. So evocative and romantic,. Dang, is this nostalgia just one of those pieces of the human condition? You make it this far and don’t have the youthful drive that once was, but you sort of crave it, so you just hover on the memories? Well here’s where the restorative sparkly other Port A buddies come in, Winter Texans and locals and visitors. We have each other to dance it out with. Mardi Gras, music, let the good times keep rolling. Y’all go find that song on your iTunes, and see where your train of thought takes you. “Don’t you know we’re riding on the Marrakesh Express?” This is it. Port A is our Marrakesh.
2015 Winter Texan Round-Up
By Ronnie Narmour To all you Winter Texans out there, be sure to write us at ronnienarmour@gmail.com and tell us your stories. Where did yall come from, how long have you been coming here, how do you like to spend you time, what brought you here and be sure to send along some photos. We’ll run ‘em.
City of Port Aransas Parks and Recreation Department Pam Greene at 361-749-4158 or pamg@ cityofportaransas.org http://cityofportaransas.org/parks_and_ recreation.cfm Hobby Day- Register now to get a space at the annual Hobby Day by Port Aransas Parks and Recreation. It will be on Friday, Feb. 27, 1:30-4pm. Share with others just what you do in your spare time. Free to get a table and free admittance. No problem selling your wares if you made them. Don’t have anything to share, let those you know who do know about it. The event will be in the Community Center, 408 N. Alister St. Must register. To register or for more info, contact Pam Greene at 361-749-4158 or pamg@cityofportaransas.org. Mosaic Stepping Stone Class – a 2-day class held Wed, Feb. 25, 9:30am at the Girl Scout hut in Parks & Rec building, 739 W. Ave. A. Create guided by glass expert William Vickery. $100, supplies included. Coming in March: Beginner Copper Foil Stained Glass Class: $125 + supplies. An intense beginner class. Create an 11x14 panel and frame it in zinc came. 9:30am for three weeks. Class will be limited so sign up fast. Must register all classes with Community Program Coordinator Pam Greene at 361-7494158 or pamg@cityofportaransas.org. Dance Night - Thu, Feb. 26, bring your dancing shoes for Dance Night held this month at Community Center, 408 N. Alister St. All ages invited to learn new moves, listen to music, socialize and have a snack while getting exercise. 6:30 to 8:30 pm. Music provided by DJ Ken Yarbrough or live music. Come have fun and get some exercise. FREE! Catamaran Cruise- Got an interest in a catamaran cruise? If there is enough interest, Port Aransa Parks and Rec will book another trip. Enjoy sailing aboard the S/V Isla with Captain Tom Doran. Contact Community Program Coordinator Pam Greene at 749-4158 or pamg@cityofportaransas.org. Fee: $15 per person. Birding on the Boardwalk – Guided birding tour for anyone, novice to expert, every Wednesday at 9am. Local guide Nan Dietert will instruct at Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center at end of Ross Ave. FREE! Winter Walking Tours – Mission-Aransas Reserve partners with P&R for 1-hour, 2-mile nature walks. Meet at the covered picnic table in Nature Preserve at Charlie’s Pasture Phase II, south of Sharkey’s on Hwy. 361Tours are Thursdays at 5pm. Bring binoculars, camera & water. Wear walking shoes, sunscreen, mosquito spray & dress in layers. Pickleball - a paddle sport which combines elements of badminton, tennis & table tennis, now can be played at the Community Park Hockey Rink at 700 Clark Pkwy, off Ross Avenue. The rink now is marked off for the correct size, allowing three teams to play at a time. If you have equipment and know how to play, the rink may be used any time it is not in use. Know how to play but without equipment, check out equipment at Community Pool with a Driver’s License. FREE! Need instruction? Winter Texans will be at the rink playing from 9 a.m. to noon on Tuesdays & Thursdays through March 4, weather permitting. Island Fishing Workshop –Thursday, Feb. 26, 1:30pm – Port Aransas Boatman Charlie Zahn will speak on jetty fishing at the Community Center 408 N. Alister St. FREE! Beach Walk – Join guide Shirley Fischer on Port A’s beaches to hunt for shells and other treasures! [4th Friday of month] Meet on Fri, Feb. 27, at 9 am under purple pennant near Horace Caldwell Pier at end of Beach St. FREE! 2/11, Wednesday, 7:05pm, Not the Drive In Movie: Best Little Whorehouse in Texas. At PACT Theater. FREE! Concessions may be bought from PACT. 2/17, Tuesday, 2pm, We’re Having Fun: Mardi Gras Bead Wreaths. Supplies provided, at Girl Scout hut in Parks & Rec building, on corner of Ave. A & Cut Off Road. FREE! 2/18, Wednesday, 2pm, Pastime Matinee: “The Quiet Man” starring John Wayne, Maureen O’Hara & Barry Fitzgerald. ‘Sean Thornton has returned from America to reclaim his homestead and escape his past. Sean’s eye is caught by Mary Kate Danaher, a beautiful but poor maiden, and younger sister of illtempered “Red” Will Danaher. The riotous relationship that forms between Sean and Mary Kate, punctuated by Will’s pugnacious attempts to keep them apart, form the main plot, with Sean’s past as the dark undercurrent.’ At PACT Theater. FREE!
A 15
Island Moon
Port A Community Swimming Pool Winter Schedule 700 Clark Pkwy 361-7492416 THE POOL IS HEATED! Pool is closed Sundays and Mondays. Open Swim: Tue-Thu: 1-2pm, Fri-Sat: 1-5pm. Lap Swim Shared: TueThu: 8am-2pm, Fri: 8am-5pm; Sat: Noon-5pm. Water Exercise: Tue-Fri:8:30am, 9:30am & 12 noon. Deep Water Aerobics: Wed & Fri: 11am, involves aerobic exercising with belts to keep you afloat in the deep end of pool. Total Body Aquacize: Tue & Thu: 10:30am & Sat: noon, with AAAI Water Aerobics instructor Sally Jo Bartlett - total body workout to strengthen all major muscle groups. Mom & Tot Time: Tue – Fri: 10:30-11:30am Private, Semi-Private and Adult Swim Lessons available on request at pool office, 749-2416. Lifeguard Recertification Class: Bonney Maurer will recertify existing lifeguards at Girl Scout hut and pool. Call 361-749-2416 to register. Red Cross Certified lifeguard Class: Learn lifesaving skills to help keep people safe in, on and around water at a Red Cross certified lifeguard class. Four days, Sat-Sun, Feb 21-22 & 28 and Mar 1, from 9am to 5pm. Instruction will be at the Girl Scout Hut, 739 W. Ave. A, and at the Port Aransas Community Pool, 700 Clark Pkwy, off Ross Avenue. Cost is $175 for complete course with a 50% refund if hired by the city. Contact Bonney Maurer at (361) 7492416 to register.
