December 2021 Issue by The Bend Magazine

THE ISSUE

A PLACE TO REST

One

Experience Experience

PRESIDENT

Jordan Regas

VICE PRESIDENT

Kaley Regas

PUBLISHER

Chris Knapick

EDITOR IN CHIEF

Kylie Cooper

ART DIRECTOR

Jarred Schuetze

ACCOUNT

EXECUTIVE

Gloria Stauber

PRODUCTION MANAGER

Aubrey Jernigan

DIGITAL MEDIA

SPECIALIST

Hannah Ticer

SENIOR WRITER

Kirby Conda

COPY EDITOR

Steve Gill

LEAD

PHOTOGRAPHER

Rachel Benavides

PHOTOGRAPHY

Deux Bohéme

Jason Page

Lillian Reitz

CONTRIBUTORS

Luis Arjona

Jillian Becquet

Monica Benavides

Justin Butts

Kayla Butts

Monique Dennis

Leslie Castro

Jessie Chrobocinski

Jacqueline Gonzalez

Julieta Hernandez

Jo Anne Howell

Mark Gregory Lopez

EDITORIAL INTERN

Tyler Schultz

Q: What are your favorite ways to give back to your Coastal Bend community?

KC: I like to give back to the community by shopping local as often as I can. Spending dollars at local businesses contributes to providing the best resources for everyone to have a high quality of life.

MD: I give back to the Coastal Bend by helping my less fortunate friends find jobs and the resources they need to help better their lives. I use my knowledge from my psychology degree to help counsel and encourage people to achieve what is needed for them to live a healthy and happy life.

JG: Donations always help, but I’ve discovered that small things like shopping local, volunteering for fundraisers, and just lending a helping hand when needed go a long way.

CORRECTIONS:

On Pg. 37 of the November 2021 issue, we incorrectly described the Bird Beak Peppers from Elemental Farms. The article states the peppers “pack a punch” and are “not for the faint of heart,” implying they are hotter than your average pepper. The Bird Beak Pepper is a mild pepper. We apologize for the inaccurate wording.

MORTGAGE LENDING FROM OPEN TO CLOSE Local

A Servant Heart

There are moments, small and big, that remind me why this magazine not only exists, but has continued to grow and further become interwoven in the Coastal Bend community over the last seven years. One of those moments comes in the form of reconnecting with someone we’ve previously featured.

While in production for this very last issue of 2021, I emailed with Simone Sanders, of The Texas Association of Black Personnel in Higher Education – Corpus Christi (TABPHECC). I reached out for specifics on how people can get involved with her organization—as you’ll read in our main feature, “The Guide to Giving,” beginning on page 28. Sanders’ reply was one of gratitude, noting how appreciative the organization was to be one of the featured nonprofits in this issue. But what stood out more than that was the exciting news she shared.

The nonprofit had been approached by a large company after its latest festival and seeing the article we previously ran on TABPHE-CC, and that company committed to assisting the organization in getting new office space, revamping programs, and helping with outreach. “Just in case you didn’t

know,” Sanders wrote, “this exposure helps so much with these organizations, all of which are volunteer [based].”

That email continues to pop up in my mind. Of course, this magazine is not the reason that organization is now experiencing the growth it is; endless hours of hard work, dedication, and passion are the reasons. But Sanders reminded me just how important sharing someone else’s story can be. She reminded me that giving can take on many forms—and while we might not all have a dollar to give, we all have a special set of skills and resources that can aid in lifting someone else up.

The motto of TABPHE-CC is “We exist to assist,” and I’ve been thinking a lot about how that rings fairly true for The Bend, as well. One of the core values of our company is working with a servant heart. We are committed to serving our readers, clients, and the community over our own self-interest. Because at the end of the day, nothing we do here at the magazine is about us; it’s about each of you

So, in the spirit of giving this holiday season—a time when our calendars, roads, and shops begin to fill up—we challenge you to take a step back from the hustle and bustle, just for a moment, to not only express gratitude for what you have, but to find ways to give back and support someone else in our community. Hopefully, this issue provides you with a place to start.

We are grateful you’ve decided to continue turning these pages each month. As much as we’ve invested in the Coastal Bend community, the Coastal Bend community has invested so much more in us. We are honored you’ve allowed us to continue serving this community by telling your stories. On behalf of our entire team, I wish you all the happiest of holidays. We’ll see you in 2022—with a few new surprises up our sleeves.

Kylie Cooper, Editor In Chief kylie@thebendmag.com

THREE TAKEAWAYS

POI: STEVE SHOOK

Steve Shook began fixing cars out of his garage as a hobby in the early 70s. Over 45 years later, he's still fixing remarkable vintage vehicles, only now it's out of Shook Enterprises, an iconic fixture in the downtown community. Pg. 24

MADE WITH LOVE

Sisters Avery and GG are young entrepreneurs with a goal of feeding and inspiring the masses. With their business Curly Girl Cooking, the pair create culturallyinspired meals. Pg. 72

A SLOW DRIP INTO CULTURE SaiGon Civet Cafe has created a bridge for locals to experience a traditional Vietnamese cup of coffee. Owner Christian Hoang is passionate about his craft and serving a good cup to the community. Pg. 94

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AROUND THE BEND

Shimmer by the Sea

MAKING YOUR OWN LIGHT WITH GLITTERING LOOKS

BY: LESLIE CASTRO

PHOTO: DEUX BOHÈME

As our days start getting shorter and our hours darker, it’s time to make our own light! Take inspiration from the glimmering seas and golden sunlight, and let yourself glow from the inside and sparkle on the outside. From bejeweled head to glittering toes, you'll be ready to saunter into the season's soirées and dazzle the crowd with lightcatching sequined gowns. Go all out with a festive and glam effect.

You can’t go wrong if you wear it with confidence. ’Tis the season to celebrate your luminous self!

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

we are proud to be home for the best of south texas

winners of the 2020 “the local’s list” from THE BEND magazine

the best craft cocktail | THE POST the best children’s clothing | FOUR CHICKS IN THE PARK the best brunch | HESTER’S CAFE

ANN TAYLOR LOFT

BKK THAI KITCHEN + BAR

CHICO’S

FOUR CHICKS IN THE PARK

GOLDSMITH JEWELERS

GRAY PHOTOGRAPHY

HARKNESS YOGA

HESTER’S CAFE

HOT BOX SALON AND SHOP

JULIAN GOLD

PARK SEVEN

PILAR FASHION & FOLK ART

TALBOTS

THE POST

YOLA COCINA MEXICANA

Life of the Party

Presentation is everything – especially when it comes to parties. Dress the part with statement heels, colorful jewels, and glowing skin and upgrade your hosting game with a bold drink tray topped with exemplarary wines, champagne, and delicious drink bombs. With that in mind, here are a few local items to inspire your next statement-making moment.

1. Rena Necklace Modern Moghul 2. My Drink Bomb Shop LRK 3. Veuve Clicquot® Drink Tray Lisa Mayo Interiors 4. Liquid Illuminator Lemonade Stand Cosmetics

5. Kat Maconie Rafi Hourglass Heel Sandal Julian Gold 6. Lizzie Fortunato The Organic Earrings Lady Captain Co 7. Vintage Wine Decanters Red Crow Antique Mall

8. Montevertine Le Pergole Torte Rosso di Toscana 2017 Italian Cowboy

Take a picture and tag us (@thebendmag) #bestbendlife to be featured.

Buy One Gift One

This holiday season, give the gift of The Bend Magazine! Now until the end of the year, when you purchase a 12-month subscription, you’ll have the chance to gift a subscription to someone else for free! Already a subscriber? If so, gift both subscriptions to a local-loving person in your life. Head to thebendmag.com now for this special offer.

CLOSE TO HOME

There’s a learning destination like no other, and it’s closer than you think!

Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi offers nationally recognized programs with award-winning faculty, hands-on learning, and a supportive community designed to help you succeed. It’s a close-knit environment with big opportunities. This Island University has everything you want and it’s close to home.

A Place to Rest

HOW ONE LOCAL RESIDENT FASHIONS HUNDREDS OF PLASTIC BAGS INTO MATS FOR INDIVIDUALS WITHOUT HOUSING

BY: MARK GREGORY LOPEZ PHOTOS BY: LILLIAN REITZ

Sometimes it only takes a second to lose everything. Sometimes it’s gradual. A blink of an eye can erase years of hard work, a home, an income. Sometimes the losing of it all is slow and cycles quietly beneath the surface. We often don’t ask how those changes come about when we see an individual experiencing homelessness. But for some people, it touches a piece of their spirit that makes them want to give back.

Such is the case for Ann Kolasinski. About five years ago, Kolasinski started crafting mats for individuals experiencing homelessness, using plastic bags fashioned into a yarn ball (or “plarn ball,” for those in the know).

“I’m originally from Michigan, and my mom was making hats and scarves for [neighbors in need] and her parish in Auburn Hills, Michigan, so I started doing hats and scarves too,” Kolasinski said. “I saw a thing online, who knows where, about making mats out of plastic bags, and I thought, ‘Oh my gosh, what a neat idea.’ So I looked it up and found out how easy it was to make, and I know how many people [could utilize these], so I started making them about 5 or 6 years ago.”

For someone who’s a novice to the art of crochet, using plastic might not seem like the easiest idea, in terms of the added step of creating a ball of yarn out of plastic bags; however, Kolasinski assures the formation of the yarn ball is the most difficult step, and then it’s all downhill from there.

“It takes 500 to 600 bags to make one mat,” Kolasinski said. “What you do is cut the bottoms and handles off. Then I make three strips out of each bag, and put them together like a chain, until I make a huge ball. Next, I just crochet them.”

