August 2019 Issue by The Bend Magazine

COASTAL BEND LIFE

STUDENTS WHO SHINE

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Robert Justus Kleberg’s founding commitment to “help those who showed the spirit of cooperation in community building” continues to withstand the test of time. We are the next generation of homegrown bankers dedicated to supporting the future growth of South Texas. We put people first, nuturing a collaborative Can Do approach to managing your financial needs, and support every customer relationship with exceptional technology for a banking experience that never grows old.

Supporting South Texas for Over a Century.

CHRISTI SOUTH

PARTNERING WITH PATIENTS

We work in partnership with each patient to develop a personalized rehabilitation program using established, effective treatment approaches, as well as state-of-the-art techniques and equipment to help provide our patients with the best outcomes possible. These include:

• One-on-One Therapy Sessions

• Korebalance System

• Bioness Integrated Therapy System

• Bioness L300 Foot Drop System

• Bioness H200 Hand Rehabilitation System

• VitalStim Therapy

• Lee Silverman Voice Training (LSVT) Program

• BIG Program (Focus on motor skills)

• LOUD Program (Focus on speech)

• Delay the Disease

• Group based exercise classes for people with Parkinson’s Disease

Kennedy Dental Care

Kennedy Dental is proud to have served the Coastal Bend for 50 years. Our practices o er both pediatric dentistry and orthodontics. At Kennedy Dental Care, your child’s comfort comes ﬁrst and our unparalleled commitment to the highest level of pediatric dental care has earned the trust of generation after generation in the Coastal Bend.

What is one thing you would like to ask Gen

What percentage of people you follow on social media are "influencers" and how would you define the term?

PRESIDENT & PUBLISHER: Jordan Regas

VICE PRESIDENT & EVENTS DIRECTOR: Kaley Regas

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT: Chris Knapick

ART DIRECTOR: Jarred Schuetze

MANAGING EDITOR: Kylie Cooper

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE: Daniel Coleman

LEAD PHOTOGRAPHER: Rachel Benavides

EDITORIAL INTERN: Michela May

COPY EDITOR: Steve Gill

What should we do now to ensure a world for you tomorrow?

SUBMISSIONS: kylie@thebendmag.com

SUBSCRIPTIONS: thebendmag.com

Gen Z has shown to be less collaborative than Millennials. What does the future workplace environments look like for us employers who have torn down walls (literally) to provide an open concept work space for Millennials?

Do you think your generation is more politically conscious? If so, how do you think that has affected the way you communicate with others?

PHOTOGRAPHY: Jason Page

Aaron Garcia Lillian Reitz

CONTRIBUTORS:

Justin Butts

Kayla Butts

Julieta Hernandez

Jacqueline Gonzalez

Jillian Becquet

Jessie Monsivais

Laura Shaver

Emma Comery

JoAnne Howell

EDITORIAL

THE BEND OFFICE

309 N. Water Street Corpus Christi, TX 78401 361.792.3606

CONNECT WITH US

Do you think you’ll see a time when social media becomes a thing of the past? A time when it will be only a memory of a way to communicate?

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@thebendmag on Instagram and Facebook #CBLife

On the Cover:

Every August, our issue is dedicated to scholars in the Coastal Bend. This year, we focused on the concept of Gen Z and how this new generation is paving the way for a brighter future. The eight students featured were chosen from nominations sent in by our readers and our cover star, Henry Crawley, is undoubtedly an unstoppable force to be reckoned with. One of his prize possessions, the fully functioning robot you see, joins him in this month’s cover.

(photo by: Rachel Benavides)

STATE of the UNIVERSITY

Join us for an afternoon of celebration as we share our continued vision of success and Islander Impact. Hear from Island University President Kelly M. Quintanilla and rising scholars!

WEDNESDAY, OCTOB ER 2, 2019 | 11:30 A.M. – 1:00 P.M.

Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi University Center, Anchor Ballroom

VISIT SOTU.TAMUCC.EDU FOR MORE INFORMATION ON TICKETS AND SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

a NEW

GENERATION

Earlier this summer, I was at a conference in Minneapolis for city and regional magazines. One of the keynote speakers, Da vid Stillman, an expert on generational differences, got up to speak on a new generation entering the workforce: Gen Z. We now have five generations all working together: Traditionalists, Baby Boomers, Generation X, Millennials, and now, Gen Z. It seems right as the Millennial conversation was taking off, we now have a new generation to figure out. And, according to the expert, they are very different from the generation before them. Not only is Gen Z the first generation to grow up in a fully digitalized world, they also grew up during a major recession. Many watched their parents lose jobs and struggle to make ends meet. This all happened while reading or watching the Hunger Games series, where only the fittest survive.

one of these students or not, their stories are an inspiration to all of us. We can start changing the world today with one small act of kindness, like eleven-year-old Madison Beckworth, who launched Madison’s Rainbow Project, where she donates art supplies and toys to children undergoing cancer treatments.

Needless to say, this is a highly competitive generation. They are go-getters who are not afraid to step up to a challenge. Also, they are highly networked and have access to more information and technology than any generation before them. All of these characteristics came across in the 66 nominations we received for this year’s class of Students Who Shine.

As I read through the profiles of each student on page 34, where Kylie Cooper brilliantly encapsulates what makes each student standout, I made a new discovery about Gen Z: These eight students are not the people who will change the world, they are students who are already changing it. Whether you know

THREE TAKEAWAYS:

We are always on the lookout for local world changers, so be sure to visit thebendmag.com and subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date on our latest nominations, polls, and community happenings. Also, please let me know what you think about this issue: what you loved, read, skipped, and want more of in the future. Visit our website or email me at the address below.

1. There is a local organization whose sole purpose is to provide strangers with random acts of kindness. The Angel Acts Project, which began after three different women formed a strong bond after losing their children, helps bring joy into other people’s lives. pg. 26

2. According to the International Dyslexia Association, 15 to 20 percent of the population as a whole lives with symptoms of dyslexia. pg. 46

3. The first ever pop-up dinner club experience has made its way to the Coastal Bend. The Roughian makes fine dining easy for locals by doing all the work for you. pg. 94

– JORDAN REGAS, Publisher jordan@thebendmag.com

Blocks from Ocean Drive | 3850 S Alameda | Corpus Christi, TX

winners of the 2019 “the local’s list” from THE BEND magazine we are proud to be home for the best of south texas

ALEXIS HUNTER INTERIORS

ANN TAYLOR LOFT

BKK THAI KITCHEN + BAR

CHICO’S

FOUR CHICKS IN THE PARK FRANCISCO’S SALON

GOLDSMITH JEWELERS

GRAY PHOTOGRAPHY

HANLEY • WOOD

HESTER’S CAFE

JULIAN GOLD

MADRE MEXICAN FISH HOUSE (open summer/fall 2019)

PILAR FASHION & FOLK ART

AROUND THE BEND

Here in the Coastal Bend, Rick Morin has harnessed the nickname of “Da People’s Barber” and for good reason. We sat down with the owner of Flawless Barber Shop to have a conversation about his love for the craft, his shop, and his exuberant number of endeavors.

COLORING IN THE LINES

Lines, lines, everywhere are lines. Wether you're drawing the line, walking the line, or crossing the line, who doesn't love a good linear fashion moment?

BY: JARRED SCHUETZE

MULTI-COLORED STRIPED

MAXI DRESS JEWELS

SAM EDELMAN HAZEL CROCO

LEATHER PUMPS DILLARDS

PINK BAMBOO HANDBAG SHOP LRK

REECE BRIGHT SILVER HOOP

EARRING KENDRA SCOTT

KATE SPADE WOMEN'S PARK ROW

MULTICOLOR WATCH MACY'S

MODERN COMFORTS BY THE WATER

TALK of the TOWN

Sauced Up

When it comes to mouth-watering house-made sauce, our Coastal Bend eateries don't dissapoint. Sweet, spicy, tangy, and hot we tasted our way through town and picked a few of our favorite signature sauces. What are your top picks? Let us know by tagging us @thebendmag.

BY: JARRED SCHUETZE

HER 2019

Every year, we dedicate one of our issues to the amazing women in the Coastal Bend. This year, we introduced a new concept: HER, which stands for honoring, empowering, and raising women up in the Coastal Bend. We wanted to hear from each of you and learn about the inspiring women in your lives and you guys did not disappoint! The nominations have closed and the women have been chosen. Join us for our first ever HER event, on September 26th. At the event, we will unveil the five women chosen, our cover and the issue itself, as well as crown our Woman of the Year. Head to our website for more information.

SOCIAL LOVE

Instagram Shoutouts

Anyone out there living their best Coastal Bend life? We see you! Every day locals post photos of how they are living it up in this community and we love to see it. Dave Capote (@david.capote15) and Josiah Duenes (@josiahduenes) shared these photos to their feeds and we can’t get enough. Want the chance to be featured in this exact spot next month? Tag us in your photos (@thebendmag) and you just might!

AngelsAmong Us

Three amazing babies, three difficult stories, and three mothers keeping memories alive through acts of kindness

BY: JACQUELINE GONZALEZ PHOTO BY: LILLIAN REITZ

Losing a child is not something parenting books or magazines prepare mothers for. It happens suddenly, and you’re left wondering where you went wrong, or if there was anything you could have done differently. Three young mothers each experienced the tragic loss of a child, but chose to rise above the grief and carry their babies’ memories through random acts of kindness they call “angel acts.”

In 2015, after giving birth to micro preemies, Linzy Adams and Andrea Barrett were brought together by NICU nurses as a form of support for one another. After Andrea’s son, Eli, passed away, she poured her energy into supporting Linzy and her daughter, Alena. After Alena’s passing, Linzy and Andrea decided they both wanted to be there for other mothers going through the same experience. They read about a BBQ benefit held for an infant who had recently passed away – Jaclyn Kelley’s daughter, Avery. Andrea and Linzy immediately felt a connection to Jaclyn, and soon after, the three women were an unstoppable healing force.

The Angel Acts Project began in the midst of bonding over the grief of losing a child. “There were bad days where we didn’t want to get out of bed,” says Adams, “but we could either let the grief continue to break us, or we could come together to heal.”

Although the pain won't disappear, holding on to the love, instead of the loss, can channel the pain into greater things. Kindness is a gift everyone can afford to give. Kelley adds, “we started doing little things like holding doors open, putting away grocery carts, and giving some-

one a random compliment.” They noticed an overwhelming sense of happiness resulting from these acts, and decided to continue.

In April 2016, they had their first Angel Acts Day, which consisted of a full day of acts of kindness. “The small acts turned into bigger acts,” recalls Barrett of the time they took bouquets to the graves of babies. “We left a note to let the parents know we were thinking of them and they weren’t alone.” A heartfelt, heaven-sent birthday wish from Eli is among the most memorable. The girls went to H-E-B and took care of a random, unpaid balance on a child’s birthday cake with a note bearing Eli’s blessings. They also took time to visit the nurses from Driscoll Children’s Hospital and bring them pizza and sweets.

Kelley, Adams, and Barrett agree having the support system they’ve built is life-changing and has helped them channel their emotions into happier moments. They’re starting small, but they’re focused on helping other mothers through this terrible loss. Although they aren’t your average grief group, they do talk, share, and cry, but they keep their hearts and minds busy, which is healing.

As short as their time was here on Earth, Eli, Alena, and Avery touched the lives of many people and Kelley, Adams, and Barrett are positive their babies are looking down from heaven and are proud of their accomplishments.

Contact: angelactsproject@gmail.com youtube.com/TheAngelActsProject

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Places to Feel Nostalgic

BY: JULIETA HERNANDEZ PHOTO BY: RACHEL BENAVIDES

Time flies when we’re making memories. The Coastal Bend has been around, and there are countless places – checkpoints from the past and present alike – that have that certain echo. Pulling at our most nostalgic heartstrings, here are the five best spots where time just seems to blend in.