Kiwanas Club of Port Aransas 11th Annual Beach Dash 10K Run, 5K Run, 2 Mile Walk, Kids Dash Saturday, February 21 at Horace Caldwell Pier in Port Aransas. Start time 8:00 AM sharp. Water stations at halfway point and at end of race. Preregistration $15 Kids Dash, $20 all other events. Race Day Registration $25 All Events. Packet Pick-up February 20, 3-7: Stingrays Tap House, 401 Beach Street and February 21 (Race Day) at Race Start 6:45- 7:45 AM. For any questions call Port A Parks & Rec (361) 749-4158.
Port Aransas Chamber of Commerce 403 W. Cotter, Port Aransas, TX (361)749-5919 International Crane Foundation Board Members to Attend Festival February 19-22, 2015, Port Aransas, Texas www.whoopingcranefestival.org or (800) 45-COAST Every February, Port Aransas showcases its rare and famous winter neighbors, the Whooping Cranes. The festival is open to avid or amateur birders, photographers, families, and anyone who loves the outdoors and naturerelated activities. The 19th Annual Whooping Crane Festival is February 19-22, 2015 in Port Aransas, Texas. Special guests at this year’s festival include board members and staff from the International Crane Foundation (ICF), which is holding its annual board meeting in Port Aransas to coincide with the festival. Forty-nine board members, their guests and staff from across the U.S. will be attending the festival. ICF works worldwide to conserve cranes and the wetland and grassland ecosystems on which they depend. “ICF has been an integral part of the Whooping Crane Festival for the past 19 years,” said Ann Bracher Vaughan, President and CEO of the Port Aransas Chamber of Commerce. “The chamber is delighted to host ICF’s Board of Directors and staff during this year’s festival, and we welcome them to ‘America’s Birdiest Small Coastal City!’” A special evening session open to all festival registrants will feature Dr. George Archibald, co-founder of ICF and internationally recognized as the world’s leading authority on cranes. Dr. Archibald and colleagues from ICF will discuss the life history of the Whooping Crane and conservation and recovery efforts for the species. Festival attendees will have the opportunity to take a guided boat tour to the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge to view the cranes on their wintering grounds. The four-day festival attracts hundreds of birding enthusiasts each year and features world-renowned speakers, birding experts, and bird and nature bus tours. Exhibits, a free nature-related trade show, and interactive workshops and seminars are ongoing throughout the festival. The festival is sponsored by Cheniere, Eagle Optics, HEB, Port Corpus Christi, and Swarovski Optik, as well as many local partners, and is proud to be a nature-related and educational festival which stands out as “one of a kind,” focusing on conservation and recovery of one of our most endangered species. For more information and registration visit: www.whoopingcranefestival.org.
Continued Next Page
The USS Liberty: A Failed Israeli False Flag Attack against the United States By Dotson Lewis, dlewis1@stx.rr.com Special to the Island Moon Dotson’s Note: My family and I were in Germany when this incident took place. It must have been kept very quiet, because I do not recall hearing about it at the time. Hopefully some of our Navy friends remember, or were involved in the action. If you do, or were, please contact me. Most experts and students of history believe that Israel killed U.S. Sailors and tried to sink their ship in an attempt to drag America into Israel’s war. On June 8, 1967, Israel attacked the American naval vessel USS Liberty in international waters, and tried to sink it. This occurred after checking the Liberty out for 8 hours and making 9 overflights with Israeli jets, within 200 feet, which was close enough for the pilots and the sunbathing Liberty sailors on deck to waive at each other. Yet the Israelis attacked it with Mirage fighter jets, torpedoes and napalm. The USS Liberty suffered 70% casualties, with 34 killed and 174 wounded.
(8) The only reason the Israelis did not successfully sink the Liberty and kill all of its crewmen was that one sailor duck-taped together antennae, and took many bullet wounds in the process, which enabled an emergency SOS to get out from the Liberty to American 6th Fleet. (9) The Israelis later claimed that they mistook the Liberty for an Egyptian vessel. But the Egyptian ship, the El Quseir, was an unarmed 1920s era horse carrier out of service in Alexandria, four times smaller than the Liberty, which bore virtually no resemblance to the Liberty. (10) President Lyndon Johnson believed the attack was intentional and he leaked his opinion to Newsweek. After the attack, other high level Americans said or wrote: U.S. Secretary of State Dean Rusk: “I was never satisfied with the Israeli explanation. Through diplomatic channels we refused to accept their explanations. I didn’t believe them
The Israeli attack spanned two hours … as long as the attack on Pearl Harbor. The air attack alone lasted approximately 25 minutes: consisting of more than 30 sorties by approximately 12 separate planes using napalm, cannon, and rockets which left 821 holes in the ship. The Israelis fired 30mm cannons and rockets into the boat. Following the attack by fighter jets, three Israeli motor torpedo boats torpedoed the ship, causing a 40 x 40 foot wide hole in her hull, and machine-gunning firefighters and stretcherbearers attempting to save their ship and crew. More than 3,000 machine-gun bullet holes were later counted on the Liberty’s hull. After the attack was thought to have ended, three life rafts were lowered into the water to rescue the most seriously wounded. The Israeli torpedo boats returned and machinegunned these life rafts at close range. This was followed by the approach of two large Israeli Army assault helicopters filled with armed commandos carrying what appeared to be explosive satchels (they departed after hovering over the ship for several minutes, making no attempt to communicate). The Israelis clearly knew it was an American ship, tried to sink it, and tried to frame the Egyptians for the attack, as shown by the following evidence: (1) The Liberty was flying a huge, brand new American flag. The flag was 5-by-8 feet. The weather conditions were ideal to ensure the flag’s easy observance and identification, because it was clear and sunny, with a windspeed which made for a constant rippling motion in the flag. After the flag was shot up by the jets, the Liberty’s crew replaced it with a giant 7-by-13 foot American flag, which flew during the entire duration of the attack. USS Liberty-Hull damaged by Israeli gunfire (2) The Liberty had a unique profile and didn’t look like any other boat, since it had more and bigger antennas – including large, high-tech dishes and giant towers – than any other boat in the world (it was an NSA spy ship). (3) The Liberty was marked with uniquely American numbering and colors in front. (4) The Israeli pilots shot out the Liberty’s communications equipment first, and specifically jammed the ship’s emergency radio signal, unique to American naval vessels in the 6th Fleet. The ships from other fleets and other nations used different frequencies, which the Israelis did not jam. (5) The Israelis used unmarked fighter jets and unmarked torpedo boats during the attack. (6) Recently-declassified radio transcripts between the Israeli attack forces and ground control show that, at least 3 times, an Israeli fighter jet pilot identified the craft as American, and asked whether ground control was sure he should attack. Ground control repeatedly said, yes, attack the vessel. (7) The Israeli torpedo boats methodically destroyed all of the Liberty’s life rafts one by one (which is a war crime).
