May 2020 Issue by The Bend Magazine

MEALS FOR OUR NEIGHBORS DELIVERING COMPASSION IN MORE WAYS THAN ONE BY: JULIETA HERNANDEZ

louder thanwords

How the Coastal Bend banded together in the midst of a global health crisis

The Challenge

Parkinson’s disease is a degenerative movement disorder which can cause deterioration of motor skills, balance, speech and sensory function.

The Parkinson’s Disease Foundation estimates there are more than 1 million people in the United States diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, and more than 60,000 people are diagnosed each year. Rock Steady Boxing is the first gym in the country dedicated to the fight against Parkinson’s.

In our gym, exercises are largely adapted from boxing drills. Boxers condition for optimal agility, speed, muscular endurance, accuracy, hand-eye coordination, footwork and overall strength to defend against and overcome opponents. At RSB, Parkinson’s disease is the opponent. Exercises vary in purpose and form but share one common trait: they are rigorous and intended to extend the perceived capabilities of the participant.

The Solution

Various studies in the 1980s and 1990s supported the notion that rigorous exercise, emphasizing gross motor movement, balance, core strength, and rhythm, could favorably impact range of motion, flexibility, posture, gait, and activities of daily living. More recent studies, most notably at Cleveland Clinic, focus on the concept of intense “forced” exercise, and have begun to suggest that certain kinds of exercise may be neuro-protective, i.e., actually slowing disease progression.

Our clients attest the improved quality of life after starting at Corpus Christi Rock Steady Boxing Gym. Discovery of a cure may be many years away but in the last seven years, there is evidence that progress is made in all stages of the disease by those participating in the RSB program.

The Signs of PD

More than 1 million people live with Parkinson’s disease in the United States, with symptoms varying from person to person. Some symptoms of the disease are easy to see, while others are hard to detect. Symptoms often begin on one side of the body, but eventually will affect both sides as the disease progresses.

Signs of Parkinson’s disease can include:

• Tremors or shaking of a body part

• Slowness of movements

• Difficulty with walking or balance

• Muscle stiffness or rigidity

• Voice softening or slurring of words

• Loss of automatic movements such as eye blinking or smiling

• Handwriting becomes smaller

• Stooping or hunching over

PUNCH OUT PARKINSONS

CORPUS CHRISTI’S ROCK STEADY BOXING GYM IS HERE TO HELP IN THE FIGHT AGAINST PARKINSONS

While there is no known cause or cure for Parkinson’s disease, individuals can take an active role in their health to help control symptoms and manage the disease. Research has shown that a combined focus on medication management and intensive rehabilitation in an inpatient rehabilitation setting can dramatically improve function and quality of life in individuals with Parkinson’s disease.

An individual treated through an inpatient rehabilitation facility is offered the latest in rehabilitative technology and a multi-disciplinary approach that provides the expertise of numerous healthcare professionals including physicians, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech pathologists, dietitians, pharmacists, case managers, nurses, and more. Members of the healthcare team work with the individual, family members, and his or her physician to develop a customized plan of care to meet needs and goals.

5 BEST TIPS FOR PEOPLE NEWLY DIAGNOSED WITH PD

1. FIND A MOVEMENT DISORDER SPECIALIST (MDS)

2. BEGIN A DAILY EXERCISE REGIMEN

3. FIND YOUR PD COMMUNITY

4. CONNECT WITH A FOUNDATION AMBASSADOR

5. BUILD YOUR PARKINSON’S CARE TEAM

If you would like to learn more about Parkinson’s disease treatments available at Corpus Christi Rehabilitation Hospital, call 361-906-3700.

BUSINESS SUPPORT LOCAL

Kleberg Bank was born 115 years ago in Kingsville, the birthplace of many Texas traditions. We grew up here, and we’re proud to say your Kleberg bankers still live and work here serving one simple purpose: “to help those who showed the spirit of cooperation in community building.” Being local and supporting local is at the core of everything we do.

Until we can once again utter the words, “come on in,” we’re asking that you support local businesses that are OPEN today and those that will be when we get back to normal. Whether it means using drive-thru, delivery, technology or other contactless means, let’s each do what we can to help see our business neighbors through this tough time.

We’re all in this together, and together we can help keep our community STRONG.

Supporting South Texas for Over a Century.

The EksoGT ™ Robotic Exoskeleton

As part of our commitment to rehabilitation, PAM Rehabilitation Hospital of Corpus Christi uses cutting-edge technology to help patients regain their strength, mobility, confidence, and freedom. The EksoGT™ robotic exoskeleton is the first exoskeleton indicated for stroke and spinal cord injury rehabilitation. The wearable device augments strength to help these patients stand and relearn to walk, improving their step patterns, weight shifting, and posture. PAM Rehabilitation Hospital of Corpus Christi is using the device to mobilize patients earlier in their rehabilitation.

Each year, as many as 15 million individuals suffer a stroke and 500,000 experience a spinal cord injury. Early mobilization is especially beneficial for stroke recovery. Gait training with this exoskeleton suit is one of the latest advancements in stroke treatment and neurorehab in general.

Clinical research suggests that including EksoGT gait training during inpatient rehabilitation can improve patients’ gait speed and walking distance. Most patients take an average of 400 steps their first-time training in the device. It is the most clinically used exoskeleton and patients around the world have taken over 100 million steps and counting.

I AM A WARRIOR, ARE YOU?

What does it mean to be a warrior? What does a warrior look and sound like? Not just anyone can claim to be a warrior. Being a warrior is serious business! Warriors are mentally, physically, and spiritually strong. They have the tools and training to face difficult challenges and they don’t quit when the going gets tough. They are courageous and engaged.

ACA Warriors come in all ages, shapes, and sizes, from Pre-K through 12th Grade. Every day our students arrive at school where they are “trained” in a loving and supportive environment to face challenges head on with strength of mind and heart. While putting on the full armor of God, they are preparing for so much more than just quizzes and tests; they are preparing to impact our culture for Christ and be warriors for their generation. They receive a college-preparatory, liberal arts education where they are equipped with the tools of learning to help them conquer what they set out to achieve.

Is your child nervous about the dentist? If the answer is yes, then you will be happy to meet Scout, Kennedy Dental Care’s very own therapy dog. Scout’s job is to take the edge off of nervous and uncertain patients or parents. She will place her head on your child’s lap, climb onto the dental chair, or offer her soft fur to calm your child’s nerves.

“Scout knew I needed a little extra comfort for my visit and laid with me to calm me down.”

-- Heather, 7

What do you feel has given you hope amidst the current landscape of the COVID-19 pandemic?

This community as whole and seeing people going out of their way to help others. The H-E-B employees have also given me a lot of hope in their resilience. And when all else fails, there’s always Animal Crossing.

We are surrounded by individuals, organizations, and businesses that have put their own goals and interests on hold to support those in need right now. From distilleries making hand sanitizer to neighbors collecting elastics to make and donate masks... people are showing who they truly are, and it’s beautiful.

SUBMISSIONS: kylie@thebendmag.com

SUBSCRIPTIONS: thebendmag.com

PRESIDENT: Jordan Regas

VICE PRESIDENT & EVENTS DIRECTOR: Kaley Regas

PUBLISHER: Chris Knapick

ART DIRECTOR: Jarred Schuetze

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR: Kylie Cooper

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE: Gloria Stauber

LEAD PHOTOGRAPHER: Rachel Benavides

COPY EDITOR: Steve Gill

PHOTOGRAPHY:

Jason Page

Lillian Reitz

Aaron Garcia

Maude Côté Davis

SENIOR WRITERS:

Emma Comery

Kirby Tello

DESIGN INTERN: Sierra Lutz

CONTRIBUTORS:

Justin & Kayla Butts

Jillian Becquet

JoAnne Howell

Jacqueline Gonzalez

Julieta Hernandez

Jessie Monsivais

Alexis Harborth

Terrie Moore

THE

BEND OFFICE

309 N. Water Street Corpus Christi, TX 78401 361.792.3606

On the Cover:

As a woman of faith, what gives me hope during this pandemic is that I need not fear nor worry because God is in control of my life.

The vast selections of art created by the community have given me hope through the pandemic. The art has allowed me to release grief, be reminded to enjoy the little things, and live more in the moment.

I feel that hope is found when people come together and unite in times of distress. Our community really pulled together in support of local shops to help keep their businesses afloat. In times where money is scarce, this type of support speaks volumes, and keeps my hope alive.

ADVERTISING: gloria@thebendmag.com

ADVERTISING: chris@thebendmag.com

For this month’s cover, we wanted to relay a message of hope. The cover feature is a narrative strung together by personal accounts from various Coastal Bend community leaders. We found, when talking with them all, the thing they each had in common was the hopeful attitude they brought to the table. Here in the Coastal Bend, the water has a strange way of making us feel that way. The act of tides washing away what was once there and allowing a new moment to exist, that is how we are choosing to interpret the chaos we all find ourselves in at this time. (Cover Photo shot by: Lillian Reitz)

THIS,TOO, SHALL PASS

As I write this, it is the first week of April. The climate surrounding COVID-19 seems similar to a roller coaster – some days, it feels like there is nothing but bad news; others, the algorithms of my newsfeeds seem to know I need a spirit boost, based on the number of inspirational videos I come across. I am sitting at my dining room table, where I have carved out a temporary work-from-home office for myself – attempting to grasp any type of normalcy or habit I can, to help keep myself centered and complete the work that will not stop on account of this virus.

Perhaps you might relate to this sentiment of wanting to hold on to even a piece of whatever structures you previously had in place, but those very structures have been pulled out from under us like a magic trick. Except when that tablecloth was whipped away, the items atop the table didn’t remain still; they fell, scattered, and shattered to pieces. So, what happens when the structures we’ve come accustomed to are temporarily gone? What happens when we are required to think differently and pushed to adapt to extraordinary circumstances?

