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361-949-7700 editor@islandmoon.com The Island Newspaper since 1996 Facebook : The Island Moon Newspaper

August 29, 2013

The only Island in Texas with more shrimp boats than pawn shops.

Around The Island

By Dale Rankin editor@islandmoon.com The Labor Day Weekend is upon us and that means traffic. But alas, fellow Islanders, like a visit from relatives it will be over in three days. By Monday afternoon the traffic will be headed OTB, the Stripes shelves will be restocked with beverages and the sweet spot of the Island calendar will begin. The past couple of weekends have not been nearly as busy as those in July but this weekend is the Last Weekend at The Coast before the kids settle into the new school year in earnest. So take heart everybody and enjoy the company.

Johnny Depp

Photo By Dwight Jackson Next Publication Date: 9/6/2013

Boating Rules in Skinny Water Change September 1 New state law makes it illegal to uproot seagrass

Facebook: The Island Moon Newspaper

Year 16, Issue 489

Work at Schlitterbahn Site Shifting Into High Gear Digging of canals well underway, more heavy equipment arriving

By Dale Rankin In its waning days the 83rd Texas Legislature passed a state law that makes it illegal to uproot seagrass with a motorboat propeller. A scoping hearing on a related law was held on The Island last year which would have made it illegal to damage seagrass with a propeller in a defined area around the JFK Causeway. But when the law cleared the legislature the controlled area was expanded to include the entire Texas coastline. House Bill 3279 establishes a statewide law that makes it illegal to uproot seagrass in all coastal waters. This is similar to an existing TPWD regulation in the Redfish Bay State Scientific Area near Rockport, where it is Class C misdemeanor to uproot seagrass with a motorboat outboard propeller. Boaters will be in violation if they uproot seagrass with a submerged propeller and can be fined up to $500, which is a class C misdemeanor.

Female hearts were aflutter last Saturday with reports that Tonto himself was in town. It all started when this photo of Johnny Depp with a Rockport fishing guile hit the social media. We were in Port Aransas when the news hit and within minutes the tattoos on the fellow in the picture were matched with those of the actor and women in Port Aransas started jamming the ferry line to get to Rockport. So far we haven’t talked to anyone who spoke to him but we do know he’s been hanging about in Austin quite a lot lately and shooting a film in New Mexico.

Drivers beware The PD has been working the JFK of late from Flour Bluff to Ennis Joslin; they set up radar on the inbound side in the morning and the outbound side in the afternoon (or is it the other way around?) So if you make the OTB commute for work be careful.

Island Mail Boxes Island mail boxes have been taking a beatin of late. Seems that some mail-box-haters have been going around knocking them off their perches. They haven’t been knocking dents in them like is the norm, but rather just knocking them off and leaving them on the ground. Gunny Mo was walking his dog Bianca on Caravelle last weekend where there had been some vandalism about 4 a.m. that morning; some mailboxes had been hit and a Skid-OCan had been overturned at a worksite – that’s never good for anybody, especially if there was somebody in it at the time. As he turned onto Whitecap right there in the middle of the street he found an I-phone with the last text sent out just after 4 a.m. Seems maybe the mailbox haters got a little careless. We’ve also had more reports of Yeti Coolers being swiped from fishing boats parked in front yards but that seems to have subsided a bit after our story last week. Nevertheless, they still may be coming to Getti your Yetti so watch out!

Speaking of fishing And speaking of fishing – see how we Moon Monkeys make those segues – fisherpersons hereabout report that fishing in the Upper Laguna – from the JFK to Bird Island – has been white hot of late. Some folks say it’s the best they have ever seen it. The reason is up for grabs; some say it’s the cooler water we’ve had since the Gulf turned over a few weeks ago, others say it’s all the nice clean water coming in through the Packery, Sandy Pete says he thinks it’s the price of gasoline – Pete likes conspiracies. But whatever the reason now’s the time to get out there and catch your limit. So there you go. Keep you icebox stocked for the Big Weekend, you speed under control, your mailbox safe, your Yetti hidden, your fishing pole handy, and your eye out for Captain Jack Sparrow. And say hello is you see us Around The Island.

Captain Marvin Tamez, Enforcement Supervisor with the Corpus Christi office of Texas Parks and Wildlife, said it will be up to the discretion of game wardens to decide on what constitutes a violation. “We’re looking for vessels running across seagreass beds and digging in, acts that go beyond just trying to get out.” Damage done while trolling or poling in seagrass is not actionable under the new law. “There are no specific depth barriers,” Tamez said. “We will be looking for boaters who are driving across grass beds and destroying grass.” For more information see the Texas Parks and Wildlife website.

Last Public Hatchling Release for 2013 Held

This newly purchased machine digs the canals five cubic yards a scoop. More Schiltterbahn photos on A4 By Dale Rankin A look around the work site of the Schlitterbahn Beach Country Resort these days is an eyeopening experience. Since work began in earnest in early June crews have made great headway in the digging of what will eventually be 3600 linear feet of a canal system, and in the forming up of the footprint for the waterpark itself.

“Our goal, when we are done, is to have the most unique nine holes of golf in Texas.” Paul Schexnailder. Developer Paul Schexnailder who is supervising the site work, said this week the project is on schedule for the park’s opening next summer.

TAMUCC Islanders Girls Soccer Team Gets Airborn!

By Donna J. Shaver, Ph.D. Division of Sea Turtle Science and Recovery National Park Service Padre Island National Seashore e-mail: Donna_Shaver@nps.gov

Burton Dunn and daughter Juliana on Padre Island

The Islanders girls soccer team from Texas A&M Corpus Christi played their first game ever last weekend in front of 1200 fans. But the night before the game they came to The Island for some fun. On Sunday August 25, we held our 25th public release of Kemp’s ridley sea turtle hatchlings at Padre Island National Seashore this year. More than 800 people attended to watch 49 Kemp’s ridley and 144 green turtles begin their journey of freedom. This was the last public hatchling release that we will hold this year. We schedule our public Turtles continued on A8

It’s Time to Get Out the Paddles!