Each mat is slightly different from the others, she said, because “people come in all shapes and sizes.” So, some mats are longer than others to accommodate taller individuals. The finished product is about an inch or inch and a half thick, and has a pillow incorporated into it using leftover cuttings. The last step in the process is rolling it up like a mat, and crocheting a bag to go around it so it’s easier to carry.

For Kolasinski, whose husband is a disabled Vietnam veteran, the decision to help out as much as she can is easy. One could easily argue it’s a calling. She steadfastly believes that doing unto others as she would have them do unto her is crucial in this life, and if she has the means to help someone in need by crocheting hundreds of plastic bags together to provide some measure of comfort, then that’s what she’ll do. Her caring heart and understanding nature are seen in her decision to not judge others, but help them.

A stronger tomorrow starts at home.

writer recommendations

Custom Cookies

BY: JESSIE CHROBOCINSKI PHOTO BY: RACHEL BENAVIDES

The Coastal Bend is home to amazing bakeries and cottage bakers, and the demand for specialty custom cookies is so high you’ll likely need at least a month's notice to reserve your order. With that being said, we've rounded up five of the best custom cookie sources for that extra-special treat for the next birthday party, wedding, or holiday gathering!

C OOKIES BY DESIGN

Need a custom treat with a personal touch for a special event? Consider Cookies By Design. This local business is more than happy to customize your cookies for your next occasion, so let your imagination run wild. @COOKIESBYDESIGNCC

A+ COOKIES

Just like the name implies, A+ Cookies is a premier custom cookie decorator in the Coastal Bend. Whether it's a special message, color theme, or character, A+ Cookies works with clients to create the perfect treat. @APLUSCOOKIESCC

SUGARBELLE SWEETS

This self-taught baker offers handcrafted edible art with custom options perfect for events or gift-giving. Baked fresh to order, Sugarbelle Sweets specializes in custom cakes and cookies both locally and out of the Corpus Christi area. @SUGARBELLE.SWEETS

BLUE SUGAR COOKIE CO

Blue Sugar Cookie Co. specializes in custom-decorated cookies for just about any special event you can think of, making it super easy to find the perfect cookie for any occasion. Owner Margaret Nelson will deliver all throughout the Corpus Christi area. @BLUESUGARCOOKIECO

COOKIES AND CRAFTS

Cookies and Crafts offers custom cookies for occasions like weddings and baby showers—gather inspiration from the many unique designs you'll find as you scroll through its Instagram page. @IMAKECOOKIESANDCRAFTS

A+ COOKIES

Steve Shook

A LOOK BACK AT SHOOK'S ORIGIN STORY AND A FEW OF THE RARE AND CLASSIC CARS THE SHOP HAS SEEN THROUGHOUT THE YEARS

BY: KYLIE COOPER PHOTOS BY: RACHEL BENAVIDES

KC: Most people might not know Shook Enterprises actually started in your garage. Tell us a bit about the shop's origin story.

SS: Well, I got married in the summer of ’72, and my wife and I headed off in a ’59 Volkswagen van named Alice for three months. We were going to wander our way up to Canada, but Alice had other plans with mechanical issues, so instead, we ended up in Montana. We came back [to Corpus], found some jobs, and found a place to live—with a garage, because I had a ’53 MG TD, and still have, to put in it. I had the MG through high school, and I couldn't afford to fix it, so I learned how to keep it running. I wasn't real enthusiastic about the job I was working, so I started working on other people’s cars in that garage. Then it got busy, and the ball continued to roll.

KC: So, you eventually moved into your current location, where you’ve been for the last 45 years, and have since become a staple in the downtown community. What does that mean to you and what would you say the secret to the shop's longevity is?

SS: Customers kept finding me, and I was starting to push the limits of the neighbors’ goodwill, so I started looking for a bigger place. At the time, no one wanted to be downtown. Downtown was almost deserted and looked pretty grim, but I found a really old (120 years), but sturdy building that was slated to be torn down—and in 1976, Shook Enterprises was born. It was a difficult birth since it was full of 14-foot-high plaster walls throughout that had to be demolished, but we eventually got it into working order.

Since then, downtown and our business have been in a steady upswing, [especially as] new businesses and people make their way down here. We have always tried to give our customers a little extra for their money and have tried to pay attention to the small details. Plus, we have been very fortunate to have wonderful customers throughout the years. They are more like friends than customers.

KC: What is something people would be surprised to know about fixing classic cars?

SS: People think classic cars require special skills and knowledge, but if you think about it, the technology of a 50- to 100-year-old car is very simple, almost primitive. The only thing about a classic is they require much more attention to the small details. Also, everything on them was built by hand, so most parts can actually still be made.

KC: What are some of the most memorable cars you've seen come through the shop?

SS: We have worked on Ferrari, Lamborghini, Rolls Royce, Bentley, Auburn, Cord, and many other memorable cars. [Some] that stick out are the ’61 Apollo GT’s, my ’58 Porsche 356 Speedster, a ’52 Jaguar XK120 and a one-off Murphy bodied Hudson.

KC: What is your favorite part of working and living in the Coastal Bend?

SS: My family has been in Corpus Christi since 1957. I like the small town feel and the leisurely pace of life here. Add in the beach, the waterfront, the big sky, and the good folks; I don't think there are many places better to live and do business.

KC: What do you drive on a regular basis and what’s your all-time dream car?

SS: I drive an older Toyota Tacoma pickup daily. I also test drive an amazing variety of cars that come through our doors. My dream cars in the earlier days were the ’58 Porsche Speedster and a ’52 Jaguar XK120, both of which I was able to purchase. Then I became fascinated with the Apollo 3500 GT.

With my best friend George Finley, who was a founder in the production and distribution of the car, we were able to come into possession of the first Apollo 3500 GT convertible, the first production Apollo 3500 GT coupe, and a later model Apollo 5000 GT coupe. We received an invitation to attend the 2013 Concorso Italiano for Car Week in Pebble Beach. We still have the Apollo 3500 GT and 5000 GT coupes. I'm still looking for a barn find Lamborghini Miura and Aston Martin DB4.

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THE GUIDE THE GUIDE

COASTAL BEND BAYS & ESTUARIES

TO GIVING TO GIVING

We can give back to our community in a number of ways— finding a cause that speaks to you and lending your efforts, however you’re able, can make a huge difference in someone else’s life. But on a grander scale, think about what enough individual actions made in that vein might look like. If you and your neighbors, and their neighbors, and so on, all decided to join a local effort, just imagine what type of impact is possible.

The Coastal Bend is filled with incredible nonprofits and grassroots initiatives. While there are too many worthy organizations to list in one small feature, we’re hoping the ones highlighted here provide you with a place to start. Maybe you’ll discover a nonprofit you’ve yet to encounter, or learn something new about an organization you’ve already come to know. Regardless, we hope this local guide to giving inspires you to lend a helping hand this season. Be it with your time, talents, or tithings, when we give together, real change can happen.

By: Kylie Cooper & jacqueline Gonzalez

MIRACLE

Child Advocacy

Philanthropy in the Coastal Bend

MENTORSHIPS

Big Brothers, Big Sisters

Coastal Bend

Big Brothers Big Sisters - Coastal Bend aims to make meaningful, monitored matches between adult volunteers, “bigs,” and children, “littles,” ages 6-18. By matching at-risk youth with mentors, the organization’s goal is to take care of the children’s developmental needs at an early age, while empowering them to succeed in all of life’s endeavors. bigmentor.org/texas-coastal-bend

FOSTER CARE

CASA of the Coastal Bend

CASA volunteers work diligently to advocate for the best interests of the children in area foster care. Many of these children come from hard places of abuse and neglect, and have suffered trauma and behavioral issues. By gathering information and evaluating needs, the volunteers are able to ensure the children they serve have a consistent presence in their life and that the child’s voice is always heard throughout the court process. coastalbendcasa.org

YOUTH PROGRAMS

West Side Helping Hands

This nonprofit provides an educational and recreational youth center offering free after-school and summer programs for students in 1st-6th grade who are from low-income families on the west side of Corpus Christi. WSHH strives to guide students by focusing on academics, character development, sports, individual attention, and parental engagement. Daily homework help, organized sports, and education on healthy eating habits are just a few of the services WSHH programs for its kids. wshhcc.org

MIRACLE LEAGUE CASA OF THE COASTAL BEND

Agape Ranch

Many children in foster care feel unlovable because of the abuse they’ve experienced. Agape Ranch aims to break that cycle through forward-thinking and community-based solutions, by providing a variety of programs and a sanctuary with homes, playgrounds, rec areas, and on-site respite care providers to love and support foster children. The neighborhood built on the ranch allows for sibling groups to stay together, enables quick response respite care, and provides housing for kids who have aged out of foster care. agaperanch.org

EDUCATION

Communities in Schools of the Coastal Bend

Communities in Schools of the Coastal Bend was created out of a concern over area school’s dropout rates. It provides campus-based social services to potential dropout students in 42 different schools. CISCB operates on a set of basics it believes every child needs and deserves. Supportive guidance and counseling, health services, dedicated site coordinators who deliver school necessities to students, and college and career readiness are just a few of the services it provides to students to aid in their success. ciscoastalbend.org

CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES

Miracle League of Corpus Christi

Acting as the only organization south of San Antonio to offer year-round sport programs for children with mental and/or physical disabilities, The Miracle League focuses on providing safe and enjoyable activities for kids ages 5-17. Through summer camps and a range of activi ties including kickball, basketball, and baseball, the children are provided with a safe space to reach their full potential. Miracle League’s Buddy Program pairs an able-bodied friend to assist each player on and off the field. miracleleagueofcorpuschristi.org

CHILD ABUSE

Children's Advocacy Center of the Coastal Bend

The CACCB works to minimize the trauma to abused children and their families by uniting the efforts of public agencies and enlisting the support of the community. It works to protect, restore, and transform the lives and futures of these children and their families through specialized forensic interviews, family advocacy, case management via the Kids in Court program, and outreach, education, and prevention services. CACCB also offers teen support groups for those who have experienced sexual abuse and onsite therapy for all child victims. coastalbendcac.org

EDUCATION

The Rise School

The Rise School, which operates as a nonprofit organization, is the city’s first and only school dedicated to providing the highest quality early childhood education for all children—gifted, traditional and developmentally delayed—in an inclusive setting, where individualized learning techniques enable every child to achieve their maximum potential. Without receiving funds from the government, its nationally recognized program is centered around a comprehensive curriculum and a variety of therapy services. risecorpuschristi.org

How to Get Involved

Do you have time and dedication to lend a hand to a child in need of a mentor? Big Brothers Big Sisters –Coastal Bend could use your help! Volunteer to be a Big and make a difference in a child’s life.