then, and I don’t believe them to this day. The attack was outrageous.” In an affidavit: U.S. Navy Captain Ward Boston, the legal counsel for the official investigation into the Liberty attack: “The evidence was clear. Both Adm. Kidd and I believed with certainty that this attack was a deliberate effort to sink an American ship and murder its entire crew. Not only did the Israelis attack the ship with napalm, gunfire, and missiles, Israeli torpedo boats machine-gunned three lifeboats that had been launched in an attempt by the crew to save the most seriously wounded which was a war crime.” Admiral Thomas H. Moorer, Chief of Naval Operations and later Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff: “There is compelling evidence that Israel’s attack was a deliberate attempt to destroy an American ship and kill her entire crew.” C.I.A. Chief Richard Helms: “Israeli authorities subsequently apologized for the incident, but few in Washington could believe that the ship had not been identified as an American naval vessel. I have yet to understand why it was felt necessary to attack this ship or who ordered the attack.” George Ball, U.S. Undersecretary of State at the time: “Yet the ultimate lesson of the Liberty attack had far more effect on policy in Israel than in America. Israel’s leaders concluded that nothing they might do would offend the Americans to the point of reprisal. If America’s leaders did not have the courage to punish Israel for the blatant murder of American citizens, it seemed clear that their American friends would let them get away with almost anything.” Admiral Moorer chaired a non-governmental investigation into the attack on the USS Liberty in 2003. The committee, which included General of Marines Raymond G. Davis, Rear Admiral Merlin Staring, former Judge Advocate General of the Navy, and former U.S. ambassador to Saudi Arabia James E. Akins held Israel to be culpable and suggested several theories for Israel’s possible motives, including the desire to blame Egypt and bring the United States into the Six Day War. President Lyndon Johnson dispatched nucleararmed fighter jets to drop nuclear bombs on Cairo, Egypt. They were only recalled at the last minute, when Johnson realized that it was the Israelis, not the Egyptians, who had fired on the Liberty. Dotson’s Other Note: It would be great to hear from you if you remember or were involved in the USS Liberty incident. Your comments regarding this article will be greatly appreciated. Please send your Email to editor@islandmoon. com and/or dlewis1@stx.rr.com or call me at 361-949-7681 or 530-748-8475.
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.
Nutritious Meals Served For Persons Age 60 and Over 11:30 A.M.
Wednesday Silver Haired Fitness 10-11 AM ($8/monthLadies Only) Chair Volleyball 12:30 PM-??? (about 3:30 PM) AARP Chapter 4181 Meeting @ 1 PM (2nd & 4th Wednesdays)
($1.50 Suggested meal donation)
Painting Class 1:30-4:30 PM $5 per class 1st & 3rd Wednesdays
Monday
Thursday
Monday
Zumba Gold (Co-Ed) 10:30-11:30 AM ($20/ month, or $4/session)
Silver Haired Fitness 10-11 AM ($8/month-Ladies Only) Computer Interest Group 12:30-2 PM Wii Bowling 12:30 PM Ping Pong (Table Tennis) Class each Monday 5-9 pm For Beginners, Intermediate & Advanced Players $3 per session or $10 per month or $40 a month for a family of four
Tuesday Zumba Gold (Co-Ed) 10:30-11:30 AM ($20/ month or $4/session) Table Tennis & Table Games-12 PM
Wii Bowling & Chair Volleyball - 12:30-4:45 PM Quilting 2nd Thursday of the Month
Friday Silver Haired Fitness 10-11 AM ($8/month – Ladies Only) Table Tennis – 11 AM Bingo -12:30 PM ($.50 Cards) Site Council Monthly Dinner/Dance Third Friday of the Month 4:30-7:30 PM Tickets sold by Site Council members or phone reservation: 361-826-2330
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Winter Texan Round-Up continued from previous page University of Texas Marine Science Institute 750 Channel View Drive, Port Aransas (361) 749-3153 UTMSI Public Lecture Series Thursday, February 19, 7:00 p.m. Scott Holt, UTMSI “Birding Sites and Birds of Port Aransas” Thursday, February 26, 7:00 p.m. Dr. Tracy Villareal, UTMSI “The Marine Side of the Monarch Butterfly” Thursday, March 12, 7:00 p.m. Dr. Iris Anderson, Schweppe Speaker, Virginia Institute of Marine Science, College of William & Mary “Nitrogen: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly”
UTMSI Educational Film Series and Discussion Schedule Enhance your environmental literacy through film every Monday & Wednesday at 3pm in the UTMSI Auditorium. Films range in time from 10 – 30 minutes and are followed by a 15-20 minute, facilitator-led, group discussion. We have changed the format of our movies to create a more educational and engaging experience for visitors and to better serve our educational mission. Film schedule, title, and discussion questions are subject to change without notification. For more information call 361749-3153 or visit https://utmsi.utexas.edu/visit/ public-programs#afternoon-movie. Monday, Feb. 23 – The State of the Gulf Part I. A documentary examining critical water issues facing our state. Film by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Wednesday, Feb. 25 – The State of the Gulf Part II. Explores the rich diversity of the Gulf – it’s flora and fauna, unique geology and hydrology, and critical habitats such as seagrass and marsh. Film by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
The Port Aransas Museum Winter Lecture Series www.portaransasmuseum.org Learn more about Port Aransas by attending our evening lecture series this winter. Delivered on alternate Mondays, Feb. 23, and Mar 9, topics range from how island residents have handled the need for fresh water from the Karankawa days to the present, to the high stakes politics that took place on San Jose and Matagorda Islands, our neighbor to the north. Each lecture begins with a social in the Museum with wine, cheese, and fruit. The public is encouraged to browse the Museum and shop in the Gift Shop when we open the doors at 6:30 p.m. At 7 p.m. everyone moves next door to the Community Center for the lecture.