History shows that after periods of disruption, renaissance-like periods of revolution seem to arise. How can one use this as a catalyst to upend the previous ways of thinking, working, and living with one another? Perhaps we don’t all have the luxury of currently thinking that way, but wouldn’t it be nice to do what we can with our individual powers during this time, to create the change we’d like to see in the world?

When the heavy reality of the pandemic set in for us in the Coastal Bend, we at The Bend Magazine also had to begin thinking of ways to adapt and adjust our operations. We completely scrapped our scheduled cover feature

and a slew of department stories for this issue; we grappled with the task of putting out a smaller issue than we’re normally used to; we began offering free services to help get our local businesses’ messaging out; we came up with new products to sell in this ambiguous time because we too, are a small business hurting right now; we began asking questions like ‘How can we help our advertisers in a time of crisis?’ and ‘What will our readers be coming to us for in a time of unprecedented uncertainty?’

My takeaway is that for every piece of bad news in our world, questions and ideas such as these can provide a sense of good. In the cover feature “Louder Than Words,” I mention the only thing we know for certain about this period: that it, too, shall pass. There will be no “going back to normal,” but instead a shaping of a new normal. But, if how we have used this time – for instance, asking one another simple questions like ‘How are you?’ more frequently, lending a helping hand here or giving a donation there, unifying around one another even if we’re all at least 6 feet apart – is any indication of what is waiting for us on the other side of this period, I’m confident our “new normal” will have a softer, more tender and unified heartbeat than it did before.

– KYLIE COOPER, Editorial Director kylie@thebendmag.com

THREE TAKEAWAYS:

1. Leading Ladies of Corpus Christi, a local podcast started in 2018, is centered around the strong, female entrepreneurship found in our Coastal Bend community. For each episode, host Brittany Mouttet interviews a different woman prominent in our area to learn about her story. Page 26

2. WEIRD Corpus, a local arts and culture zine, first started with 25 copies printed. The publication has quickly grown to a 300-copy print run, and aims to shed light on all things creative in the Coastal Bend. Page 56

3. Taylor Berlinsky has taken her grandmother’s words of “food feeds the body and the soul” into every recipe she creates. Her take on two classic baked treats is no different, and she’s sharing it with us all. Page 64

DISCOVERY.

The Texas State Aquarium transports you to the fascinating habitats of the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea. You’ll explore coral reefs, coastal lagoons, lush jungles, and the open sea and get up-close and personal with sharks, dolphins, sea turtles, flamingos, and hundreds of other species. Wonder at jumping dolphins and soaring birds during daily presentations and get a hands-on encounter with a live shark or stingray. Best of all, your visit isn’t just full of inspiration and imagination, it’s helping with wildlife conservation. That’s because your visit helps support wildliferescue and conservation, including our Wildlife Rescue, which rehabilitates and releases hundreds of birds and sea turtles every year in the Coastal Bend. At the Texas State Aquarium, you’ll save more than memories.

AROUND THE BEND

What’s Inside

MODERN EXPLORER

If you're anything like us, working from home has given you time to reflect on your interior surroundings. Does it represent your current style? If not, here are some pieces influenced by world exploration that can be used to showcase a modern, well-traveled home.

BY: JARRED SCHUETZE

1. Phillip Jeffries Wallpaper - Ellie's View in Aquatic

Bathroom Faucet

6. Handwoven Bowls

Susan Castor Collection

Gold Leaf Frame Alexis Hunter Interiors 13. Metal Sun Wall Art At Home 14. Aldrich Console Table Chic to Chic

YOUR BEST SHOT

With all the time we’ve been forced to spend indoors and alone lately, we sure do miss gathering in the Coastal Bend sun with you all. We scrolled through our Instagram feed to find a few photos of our Bend followers and friends partaking in one of our favorite aspects of living in the Coastal Bend: enjoying time outdoors amidst our slice of island paradise.

The June issue’s photo contest theme is All Things Creative!

We want to see how you’ve used your time recently to create! Be it a painting, drawing, poem, baked goods, music production, knitting, or whatever your craft of choice may be, we want to see how you’re getting creative. Don’t forget to tag us in your photos (@thebendmag) and use the hashtag #bestbendlife

@riptidesalon @letterstomylittlesisters

Meals for Our Neighbors

MEALS ON WHEELS IS DELIVERING COMPASSION IN MULTIPLE WAYS TO THE SENIOR COMMUNITY

BY: JULIETA HERNANDEZ ARTWORK COURTESY OF: ADCOUNCIL.ORG

A fondness for your neighbor is a tell-tale sign of a bountiful community.

Coastal Bend’s little chunk of Meals on Wheels’ overall impact, these ready meals sym bolize becoming a tight-knit social fabric that supports the senior demographic.

For the home-bound elderly community, this can mean a great help in maintaining a proper diet. The lengths this program will go, both physically and metaphorically, covers the distance.

Where neighborly kindness is needed the most, the Meals on Wheels program pushed its nutritionally balanced meals to from five to seven days a week with the help of a generous grant from H-E-B. Yes, the super-chain has done it again; providing aid for emergency relief meals, the $30,000 grant ensures weekend meals for the elderly community.

In addition to expanding the program’s distribution schedule, hygiene packs are also being delivered to the citizens receiving these meals. These include soap, toilet paper, and shampoo; necessities that could be dangerous to shop for during the COVID-19 recovery.

The program will typically cater to adults 60 and over, but is flexible depending on different situations. Living assisted or unassisted can prove to be a challenge for mature residents, but we’re all neighbors nonetheless. While no seniors are turned away, the payment for the service is based on a sliding fee scale from free to full cost. However, the Meals on Wheels program itself is a non-profit and thrives on the help of its vol-

Contact:

cctexas.com/parks/services/general-government/senior-services

Ways to Take A Breather

BY: JULIETA HERNANDEZ

Life doesn’t really stop for any of us, but we can afford to take breaks now and then without venturing too far away. We often underestimate the effect of feeling the sun on our faces or fresh air in our lungs after a long day of concentration inside. So, let’s stop holding our breath: Here are a few spots to just step away from everything and remind yourself to love where you live, even amid these times.

THE DUCK POND AT LAKEVIEW PARK

On Rodd Field and Holly Road, known as Lakeview Park, it's something out of a romance novel if you catch it at the right time of day. Located within civilization, this park is merely a short detour away. The waddling ducks you’ll come across are friendly; they know you’re coming, they don’t mind if you have a seat, take your time, and enjoy a drink or read a book. Be wary about your snacks, though…they might want those. 7110 Holly Rd.

VIOLET ANDREWS PARK

In Portland, this quaint, windy little sanctuary is hidden off Wildcat Dr. With its rocky seashore, the sound of crashing waves pairs wonderfully with a few moments of careful thought. This dog-friendly park also has a walking trail with a deeply saturated green landscape and plants and flowers that’ll make you go, “Hmmm.” During the peak sunshine days, windsurfing and kite flying takes place here.

305 Wildcat Dr

THE OSO BAY WETLAND

This spot doubles as a relaxing park and an immersive learning experience. The preserved wilderness and different kinds of flowers and birds are something to marvel over. Rabbit and coyote sightings are not unlikely, and there’s a pond near the playground area where we hear tadpoles and other small, mossy creatures like to hang out.

2446 N Oso Pkwy.

HANS AND PAT SUTER WILDLIFE REFUGE

Off Ennis Joslin is a shady trail full of trees and detours, and it’s not too far from the rest of the city. The popular trail is actually said to be one of the best bird-watching areas for regular and migratory birds, so it’s not a coincidence if you run into a whooping crane or a coot doing its thing. Runners love this trail for its bushy trees that block out a little heat. 909 Ennis Joslin Rd

ROCKPORT BEACH PARK

Golden-brown sand and a tall, sturdy volleyball net; perfect for taking off shoes and getting competitive. The sun likes this place a lot, so roll up your sleeves and let that skin toast up. The ocean water is shallow for quite some distance, which is just inviting enough to roll your pant bottoms up and get your feet wet. Entry to this beautifully-kept beach is $5 per vehicle daily, and $20 for the month. 319 Broadway St

PHOTO BY: LILLIAN REITZ

THE DUCK POND

Brittany Mouttet

A CONVERSATION WITH THE VOICE BEHIND AN INSPIRATIONAL LOCAL PODCAST ON THE FORMIDABLE FORCE OF A WOMAN AND WHAT TRULY LISTENING TO OTHERS CAN DO FOR YOU

CONVERSATION BY:

KYLIE COOPER PHOTO BY: LILLIAN REITZ

First, tell me a little about what Leading Ladies of Corpus Christi is. Leading Ladies of Corpus Christi is a podcast I started in January 2018 to highlight local women in the Coastal Bend who are living life on their own terms and benefiting the community. The main purpose of the podcast is to showcase the amazing female leaders, designers, artists, business owners, public figures, and entrepreneurs within the area. These women have very valuable insight to be shared with others who want to pursue their own goals, and I feel this podcast provides a platform to share their insights and experiences. I also value differing perspectives, and want to talk to as many diverse women as possible, so there’s something for everyone to listen and relate to.

Why did you feel like our community needed a podcast like this?

As a native of Corpus Christi, I have always innately loved this city, but would have a hard time explaining why. Now, with all the locallyowned local businesses, it’s much easier to see and explain why Corpus is an amazing place to live. The podcast is female-focused because there’s an overwhelming female presence in local businesses and organizations here in the

Coastal Bend. I want the community to know about all of these women and what they bring to the local economy, not to mention the incredible support they offer each other. A vast majority of the local events now held in the Coastal Bend were organized and put on by female leaders in the community. That definitely warrants a podcast!

What do you hope people take away from an episode of the podcast after listening?

