March 2022

THE FASCINATING LIFE OF KATHRYN CHILDERS A SECRET SERVICE WOMAN WHO SHATTERED THE GLASS CEILING

2022 TOP AT T O R N E Y S

DISCOVER

THE

TEXAS

YO U ’ V E

YET TO EXPLORE G E TA W AY S

M A R AT H O N ,

IN

ALPINE,

T E R L I N G UA

&

BOERNE,

SALADO,

W I M B E R L E Y,

TEXAS

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In its latest generation, the Macan is and remains the sports car of compact SUVs. Instantly, the Porsche DNA is recognizable from the sloping roof line: the “flyline” lends the Macan its characteristic sports car contours.

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3.22

CONTENTS T H E T R AV E L I S S U E AROUND THE BEND Trending .............................. 14 What’s Online...................16 Giving Back ...................... 18 5 Best ..................................... 21 Person of Interest .........22

F E AT U R E S Yet To Explore.................26 Kathryn Childers...........38

H E A LT H Be Well.................................46 Beauty................................... 48

HOME & GARDEN Open House ...................... 54 Gardening ..........................62 Spaces ..................................64 Entertaining .....................67

OUT & ABOUT Travel ....................................70 Arts & Culture..................74 Discoveries ........................76 Datebook .............................78 Social Hour........................80

Farm to Table..................110 The Drink ...........................116 Dining Guide....................118 The Dish ............................ 120

HISTORY Looking Back.................122

The Bend Magazine is published by Bend Holdings Sub, LLC. Copyright © 2022 Bend Holdings Sub, LLC. No portion may be reproduced without express written consent. Editorial or advertising does not constitute advice, but is rather considered informative. The Bend is not responsible for the care of and/or return of unsolicited materials. The Bend reserves the right to refuse advertising deemed detrimental to the community's best interest or in questionable taste.

Expressed opinions are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of ownership.

6 The Bend

Pack your bags and fuel up the car, we’re heading out for an epic Texas road trip in this month’s cover feature. Pg. 26

photography by L I L L I A N R E I T Z

CUISINE

Your new holiday shopping spot for unique decor and gifts.

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760-218-9700 | 14254 South Padre Island Drive #213 | Corpus Christi, TX 74148 thebendmag.com 7

PRESIDENT Jordan Regas VICE PRESIDENT Kaley Regas PUBLISHER Chris Knapick EDITOR IN CHIEF Kylie Cooper

HOME•GARDEN•VINTAGE•MODERN

ART DIRECTOR Jarred Schuetze ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Gloria Stauber PRODUCTION MANAGER Aubrey Jernigan D I G I TA L M E D IA SPECIALIST Hannah Ticer

Q: What’s an area of Texas that you've yet to explore but want to?

KC:

I’d love to explore West Texas!

I’ve never been to Marfa and from what I can tell, the quirky, artsy, “middle of nowhere” aesthetic seems to be calling my name.

You’ll find me spending hours strolling through the iconic art galleries and touring the distillery.

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Lillian Meador

MGL:

GH:

I'd love to explore Marfa!

Since I was a kid, I've always heard about the unexplained phenomenon known as The Marfa Lights, and while I don't expect to see them, I feel like the desert is calling me toward discovery.

Houston is one of the most diverse cities in the "South," and the cuisine reflects that.

From steak to pan-African dishes to Vietnamese specialties to regional Mexican, Pakistani joints, Spanish tapas, and more, Houston is a food destination that's large enough to require weeks to hit the hotspots.

SENIOR WRITER Kirby Conda

2729 S PADRE ISL AND DRIVE

COPY EDITOR Steve Gill LEAD PHOTOGRAPHER Rachel Benavides PHOTOGRAPHY Jason Page Lillian Reitz

TMWILDFLOWERS.COM

BEHIND THE COVER: This month's cover features a gorgeous sunrise at Hancock Hill in Alpine, Texas. This is a 1.8-mile loop trail featuring beautiful wildflowers and is great for hiking, nature trips and bird watching. photography by Ben Panter/Visit Alpine