Miracle League is looking for volunteers to be a buddy during baseball games.

Agape Ranch holds its annual Leave a Legacy 5K and 10K running events in February, and its Foster Care Awareness Month Brunch in March. Both events raise awareness and provide education on foster care.

Show support for the Children’s Advocacy Center of the Coastal Bend by participating in its annual fundraisers and Pinwheel Family Fun Day to not only raise funds, but also raise awareness and educate the community.

Communities in Schools of the Coastal Bend is in need of many items for students ranging from hygiene and cleaning products to school supplies and clothing.

Attend one of CASA’s 45-minute virtual information sessions held every Wednesday at noon. You’ll learn the requirements for volunteering and the application process for becoming a Court Appointed Special Advocate.

The Rise School welcomes community projects, volunteers, and interns to assist in its programs. Contact the school’s executive director for specific availability via the website.

MIRACLE LEAGUE

Environment & Wildlife

Philanthropy in the Coastal Bend

BEACH PRESERVATION

Surfrider Foundation

AQUATIC REHABILITATION

Texas Sealife Center

The Surfrider Foundation works with local governments and other environmental-focused associations to resolve issues related to beach access and maintaining a clean and safe beach experience for all. The organization also commits resources to support efforts such as storm drain stenciling and environmental education regarding the impact of pollution on our oceans and beaches. Its various programs, such as the Ocean Friendly Restaurants Program, aim to increase awareness, drive changes in behaviors, and ultimately create scalable impacts to reduce plastic and water footprints. coastalbend.surfrider.org

Dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of coastal and aquatic wildlife, the Texas Sealife Center was formed out of the need for additional wildlife support in the area and the growing number of animals admitted to wildlife centers. Beyond the rehab work in its fully functional wildlife hospital, the center is home to native plants and the animals who rely on them for survival. In just six years, plants such as lantana have returned to the area, along with birds such as painted buntings, thanks to the center’s hard work. texassealifecenter.org

Coastal Bend Audubon Society

Envisioning a culture of conservation in which the shared appreciation and stewardship of nature enriches our community and lives, Coastal Bend Audubon Society is working to help our environment. With a focus on birds and other wildlife, CBA advocates for the restoration of ecosystems. Its North Bay Sanctuary, ranging 75 acres, is currently being restored and features prominent habitat styles, two wetlands, and abundant wildlife. Youth education, nature field trips, and seminar presentations also aid in its overall mission of appreciation, conservation, and restoration. coastalbendaudubon.org

SURFRIDER FOUNDATION

TEXAS SEALIFE CENTER

Coastal Bend Bays & Estuaries Program

Dedicated to researching, restoring, and protecting the bays and estuaries of the Coastal Bend, this non-profit encompasses 75 miles of estuarine environment along the coastline. Outside its mission to carry out the Coastal Bend Bays Plan, CBBEP offers environmental education programs such as Delta Discovery, designed for children to discover nature, Coastal Bird Program, which manages nesting areas along the coast, and the Land and Conservation Stewardship Program, which owns over 13,000 acres of land for conservation and protection. cbbep.org

WILDLIFE REHABILITATION

Texas State Aquarium Wildlife Rescue Center

Each year, thousands of protected, threatened, or endangered species along the Texas coast become ill or injured. The Aquarium’s Wildlife Rescue Center and animal care program rescues, rehabilitates, and returns stranded marine mammals, sea turtles, raptors, and shorebirds after they are injured in the wild. If an animal is not releasable, the team works to find proper long-term solutions. In the past three years, the Center has rescued, rehabilitated, and released more than 2,500 sea turtles. texasstateaquarium. org/conserve/wildliferescue

BIRD ADVOCACY

Coastal Bend Companion Bird Club and Rescue Mission

Formed by a group of community members in the early ’80s, the Coastal Bend Companion Bird Club and Rescue Mission encourages interest in and advocates for companion birds through education and communication with pet owners, breeders, and the public. CBCBRM strives to promote the welfare of all birds by providing monetary donations for the rescue and rehabilitation of wild birds and placing displaced, lost, abandoned, or abused companion birds in foster care until permanent adoptive homes can be found. cbcbirdclub.org

BEACH CLEAN-UPS

Beach Keepers

When the Allen family began taking regular trips to the North Fish Pass Jetty to pick up trash, they realized more help was needed to keep our area beaches clean. Their grassroots efforts led to the creation of Beach Keepers, which now consists of over 1,500 volunteers who organize clean-ups and have removed thousands of pounds of trash from area parks and beaches—thanks to the Beach Keepers’ commitment and passion. ccbeachkeepers.com

How to Get Involved

Coastal Bend Bays & Estuaries hosts regular clean-ups throughout the area. Volunteers are always needed, and an updated schedule of when and where they happen can be found on its Facebook page.

Coastal Bend Audubon Society is seeking volunteers to help with the North Bay Sanctuary restoration project. These workdays and special habitat improvement projects do not require experience. Register to volunteer on its website.

Volunteers are always needed for the Surfrider Foundation’s beach clean-ups. The organization participates in a number of “Texas Adopt a Beach” clean-ups throughout the year. Becoming a member of the foundation also aids in its efforts.

Texas Sealife Center has a wish list of needed items on its website, which can be dropped off at the center. This nonprofit is completely volunteer-based, with no paid employees, meaning volunteer opportunities are endless and come in many forms.

In an effort to achieve environmental enrichment, Texas State Aquarium and the Wildlife Rescue Center aim to provide a stimulating life to its animals. You can find its enrichment wish list online and drop items off at the aquarium.

Beach Keepers is always accepting new volunteers to come out and participate in clean-ups. You can find its next scheduled event on the website, and locals are also encouraged to host their own clean-ups.

Health & Well Being

Philanthropy in the Coastal Bend

PEDIATRIC CANCER

Triumph Over Kid Cancer Foundation

Founded by James Ragan and his family in 2007 after James was diagnosed with pediatric cancer, TOKC is dedicated to raising the public’s awareness of pediatric cancers, funding research to improve treatment and survivability, and improving the lives of children with cancer by raising their spirits through fun activities and social events where kids can bond with each other and find a sense of normalcy in their lives. triumphoverkidcancer.org

MENTAL HEALTH

National Alliance on Mental Illness Greater Corpus Christi

NAMI: Greater Corpus, a relatively new local affiliate, works to end the stigma surrounding mental health by fostering a judgment-free environment where those with mental conditions can thrive. Through educational events, connection recovery peer support groups, and family support groups, the organization works diligently to carry out its mission of providing education, advocacy, and support to those who experience mental illness, their families, and friends. namigcc.org

FAMILY SERVICES

Ronald McDonald House

Charities of South Texas

No parent should have to worry about lodging when caring for their children’s healthcare needs, and the Ronald McDonald House provides a comfortable home away from home for traveling families. As pioneers of providing family-centered care, RMHC strives to be part of the solution in improving the lives of children and their families by providing programs that strengthen families during difficult times. The Chief Cheer Officer, Duke the dog, makes regular visits to the House to help bring joy to patients. rmhcofcc.org

RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE CHARITIES OF SOUTH TEXAS

WOMEN'S & MEN'S HEALTH SERVICES OF THE COASTAL BEND

Coastal Bend Wellness Foundation

Originally the Corpus Christi AIDS Foundation, the CBWF is a grass-roots, community-based non-profit providing services to those in our community who are often disenfranchised. The foundation provides primary health care, mental health and substance abuse programs, infectious disease testing, education and linkage to treatment, and various youth programs centered around drug awareness, LGBT youth health disparities, and social support for LGBT youth. As a federally qualified health center, CBWF provides primary health care services to anyone, regardless of the ability to pay or insurance status. cbwellness.org

WOMEN'S HEART HEALTH

American Heart Association – Corpus Christi

Serving as a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives, the American Heart Association – Corpus Christi is the local chapter of this nonprofit aiming to fight heart diseases and strokes. The signature women’s initiative of the AHA, Go Red for Women, is dedicated to increasing women’s heart health awareness and serves as a catalyst for change to improve the lives of women. This initiative, through its passionate and emotional design, empowers women to take charge of their heart health and band together to wipe out the disease. heart.org/en/affiliates/ texas/corpus-christi

DEMENTIA RESOURCES

Face

to Face

This non-profit organization works to bring awareness to dementia by providing support, education, resources, and relief for caregivers and their families through various educational activities and sponsored events throughout the community. By speaking about the disease early on, Face to Face, LLC aims to educate adults and adolescents in hopes of erasing the stigmatization of dementia. texasfacetoface.com

HEALTH SERVICES

Women's & Men's Health Services of the Coastal Bend

A healthy community is a stronger community. WAMHS provides preventive and primary healthcare to women and men to carry out its mission of improving health outcomes in South Texas. The services provided address acute and chronic conditions, general health maintenance, reducing teen and unplanned pregnancy, preventing STDs and HIV, and involving men in family planning. The non-profit agency provides services to approximately 15,000 individuals each year. wamhs.org

ADOLESCENT DIABETES

iConquer

iConquer is a non-profit program developed by sisters Sara, Saherish, and Zoya Surani in 2013 as a response to Corpus Christi being named the “Fattest City in America.” The program is geared toward raising awareness about diabetes and childhood obesity in children ages 3-7 in an effort to help children create new habits. Through this program, which is now featured in schools across the district, students learn about diabetes, healthy living and eating habits, and staying physically and mentally fit through educational movies, songs, puppet shows, and Zumba dances. iconquerkids.com

How to Get Involved

Volunteers are encouraged to partake in The Ronald McDonald House's Share-ANight program which allows supporters to help underwrite the cost of a family’s lodging by offering your home as shelter.