I really want people to have a better understanding of the individual and her story. It’s amazing what most of these guests have in common despite being completely different in terms of politics, day jobs, and religious beliefs. Naturally, people form opinions based on a guest’s social media presence or business. My favorite, and often private, conversations with listeners involve their surprise at how they relate to someone so incredibly different from themselves. Also, there can be a misconception that some of these women didn’t encounter any struggles – and this couldn’t be further from the truth. It’s important for those wanting to pursue their goals to realize success isn’t linear through these women’s personal accounts of their experiences.

So, the DNA of the show really is rooted in women empowerment. When do you feel most empowered?

I feel most empowered when I’m confident in myself, my decisions, and my actions. Especially when I was younger, I valued other people’s opinions over my own, which is never beneficial for anyone. After some trial and error, I’m learning to trust myself when it comes to living my life. We all have an internal guidance system at our disposal, and it’s a powerful feeling when you learn to lean into it. What’s really amazing is most of my guests finally took the chance on their dreams when they learned to trust in themselves, as well. It’s a vital step for anyone wanting to make their own way.

You ask each of your guests to join you in taking a tequila shot before you start recording. What is your purpose behind this?

I feel the tequila shot is a nice icebreaker and helps my guest relax. The conversation is casual and judgement-free, and I feel tequila has a way of making people put their guard down. And I have to say, some of my guests have taken this part of the podcast to the next level. I’ve had guests make custom cocktails for the interview, bring wine and seltzers, and even bring the tequila and garnishes themselves. Some of my past and future guests don’t drink, and that’s OK too! I want this experience to be best representative of them and what makes them comfortable.

I know you’re a mama to an awesome little guy. How do you think motherhood has changed you as both a woman and a human?

Oh wow, in so many ways. I never dreamt of being a mom, and when it happened, my entire world shifted. I recognized how powerful women really are. If we choose, we can literally create a brand-new human being. The entire process is wild. I was reflecting on this very notion when the idea to start a podcast occurred to me. I’ve also learned not to sweat the small stuff anymore. I used to be really hard on myself about certain things I felt I “should” be doing. Who benefits from that?

I want my son to grow up with a mom who knows when to let things go and minimize stress wherever possible.

Contact:

out ou R ne W L

5017 s A rAtog A C orpus C hristi , tX 361-692-2177

14330 spid, n orth p A dre i sl A nd , tX 361-949-2266

1812 s tAte h wy 361 s uite A p ort A rA ns A s , tX 361-749-2266

615 B usiness h wy 35 s outh r o C kport , tX 361-729-2266

M ention this A d & R eceive 5% o ff

THAN

LOUDER WORDS

HOW THE COASTAL BEND BANDED TOGETHER IN THE MIDST OF A GLOBAL HEALTH CRISIS

BY:KYLIE COOPER PHOTOGRAPHY BY:LILLIAN REITZ

I’ve had a lot of time to think the last few months. We all have. Finding a balance between thinking and thinking way too much has proven to be a lot easier said than done. However, one thought I find recurring continuously amid the COVID-19 crisis revolves around this: In a time when we have been forced to distance ourselves from one another physically, it seems as though we in the Coastal Bend are more connected, more unified, than ever before. The Coronavirus forced us all to take necessary actions that – while perhaps not in the best interest of things from a business owners’ perspective – put the best interests of our community, as a whole, first.

Everyone, everywhere, was affected by this – still is being affecting by this. But, as we proceed with recovery and eventually normalcy, my hope is that we will be reminded of the acts of courage we saw when

things got really tough. I hope we will be reminded of the pure generosity and kindness people displayed during this time. We will be reminded of the grocery workers, the postal service, the entire healthcare industry, the city workers, the pharmacists, the gas station attendants, and everyone in between who continued to get out of bed every morning and go to work for us, for you. We will be reminded of the restaurants, bars, and coffee shops that kept their operations running in different forms to feed our community. We will be reminded of the local business owners who rallied behind one another to promote, share, and shed light on how to help each other out during this time. We will be reminded of the creatives who continued to put out work for us to look at and smile. We will be reminded of the teachers and education workers who moved entire lessons and classrooms on-

line to give our kids some sense of normalcy. We will be reminded of the people who chose to follow recommendations and stay home if they were able. Ultimately, we will be reminded of the simple fact that, amid the chaos, we still had each other – even if we were all at least 6 feet apart.

STATE OF MIND

Without the luxury of an hour-long coffee date to ask questions and indulge in conversation, the interview process for this story – like much else around the world – went virtual. But the emails to community leaders began by asking just how they were currently feeling … to give them space to share authentic thoughts, and because everyone needs a reminder to check in on themselves from time to time. The responses varied.

Most hovered around words such as hopeful, tired, overwhelmed, purposeful, and grateful. Lesley Lomax, owner of the popular downtown bar BUS, might have summed it up best: “It seems like my emotions change every five minutes these days,” she wrote. It becomes hard to know how to feel when a crisis is at hand. While we’d like to all hold onto optimism, so many other factors come into play that tell us we should feel worried or overwhelmed. The truth is, we will all inevitably feel somewhat alike – dealing simultaneously with multiple emotions on extreme ends of the spectrum.

And while it’s okay to sit with the more negative states of mind, clinging a little harder to the positive ones is what has allowed so many people in our community to rally behind one another and embrace silver linings. “I am feeling a sense of gratitude for the outpouring of support in our community,” said City Councilwoman at Large Paulette Guajardo. “The support of neighbors helping neighbors, the acts of kindness and the strong support from the business community who responded, without pause, to not only my call to action, but many others who are spearheading projects, this is why I am choosing to feel grateful.”

This sentiment, of choosing to feel grateful as opposed to scared or worried in the face of a global crisis, is what I believe has allowed so many – be it community leaders, business owners, or local residents – to step outside themselves and put on a face of resilience.

A sense of responsibility also comes into play when our community, our world, faces a common enemy. Council Member, District 2, Ben Molina understands this feeling well. “Honestly, I feel a sense of duty,” he said back in late March. “I want to make sure people are well-informed and taken care of. There was and still is a lot of misinformation, so I want to make sure that I am providing factual information and pointing people to the resources they need.”

Rockport Mayor Patrick Rios understands this responsibility as well. Not even three full years have gone by since Hurricane Harvey destroyed everything in its path, and all efforts geared towards restoring communities like Rockport, who were hit the hardest, have now had to evolve into efforts geared towards COIVD-19.

“I am tired, but eager,” Mayor Rios explained. “We will continue to work through

this current crisis. The economic impact on my city of Rockport will be deep and hurtful, and I am so sorry this happened so soon after Harvey. We were just starting to see some improvement in our local economy, and this is a huge setback.”

However, the very setback he speaks of isn’t necessarily an indefinite roadblock, merely an obstacle to overcome. Mayor Rios went on to speak of the incredible resilience he knows Rockport, like the Coastal Bend as a whole, possesses. He saw it first-hand when Harvey hit, and is now constantly reminded of it everywhere he looks. That’s why so much of how we are all feeling is influenced by the incredible surge of helping hands.

HELPING HANDS

In all corners of the Coastal Bend, acts of kindness can be seen from selfless individuals putting others before themselves, and from businesses completely altering the way they normally operate to either use their resources for those who might not have any or adapting their business models to continue serving locals. Anytime you turn on the local news or scroll through your social media feeds, you’ll be hard-pressed not to find an uplifting story coming from every industry and section of our community.

For example, Councilwoman Guajardo set into motion a series of partnerships, including putting out initiatives resulting in acquiring 5,000 items of Personal Protective Equipment and medical masks that were then donated by Stripes to local nurses, doctors, and medical professionals. These efforts also included joining and helping to raise $60,000 for the Coastal Bend Food Bank and jumping on a call to action to the business community alongside Marion Luna Brem, CEO of Love Chrysler Dodge Jeep, as Brem donated $5,000 to the food bank.

Tony Reyes, Executive Director of Mission 911, has also felt this overwhelming outpouring of help. Reyes knew he and his organization needed to take action, and with a $20,000 donation from the Port of Corpus Christi and TXU Energy, the organization was able to put together bags with non-perishable food, hopeful messaging, and information from the CDC, and distribute the care packages to hundreds of elderly

residents who were without access to transportation and were therefore left with limited options to obtain essential necessities. The goals shared by Reyes and Mission 911 resonated with Councilwoman Guajardo, who partnered with them on this project –and also with local businesses such as Hester’s Café, who helped to purchase all of the items in the bags, and The Red Barn Day Care, who allowed Mission 911 to use their building as a place to stage deliveries.

With schools shut down for extended periods of time, our students who rely on school meals suddenly lost what might be their only food options in a day. “The curbside meals have made a big difference in terms of feeding our area’s children, not to mention lifting spirits throughout the community,” says Leanne Libby, Director of Communications – CCISD.

School closures also mean navigating learning-at-home practices. Teachers suddenly had to operate completely online, moving everything from physical classroom settings to virtual classroom settings – and creating ways to help those without access to online classrooms. “This was a herculean effort.” Libby says. “This wasn’t about busy-worksheets. This was about loving our students and doing what we could, on short notice and during an anxious time, to help them continue their education.”

These are just a handful of the efforts being seen across our community. The Coastal Bend Food Bank has continued to organize mobile pantries to keep up with the overwhelming demand for food from all sectors of the region. Our Coastal Bend Food Bank covers 11 different counties, and as the demand for food supplies began to surge, so did the food bank’s need for resources. “The response from the community has been extraordinary,” says Micaela Stewart, Multimedia Communications Coordinator for the Coastal Bend Food Bank.

for the drive-thru mobile pantries were surprised to receive hard-to-get food items such as eggs, milk, and produce. “Their eyes lit up,” she says. “Their smiles were joined with words of gratitude, and it’s heartwarm ing to see hope restored in people’s eyes.”

ing, have decided to use their time and resources to help out as well. Restaurants like Water Street Oyster Bar, The Exchange, and House of Rock are just a few of those establishments that have implemented programs to help get meals to medical workers on the front lines of this pandemic, and to service industry employees who essentially lost 100 percent of their income when Stay At Home orders were put into place.