Paddle for Parkinson’s is This Weekend This is the weekend and Billish Park is the place. The 2013 Paddle for Parkinson’s event is taking place this Saturday, August 31, Labor Day weekend at Billish Park. Last year Paddle for Parkinson’s raised over $15,000!! A huge thank you to everyone who helped with this great cause! Catch the Cure has contributed over $52,500 to Parkinson’s Disease research since 2007! Paddle continued on A3

A little Island history

Surviving the 1916 Storm on The Island The ranchers survived but the herd did not

Editor’s note: This is the story of Burton Dunn, Christopher “Spohn” MaGowan and Sisto Del Marez caught down Island in the 1916 Hurricane. This is from an interview with Spohn fifty years after the storm by Doris Miller. Story provided by Greg Smith.

Moving down Island

Yes the 1916 storm was awful but we didn’t know it was going to be that bad. My cousin Burton Dunn had come to the lower ranch where we were that The Green Hill Camp house, circa 1965 where day, me and another cowhand, The Green Hill Camp house, circa 1965 where the three fled to the three fled to the dunes from high water. It was Sisto Del Marez. We were all water. destroyed by Hurricane Beulah in 1967. Rear in the cook shack and the wind It was destroyed by Hurricane Beulah in 1967. Rear structure is structure is cookhouse. was blowing hard out of the the cookshack floor and that was three feet northeast. from the ground. When the wind turned due It was about the middle of the evening east, we knew we were in for it. I never saw and so dark we had the coal-oil lamp such rolls of water in my life. There were burning. The water was high, nearly up to History continued on A6

A 2

Island Moon

August

Texas Women Anglers Tournament Photos by Miles Merwin. More photos on Page A7

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29,

2013

August 29, 2013

Island Moon

Paddle continued from A1

SMA Volleyball Teams Secure Wins

Please arrive at least 45 minutes prior to your vessel category start time otherwise you will have to start at the scheduled 9:40am time. Billish Park is located at 15601 Gypsy Street. For questions call call us at (361) 726-1670 or (361) 949-7719 or see the Catch Cure Website at www.catchthecure.org.

By Brent Rourk The Seashore Middle School Girls’ 7th and 8th grade volleyball teams “served” their way to victories over IWA on Monday Evening at SMA. The team will be playing a three day tournament beginning this Thursday, August 29th. The next home game will be on Thursday, September,5th. Please come and support the Penguins.

By Dotson Lewis

Rooster Club

Dotson’s Note: Did you ever hear of the Rooster Club in Japan? It was a club that I came across in the summer of 1947 in Sinjuku (Tokyo) Japan. They were a group of former members of the Japanese Imperial Air Force (some were Kamikaze) pilots. They called themselves the Roosters, because roosters are birds that don’t fly. As an 18 year old American GI, I was very interested in the club and they welcomed me into the club (I will never understand why) with open arms. One of those ‘Roosters’ with whom I became friends was ’Iwashita-san.’

Zero Pilot Kunio Iwashita Kunio Iwashita served aboard two cruisers before transferring to flight school in November 1941. By coincidence, his older brother, Kutaka was an instructor at the same school. Kunio remembered being summoned by him at midnight on December 7, 1941: “He told me in a rigid tone. ‘At last our country will wage war against America with an air raid on Hawaii.’ I was overwhelmed by tension and almost stopped breathing.” In May 1942, his brother was appointed Buntaicho (vice squadron leader) of a divebomber squadron aboard the Japanese Carrier Zuikaku. He left a handful of his hair with Kunio, in the Japanese tradition. This would be the last time they were to see each other. His brother was killed during the Battle of Santa Cruz, after bombing the USS Hornet. Hit by anti-aircraft fire, his bomber was severely damaged and his rear gunner killed. Limping back to the fleet, he ditched and was picked up by a Japanese destroyer. Before expiring, he uttered the name of his carrier ‘Zuikaku’. Even in death, his brother was a role model, especially after his heroics were dramatized in two wartime movies. Upon learning of his brother’s death, Kunio Iwashita reflected: “Rather than being proud of my brother as my own flesh and blood, I came to respect him deeply as such an excellent Navy officer that I was simply no match for him. He always dealt with matters with all his might and burned up his power of life twice as fast as ordinary men, ending his life at age 25.”

First combat By the end of February 1943, Iwashita completed his pilot training first in his class, just as his older brother had earlier. Instead of being sent to the front with his classmates, Iwasita’s was ordered to remain in Japan as an instructor. Report after report brought disheartening news of their deaths. Before long, Iwashita was assigned to the 301stKokutai, and on June 25, 1944 he was flying to the front lines.

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Pickup for registration packet pickup is Friday August 30 at Sweet Swirl (14457 SPID., #107) from 4:00 until 7:00. Start time for the event on Saturday is 9:00am by vessel category Surf Ski - 9:00am, Single Kayak - 9:10am, Tandem Kayak - 9:20am; Standup Paddle Board - 9:30am; Any Vessel Category (only for those that missed their Start Time above) - 9:40am.

Kunio Iwashita’s flight arrived safely, but a week later on July 3, he suffered from an intense stomach ache, later diagnosed as a symptom of appendicitis, and was grounded. He watched from the ground as thirty-one Zeros took off to intercept incoming American planes. At the conclusion of the dogfight, only seventeen Zeros returned. Iwashita recalls: “I was on pins and needles to see friendly planes being shot down one after another. I told Commander Katsutoshi Yagi, the group commander, I wanted take part in the sortie tomorrow by all means.” Before dawn on July 4, 1944, while still suffering from the stomach pains, Iwashita reported for duty. His squadron leader, Lt. Fujita took him aside to offer some advice about his first combat: “One’s first fight is most risky. Buntaicho, I will teach you how to fight. Don’t go apart from me. Follow me tight.” Iwashita recalled. His leader was a classmate of Iwashita’s deceased brother, and a veteran of the Pearl Harbor attack and Battle of Midway. Suddenly, a report sounded about enemy planes. The assembled pilots, including Iwashita, raced into the air. Before they got off the ground, they were under attack: “The enemy planes had come near, firing at us before we reached an altitude of 100 meters. Trajectories of their blue and red tracers looked as if a bundle of ice candies flew to us. In a hurry, I retracted the landing gear, prepared for firing and followed my leader. Looking down at the ground, I saw a terrible scene of aircraft and fuel tanks in flames.” Lt. Iwashita saw four planes that he initially assumed were Japanese. Increasing his speed, he approached them at a distance of 100 meters. Closer, their star markings came into sight: they were American Grumman F6F Hellcats. They

had failed to notice his approach, allowing Iwashita to close in on the last fighter in the formation. From less than 30 feet, he opened fire.