All education and support programs at NAMI are led by volunteers, so it has several ways to get involved. Teachers, facilitators, presenters, event assistants, and anyone with expertise in professional services are encouraged to apply for volunteer opportunities.

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and the TOKC Foundation holds numerous activities to help raise awareness and help fight pediatric cancer. Volunteers do everything from planning or working at major fundraising events to visiting out-of-town patients at the hospital.

Face to Face encourages the community to participate in the Annual Walk for Memory to raise awareness of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, along with raising funds.

To find out more information on how to volunteer for the Coastal Bend Wellness Foundation , fill out the contact form on its website. You can also support the nonprofit via Amazon Smile.

Neighbors in Need

Philanthropy in the Coastal Bend

HEALTHCARE & NUTRITION

Mission of Mercy

With a mission to restore dignity and “healing through love,” Mission of Mercy works to provide free healthcare to the unhoused and uninsured population. Along with medical, dental, and vision care, it provides hands-on nutrition, diabetes management, and dental health classes to the community. amissionofmercy.org/texas

SERVICES & SHELTER

Mother Teresa Shelter

The Mother Teresa Shelter works to create opportunities to help break the cycle of homelessness by implementing the fundamental components of a Continuum of Care System. It provides comprehensive, community-based outreach services to unhoused individuals and families during the day, in hopes that they will regain their stability. motherteresashelter.org

SHELTER ASSISTANCE

Corpus Christi Hope House

Corpus Christi Hope House assists single and pregnant mothers, their dependent children, and newborn babies in need. Transitional housing, 24-7 emergency shelter, food, clothing, basic life skills training, job opportunities, and its Rapid Rehousing Program are just a few of the services the Hope House has in place to serve the community. cchope.org

SHELTER & PROGRAMS

Mission 911

This faith-based mission established in April 2000 serves the community by providing shelter, spiritual and financial support, clothing, and basic life skills to those who need them. This strategy allows for residents to feel like family and to strive for self-sufficiency. Through this social service organization, folks are provided with housing, meals, transportation, life skills, spiritual counseling, and drug and alcohol counseling. ccmission911.org

SHELTER & RESOURCES Metro Ministries

Everyone deserves a fighting chance to improve their situation, and Corpus Christi Metro Ministries provides that chance. This non-profit organization works to meet the needs of the less fortunate by providing food, shelter, and resources to help get the unhoused population off the streets and into sustainable jobs and homes. ccmetro.org

SHELTER ASSISTANCE Catholic Charities of Corpus Christi

The Catholic Charities reaches out to the most vulnerable populations, and works to reduce and eliminate poverty, support families, and empower communities. Its advocacy for social change helps actively promote family and individual self-sufficiency, while broadening opportunities for the growth and independence of the unhoused population. catholiccharities-cc.org

SHELTER & PROGRAMS

Good Samaritan

The Good Samaritan is a faith-based shelter in Corpus Christi and is the only area shelter that receives unhoused clients “around the clock,” without an I.D., accompanied by their pets, even when mildly intoxicated. Unique employment opportunities are offered through a “Work for Bed” program, and it provides transportation to and from work for those who need it. Individuals are also served three hot meals per day, yearround, along with fun daily activities. goodsamcc.org

UNHOUSED WOMEN & CHILDREN

Wesley Community Center

The Wesley Community Center is dedicated to aiding the unhoused population by providing permanent housing, support services, and emergency meals for mothers and their dependent children without homes. Children ages 0-12 have access to learning centers, tutoring services, and health and wellness checkups. Its food pantry also provides more than 16,000 meals annually to low-income and houseless individuals. wesleycommunitycenter.org

How to Get Involved

Many of the organizations that give back to the community are able to do so due to monetary donations, but volunteering your time is just as important and greatly appreciated.

Mission of Mercy is looking for medical personnel, data entry, and registration, and office assistants are greatly encouraged to volunteer.

Catholic Charities of Corpus Christi and Mother Teresa Shelter are looking for a helping hand in the Food Pantry, as well as the Ministry and Life Enrichment and Parents as Teachers programs.

Corpus Christi Hope House is now accepting volunteers for hosting events, donating gifts and food to the families, and providing housekeeping services for the mothers and children.

Metro Ministries hosts events throughout the year including the Poor Man’s Supper, where guests come to share a simple meal of stew in a bowl to connect in a profound way to those coming through the doors seeking to be fed with dignity.

Mission 911 is currently seeking volunteers for its Clothing Closet, Golf Tournament (Dec. 4), and Christmas Festival (Dec. 12). You can call the mission to be placed on a volunteer list.

The Wesley Community Center is seeking resources for its family units and volunteer assistance at both locations. Call or email the center to find out specific needs at this time, as they vary.

CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF CORPUS CHRISTI

Empowering & Enriching

Philanthropy in the Coastal Bend

SEXUAL ASSAULT SURVIVOR ADVOCACY

The Purple Door

With a mission to empower the community and those affected by domestic violence and sexual assault in the Coastal Bend region, The Purple Door provides free services to victims and survivors of assault and abuse, to help survivors regain their independence. As only the third shelter in Texas when it opened in 1978, the nonprofit has since grown to provide not only shelter, but counseling services, response teams, a crisis hotline, case management and legal advocacy, and youth services. purpledoortx.org

HEALTH SERVICES

Esperanza de Tejas

Dedicated to enhancing communities’ access to fresh food, healthcare, and supplies and skills needed for education, Esperanza de Tejas aims to uplift underserved individuals in the Coastal Bend. With a motto of “Amor y Esperanza,” the nonprofit strives to build hope through community engagement, comprehensive programs, and social service initiatives. Its various services address food insecurity and aid in healthy hygiene and eating practices, mental health for minorities, knowing your rights, mentoring programs, and so much more. esperanzadetejas.org

CHILD SEX TRAFFICKING SURVIVOR ADVOCACY

New Life Refuge Ministries

Did you know over 2,900 children are trafficked right here in Corpus Christi in just one year? Devastating truths such as this are what motivates New Life Refuge Ministries. This nonprofit aims to provide a refuge of hope and healing for child survivors of sex trafficking, provide education to the community on the issue, and establish partnerships with other organizations in this fight. New Life provides specialized, long-term support, therapeutic care, refuge homes with clothing and other necessities, daily activities, and more. newliferefugeministries.org

ESPERANZA DE TEJAS

UNITED WAY OFTHE COASTAL BEND

UNITED WAY OF THE COASTAL BEND

The Council on Alcohol + Drug Abuse - Coastal Bend

Since opening its doors in 1957, The Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse has served a multi-county region with a range of care in prevention, intervention, and treatment of the disease of alcoholism and other drug abuse for individuals and families. With most of its services being free to those in need, COADA provides outpatient treatment for youth and adults, recovery support, prevention and education for at-risk youth, veteran services, and pregnant and post-partum intervention. coada-cb.org

LIFE RESOURCES

United Way of the Coastal Bend

An independent nonprofit for more than 80 years, United Way of the Coastal Bend believes every person should have access to quality education, every family should have a decent job to pay the bills, and every individual should be able to live a healthy and thriving life. Its mission is to improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of community, and is carried out through programs such as Success By 6, the Nurse-Family Partnership, and Volunteer Income Tax Assistance, and distributing funds from the Community Investment Fund to related causes and programs in the area. uwcb.org

EDUCATION & LEADERSHIP

The Texas Association of Black Personnel in Higher EducationCorpus Christi

“We exist to assist” is the motto behind TABPHE-CC. The organization provides a vehicle for a diverse, multicultural workforce to learn, share, direct, lead, and influence our educational system, and serves as a support network for students of African descent promoting higher education, student enrollment, retention, tutoring, and networking through the Village initiative. Its objectives are accomplished through projects such as reading initiatives, community and civic engagement, student leadership and mentor programs, and various speaker series. tabphecc.org

EMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE

Hammons Employment Leadership Program - HELP

Hammons Employment Leadership Program is growing the work force of the Coastal Bend by placing junior and senior high school students, disabled students, and those in the Juvenile Justice Center in lucrative careers with local employers in construction, oilfield services, first responders, medical fields, and the military. HELP has taken 6,000 students from 27 schools in the Coastal Bend on 250 field visits to over 100 different job sites. helphelp.us

How to Get Involved

The Purple Door is seeking volunteers for a variety of services such a preparing meals, manning a hotline, and reading stories to children. You can also purchase items off its Amazon wish list for the shelter and its clients.

Register to participate in COADA’s annual Addicted 2 Recovery 5k (March 2022). You can also purchase a special bracelet on its website with funds going back to the nonprofit.

United Way of the Coastal Bend has a number of volunteer opportunities which can be found in the Volunteer Portal on its website.

Creating a welcome package for survivors by “Adopting a Butterfly,” sponsoring the building of a new home, purchasing items off its wish list, and volunteering are just a few ways to get involved with New Life Refuge Ministries.

Esperanza de Tejas is always seeking Agents of Hope, who act as volunteers for the organization. You can fill out a form online to be placed in the most appropriate volunteer opportunity for you.