Casey Lain, managing partner of House of Rock, talked about the impact their “Feed a Friend” program has had on his own staff and others in the local service industry. During the first week of April, he said they had raised just under $4,000 in cash donations, which translated to 236 meals provided to service and entertainment industry professionals and 60plus 20” pizzas to Spohn Hospital Shoreline, thanks to an anonymous donor and local bartender Casey Ortiz.

Visit Corpus Christi launched “Virtual Happy Hour” in an effort to support local bartenders in March, and the effects have gone much further than simply helping our favorite bartenders. Ortiz, who works at both BUS and Cassidy’s Irish Pub, donated half of the tips she received from her Virtual Happy Hour to House of Rock’s “Feed a Friend” program to help out her fellows. “At a time like this, when people in the service industry have had their income basically

small business owner myself,” Councilman Molina says, “I know firsthand how important it is to support our local businesses –especially in a crisis. It’s important because the money you spend locally is what builds our local economy and helps provide jobs for our friends and neighbors.”

One such business owner adapting and reacting is Nikki Riojas, owner of Made in Corpus Christi. Just days after the upheaval of COVID-19 truly set in for our Coastal Bend community, Riojas did what she does best: using her platform to connect and promote others.

“Personally, I have a hard time sitting by and doing nothing if I know I can help out in a tough situation,” she says. “It’s what I do to create a little sense of control in something we ultimately have no control over, and being helpful gives us all a sense of hopefulness, rather than hopelessness.” So that’s exactly what she did. Riojas put together a list of businesses she could help promote on her website, and within 24 hours of opening the list up to the public, she had more than 100 small businesses reaching out to have their operational status shared with the masses. The resource got so big that a standalone website was created in order to host all of the information, and now has 200-plus local businesses listed in more than 35 different categories.

tual Shop Hop, an Instagram market-type event that allowed consumers to shop from 11 different local brands. In the 24-hour time period of the virtual market, nearly $5,000 in sales were generated for these local businesses. “Most of these businesses have brick and mortar storefronts that have had to temporarily close, and others rely on foot traffic from pop-up markets, and when you aren’t able to operate in those ways, you have to get innovative,” Riojas says.

BETTER TOGETHER

That concept of innovation can be attributed to this notion that, even while being asked to physically distance ourselves from one another, we have still managed to rally behind one another and feel more unified than ever. From virtual happy hours and concerts to online marketplaces and resource guides, even if it’s only though a digital screen, we are one.

We’ve allowed our hearts, minds, and hands to soften and in turn be tender with one another. How can I help? How are you doing? How may I support you in your hour of need? These are the questions we’ve all found ourselves offering up. “There isn’t a day that goes by where I don’t receive several text messages asking how we’re doing and what people can do to help,” Lain from House of Rock says. “I am talking to more people that I normally don’t talk to. Whether it’s about business, how to take care of our staff, or just a simple ‘How are you?’ –we’re all going through this together, we’re just not physically close.”

So, the question asks itself: How can being forced into physical distance make us connect with one another even more? It’s remarkable, isn’t it, how our desire for connection is amplified in a crisis? “Certainly,

a shared enemy creates allies in any situation,” says Alyssa Barrera-Mason, Director of the Downtown Management District (DMD). “Right now, our enemy is this virus that literally threatens our existence. It also threatens our way of life and our ability to connect with one another. The quick adoption of the use of the internet to stay connected shows that this virus doesn’t stand a chance of defeating us, our way of life, or our ability to connect with one another.”

Barrera-Mason and her team at the DMD have always operated under the role of enhancing downtown, in order to have an asset in keeping our students local, and as a source of pride for our residents. “Every model we operated on would be changed for an unspecified period of time,” she says. Her team immediately jumped on using their communication platforms to keep people updated on the downtown businesses still operating, worked with the City to get street parking downtown dedicated to curbside pickups, and produced signs for businesses to let people know that they were still operating as a part of the DMD’s Curbside Program.

every direction to continue supporting local businesses and organizations, we’ve become a more unified body of people. “I think this period makes us realize what’s really important and what things are actual priorities in our lives,” Councilman Molina says. “Despite having to be socially distant, we’ve found creative ways to still listen to each other, entertain each other, support each other, and share a laugh with one an other.”

When COVID-19 began to really take a toll on our local community, we all had a choice to make. As an individual, you could choose to use whatever energy, time, efforts, and resources you have to contribute to the community in a meaningful way. You could choose to donate your money here and your time there. You could choose to share a local business’ Instagram post or purchase a product from their online store. And, thankfully, so many of you chose to do just that. Councilwoman Guajardo put it best:

“thESE aRE thE timES in Which thE vERy bESt Of hUmanity iS

Our locals have found a way to support one another the way we always do, just in a more virtual way. During one of House of Rock’s live-stream weekly concerts, a viewer commented wishing they were all having a beer together. House of Rock replied, “We are having a beer together.” And that really does sum it up, doesn’t it? So, what happens when we inevitably reach the other side of the COVID-19 pandemic? What happens when social-distancing mandates are no longer in place and we begin to gather with one another again? What happens when businesses are finally able to open their doors back up? What will we have learned from this moment in history? The truth is, we don’t know. No one does.

My hope is that this new sense of solidarity carries over, and that we find ourselves asking questions like “How are you doing?” and “How can I help you?” a little more than we had before.

“I hope we all come out of this with a newfound trust in one another,” says Rockport Mayor Rios. “In May, my hope is that we will be much closer to the end of this crisis than we are as I write to you. I hope at that time we can all take pride in knowing we each did our part in fighting this pandemic.”

The way so many of our favorite local businesses operate will probably look different, and some might not ever fully recover. Our world will look different – and that isn’t necessarily to say different in a good or bad way, just different. It will be essential for us to help our small businesses recover.

“These businesses are the lifeblood of our community,” said Riojas, a small business owner herself. “Without them, we lose the essence and vibrancy that makes our city what it is. Small businesses boost so much into our local economy, so without that, we lose much more than our city’s creative identity.”

This is exactly why supporting local before, during, and especially after COVID-19 is crucial. “It’s going to be tough for a while, and we’ll learn how to care for one another in a way we’ve never conceived,” says Barrera-Mason. “What can we do right now so that we’re in a better recovery position when all the restrictions on gatherings are lifted? What information do we need to SO FORTH & ONWARD

share with our businesses so they can make decisions that have the greatest overall benefit? We’re working every day to answer these questions and plan for the other side of this pandemic.”

Councilwoman Guajardo shares a similar mindset to Barrera-Mason in that the other side of this pandemic won’t be easy; there will still be significant challenges we will have to face. “Unemployment will rise, small businesses will be deeply impacted, we know families will have suffered being apart from their loved ones, and we will have to redefine ourselves as public policy makers to build our economy, create jobs, and respond to the needs of our community,” she says. And she’s right. Even when we get to a point when the virus itself is affecting fewer people, the path of destruction it will leave in its wake will also have to be dealt with.

This issue went to the printers in early April. A lot has undoubtedly changed between then and whatever day it is as you read this. The only thing we know for certain is that this, too, shall pass. We might not know when, and we might not know what the world will look like when it does, but it will pass. Things won’t go “back to normal,” they’ll become a new normal. Change is painful, especially when it’s forced. But, if how we have chosen to come together during these uncertain times is any indication of what we can expect from the other side of this, I am confident we will be alright. bEcaUSE actiOnS SpEak

than WORDS, anD thE

fEW mOnthS cREating pERhapS a mORE UnifiED cOmmUnity than WE’D bEEn bEfORE aDD Up tO a RathER LOUD vOicE.

Local stylist and fashionista Sarah Estrada shares how loving yourself is more beneficial than any beauty product you can buy, how less is more when it comes to skin care, and why random dance breaks cure all.

She is bringing up her son Tripp, who is 11 years old, and her daughter Senja, who is nine, to learn healthy values and virtues – of how to take care of yourself physically, but also mentally and emotionally.

That’s because West knows health and wellness is a head-to-toe lifestyle and that we must take care of ourselves inside and out. “I’ve very big into self-care,” she says. “From nourishing our bodies to working out to being outdoors, it’s very important to take care of our bodies and ourselves.”

CORPUS CHRISTI POWERHOUSE

MEET THE WEIGHT-LIFTING, COMMUNITY-LOVING MOM OF TWO WHO’S PASSIONATE ABOUT HEALTH AND WELLNESS

BY: ALEXIS HARBORTH PHOTOS BY: MAUDE CÔTÉ DAVIS

It all started after Sunny West moved to South Texas. She decided to try personal training after the birth of her second child. Exercise soon became a passion, and ultimately, her calling.

“I got a trainer, worked out for a year, and met the goals I’d set,” she says. “My next trainer was more of a body builder, and that introduced me to strength training and lifting weights. Within a few months, I fell in love with it.”

She went on to get certified and started training clients in her garage. Soon after, an opportunity came up to purchase a gym on Padre Island. She became the owner of Island Fitness, which is “small but mighty.”

The gym – which is open 365 days a year – has a full weight room with dumbbells, benches, machines, a separate cardio room, and a room for classes, and also offers personal training.

Her other business venture is as a partner of a beloved local spot: Lorelei Brewing Company. For West, she’s investing in more than a high-quality establishment. She’s investing in the community she’s come to adore.

Although West only came to Corpus Christi 10 years ago, she’s fallen in love and is proud to call it home. “I absolutely love this community. I love the people, the school. I feel so blessed to be able to raise my kids here.”

She aims for 8-9 hours of sleep each night, stays active with sports and activities, and encourages people to do what makes them feel good, whether that’s getting facials or getting out in the garden.