Buntaicho The Zero’s 20mm cannon shells tore into the Hellcat. “The wing of the F6F broke up. I saw the goggles and white muffler of the young pilot and his face as he looked back in surprise. The F6F was instantly engulfed in flames and crashed into the sea. Mount Suribachi was close to us.” Iwashita observed. The remaining F6Fs circled to avenge the attack. One of their bullets hit the windshield of Iwashita’s Zero, making a snapping sound and shattering his canopy, causing him to duck reflexively. More holes appeared in the left wing. At the same instant, his squadron leader and morning advisor, Lt. Fujita arrived and drove off the remaining American planes. Iwashita made an emergency landing and ground crews ran to him, saying, “Buntaicho, you’ve done well. Those four planes had been strafing the airfield. We were grinding our teeth. Then, you shot down one of them before our eyes. We gave cheers!” Iwashita recalled. There was no time for reflection. Following the air attack, Iwo Jima was bombarded by the American fleet. Iwashita and the other aviators resigned themselves that the American landing would occur the next morning, and they would be defending the island with the infantry. Kunio Iwashita couldn’t sleep. He recalled all too vividly the face of the young pilot he shot down. While his comrades slept, Iwashita walked to the black sand beach near Mount Suribachi and stood alone. Looking towards the sea, where the American had crashed, he pressed his hands together in prayer. The American fleet withdrew the next morning. A few days later all surviving pilots were ordered back to Japan on a transport plane. During their defense of Iwo Jima, Iwashita’s squadron lost 31 pilots and claimed 20 enemy planes destroyed After Iwo Jima, Iwashita flew missions over the Philippines, Okinawa and Japan. He shot down other aircraft, but never witnessed another American pilot up close again. Iwashita was 24 years old when the war ended, and recalled the news: “I had experienced hard battles on Iwo Jima and in the Philippines, I expected that we could not win. Even though I understood that we would not be able to win, I did not think that Japan would be defeated. The idea of defeat would not come out of our minds because we had not received education to be defeated. However, I had a feeling that the time to come had come at last. I think that most members of the Yokosuka Kokuai accepted the end of the war rather calmly. ”By the end of the war, 31 of the 35 of his fighter school classmates were dead.

A Wish Becomes Reality Many years later, married and himself a father, Iwashita retired as an executive in the textile industry. He remained active with wartime comrades as President of the Zero Fighter Pilots Association and member of the Unabarakai*. But Kunio could never forget that face over Iwo Jima.

Kunio Iwashita-2004 During the 50th A n n i v e r s a r y remembrances of WWII, Iwashita delivered a speech about his experiences. He revealed that it was his deepest hope to discover the identity of his first kill and pay his respects to the family. The request was passed to the US Navy Historical Society, and Kunio got his answer. Five American were shot down over Iwo Jima on July 4, 1944. One was rescued; the other four went ‘Missing In Action’. Although impossible to identify precisely which plane Iwashita shot down, one possibility stood out: his name was Alberto C. Nisi.

Lt Alberto C. Nisi-1944

Dotson’s Note: In future issues of the Moon we will discuss the many phases of WW II and its aftermath. Our next story will tell you what happened when sides, Kunio Iwashita and the family of Alberto C. Nisi met in 2003.

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Island Moon

A 4

Schlitterbahn Construction Ramps Up

August 29, 2013

Golf Cart Rentals & Sales

Coastal Kart Company...

A premiere Golf Cart Rental in Corpus Christi now offers Golf Cart Sales with many models now on sale! A system of sand dikes are used to dig the canals in sections.

Birds have their own island during construction.

Call 361-949-0995 for golf cart rentals or call 210-710-7855 for Golf Cart Sales.

The new clubhouse will two stories and seating for 1000.

The view from homes on the west side of the golf course will not change.

Island Creations Remodeling

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(Left) These recycled lifeboats will be used for shade structure.

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Announcing the opening of a satellite ofﬁce

THE BURKETT LAW FIRM, P.L.L.C. A CIVIL LITIGATION LAW FIRM David T. Burkett, a long time island resident, is Board Certiﬁed in Civil Trial Litigation by the National Board of Trial Advocacy and Personal Injury Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. He is a member of the College of the State Bar of Texas and was chosen a Texas Top Lawyer for 2012 by Texas Monthly Magazine. David handles business litigation, negligence claims, and insurance litigation.

15481 SPID suite 101 Corpus Christi, TX 78418

Call for an island appointment to the principal ofﬁce in Corpus Christi at 882-8822

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Fisherman’s dream house! Well maintained three bedLots of decks overlooking room, two bathroom with water. Covered parking in the double garage and enclosed front and a boat lift & dock porch, split bedrooms, easy installed in 2011 and rated for maintenance yard, great 4500 lbs. New roof installed island home. Access to Feb. 2013. “turn key”. boat ramp & playground. Offered for $274,500 Offered for $199,900

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August 29, 2013

Island Moon

Letters to the editor

Moon Monkeys Mike Ellis, Founder

Dog Park

Coyotes

Coyotes all over around Whitecap to Aquarius seen this last week. During the day just hanging out in open lots near homes. Strange sight. Ginger Michelle Warne Last two nights and a week ago, coyotes in our streets. One was walking towards me and my husband as we were walking our small dog. My husband had to literally yell at this guy who really wasn’t thinking about anything except to eat our dog. All the coyote did was circle right back around us and Lindsey chased him back towards the dunes. He stopped again!!! They are hungry and thirsty.....

Distribution Pete Alsop Island Delivery Coldwell Banker

Wanted to give a little warning. We live off of Sea Pines and I had to share.