STOPPING BY SUNRISE MALL

Until its final departure in the next year, the inside of the Sunrise Mall remains a gem that shines through time. As a filming spot for The Legend of Billie Jean, the Sunrise and its own legend make it bittersweet to remember its livelier days. The architecture inside is reminiscent of any teen drama from the ’80s, where the mall was always the coolest hangout spot. 5858 South Padre Island Dr

DINE & SHOP AT HAMLIN FOUNTAIN & GIFTS

Back in 1960, Hamlin Fountain & Gifts (then Hamlin Pharmacy) opened their doors as a pharmacy and classic soda shop. Although the name has changed and the pharmacy is long gone, this is still a local icon we all know and love. Walk in and sit at the bar and order a burger and shake from good ole Jesse. It’s a sure way to catch those oh-so-familiar nostalgic feels. 3801 South Staples

EATING DINNER AT SNAPKA’S DRIVE INN

This epic drive-in diner has been feeding hungry Corpus Christians since the late ’40s. Take a trip down memory lane and travel back to the times when meeting up with your friends at the drive-in was the hot ticket on a Friday night. Cruise up to a spot and someone will

come straight to your car to take your order! Pro Tip: Join Snapka’s for their monthly "Nostalgia Nite" event where you can cool down with a malt, look at vintage cars, and mix and mingle with friends both old and new. 4434 Weber Rd. & 4760 Leopard St.

VISITING HYBRID RECORDS

Did you buy that record player or take it from your grandparents’ garage? Either way, it’s not a waste of space. Nothing says nostalgia like a good ole jam sesh on the record player. Bring back the tunes with a trip to Hybrid Records, where you can find vinyl of fresh-and flashback-beats. Take a trip down memory lane as you browse through their selection of old hits. Travel back in time to all your favorite decades with the simple flip of a record. 4233 S. Alameda St.

TOURING THE RITZ THEATER

When the Ritz opened its doors in 1929, it wasn’t that different than it is today, just maybe a little livelier. Within the walls of the theater that witnessed the tail of the Great Depression, WWII, and probably our grandparents’ favorite rock concerts, a tour during your downtown route will rouse some fond memories you didn’t even know you had. 715 N Chaparral St.

HOW DID YOU GET INTO CUTTING HAIR? GROWING UP, WAS IT ALWAYS IMPORTANT TO YOU TO HAVE A FRESH CUT?

I actually started cutting my own hair when I was around 15 years old. I wanted a haircut once a week, and my parents thought that was a bit excessive and wouldn’t allow it.

WHEN DID YOU FIRST DECIDE TO OPEN UP A BARBER SHOP HERE IN CORPUS CHRISTI?

Straight out of barber college, I got my first job at a local barbershop. About a year later I had the opportunity to buy it from the owner – it was a no-brainer for me. Once I took ownership, I remodeled the shop and changed the name to Flawless.

WHAT ABOUT YOU OR YOUR PARTICULAR STYLE OF CUTTING HAIR DO YOU THINK MAKES PEOPLE GRAVITATE TOWARD FLAWLESS?

To be honest, I don’t think it has anything to do with my haircutting skills; I believe it’s my customer service and personality that keeps them coming back.

WHAT TYPE OF VIBE WOULD YOU SAY YOU TRY TO MAINTAIN AT THE SHOP?

We are a family-oriented barbershop, so we keep a real laid-back, traditional style atmosphere – just with a modern twist.

WHAT IS ONE OF THE WILDEST DAYS YOU HAVE HAD AT THE SHOP?

I’d say it has to be Christmas week of 2008. I was in the shop cutting from 7am-12am for 3 days straight. Those were some long days, but I wanted to make sure I was able to take care of all my clients.

YOU HAVE A NICKNAME OF "DA PEOPLE'S BARBER." HOW DID YOU OBTAIN THAT AND WHAT EXACTLY DOES IT MEAN?

Yeah, man! It was given to me by ‘da people.’ One day, one of my clients asked me if I would ever cut celebrities’ hair and I was like, ‘No sir, just you guys, the people.’ He was like, ‘Oh, you’re like Da People’s Barber,’ and it’s stuck ever since.

YOU'RE THE FOUNDER AND OWNER OF THE TEXAS BARBER EXPO, THE LARGEST BARBER EVENT IN THE STATE OF TEXAS. HOW DID YOU DECIDE TO DO THAT, AND WHAT WAS THE EXPERIENCE LIKE?

It started seven years ago. I was traveling the world, judging barber battles and teaching seminars, and would come home wondering why Texas didn’t have anything like these events. Then, after long thoughts and prayers, [I] decided I would bring it to Texas. So, I did just that.

YOU'VE NOW CREATED YOUR OWN LINE OF HAIR PRODUCTS. WHAT INSPIRED THAT?

We have a pomade and beard oil. The inspiration came from my sons. When they were born, I wanted to be able to style their hair, but I also wanted to make sure the products I used for them weren’t filled with alcohol or other toxic chemicals. So I started working with a chemist, and we created a water-based product that is safe for all ages. Oh, and it has a great scent!

I HEAR YOU'RE A PUBLISHED AUTHOR NOW; YOUR BOOK FLAWLESS: FAITH, FAMILY, & FINANCES CAME OUT RECENTLY. WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO WRITE THAT, AND HOW DID IT FEEL?

I am! I’ve always wanted my story to be told. So this year, I made it a goal of mine to make it a reality.

Contact: 1101 Airline Rd | 361.992.6600 | flawlessbarbershopcc.com | @flawlessbscc | youtube.com/dapeoplesbarber

"DA PEOPLE'S BARBER" IS HERE TO SERVE

KENT ULLBERG:

CELEBRATING THE WILD AND WONDERFUL

ON VIEW

MAY 18 – AUGUST 18, 2019

IMAGES LEFT TO RIGHT (DETAILS OF): Kent Ullberg (American, b. 1945), Great Arch, 2000, bronze, 12 in. x 17 in. x 17 in., collection of Veerle and Kent Ullberg; Kent Ullberg, (American, b. 1945), Waiting for Sockeye, 1994, bronze, 32 in. x 48 in. x 20 in., from the Corpus Christi Art Connection Gallery

Gen Z – the generation that belongs to those currently between the ages of 4 and 23 makes up the entire education system. The kids who claim membership of Gen Z are quite literally our future. Most people, when thinking about this generation, only attribute to them stereotypical quirks like excessive social media use and viral dance moves. However, there is much more to each of these individuals than what might first meet jaded eyes. Across the world, around the country, and even right here in the Coastal Bend, Gen Z students are coming into their own and taking steps to change the world around them. They are taking matters into their own hands and finding ways to create, learn, work, and strive for a better tomorrow. In this feature, we learn how eight different Coastal Bend students are going beyond the classroom and making a difference in various ways. When asked how their generation will contribute to the future, each student’s answer had something to do with conserving the earth and battling the climate crisis, finding cures to various diseases, and inventing technology that will advance assorted aspects of society. If our futures are on the shoulders, minds, and hearts of these students, then it seems safe to say it could be a rather bright one.

THE GIRL WHO GIVES BACK

Madison Beckwith, 11 6th Grade | Flour Bluff Intermediate

Four grown adults and one 11-year-old sat on the floor of our office for about 25 minutes on a Thursday afternoon and did nothing but draw rainbows. We never would have guessed how much joy this brought into each of our days, but it was easily one of the highlights of our week. This is the exact reason why Madison Beckwith decided to bring this type of bliss to children who might need it a little more than others.

Madison, you see, was diagnosed with cancer when she was only two years old. After two and a half years of treatments, she was cancer free. Although her fight was over, she knew there were others who would still be on their journey to recovery, and she wanted to help. And so, Madison's Rainbow Project was born. Madison has been donating art supplies and other toys to children undergoing various types of cancer treatments, at Driscoll Children’s Hospital, since she was just three years old.

To know Madison, is to be inspired by her. Her tenacious spirit combined with a passion for life make for a rather phenomenal sixth grader. Other than giving back to her community and brightening up any room she steps foot in, she also loves drawing and painting (no surprise here), playing volleyball, taking care of her two dogs, Myles and Willow, and playing Fortnite. When she isn’t spending her time lending a helping hand to others and trying to change the world, she is busting out her PS4 and exploring new oceans on an alien planet known as 4546B. You know, classic Gen Z activities.

Is the number of years Madison has been cancer free! After being diagnosed with Leukemia at the age of two, she went through two and a half years of various treatments before she was able to say she was totally cancer free!

A CONNECTED GENERATION Consider this: almost every year since Gen Z started, a new technology advancement was made. Other generations can remember one, maybe two, in their formative years. But, Gen Zers have grown up in a totally digitally connected world.

THE BIONIC BOY

HENRY CRAWLEY, 15 11th Grade | Moody High School

It’s 5:30 AM, and Henry Crawley and his mother are awake, preparing for Henry to represent his school at the Chevron Design Challenge in College Station. Henry, who was accepted into the Citgo Innovation Academy Program at Moody High School, has always loved building things with his own two hands. As a member of the Robotic Team, building a completely functioning robot with the help of his teammates, developing the programming for it, and then triple-checking all the mechanisms work are part of Henry’s daily to-dos.

It’s no surprise Henry hopes to go into the field of Computer Engineering upon graduation. He’s represented his school and the Coastal Bend as the first Tech Challenge participant to earn the Inspire Award. He was one of only two students to be picked for the very first Tech Dean’s List. And he represented Moody at the State Texas Alliance for Minorities in Engineering STEM Competition, where he went on to the Regional Tournament.

Aside from finding ways to better the future state of our world through technology (no big deal), Henry also loves to play Gaga Ball. So much so that installing a Gaga Ball structure at the Boys and Girls Club actually happens to be his Eagle Scout project. Because, yes, Henry also has time to be an Eagle Scout!

Although it might seem as though Henry is all work and no play, he attributes the defining moments of his life to his friends. He says, “The people who motivate me to continue to strive for what I want to do in life – the people that are with me every day, that is what defines me, I think.”

1AM is the time Henry usually stays up to before a robotics competition. During this time he is reviewing his work on both the programming and the structure to ensure the robot is ready to compete. Their living room turns into his work room and serious business commences.

THE JILL OF ALL TRADES

ANIKA GARCIA, 13

8th Grade | Flour Bluff Junior High

An apt question for someone like Anika Garcia would be, “What can’t you do?” Some might call her a baker or a swimmer, others would perhaps describe her as a singer or an adventurous traveler. Whatever role Anika takes on, she does it with kindness and an inquisitive spirit.

Anika, who will be taking on her last year of middle school this fall, has quite an impressive record. She’s an A-B honor roll student, a member of Flour Bluff’s Junior High Varsity Girls Choir, a participant in the UIL Sight Reading and Ensemble (for which she recently earned the highest award for “The Sweepstakes”), and a teammate on the Junior High Swim Team. And that’s just the beginning!

Outside of school, she also participates in the Laguna Little Miss Kickball League, where she plays in the Senior Division. She also performs as one of the youngest members to ever join the Corpus Christi Chorale.

When she is bored, Anika tends to her business. Yup, this 13-year-old also happens to be an entrepreneur. Cakes by Anika will supply your party or event with cakes and other baked goods – all made by Anika herself.

7 KEY GEN Z TRAITS

According to the book, Gen Z @ Work by David and Jonah Stillman

Phigital: Being born into a world where every physical aspect has a digital equivalent.

Hyper-Custom: Working hard at identifying and customizing their own brand for the world to know.

Realistic: Growing up after 9/11, with terrorism part of everyday life, as well as living through a recession early on, has created a very pragmatic mindset when it comes to planning and preparing for the future.

FOMO: suffering from an intense fear of missing out on anything.

Weconomists: From Uber to Airbnb. Gen Z has only known a world with a shared economy.

DIY: Gen Z is the do-it-yourself generation. Having grown up with YouTube, they believe they can do just about anything.

Driven: With parents who drilled into them that participation is not a real award and that there are winners and losers, a recession that pulled the rug out from their predecessors, and a rate of change that is hard to keep up with, Gen Zers are more competitive and are ready and hungry to roll up their sleeves.

As far as her future is concerned, there is no sign of Anika slowing down anytime soon. She looks at education as something that doesn’t stop when you walk across the stage upon graduating college. “You’ll always be learning something,” she says, “from everything in life you will learn something new.” Her idea of success looks like waking up every single day (no matter how tired you may feel), keeping your commitments to others, and surrounding yourself with people from whom you can learn.

8 0

Is the number of members in the Corpus Christi Chorale that Anika is a part of. The Chorale was founded in 1945 by the Music Department of Del Mar College. The Chorale is made up of individuals of all ages, ethnicities, spiritual perspectives and varying levels of musical experience.

What

do you think would be YOUR dream job?

I would love to be Willy Wonka and create new and magical candy for everyone to enjoy!

What is one subject in school you'd take away & one you would add?

I would prefer adding more art classes as opposed to taking any subjects away in school.