TABPHE-CC membership is open to anyone committed to its mission. Visit the website for information about membership, meetings, and local events and initiatives.

If your business is interested in learning how to partner with HELP to offer employment and internship opportunities to students in the program, contact the program’s director via the number on the website.

Kennedy Dental Care

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

Corpus Christi Rehabilitation Hospital has provided the covid vaccine to our staff to ensure continued efforts to make our facility a healing environment for everyone.

photography by

Healing Is in the Eye of the Beholder

EMDR THERAPY CHANGED JINNELLE V. POWELL’S LIFE; NOW SHE’S USING THE PRACTICE TO HELP OTHERS

BY: KIRBY CONDA ILLUSTRATION BY: TYLER SCHULTZ

Would you ever have thought trauma could be eradicated through mindful eye movements? Literally—the shifting of the eyes, when directed properly by a mental health professional trained or certified, is a cutting-edge technique used in therapy settings to help heal patients who have experienced significant mental trauma.

While it might sound too good to be true, EMDR psychotherapy (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) was actually designed to alleviate the distress associated with traumatic memories.

Here in our community, there are just two Certified EMDR Therapists through the EMDR International Association. Jinnelle V. Powell is one of the two, as well as an EMDRIA Consultant in Training for EMDR trained therapists seeking certification.

Powell’s path to professional counseling started at Texas A&M University-Kingsville, where she initially thought she would study to become an actress. Powell doublemajored in sociology, following an innate passion for people. It would later become the foundation on which she built her first career working for Child Protective Services (CPS), and ultimately the beginnings of starting her own practice. Powell’s work with CPS inspired her to go for her Master’s degree to further pursue counseling. But as soon

as she started the program, she lost her sister to suicide.

Powell was going to traditional therapy to help cope with the loss of her sister when her mother heard about a doctor in town, Dr. Frederick Capps, who specialized in EMDR. Her mother convinced Powell to go, and it began to change her life.

EMDR is the reduction of the symptoms brought on by trauma, posttraumatic stress disorder, or a tragedy that elicits emotional and mental turmoil. With EMDR, unlike hypnosis, the patient is completely awake, present, and aware of the whole process.

Using eye movement desensitization, Powell and her mother were able to move through the pain of their loss, so that the memories of her no longer bring up an emotional response, which is known as reprocessing.

How easy or difficult it is for a patient to ground themselves prior to embarking on the EMDR process directly relates to how quickly EMDR can work. Known as the “dissociative experience scale,” this initial grounding work is the first step in preparing a patient for EMDR psychotherapy. Then, the therapist begins directed lateral eye movements. The back-and-forth external stimulus is what triggers certain memories, and once they reach the surface, Powell helps her patients to reframe the thoughts they associate with any given trauma.

Powell has developed her own private practice and hires associate counselors who are eligible to receive a scholarship created in her sister’s name. The associate counselors in her practice are essentially interning, and therefore can offer services at a reduced cost. This reduced cost program allows her practice to expand the mental health services— which are few and far between in the state of Texas—to a wider population of the community.

Powell is passionate about the work she does and about helping people, no matter their walk of life, to find healing through EMDR just like she did.

CONTACT: jinnellevpowell.com

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LOCAL OB/GYN SHARES HER SIMPLE SEVEN-STEP SKINCARE ROUTINE

BY: SOPHIA OMMANI PHOTO BY: RACHEL BENAVIDES

The earliest memories I have of my mother revolve around her skincare regimen. I remember watching nightly as she washed her face, applied a variety of products, and along the way imparted a tip or two. She educated my sister and me on a simple skincare regimen at the early age of 8, which is something I have imparted to my 10-year-old and my 7-year-old twins.

My routine used to look something like washing my face, applying rubbing alcohol (gasp!) to clear the complexion, piercing Vitamin E capsules to apply as a homemade serum, and following up with a moisturizer at least twice per day.

I am now in my 40s, a wife, a mother of three, and an OB/GYN in a very busy group, all of which have influenced my current routine. It is very important to evolve as the science behind facial products and procedures advance. I am a firm believer in switching your products at least every 6 months to accommodate for skin changes with the season and weather changes, and am now incorporating the use of IV nutrition+ hydration to administer high dose glutathione, collagen, and biotin at least twice per month through 361 Wellness. As far as beauty products go, these are a few of my current go-tos.

Sophia Ommani-Lusins, MD is an OB/GYN at Coastal Bend Women’s Center. Her and her husband also own 361 Wellness.

Compassionate Care &

REVISION SKINCARE BRIGHTENING FACIAL WASH

Although I do incorporate a variety of products in different lines, I have recently loved the results from the Revision Skincare line. Revision products are backed by a panel of scientists and physicians to ensure optimum results through extensive clinical trials. Every morning and evening I wash my face with this cleanser. This product is ultrarich with both alpha and beta hydroxy acids to remove the day’s impurities and dead surface cells while leaving the skin hydrated and smooth.

Available at Corpus Christi Institute of Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery & 361 Beauty

DRY BRUSHING

Three times per week I follow with dry brushing my face, which is a technique I learned with the amazing Tina Lain (owner of Gold Dust Cosmetic Collective) through one of her master classes over 2 years ago. Dry brushing assists with exfoliation, lymphatic drainage (which decreases swelling), and wrinkle prevention.

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KERSTIN FLORIAN CORRECTING BRIGHTENING EYE CREAM & REVISION SKINCARE D-E-J EYE CREAM

With call coverage at the hospital keeping me awake for up to 32 hours at a time, my under-eye care is very important, as these are the “gateways” to the face. My favorite products are Correcting Brightening Eye Cream by Kerstin Florian and D-E-J eye cream through Revision Skincare. D-E-J has won quite a few awards in the past two years and is clinically proven to minimize fine lines and wrinkles, in addition to plumping the area. This also works wonders the evening of or morning after a social event or few drinks with friends.

First available at Skincare Butik

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OSMOSIS MD CATALYST AC-11 DNA REPAIR C SERUM

I follow eye cream up with a product I have recently purchased called Catalyst AC-11 DNA Repair C Serum by Osmosis MD medical skincare. This serum is amazing in increasing firmness, reducing the appearance of broken capillaries and reducing redness (which we all now need with the regular use of masks).

Available at Skincare Butik

C+

CORRECTING

COMPLEX

Next, I follow with C+ Correcting Complex, which is an exclusive antioxidant blend with MelaPath technology by Revision Skincare. MelaPath is a patent-pending blend of powerful antioxidants designed to combat free radicals.

Available at Corpus Christi Institute of Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery & 361 Beauty

RETINOL COMPLETE 0.5

I finish every other night with a product containing retinol, my favorite being Retinol Complete 0.5 by Revision Skincare. This award-winning serum helps in reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, brightens and plumps the skin, and boosts your hydration levels.

Available at Corpus Christi Institute of Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery & 361 Beauty

SPF

This is a vital step in anyone’s routine. I use an SPF 45/50 containing moisturizer every morning. My go-to products are either Intellishade Tinted Moisturizer by Revision skincare or an SPF from Image Skincare.

Available at Corpus Christi Institute of Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery & 361 Beauty

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HOME & GARDEN

Bayside Beauty

THE UNIQUE INTERIOR AESTHETIC OF A LANDMARK OCEAN DRIVE HOUSE BY:

JACQUELINE GONZALEZ PHOTOS BY: JASON PAGE

Corpus Christi’s Ocean Drive area is well known for its scenic views of the Bay, but also for the historic homes and perfectly manicured lawns. The stately houses frequently catch the eye of passersby and tourists checking out the area. When Dr. Christel Cuevas and her husband, Dr. Christion Rice, moved back to Corpus Christi in 2018, their search for the perfect home led them to this spacious lot, where the Old World style of the traditional architecture encompassed everything they looked for in a home. This was only the beginning. The house then became a blank canvas for Cuevas to create a space that reflected her love of classic, traditional pieces with a funky twist, and a tinge of glam.

Cuevas and Rice’s busy schedules left them with little time to work on this design, so they enlisted the help of designer Cecile Gottlich to bring this project to fruition.

“Working with Cecile was amazing,” said Cuevas. “We instantly clicked, and she understood my personality. She took my vision for the space and elevated it.”

The collaboration between Cuevas and Gottlich involved many phone calls, texts, and site visits while they exchanged photos and narrowed down pieces to ensure each element Cuevas desired was implemented. The end result was an aesthetically pleasing array of rooms, each with its own distinctive personality, but with enough similarities to create a modern, yet timeless design.

“I’m inspired by my client,” explained Gottlich. “And I also ground the design in the history of the place, and this home is a landmark home from the 1940s.”

To embrace the old world charm of the 1940s architecture, many art deco pieces, such as the gold Ibex mid-century coffee table, curved velvet sofas, and mirrors on the wall that are like pieces of jewelry, were incorporated.

Cuevas also fell in love with the design and earth tones that reflect the style of fashion guru Ralph Lauren. Gottlich made this happen by selecting wallpaper from Designer’s Guild with a classic pastoral scene for the formal dining room. The earthy tones of the wallpaper were perfect to provide

Adding a glass curio is a stunning and unique way to create an aesthetic vignette of your favorite items.

inspiration for the paneling, and they opted for a dark gray adding not only mystery and elegance to the dining room, but also the sophistication of Ralph Lauren’s style. The dim lighting and custom drapery in the room add the perfect finishing touch.

“This room reminds me of a countryside, like an equestrian farm,” said Cuevas. “I like that it is unique and has the right amount of drama.”

Initially, they considered removing the walls that separated each room, but quickly changed their mind to maximize functionality of having separate living spaces. “When you have parties, people have multiple places to hang out and mingle,” said Cuevas. Gottlich also felt that moving from room to room adds

an element of surprise because they’re so different in design. Even though the rooms are different, each one extends a smooth transition into the next.