Advertising Jan Park Rankin

Chris Deadman Winston

Patrick Kelliher

Handicapped Parking

Office Lisa Towns

Dr. Donna Shaver

Just wondering why do people think that the handicap parking spaces are for leaving your shopping carts. I’m a Quadriplegic and because I use a wheelchair I need a wide space. If the space is taken by carts I need to park in the back forty to find the double space to get in and out of my van. If I’m lucky no one will park beside me but if they do I have to find some kind person to back my van out. In my case I wish they put the spaces someplace people wouldn’t want to park. Sadly that wouldn’t work some of the elderly with walkers. I use a manual chair and even at 66 years old I can push a far distance but some people can’t. I wish there was some way to get the message across to people. I know it’s just a case of not thinking. In many cases the driver is ambulatory and can get out and move the carts but my case, and several others we’re out of luck.

Photographers

Ray Vanderpool

Classifieds Arlene Ritley Design/Layout Jeff Craft Contributing Writers Joey Farah Devorah Fox Mary Craft Maybeth Christiansen Jay Gardner Todd Hunter Danniece Bobeché Ronnie Narmour Brent Rourk

Miles Merwin

Tennis League

Jeff Dolan Mary Craft

Last week on Wednesday the Old Farts Tennis League met at the Country Club as usual for the last 20-plus years. We went to turn on the Lights and there was no switch. Playing on the other court at the time was Gabby Hippold. She made a number of calls and sure enough an electrician showed up and turned on the lights for us. Gabby, thank you so much for your help and concern. We had fun night of tennis!

Office Security/Spillage Control Riley P. Dog Editor/Publisher/Spillage Control Supervisor

Thank You from the Old Farts Tennis league!

The Island Moon Newspaper 15201 S. Padre Island Drive, Suite 250 Corpus Christi, TX 78418

I have wonderful news for our Farmers’ Market and other local markets! Starting September 1, 2013, The Texas Baker’s Bill 2013 HB970 goes into effect!! Have you always wanted to share Grandma’s apple pie recipe with the world? Now is your chance!!! 1. You may sell the following homemade food items: •Baked goods that do not require refrigeration, such as cakes, cookies, breads, and pastries. •Candy

361-949-7700 editor@islandmoon.com Facebook: The Island Moon Newspaper

•Coated and uncoated nuts •Unroasted nut butters •Fruit butters •Canned jams and jellies

Where to Find The Island Moon Port Aransas Lisabella’s Restaurant Pioneer RV Park Stripes @ Beach Access Rd. 1A

Port A Glass Studio The Gaff

North Padre

Doc’s Restaurant

Island Woman Boutique

Snoopy’s Pier

IGA Grocery Store Port A Business Center Carter Pharmacy

CVS

Isle Mail N More Island Italian Ace Hardware Holiday Inn Texas Star (Shell) Jesse’s Liquor Padre Isles Country Club

San Juan’s Taqueria

Scuttlebutt’s Restaurant

Wash Board Laundry Mat

Subway

Port A Parks and Rec Public Library Chamber of Commerce Duckworth Antiques Back Porch Woody’s Sports Center Shorty’s Place The Flat’s Lounge Giggity’s Stripes @ Cotter & Station

•Dry mixes

•Mustard

Felder Gallery

Spanky’sLiquor

•Cereal, including granola

•Pickles

Whataburger

Moby Dicks

•Popcorn and popcorn snacks

Tarpon Ice House

Amano

Coffee Waves

•Dehydrated fruits and vegetables including dried beans

•Vinegar

All Stripes Stores

Coast Club

•Fruit pies

Wild Horse Saloon

Miss K’s Catering & Bistro

Island Tire And all Moon retail advertisers WB Liquor

Flour Bluff H.E.B. Liquid Town Whataburger on Waldron Ethyl Everly Senior Center Fire Station

Gratitude Gift Shop

Police Station

Keepers Pier House

Stripes on Flour Bluff & SPID

Margaret Westgate

World Record Events Texas Style Who doesn’t like a day of FUN IN THE SUN. Come on down to our beach event and Break a Guinness World Record for most Jalapenos eaten in 1 minute. The current record is held by a guy in Chicago..... A TEXAN should hold this record!! Can you eat 17 to be the WINNER? Fundraiser next weekend North Packery at marker #208.

Farmers’ Market

The Island Moon is published every Thursday, Dale Rankin, Editor / Publisher.

News articles, photos, display ads, classified ads, payments, etc. may be left at the Moon Office.

There are many houses within 100 feet of the area being considered. Some type of buffer will definitely be necessary so these homeowners won’t hear the dogs barking. I was told the existing playground would not go away and Bullish would expand so the “kiddos” would have more options. Is one of these dog owners willing to drive these “kiddos” to Bullish Park to play in a safe environment? A dog park will drive the kids away (what a shame). In all fairness, why would someone pay for a park to walk to when they are allowed to walk & poop all over the island at no cost? Next a chain link fence will most likely be used for the dog park and will only make our properties values decline more. I feel the homeowners should have a say in whether a dog park is erected in their area. We purchased a home in what we all thought a safe, quiet, residential area. I have to wonder if we made a good choice??? I truly hope the POA and CITY will think twice about this. Here’s a thought, why don’t we put the dog park at the POA so the “kiddos” don’t have to walk to Billish Park to play?

John Spolans

Dale Rankin About the Island Moon

Total circulation is 10,000 copies. Distribution includes delivery to 4,000 Island homes, free distribution of 3,000 copies in over 50 Padre Island businesses and condos, as well as 600 copies distributed in Flour Bluff, 1,400 copies on Mustang Island and Port Aransas businesses.

I am a concerned homeowner for one of the areas being considered for a dog park (Aquarius Park). This area already has several homes in disarray (either vacant, overgrown weeds, fences falling down, dogs barking, etc). To put a dog park in an area that is already having issues causing the property values to decline only adds to the current owners frustrations. More time should be spent on cleaning up the area than creating more problems to this particular neighborhood. I have filed all complaints against these properties with the local POA/ city and nothing has been done to beautify these properties. The dog-barking problem was finally addressed a while back. Yes, one item was fixed. Might as well forget that fix because dog barking will again become a huge problem. I guess I’ll be back to filing more complaints.

does not include members of your household. 11. You may not sell any food which requires time and temperature control to prevent spoilage - this is known as a “potentially hazardous food”. However, you may use potentially hazardous products in your food, like milk, eggs, and cream, as long as your FINAL PRODUCT does not require refrigeration (cakes, cookies, candy, etc). 12. No municipal zoning ordinance can prevent you from having a cottage food operation in your home. However, your neighbors can still take action against you if your business becomes a nuisance to them. Labeling Regulations Q1. Do I have to label my cottage food products?