THE TENACIOUS & TALENTED

ADELINA VELA, 10

5th Grade | Windsor Park Elementary

Adelina “Lina” Vela is a rare find. No matter the task she takes on, she does it with a positive attitude, an enthusiastic spirit, and a tenacity unlike any other. As she enters the fifth grade at Windsor Park Elementary, she is ready to conquer whatever gets thrown her way.

Every report card Lina has received has boasted As, and she’s never missed a single day of school. She’s proven that, no matter how difficult, she will always strive to continue along the path of success one day at a time. This type of work ethic can be seen in her participation in various organizations such as Math Olympiad and Computer Science Club – for which she was recently a National Point Leader. She also managed to place first in the nation for a Language Arts Contest.

In her spare time, Lina enjoys playing soccer and volleyball, hanging out with her friends, and creating art. In fact, if it were up to her, more art classes would be added to the curriculum at school. She also likes playing the piano and recently played in the Hymn Piano Festival.

Although her accolades are numerous, one of the things her parents are most proud of is her character. Her talents and passions are vast, but her smile outshines them all. She always puts others before herself, in everything she does, and, although her parents would like to think they have taught her that, her mom knows that is who Lina truly is at heart.

THE CANINE CONFIDANT

FAITH WILLIS, 16

11th Grade | Harold T Branch Academy

At the young age of six, Faith became a member of the Willis family. Before that, she was growing up as an orphan in China. When she made the move to the States, as one would imagine, there were adversities to overcome. However, in true Faith fashion, within three months, she was speaking fluent English and acclimating as best she could to her new life.

Faith knows what she wants to do and will always work hard to achieve it. As an avid animal lover, she spends a lot of her free time volunteering at the Gulf Coast Humane Society, where she works in the Neonatal unit. She feeds the newborns that come in and finds immense joy in helping them. Following the theme of her love for animals, she also volunteers her time at the Texas State Aquarium, where she is able to help and interact with various creatures.

Molly, her trusted companion seen in the photo to the right, is definitely one of her best friends. Taking care of her pup and driving around with her just so happens to be one of Faith’s favorite pastimes. In addition to that –and when she isn’t volunteering at her alma mater, Yorktown Christian Academy, or taking three different courses at Del Mar College – she enjoys fishing, reading new books, hanging out with her friends, and of course, watching some good ol’ Netflix.

Although Faith has had to overcome various forms of adversity when growing up, she does not allow that to define her life. She is determined and goal-oriented, and knows having confidence in yourself is half the battle of achieving your dreams.

GEN Z PRESENCE

The current makeup of Gen Zers stands at about 72.8 million strong, making it the second smallest generation in the world in front of Gen X.

If you could automatically learn one thing, what would it be?

One thing I wish I could learn automatically would definitely be any new language. I enjoy being able to socialize with others and a language barrier can sometimes make that difficult.

How do you think your generation will contribute to the future?

I think my generation will advance technology hopefully to a point where we can cure a plethora of diseases such as cancer, Parkinson’s, and Alzheimer’s.

THE HUMBLE GOAL GETTER

ROOPA BINDINGNAVELE, 14

10th Grade | Ray High School

If there were ever a perfect way to describe Roopa Bindingnavele, it would be when her mother told us why Roopa didn’t answer one of our interview questions. The question had to do with the student’s favorite achievement, and Roopa’s mother Pooja said, “That is the thing about Roopa: she has achieved 20,000 things, but doesn’t brag about a single one of them. It’s just not in her nature.”

For as long as she was able, Roopa has always been the type of person who helps others, works hard, and sees everything she does through to completion. She’ll be going into her Sophomore year this fall, and most of those school nights will consist of one or more of the many extracurricular activities she partakes in. Whether it be swim practice for the Varsity Swim Team, a Speech and Debate meeting (for which she has competed at the state level), or Marching Band rehearsal, it is safe to say Roopa is one busy 14-year-old. However, across all the organizations in which she has found herself, the thing that connects each of them is the dedication she has for every single thing she does. When asked to define herself in just one word, Roopa said – no surprise here – “dedicated.” Her teachers, family members, and peers would undoubtedly have the same answer. Her passion for education and all of the opportunities that have been presented to her allow Roopa to put her all into anything she decides to accomplish.

The future for Roopa is unquestionably a bright one. At the moment, she would like to think of herself as being a neurosurgeon one day; but she acknowledges that might change. Whatever it is she decides to take on, both in the tenth grade and in the world around her, you can guarantee it will be something worthwhile and awe-inspiring. Because, after all, when Roopa decides she is going to do something, you can bet she’s going to do it.

If you could automatically learn one thing, what would it be?

If I could automatically learn one thing, it would be how to be my best self.

What is one subject in school you'd take away & one you would add?

I wouldn’t take away a class, but I would shorten each of them and add a study hall.

How do you think your generation will contribute to the future?

I think my generation is very good with technology, and using this technology will come up with ways to help our community as well as our environment.

Is the number of words Clinton confidently knew at the end of his first school year at the Rise School. Prior to that, he was only able to say about 20 different words.

THE BOY ON THE RISE

CLINTON BONILLA, 5

Pre-K | The Rise School

Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS) is something Clinton Bonilla has been battling since birth. This means words and sounds that might come easily to other children are a little harder for Clinton.

At the beginning of this past school year, there were only about 20 different words he could pronounce confidently. Now, going into his second year at The Rise School, he has essentially tripled the number of words in his vocabulary and learns more every single day. Both his parents and teachers at The Rise School look up to Clinton in regard to how much work he puts into overcoming his speech disorder. The Rise School is a nonprofit organization that provides quality early childhood education services to all children 15 months to 6 years old, including children with developmental delays or disabilities.

Although Clinton faces hardships, he is constantly gaining more confidence in himself each and every day. Making new friends and playing on a local teeball team are two major ways in which he’s doing just that, and getting outside to play with his friends is a sure way to put a smile on his face.

Clinton also enjoys helping others who suffer from CAS. Just last year, he participated in the Apraxia Walk San Antonio, and finished as the top fundraiser. Lending a helping hand to other children like him allows Clinton to help give a voice to everyone – even those who might not be able to express themselves on their own.

All in all, this student is definitely on the rise, and we can’t wait to see where he goes next.

THE CONDUCTOR OF CREATIVITY

Elisa PeñA, 18

College Freshman | Texas State University

With superlatives like "Most Creative" and "Best Laugh" attributed to her, it’s no surprise Elisa Peña brought a little extra sunshine into our office when she opened the door. Her bright red lipstick and contagious positivity allowed for smiles to form across the building.

Elisa just graduated from Veterans Memorial High School and will be attending her first college class in a few short weeks at Texas State University. Although she will be taking her talents elsewhere, Elisa made sure to leave her mark on the Coastal Bend before packing her bags for freshman year. Said mark includes designing Veterans’ first ever mural and two different yearbook covers. Plenty of extracurriculars – like President of Student Council, Historian of the National Honor Society, and Parliamentarian of the National Art Society – fill the lines of her resume; however, it is the less typical resume-building attributes to Elisa that are so meaningful.

Her ability to understand others is a trait not everyone obtains in their lifetime. Traveling the journey to success, for Elisa, is not possible without having empathy for others. “You need empathy to understand you and your path to success in the context of the people around you. Your success shouldn’t hurt the people close to you,” she says. She added those in her close circle tend to call her the “mom” of the group, because she truly loves to take care of everyone.

Whether it is through volunteering, offering emotional support to others, or simply spreading her positivity to anyone she encounters, Elisa is undoubtedly contributing a bright light to our future. One of the most telling reasons as to why this is the case can be perfectly encapsulated through her response to the question of what defines her: “I think my kindness defines me more than any of the titles I have held. Those titles will fade away from everyone’s consciousness as we go into the future; but the way I made people feel won’t, and I think that is important.”

What does education mean to you?

Education is more than the formalities of a classroom. It is the attempt to satisfy an ever-expanding want for understanding.

If you could automatically learn one thing, what would it be?

It would definitely be the Spanish language, because my other academic and extracurricular pursuits left no room for foreign language classes, but I would like to be a stronger proponent for my Hispanic heritage and be more

Neuro Rehabilitation Program

Led by a board certified physical medicine and rehabilitation physician, our team of experts will design an individualized treatment plan for each patient in our neuro rehabilitation program. We focus on addressing:

• Medical care and monitoring needs

• Strength and endurance

• Coordination, balance, and sensation

• Cognition and swallowing

• Vision

• Mobility and transfers

• Self-care activities and safety

• Eating and nutrition

• Medication management

• Family support and education needs

If you, your patient, or a loved one is in need of a comprehensive approach to regaining functional mobility and independence, please contact us at 361.906.3700.

Learning Language Math the of

A Math Instructor Challenges Her Students To See Numbers In A New Way

By: Emma Comery

Photos by: Lillian Reitz

For a Tuesday afternoon in early summer,

the Corpus Christi Mathnasium (across from Greenlight Coffee on Staples) is surprisingly well-attended by elementary and middle schoolers armed with pencils and erasers. For every three or four students, there is an instructor working through problem after problem. The question begs itself: Why are they all here during the summer, when school could very well be the last thing on their minds?

At Mathnasium, tutoring isn't just about getting homework done as fast as possible or acing the ACT or SAT (though Mathnasium has helped many a struggling student achieve mathematical greatness and get into college with ease). It's about what owner Christian Schomaker calls “the full education profile: introduction, practice, and mastery.” The students currently here for tutoring laugh as their instructors slap on fuzzy mustaches.

The atmosphere at Mathnasium is everything I wish math had been back in my school days: casual, creative, and a little goofy. There is no homework, no grades. Students drop in as often as they’d like to work with qualified instructors who tailor their tutoring styles to meet the individual needs of the student they are currently working with. There are many reasons so many parents are turning to Mathnasium to supplement their child's math education.

Instructor Vidya Venkatraman is one of those reasons.

Venkatraman puts many math wizards to shame by computing all her math – every fraction conversion, every geometric translation – entirely in her head. She lives with a rare genetic disorder called Retinitis Pigmentosa that involves the breakdown and loss of cells in her retina. In its early stages, RP affects the rods of the retina more than the cones, and as the rods die, the visual field (the area of space that’s visible at any given instance without moving the eyes) compresses, and night blindness occurs. In later stages, the cones begin to die, as well, resulting in tunnel vision. At this point, there is difficulty performing the essential tasks of daily living like reading, driving, walking, and recognizing faces and objects. For those with RP, it’s as if

the world begins to shrink, and not just visually. Diagnosed with RP at infancy, Venkatraman has worn glasses her whole life to accommodate her increasing loss of vision.

“I moved to Corpus from Fort Alberta, Canada when I was 5. I was always good with both numbers and music from a young age,” she shares. (By “good,” she means she competed in every regional UIL Math competition in high school, and has performed at Carnegie Hall. No small accomplishments.) “At that time I had enough vision that I could still test and compete; the print on the page just needed to be enlarged for me. Since then my vision has deteriorated more severely, but I don’t let that stop me. I just have a different way of doing things. Through school and college I had enough support from people that I could do things with a few accommodations.”

In college, Venkatraman built upon her natural proclivity towards Math by earning two numbers-based degrees from Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi: a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting. For a time, she pursued accounting with internships at H&R Block and SV Energy, but by then her RP had begun to affect her cones, and she has been living with tunnel vision ever since.

“I heard about Mathnasium from a family friend of mine. Once I finished my studies, I came in to see what it was all about.” She and her mother walked right up to the front door, resume in hand, and asked to speak with the owner. “Mathnasium has an employment test, but I couldn’t see it, obviously. So Christian suggested that he read the problems aloud. And right from there, we developed a good relationship, and I started volunteering first to see if it would work. And I enjoyed it, so I started working as an employee.”

Schomaker remembers, “She came in one day with all this human potential, but she’s visually impaired. When they inquired about instructing I said, ‘I honestly don’t know.’ Because with the Mathnasium process, each student gets a binder and the instructors work

the binder, checking them in, keeping a bit of a ledger. But I thought, sometimes a person just needs a chance, and you never know what greatness will come as the result of that chance. So I paired her up with my most seasoned instructor and it happened. It just happened.”

“I was always worried about if I’d be able to handle the kids,” Venkatraman admits. With no prior teaching or tutoring experience besides teaching piano, this concern is understandable. She had no experience in ACT or SAT tutoring, and no background in working with dyslexic or autistic students. “But,” she continues, “I like this because I work with one to three students at a time. And the kids interact well with me in the small group environment. The kids are really good about reading the problems to me and specifying what they need help with.”