Port Aransas Art Center 323 N. Alister, Port Aransas, TX (361) 749-7334 Classes and Workshops MONDAYS~ SOFT PASTELS-LAURA GRIFFITH~ 9:30 am -12:30 pm- Begin to Intermediate.Cost: $15.00 non-members $13.50 Members.Recommend Nu Pastel set. Paper can be purchased in class. Come learn this fun medium. First Class, use our suppliesAnd also if you did not bring any with you for your winter visit. TUESDAYS~ DROP IN AND DRAW CLASS~PAT DONOHUE ~ 9:30am—12:30pm –Cost:$15.00 non-members $13.50 Members Come, learn to draw or improve your skills. Join us any Tuesday and have a great time! First Tuesday is Portrait drawing if you wish to, or something else if you don’t.Supply list is available at front desk.
THURSDAYS~ STARTING JAN,8th THROUGH MARCH 5th ~SOFT PASTELSDONNA GARVEN ~ 9:30 am -12:30 pmCost: $15.00 non-members $13.50 Members. Get your set of Soft Pastels & you can buy the paper from the instructor so you are ready to participate in this fun class! You may also work in Oil Painting if you wish.
Broadway By the Bay March 7
FRIDAYS -BEGINNING / INTERMEDIATE WATERCOLOR -KAY BARNEBEY 10am-1pm Cost: $25 Come, learn to paint or advance your painting skills with this great instructor Supply List available, A/C also has paints & brushes if it’s your first class and you also can purchase W/C paper here. FIGURE DRAWING WORKSHOP - ELENA RODZ – FEBRUARY 19TH 6-8:30 PM. Cost is $15 instructor fee + $10 model fee. Sign up & pre pay by 2/13 minimum 3 students max. 8. Figure drawing sessions will be guided by Elena Rodz a figurative painter who has studied artistic anatomy & historic drawing & painting techniques. Bring your charcoal, pastels, pencil or paint & enough surfaces for 4 poses. Judith DeShong Hall Exploring FloralsSaturday February 21st 10am-4pm Cost $50 Pre-Pay by 2/19 min.5 student Considering Elements of Creating Your Floral Paintings. The class will consider (1) set-up and props, (2) personal focus and/or desired expression,(3) color and mood, (4) design elements such as contrast, shape, value, (5) final editing/ completion.Skill Level: For Anyone but the Beginning Beginner. Bring your medium of Choice and also see a short list of other supplies she suggests at the Art Center front desk or by email. NORMA GAFFORD– VIKING KNIT WORKSHOP Saturday-February 28 Time: 10-5 Cost:$45 Instruction +$25 Supply Feepre-pay by Feb. 24 Viking Knit is a wire weaving technique also known as Trichinopoly chain. Learn the technique and complete a bracelet in class. All tools provided. LEE RICKS –PUTTING PEOPLE IN YOUR WATERCOLORS- 2 DAY WORKSHOP March 13th and 14th 9:30am-4:30 w/ lunch break Cost: $125 includes both days Pre-pay by 3/3 Complete a painting a day to be proud of! Supply List available 10 Student minimum. When signing up include your mailing address in case we need to mail you the sketches to be transferred to your W/C paper ahead of class time. SPRING BREAK YOUTH CAMP ISLAND STYLE MARCH 16-20 Monday- Friday/ Ages: Grades 3rd- 5th Time:1-3 pm Different Artists will Instruct in a different medium each day in this newly formatted Youth Camp! Cost: $50 for the week Please Register and pre-Pay to save your child’s space so they don’t miss out on all the fun and learning! WINE WHINE & DESIGN March 22nd 5-8pm Instructor-Karen Winship /Paint lovely AngelfishCost: $40 Donation to the Art Center’s Land/ Building Fund BYOB & Snacks We provide the rest. Stress free, fun & creative! Paint one step at a time,trace patterns & paint in simple steps guided by an artist. The Art Center provides all materials.16X20 canvas, brushes, paint & wine glasses.So Sign Up Now WINE WHINE & DESIGN April 19th 5-8pm Instructor-Norma Gafford /Paint beautiful ParrotCost: $40 Donation to the Art Center’s Land/ Building Fund BYOB & Snacks We provide the rest. Stress free, fun & creative! Paint one step at a time,trace patterns & paint in simple steps guided by an artist. The Art Center provides all materials.16X20 canvas, brushes, paint & wine glasses.
Winter Texans of the Week
“Broadway By the Bay” featuring famous Broadway musicals of the 1950’s will be the theme of the Dinner, Musical Revue & Silent Auction to be presented by members of the Music Ministry of the First United Methodist Church on Saturday, March 7 at 6:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall of the church, 900 S. Shoreline Blvd.,
during the evening featuring many handcrafted items. The evening will include a full meal as well. All seats are reserved so advance purchase is necessary.
The evening’s activities will feature the members of the choir as well as others in the congregation showcasing the music of favorite Broadway shows. In addition, a silent auction
Tickets for the evening are $20. To purchase tickets contact the Music Office at First United Methodist Church, 884-0391, or on the church’s website at www.ccfumc.com.
Proceeds from the evening will go toward funding for various aspects of the church’s music ministry including the Chancel Choir and the For Your Inspiration youth choir.
College of Liberal Arts and English Department Present Public Talk with Nationally-Recognized Scholar Dr. Wendy Martin
http://www.tamucc.edu/news/2015/02/images/ Wendy Martin 2014-12 B small-350x318.jpeg
The College of Liberal Arts and the English Department at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi will host nationally-recognized scholar Dr. Wendy Martin for a public talk titled, “Women’s Studies: Past, Present, & Future,” on Wednesday, Feb. 25, at 7 p.m. in the O’Connor Building, room 145. The event is free and open to the public. Martin has published prolifically for more than 40 years in Women’s Studies, Gender Studies, and American Literature. She is the founder and editor of “Women’s Studies: An Interdisciplinary Journal,” and is also on the editorial boards of the “Heath Anthology of American Literature” and the “Gender and Culture” series published by University of North Carolina Press. “Dr. Martin has an ideal vantage point to discuss women and gender studies,” said Dr. Stephen Doolan, Assistant Professor of English, “She has been actively engaged in this field of study since before it was even a field of study. Furthermore, her record of scholarly activity really speaks to her level of professional engagement for almost four decades. We are excited to have her.” Martin has taught at Queens College, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the University of California, Los Angeles, and
Dr. Wendy Martin Stanford University. She currently teaches at Claremont Graduate University as Professor of American Literature and American Studies and serves as Director of the Kingsley & Kate Tufts Poetry Awards—two of the most prestigious prizes a contemporary poet can receive. Some of Martin’s most recent publications include “American Women Writers from the Puritans to the Present,” “All Things Dickinson: An Encyclopedia of Emily Dickinson’s World,” and “Best of Times, Worst of Times: The American Short Story from 1980 to the Present.”