The formal living room exudes elegance, while the den bears a more British style with a tufted sofa and Ralph Lauren prints.

Overlooking the den is the former butler’s pantry, which is now cleverly dubbed the “Jewel Box.” The small, dimly lit room is painted a deep jewel shade of green from floor to ceiling, while the brown stone floors and clustered multi-light fixture with champagne-toned lighting add the right amount of depth.

The combination of exposed brick, moody colors, plaid and animal prints, and the brown leather couch exudes a Ralph Lauren vibe, which is what the couple was going for.

The kitchen was also transformed beautifully from a dark, closed-in space with a mahogany divider to an open, inviting room with bright white walls, plus dark beams for a dramatic touch, and a custom herringbone wood vent hood designed by Gottlich. The countertops were replaced entirely, and dishes and other vintage trinkets in the curio cabinet create an eye-catching display.

Looking back on the “before” photos of the home, the pair beams at how far this project has come, and agree that the entire home is so gorgeous that they can’t choose their favorite room.

With Gottlich’s talent and Cuevas’ good taste in design, we’re positive that any new additions will be picture perfect and continue to elevate the home.

a need-to-know basis

GROWING UP

Spacing, 12”. Height, 18” to 24”. Full sun; likes evening shade during spring and early summer. Well-drained soil with plenty of organic compost and pastured poultry manure. Plant by transplant any time in December. Water until established and then as needed—more in the spring. Compost with native leaf mulch to prevent weeds and keep soil cool. Increase leaf mulch as weather gets hotter.

PROFILING

Once plants are established (in about 55 to 65 days), take cuttings from each plant. Cut the stem near ground level. Never take more than 1/3 of the leaves of each plant at a time—they will quickly regrow new leaves. New leaves will continue to regrow at an increasing rate as the spring weather warms and the days grow longer. The stems come in a wide variety of colors, from red to gold to green, depending on the variety. The healthier the soil, the more vibrant the colors of the stems and ribs along the leaves.

Taste the Rainbow

SWISS CHARD AND ITS RED, GREEN, AND GOLD VARIETIES BY: JUSTIN BUTTS

Swiss chard is not from Switzerland. In fact, it’s native to Sicily, where it was bred from wild sea kale that grew along the coast. A Swiss botanist gave chard its botanical name, so it became “Swiss.” Unlike most other cool-weather greens, chard grows well into the Coastal Bend summer—most winter plants bolt and go to seed at the first sign of heat, but chard keeps right on producing its gorgeous green leaves.

Because chard adapts well from winter to spring, you can plant your tomato transplants directly into a mature bed of chard. The lush leaves of the chard will protect the delicate young tomatoes, and when the tomatoes grow into vigorous vines, they will shade the tender chard from the summer sun.

The best varieties of chard for Coastal Bend gardens are Five Color Silverbeet, Rainbow, Fordhook Giant, Vulcan, and Bright Lights.

It’s best to plant chard by transplant, but if planting by seed, overseed a wide bed and continually thin to final spacing. Eat these thinnings; they are delicious! Add native leaf mulch as the plants grow larger to prevent weeds and maintain cool soil temperature.

LOCAL RECS

Swiss Chard is a seasonal staple in my repertoire. My favorite way to prepare it is to sauté the stems first in olive oil, along with shallots, bacon, and garlic. Once the stems are tender, deglaze with white wine. Next, add in the reserved leaves, golden raisins, and stock of your choice. Cook until the leaves are tender and finish with a splash of white balsamic. Season with salt and pepper.

– Harold Ramos, Executive Chef Corpus Christi Country Club @cccountryclub

FUN FACTS

Chard is susceptible to aphids and flea beetles, especially as the weather heats up. To repel these pests, companion plant with cilantro and dill, and let these herbs go to flower near your chard. The intense aromas of these herbs repel pests while attracting bees and beneficial predators, such as ladybugs and lacewings. Give your chard a boost by spraying them with “Garrett Juice,” which is a mixture of liquid seaweed, molasses, and fish emulsion that strengthens and invigorates plants by activating their natural defenses.

Yuletide Glam

MONICA BENAVIDES

ecking the halls with unique ornaments, vintage ribbon, and thrifted finds makes for a glamorously chic and cozy space. Many of us tend to focus a lot of effort on our trees and mantels, but don’t forget to add holiday cheer to your sofa and coffee table, too.

On the coffee table, using tall crystal candlesticks with black tapers makes for a grand display, but you can also add in velvet ribbon and vintage brooches for an extra luxe look. An evergreen centerpiece with tons of sparkle helps tie it all together

GLITZY TOUCHES

My hack for effortlessly adding ribbon to your Christmas tree will change your life. Find my highlight on Instagram (@monicabenavidez) and grab three different ribbons—plus some scissors—and thank me later!

Don’t be afraid to mix old and new. I love to reuse ornaments, but I also like incorporating a few new ones each year to create unique themes and color schemes. This helps change up the look without needing to buy a ton of new decor.

Think outside the (ornament) box. Vintage chandelier crystals, brooches, and small figurines can be found at many of our local thrift and antique stores and make stunning ornaments.

Get crafty! Give home decor items a low-cost holiday makeover using craft or spray paint, ribbon, floral picks, and bows. Try upcycling candlesticks, vases, or outdated wreaths, garlands and florals.

Add in something unexpected—for me, it’s adding touches of black among all the glitz. You can use a bold patterned ribbon, an unconventional color, or vintage elements for a “curated over time” look.

along with books, decorative boxes, and ornaments.

Many nights will be spent on the sofa playing games and watching holiday movies, so incorporating a seasonal throw pillow along with cozy blankets is a great way to stay comfy and in the holiday spirit.

q get the look

FROM SUSAN CASTOR COLLECTION

While

by LILLIAN REITZ

photography

Stitching Art From Life

LOCAL ARTIST JAMIE SPECK CELEBRATES LIFE’S SIMPLICITIES THROUGH EXTRAORDINARY ART

BY: TYLER SCHULTZ PHOTOS BY: LILLIAN REITZ

From teabags to beeswax, Jamie

Speck has an incredible way of turning the ordinary into the astonishing. With a Master's in Fine Arts from Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, she creates pieces focused on the rituals and routines of everyday life and celebrates the sacredness found in it.

Raised in a rural Texas town, Speck was not exposed to fine art as a child, instead finding solace in rummaging through the family junk drawer and piecing things together. It was from this young age that she realized there was something incredibly special about working with her hands, bringing new life to ordinary objects otherwise overlooked. Her innate desire to create things carried on through college, where she was introduced to the formal elements and training of art. Though the materials she uses may be non-traditional, it’s those formal elements, like awareness of color and texture, that are driving forces in her work today.

Speck uses a variety of mixed media, connected to life in some form, to create brilliant pieces of work. Some of her most recent work from her Hausfrau Collection focuses on things that make her life sacred: the routine and ritual of life at home. A dress is made from teabags collected over time from her morning cup, meticulously treated and stitched together to form a gown. Another garment uses dryer sheets from every load of laundry.

Jamie Speck recently won the Teaching Excellence Award, Honorable Mention in Fibers at The In Art Gallery, and was the recipient of “The New Normal: Rockport” 2020 grant.

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Each of her works represents the small, yet sacred moments of daily life. Speck’s art is the celebration of rituals and routines that, stitched together, commemorate the realities of domestic life. As a mother, wife, and artist, this has been her way of celebrating the ordinary and finding joy in the mundane.

Like that child rummaging through the junk drawer, Speck approaches her projects searching for what can be used to make something new. This process typically begins with collecting items from everyday use. From there, she curates a formula of how she will treat and piece together something incredible. She never sets an end goal, though, as Speck believes it’s important to let the pieces take form on their own, as they are slowly being stitched together. Like life, her art often grows and changes with passage of time; she observed, “Not everything is finite. When you get bored with something—change it.”

Her tactile approach brings an incredibly personal touch to her works and connects art and life. For Speck, stitching is a process that represents mending, healing, and repair, giving sanctity and life to the humble objects she transforms. It pieces together those hallowed moments we often miss, mends the broken times, and connects the pieces we tend to overlook.

Her current projects are a continuation of her Hausfrau Collection, though focusing on what’s found around the exterior of the house, taking felt, beeswax, teabags, and more to create objects with a sense of home. These collections are a reflection of the safety and comfort found in the house for the artist, especially living through a pandemic; they honor the life being lived there and the joy to be found in it.

CONTACT: jamiespeck.com | @jamiespeck_artist

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Made With Love

CURLY GIRL COOKING CRAFTS CULTURALLY INSPIRED MEALS FOR THE COMMUNITY

BY: MONIQUE DENNIS PHOTOS BY: LILLIAN REITZ

Inside a family’s home kitchen, two daughters and their dad decided to start a business. Twice a month, meal service business Curly Girl Cooking prepares culturally inspired dishes for the Corpus Christi community.

In July 2020, Avery (6yo) and GG (7yo) were being homeschooled by their parents Hershel and Jessica Shoat during quarantine. The Shoats were already passing on in-depth historic and cultural knowledge, along with entrepreneurship and financial literacy, that would not have been part of a traditional curriculum. But beyond the schoolwork, Jessica said they wanted the girls to participate in something bigger.

So, they tied their schoolwork into a business idea, and from there, Curly Girl Cooking was born. Child entrepreneurs Avery and GG said they decided to move forward with their plan because it was in their hearts and souls to do so.

“I know who I am, and I was born to have a business,” said GG, as she talked about how dad, Herschel, was a huge inspiration for their business by teaching them about their history and culture.

Avery and GG said they use the lessons from their father to make culturally inspired dishes like Caribbean-inspired jerk chicken with plantains and curry chicken over coconut rice. Other favorites they serve include fried chicken with creme brulee, lasagna, stuffed bell peppers, and skillet chicken parmesan. The girls said they decide what meals to make every other week by compiling a list of entrée ideas with the family when they all sit at the table to enjoy dinner together.