As Venkatraman worked with different students across grades and branches of mathematics, she quickly developed her own teaching style. That’s when Schomaker began to notice a pattern. “Teaching styles vary and the kids will gravitate towards a certain instructor. It’s like a free market. Students with reading difficulties naturally gravitate towards Vidya.”

Since she can’t see the problems students are working on, Venkatraman uses a discussion-based teaching

method. “Math is another language in itself,” she says. “Because of my RP, I need to speak it, but the students should learn it, too.”

This technique has been particularly helpful for students with dyslexia, for whom numbers and letters on a page can seem like a tangle of symbols, or a Rubik's Cube with no solution. By talking through math processes and concepts, Venkatraman reduces the stress caused by trying to visually decipher a problem.

Schomaker, who has been running Corpus Christi's Mathnasium for three years and has observed dozens of teaching and learning styles, describes Vidya's unique approach. “With Vidya,” he explains, “the students have a discussion. She doesn't tell them how to solve it. She has them walk her through the problem and asks, ‘What do you think you should do? Now, tell me why. Let’s find out where you’re stumbling.’”

Sometimes with tutoring, he says, there's a risk of babying a student by simply showing them how to solve a problem. With Venkatraman, no such risk exists. “The students have to inquire, memorize, remember. With Vidya, they really develop those skills. And before you know it, that web of numbers and symbols and letters starts to unravel. They truly understand the concepts.”

According to the International Dyslexia Association, fifteen to twenty percent of the population as a whole lives with symptoms of dyslexia that range from slow or inaccurate reading, to poor spelling and writing, to mixing up similar words.

Showing her students that dyslexia and other learning impediments need not be immovable obstacles towards understanding has been an experience of empowerment for both Venkatraman and her students.

Venkatraman reflects, “I wanted to teach mathematical concepts to students in a way that would enable them to understand and become more confident...It is always rewarding when a student tells me that they have understood a concept they were struggling with. I like to see a smile on their face when they eventually get it.”

In life and math, there are positives and negatives. In life, at least, Venkatraman tends to focus on the positive. Eventually her blindness will progress to the point where glasses won’t help at all. She’s not worried, though. “I have my hearing, speech, touch,” she says. “My vision isn’t holding me back.” To her students, and anyone who needs to hear it, she says, “Don’t let this hold you back. You can do anything, you just have to do it a different way.”

Edith Rojas, D.D.S.

Dr. Edith Rojas is a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, she is credentialed with the medical sta at Driscoll Children’s Hospital. Her professional a liations include the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, American Dental Association, Texas Dental Association. Her passion is to provide the best quality dental care to infants, children, and adolescents including special needs children.

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Dr. Vijay Bindingnavele is a Board

Plastic Surgeon who has been practicing in Corpus Christi for the last decade. Dr. Vijay trained at the prestigious University of Southern California and is an Air Force Veteran. He enjoys every aspect of

structive Surgery.

Dr. Cassidy Wright Hinojosa grew up in San Antonio, Texas and attended Texas A&M University for both her undergraduate and medical degrees. She completed training in Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery at the University of Missouri in Columbia, where she trained with some of the leaders within the ﬁeld of Plastic surgery. Dr. Cassidy is a board eligible Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon.

HEALTH

Local yoga instructor, Randi Wiley, knows a thing or two when it comes to keeping her mind, body, and soul right. In this issue, she gives us an inside look at her tips to slowing down and getting right with yourself.

CROSSE-ING STATE LINES

Corpus Christi Lacrosse offers kids another competitive –and very active –recreational sport

BY: LAURA SHAVER

Even as her tires wore down from many miles spent on I-37 and I-35, Karen Franzone continued the weekly trips to San Antonio and Austin, so her two children could participate in a sport they deeply loved.

After a move to Corpus Christi from Pennsylvania, Fanzone’s children missed playing in competitive lacrosse, a popular sport in their Northeastern home. Franzone took it as a sign to take the initiative and start a local boys’ youth program – after Blake Skinner, the coach of her son’s San Antonio team, asked when she was going to do it, the wheels began to turn.

Franzone organized the non-profit Corpus Christi Lacrosse in March 2017, and the Sharks’ first official practice was held in August of that year.

The first season, the team had 18 players who were coached by volunteers from Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi's club team. “Used equipment was scrounged from eBay and Craigslist, but those boys new to lacrosse were addicted,” says Franzone of the early days.

Going into the second season, the organization increased its media presence, and the number of kids grew, as well. Most of the players have parents who are from the East Coast, and are well aware of the sport and its physical benefits.

Dave Tupaj is one such parent, a current resident of Corpus Christi from Long Island, New York. His sons both play for the Corpus Christi Sharks, and Tupaj will take over as head coach this coming fall season. “Lacrosse is the oldest sport in America and also the fastest growing, [which is] a unique combination,” says Tupaj. It combines the power of football, the speed of hockey, and the footwork and strategy of soccer, making it an absolute full-body workout for any player who steps foot on the field.

“I’ve coached a lot of sports, both youth and adult, and I am looking forward to the challenge of coaching the Sharks,” says Tupaj. “But we’ll definitely need some smart lacrosse players to help out. And all the parents that coming out of the woodwork; this wouldn’t happen without them.”

The team is open to any child or youth, male or female, in the Coastal Bend area, in grades K through 12. Tupaj said kids can stop by any practice to test the waters, and see if they are interested and want to continue playing. “All that’s needed is a good attitude,” he says with a laugh.

Tournaments and league games are mostly held in San Antonio (4th to 12th grades only), until Corpus Christi Lacrosse can produce enough teams to compete locally. The fall season will kick off September 7, and after a generous grant from U.S. Lacrosse in spring 2018, the team can equip up to 20 players through a rental program.

“Our mission is to educate the Coastal Bend residents about the benefits of lacrosse, not as a replacement for current sports, but as a complement to them,” says Franzone. “We believe if we can just get the kids to play, they will want to continue.”

HOW TO GET INVOLVED:

• Corpus Christi Lacrosse is open to any youth in the area, K – 12.

• Fall season starts Saturday, September 7, 2019.

• Practices are held on Saturday mornings, and alternate locations between downtown Corpus Christi and the Southside. Kids are welcome to drop by for a few weeks to check it out.

• Corpus Christi Lacrosse is seeking commercial sponsorship(s).

Contact:

484-433-2343 | @corpuschristisharks corpuschristilacrosse.org

CORPUS CHRISTI PAIN MEDICINE, P.A.

Gabriel Lopez, M.D.

M.D.

Board Certified in Pain Medicine

Fellowship Trained in Pain Medicine

Rudy Garza, M.D.

Are you suffering from Chronic Pain?

Board Eligible in Pain Medicine

Dr. Lopez may be able to help.

Board Eligible in Pain Medicine

Fellowship Trained in Pain Medicine

• Treatment options include injections that reduce or alleviate pain and/or a variety of pain relieving medications

* Treating all types of chronic pain

* Most insurances accepted

Fellowship Trained in Pain Medicine Gabriel Lopez, M.D. SPID Corpus Christi, TX 78415

* Treating all types of chronic pain

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• Treating all types of chronic pain including, but not limited to back, neck, joint, muscle, leg, arm, hip, knee, pelvic, abdominal, headache, shingles and diabetic pain.

* Both Drs. are fluent in Spanish

• Treating all types of chronic pain including, but not limited to back, neck, joint, muscle, leg, arm, hip, knee, pelvic, abdominal, headache, shingles and diabetic pain.

* Both Drs. are fluent in Spanish

SPID Corpus Christi, TX 78415

• Accepting new patients by self or physician referral depending on insurance.

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• Accepting Medicare, Spohn, Humana, BCBS, Humana Gold, Cigna, Tricare, Aetna, United Health Care, BCBS Blue Advantage, Workers Comp insurance and Christus Health Silver.

Specializing in Interventional Pain | Fellowship Trained in Pain Medicine

Board Certified in Pain Medicine by the American Board of Anesthesiology

go-to INNER BEAUTY PRODUCTS randi

WILEY'S

HOW ONE LOCAL YOGA INSTRUCTOR GETS RIGHT WITH HER MIND, BODY, AND SOUL

BY: RANDI WILEY PHOTOS BY: RACHEL BENAVIDES

I’m a yoga teacher, a registered nurse, a mother of two (6 and 8 year-old boys), and a wife. We have lived all over the country and recently relocated to Corpus Christi from Anchorage, Alaska. My family loves and celebrates the outdoors and nature, and Corpus Christi offers that lifestyle on the water. For me, beauty and self-care mean several things. First: Get up, move, and be active. Practicing yoga, SUP (stand up paddle boarding), surfing, and hiking are a huge part of my life. Movement is the most important thing we can do as we age to prevent arthritis and keep mobility and durability in the spine and joints. Second: How we fuel our bodies. I eat a primarily plantbased diet, which is actually quite easy here because we can grow just about anything. The bounty of produce coming from South Texas seems endless after living in Alaska, where you consume root vegetables for the majority of the year. We are so lucky here! Third: Find the courage to embrace the natural process of aging in a society that tells us not to. I try to surrender to the grace of age by being comfortable in my own skin and spirituality; embodying the passion to explore the meaning of my life and exemplify it through an unselfish willingness to share honesty, wisdom, knowledge, love, and compassion. And finally: Simply practice kindness, especially when you least want to do so. Kindness includes these acts of compassion and selflessness, which can in turn lead to feelings of happiness for both the giver and receiver. It’s been said we currently live in an age of anger, so replacing that anger with kindness, even when you feel it’s not deserved, is a way to make you and the world around you a more beautiful space.

B Yoga Mat

This is my favorite yoga mat. It’s ecofriendly and durable – my last one lasted 3 years. It has a thickness that is forgiving on the knees. It’s exceptionally grippy so you don’t slide around when you sweat. It’s THE perfect yoga mat. While many yoga studios offer yoga mats to rent, I highly recommend buying your own. Your mat will start to become your sacred space and represents your “you time.” Your mat holds your energy and memories. I have sweated, rested, laughed deep belly laughs, and cried tears of both joy and sadness on my mat. I take I with me everywhere. It’s been from Alaska to Cuba and back again. Find one and make it your own.

Product available byoganow.com $82

Journey to the Heart: Daily Meditations on the Path to Freeing your Soul by Melody Beattie

Do your heart a favor and read this daily! I cannot explain how this book has impacted my life in so many ways. It has 365 short daily reflections and readings, and I always close my yoga classes with the reading of the day. It is healing, insightful, and full of wisdom. Almost every class, I have a student approach me asking about this book. It speaks and relates to everyone concerning whatever journey, path, or experience they are on.

Product available online at Amazon.com $9.

Perfectly Imperfect by Baron Baptiste

This book was written by my yoga teacher, Baron Baptiste. It is a transformational book

that goes into the specifics of the body and mind after you get into a yoga pose, because that is where the growth occurs. Baron emphasizes how you show up on your mat is also how you show up in your life. I’ve found this to be true time and time again. He writes, “Every pose is a new opportunity, each and every time. All the work you’ve done up until now has been to lead you to this precise moment, to face precisely what you’ve been facing.”

Product available at Barnes & Noble $10

Dr. Teal’s Pure Epsom Salt Therapeutic Soak

For tired or sore muscles, loosening stiff joints, and reducing swelling in the legs, I recommend a soak in the bathtub with Dr. Teal’s Epsom Salt. It’s made with one ingredient: Magnesium Sulfate. It’s my go-to after a long day on my feet at the hospital or the yoga studio.

Product available at H-E-B $5

Mala Beads

Mala beads are used for prayer or meditation. Each bead is used for keeping count while reciting, chanting, or mentally repeating a prayer or mantra. All of my malas represent an event or memory in my life. The mala necklaces were bought at a fundraiser in Houston put on by one of my favorite yoga teachers, Marcy, who passed away after a long battle with uterine cancer several years ago.

The yellow bracelet is made of citrine beads. Citrine is a joyful stone with bright sun energy that brings comfort, healing, and positivity.

The black bracelet is made of gold sheen obsidian beads. Gold sheen obsidian is used to clear, absorb, and shield negative energies. Obsidian is helpful in providing direction and aids in achieving goals. I received both of these mala bracelets during my yoga training in Sedona, Arizona.