If You are 60 You Can be Ms. Coastal Bend Senior The Corpus Christi Park & Recreation Department’s Senior Community Services will be hosting the 19th Annual Ms. Coastal Bend Senior Pageant at the Texas A&M UniversityCorpus Christi, Performing Arts Center at 3pm on Sunday, June 14, 2015.
potential and to share a positive outlook on life with others. The pageant is based on the belief that “Seniors are the foundation of America... It is upon their knowledge, experience and resources that the younger generation has the opportunity to build a better society.”
The Steering Committee of the Coastal Bend Senior Pageant has begun its search for the next Ms. Coastal Bend Senior. Ladies are invited to an informational session to learn more about the Senior Pageant at the Contestant Recruitment Tea on Saturday, February 28, 2015 from 2pm to 4pm at the Garden Senior Center (5325 Greely, Corpus Christi, Texas).
Contestants will participate in four events: interview, evening gown, talent presentation, and present a statement that conveys her “philosophy of life.” The local winner will represent the Coastal Bend area in the Ms. Texas Senior America Pageant, and the statewide winner will compete for the national title. Ms. Rosie Garcia is the reigning Ms. Coastal Bend Senior 2015.
Senior ladies can meet new friends, achieve new levels of confidence and have a great time! Women age 60 or older who are residents of the following counties are invited to participate in the pageant: Aransas, Bee, Brooks, Duval, Jim Wells, Kennedy, Live Oak, McMullen, Nueces, Refugio, and San Patricio. The goal of the pageant is to motivate and encourage senior women to utilize their full
The contestant application deadline is April 30, 2015. Interested individuals may pick up an application at City Hall, Senior Community Services office or download the application and contestant guidelines from www.ccparkandrec. com (click ‘Senior Services’). For more information, call 361-826-3150.
Under the Bridge Serving South Texas Seafood Dishes for Over 30 Years Open Daily 11:00 - 10:00 This week’s Winter Texan of the Weeks tribute goes to Jim and Lynn Hanson from Brainerd, Minnesota. They found out about Port A through Jim’s sister who has had a condo down here for 40 years. Jim and Lynn took a couple of brief visits to the area before making their decision to winter in Port A. They arrived on December 1st and plan to stay until after Easter. When asked what the like to do while they’re here, “Lots! We’re always busy. Lynn has yoga 3 times a week, enjoys playing Mahjongg with friends, has a weekly Bible study, and takes a line-dancing class. When the weather cooperates, she plans to kayak and play tennis. Jim enjoys music and has been busy playing with the PA Rockers, is part of the worship team at First Baptist church and Sunday afternoon services at Pioneer RV Resort, and likes to help with the Tuesday night Jam at the Rialto in Aransas Pass, First Fridays at the Art Center and First Saturday at the Farley Boatworks. We both enjoy walking the beach.” And what do you like about Port A? “Just about everything. We were both raised in small towns so we really like the community atmosphere. We are always commenting on what nice people we meet here, both visitors and locals. We like to be near the water and here we’re surrounded by it. It’s nice having Corpus so close for times when we need a “city” fix.”
Traditional Half-Shell Special $ 7.50 / Dozen 5pm until Gone Friday & Saturday Only Now Accepting Visa Mastercard & Discover
Snoopy’s Scoopy’s
Lunch Specials 11-2 Daily
AlsoScoopy’s Veranda With Sweet Treats, Soups, Salads & Sandwiches
(361) 949-8815 (361) 949-7810
13313 S. Padre Island Drive Corpus Christi, TX 78418
February 19, 2015
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Island Moon
Here’s how to place a Classified Ad
Moon Classifieds
Call Arlene direct at 834-1382 to place your ad or email at our NEW EMAIL ADDRESS:
moonclassad@twc.com
Costs start at $10 for 25 words, 20 cents a word after that. Your ad can be centered for a small additional charge. Ads with payment can be left at our office at 15201 SPID Ste 250 If office is closed, payment and ad can be slipped thru the door slot.
Deadline for paid classified ads is no later than NOON on Tuesday PAYMENT MUST BE RECEIVED BEFORE PUBLICATION
Help Wanted cont.
Services
JOBS AVAILABLE FOR WAITERS, HOSTESS AND KITCHEN HELP 106 E. Cotter is the culmination of Beulah’s, The Pelican Club, The Other Guys and Liberty Hall- Inferno. Continuing a reputation of 23 years cooking high quality food on the island. Fast paced atmosphere with a customer base that’s generous and gracious.
Hear Ye! Hear Ye! WE HAVE A NEW E-MAIL ADDRESS: moonclassad@twc.com Legal & Business Notices Legal & Business Notices
Do you need to place a legal or business notice? You’ll find that our rates for running your notice cost less than many other publication in Nueces County. Call Arlene @ 361-834-1382
Come talk to us at: Liberty Hall/ Inferno (corner of Alister and Cotter) Port Aransas, TX Thursday-Saturday during business hours. Phone 361-749-4888
Help Wanted
Full time entry level sales associates Retail customer service experience preferred Background in construction or home repair highly desirable Vacation and medical insurance benefits One position available at each location Part time cashier (North Padre Island) Cashier experience preferred Sat-Sun-Mon schedule (24 hours per week) Apply in person at either location. 15326 SPID on the Island 1115 State Hwy 361 Ste A in Port Arnasas HELP WANTED Palmilla Beach Golf Club Golf Guest Services Full Time and Part Time positions available Contact agreen@troongolf.com Or call 361-749-4653 VOLUNTEERS NEEDED As docents at Port Aransas Museum Contact: www.docentspapha@yahoo.com
Islandscape Maintenance
Makes walking a golf course fun
Home Maintenance/Repair
Real Estate
Rental/Lease Condos/Apartments/Homes Town Homes
HOUSE FOR RENT 806 Saint Columban Place 3/2/2 Available March 1, 2015 Large backyard All rooms newly renovated $1,000 monthly rental $1,000 deposit 361-288-5189 or 361-510-0734 Condos Port Aransas or North Padre Fully Furnished Monthly rentals - Also weekly or daily Island Condo Rentals 361-558-6148 WINTER TEXANS Homes and Condos in Port Aransas, North Padre, Corpus Christi and Rockport Homes starting at $1500 month all bills paid Condos starting at $900 all bills paid 888-512-0498 TurnKey Vacation Rentals
Re-Parrot
Sami Wilson – 361-949-2691
Computer Service
ISLANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE We power wash
ISLAND CREATIONS LANDSCAPING
Home maintenance repair & light remodeling Free Estimates Located on “The Island”