Like the Curly Girl Cooking page on Facebook to stay up-to-date on their bi-weekly menus and be in the know about their expanding endeavors.

Build Local. Bank Local.

“FCB

Diana Summers Hogan Homes

Trey Summers, Diana Summers, Hogan Homes Nick Black, First Community Bank, NMLS #689770

“Starting a business during the pandemic actually wasn’t that bad,” Avery said in a nonchalant manner. “Our first time selling meals, we set a goal of 30 plates, and we sold all of those plus more!”

Dad said it is always the family’s goal to bring people together through a good meal cooked from the soul with love, but as time goes on and the world continues to recover from a crisis, the economy has made it difficult for them to get meals sold as often as they would like to. He said the inflation of food and supply costs has caused them to look at other ideas for the meals, but that it definitely will not deter them from continuing on with Curly Girl Cooking.

The Curly Girl brand has already made a significant impact on the community, and they not only plan to continue to grow the brand to offer food, jiu-jitsu training, and hair/body products, but also want to educate and bring awareness to local and global issues. Needless to say, this is a pair of ambitious (and busy) six- and seven-year-old girls, who are ready to not just feed the masses, but inspire and educate them as well!

CONTACT:

curlygirlcooking.wixsite.com/curlygirl curlygirlcooking@gmail.com

Worth the Wait

BY: JO ANNE HOWELL

PHOTOS BY: MAY CARLSON PHOTOGRAPHY

A Personal Touch.

Customizing your decor elements aids in making sure your special night is unforgettable. For this wedding, bigger details such as a monogrammed dance floor and aisle runner made an impact; while smaller details including a cocktail topper with an image of the bride and groom added sentimental touches.

parting words

It’s often said that the best things in life are worth waiting for, and that couldn’t be more true for the wedding of Allie and John Murphy. The wedding was postponed three times due to the pandemic; but once the green light was given, the Art Museum of South Texas proved to be the perfect backdrop to this couple’s memorable night.

Elegant Elements. A regal color palette of black and white was chosen for this grand affair. A seated dinner in the Singer Gallery featured tables flooded with candles, white orchids and roses, and custom acrylic menus detailing all four courses.

Calendar Events

DECEMBER 2021

A CHRISTMAS CAROL

DECEMBER 1ST – 19TH

An iconic Coastal Bend tradition, Harbor Playhouse’s rendition of A Christmas Carol is a must-attend event this season. The theatre’s annual production is a spectacular adaptation of Charles Dickens' most well-known story.

1802 N CHAPARRAL BUILDING #2

ILLUMINATED BOAT PARADE

PRESENTED BY PORT OF CORPUS CHRISTI

DECEMBER 4TH

Watch in awe as boaters from Corpus Christi and beyond sail through the Corpus Christi Marina in holiday style. Parade participants will even compete for the most festive vessel! The parade begins at 6pm, with an award ceremony taking place after to crown the winners.

CORPUS CHRISTI MARINA

WES HOLIDAY GIFT MARKET

DECEMBER 4TH

Just in time for holiday shopping, the Women’s Entrepreneur Society of Corpus Christi is hosting a market with over 25 women-owned, local businesses with a variety of vendors offering unique gifts and products. Shoppers will enjoy food and drinks offered by BUS, live music, and other fun surprises.

702 N CHAPARRAL ST.

FESTIVE 56

DECEMBER 5TH

Hosted by Indigo Laine & Co. and Oh Goodie Designs + Events, this is one holiday market you won’t want to miss! Over 30 local vendors will be set up, along with an appearance from Santa Claus, pizza from Marty McPies, and so much more. 4536 COUNTY RD. 56

THE LA POSADA LIGHTED BOAT PARADE

DECEMBER 10TH

This unique celebration rings in the holiday season as a must-see annual Christmas event. Boats in the parade

feature Christmas lights and decorations with varied themes. Collector boats follow the parade route collecting toys from people along the canals to be donated to Toys for Tots. MARKER 37 MARINA

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS CONCERT DECEMBER 11TH

The Corpus Christi Symphony Orchestra’s annual holiday tradition is back this year! The Del Mar Choir and the Corpus Christi Chorale join forces to bring guests all their favorite holiday tunes. Santa Claus himself will even make an appearance!

6300 OCEAN DR # 5723

CORPUS CHRISTI BALLET: THE NUTCRACKER

DECEMBER 11TH – 12TH & 18TH-19TH

This classic holiday tale is the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit. Bring the whole family for an evening at the ballet and enjoy the beautiful show featuring live music from the Corpus Christi Ballet Orchestra. Make sure to get tickets ahead of time, as they will go fast!

1901 N SHORELINE BLVD.

PHOTOS

1. Ali Moore, Alexa Gignac, Nick Gignac, and Sofia Gignac 2. Paulina Hernandez, Natalie Trevino, Esmie Marquez, and Hannah Franco 3. Monica Benavidez and Stephanie Fernandez 4. D’Anne Buquet and Lexi Buquet 5. Dr. Shekhar Raj and Dr. Veena Raj

6. Tiffany Batchelor and Haley Bennett 7. Judge Deeanne Galvan, Mayor Paulette Guajardo, and Marie Dickson 8. Cade Mason and Alyssa Barrera Mason

ON VIEW: OCTOBER 8, 2021 — JANUARY 2, 2022

REMBRANDT AND THE JEWS

The Berger Print Collection

Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn, Abraham Casting out Hagar and Ishmael, 1637, 5” x 3.875”, etching and drypoint on laid paper

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Treatments:

Moonlight in the Gardens

benefitting the South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center

1. Cindy Barrera and Delisa Hernandez 2. Ryan and Carra Miller 3. Robin and Marvin Leary 4. Wyatt Page and Cameron Smith

5. Caleb Maltby, Jaquelyn Westbrook, and Shawnrece Campbell 6. Cris and Jennifer Perez

7. Rosie Colin, Marie Dickson, Christian Dickson, Margaret Dechant, and Larry Dechant

8. Ana Pena, Ester Silva, Nicole Alvarado, Abby Saucedo, and Malorie Gomez

12 Days of Christmas

A dozen lovely local shops provide a gift-giving guide for this holiday season

The Fiesta™ Bistro

Mug is a thoughtful gift for friends, teachers, coworkers or self. Fiesta™ is made in the USA.

The Dish House, $11

6. 18OZ FIESTA BISTRO LATTE MUG

Latte

boarding school workshops are also available. For orders and pricing visit olivebleucc.com

Olive Bleu, Prices Vary of environmental and chronological aging. Help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and maintain a more youthful-looking complexion

Halcyon Med Spa, $213

natural.

Coastal Teak, $89-$99

lightweight, hydrating skin cream is inspired by petals and helps retain beauty through deep hydration. Flower essences, Hyaluronic Acid and Hibiscus Peptides drench the skin in elastin boosting nutrients, leaving skin ultra-smooth.

Tora Skin & Wellness, $68

is the perfect accessory for any nighton-the-town outfit with plenty of room for important evening essentials!

Four Chicks in the Park, $90

gorgeous colors and styles available, Estelle Colored Glass is the perfect gift for anyone on your list! This hand-blown glass is a timeless gift with a modern twist. Cheers! Park Seven, $30/glass

Bring the flavor of Water Street restaurants to your next party. Our team will help you create a package with a custom menu, bar service, action stations, and more—so you can make your special occasions that much more special. We cater offsite parties or choose one of our on-site banquet venues. With over twenty years of experience in Corpus Christi, our team has perfected the art of taking your event from ordinary to unforgettable.

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photography

Holiday Bread Bonanza

PAYING HOMAGE TO PAST GENERATIONS AND CULTURES WITH CHRISTMAS LOAVES

BY: KAYLA BUTTS

PHOTOS BY: RACHEL BENAVIDES

Bread is easy to take for granted. Maybe it’s because baking bread has been around since the dawn of civilization, or because lower quality, generic varieties are so widely available.

And yet, those fresh, pillowy loaves formed by hand and proofed on a window sill are something else entirely. There aren’t many simple pleasures in this world as enjoyable as warm, homemade bread. This includes artisan Christmas breads learned from family elders, who learned from their elders, and so on. Recreating these time-honored recipes pays homage to the traditions and generations before us.

Christopsomo is an enriched spiced bread celebrating the best of times in Greece, when people kept their religious practices and family customs sacred. Decorated with nuts, seeds, a cross, or other meaningful family symbols, “Christ’s bread” is made using great care and only the finest ingredients. Christopsomo is offered to the first visitor of the holiday season and broken atop the crown of the head of household.

Considered more of a cake than a bread, Norwegian julekake resembles the fruitcake of western fame. It can be flavored with candied fruits or, alternately, dried raisins, currants, and citron. When the latter is preferred, julekake is similar to Italy’s panettone. The most marked distinction is the use of cardamom in lieu of vanilla. Regardless of the fruit of choice, this sweet bread is moist and rich.

In 1905, Venezuelan baker Gustavo Ramella created pan de jamon, a savory bread stuffed with ham. Pan de jamon soon became a staple in Caracas Christmas celebrations. Soft bread encapsulates savory ham, briny olives or capers, and sweet raisins.

Sweet or savory, studded with fruit or stuffed with ham, these artisan breads make a celebratory meal to remember. Take up the torch and continue the rituals that were passed down from generation to generation. Let your homemade bread take its place as the cornerstone of the holiday table.

water, yeast and sugar and whisk to dissolve.

seasonings. Using the dough hook, mix at low speed until the ingredients start to combine.

minutes, until a smooth dough has formed that no longer sticks to the sides of the bowl. Add the walnuts and figs, mixing for 1 more minute,

Transfer dough to an oiled bowl and cover with plastic wrap or a tea towel. Let the dough

adornment. Shape the remaining dough into a round loaf. Cut the remnant in thirds; each should be about 1/3 cup of dough. Flour a clean surface and roll each piece into a breadstick,

segments on your round in the form of a cross.

cake pan that has been greased and lined with parchment paper. Brush the top lightly with a mixture of beaten egg and water. Sprinkle the top with sesame and anise seeds and decorate

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Bake the loaf for 50 minutes, until the Christopsomo is a deep golden color and sounds hollow when tapped.