For her diet, West personally prefers macronutrient counting. “When I look at a plate, I don’t see good food or bad food. I want to see what nutrients are on it.”

She encourages people to find a sustainable diet for them, which can include enjoying an occasional indulgence. As West explained, it’s more about keeping everything balanced with the right nutrients in the right amounts for your body.

And most importantly, “I preach consistency.” As she explains, being able to practice consistency in a diet or exercise routine is the key to creating results.

For West, what makes her happiest is helping create a healthy, happy, sustainable lifestyle. “Any time I can look around and see that I’ve helped someone, it makes my heart very full.”

It all started with a gym, and it’s something that’s transformed her life and she’s proud to pass on. “My journey in the gym has led me to so much,” says West. “I really found myself there.”

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Do you feel dry during intercourse or have trouble reaching

Are any of these Symptoms affecting your

If you answer yes to any of these questions, you’re not alone! Many women are experiencing it, they’re just not talking about it. So start talking to someone who can do something about

to all the essential workers in our community who are working around the clock during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Stay healthy. Stay safe. Remember, we are in this together!

Due to the growing public concern of the COVID-19 pandemic, Radiology Associates is taking precautionary measures by monitoring and preparing facilities for patient and employee safety.

In a continued eﬀort to preserve our patient and employee health, the following precautions are in eﬀect:

1. Patients who have been tested for COVID-19 will be required to provide a NEGATIVE test result with their exam orders. No exceptions.

2. Patients are asked to reschedule non-urgent exams if experiencing acute respiratory symptoms.

3. Patients will be screened for elevated temperatures and respiratory illness upon arrival.

4. Patients will be asked to sanitize upon entering the imaging facilities.

5. Patients may be provided a mask as a precautionary measure.

Please note, due to current circumstances, hours of operation are subject to change without advanced notice. Please call 361.887.7000 for questions regarding individual facilities.

Radiology Associates will continue to monitor the COVID-19 virus and will follow guidance provided by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Sincerely,

The Partners at Radiology Associates, LLP

go-to WELLNESS TIPS ESTRADA'S Sarah

LOCAL STYLIST AND BODY POSITIVITY

ADVOCATE SHARES HER FAVORITE SELF-CARE PRODUCTS AND HOW DANCE BREAKS CURE ALL

BY: SARAH ESTRADA

PHOTOS BY: LILLIAN REITZ

Wardrobe stylist, body positivity advocate, and lover of fashion are a few things that describe me. I’ve loved fashion and style from an early age, and that is what I attribute to my career to in personal styling. After a couple of years working as a virtual stylist, I took a leap and started StyledxSarah in 2019. This journey has been one I’ve always wanted, and I couldn’t be more proud to call myself a small business owner.

For someone whose livelihood is dependent on helping people look good, I think my thoughts on beauty and self-care are a little different than the norm. To me, loving yourself in your current state is worth far more than the latest beauty trend or treatment. It has taken me years to real-

ize that true beauty comes from self-acceptance and confidence. Don’t get me wrong, there is always room for improvement – but being kind to yourself is the key to a beautiful life. In essence, the most beautiful person emerges when you love yourself the most.

As I’ve grown older, I’ve learned that less is more, and taking care of my well-being is of the utmost importance. A slow start in the morning, endless glasses of water, and random dance breaks are all part of a self-care routine that works for me. And while I do believe true beauty comes from within, here are a couple of my favorite products.

Gold Dust “Balanced Babe” Facial Mask

A face mask is a staple in my beauty routine, and once I found a great locally-made product, I fell in love. I have oily skin, which can make me prone to breakouts, but the clay and tea tree oil keeps them at bay.

golddustcc.com $15

Blaq Eye Masks

When I turned 30, I became hyper aware of taking care of the skin around my eyes. In addition to daily eye cream, these little masks de-puff my eyes when I’ve had a late night. Plus, they are the perfect little treat on a spa night at home.

Blaq.co $26/pack of 5

Trader Joe’s Ultra Hydrating Gel Moisturizer

Speaking of oily skin, I always look for a moisturizer that has a gel consistency, and this one does the trick. After using luxury products for years, I found this cost-effective alternative that keeps me hydrated all day without adding bulk.

Trader Joe's $9

Triple Sec 3 in 1 By Drybar

I’ve always had pretty straight hair that never held a curl … until I found this product. The

texturizing element adds volume and helps hold any style – and the blanc scent is amazing! Pro tip: A little goes a long way.

sephora.com $26

Chanel Chance Eau de Tendre

When I was younger, I loved collecting different fragrances. (Confession: Sometimes I would buy them just because I liked the bottle.) Now, I appreciate having a signature scent, and this delicate fragrance is perfect for everyday wear.

chanel.com starting at $62

YSL Rouge Volupte´ Shine Lipstick

I love bold lipsticks, but hate the way most leave my lips feeling. This lipstick is not only aesthetically pleasing, but is comprised of 60 percent oil, which is deeply hydrating. The color is sheer but buildable, which is perfect for creating different looks.

yslbeautyus.com $38

Dance Breaks

I listen to music all day long and when I hear a song I like, I get up and dance a little. It brings a smile to my face and gets rid of that pesky little “stand up and move around” reminder on my Apple Watch.

HOME & GARDEN

MEDITERRANEAN

OASIS

THE HAWNS’ CUSTOM PACKERY CHANNEL HOME SHOWCASES SOME OF THE ISLAND’S BEST FEATURES

BY: JAQUELINE GONZALEZ PHOTOS BY: JASON PAGE

Rebecca and Edwin Hawn immediately fell in love with the ambience of Padre Island, and chose to build their home there after they were married in 2003. “Life moves slower out here, and is very laid back,” says Rebecca, “this is a nice balance for our modern world.” Instead of just finding a home to purchase, they were determined to build their own – and crafted a completely original masterpiece that perfectly reflects their tastes.

Edwin oversaw the building project and built the 4-bedroom, 6-bath home with this own two hands. He and Rebecca constructed and put a lot of thought into every aspect of their gorgeous 3,567-square-foot island home. The exterior of the home resembles Greek Mediterranean style, while the interior is filled with Spanish, Indian, and Middle Eastern influences. Everywhere you turn, there is a unique feature, especially the curvature of the design.

Upon entering, guests are greeted by ornate wooden doors made by La Puerta Originals out of Santa Fe, New Mexico. They are made from wood that is hundreds of years old, sourced from all over the world. The inlays on the doors are surrounded by new wood blended to make each new door look old and unique.

Rebecca and Edwin wanted their decor to fit their personalities, and the stark white color of the curved walls was chosen as the perfect contrast to reflect their eclectic art and international accessories.

The curved walls also line the entrance of the master bedroom and are adorned with large windows, plush seating, and gorgeous works of art. The master bath has an eye-catching acrylic walk-in shower with two rain heads, as well as a double vanity, 10-shelf shoe aluminum rack that spins, built-in dressers, and extra storage. The bedroom even has a custom-made stucco fireplace modeled after the Kiva fireplaces of Santa Fe. The fireplace was ordered from New Mexico, and Edwin tried out his masonry skills to stucco it in place. The remaining bedrooms are filled with the same Spanish, Indian, and Middle Eastern influences and accented by the Mediterranean color palette.

GRECIAN STYLE REFLECTS SIMPLICITY, ELEGANCE, AND FUNCTIONALITY. ELEMENTS LIKE THE BLENDING OF BLUE AND WHITE, STONE WALLS, AND NEUTRAL SHADES CREATE THE PERFECT INFRASTRUCTURE FOR A GREEK-THEMED EXTERIOR

The most eye-catching part of the Hawn resi dence is their one-of-a-kind gourmet kitchen, featuring seating for 20 around Blue Louise granite-topped counters with a built-in grid dle, hidden refrigerators, and an oval island in a curved living space. The space was crafted to fulfill Edwin and Rebecca’s love of cooking, and it became the perfect area filled with modern appliances, while offering convenience that would help them create many fantastic meals. Behind the cooking area is a curved wall cov ered in photos of Corpus Christi landmarks and memories, providing the perfect backdrop for an island home. Along with the usual kitch en area seating, the Hawns added a wraparound bar with plush orange seating, and a counter bearing photos of Edwin and Rebecca – coated with epoxy for protection.

The best part of the kitchen is its combination with the wet bar and living room, creating one giant welcoming space perfect for entertaining. The beautiful hardwood floors and woodtrimmed ceiling add to the inviting ambience of the living room, which is well equipped with colorful furniture, offering multiple spots to take in the outdoor views or relax and watch television.

The interior’s multi-colored decorations, along with the hand-blown glass sculptures suspended from the ceiling, embrace many cultural designs, and marry well with the beachy ambience of an island home.

The living room doors open up to reveal a glo rious view of the shaded outdoor area, along with the luxurious waterfront pool and a beach entry. The double-level infinity pool features a unique shape and a covered pool bar with a sink, as well as a hot tub.

The poolside seating acts as a colorful barrier and a practical lounging spot while the palapas and palm trees add the perfect finishing touch to the jaw-dropping tropical vibe. The three boat lifts facing out towards the ocean are per fect for riding in the Coastal Bend waters or spending the day fishing.

The entire home is aesthetically pleasing, and Rebecca and Edwin agree that the best phrase to describe their home is: “This home makes anyone who enters it feel comfortable!”

BRASELTON ECO-HOMES

Summer in the Coastal Bend means the weather heats up and everyone’s ready to go head to the beach or the pool, for some fun in the sun. But, while it may be the most laid back and relaxing time of year for every kid in America, it’s the most challenging season for older, used homes, as they have to work overtime to keep the cool conditioned air in and the hot, humid South Texas air out. However, for our Braselton ECO-HOMES, summer is a “breeze” as an ECO-HOME is engineered, designed, and constructed to provide a cool, comfortable, and healthy indoor living environment, while maintaining as low a cost, and as small a carbon footprint, as possible.