CONTRIBUTORS Luis Arjona Jillian Becquet Justin Butts Kayla Butts Jessie Chrobocinski Monique Dennis Jacqueline Gonzalez Julieta Hernandez Greg Horton Jo Anne Howell Suzzette James Mark Gregory Lopez Terrie Moore EDITORIAL INTERN Tyler Schultz

Follow Us

Get In Touch

@thebendmag

S ubmissions: kylie@thebendmag.com Ad v er t ising: gloria@thebendmag.com S ubscr ipt ion s: subscriptions@thebendmag.com

309 N. Water Street Corpus Christi, TX 78401 361.792.3606

The Bend, Vol. 9, Issue no. 3, is published monthly by Bend Holding Sub, LLC, 309 N. Water Street, Suite C, Corpus Christi, TX, 78401.

Periodicals Pending at Corpus Christi, TX and additional mailing offices.

Subscriptions are one year (12 issues) for $12.95 in the U.S. POSTMASTER send address changes to The Bend, P.O. Box 16765, Hollywood, CA 91615.

8 The Bend

Conserving water means fixing leaks.

ALL LEAKS, INSIDE AND OUT, BIG AND SMALL, RESULT IN LOST WATER. CHECK FAUCETS, HOSES, PIPES, SHOWERS AND TOILETS FOR LEAKS.

Corpus Christi Water Utilities thebendmag.com 9

CORPUS CORPUSCHRISTI CHRISTI PAIN P.A. PAINMEDICINE, MEDICINE,P.A. P.A.

“Making Lives Better” “Making Lives Better” “Making Lives Better” “Making Lives Better”

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Board BoardCertified CertifiedininPain PainMedicine Medicine Fellowship Trained Fellowship TrainedininPain PainMedicine Medicine

Specializing Specializinginin Interventional InterventionalPain Pain

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Are Pain?

Board Eligible Areyou yousuffering sufferingfrom fromChronic Chronic Pain?

Board EligibleininPain PainMedicine Medicine Dr. Dr.Lopez Lopezmay maybe beable abletotohelp. help.

Fellowship Trained Fellowship TrainedininPain PainMedicine Medicine

• Treatment options include injections reduce orall alleviate pain *that Treating types ofofand/or chronic • Treatment options include injections reduce or alleviate pain and/or *that Treating all types chronicpain pain a variety ofof pain relieving medications a variety pain relieving medications * *Most Mostinsurances insurancesaccepted accepted

* *Both Drs. are fluent inneck, Both Drs. areto fluent inSpanish Spanish • Treating allall types ofof chronic pain including, but not limited back, neck, • Treating types chronic pain including, but not limited to back, joint, muscle, leg, arm, hip, knee, pelvic, abdominal, headache, shingles joint, muscle, leg, arm, hip, knee, pelvic, abdominal, headache, shingles and diabetic pain. and diabetic pain.

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(Located (Locatedbetween betweenKostoryz Kostoryz&&Weber) Weber)

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Specializing inin Interventional Pain Specializing Interventional Pain

| | Fellowship Trained inin Pain Medicine Fellowship Trained Pain Medicine

Board Certified inin Pain Medicine byby the Board Certified Pain Medicine the American Board ofof Anesthesiology American Board Anesthesiology

Gabriel GabrielLopez, Lopez,M.D. M.D. Board Certified inin Pain Medicine Board Certified Pain Medicine Fellowship Trained inin Pain Medicine Fellowship Trained Pain Medicine

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361.225.0089 www.ccpainmed.com• •“Se 361.225.0089• •www.ccpainmed.com “SeHabla HablaEspañol” Español”

RE/MAX team at K-Space Contemporary “Open Door Project” by Nicole Schiller

With over 20 years of real estate, mortgage & title experience, The Travis Teel Team is a highly recognized group of dynamic producers

within the Coastal Bend. The Travis Teel Team at RE/MAX Professionals consistently goes above and beyond to deliver exceptional service and superlative results year after year. Their powerful combination of skill sets offer a unique “boutique” experience. Specialty Services include; each office is independently owned and operated

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CAL1187791 CAL1187791

EDITOR’S LETTER

V.IX 3.22 THREE TAKEAWAYS

Traveling Through Time (and Texas) On an entirely too windy Thursday afternoon, Kathryn Childers — the extraordinary subject taking center stage in one of this month’s features — arrived at The Bend’s office with a fully packed suitcase.