Creative Grass & Rock Yards Lot and Yard Maintenance Tree Trimming
G. Michael Wall 361-779-6621 NEED A CARPENTER?
Call 361-960-0327
Services
Power Washing
CompuIntegration
First class work at low rates Storm Shutters, Cabinets, Framework, Sheetrock, Stucco, and much more!
361-949-2773
Custom Kitchens Bathrooms, Room Additions Flooring & Painting Island Resident
Church Meeting Island Church Service
949-2707 PC & MAC Home & Business On-Site Service 14941 S. P. I. D. (Island)
(361)
Les Muse : 361-904-3073 Natasha Muse : 361-687-8665 ISLAND CREATIONS CONCRETE
LUTHERAN TABLE TALK Thursday Afternoons On the island JB's German Bakery, 15137 SPID
VIRUS REMOVAL, UPGRADES, NETWORKING
Software/Hardware Service & Repair Computer Setup & Troubleshooting Computer Sales, Private Tutoring, Wireless
Professionally installed concrete driveways, sidewalks and patios Decorative Stamping & Staining
Sponsored by GCCM, SWT, ELCA.
Contact Rev. Tom Dietzel at lifetogethermin@aol.com, or 210-363-3538 or 361-445-1029 ISLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH SUNDAY SERVICES In Church Sanctuary 10 AM 14030 Fortuna Bay Drive & Gypsy 361-949-8770
House Cleaning Services & Private Home Health Care Laura Lee’s Cleaning Services
Weekly, biweekly, move in/move outs Pet & House Sitting – Bonded On the Island since 2000
361-563-4096
Call 361-960-0327
Public Support Meetings Al-Anon & AA Meetings
Is alcohol causing a problem in your family? Try Al-Anon Al-Anon meets at 7:00 pm Sundays at Padre Island Baptist Church
Remember
Credit Cards Accepted Air Line Miles Accepted
WE HAVE A NEW E-MAIL ADDRESS: moonclassad@twc.com
Pool Cleaning Hanley's Pool Cleaning Service North Padre Island
361-443-6972
Crossword Solution
Pet Adoptions
Call 361-960-0327 L & N HOME IMPROVEMENTS All Phases of Remodeling
Houses, Driveways, Fences, Decks & Sidewalks Call us now to schedule an estimate
Offering Technology With Total SolutionsSM
361-850-0204
Call 361-937-8187 to come take a look.
We’ll fix it right – For a song!
IslandLandscapingDecksAndDocks.com
Housekeeping, Laundry and Ironing Errands, Shopping and Appointments
Price: $250.00 Worked when I quit using it - has remote control. Needs new battery.
Call 949-2092 or 442-3516
361-815-7900
Landscape Design Landscaping Decks, Docks, Shade Structures Boat Lifts Concrete Drives & Patios Yard Maintenance – No Contracts First Time Cleanups
Send your resume to : Diocese of Corpus Christi c/o Diana Sanchez P. O. Box 2620 Corpus Christi, TX 78403-2602 Or mail resumes to : dsanchez@diocesecc.org
Josette’s Ship Shape Cleaning Service & Private Home Health Care
FOR SALE: HILLCREST AB KANGAROO MOTORIZED GOLF CADDY
30 years+ experience Doors – Windows – Decks – Cabinets Sheetrock – Tape and Float
361-949-2773 Island Landscaping Decks & Docks
Additions – New Construction – Remodeling From small jobs to extreme makeovers Member of the BBB Member of PIBA www.dianahomesinc.com dianahomesinc@gmail.com
All Squared Away Construction LLC Room Additions – Decks Windows - Doors No Project Too Small Free Estimates Justin Morgan Terill Holliday 210-846-2544 361-442-0368 ISLAND NATIVE MASTER CARPENTER
* Lawn Maintenance * Power Washing * Palm Trimming * Fall Cutback * Lot Mowing * Decks * Installation FREE ESTIMATES
Diocesecc.org/index Click Resources then Job Openings. Click Parish Job Openings to see Job Duties & Requirements
The Island Newspaper since 1996 ISLE MAIL & MORE HIRING FOR FULL/PART-TIME CUSTOMER SERVICE POSITIONS Must have good customer service and computer skills. Contact : Scott 14493 SPID Ste. A 361-949-9325 ACE HARDWARE NORTH PADRE AND PORT ARANSAS
All King Services
Professional Lawncare For Commercial & Residential Initial Clean-Up – Trimming/Pruning Rock Installation Weekly/ Monthly Property Maintenance Palm Tree Trimming Free Quotes Greg Phelps 361-461-9021 Island Owned & Island Resident
For general custodial & maintenance of parish grounds and facilities. Visit :
for more information
Home Additions New Construction Exterior Improvements
Motorized Golf Caddy For Sale
DIANA HOMES, INC.
St. Andrews by The Sea Catholic Church is seeking Part-Time Maintenance/Custodian
The Island Moon Weekly
Home Building & Maintenance
Yard Care
MARLEE IS A GRAY TORTOISESHELL FEMALE CAT Her front paws are slightly inverted but she doesn’t let her disability stop her. She’s sweet, intelligent and would make a loving lap cat. Due to her disability she needs to be indoors as she cannot defend herself from other animals. She is a special needs cat but doesn’t require special attention. She does well on her own. Marlee is spayed, up to date on her shots and microchipped. Her adoption fee is $15.00. If you are interested in adopting Marlee, please submit your application online:
http://ccpaac.org/adoption-application/
If approved, arrangements will be made to meet Marlee. Please text (361)438-3232 for more information.