(1) The label information shall include:

•Dried herbs or herb mixes

(B) the common or usual name of the product;

4. If DSHS or your local health department has reason to believe your operation poses an immediate and serious threat to human life or health, they may take action, including getting a warrant to enter your home, and shutting down your operation. 5. You may sell the food at your home, deliver the food to your customer, or sell your food at the following locations: farmers’ markets, farm stands, or municipal, county, or nonprofit fairs, festivals, or events. 6. Your food must be packaged in a way that prevents the product from becoming contaminated. Items that are too large or bulky for conventional packaging, like wedding cakes or cupcake bouquets, are not required to be packaged. 7. Your food must be labeled according to the labeling requirements. The label must be affixed to the package, except for items that are too large or bulky for packaging; in that case the label may be incorporated into the invoice. 8. You may not sell your food over the internet (for example: Etsy), and you may not ship your product. 9. You may not sell wholesale: in other words, you must sell your product directly to the end consumer. You may not sell your food to a reseller such as a grocery store, restaurant, or coffee shop. 10. You must obtain a food handler’s card by January 1, 2014. If you have anyone assisting you in the preparation of your product, such as an employee, they must also obtain a card if at any time they will be unsupervised by you. This

I, by no means, wanted to or try to attack Port Aransas police. I wanted to speak up about the brutal attack that went on before my own eyes. Not go jumping right on the video that was available for them to go check out to see the whole attack going down. To hurry up and jump right on this, maybe recognizing this male attacker/animal, to get him off of our streets immediately. How much in shock my whole body went through to see and witness this in broad day light at Park Road Storage. I did call and report it myself as soon as my fingers could stop shaking enough to where I could dial the number to Port A police. I told them which way they were headed speeding out of the parking lot down station street. I called police and I did leave my name and number. (That is their procedure to ask your name and number) I called on July 31st @ 2:42pm, 3:27pm, 3:28pm, 5:08pm. One of the last calls I made to them to let them know and make them aware that there is video footage for them to see and I also wanted to know if they caught the attacker. The responded back to me telling me that no victim had called in to report their self of this attack. Really??? I also noticed that there were surveillance cameras at the business and called and asked about that and sure enough, there it was all on video. It showed the whole attack going down. From the time the male was chasing the female into the parking lot by their vehicles and the male attacking the female right on the other side of my vehicle. I spoke with the receptionist, we talked about it and the owner of the storage unit. I did not lie about this and the owner his self has it all on video surveillance. He emailed the police department the video to show them exactly just how bad it was what I had witnessed and they also brought it to my attention at one point the attacker started to reach in his back pocket to pull out a gun. I myself would never make up something like that for I myself had been in an abusive marriage for 13 years and as well as my daughter, while being pregnant, brutally attacked many times. Until you are walking in our shoes, you have no idea! You must not have a daughter nor have you ever been in or witnessed a situation like this, getting punched over and over and having someone just keep ramming their big truck into the tail-end of your car while you are sitting behind the wheel, over and over, laying on the ground, balled up like a fetus on the ground, begging for mercy from the attacker. Lucky you! I hope you never are attacked and I or anyone else calls in on your behalf to report and later told that you, as a victim, never called in to report the incident. To respond to your statement as to why it was not in the South Jetty, it has been brought to my attention that it was later put in the South Jetty. Before you respond back to me, just call Park Road Storage and ask them about it and the video footage that they have. I just pray that we never have to read in newspaper and see on the news that this woman or some other woman was attacked by this same man and she is found in critical condition or found dead somewhere. E.K.Y., again, I am not attacking Port Aransas police at all, just wish these type of attacks and crime were jumped upon immediately and investigated more to get these male attackers (animals) off of the streets immediately! Jenn O

•Roasted coffee or dry tea

3. No health department or local government authority can regulate your production of these items. There are no licenses, registration, or permits required by state law. (With the exception of a food handler’s card, see item 10.)

Just because the Island Moon does not charge you don’t mean it’s free. It is a business and they make their money on advertising (just like face book). They are bound by the same laws and code of ethics as the South Jetty or any other paper. I think they do a superb job of covering both islands.

Q2: What is supposed to be on the label?

(A) the name and physical address of the cottage food production operation;

2. You must earn $50,000 or less per year from the sale of the above food items.

Well EKY… I see you complain about people not leaving their name. So you are EKY… EKY of Port Aransas? Sorry, I never heard of you.

Signed,

(d) Labeling requirements for cottage food production operations. All foods prepared by a cottage food production operation must be labeled.

(C) if a food is made with a major food allergen, such as eggs, nuts, soy, peanuts, milk or wheat that ingredient must be listed on the label; and (D) the following statement: “This food is made in a home kitchen and is not inspected by the Department of State Health Services or a local health department.” (2) Labels must be legible. Q3: Does the label have to be attached to the food package? A: Yes, except for items that are too large or bulky for packaging; in that case, the label can be incorporated into the invoice. Q4: Can I make a blanket statement that my product MAY contain all of the allergens listed in the labeling requirements? A: No, you must actually list which allergens are present. Q5: Can I add information to my label, such as a statement that the food may have come into contact with other allergens? A: Yes. Q6: I don’t like the way that statement about the food being prepared in a home kitchen sounds. Can I re-write it in my own words? A: No, you must print the statement of noninspection in exactly the way it appears in the rule. Q7: If I am selling a lot of small items, such as cookies or cake pops, to the same customer, does each one have to be individually packaged and labeled? A: The law is not clear. It says that “food must be packaged” and “all food must be labeled.” We would always advise to err on the side of fully complying with the law. This information was obtained from www.texascottagefoodlaw.com Kelli DeNovellis

Port A Police

A: Yes. The rules read:

Cub Scouts at Local Businesses for Annual Fundraiser By Brent Rourk During the month of September, local Cub Scout Pack 949 will be selling popcorn for their annual fundraiser. Look for them at Scuttlebutts on September 1st from 11-2 and 4-7. In addition to Scuttlebutts, look for Cub Scouts at CVS, Ace Hardware, Lowes, Saint Andrews Church, and The Island Moon Newspaper Market Days. Support these local Scouts as they raise money for all of their yearly activities, awards, and annual banquet. Scouting promotes self-confidence, life skills, and provides opportunities for boys to learn new skills. Make a difference and support Scouting.