Product available online at namubaru.com $45

Look Up and Go Outside

Get up early, take a walk on the beach, and watch the sunrise. Corpus Christi offers some of the most beautiful sunrises. It’s the perfect chance to really get present without the distractions of technology. We have a Sunday night tradition with my family to do a sunset beach stroll. It’s great chance to reflect in gratitude on the past week. Also, make a commitment to go technology-free for part of your day. In a yoga class once, I was asked, “What does showing up fully in your life look like to you?” For me, it meant being a present mother and wife. Present more than just physically being somewhere, but mindfully present and listening generously. Much of our lives, we are only half listening while scrolling on our phones. So I made a commitment to my family to not be on my phone for at least 3 hours in the evening, so I can connect fully with them.

This product is available to everyone. Free

HOME & GARDEN

After their children officially left their abode, Chriselda and Rudy Garza decided to renovate instead of venturing out to a new home. The outcome lent itself to a fabulous farmhouse décor style and a welcoming atmosphere for all who enter.

farmhouse

fab

FRENCH COUNTRY GLAM MEETS SUMMER FARMHOUSE TO CREATE A WARM AND INVITING ATMOSPHERE

BY: JAQUELINE GONZALES

PHOTOS BY: JASON PAGE

Chriselda and Rudy Garza purchased their spacious one-story home in the Graford Place subdivision in 2007. Now empty nesters, they considered purchasing a new home; however, this meant starting over, which was not a cost-effective decision. Their house’s potential was not lost on Chriselda, so she and Rudy decided that instead of purchasing a new home, they would renovate their current house, and turn it into their dream home.

With a desire to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere, Chriselda used her home decorating talents to add a unique twist to her already existing farmhouse design scheme. She chose her décor based on “being inviting and comfortable, with a touch of glam that’s not too formal.” The subtle elegance of the French country glam textures, juxtaposed with the warmth of the farmhouse décor, highlights her living space while showcasing her personality.

From the driveway, the curb appeal of the elevated brick home is worthy of more than just a brief glance. The long entryway, flanked by a perfectly manicured lawn, offers an inviting and approachable feel. The inside of the home is imbued with warm, subtle colors in shades of almond, taupe, beige, and gray, with the occasional pop of a bright, summer yellow.

Farmhouse décor is known for its soothing natural materials and visual interest. Greenery peppered throughout the home brings ambient life, while statement pieces such as the signage bearing popular home décor phrases along with inspirational messages satisfy the visual appeal requirement. No glam farmhouse is complete without floral accents; wall pockets with a diverse array of summer florals adorn the neutral wall space, providing personality-filled interest. The luxury vinyl flooring with platinum underlay throughout the home is the perfect addition.

The formal living area, once covered in dark, elegant Mediterranean vibes, now showcases a healthy marriage of farmhouse glam. From the traditional farmhouse ladder draped with a buffalo check throw and farmhouse beads to the throw pillows emblazoned with paisley print, the style of the room is unified, bringing Chriselda’s vision to fruition. The plantation shutters on each window optimize privacy, while letting enough light come through to bask in the lovely Corpus Christi sunshine.

The kitchen, a prominent feature in the home, complete with a large, custom-designed granite island, is in no way lacking room to gather around, cook, and converse with family and friends. The granite countertops add a French country vibe, while the pendant lights suspended over the island complement the farmhouse style. The plush seating of the barstools, upholstered in vintage linen, complete with nail head trim, elevate the space in an understated, eye-catching appeal. White kitchen cabinets add a timeless and classic element, while the Whitehaus farmhouse sink, along with the subway tile backsplash in taupe with beautiful focal point tile in white between the stove and custom range hood, offers an appropriate amount of subtle elegance to the farmhouse appeal of the kitchen.

Bright pops of sunny yellow permeate the home, optimizing the friendly atmosphere Chriselda strives to achieve. Lemon décor blends with any style, but it shines with personality when combined with farmhouse and French décor. The sunny yellow adds a summer mood to the muted neutral shades of the kitchen. Since farmhouse kitchens tend to have a collected look, grouping small items together for easy access adds the right touch of eye candy to a neutral backdrop. A strategically placed

Meghan Shanklin is the newest member of the Castor Collection, joining the team in 2019 upon her move from Houston to Port Aransas. An Austin native, Meghan hails from a family of respected architects and interior designers and believes growing up in an innovative environment of art, architecture and design plays a large role in her love of texture, color and pattern mixing. Meghan is a summa cum laude graduate of Auburn University and is experienced in space planning, drafting and high-end residential construction. Welcomes Meghan Shanklin

3-tier tray, sitting atop the island, serves as a perfect color combination when styled with summer favorites like lemons, watermelons, and bright neon shades.

Steps away from the kitchen sits a casual and welcoming family room. As the popular family gathering area, optimizing the comfort of the area was necessary. An old fireplace was torn out and replaced with a solid maple fireplace with shiplap. The neutral tones and stack stone tile are more visually appealing, adding a stylish and elevated look to the room. Florals, buffalo check print, candles, lemons, and lanterns peppered through the room, along with the aesthetically pleasing industrial style ceiling fan, provide earthy glam.

The bathrooms offer a more masculine, yet dazzling touch to the home. The master bathroom was a complete redo; the tub was replaced with a tile and granite walk-in shower, complete with jets. The master bathroom also features ample closet space and shelving, tucked away behind beautiful maple cabinetry, which is also found in the front and guest bathrooms.

The combination of Chriselda’s decorating prowess and love of family makes the Garza house a glam, yet comfortable home.

NO GLAM FARMHOUSE IS COMPLETE WITHOUT FLORAL ACCENTS; WALL POCKETS WITH A DIVERSE ARRAY OF SUMMER FLORALS ADORN THE SPACE, PROVIDING PERSONALITY-FILLED INTEREST.

HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS

August is the height of summertime, and also hurricanes. At Braselton Homes, we take hurricane preparedness very seriously. We design, engineer, and build our homes to ensure they can withstand as much as possible.

This design starts with the very beginning of your home’s construction, with the foundation and frame, itself. We employ a third-party engineer to design our homes, from below the ground and up, to withstand the 110 and 130mph wind gusts that Category 2 and 3 storms can generate. We do this in a variety of ways, including setting our foundation beams 36 inches deep instead of the standard 30”, and anchoring the wood frame with bolts to the concrete foundation. The frame is then tied together, from the base plate to the top of the roof, using galvanized steel clips and straps. In total, this construction provides great stability and strength to the structure.

Next comes the roof. Keeping the roof on a home in a storm is very important, as high winds can blow off the shingles, which then allows for rainwater and wind to ravage the interior. This can result in the total loss of the structure. The correct type of shingles, as well as the correct nailing pattern for the shingles, must be used; again, we have our engineer oversee and fully inspect this process.

And, before we cover up the walls, numerous engineers and inspectors check your Braselton Home, verifying it is built per the engineer plan. This is an arduous process that can take a few weeks, but it is the right thing to do in order to verify your home is built correctly.

At Braselton, we also offer several options to help with life after storm. Braselton Eco-Homes feature solar panels, which can provide power after the storm. Also, or Healthy Home options include water filtration to make sure your family has a fresh source of drinking water. Many of our homeowners are also choosing our generator option, in which a backup generator is pre-plumbed, and ready for instillation. In case of a power outage, the generator automat-

ically kicks on, as they are connected to gas lines. These lines are not typically compromised during the storm and will provide electricity and air-conditioning right after a storm while everyone else is waiting (sometimes days or weeks) for the power to come back on.

And, not only is Braselton Home designed to meet and exceed the windstorm building codes, but our homes are also cheaper to live in. That’s right, a new Braselton Home will cost you less to insure. The insurance companies love new Braselton Homes and provide our buyers cheaper homeowner and windstorm insurance!

There is no house of community that can withstand the worst of Mother Nature’s fury, but at Braselton Homes, we use the latest and most innovative engineering and technology to ensure that the very best care is taken to protect you, your family, and your home. By building better homes, we work to ensure the future of our Braselton Communities, with minimal disruption and loss of property, from a major weather event.

If protecting your family and your biggest investment (your home) is something you would like to review, please come out and visit with us. We have seven fully furnished model homes, open daily in Braselton Communities across the Bay Area, from the Southside of Corpus Christi to Northwest Portland, for you to tour. For directions to each neighborhood, please visit our website at Braseltonhomes.com.

The Corpus Christi Bay Area has been blessed, for many years, to have avoided the devastating storms that have struck our neighbors to the East and West. We pray that we continue to be spared, but do all we can to help our homeowners be prepared for the worst.

See you in the neighborhood - Bart Braselton

Bart Braselton is the Executive Vice President of Braselton Homes, the Coastal Bend’s oldest and largest Homebuilder and Neighborhood Developer. Born and raised in Corpus Christi, Bart is the third generation of The Braselton family building in the Bay Area. Returning to Corpus Christi after earning a BBA in Finance, as well as a second degree in Real Estate, from the University of Texas, at Austin, Braselton began working in the family business as a construction superintendent. Since then, Braselton Homes has won numerous local, state, and national awards, including the Energy Star Leadership in Housing Award, as well as the Environments for Living Diamond Award for Energy Efficiency. And, the company has grown into one of the Nation’ s Largest Homebuilders, earning consistent rankings in the annual lists compiled by both Professional Builder, as well as Builder Magazine. Bart, a graduate of Leadership Corpus Christi Class 18, has served on numerous local community and business boards, including the Coastal Bend Green Built Initiative, Bay Area Smart Growth, and the Police Foundation. Presently, he serves on the Board of Directors for the Community Development Corporation, the United Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce, the Builders Association and the Corpus Christi Business and Job Development Corporation. Braselton and his wife, Michelle, have 2 young children at home, and are active, with Braselton Homes, in community and church organizations throughout the city, including the American Heart Association, the ECF Community Center, and the Food Bank.

BART BRASELTON

THE GLORIOUS FUTURE OF COWPEAS IN THE COASTAL BEND

BY:

THE COWPEA

is possibly the perfect vegetable. Cowpeas grow well in weak, thin soil. They thrive in hot, dry weather. Cowpeas are easy to cultivate and they actually fertilize the soil as they grow.

Cowpeas are also highly nutritious. They contain up to 25% protein, plus carbohydrates and essential minerals. So, why is this near-perfect vegetable not a key American crop? The answer: cowpeas have a troubled past.

Cowpeas (black-eyed peas are a good example) are also called field peas, crowder, or Southern peas. It is this connection to the South that hurt their reputation.

COWPEAS ON THE MIDDLE PASSAGE

Cowpeas were brought to America on African slave ships. African slaves were forced to teach their captors how to cultivate the peas.

They became a staple of plantations as fertilizer, animal fodder, and food for slaves. Cowpeas were the linchpin of Southern slave agriculture. This irony must have been bitter in the mouths of those who were forced to grow them.

Following the Civil War, this association with the evils of slavery caused northern food writers to demonize the cowpea. Cowpeas remained locked within Dixie.

GEORGE WASHINGTON CARVER PROMOTED COWPEAS

George Washington Carver, the former slave who became a leading scientist of the 20th century, fought unsuccessfully to elevate the cowpea to national prominence (he was more successful with peanuts). The cowpea was nearly lost to backyard gardeners outside the Deep South.

But now, all cultures can embrace this wonderful vegetable and honor the spirit of those who were forced to toil the earth to grow them: oppressed, hopeful, unsung, unconquerable. Today, we know they were giants.

HOW TO PLANT COWPEAS IN THE COASTAL BEND

Cowpeas can be planted in the heat of August. The “pinkeye” variety of black-eyed peas is actually ideal for our area.

First, prepare a wide bed with well-tilled soil. Use the wooden end of a garden rake to draw parallel lines across the width of the bed four inches apart and one inch deep.

Sprinkle the black-eyed peas down each line and gently rake them into the soil. Thin the peas to a final spacing of four inches.

USE AS FERTILIZER OR AS FOOD CROP

Cowpeas will fertilize the soil at a rate of 200 pounds of nitrogen per acre through nitrogen fixation. That is a massive amount of fertilizer generated simply by growing a plant! To achieve maximum fixation, till the plants into the soil when they are at full flower, but before pods form (about 30 days after planting). Immediately plant your favorite vegetables in this rich soil.

Or, harvest the pods when they are fully formed and a deep purple, about 45 days after planting. These peas can be eaten fresh, even raw in the garden. You can also leave the pods on the plant until they fully dry out (about 60 days), then harvest and store the peas dry.