PeeWee’s Pet Adoption World Sanctuary
Friends and families of problem drinkers find understanding and support at
Al-Anon meetings
An Al-Anon group meets each Thursday at 7:00 PM at
Island in the Son United Methodist Church 10650 Highway 361 ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS MEETINGS
The Sunset 7 AA Meetings are held on Monday, Wednesday & Friday at 7 PM at The Presbyterian Church On the Island 14030 Fortuna Bay Dr. In addition AA Meetings are held at 8 AM at The Pavillion on the Boardwalk Near Padre Bali
Volunteer to help socialize a homeless animal so it has a better chance of finding a forever home. Adopt a special friend or sponsor one if adopting is not possible. Call PeeWee’s Pet Adoption 888-4141 or go to PeeWee’s at 1307 Saratoga www.peeweespets.com
PeeWee’s Mobile Adoption Clinics at Petco and Petsmart on Saturdays and Sundays desperately need volunteers
Please call PeeWee’s at 888-4141
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The Island Moon T-Shirts The Island Looks So Good On You! Get yours for only $10.95 plus shipping and handling. Shirts come in grey or white short sleeve T-Shirts sizes L. XL and XXL. Tank Tops come in Aqua and White in sizes Medium and Large.
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No Appointments Necessary Mon-Thurs, Appointments available Fri-Sat Mon. - Sat. 8am - 6pm 14433 SPID “On the Island” Corpus Christi, TX 78418 www.tmcpadre.com
Water Access Laguna Madre
361-949-1900
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Three Chords and the Truth
February 19, 2015
Island Moon Keith Sykes knocks it out of the park…
Beads, beads and more beads…
By Ronnie Narmour ronnienarmour@gmail.com I want to send a shout out and a hearty “GET WELL SOON” to our Winter Texan buddy, Colorado Bob Reed who plays for the PA Rockers
Port A royalty Heidi Hagan, Kip Shannon and Edwin Myers. The men of Free Beer, Steve Goldstein, Crawford Brown, John Boeckler and Colorado Bob Reed and Free Beer Band (guitar, harmonica, keys and vocals). Bob gave us one heck of a scare last week when he suffered a massive heart attack on the beach in Port A while walking his dogs. A good Samaritan administered CPR until ambulances arrived. Bob was placed in an induced coma and lowered his body temperature. He has been making small improvements daily, but as fellow PA Rocker, Steve Goldstein, says, “He’s recovering one day at a time but still has a hard road ahead.” The Rockers have cancelled the gigs at Bernies and the JELM and are in flux as to the future of the band. His wife Carolyn has set up an account at the Caring Bridge website (http://www.caringbridge.org/ visit/bobreed5) to keep up with his progress and to leave your comments. God bless you Bob. We’re pulling for you.
We barefootin’…
And meanwhile over in Port A, a record number of people turned out for 19th annual parade on Tuesday. I was honored to ride in the lead float with the big cheese, Edwin and Amy Meyers of Giggity’s and Kody’s fame, Steam Magazine magnates Rusty and Tamma Hicks, and several other Port A hot shots like Nikki Ikonomopoulos, Lindsey Hottell and Carol Elliott. The Meyers’ had recently gone to New Orleans and brought back a ton (literally) of throw beads… and throw we did. It was a unique experience for me to have the luxury of not running out of beads to throw. Every float I’ve ever been involved with in the past ran short of throw beads about half way through the course. Not on Edwin Meyers’ watch. No one in Port A was without a few beads by the time we got through… and that doesn’t include all the floats behind us. We threw beads even when there weren’t people to throw to. I actually (and I swear this is true) threw a bead that landed perfectly around a lady’s head. I’m very proud of that.
Singer-songwriter Keith Sykes played Shorty’s last Sunday night
Singer-songwriter extraordinaire, Keith Sykes (Memphis, TN) put on an impromptu performance at Shorty’s last Sunday. Keith was in town on his annual songwriting sabbatical and threw a show together with little notice or fanfare. Evidently the word got out, because you couldn’t have gotten any more people into Shorty’s. Evidently, Sykes has a pretty strong fan base in Port A. I even saw fans from Padre in there. Keith played 20 songs that he had written in Port A through the years and later told me, “I loved the reaction I received.” It’s pretty seldom that a crowd that big is actually quiet while a performer is singing in Shorty’s. This show was one that really sets Port Aransas apart. It was a historical night to say the least.
DO NOT MISS LIST Americana star Stoney LaRue will play Brewster Street tonight on a bill with Pear Ratz. That’s definitely a do not misser! I love
Who was that masked man?
Miss Neesie and the Earfood Orchestra played the Barefoot Mardi Gras party on N. Padre last Saturday night I’ve officially over dosed on Mardi Gras. Didn’t think it was possible, but I’ve been in two parades, had my face painted three times, been to two huge parties and eaten enough crawfish, etouffee, and gumbo to kill a normal person, all in a 4 day period. All I gotta say is, folks on the Coastal Bend sure love to Mardi Gras. We truly live in an adult fun land down here. The Barefoot Mardi Gras parade and party was huge. It was great fun with Miss Neesie and the Earfood Orchestra last Saturday. I don’t think I’ve ever heard the band sound better. The powers that be moved the party over to the Veranda Restaurant at Shlitterbahn and a thousand people showed up. It was a very nice place to throw a big party. I was supposed to be dressed up as a bull for the Island Moon’s float but my costume didn’t come in. So I walked the parade with Dale and Jason and Lisa. I must say, Rankin looked mighty dapper in his white tux with tails. And so did all the Moon Monkeys dressed as matadors and Spanish senoritas. A good time was had by all.
The parade ended in the flat’s area this year and it was a madhouse down there. When I walked into Giggity’s, the place was already packed and the Paul Taylor Band was in full swing. Paul had the folks up and dancing already and the place was as full as I’ve ever seen it. Ponty Bone and the Squeeztones took the stage around 8:00 and the dancers really took charge. This was one world class party. It was fun watching how uninhibited usually normal people act when they are wearing costumes. I must say, Kip Shannon and Heidi Hagan looked rather stoic in their royal crowns and capes. And local artist, Julie Caraker, is to be commended for the multitude of faces that she painted throughout the holiday. Stick a fork in it. This one is history. No one got hurt and no one (that I know of) got arrested. Et toi yall!