Local Cub Scout Pack Starting the New Year with a Round-up By Brent Rourk Attention boys from 1st grade through 5th grade. Cub Scout Pack 949 is starting up on The Island. New Cub Master Bryan Haney is starting the year with a Round-up to allow new members to join this fun organization. The 1 Round-up will be held at the Seashore Learning Center gymnasium on Tuesday, August 27th from 6:30 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. Cub Scout Pack 949 serves North Padre Island, Port Aransas, and Flour Bluff. Mr. Haney is excited about all of the activities and skills that new scouts will enjoy, including many outdoor activities. Haney explained, “Our theme for this year is ‘GO, SEE, and DO’. Scouting is a phenomenal organization that stewards and promotes self-confidence, outdoor fun and adventure, leadership, discipline, community service, and the 12 scout laws.” If you have specific questions about the Roundup or Cub Scout Pack 949, then contact Bryan Haney at 361-533-2776.

A 6

Letters to Riley By Riley P. Dog

Island Moon

by Dale Rankin

There she was, just a Little Yellow Bug setting on the roadside on Ports O Call minding her own business. She wasn’t bothering anybody. She had black eyelashes painted over her headlights, cute little polka dots painted around her top and sides, and a sticker on her window that said Beach Bum for Life. She was a happy bug.

She belonged to long-time Islander Little Kim and was just there on the side of Ports O Call minding her own business when a roaring monster came blasting down the street in her direction. It was a Scary and Smelly Monster with giant eyes and several hard working men riding her back pushing her through her working day. They started early and went door to door, house to house, block to block, picking up loads of wine bottles with stories to tell of Island revelries, bags of assorted stuff – the flotsam and jetsam of everyday Island life. Once in her belly a giant crusher was turned on which mashed and ground the collection into an ever tighter and tighter ball until it was little more than an amalgamated microcosm of the throwoff of life its ownself. Stuff to be dug out of a landfill in a thousand years like so many dinosaur bones by paleontologists who might ponder how so few people could drink so much wine. The Smelly Monster was a garbage truck.

Bug down!

That’s a lot questions Paxton so I’ll take them in order. 1. I have a lot of favorite things to do. Being on a diet is not one of them but that’s okay. I got weighted by Dr. Christi this week and I have lost 14 pounds. I’m not sure how many that is in dog pounds but I’m pretty sure it’s a lot. Maybe I can go back on my hotdog and catfood diet pretty soon. I guess my favorite thing to do is bark at boats and swim in a pool because that cools my parts. 2. I am a ManDog Paxton. Yes, a ManDog is what I am. 3. It depends on how you define “well” Paxton. I’m losing weight but I’m not getting any hotdogs. Soon the whole I would say no. Can you send me a hot dog Paxton? Put it in a box that says, “For Riley P. Dog” do not open. I’ll be looking for it Paxton. The mailman comes at 11. 4. No, Paxton. I don’t like my owner. He only feeds me diet dog food. Have you ever had diet dog food Paxton? I like hotdogs. I think I’m getting Drain Bamage.

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August 29, 2013

Stuff I Heard on the Island

Sure she had seen some better days and had to go to The Valley for some work to get back on the road. But she had also seen some good times like the Mardi Gras Parade in Port Aransas where she proudly took her turn in the spotlight, and the beach was her second home.

Hey Paxton,

the driver’s side. Fortunately no one was in The Bug at the time. A call went out to Gib, who lives in the house where the Little Bug was staying. “There’s been an accident,” was the word. “Little Kim’s bug has been wiped out by a garbage truck!” Gib ran outside and sure enough it was true. The bug was mashed. Squashed like a bug on the windshield of a smelly garbage truck.. “I don’t know how it happened,” the driver said as he stood in the street and scratched his head as his fellows giggled in the back. “I just don’t know how it happened.” “It happened because you drove the garbage truck into the Little Yellow Bug,” (or something like that) said his supervisor who had been summoned to the scene and was not happy. “The Bug wasn’t moving,” he said, anticipating an excuse from his driver. “It wasn’t moving!”

Back to the cans The driver lamented his mistake since crashing his garbage truck into a Little Yellow Bug parked on the side of the street and not moving was sure to be blamed on him and would quite likely mean a reassessment of his job description relocating him from the front of the truck where the clean air is to be found to the back where the foul air wafts up from its bowels when cooked in the Island sun. It was a career setback he was sure of it. It could undo years of working his way forward. It could send him back to the cans.

The dreaded cans. So there they were. The mashed up Little Yellow Bug, the Smelly Monster with a belly full of trash, a driver lamenting his future, and a street full of folks all scratching their heads and wondering at the irony of such a chance meeting on an Island backstreet. So say a silent prayer for The Little Yellow Bug. She sets silent and forlorn now with busted glass and a hunk of plastic taped over the gaping maw to keep the elements at bay. Awaiting events. Wondering if her best days are behind her. I suppose we all feel like that Little Yellow Bug from

5. Will I get off my dideyt? I don’t know. I haven’t yet Paxton. I haven’t yet. But I do get off of it every time I get the chance. Which isn’t often enough. Not enough. 6. With great difficulty. I don’t have any thumbs and I have to hit the space bar with my nose. Have you ever had to hit the space bar with your nose Paxton? You should try it. It will make you write shorter stories. 7. Can my sisters fly? Only when they are being carried by a Great Horned Owl Paxton. It’s only happened once but I’ll never hear the end of it. Stoopid Cats! 8. I don’t know how old I am Paxton. I’m a dog. 9. My favorite coler is whatever is the coler of a bowl full of catfood. Can you send me some catfood Paxton. I would like it if you could. But every time I eat the catfood those cats rat me out to my humans. I won’t forget about that Paxton. Those cats will get theirs someday. Just wait until they are on a dideyt. Stoopid Cats!