RECIPE

PREP TIME: 2 hours

COOK TIME: 50 minutes

INGREDIENTS:

1 1/4 cup milk, plus 3 tbsp for brushing loaf

1 package (2 1/4 tsp) rapid-rise yeast

1/4 cup butter

1 egg

4 cups flour

1/4 cup sugar

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon ground cardamom

1 tbsp orange zest

1 cup candied fruit

DIRECTIONS:

Microwave the milk for 40 seconds. Pour lukewarm milk into the bowl of your standing mixer that has been fitted with the dough hook. Sprinkle yeast on top of the

milk and mix until dissolved. Add in the butter, egg, and dry ingredients and knead on medium-low speed for 8 minutes. Pour in orange zest and candied fruit, mixing on low until well distributed.

Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl, cover loosely with plastic, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour, or until doubled.

Oil a baking sheet with non-stick spray. Shape the dough into a round and score the top. Transfer to the prepared baking sheet. Cover with a tea towel and let rise for 30 more minutes.

Preheat the oven to 350˚F. Lightly brush a layer of milk onto the top of the dough. Bake the loaf for 40-45 minutes, until golden brown.

Julekake Makes 1 large loaf

SWEETER SANTA than

Pan de Jamon

Makes 1 large loaf

PREP TIME: 3 hours

COOK TIME: 45-50 minutes

INGREDIENTS:

For the Bread

1/4 c water, warmed to 90˚F

1/4 c sugar

1 tbsp active dry yeast

4 cups all-purpose flour, divided

1 tsp salt

3/4 c milk, lukewarm

2 eggs, beaten

6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted and cooled

For the Filling

1/4 lb ham, deli sliced

1/4 lb serrano ham, prosciutto, or bacon

1/2 cup raisins

3/4 cup pimento and/or garlic stuffed green olives, chopped, drained and patted dry

DIRECTIONS:

In your standing mixer fitted with the dough hook, mix the warm water, sugar, and yeast until dissolved. Let sit for 10 minutes, until mixture has created a bubbly foam. Add remaining ingredients for the bread dough and mix until a soft dough forms. Continue to knead for 8-10 minutes on medium-low speed, until the dough is soft and smooth, adding flour as necessary to keep the dough from sticking to the sides of the bowl. Place the dough in a clean, greased bowl. Cover it with a tea towel and let it rest for 1 hour in a warm place until doubled in size.

FILLING THE BREAD:

Dust a clean surface with flour and roll the dough out into a large rectangle, approximately 10” x 15”.

Cover the dough with the ham and bacon slices, leaving about 1/2” uncovered on each side. Distribute the raisins and olives evenly over the pork.

Tightly roll the dough into a swiss roll shape, working from the long edge. Pinch the seam with your thumb and index finger to close it and place the roll seam side down on a greased baking sheet. Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 hour more. Score the bread using a sharp knife or bread lame.

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Bake the bread for 25-27 minutes, until the loaf starts to turn golden brown. Reduce the temperature to 350°F and continue baking for an additional 20-25 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 180°F.

A Slow Drip Into Culture

SAIGON CIVET CAFÉ BRINGS A TRADITIONAL VIETNAMESE COFFEE EXPERIENCE

BY: JULIETA HERNANDEZ PHOTOS BY: RACHEL BENAVIDES

When Christian Hoang opened SaiGon Civet Cafe, he created a bridge for locals in the South Texas area to experience a traditional Vietnamese cup of coffee.

SaiGon Civet Cafe delivers its coffee in a true farm-to-table manner through a friendly partnership with Mr. Khanh, a third-generation coffee farmer in the lush, green city of Buôn Mê Thuôc, Vietnam.

“One thing about Mr. Khanh is that he’d never exported his beans into the United States before, or even out of Vietnam,” Hoang said. “So when I met him, I said, ‘Well, why don’t you let me be the first one to bring your coffee beans into the United States?’”

The balanced entrepreneur and barista did just that, and since then, he’s been giving locals a taste of Vietnam in every cup.

Khanh’s imported beans are roasted in-house into a smoky and aromatic robusta batch. This is what the coffee shop uses for its house espresso. For the Vietnamese drip specialty, however, the batch roast is intentionally darker and more intense; a slower burn at a higher temperature. It’s more acidic, bitter, and a lot less fruity.

SaiGon Civet’s signature Vietnamese drip coffee begins with a steamed glass, made warm to hold the flavors and soften the condensed milk. With the milk added, the barista places a phin, a traditional

SaiGon’s Civet Café offers a bring your own cup program! Every time you bring your own cup, you’ll earn points towards getting any black coffee on the menu for free.

roasted to perfection, hot water is poured in a circular motion inside the phin to encourage even filtering.

The slow drip gives the sweetened condensed milk time to fuse flavors without rush. “With the condensed milk, one would think it would be too sweet and overpower the coffee,” explained barista Sterling Michael Ramirez as he carefully stirs the phin. “But with this mixture, you get a perfect balance. The boldness is still shining through; you get the bitterness, but it’s tamed.”

With an expanding menu and clever imports, such as its new Pandan leaf lattes, Hoang brings new flavors to the coffee scene in town while getting to know his clients.

“I’d like for people to stay in and sit. All I care about is giving out a good cup of coffee,” Hoang said as he flashed a smile my way and tied on his apron. “That’s all I care about. I’m trying to bring Vietnamese culture into Corpus Christi.”

CONTACT:

2222 Airline Rd. Suite: A1 | @vietnamcoffeeroastery

You can actually purchase a customized SaiGon Civet Café phin at the coffee shop to try your hand at a traditional Vietnamese coffee press at home.

Japanese Eats, Sweets, and Treats

MANA’S OFFERS DELICIOUS JAPANESE BAKED GOODS TO

BY: LUIS ARJONA PHOTOS BY: RACHEL BENAVIDES

THE COASTAL BEND

Born and raised in Japan, Manami Kumagai found a dearth of delicious customary Japanese treats in the Coastal Bend—so she decided to make her own. Kumagai had some difficulties making the transition from her home country, having moved overseas in December of 2019. However, after launching Mana's—a home-based bakery serving delicious Japanese-style bread and pastries here in Corpus Christi—in May 2021, she realized sharing a piece of her culture with others also served as a platform for her to connect with the community by way of her delicious gift.

"Right now, I really feel Mana's is not [just] a business. It allows me the opportunity to interact with locals and make new friends," she said.

Mana's menu currently features several pastries and bread items. Kumagai said her aim is to bake traditional Japanese-style bread not only for the sake of tasty treats, but to take people back to memories they might have from residing in Japan. I imagine her offerings have a similar effect to when Rebecca Welton eats Ted Lasso's biscuits: an icebreaker filled with pure (and tasty) joy.

While Kumagai wants the authenticity that would allow customers nostalgia trips, she does take creative liberties to experiment by creating her own spins on traditional treats. She also underscores the importance of creating vegan options in her rotation. Customer satisfaction is of utmost importance, and Mana's aims to deliver.

Currently, customer favorites include the melon pan, vegan strawberry cake, and vegan blueberry tart. The melon pan, a staple in the menu, can be spotted by its distinct crunchy cookie dough resembling the skin of a melon covered with bread dough.

The baker herself recommends chigiri bears. "Chigiri," in English, translates to "pulled apart," as the cute treat consists of mounds of bread decorated as several detachable bears.

The mocchiri donuts are another treat that would not survive the car ride home. Both specialties are simply delicious, with a beautiful presentation that does not disappoint.

Kugamai plans to grow Mana's presence in the Coastal Bend by attending more markets and local events. Mana's is a unique experience into a cultural cuisine not too common yet in the area, and one that is more than welcomed.

CONTACT: @manasjpbread_cctx

looking back

Three Towers

CORPUS CHRISTI SKYLINE’S ICONIC TRIO CHANGES BUT ENDURES BY: JILLIAN BECQUET PHOTO COURTESY OF: CORPUS CHRISTI PUBLIC LIBRARIES, LA RETAMA SPECIAL COLLECTIONS & ARCHIVES

While taller structures have been built in recent decades, it is the sight of three buildings, standing tall along the bluff balustrade downtown, that gives Corpus Christi its identifiable skyline in historic photos. These three— known by various names throughout their histories—were the originals.

The Wilson Building, built as the Nixon Building in 1927, set off the transition of the bluff from a street of stately, elegant homes to a business district. Some of the big names in Corpus Christi’s early history called this stretch home before their homes gave way to its development, as the city boomed with the opening of the Port in 1926.

The center building is labeled the White Plaza in this image, as a reflection of its name change after Jack White,

operator of the hotel, bought out the other investors after a contentious legal battle with one of them—Clara Driscoll. She and her brother Robert were principal investors in the construction of the Plaza Hotel, which opened in 1929.

Displeased with the business of the Plaza after Robert’s death, Clara built the Robert Driscoll Hotel next door in 1942. Clara occupied the penthouse, where she could look down on the Plaza. Ultimately, the Plaza was demolished to make way for the 600 Building and the Driscoll Hotel stands today with a black façade, added in 1974.

While names and appearances have changed, people of the future will still recognize three iconic buildings on the bluff when they look at Corpus Christi’s skyline in 2021.

Bluff View Showing Wilson Building, White Plaza, and Driscoll Hotel, c.1950s.