Julie Caraker paiting faces at the Barefoot Mardi Gras party last Saturday
GIGGITY’S RESTAURANT & BAR Free Beer Band (7-10) Riptide (9-1)
Feb. 19
Feb. 20
IN PORT A
Todd Dorn (9-1)
Antone & the All Stars (8-12)
Feb. 22
FAJITAS
Open Jam (8-12)
Feb. 23
ALL YOU CAN EAT
Grilled Shrimp, Beef or Chicken With all the trimmings $10.95 Every Tuesday
Catering for any Occasion Closed Monday 222 Beach St. Port A (361) 749-0022
Feb. 21
Paul Taylor Band (7-10) Billy Snipes (8-12)
Feb. 24 Feb. 25
Open 11am-2am Daily. Kitchen open til 1am. 722 Tarpon, Port Aransas, TX
Open Everyday at 11 AM Daily Happy Hour Specials on House Mojitos and Margaritas 224 E Cotter, Port A (361) 749-1947
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The Paul Taylor Band played the Port A Mardi Gras party at Giggity’s last Tuesday
Larry Joe Taylor and Richard Leigh will play the Third Coast Studio Saturday. this Texas music series these guys are doing at Brewster on Thursday nights. Keep up the good work guys! On Friday, the oldies dance band Riptide will make another appearance at Giggity’s, singer-songwriter Carol Elliott will play the Drop Anchor (5-7), the adorable Tiffany will play Shorty’s and the Journey tribute band, Timeline will play the South Texas Ice House. On Saturday the Third Coast Theater in Port A will put on their annual Richard Leigh and Larry Joe Taylor song swap. Larry Joe coined the phrase “Island Time” and needs no introduction in these parts, Richard Leigh (Nashville, TN) is a GRAMMY winning singersongwriter with a staggering body of work. He wrote the Crystal Gale hit, Don’t It Make My Brown Eyes Blue. Also on Saturday, Todd Dorn and the Sea Drifters (San Antonio, TX) will bring his smooth country with an island slant to Giggity’s, island beat phenoms Selfie will play Shorty’s, the Walter Midi Band will play Mikel Mays, Violet Crush will play Cassidy’s Irish Pub and country crooner Jody Booth will play the South Texas Ice House. On Sunday, the South Texas Grassroots Band will play Island Italian and John Eric will play Scuttlebutt’s. Be safe out there!
♫ ♪ And, that’s the truth! ♪ ♫
Live Music Tonight Thursday, Feb. 19 Free Beer Band @ Giggity’s Stoney LaRue, Pear Ratz @ Brewster Street Dunebilly @ Executive Surf Club Jason Phillips @ Scuttlebutt’s Matt Krebs @ Cassidy’s Irish Pub As Above So Below, Revisions, No Questions Asked, Dythalla @ House of Rock Friday, Feb. 20 Riptide @ Giggity’s Tiffany @ Shorty’s Carol Elliott @ Drop Anchor Dan & Shay @ Brewster Street Unrehearsed & Unashamed @ Wild Horse Saloon Fabian Rivera @ Mikel May’s The Groove @ Executive Surf Club Dan & Shay, Hudson Moore @ Brewster Street Timeline @ South Texas Ice House Chris Saenz @ Scuttlebutt’s DAhhhFug Yea’s @ Cassidy’s Irish Pub Saturday, Feb. 21 Todd Dorn & the Sea Drifters @ Giggity’s Selfie @ Shorty’s Richard Leigh & Larry Joe Taylor @ Third Coast Theater Ruben Limas (1:30- 5:30), Walter Midi Band (9:00) @ Mikel May’s Medicare Band (6-9) @ Coast Club Metal Shop @ Brewster Street Violet Crush @ Cassidy’s Irish Pub Jody Booth @ South Texas Ice House Fabian Rivera @ Scuttlebutt’s Sunday, Feb. 22 Mike Williams & Jack Trowbridge (11 AM- 3 PM) @ Giggity’s Antone & the All Stars @ Giggity’s John Eric @ Scuttlebutt’s South Texas Grassroots @ Island Italian Monday, Feb. 23 Open Jam w/ Selfie @ Giggity’s Brian Permenter @ Scuttlebutt’s
Opening February 27! Davin James Scarecrow People Tyler Rogers Band Mark Monaco Band Cruise Control Statesboro Revue
March 6 March 7 March 12 March 13 March 14 March 20
Cody Bryan Band
March 21
132 W. Cotter St. Port A On the Waterfront
Tiffany Selfie Dennis Davis Jim Dugan Fletcher Clark Independent Thieves
Feb. 20 Feb. 21 Feb. 27 Feb. 28 March 6 March 7
OPEN Till 2am • 823 Tarpon St. Port Aransas
Full Bar & Grill
Carol Elliott (5-7) Feb. 20 & 27 Billy Snipes (7:30- 10)
Feb. 27
361-945-9595, 118 Cut Off Rd., Port Aransas www.dropanchorportaransas.com
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The Gaff Beer ● Pizza ● Belt Sander Races (361) 749-5970
Tuesday, Feb. 24 Paul Taylor Band (7-10) @ Giggity’s Open Mic @ House of Rock John Eric @ Scuttlebutt’s Wednesday, Feb. 25 Billy Snipes @ Giggity’s PA Rockers @ Bernies Bar Nutz @ House of Rock Jason Phillips @ Scuttlebutt’s Thursday, Feb. 26 Free Beer Band @ Giggity’s Fayuca, Tydings, JahSeed @ House of Rock David Martinez @ Executive Surf Club Darren McGill @ Scuttlebutt’s Get Him Geronimo @ Cassidy’s Irish Pub Friday, Feb. 27 Red Giant @ Giggity’s Dennis Davis (Pirates & Poets) @ Shorty’s Carol Elliott @ Drop Anchor Unrehearsed & Unashamed @ Wild Horse Saloon Fabian Rivera @ Mikel May’s Hudson Falcons @ House of Rock Hamilton Loomis @ Executive Surf Club Spoonfed Tribe @ Vino Mio Social Club Chris Saenz @ Scuttlebutt’s Out of Bounds @ Cassidy’s Irish Pub Saturday, Feb. 28 Mike Milligan & Texiana Blue @ Giggity’s Jim Dugan @ Shorty’s Ruben Limas (1:30- 5:30), Walter Midi Band (9:00) @ Mikel May’s Medicare Band (6-9) @ Coast Club After Dark Revue @ House of Rock Sunshine Collective @ Executive Surf Club Henry & the Invisibles @ Vino Mio Social Club Fabian Rivera @ Scuttlebutt’s Jimmy Wilden Band @ Cassidy’s Irish Pub Sunday, March 1