Last Friday morning it came backing down Salt Cay and was starting to make speed on Ports O Call when the Smelly Monster met the Little Yellow Bug and needless to say it didn’t go down well for the bug. The Smelly Monster sideswiped the Little Yellow Bug and ripped open her side and took out all the windows on

time to time.

I’ll leave the metaphors to you readers. If there is a bigger lesson here you will have to ferret it out for your ownselves. It was the day a Scary Smelly Monster met a Little Yellow Bug. It’s just one of the things I heard on The Island.

History continued from A1 logs in those mountains of water that looked as big as cars, smashing all around us, they were. The floor wasn’t nailed down and it was about to blow out or be washed out from under us. I told Burton we’d better get out of there and try to make it to Green Hill, the highest point on the Island. Burton was ready but when we looked around at Sisto, (now Sisto was the subject of seizures) Burton said, “Oh my goodness, what’s the matter with him, anyway? Jumping around and climbing the walls like crazy! Is he is having a spell?” He wasn’t. What he did was to tie some provisions and matches wrapped in canvas to the highest rafters. We tore out, leaving the lamp burning on the table and both doors wide open. We make it to Green Hill, somehow. I don’t know how the story started that we tied ourselves to the trees, but we didn’t. We just stayed there flat and watched all that water and prayed. It was like the whole Ocean crashing in. There was about six-hundred yearlings in the lower pasture and seven half- broke horses, three Burton Dunn and daughter Juliana on mules and Uncle Pat’s gray horse. Most of Padre Island them made it through the storm. The cows were all lost though. They had been at the head of the and logs and scared to death. Finally me and ranch and came down the Island during the first Burton caught a couple and when we headed part of the storm. When the lull came, the eye out for the ranch head – well we didn’t have a of the hurricane, they had started back to the whip to lay on, but we hollered and kicked and ranch and then they were hit full force by the screamed and those mules TRAVELED! It was wind and water. It was just too much for them, about fifteen miles from Green Hill to the head out in the open, and they were flattened out and ranch. There wasn’t anything left here, either bogged down – died from exposure as much as but we found Mr. Blumfield;s teeth. (Please drowning. There wasn’t much of anything left don’t ask me how Mr. Blumfield got in this, we where weDunn had been. know.) Uncle Pat was here, just waitin’ Burton and daughter Juliana ondon’t Padre Island Oh, we found parts of the lamp, and later and lookin’ when he heard us and then saw us, he broke up with happiness. He told Burton, “Son I never expected to see you alive!”

Burton Dunn and daughter

Burton recalled laying flat on the dune with his arms wrapped around a post to keep from being blown into the maelstrom. He would talk years later of the other creatures occupying the dune; rabbits, coyotes and particularly rattlesnakes, all the critters hunkered down, trying to ride out the storm.

Moving down Island Moving down Island Moving down Island one of our saddles washed up on Flour Bluff. Uncle Pat’s saddle was never found. He had a couple of bottles of strychnine in his saddle bags and always believing that somebody found his saddle and just kept it, he also hoped they decided to sample those bottles! By noon of the next day the storm was over and we knew my folks were worried about us but we just didn’t have any way to catch those horses. They were scratched up awful bad, we figured by trying to stay together, swimming in all that water

For Burton it ended his dream of being a full time rancher like his father Patrick with his fledging herd wiped out by the storm. He went back to work for the CC National Bank where he had just quit the year before investing all his earnings in the now drowned cattle. Ranching though was always his first love and even though he continued to work at the bank until his death in 1970 he considered himself a rancher first and banker second. From his desk at the bank Burton continued the cattle operation on the Island after his father’s death in 1937, along with running several thousand head on Mustang Island and the Los Machos Ranch.

August 29, 2013

Island Moon

Angler’s Alley

Texas Women Angler’s Tournament Photos by Miles Merwin. More photos on A2

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I just thought you might like this photo of my son at our dock. He is the newest resident of the Island and caught this on his fourth day here. Needless to say Anthony Ciardelli has a new sport! Bonnie Ciardelli

A super first fishing trip for this six yearold, right before starting school. After catching his first fish, Walker offered these fishing tips: If the fish aren’t biting, just cast at the other end of the boat. And, if you happen to hook a really big fish, make sure someone is close by to catch you before the fish pulls you overboard! Doug & Stoney Walker

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A 8

STATE

Island Moon

Scholarship Opportunity For Future Service Members By Todd Hunter, District 32 The Texas Legislature created the Texas Armed Services Scholarship Program. The purpose of the program is to encourage high school seniors and freshmen college students to participate in a civilian college Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) program while in college. A student must meet specific eligibility criteria in order to receive an initial scholarship award. In addition to the eligibility criteria, a student must enter into an agreement requiring a four-year commitment as a member of the Texas Army National Guard, member of the Texas Air Force National Guard, or a commissioned officer in any branch of the armed services of the United States. Annually, the governor and the lieutenant governor may each appoint two students, and each state senator and each state representative may appoint one student to receive a conditional Texas Armed Services Scholarship. A maximum of 185 students may be appointed statewide. A student may receive up to $10,000 dependent on funding availability. Students may receive continued scholarship awards. My office is accepting scholarship applications from students who reside in House District 32. Each state representative has been asked to nominate one student to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board is responsible for overseeing the Texas Armed Services Scholarship Program.

Eligibility for Nomination In order to be considered for the Texas Armed Services Scholarship, a student must meet two of the following four academic criteria at the time of the application: • Graduate or have graduated high school with the Distinguished Achievement Program (DAP) or the International Baccalaureate Program (IB); • Have a high school GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale; • Achieve a college readiness score on the SAT (1590) or ACT (23); • Ranked in the top third of their graduating class. Once a student receives the nomination, then a number of criteria must be met for the nominated student to be eligible for receipt of

an initial scholarship. The student must enroll in an ROTC program. A selected student must also enter into a written agreement with the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board agreeing to complete four years of ROTC training and graduate no later than six years after the date the student first registers at an institution of higher education. No later than six months after graduation from college, the selected student must provide the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board with verification of a four-year commitment to be a member of the Texas Army National Guard, Texas Air Force National Guard, Texas State Guard, U.S. Coast Guard or U.S. Merchant Marines; or a contract to serve as a commissioned officer in any branch of the United States Armed Forces. A selected student must meet all prescreening requirements of the Texas Army, the Texas Air Force National Guard, Texas State Guard, U.S. Coast Guard or U.S. Merchant Marines, or the appropriate branch of the armed services. The student must repay the scholarship if the student fails to meet the requirements for receiving the scholarship. This is an exciting opportunity for any student seeking to enter the armed forces by way of a Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) program at a civilian college. If you are a student who would like to be nominated for this scholarship program, please submit a cover letter along with proof that you have met the required academic criteria to either my Capitol office in Austin or my District office in Corpus Christi. If you would like any additional information on the Texas Armed Services Scholarship Program, please don’t hesitate to contact my Capitol or District office (512-463-0672; 361949-4603). The scholarship is administered by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. Questions can also be directed to the board’s Office of External Relations which can be reached at 512-427-6117. As always, my offices are available at any time to assist with questions, concerns or comments (Capitol Office, 512-463-0672; District Office, 361-949-4603).