She wasn’t heading out for a road trip (more on that later), but was camera ready and wanted plenty of wardrobe options for her photoshoot. The moment her commanding presence walked through the door, I was entranced.

I am not sure what I was expecting when it came to meeting one of the first female Secret Service agents in history. But Childers, with her turquoise jewelry, six pairs of glasses and stories of a past life including everyone from Jane Fonda to Jackie Kennedy Onassis, was an energetic, zany breath of fresh air.

She handed everyone in the office an “official United States Secret Service pin” with a grin and followed with, “Don’t abuse this power.”

In “The Fascinating Life of Kathryn Childers” (PG 38), Senior Writer Kirby Conda

takes readers through the remarkable journey that is Childers’ life. From her childhood dreams of becoming her own version of Annie Oakley and making history as one of the legendary “First Five” to life after turning in the badge and making her way to the Coastal Bend, you’ll learn of the unlikely circumstances that led to Childers rocking the boat and helping to redefine what roles women should play and what they’re capable of bringing to the table.

As we enter Women’s History Month, it serves as a thrilling reminder of those who shot holes through the glass ceiling and helped pave the way for others to follow.

While Childers’ story transports us on a journey to times past, this month’s cover feature takes us all over the Lone Star State.

In this year’s Travel Issue, we decided to focus on areas of Texas less frequented than, say, Houston, Austin or Dallas. In “Yet to Explore” (PG 26), we take a look at Boerne, Wimberley, Salado and the Big Bend area, and share a few gems to check out once there. Idyllic swimming holes, picturesque town squares, lively local communities and breathtaking views await. Whether you’re looking to book your next family vacation or a getaway with friends, these four destinations won’t disappoint.

The month of March marks an exciting time for our team, but more so for the community, as the season of Local’s List commences. As you’re reading this, nominations for this year’s annual readers’ choice poll have officially opened. You can now nominate your favorite local businesses, people, places and services in over 100 categories on our website (thebendmag.com) for Local’s List 2022. I can’t wait to see this year’s results!

Kylie Cooper, Editor In Chief kylie@thebendmag.com

LENDING A HELPING PAW Pet Partners is an organization that firmly believes in the humananimal bond. The volunteer-based organization spends time with patients at Driscoll Children’s Hospital to help alleviate anxiety, fear and sadness. PG 18

A CULTURE OF MANY IDENTITIES The Museum of Hispanic Culture explores the diverse and multifaceted history of Spanishspeaking countries. Located inside the Lichtenstein House, this cultural institution brings a collection of people and places under one roof. PG 74

COASTAL WEAR FIT FOR A LADY CAPTAIN A new local boutique has opened up in Rockport and its inventory combines coastal vibes with an elevated chicness. Lady Captain, owned by Lauren Neal and Claire Craig, is your new shopping destination. PG 76 thebendmag.com 11

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12 The Bend

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3.22

AROUND THE BEND T R E N D I NG 14

WHAT ’ S ONL I NE 16

G I VI NG BAC K 1 8

5BEST 2 1

P OI 2 2

LENDING A HELPING PAW pg 18

photography by L I L L I A N R E I T Z

Pet Partners provides animal- assisted rehabilitation for patients

thebendmag.com 13

AROUND THE BEND TRENDING

Bright & Bold With spring comes a fresh and energetic style. Here are some products, both bright and bold, that are sure to liven things up.

3.

BY: TYLER SCHULTZ 4.