My family has been building homes made for the Coastal Bend climate for three generations. We never stop looking for ways to raise the bar we helped to set. We’re constantly look for ways to improve our homes, and one of our most recent ECO-HOME improvements was Open Cell Spray Foam Insulation, which seals walls and ceiling cavities against air movement. This prevents drafts, cold or hot spots, outdoor noise penetration, as well as energy loss, that can translate into a savings of up to 50% off of your cooling costs.

Because of the savings and advantages this unique insulation provides, we felt it needed to be included in every Braselton home regardless of price, and so we made Spray Foam Insulation a standard feature in every home we build. Braselton Homes is the only homebuilder in the Coastal Bend to include this advanced insulation as a standard feature.

For most home builders, that would be good enough, but we haven’t become the

Coastal Bend’s largest Homebuilder by just being “good enough.” In addition to the Spray Foam Insulation, Braselton Homes has added premium features, that work in conjunction with the insulation, to help provide a healthy indoor air environment. We’ve added new and improved home ventilation systems, including air purifiers, upgraded exhaust fans, and HVAC ventilation in walkin closets.

Spray Foam insulation, and the other premium Healthy Home features are just a few of the Braselton “Firsts.” We were the first local builder to build Green, Eco-Friendly homes, as well as the first to include Smart Tech standard in every home. We also were the first to build a Platinum Level Coastal Bend Green Built Home, as well as a Solar Powered Model Home. And, perhaps most importantly, we were also the first to build the South Texas Healthy Home, a home that promotes and protects the health of your family.

So, here is your Braselton Homes Summer Guide recommendation: take some time this summer to relax and have fun, but also, take time to review your home’s energy performance. And, then, come tour a Braselton Eco-home. You will like what you see.

We are always here to help, and if you are unsure of what to look for in a new home, visit any of our eight fully furnished model homes, all across Corpus Christi. You can also take a virtual tour of our model homes, as well as our Homeowner’s Favorite Floorplans, in our new Gallery page; just visit us at Braseltonhomes.com.

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

GROWING UP

Plant yucca (Spanish dagger) at 6’ to 8’ spacing in full sun, far from paths or where children play. Height to 10’. The dagger leaves are dangerously hard and sharp and could poke out the eye of a distracted child. Use any well-drained soil; mulch with rocks. Once established, water with rain. Soft yucca (Adam’s Needle) has much softer leaves, so is safer around kids. Space at 3’ to 4’; mature height of 8’; it’s less dramatic than Spanish dagger.

PROFILING

Harvest flowers when they newly emerge; old flowers turn bitter. Petal, pistil, and stamen parts are edible, not the green stem. Fresh petals have exotic, tinny flavor; add to salads. For a phenomenal side dish, separate petals and pistil/ stamen; sauté pistil/stamen with onions in olive oil, then add petals until done. Add yucca flowers to any stir-fry, soup, or stew – they’re popular in authentic Mexican cuisine. The green fruit is also edible, best roasted over a fire.

yearning for

YUCCA

A TREASURE CHEST FOR FOODIES AND SURVIVALISTS

BY: JUSTIN BUTTS

Yuccas are called Spanish daggers for the sharp leaves that fan out from the base like a cluster of long knives. While these bayonet-like leaves can indeed wound a careless passerby, the yucca is one of the most useful

Our Native American forebears relied heavily upon yuccas for survival. Yuccas possess an extraordinary range of uses – and not just for desert survivalists, but for our modern society as well. Yucca is found in soaps, shampoos, medicines, and even in ICEEs!

The array of cream-colored flowers suspended above the daggers is called the panicle. The white flowers decorating the panicle are an edible delicacy, and the green fruit is edible, too. The stems and leaves of yucca plants can be split into strands to make cordage. Native tribes wove intricate, sturdy baskets from these cords, utilized the fibers from the stem as tinder to start fires, and even used the roots of yucca plants as shampoo. The saponins in yucca root are a natural detergent; the roots lather generously

Yuccas make stunning accent features in any tasteful landscape. They are durable, drought-tolerant, edible, cleansing, medicinal, and beautiful. Yuccas truly are a treasure chest

LOCAL RECS

"The first time I tried Yucca flower was at Native Dave's compound in Aransas Pass; he just pulled one off the plant and said, 'eat this.' What a flavor: crunchy, sweet, with a hint of artichoke. Stick with the pedals only, and add liberally to salads and as a garnish."

- David Ness, Executive Director, Grow Local South Texas

FUN FACTS

To catch fish, Native Americans would dam up a small stream and lather yucca roots into the pool. The roots foamed in the water and confused the fish, causing them to float to the surface where they could be easily grabbed. This foaming attribute is why yucca is a key ingredient in old-fashioned, all-natural root beer. In fact, yucca extract is the foaming agent in ICEEs that causes the frozen liquid to expand in the cup!

VANITY, THY NAME IS EXCELENCE

BY:

TERRIE MOORE

PHOTOS BY:

For as long as humanity has existed, people have been coming up with ways to make themselves prettier than they are. In the late 17th century, Madame de Pompadour commissioned the first elaborate vanity to store her prized perfume and makeup bottles, and also give herself a place to work and receive guests during her insanely long makeup routine. Today’s vanity is less about changing who we are, and more about celebrating who we are. An old door set on a pair of nickel sawhorses and generous mir-

HEY THERE, BEAUTIFUL

Lighting is key when it comes to your vanity space. Get set-up near a good window to allow for natural light.

Keep your products clean! Wipe down your most-used products from time-to-time to keep them shinning with the rest of your set-up.

Buy a table with built in drawers or shelves for extra organization and to make those early-morning routines a little easier.

For the makeup maximalist, Ikea offers desk components with lots of storage options.

Include a crown — a reminder that you are truly a queen.

ror hung on the wall are the perfect starting point. Pick an area close to a window, so natural light will guide your choices. A pair of table lamps make getting ready at night easy and glamorous. Forget the stool; a comfortable chair is a must. Make this space your sanctuary by lighting your favorite candle, displaying pictures of your loved ones, and using silver cups to corral all those makeup brushes. Finally, add your favorite baby picture of yourself –as a reminder that you were, in fact, born beautiful.

q get the look

Nickel Sawhorses, Chair

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Tuesday Morning

RACHEL

Soon-to-be-married duo John Garcia and Ema Nicole put their creative forces together to form the local arts and culture zine, WEIRD Corpus. The monthly, limited-run publication has quickly grown and provides a spotlight for all things Corpus and weird.

REPRESENTATION IN THE NAME OF ART

MEET CORPUS CHRISTI’S NEW LATINX ART COLLECTIVE

BY: EMMA COMERY PHOTOS BY: CARLOS ISRAEL VILLARREAL

While the rest of us navigated the transition from our 9-5 office day to working from home, many Corpus Christi artists have been reveling in the long spans of uninterrupted creative time resulting from the county’s Stay at Home order. Carlos Villareal, a cinematographer and photographer for Produce Goods, and Mayra Zamora, the painter behind countless local murals and a prominent figure in the art scene, are two such artists who have found a small COVID-19 silver lining.

Friends and peers for nearly a decade, Villareal and Zamora are also the co-founders of the Coastal Bend’s first Latinx art collective.

In September of 2019, the pair met for tacos (at Taqueria Alameda, of course) and came up with an idea for a Latinx artist collective that would highlight fine artists and provide a platform for exposure and promotion. They named it Colectivo. “The plan is to make this more about being Latino than being from Corpus,” Villareal explains. “We really want to take our show to galleries in the Valley, in Austin, Houston …” They want to offer their artists a broad stage to showcase their art, and even broader network connections.

Colectivo’s mission may be bigger than Corpus, but it starts here.

After a Founders’ Show at Produce Goods during the 2019 Dia De Los Muertos festival to introduce Colectivo, the pair invited eight fine artists from Corpus’ Latinx community, each representing a different medium, to join the collective. “They didn’t need to have a degree, but they needed to have experience … to be established instead of emerging,” explains Zamora. “These are professionals, the best who are out there doing something in the community.”

And the lineup is nothing short of spectacular: Eugene Soliz (mixed media), Maclovio Cantu (printmaking), Ashley Thomas (drawing), Alex Chapa (ceramics), Jacqueline Negreros (sculpture), Aaron Ybarra (graphic design), and the founders, Villareal (photography), and Zamora (painting).

Colectivo is structured so that each season, the artists will approach a common theme through their individual medium to create a collaborative project. For their first season, they selected the theme of “borders.” Intentionally nonspecific, the theme encourages artists to bring their unique perspective to the project.

“The critical thing,” Zamora adds, “is that when young artists are trying to find who they are as individuals, they can see that they are represented in our culture. Artists from other backgrounds might see what we’re doing and think, ‘Why can’t I do that for my culture?’”

At the same time that Colectivo aims to lift up both established and budding artists, it also strives to cause a ripple in the community. “Art unites people,” Zamora says matter-of-factly. “It’s a conversation starter. And I can’t wait to see what conversations Colectivo’s projects start.”

Colectivo was in the midst of planning its inaugural tour when coronavirus stopped us all in our tracks. Nonetheless, the artists continue to collaborate, create, and share their work with the community. And when we can finally shed the isolation of social distancing and come together in person once again, we can all enjoy experiencing Colectivo’s mixed media showcase on borders with a new perspective.

Archival Pigment Prints 33x44 inches from “The Fruits"

THE WORLD OF WEIRD CORPUS

start movements, or creating subcultural com munities. Our Coastal Bend community pulses with creativity and unique expression, from tattoo art to doll making. One local couple has made it their mission to reflect that diversity, and explore concepts other than what is popularly recognized.

Weird Corpus is a micro-zine focusing on local artists and companies that make Corpus a little bit different. The homegrown zine promotes the arts and culture scene, helping to exhibit the value of our unique and thriving community.