• • • • •

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August 29, 2013

Turtles continued from A1

our public releases for hatchlings from Kemp’s ridley clutches that care for in our incubation facility. All the clutches found on the Texas coast this year that we believe are Kemp’s ridley have hatched and the hatchlings have been released. On August 27, a clutch that we thought was loggerhead hatched and upon examination of the hatchlings we confirmed that it was actually Kemp’s ridley. When the nesting female is not present at a nest site and her tracks are not very visible, it can be difficult to identify species correctly. We do not finalize our nest numbers for the year until all the clutches hatch because sometimes species identifications change. The tally of Kemp’s ridley nests found in Texas this year now stands at 153. So far this year, 13 loggerhead and 15 green turtle nests have also been found in Texas. We are currently caring for the remaining 5 loggerhead and 11 green turtle clutches that have not yet hatched, so there is a chance that more species assignments might change. We will not be scheduling public releases for loggerhead or green turtle hatchlings because it is much more difficult to predict when those hatchlings will frenzy and have to be released than it is for Kemp’s ridleys. However, even though we do not schedule public releases for them, some loggerheads and green turtles have been released during public releases that were scheduled for Kemp’s ridleys. On a few occasions, such as at the last release, some loggerhead or green turtle hatchlings were also ready for release and we set them free at the scheduled public releases too. People enjoyed seeing the physical and behavioral differences between Kemp’s ridley and the other species. Kemp’s ridley hatchlings are more uniformly colored, smaller, and slower. We have released thousands of hatchlings at the National Seashore this year from eggs that have been found on the Texas coast. The 25 public releases have been attended by thousands of local residents and tourists. We are thrilled and grateful for the wonderful turnout, support, and enthusiasm at the releases this year! Thank you for the clapping and cheers as the first hatchling entered the surf at each release, and for the patient people that waited until the end of each release to clap for the slowest, last turtle to make its way into the water. All of the hatchlings are important to us and our staff and volunteers make sure that each is protected as it crawls down the beach and enters the surf.

Public releases next year Next year we will begin to patrol for nesting Kemp’s ridley turtles in April. Our first public release of the year will be held in late-May or early June, depending on when the first nests of the season are found. Like this year, as each nest is found and brought to our incubation facility we will post its projected release dates on our website www.nps.gov/pais. If you know of someone from out of town that is planning a vacation and hopes to see a release, advise them to come at a time when several clutches are due to hatch and be released at the same time. This will provide “insurance” for our releases so that if hatchlings from one or more of our clutches frenzy and have to be released in the middle of the night there are hopefully others still available for the public release in the morning. As clutches hatch, we will again announce the date for the next upcoming public release on our recorded Hatchling Hotline (tel. 361-949-7163) and on our Facebook page titled Padre Island NS Division of Sea Turtle Science & Recovery.

More green turtle nesting possible Although the Kemp’s ridley and loggerhead nesting seasons are likely over for this year, the green turtle nesting season could continue for about two more weeks. Thirteen of the 15 green turtle nests located in Texas this year were at the National Seashore and the other 2 were on South Padre Island. Three of the 15 green turtle nests were found since my last article two weeks ago. Green turtle nests have been recorded at the National Seashore through midSeptember, so 1-3 more green turtle nests could be found here before the nesting season is over. Green turtles nest almost exclusively during the night. Please watch for these turtles while you are on the beach at night, and report any seen immediately by calling 1-866-TURTLE5. If you are driving on the beach at night, please drive carefully. Nesters are large, crawl slowly on the beach, and leave a deep track. They are not capable of moving quickly to escape a passing vehicle. Please do not approach or take photos of them as they are crawling up the beach to nest or you could frighten them and cause them to return to the surf without nesting. Like with the Kemp’s ridleys, please place a distinguishing marker next to the nest after the turtle has entered her trance-like state when she is actually depositing eggs into the nest chamber. And, if you can, please remain at the site to make sure that she is not harmed by people or predators while she is on the beach.

Rep. Hunter represents Nueces County (Part). He can be contacted at todd.hunter@house. state.tx.us or at 512-463-0672.

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Talia Urgent need for a foster for beautiful Talia! If you can, or know someone who can foster this sweet, deserving girl please call Belinda at 361-510-5980. ♥ Talia has been spayed and is up to date on her shots. She is a very loving girl and has lived with other dogs and cats. Here is Talia’s story: This gorgeous, very pregnant girl followed the homebuilder’s van to a home under construction on the island. She stayed there the entire day. A friend of mine lives on that street and when she saw her, she called me and i went out to meet her. It was love at first sight! The poor girl was shivering, she was so cold. After warming her up, she promptly fell asleep in my lap. On May 6th, Talia gave birth to 6 perfect and beautiful babies! Sadly, two babies that we named Mocha and Pudge did not make it...Mocha left us on May 12th and Pudge went to join Mocha on May 15th. Of the 4 remaining puppies, 2 have now found their forever homes and 2 are available for adoption.

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August 29, 2013

Island Moon

Backwater Adventures By Joey Farah Farah’s Fishing Adventures Any good fishermen believes in luck, good and bad. Some old superstitions hold true to the minds and routines of anglers here locally and worldwide. Every morning for years when I head down the deadend street to my parents’ house to drop off the kids in the pre-dawn darkness a watchful eye scans the darkness for the black cats.