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1. SKINCARE BUTIK IS CLINICAL PRO HEALTH SERUM 2. LUCY’S SNACKBAR POPPY & POUT LIP BALM 3. CHIA HANDCRAFTED ROYAL BLUE TARYN EARRINGS 4. LADY CAPTAIN MADELLA MIDI DRESS 5. BETTY & JUNE I-SEA MAVERICK SUNNIES 6. PARK SEVEN SMILEY FACE COASTERS 7. COASTAL CLOSET MIAMI BEACH BOOK 8. COMMONS EVERYBODY KITCHEN TIMER

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the best craft cocktail | T HE PO ST the best children’s clothing | F O U R C H I C K S I N T HE PA R K the best personal shopper | Alexa Gignac at JU L I AN G O L D the best wardrobe stylist | Alexa Gignac at JU L I AN G O L D the best brunch | H E S T ER’S C A FE the best bakery | H E S T ER’S C A FE the best sandwich | H E S T ER’S C A FE the best asian cuisine | B KK T H A I KI TCHEN + B A R the best cafe | H E S T ER’S C A FE the best mixologist | Michael Green at T HE PO ST

A NN TAYLOR LOFT BKK TH A I KI TCH EN + BA R CH I CO’S FOUR CH I CKS I N TH E PA RK G OL DS MI TH J EWEL ERS G RAY P H OTOGRA P H Y H A RKNES S YOG A H ES TER’S CA FE H OT BOX S A LON A ND S H OP J UL I A N G OL D PA RK S EVEN P I L A R FA S H I ON & FOL K A RT TA L BOTS TH E P OS T YOL A COCINA MEX ICANA

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AROUND THE BEND WHAT'S ONLINE

Y O U R B E S T S H O T

online exclusive

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

@cclemishirephoto

10 Local Desserts to Try Now Whether finishing off a meal or treating yourself after a long day, the dessert game is a serious business. Thankfully for us, there’s no shortage of deliciously sweet treats in town, with everything from snow cones and ice cream to crepes and croissants. To make your search simple, go to thebendmag.com to read about 10 delicious desserts you must try in Corpus Christi.

@coastalbendandbeyond

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Trust Weichert® to help you find the home of your dreams. With our experience, expertise and resources, we make the big move go as smoothly and easily as possible.

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Move in. And feel right at home. Leave it to Weichert® to guide you home.

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Independently owned and operated. © 2020 Weichert Real Estate Affiliates, Inc. Weichert is a federally registered trademark owned by Weichert Co. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

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thebendmag.com 17

AROUND THE BEND GIVING BACK

Lending A Helping Paw PET PARTNERS PROVIDES ANIMAL-ASSISTED REHABILITATION FOR PATIENTS BY: MONIQUE DENNIS PHOTOS BY: LILLIAN REITZ

S

tudies have found the simple act of interacting with animals can lower blood pressure, decrease stress and eliminate loneliness while increasing emotional support. In knowing this valuable information, Driscoll Children’s Hospital decided to partner with the 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization Pet Partners to help ameliorate the health and well-being of individuals through interaction with extensively trained animals and their handlers.

Pet Partners is an organization that believes in the humananimal bond. It makes more than three million visits annually, with one of its stops being Driscoll Children’s Hospital. Sara Centeno, the volunteer services coordinator for Driscoll, said the hospital started using Pet Partners within its Child Life department to help ease the stress of the children’s medical journeys throughout their hospital stay. With the understandably high levels of anxiety, fear and sadness these patients undergo, the Pet Partners organization has made it its mission to bring as much joy to patients as it possibly can.

Centeno said the children’s eyes light up when the animals come and visit them. Nurses and doctors have commented on a noticeable increase in patients’ health and mood after spending quality time with the animals. In addition to providing comfort and joy to patients, 18 The Bend

Every Pet Partners dog has been temperament tested, and both dog and handler have passed the Pet Partners registration program.

the animals also spend time with hospital staff members, who deal with high levels of stress and emotions from caring for and emotionally supporting their patients.

Volunteers are always needed for the Pet Partners program, Centeno said; individuals can volunteer by becoming an escort, which entails visiting different patients to assist the handlers, or a certified therapy dog handler. Pet Partners visits nursing homes, veterans’ centers and rehabilitation centers as well as hospitals—the dog-assisted children’s reading program called “Tails for Tales” motivates and encourages children to read more often.

Pet Partners has taken the belief in the human-animal bond and used it to help people by incorporating a mutually beneficial relationship to improve the emotional, physical and social lives of everyone it serves.