Soon-to-be-married, Johnny and Ema decided to take on this new project while both continuing in their full-time jobs. Johnny, a practicing attorney, and Ema, the Marketing Executive for The One Bride Guide, are responsible for

PHOTOS BY: LILLIAN REITZ

the creation and distribution of the fresh local micro-zine. Inspired by a conversation with a friend whose daughter’s teacher was policing the student’s art, Weird Corpus set out to offer a platform to alternative local artists, entertainers, and more.

“That [conversation] inspired me to challenge local views on art,” says Ema. “What is art? Is it what you’ve been seeing, or is there a whole other world that exists? It’s our whole mission to find people that bigger entities might not consider art and allow them to showcase their talent.”

In the beginning, Johnny and Ema tested the waters with only 25 copies of Weird Corpus. After the first distribution, they soon discovered that Corpus was hungry for something different. Printings of the zine quickly increased from 200 to 300 copies. Weird Corpus also continues to grow in various forms, including a family-friendly oddities market with local artwork, food, and live entertainment.

“We have a limited number of issues in circulation on purpose. You can’t find it online or print it out yourself, because you have to be a part of our community,” says Ema. “Go to local businesses and pick it up for yourself and watch where we’re going to drop it off next.”

The 8x11 sheet of paper is engineered to fold so it operates as a mini-magazine. Ema says anyone can create a zine if you have access to a Xerox machine and a Sharpie.

“We get questions about how much it costs to be a part of Weird Corpus, but everything comes out of our pocket. There are no ads; it’s simply a way to keep an eye out for artists,” Ema continues.

In each issue, Weird Corpus recognizes a Local Weirdo, a title given to a local creative to celebrate their work by providing a look into who they are, where to find them, and how you can support them. Every issue of Weird Corpus includes a piece of their art for readers to collect and frame for their wall.

“They deserve the celebrity because of attention to detail in their work, or dedication to their craft, or what they provide to the community,” says Johnny.

Peeps to Creep offers Instagram content direction with active and engaging social media accounts from locals who provide a unique service, business, or perspective of the city.

“Follow these local creators, influencers, small business owners. Keep these creeps because they have something really neat, and have that in your feed,” says Ema.

New issues of Weird Corpus are released every ArtWalk, inside downtown places Johnny and Ema believe contribute to the community and project a certain vibe.

“We wanted to create a safe place for artists to feel weird,” says Johnny. “Weird Corpus showcases all the weird things that no one really talks about. We’re not trying to keep anything weird. It’s not a slogan. It’s just simply our zine title. We can coexist among other publications because what we provide is totally different. It’s a deep dive into the strange and unusual things we have here that are intriguing and interesting – the weird side of Corpus.”

Contact:

weirdcorpus.com | @weirdcorpus

PRINT

April 1 — June 20

Anthony Clements Are

Sylvia Ramsey Chispa Bluntzer

You’re invited to meet the artists at the Anthony Clements

Sylvia Ramsey Chispa Bluntzer

FRIDAY, APRIL 17 • 6 — 8 PM

You’re invited to meet the artists at the Anthony Clements

FRIDAY, APRIL 17 • 6 — 8 PM

All in the Details. Every event truly starts with the invitations you send out. This is the first chance you have to set the mood for your event. These custom printed, vellum-wrapped invitations, sealed with a wax logo, were created to bring excitement to guests before they ever step foot in the party.

Tropical IMMERSION

BY: JO ANNE HOWELL

PHOTOS BY: RACHEL BENAVIDES

Environment. Tropical assortments of florals and greenery, fire dancers, steel drums, and more were all brought in to elevate the event’s theme. We wanted to curate an immersive party experience for guests. This means, the more on-theme elements incorporated into every aspect of the party-going experience, the better!

parting words

For this particular debutante party, we turned to lifestyle expert India Hicks for inspiration and ideas. Revisioning BUS into an elegant and tropical experience really set the bar high. Over 400 guests, a live band, and a plethora of gold disco balls flooded the venue and set the island dance vibes right for the night.

Branded Statements. Creating an original logo for your event is a unique way to leave a lasting impression on your guests. We used the initials of the debutante to create this custom event logo and the branded marks are seen throughout the entire event décor.

La Merienda Exhibit Opening

1. Judy Buchanan, Megan Rosser Clark, and Trisha Corcoran 2. Michael and Sara Morgan

3. Larken Sutherland, Kathy Porter, and Susan Karp 4. Ersulyn Casady, Christel Rice, Jordan Anderson, Finley Anderson, Harlan Anderson, and Austin Anderson 5. Tina Anastos, Dr Laura Petican, and Martha Kiel

6. Kathy Lorenz, David and Elsie Reichenbacher 7. Debra Hatch, Keleigh Sasser, Dr. Laura Petican, Janet Herbst, and Leah Cohen

PHOTOS BY: RACHEL BENAVIDES

Cheri Sperling

Betheny Bell

Tara Gallaspy

Mary Scruton

Meagan Furey

CUISINE

Local baker and dietitian Taylor Berlinsky is taking over this month’s Farm to Table. She shares her tricks in the kitchen and delicious recipes for homemade cinnamon blueberry muffins and lemon curd tart.

The Secret Ingredient

GUEST CHEF TAYLOR BERLINSKY’S RECIPES FOR TERRIFIC BAKED TREATS

BY: KAYLA & JUSTIN BUTTS PHOTOS BY: RACHEL BENAVIDES

Taylor Berlinsky learned to cook as a little girl at the side of her father. The spirit of her grandmother, who passed long before she was born, animated their kitchen. There was much lore in the family about her grandmother’s passion for cooking and for showing love through good food. Her grandmother, they said, fed the body and the soul.

Berlinsky grew up in Rhode Island, went to college and on to grad school, then relocated to the warm breezes and blue-water views of the Coastal Bend to establish her career. She works as a registered dietitian with Spohn Hospital and with H-E-B.

She literally treats illness with good food. Her job is to prescribe nutrition, the oldest medicine, as part of an overall plan to restore and maintain robust good health. She works with patients, physicians, hospital administrators, grocery store executives, chefs, customers, and many others to connect nutrition, flavor, and health.

But her sanctuary is cooking at home for family, friends, loved ones. She expresses herself through dishes such as this lemon curd tart and these glorious blueberry cinnamon muffins.

With these recipes, Berlinsky takes classic dishes and turns them sideways for results that are familiar but also completely new. There is an initial wave on the tongue of recognition, then fireworks as new and unexpected flavors follow – lovely little surprises.

Berlinsky has many cooking tips, such as heating the curd in a glass or ceramic bowl with a silicone whisk to avoid the metallic aftertaste of pans and metal utensils. Also, she knows exactly when the curd is done by coating a wooden spoon with curd and running her finger down the back to watch the trail.

But there is something more than these techniques that make Berlinsky’s creations so good. There is passion here; love. It must be in her blood.

Berlinsky feels the spirit of her grandmother in the oddest places: in the flour dust at the edge of the mixing board; at the precise moment, just after she puts something into the oven, when the air changes from normal-kitchen smell to baking-goodness smell; in the expression on her father’s face when he tastes one of her creations and closes his eyes for a glimmer of heaven. Her father, her greatest fan among many, tells her, “Your grandmother would be so proud.”

Cinnamon Blueberry Muffins

Makes 12-16 muffins

PREP TIME: 10 minutes

TIME: 25 minutes

INGREDIENTS:

THE MUFFINS:

6 tbsp butter

2 tbsp vegetable oil

1 ¼ cup granulated sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

2 cups all-purpose flour

½ tsp salt

2 tsp baking soda

1 tsp cinnamon

½ cup milk

1 ½ - 2 cups blueberries

1 tbsp flour

CRUMBLE TOPPING:

2 tbsp butter

½ cup oats

½ cup brown sugar

1 tbsp all-purpose flour

½ tsp cinnamon

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a standard muffin tin with cupcake liners.

MUFFINS:

Using a mixer, cream butter, oil, and sugar together until light in color and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Mix in vanilla.

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Alternate adding flour mixture and milk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with flour.

In a separate bowl, coat blueberries in 1 tbsp of flour to prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the muffins. Gently fold the blueberries into the batter. Fill the muffin tin with batter.

CRUMBLE TOPPING:

Melt the butter. Add oats, brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon and mix to combine. Sprinkle each muffin with crumble topping.

Bake for 20-25 minutes.

Lemon Curd Tart

Serves 8

PREP TIME: 20 minutes

INACTIVE PREP TIME: 45 minutes

COOK TIME: 45 minutes

INGREDIENTS:

CRUST:

1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour

½ cup plus 1 tbsp powdered sugar

¼ tsp salt

Zest of 1 lemon

½ cup (1 stick) cold butter, cubed

1 egg

½ tsp vanilla extract

LEMON CURD:

Zest and juice of 3 lemons

3 whole eggs

2/3 cup granulated sugar

6 tbsp butter, cubed

DIRECTIONS:

For the crust, begin by zesting 1 lemon.

In a food processor, pulse flour, powdered sugar, salt, and lemon zest together until combined(just a few seconds). You can also use a pastry cutter or your hands if you don’t have these tools. Add cubed butter and pulse until the mixture is a coarse meal.

Add egg and vanilla and pulse until the dough is moistened and just begins to come together. It should be crumbly; do not process until the dough forms a ball.

Flour a clean surface and transfer the dough onto the surface. Form the dough into a ball and flatten it slightly to form a disc. Wrap it in plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator to cool for at least one hour.