JUSTIN BUTTS PHOTO BY: RACHEL BENAVIDES

Landscape Design & Installation, Stonework & Hardscapes, Outdoor Kitchens, Poolscapes & Patios, Sprinkler Systems & Drainage Systems, Nursery, Stone & Boulder

& Hardscapes, Outdoor Kitchens, Poolscapes & Patios, Sprinkler Systems & Drainage Systems, Nursery, Stone & Boulder Yard

160 U.S. Highway 181 West Taft, TX 78390 www.mcnameelandscapesandnursery.com

POOLSIDE LOUNGE

STYLIST STATEMENT

Wallpaper adds texture, design, and color to any room. Simply adding it to even one accent wall can create a vibe you just can’t get from a painted wall. Go bold or stay simple but go for it, nonetheless wallpaper is all the rage these days.

There are a few key elements when it comes to creating a great outdoor lounging area by the pool. Chaise lounges are always preferred for maximum comfort levels. Built in seating also will allow a space for extra guests to relax and enjoy a cold drink. Crisp and cool tones complement the soothing sounds of a built in waterfall. Finally, using the same color palette throughout the space – umbrellas, seat cushions, and all – will help bring everything together to create one nice (and refreshing) space to relax and unwind this summer.

BY: JO ANNE HOWELL PHOTOS BY: RACHEL BENAVIDES

LOCATION: SUNFLOWER BEACH RESORT & RESIDENCE (PRIVATE POOL)

361.729.2266

361.749.2266

OUT & ABOUT

Who says passion projects can’t become your 9 to 5? Local artist, Brandi Harvey, left her career in law to start a new journey. Her brand, Home by Harvey, provides locals and out-of-towners alike with thoughtfully crafted cross stitch pieces.

A Thoughtful Stitch

How one local maker turned a hobby into both a passion and a business

BY: JESSIE MONSIVAIS PHOTOS BY: RACHEL BENAVIDES

When it comes to a craft such as cross stitching, every single movement is done with intention. Although the final product might sometimes diverge from the original idea, there is thought behind every stich.

Home by Harvey started about a year ago, when Brandi Harvey simply took up embroidering as a hobby. Formerly in the law field, Harvey took a rather large leap to start an Etsy shop. Her supportive husband encouraged her to pursue her passion and show the public what she had been working on behind closed doors.

“I knew I didn’t want to continue working in law,” says Harvey when thinking back to the origin of her new business. One could say she was always a crafty gal at heart. “I got married in December of 2007, and I was a total DIY bride. I created these original centerpieces that were large embroidered hoops that I stained and put flowers on.” With extra hoops lying around after the wedding, Brandi cross-stitched name hoops as gifts for friends and family.

The name of her brand comes from the first name hoop she ever cross-stitched: HOME. “Everyone wants to be

home, and home can be a feeling,” says Harvey. And so, she set out to provide others with that feeling through her craft.

Designs from Home by Harvey range from hoops to air plants and air plant hangers. Her inspiration and style come from mid-century modern antiques and plants.

“I’m not the best at keeping plants alive,” she says with a laugh, “but I love the idea of having plants. And with air plants,” she says as she points out one of her newest piec es she has stitched to perfection, “you get to have a plant in your home that will actually stay alive.”

Her process begins with a design sketched onto a unique water-soluble fabric. “It’s very fluid. You can do whatever you feel like,” she says. “My favorite is when I don’t even draw. Nine out of ten times, I don’t stick with my original pattern. I’ll change stuff and vary.”

An added bonus to her beautiful creations is her dedica tion to the local community and economy. Harvey uses yarn from Yarn Texas – a locally owned supply shop –and naturally dyes it with coffee from Green Light Coffee.

Right around the same time Harvey started her Etsy shop, she met Yarn Texas owner Susan Chilcoat. “She told me my designs were really good and suggested selling some at Yarn Texas. We’re planning to start collaborating with classes sometime soon. It’s so much fun, and I want other people to do it, too.”

Since February, Home by Harvey has grown tremendously – from selling on Harvey’s Etsy page to appearing at Artwalk. Home by Harvey was included in the Thread’s Easter Giveaway, and featured in the April Poolside Market by The Art Project. Most recently, Home by Harvey was July’s featured artist of the month at local shop Wildflowers.

You can find Home by Harvey at Artwalk, Farmers Markets, and local pop-up shops frequently. “I’d love to keep it going and do markets all over Texas – and do more than just hoops. I’d also like to do clothing eventually. Like denim jackets for the fall. If you don’t have a wall to hang a hoop on, maybe you can just wear it instead.” And with that notion, every Coastal Bend native might someday soon be able to get in on Harvey’s beautiful creations.

Contact:

@homebyharvey | esty.com/shop/homebyharvey

Tropical Love

Asimple seaside celebration was all Carilina and Danny wanted when it came to their big day. Sharing the day with friends and family was top on the priority list.

The beach at Cinnamon Shore lent itself as the perfect backdrop for a dreamy ceremony. As guests gathered at sunset, Hawaiian music from several ukuleles played and the beautiful love story began to unfold.

As the sweet ceremony ended, guests made their way from the shore to the pool for the reception. Tropical arrangements were perfectly placed on each table. The dinner tables lined the pool and created a re-

sort-style feel to the evening. Guests enjoyed dinner and drinks under the South Texas evening sky.

S’mores were made by the fire pit late in the evening as wedding cake, dessert, and dancing brought the celebration to a beautiful end.

EVENT

DETAILS:

Planning: Oh Goodie Design + Events

Venue: Cinnamon Shore

Floral: Always in Bloom

Entertainment & Lighting: Dance til Dawn

How Carilina & Danny celebrated their big day

BY: JOANNE HOWELL PHOTOS BY: RACHEL BENAVIDES

EVENTS TO KNOW

COMMUNITY

Roger Creager’s Coastal Bender

August 3rd

This one-of-a-kind fishing tournament is definitely a must attend event this summer. The fishing tournament will feature beach fishing, boat fishing, and more! After a day of fishing you can head over to the outdoor expo and browse through boats, fishing gear, bait and tackle, and other products. The Coastal Bender will also include a barbeque bash and live performances from Roger Creager, Chris Colston, Jack Ingram, and David Lee Murphy.

American Bank Center, 1901 N. Shoreline Blvd.

ARTS

Deep in the Heart of Texas Art Show

August 2nd

Join The Exchange during the First Friday ArtWalk for their event Deep in the Heart of Texas. This art show will showcase tons of local artists and allow them an opportunity to show and sell their work to other locals! Each featured artist will have a centralized theme of, you guessed it, Texas. Show support to both a local business and local artsits!

The Exchange, 224 N. Mesquite St.

FITNESS

Buti & Brunch Summer Series

August 4th & 11th

Yoga Time Studios and BUS have partnered together to bring an amazing community program all summer long! The Buti & Brunch Summer Series will have its last two sessions this month and if you haven’t made it out to a class yet, this is your last chance! Each class features a different local non-profit and all donations made will go directly to the selected organization. The session features a class taught by one of Yoga Time Studio’s amazing instructors and brunch and champagne afterwards!

BUS, 702 N. Chaparral St.

MUSIC

Lost 80s Live August 20th

Looking for a trip down memory lane? The Lost 80s Live concert is sure to give you all the 80s nostalgia you could ever hope for. Head over to Concrete Street Amphitheater for live music from some of your classic 80s favorites like A Flock of Seagulls, Missing Persons, Wang Chung The Band, Anything Box, and so many more. Just make sure to get your tickets beforehand! Concrete Street Amphitheater, 700 Concrete St.

COMMUNITY

Portland Night at The Hooks

August 29th

The Corpus Christi Hooks are partnering up with The City of Portland for a night of fun! Head to Whataburger Field to celebrate for an evening filled with hot dogs, home runs, and high fives! Represent the City of Portland as the Corpus Christi Hooks take on the Arkansas Travelers. The night will feature Thirsty Thursday drink specials and discounted tickets through the Portland Chamber of Commerce. Whataburger Field, 734 E. Port Ave.

ARTS

Arts Alive! 2019 August 31st

The Art Center of Corpus Christi is once again dedicating two whole days to all things art! This year’s Arts Alive event will feature live music, a beer garden, great food from local food trucks, and of course, art! This family friendly gathering will allow you to make, buy, and browse artwork! Adult admission is only $5 and children between the ages of 5 and 12 is $1.

Art Center of Corpus Christi, 100 N Shoreline Blvd.

Art Auction Gala

ROCKPORT CENTER for the ARTS

1. Caro Jackson, Margaret Goolsbee, Bill O'Bryant, Don Jackson, and Susan O'Bryant 2. Jessee & Jordan Pilgrim, and Laura Denham 3. Angelee DeForest, Gayla Opem, and Adirenne Marano 4. Amy & Ben Wallice, Michael & Amanda Miller, and Ashley Seahorn 5. Dan K, and Linden & Kelsey East 6. Nancy & David Hess, and Sara & Ken Craven

PHOTOS BY: RACHEL BENAVIDES

. 2. 3. 5. 4. 6.

Corpus Christi Food Truck Festival

1. Christopher Soto and Letty Benavides 2. Caroline Castor, Lily Doubrava, and Charlie Doubrava

3. Wesley Bunch, and Brittany Moreno 4. Vinayak & Aishwarya Tre

5. Rosalinda Reyes and Michael Gutierrez 6. Joe Flores and Sabrina Saenz

PHOTOS BY: RACHEL BENAVIDES

WE AT AMERICAN BANK HAVE GREATLY APPRECIATED THE FANTASTIC SERVICE & OUTSTANDING FOOD ASSOCIATED WITH WATER STREET EVENTS. WHETHER IT’S A SMALL, INTIMATE GATHERING OR LARGE COMPANY EVENT, YOUR TEAM HAS GONE ABOVE & BEYOND TO MEET & EXCEED OUR EXPECTATIONS. WE CAN ALWAYS COUNT ON BEING SERVED OUTSTANDING FOOD WITH IMPECCABLE SERVICE AT A REASONABLE PRICE. AS A LOCAL CORPUS CHRISTI HEADQUARTERED BANK, AMERICAN BANK PREFERS TO WORK WITH HIGH QUALITY LOCAL FIRMS LIKE WATER STREET.

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CUISINE

Here in the Coastal Bend, we’re no stranger to island time. However, two locals decided to take that one step further.

four different blends of rum.

Bryan Tierce and Jonathan Fuller created Vida Caña Rum which boasts

CANNING FOR BEGINNERS

…in a zombie apocalypse

BY: KAYLA BUTTS MS, RD, LD

PHOTOS BY: RACHEL BENAVIDES

Most of us think of canning as an archaic undertaking reserved for food manufacturing companies, enthusiastic backyard gardeners, and our great Aunt Ida. However, the process some consider an overzealous time suck, has assumed a life-sustaining role throughout most of civilized human history. Romans made their own fermented cabbage during Alexander the Great’s reign, fishes have been salted and stored in China since 3500 BC, and Napoleon Bonaparte fed his starving soldiers using methods similar to modern day canning.

Fast forward to today’s climate of social and political unrest, volatile markets, and increasingly untreatable superbugs, all of which have created what some believe to be a perfect storm leading us towards doomsday. Some see the end of our world as a catastrophic market crash that will lead to devastating famine, while others believe mankind will contract a contagious virus that renders folks flesh-eating corpses. While the majority of Americans scoff at such ideas, others (and the CDC) feel having a plan, juuuuuust in case, is a pretty good idea. And believe you me, few skills will equal survivability during a zombie apocalypse like knowing how to safely store foodstuffs (except say, mad precision with a compound bow or Beatrix Kiddo's Hattori Hanzo sword wielding capability). Nothing says irony like outliving 90% of the world’s population only to die from last winter’s sauerkraut.

When you’re spending most of your time fending off an army of the living dead, it’s best to keep food

prep simple. Jelly, pickles, and canned tomatoes are the trifecta for canning beginners. This larder fodder is relatively difficult to screw up and can be made in less time than it takes a brain-biting flesh eater to claw their way through your front door.