CONTACT: 361-694-5011 | volunteer@dchstx.org

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WEEKLY DROP NEWSLETTER TB

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NEWS UPDATES EVENTS & HIGHLIGHTS sign up online

thebendmag.com @benjaminsurfnskate

Oyster.TexasSeaGrant.org The coast is your oyster.

Locally owned since 1976

Since the recent legalization of oyster farming in Texas, the coast is open for business. You can join this new industry!

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Texas Sea Grant’s new oyster farming website provides information on: Permitting • Setting Up Farms • Growing Large, Delicious Gulf Oysters • And More!

AROUND THE BEND 5 BEST

Hummus Plates DISCOVER THE FIVE BEST PLACES IN CORPUS CHRISTI TO INDULGE IN THE BEST-TASTING HUMMUS SPREADS BY: KYLIE COOPER PHOTO BY: RACHEL BENAVIDES

LISABE LLA' S BIST RO & B A R

According to several historical sources, the earliest mention of hummus, the simple yet delicious spread, dates back to Egypt in the 13th century. And while there are a vast number of variations and ways to eat this popular dip, a handful of Coastal Bend eateries are mastering the craft.

Middle Eastern Market & Deli

Ginger Café & Grill

Elizabeth’s at the Art Museum

This local favorite offers a sizable menu of mouthwatering Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine, and Ginger Café’s hummus is hard to beat. The puree of chickpeas with sesame tahini, garlic and lemon juice comes served with fresh pita bread and chips.

Mediterraneaninspired cuisine served within a vibrant atmosphere — Elizabeth’s is one of the Coastal Bend’s newest local hot spots, and its hummus is just one of the reasons why. The homemade hummus is served with olive oil, zhoug, harissa, paprika and warm naan.

7009 S Staples St.

A&A Gyros and More

6314 Yorktown Blvd #201

GINGER CAFÉ & GRILL

A&A Gyros and More makes traditional Greek dishes packed with flavor.

One feature of the Mediterranean Spread Sampler is the Greek Kalamata Hummus, which combines its homemade chickpea spread with spices and Greek olives.

5405 Everhart Rd.

Effortlessly bringing the taste of the Middle East to the Coastal Bend, Middle Eastern Market & Deli’s hummus is a must.

Order the appetizer portion or the hummus wrap for a little something extra.

1902 N Shoreline Blvd.

Sufi Kabob

7150 S Padre Island Dr.

Sufi Kabob’s menu takes inspiration from Mediterranean, Pakistani, Persian and Indian cuisines. The hummus alone, made from mashed chickpeas and blended with tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, salt and garlic, is enough to get us there, but the homemade garlic naan is a welcome addition. thebendmag.com 21

AROUND THE BEND PERSON OF INTEREST KC: After an intensive six-week stay at the Texas NeuroRehab Center, you were able to walk out on your own. What was that rehabilitation process like?

JC: The rehabilitation process was intense.

I had an hour of physical therapy and an hour of occupational therapy every day, and even when I was feeling down, the therapists came into my room and got me up and going. I had so much support from the therapists and the nurses, which made it easier to stay positive even though none of my family was able to visit due to COVID. My husband Larry camped outside my window every day to spend time with me and bring me the kind of food I loved. Texas Neuro was a blessing!

KC: Do you feel your professional dance background aided you in the rehabilitation process, both mentally and physically?

JC: Oh, for sure! As a ballet-trained dancer, I learned early on in my dance career that hard work pays off, so when I had my spinal cord injury, the first thing that ran through my mind was that I needed to physically put one foot in front of the other and work hard. Determination has gotten me far in so many areas of my life, and dance training is very similar. My dancer friends will agree with me that if you don’t put in the time, energy and work, you won’t get very far.

It’s the same in life and any traumatic life situation.

Jilissa Cotten

IN CONVERSATION WITH TAMU-CC’S ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR AND DIRECTOR OF DANCE ON HER LIFE-CHANGING ACCIDENT, A NEW-FOUND PERSPECTIVE AND HER LOVE FOR DANCE BY: KYLIE COOPER PHOTO BY: LILLIAN REITZ KC: In the summer of 2020, you suffered a spinal cord injury from a traumatic water-related accident, which left you paralyzed from the chest down. Take me back to that day and what was going through your mind.