After one hour, remove the dough from the refrigerator and place it on the counter to soften for about 5 minutes. To roll out the dough, flour a clean surface and a rolling pin, and roll the dough into an 11-inch circle. It should be about 1/8 inch thick. To place dough in tart pan, roll it loosely around a rolling pin to move it from the counter to the pan. Gently press the dough into the corners of the tart pan, making sure it fits well into all the crevices and there are no tears. Remove excess dough that hangs over the sides using a knife. I like to leave just a bit of extra dough around the edges in case there is any shrinkage while it bakes. I used a 7-inch tart pan

Remove the tart pan from the freezer and line the pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper tightly against the crust, making sure to cover the edges to prevent burning. Fill the crust evenly with pie weights (or dried beans, uncooked rice, etc.).

Bake the crust for 30 minutes until it’s golden brown and dry. Remove from the oven and place on a wire rack to cool to room temperature. Run a knife along the edges of the crust to remove any excess that hangs over the sides of the tin.

LEMON CURD:

Make the lemon curd while the crust is baking in the oven.

Place a pot of water on the stove to simmer on medium heat.

mixture constantly until it becomes thicker. It should take 10-15 minutes. After about 8 minutes, begin gradually adding the cubed butter and allowing it to melt into the mixture. The curd is finished when it’s thick enough to coat the back of a wooden spoon and you can run your finger through it leaving a clean line.

Remove the lemon curd from the double boiler and run it through a sieve to remove the zest, creating a smooth finish. Allow the curd to cool to room temperature.

Once the curd and crust have both reached room temperature, add the curd to the crust. If desired, use a spatula to smooth the surface of the curd for a clean finish. Place the tart in the refrigerator to cool. The curd will thicken even more when it’s cooled.

Decorate the tart with fresh berries, candied lemons, edible flowers, powdered sugar, or any other toppings you desire.

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JUICE LET THEM DRINK

VETERAN AND WOMAN-OWNED BUSINESS AIMS TO SUPPORT LOCAL & ENCOURAGE HEALTHIER EATING HABITS

BY: JAQUELINE GONZALEZ PHOTOS BY: RACHEL BENAVIDES

If you haven’t tried the Vine Juice Co.’s delicious selection of juices yet, you’ll want to stop by this hidden gem to pick up a quick and healthy snack. The Vine Juice Co. is one of only a few venues in Corpus Christi that offer raw, natural cold-pressed juices and smoothies, perfect for kick-starting healthier eating habits.

Writer Recs

BENEFITS

Lisa Sutter and Suzanna Sudder, owners of the Vine Juice Co., explained that their juices have a massive amount of nutrients that enter the blood stream, giving the body a break from digesting solids. Although many people use home juicers, Sutter said that the process used is much harsher and the heat used breaks down the nutrients, while the cold-pressed juicer stays cold the entire time as it extracts the pulp, making their juices as smooth as water, while retaining all the nutrients.

The 5 main juices – Pearfection, Carrot Top, The Garden, Romaine Calm, and Heart Beet – each contain 3-5 pounds of raw fruits and veggies with zero additives in a 14 oz. container. Each juice has its own unique palate-satisfying combination of carrots, oranges, apples, turmeric, kale, celery, lemon, ginger, and cucumber, just to name a few. These unique recipes don’t sacrifice flavor and are the easiest way to get the recommended daily servings of fruits and veggies. The Vine Juice Co. also carries juice cleanses, which are a great way to gently eliminate toxins and reset your digestive system.

Sutter and Sudder are proud local business supporters, and source their produce from local farmers as much as possible. “The beautiful produce that grows locally is insane, and we like to educate the community about local farmers and encourage them onto this local food movement,” says Sutter. “When you support us, you support local farmers, as well.”

Their new location, off South Alameda in the Meadowbrook shopping center, has a much larger storefront, and according to Sudder, “is what we wanted from the get-go.” She explained they were on the lookout for a space where they could support the community, provide a spot for their local vendor friends to showcase and sell their products, and host wellness meetings. Local artists hang their art in the shop, while other local businesses sell their products. “We wanted to give a space for local vendors who don’t have a brick and mortar to be able to use it as a popup,” says Sutter, and every Saturday, they hold a pop-up for local businesses.

When they first opened the shop, they were hoping to help people change their eating habits – but at that moment, they were unaware of what that would look like. Now, they have repeat customers who have become like family, and are seeing significant changes in their lifestyles.

As we navigate through unusual times with the social distancing requirements due to COVID-19, Sutter and Sudder are doing everything in their power to make sure their customers are taken care of.

Luckily, the safety requirements called for measures to be taken that were already on their to-do list, including converting their Southside location into a drive-thru only, and offering curbside service at their new location for the ease of the customer.

Regardless of the uncharted waters the Coastal Bend, and the world, are navigating, Sutter and Sudder are still planning for the future – to continue changing the lives of the customers with whom they’ve built relationships. They’re looking to become a certified vegan shop, offering 100 percent vegan options, and continuing to support their local community.

Whether you’re looking for a happy hour spot with a view or a nightcap after a fun day at the beach, look no further than Omni Corpus Christi Hotel. From craft cocktails and casual fare at Topsider to poolside sips, we take refreshments to a new level.

PADRE POKE’S PRIMO FEAST

FAST FOOD HAS NEVER BEEN THIS FRESH & COLORFUL

BY: JESSIE MONSIVAIS PHOTO BY: LAURIE LYNG

The Coastal Bend offers several seafood dining options, from sushi to fried fish. But that doesn’t mean the options are exhausted; a beloved Hawaiian dish is bringing new flavor and fresh ingredients to the coastal community. Poke, pronounced like “okay” with a “P," is swiftly flourishing around South Texas. Padre Poke, a local option that opened in the fall of 2019, has quickly become a staple eatery on the Island, offering fresh, healthy food at a quick pace.

Owner and private chef Jessica Chappell is the mastermind behind the delicious recipes at Padre Poke. With an extensive background in the food and beverage industry as well as custom menu design, Chappell said her reason for opening Padre Poke was the increase in demand for healthy fast food.

“I came here for a hotel contract, which was supposed to be a six-month contract, but I ended up seeing a need for hospitality and a food change in the area,” says Chappell. “I really got a vibe for people’s excitement. People on the Island really want a fresh and healthy restaurant.”

She continues, “I grew up hunting, and always ate fresh and healthy, delicious food. I wanted to bring that experience and raw nature to South Texas. Here, I can still go hunting and fishing and bring those things to my restaurant and other business, the Ruby Ladle.”

The beachy, modern, local-artist-inspired eatery sets an upbeat and vibrant tone for those who dine in. Although the restaurant is designed to be fast, customers can eat next

to a 30-foot octopus painting on the wall, or pull up in a golf cart for takeout to be enjoyed on the beach.

From fresh-cut fish and crawfish etouffee to chef-made house sauces, Padre Poke guarantees fresh cuisine every day. Its signature dishes consist of four colorful and tasty no-brainer options designed for customers to order without much thought.

“I created a menu that would be diverse – for anyone in the family or in a group,” Chappell says.

The classic poke bowl consists of fresh-cut ahi tuna, green onions, cucumber, sesame oil, and Padre Poke sauce marinated together, topped with wakame. The Hermosa includes kale, rice, salmon, tamagoyaki, crab, mango, pico, cucumber, and edamame, topped with a savory coconut sauce and pineapple sweet chili sauce.

“The Hermosa is inspired by my family that lives in Hermosa Beach,” Chappell says. “It’s a refreshing and upbeat place. These ingredients remind me of being there.”

The Volcano is as hot as it sounds: a deliciously spicy poke bowl with rice, spicy tuna, and spicy crab, served with cilantro, jalapenos, crispy garlic, and onions, topped with a habanero citrus ponzu. Inspired by popular orders, the Tex Mex Bowl includes beef, chicken, and shrimp, with black beans, corn, tortilla chips, jalapenos, and cheese, topped with avocado, bacon, pico, citrus habanero ponzu, homemade lemon pepper ranch, and Hot Cheetos.

All the poke sauce flavorings are made inhouse. Padre Poke also offers gluten-free soy options, including the staple dressing for all dishes, the Lemon Pepper Ranch, which is prepared with almond milk for a refreshing, clean flavor.

Founded with the simple belief of offering fresh, high-quality ingredients, Padre Poke uses all of the finest elements of sushi and combines them in an easy-to-eat package. The versatile flavor and natural ingredients come together to form a delicious, wholesome meal. With Padre Poke selections, customers can feel good about what they’re eating. So go ahead, let your tastebuds run wild!

Contact: 14493 Unit E, SPID, Corpus Christi, TX

Our company is a local independent company rooted in the community. We bring an authenticity, depth of knowledge and an array of community relationships that “Big Box” brands cannot match. Our services are distinctive, extensive, and tailored to you – with insights that will help you make smarter, better informed real estate decisions.

LOOKING BACK

A Vacationer’s Delight

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

We often remember North Beach for its heyday in the 1920s-40s, with its swimming pool, tourist cottages, and carnival. All of that came after a bustling North Beach – with the city’s first hospital, a country club, airport, baseball field, and hundreds of residences –was nearly leveled by the 1919 hurricane.

Built in 1912, the age of streetcars in Corpus Christi, the Beach Hotel was built to serve visitors to the many attractions lying just outside city limits on North Beach. It was one of three buildings left standing after the storm, and the building that went on to stand the longest. It wasn’t always a hotel, though; it served for a time as a convalescent hospital for soldiers returning from WWI.

In 1927, it resumed its original function, reopening as the Breakers Hotel, and was known for its ballroom resembling a rose gar-

den under moonlight. The Breakers served North Beach through its heyday, and beyond. When the Harbor Bridge changed the traffic flow into North Beach, the hotel saw a decline in business and would never return to its former glory. Several prominent businessmen tried, to no avail, to renovate and restore the Breakers, but three major hurricanes in a decade – Carla (1961), Beulah (1967), and Celia (1970) – signaled an end to the story.

The Corpus Christi Times' notice of its demolition in November 1970 called it a landmark, and remembered it as “once the pride of Corpus Christi nightlife and a vacationer’s delight.”

A colorized postcard depicts the Breakers in the 1940s.

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