However, despite being a long-standing convention, the dangers of faulty canning (and the lurking undead) can be irksome. Improperly canned food can house harmful microorganisms – bacteria called Clostridium botulinum. The good news is, bacteria (and zombies) tend to have difficulty proliferating in acidic conditions without exposure to air. Safe canning practices include adding a source of acid, such as vinegar, lemon juice, or citric acid, to relatively basic produce. Further, remove air from canned goods by running a non-reactive, plastic knife or spatula in between the food and the side of the jar. Any suspect canned goods, peculiar in color, smell, or texture should be thrown out. Symptoms of difficulty swallowing, trouble breathing, blurred vision, slurred speech, or paralysis may indicate a possible botulism intoxication. This is not to be confused with craving live human flesh.

Be it today or five centuries ago, machete brandishing zombie assassin, or dear Aunt Ida, canning is undeniably a utilitarian skill that shows no sign of going out of fashion. It may be time to invest in that pressure canner (and maybe a small arsenal to fight the walking dead).

Access the CDC’s recommendations on zombie preparedness at: www.cdc.gov/cpr/zombie/index.htm

Cuke-lear Apocalypse Pickles

Makes 4 quarts

PREP TIME: 25 minutes

COOK TIME: 7 minutes

INGREDIENTS:

2 lbs pickling cucumbers, such as Kirby ¾ cup distilled white vinegar

½ cup apple cider vinegar

1/3 cup granulated sugar

¼ cup kosher salt

6 garlic cloves, peeled and left whole

1 ½ tsp peppercorns, whole

1 ½ tsp mustard seeds

1 bunch fresh dill, separated into sprigs

DIRECTIONS:

Slice, spear, or leave cucumbers whole, as desired. In a medium sauce pan, heat vinegars, sugar, and salt over medium heat. Stir solution and remove from heat once sugar and salt dissolve.

Place cucumbers, garlic, dill, peppercorns, and mustard seeds in quart jars. Cover with vinegar solution, leaving a one inch space at the top of the jar. Refrigerate pickles for up to three months, or process for 15 minutes in a pressure canner.

the perfect arrangement

Summer celebration.

Tongue & Cheek Strawberry Jam

Makes 6 half pints

PREP TIME: 10 minutes

COOK TIME: 20 minutes

INGREDIENTS:

3 lbs fresh strawberries

4 cups granulated sugar

¼ cup bottled lemon juice, plus two seeded lemon wedges

1 pinch salt

DIRECTIONS:

Prepare strawberries by rinsing, removing stems, and roughly chopping them. In a large pot, combine all ingredients over medium heat. Stirring frequently and mashing berries with the back of your spoon, bring mixture to boil and continue to cook for 3 additional minutes, until thickened (approximately 20 minutes total). Remove lemon wedges from the jam and skim off foam from the top (if desired). Transfer jam to clean, sterilized jars, leaving about ½” head space at the top of each jar.

Prepared jam can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, or can be stored at room temperature for six months if processed for 10 minutes in a pressure canner. Discard any jars that have not sealed within 24 hours.

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Sit back, relax, and enjoy your flight of the Vida Caña Rum Series

BY: JULIETTA HERNANDEZ PHOTOS BY: RACHEL BENAVIDES

When Bryan Tierce and Jonathan Fuller got a sip of the good life, it would’ve been unfair had they not brought some of it back in a bottle. With the purest extractions from sugar canes down in the Dominican Republic, Andes, Panama, and some parts of the U.S., Vida Caña Rum is a varied series carefully curated to the sit-back, slow-down moments of life.

The cane life, or la vida caña, embodies a lot more than meets the taste buds. “We want this to contribute to a certain lifestyle,” Tierce explains. “We’re wanting to take the consumers on a journey.”

On such a journey, the two found multiple destinations; from the USVI + American Craft, a blend of two years, to the Panama, aged 18 years, each style encompasses a different vibe for the evening. The four different rums in the series carry fine and specific details for a tour you'll want to take your time sipping through.

The “Spirit of Slow” – you’ll find with their brand, is represented by the sea turtle: an omen that represents the underrated bliss of just letting things flow. Both literally and metaphorically, this weaves into the rum’s meaning and business model. Through trial and error, the big reveal of the final product was worth the five-year process it endured.

“It ends up being blended towards the style we want,” Fuller says. “Which leaves us tasting and confirming a lot of rums, probably hundreds of rums. And the one thing you end up learning about rum is that you know very little.”

Friends of nearly 20 years with surf trips, travel, and sunset-sipping under their belts, Tierce and Fuller have been working on every detail of Vida Caña Rum for five years, recreating the vacation aura in beverage format. In fact, the decision to create a rum company came to the now co-owners during an important board meeting.

“‘Board meetings,’ we called them, days filled with surf, siestas, and sea turtles,” they mention in their origin story. “More than anything, the laid-back getaways forced us to step out of our hectic corporate lives and slow down.”

The two wave-catchers and avid rum sippers attended Rum University (yes, it’s a real place) and learned among major distillers what a good glass consists of. With this knowledge and a lot of taste testing, the two were able to source distilled, high-quality aged rum in order to finish re-aging, re-proofing and perfecting the product here on the Island. With the elegance of the French glass bottles and Italian cork caps, the amber spirit sits pretty inside. However, the secret is only for your taste buds to experience.

It doesn’t all end at the bottom of the glass. “Drinking for a Purpose” –the Texas Sealife Center on North Padre Island completes the message

of the bottle. It’s the local guys, local companies and the local momentum that allows Vida Caña to partner up with the Texas Sealife Center to fund rehabilitation and preservation efforts. Participating restaurants like Scuttlebutts and The Gold Fish will even donate a dollar from every Vida Caña Rum drink to the cause.

The Coastal Bend area can be a beautiful destination for a quick little vacay – even if you actually live here. With a taste of one of the experiences these two surfer dudes brought to our shot glasses and mixed drinks, the official spirit for the “spirit of slow” will complete the mood.

Contact: vidacana.com | @vidacanarum

DINING GUIDE

AMERICAN

8TE $

A shabby chic interior that features classic comfort dishes with a modern twist! Serving brunch, lunch, and dinner. 1220 Airline Rd. #250, (361) 723-0261, facebook.com/8tecctx

ANDY’S COUNTRY KITCHEN $

You will feel right at home just like eat’n in mom’s kitchen. Great southern comfort food that gets back to the basics! 5802 S Staples St, (361) 993-0251, Andyskitchen.com

CITRUS BAYFRONT BISTRO $

Enjoy casual homestyle dishes with everything homemade, even down to the pie crusts, and all with a gorgeous view of the marina. 100 N Shoreline Blvd, (361) 882-2047, Citrusbistro.com

EATS EPICUREA RESTAURANT + BAR $

Eats Epicurea takes a creative approach with inventive coastal cuisine and unique spins on Texas favorites all while overlooking the on-site Schlitterbahn Waterpark. 14353 Commodore Dr, (361) 589-4230

HAMLIN FOUNTAIN & GIFTS $

With bold purpose and flavor craving taste buds, they set forth a new twist on local fare and many culinary delights from islands around the globe. 3801 Staples St, (361) 853-7303, hamlinfg.com

HOEGEMEYER’S BBQ $$

Smoked fresh barbeque on a strong German heritage background and a satisfaction for something unique. South Texas barbeque that comes from the heart. 711 Concrete St, (361) 884-4227, Hoegemeyers.com

IRIE’S ISLAND FOOD $

With bold purpose and flavor craving taste buds, they set forth a new twist on local fare and many culinary delights from islands around the globe. 503 N Alister St, (361) 749-2310, Iriesislandfood.com

PADRE ISLAND BURGER COMPANY $$

Burgers, burgers, and burgers! Build it yourself or choose from their handcrafted menu. 11878 TX-361, (361) 949-3490, Padreislandburgercompany.com

POETS FAMILY RESTAURANT $

A hidden gem among life-long locals, Poets is a family style restaurant serving up a wide array of delicious home cooking. You’ll be greeted with smiling faces, laughs, and of course their complimentary chips and salsa. 4825 Saratoga Blvd, (361) 993-2170

SURFSIDE SANDWICH SHOPPE $

Dine inside or outside on the patio, and enjoy their large assortment of sandwiches and sides or have a nice cold beverage. Don’t forget the homemade desserts! 15113 S Padre Island Dr, (361) 949-0505, surfsidesandwichshoppe.com

THE BLUE CLOVE $$

CORPUS CHRISTI PADRE ISLAND

PORT ARANSAS

Indulge in the art of food with The Blue Cove. Family owned and served with love, this quaint little place will soon become your go-to spot for a weekend bite. 1945 Horne Rd, (361) 8552927, facebook.com/TheBlueClove

THE GLASS PAVILION $$$

Casual hotel eatery offering simple American mains and views of the sea. Did we mention they also offer a breakfast buffet? Stop in for breakfast, lunch, or dinner! 2nd Floor Omni Corpus Christi Hotel, 900 N Shoreline Blvd, (361) 887-1600, Omnihotels.com

THE POST $$

Enjoy this popular gastro-pub with delicious dishes that are meant to be shared, along side a beer or cocktail of course! 3850 S Alameda, (361) 452-0907, thepostlamarpark.com

TOWN & COUNTRY CAFÉ $

This down-to-earth diner serves the best in homestyle American comfort food for breakfast and lunch. 4228 S Alameda St, (361) 9920360, Facebook.com/town-country-cafe

ASIAN

AKA SUSHI $$

Creative and daring rolls that work well together. The authentic Asian cuisine is made by a masterful chef with scratch recipes that will blow your mind. 415 Water St, (361) 882-885, Facebook.com/akasushidowntowncc

SANG’S IMPERIAL CAFÉ $$

Culturally dynamic décor brings an international ambiance to the atmosphere. Their commitment to the freshest food shows through from the dishes to the sushi bar. 4650 Corona Dr, (361) 808-8881, Facebook.com/imperialcafe

VIETNAM RESTAURANT $$$

Local fine dining restaurawith an extensive menu and eye catching Vietnamese culture spread throughout the dining area. 701 N Water St, (361) 853-2682, Vietnam-restaurant.com

Z COUNTER $

It is all about combining fusion concepts with the authentic flavors of famous street dishes from Asia, including Vietnam, Korea, Thailand, Singapore, China and more. 51220 Airline Rd #155, (361) 991-1115, z-counter.com

BAR&GRILL

BOATHOUSE BAR & GRILL $$

The best thing about the Boathouse Bar & Grill is that there’s something for everyone; a mouthwatering menu, full bars with HDTVs, all on waterfront patio dining. 15241 Leeward Dr, (361) 589-9601, Boathousepadreisland.com

ROCKPORT OUTDOOR SEATING

LIVE MUSIC

BREWSTER STREET ICE HOUSE $$

Who says that you can’t have 4-star food in a casual environment? Not the Brewster Street Grill! Bring your kids or stay for a concert, they have it all. 1724 N Tancahua, (361) 884-2739, Brewsterstreet.net

EXECUTIVE SURF CLUB $

The most beloved casual dive dining spot serving up the best in burgers, beer and live music. Make sure to stop by on Tuesday nights for $2 Pints! 1724 N Tancahua, (361) 884-2739, Brewsterstreet.net

FINS GRILL AND ICEHOUSE $$

For years they’ve featured fresh seafood, 1/2 lb. Angus beef burgers and delicious chicken dishes plus a full bar. They’re also home to the “You Hook ‘Em, We Cook ‘Em” service for all the fisherman out there. 420 West Cotter, (361) 749-8646, Finsgrillandicehouse.com

STINGRAY’S TAPHOUSE AND GRILL $$

An industrial-chic elite sports bar that provides you ‘raving fans’ a unique dining and entertaining experience, right around the corner from the beach! 401 Beach St, (361)749-2287, Stingraystaphouse.com

CAFÉ

GREEN LIGHT COFFEE SOUTHSIDE $

A true triple threat, GLC Southside features a coffee shop, full bar, and delicious bakery in a trendy, casual atmosphere perfect for gathering with friends. 3819 S Alameda St., (361) 225-4663, fillingoodbakery.com

HESTERS CAFE $

This legendary local cafe and coffee bar serves up invintive breakfast and lunch dishes with a focus on fresh, quality ingredients. 3812 S Alameda St, (361) 855-1892, hesterscafe.com

JB’S GERMAN BAKERY $

Committed to maintaining the highest German standard, every product is handmade following age-old German traditions and recipes. 15137 S Padre Island Dr, (361) 949-5474, Jbsgermanbakery.com

SUGARBAKERS $

Made from scratch French and European cuisine with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. The perfect spot for a simple breakfast or lunch with the family. 2766 Santa Fe St, (361) 884-9541, sugarbakerscc.com