JC: At the time of the accident, all I could think about was, “Please, God, let me walk again.” I didn’t even think about not being able to use my arms or hands.

Once I started walking, I thought, “Maybe I should have prayed to use my arms and hands first.” It took me months to use them, which meant I couldn’t be as independent as I wanted. It also took me months to realize I wouldn’t be dancing like I used to. The day of the accident, my life as I knew it was dead. I now have a new life, and I have to figure out how I can incorporate my love for dance in this new body.

22 The Bend

KC: You returned to work as the Associate Professor and Director of Dance at TAMU-CC in the spring of 2021.

What, if any, new perspective on dance and teaching did you bring with you?

JC: I had to learn how to teach differently and embrace it. For my entire teaching and choreographic career, I have demonstrated the movement—and now I can barely get down to the floor and back up without the music passing me by! At first, I was extremely frustrated and questioned my ability to be a good teacher and mentor, but then I realized my students are smart and inquisitive enough to ask questions and listen when I explain choreography or use teaching concepts using other parts of the body and leaning into the expressive ways of moving.

Rapid Fire Q's – What's your favorite dance movie?

Dirty Dancing (can never get enough of Patrick Swayze)!

What was the hardest dance style for you to learn?

Tap. My ankles were too stiff because I started dancing en pointe at age 10.

If you were on “Dancing with the Stars,” who would you want as your partner?

I don’t really watch “Dancing with the Stars,” but I would love to dance with Derek Hough (I know, he’s probably considered old school by now).

What are your favorite local businesses to visit?

Water Street Oyster Bar, BKK Thai Kitchen + Bar, Pilar, Made in Corpus Christi, and Tannins Wine Bar + Tapas.

KC: What advice would you give to others facing adversity of any magnitude?

JC: Do the work, whatever that means to you, just do the work. I would never be where I am today if I stayed in my bed feeling sorry for myself. Not to say I don’t have tough days, because I do, but even on those hard days, take a little time to cry, scream, beat something—and then move on with your day by doing the work.

KC: What is your first cognizant memory of dance?

JC: At age five or six, we had dress rehearsal for our recital and I KNEW my dance! My group got onstage and the entire class forgot the dance except me, which made it look like I didn’t know the dance. I started to cry and told my parents I quit and was not performing the following night. Sure enough, I have to thank my parents for encouraging me back on that stage because at age 53, I still get to do what I love: dance and perform.

KC: What does dance mean to you?

JC: I produced and edited a video this year to share with our college students what I have experienced over this last year and a half, and at the end, I asked my students and colleagues to share what dance meant to them. My response was, “To me, dance is life.”

CONTACT: @jlcface thebendmag.com 23

BRAIN INJURY AWARENESS MONTH

The national healthcare accrediting agency, Joint Commission, recognizes Corpus Christi Rehabilitation Hospitals’ ability to rehabilitate patients with a range of brain conditions and injuries. CCRH is the only nationally recognized facility accredited in South Texas for patients and families.

Our goal for patients in our Brain Injury Rehabilitation program is to enable each patient the ability to attain his or her highest level of mobility and independence, self care, communication, cognition and psychological adjustment following a brain injury or illness.

If you, your patients or loved ones need a comprehensive approach to regaining functional mobility and independence, contact Corpus Christi Rehabilitation.

Hospital’s referral line at (361) 906-3700 For more information about Corpus Christi Rehabilitation Hospital, please visit CCRH.ERNESTHEALTH.COM 5726 Esplanade Dr., Corpus Christi, TX 78414

24 The Bend

ARE OPEN

NOMINATION

Nominate your favorite local businesses!

February 28th - March 21st thebendmag.com

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Yet 26 The Bend

To

ENDLESS HIGHWAYS AND WIDE-OPEN SPACES PROVIDE A PLETHORA OF TRAVEL DESTINATIONS WITHOUT LEAVING THE LONE STAR STATE. SO WHY NOT CHOOSE A PLACE YOU’VE YET TO EXPLORE? WHETHER YOU’RE LOOKING FOR AN ART-CENTRIC ESCAPE OR AN ADVENTURE IN NATURE, HERE ARE A FEW ROAD TRIP IDEAS.