FRENCH

DRAGONFLY $$$

A multitude of international backgrounds to the cuisine prepared entirely from scratch daily by the owner and culinary artist. The menu is full of unforgettable flavor profiles to satisfy any craving. 14701 S Padre Island Dr, (361) 949-2224

ITALIAN

BELLA LUNA DOWNTOWN $$

Authentic gourmet Italian cuisine always made fresh to order in the heart of The Marina Arts District. 429 Schatzell St, (361) 887-4777, Bellalunadowntown.com

BELLINO’S $$

Comfortable and welcoming with a trattoria style authentic cuisine. You won’t find these dishes anywhere else in Corpus Christi! 3815 S Alameda St, (361) 814-8998, 523 S. Fulton Beach Rd, (361) 729-9003, Bellinostexas.com

HOUSE OF ROCK $

Top notch pizza and appetizers, cold beer, cocktails, and live entertainment! Does it get any better? 511 Starr St, (361) 882-7625, Texashouseofrock.ticketfly.com

PADRE PIZZERIA $

For over 15 years, their famous Padre pizza dough is handmade, hand-tossed and prepared daily. 14493 S Padre Island Dr, (361) 949-0787, Padrepizzeria.com

PORT “A” PIZZERIA $$

Bring the kids, as this family-friendly pizzeria offers an all-day buffet, video games and draft beer. Or, order straight off the menu! 407 E Avenue G, (361) 749-5226,

TRATTORIA TADDEI $

The chef’s recipes and experience, all with a genuine Italian flavor, from his home region’s traditional cuisine passed from generation to generation over many centuries. 920 Louisiana Ave, (361) 884-4400, Trattoriataddei.com

VENETIAN HOT PLATE $$$

Quality cuisine and a quaint, yet energetic atmosphere, giving a real touch of Italy. 232 Beach St, (361) 749-7617, Venetianhotplate.com

MEXICAN

HI-HO RESTAURANT $

One of the oldest, and most cherished taquerias in town, Hi-Ho’s is undoubtedly the go-to place for breakfast tacos. 3703 Morgan Ave, (361) 888-4992

LA PLAYA BY THE BAY $$

A vibrant, bi-level Tex-Mex eatery and full service bar in a contemporary, colorful space with large outdoor seating right in the heart of downtown Corpus Christi. And that view! 227 N Water St, (361) 885-7702

RESTAURANT SAN JUAN $

A down-to-earth, colorful hacienda-themed atmosphere with an extensive Mexican menu, including whole fish, fajitas, and breakfast! 410 Cut-Off Rd, (361) 749-6521

ROSITA’S TACO SHOP $

This family-owned-and-operated taco shop in Rockport serves up some of the most delicious tacos and Mexican dishes in the Coastal Bend. 402 E Market St, (361) 790-8513

SONNY’S BARBACOA $

This quaint taco shop is the place to go if you’re searching for barbacoa. Using only

prime cuts of meat to assure the freshest, a best tasting tacos around, Sonny’s Barbacoa is no joke. 4066 S. Port Ave, (361) 808-7711

SEAFOOD

BLACK MARLIN BAR & GRILL $$

Sit indoors, sit outdoors, enjoy the Gulf Coast while diving into top-quality coastal cuisine, live music, craft cocktails and some of the best views around. 258 Snapdragon, (361) 749-4653, Blackmarlinbarandgrill.com

COSTA SUR WOK & CEVICHE BAR $$

This cevicheria is a true Peruvian party on your palette. The dishes are exciting, fresh takes on traditional dishes from South America. Perfect for ending a long beach day.

15113 S Padre Island Dr #101, (361) 945-8303, Costasurcc.com

GLOW $$

From a renovated boathouse, they offer simply-cooked bistro fare using the best local seafood and produce. Bright, relaxed atmosphere with white-washed ship lap wood walls and a full bar. 1815 Broadway St, (361) 727-2644, Glowrockport.com

HARRISON’S LANDING $$

Local waterfront treasure serving up the best in casual dining, relaxed happy hour, and leisure shopping experiences. 108 Peoples St, (361) 881-8503, harrisonslanding.net

LANCE'S BLACK SHEEP BISTRO $$

A unique, trendy atmosphere that transcends age and style with a menu full of foods rich, colorful, and full of flavor. 15201 S Padre Island Dr, (361) 949-4819, Blacksheepbistro.net

LATITUDE 28˚02’ $$$

Contemporary dining experience specializing in tasty fresh, local seafood. Eye-catching walls that serve as a gallery space, holding colorful works by local artists. 105 N Austin St, (361) 727-9009, Latituderockport.com

LISABELLA’S BISTRO $$$

Casual coastal elegance with a family-friendly setting. The menu boasts a remarkable gourmet twist to your favorite fare, and a full bar that goes beyond just ordinary. 5009 Hwy 361, (361) 749-4222, Cinnamonshore.com

RED FISH WILLIES WATERFRONT GRILL $$

Enjoy a casual laid back evening of fine dining, there is something for all seafood lovers at Willie’s. With a vast menu and award-winning dishes, you won’t be disappointed. 322 Huff St., 361.758.9991, redfishwillies.com

ROCK & ROLLS SUSHI LOUNGE $$

At Rock & Rolls, they’re dishing out the most delectable and delicate fish from islands all over the world. Delight in a cold appetizer then “plug in” for some rolls and sashimi! 15121 S Padre Island Dr #101, (361) 949-1110, Rockandrollssushi.com

ROOSEVELT’S AT THE TARPON INN $$$

Gourmet dining at its finest in a beautiful Louisiana style home that sets the perfect tone for a taste of luxury. Historic background gives a unique sense of its famous visitors. 200 E Cotter Ave, (361)749-1540, Rooseveltsatthetarponinn.com

SCUTTLEBUTT’S BAR & GRILL $$

Extensive menu makes sure to have something for everyone. Food made from scratch from the dressings to the burger patties. Make sure to stop by during happy hour for drink specials. 14254 S Padre Island Dr, (361) 949-6769, Scuttlebuttsbarandgrill.com

SNOOPY’S PIER $

Outdoor dining experience and local harvested quality with an on-site fish house and shrimp breading facility that enables the freshness. 13313 S Padre Island Dr, (361) 949-8815, Snoopyspier.com

THE BOILING POT $$

Roll up your sleeves and take manners to a new level for a great Cajun experience. 201 S Fulton Beach Rd, (361) 729-6972

WATER STREET OYSTER BAR $$

Long-standing and beloved Corpus Christi landmark serving up oysters, sushi rolls and fresh Gulf seafood in a historic, brick building in the heart of downtown. 309 N Water St, (361) 881-9448, waterstreetmarketcc.com

YARDARM $$$

Savory seafood dishes with great bay view seating. Family owned gives off a special ambiance in the atmosphere as well as the entrees. 4310 Ocean Dr, (361) 855-8157

STEAKHOUSE

KATZ 21 $$$

Sets the standard for premier fine dining experience. Prime steakhouse specializes in dryaged prime beef and fresh gulf coast seafood. 5702 Spohn Dr, (361) 884-1221, Katz21.com

NIKOS STEAKHOUSE $$

Committed to the motto “Great Food, Great Times. Great Experience.” Casual and elegant atmosphere that will truly exceed any steak lover’s expectiations. 5409 Saratoga Blvd, (361) 992-2333, nikossteakhouse.com

REPUBLIC OF TEXAS $$$

One of the most exclusive dining destinations in the Coastal Bend. A multi-level steakhouse offers beautiful panoramic views of the bay and exceptional dishes. 900 N Shoreline Blvd, (361) 887-1600, omnihotels.com

THAI

BKK THAI KITCHEN + BAR $$

BKK is brining a modern twist to the traditional Thai dishes. Their menu is filled with tasty items you are sure to love. 3850 S Alameda, Ste. 27, (361) 334-0857, bkkthaikitchenbar.com

THAI COTTAGE $$

Unique and refreshing, Thai curries meet teriyaki and Chinese dishes in a cozy red cottage. 5830 McArdle Rd, (361) 993-0777, Thai-cottage.com

THAI SPICE $$$

Family owned and operated for over 12 years, this restaurant is an intimate fixture providing curries, noodles & other traditional Thai dishes in a upscale relaxed atmosphere. 523 N Water St, (361) 883-8884

High Demand for Fine Dining

THIS POP-UP DINNER EXPERIENCE CELEBRATES LIFE WITH EXCEPTIONALLY GOOD FOOD

BY: MICHELA MAY

PHOTOS BY: RACHEL BENAVIDES

It began last year in March in the backyard of a local family: dinner served in an immaculate garden, complete with a white cloth covering the massive table top, crisp cotton linens, and a sweet wine. A large family gathered, talking amongst themselves for hours, savoring the meal set before them. This is what The Roughian brings to the table every single time.

Corpus has displayed plenty of unique and wild dishes through the years, but nothing quite like this before. This first ever pop-up dinner experience was developed by Corpus Christi native Natalie Trevino. A graduate of the Art Institute of Austin in culinary practices, Trevino’s specialty is French cuisine. She works with a colorful palette, mixing together tastes no one ever thinks could possibly coincide. But she does it, and it’s a work of art in itself.

Trevino brings rustic tastes of American touches and classic French foods to her pop-up party, recognizing the diversity that already exists in the Coastal Bend area. Trevino wants to celebrate everything about this place, by giving back in the form of country picnic baskets with crispy fried beer-brined chicken, seafood spreads of breaded lemon crab cake under a tender ribeye steak, and refreshing summer selections of creamy ratatouille risotto. Each is served with a signature cocktail and after-dinner coffee, with her own creation of “schnecken” desserts.

She wasn’t always a culinary artist, though. When she started college at Del Mar, studying to be an educator, she quickly discovered this was clearly not for her. After that, her story gets a little complicated (to say the least).

While working on her degree at the Art Institute, she became ill to the point of being bed-ridden, but that gave her the chance to hone her skills through reading and cooking for her grandmother. Being sick actually gave her that last push she

needed to change a brick-and-mortar concept into a living dining experience for anyone to experience.

The Roughian is the work of four women, where they set up some of the most extravagant, yet rough, versions of what America is in the Coastal Bend. Bringing in her French teachings, Natalie creates a five-course meal for any house party or celebration, while her mother and cousin, Terri and Hannah, and her friend Emily make sure each space is well prepared to fit that Roughian concept.

This dining experience is intimate yet approachable. By preparing everything beforehand, from setting up the menu online to buying the necessary flowers for that evening’s setting, their method allows each guest to feel just that: a welcomed member who doesn’t need to worry about cleaning the dishes afterward, focusing instead on great conversations shared over a great meal. “That’s what we do with The Roughian – just have a good time,” Trevino explains. “I just want to make food for people.”

And she demonstrates these skills every Saturday with something new and exciting. She doesn’t own a store front yet, and works exclusively from home, making sure each weekend provides something savory and sweet enough for anyone to dream about all next week.

Contact: theroughian.com | theroughiancc@gmail.com @theroughiancc

LOOKING BACK

A Majestic Bayside Hotel

BY: JILLIAN BECQUET PHOTO COURTESY OF: CORPUS CHRISTI PUBLIC LIBRARIES

It’s fair to say that Corpus Christi’s story would have been different had Elihu Ropes not been so spectacular – in his successes and in his failures. Ropes made big investments in the area, starting with his idea to create Texas’ first deep water port in the 1880s. He purchased Mustang Island for $25,000 with a plan to dredge Ropes Pass, and snapped up real estate along the bay for a few dollars an acre.

Ropes planned a railroad from Corpus Christi to Brownsville, then through Mexico and down to Central and South America. Near what is now the intersection of Alta Plaza and Ocean Drive, Ropes built the luxury Alta Vista Hotel in 1890.The hotel had 106 bedrooms, a billiard parlor and bar, and space for dining and dancing. These big investments stimulated the local economy so much that the era of prosperity was called the Ropes Boom.

In 1893, a major recession hit the U.S. Ropes had no money to pay his bills, and was run out of town. The story of the Alta Vista continued, as it was purchased and reopened in 1906, but the luxury didn’t last. The beautiful building and furnishings, after having several owners, were lost to fire in 1927.

While the grandest structure of the Ropes Boom did not last, other investments in business and railways during the period did, and continued the area’s prosperity that led to the 1926 opening of the Port of Corpus Christi – Ropes’ dream.

A postcard features the grand hotel. Elihu Ropes’ Alta Vista Hotel was a grand display of his investment