Clockwise from top left: Dinner spread from Stagecoach restaurant; Jessica Attie. Pool bar at Shady Villa Hotel; Nick Simonite.

Getaway Hill Country house: Provided

by Getaway. Gage Hotel exterior; Matt Gee. Roadtrip ready in vintage covertible; Lillian Reitz. Alpine landscape; Erik Zimmer.

Explore Hitting the road for unexpected Texas adventures by

Kylie Cooper

thebendmag.com 27

EXPLORE

Boerne

Located just 25 minutes north of San Antonio off Interstate 10 in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, Boerne combines the ambiance of a small town with natural beauty and a lively community. The Hill Country Mile, Boerne’s historic Main Street named one of the “Top 25 Small Town Main Streets in America” by Country Living Magazine, boasts more than 80 colorful storefronts, art galleries, delicious restaurants and landmark buildings, and the city’s parks, trails and lake are filled with lush nature ready to be explored. Meandering paths along Cibolo Creek offer picnic tables, fishing piers and paved trails. You could easily spend a few hours lounging, walking, or biking in Cibolo Trail River Road Park alone. The city as a whole is extremely walkable, making exploration even easier. Boerne is bursting at the seams with scenic views and passionate local business owners, with creativity and history filling every corner, making it one of the most idyllic Texas towns to visit.

Tapatio Springs Hill Country Resort

Botero Tapas + Wine Bar

An ode to all this region has to offer, Tapatio’s grounds are surrounded by rolling hills, rugged limestone and crystal clear waters. The 220acre property features an award-winning 18hole golf course from renowned architect Tripp Davis, a tranquil adults-only pool, the Puresólspa (which includes an authentic salt cave that will boost respiratory wellness, circulation, and skin health—resulting in a renewed you), the Texas-forward flavors of modern restaurant La Cascada Table & Bar and so much more.

Here you’ll find authentic Spanish cuisine with innovative twists in the heart of Boerne. A menu of traditional tapas, mouthwatering paellas and a variety of sangrias and wines, plus regularly scheduled live music, makes Botero a must when in the area.

Art Al Fresco This walkable art adventure allows visitors to get up close and personal with large-scale sculptures placed throughout the city. Art Al Fresco encourages onlookers to interact with the pieces, including a giant dragonfly, a pink unicorn and a colorful chameleon with wings.

Cibolo Nature Center Encompassing over 160 acres and two campuses, the center is filled with natural wonder and wildlife.

Miles of trails and five ecosystems provide one of the most serene resets you’ll discover in your travels. You might just forget you’re even in Texas while you’re here.

28 The Bend

Cave Without a Name Said to be one of the most beautiful natural, living caverns in Texas, Cave Without a Name is filled with spectacular formations of all kinds.

Tours of the six major areas are offered, and their Music in the Cave events held in the Throne Room are considered one of the most memorable music experiences you’ll ever have.

Opposite: Cibolo Trail River Road Park and Art Al Fresco; Provided by Boerne Convention and Visitors Bureau. Clockwise from top left: Cave Without a Name; Tom Summers. Puresólspa Salt Cave, Tapatio lobby seating, Tapatio Springs Golf Course; Provided by Tapatio Springs Hill Country Resort.

Spread from Botero Tapas + Wine Bar, Outdoor seating at Cibolo Creek Brewing Co.; Provided by Boerne CVB.

Peggy’s on the Green Named after chef and owner Mark Bohanan’s late mother, Peggy’s on the Green is located inside the historically significant Kendall Inn. Serving lunch and dinner, the Southinspired, all-American menu includes everything from hush puppies to a cast iron double pork chop.

Cibolo Creek Brewing Co. This spot’s brews range from a selection of seven-barrel “Large Batch” varieties to unique one-barrel “Small Batch” flavors.

The local favorites are said to be the Boerne Blonde and Creekside IPA, which it keeps on tap year-round. The flavors extend to the kitchen via its lunch and dinner menu and Sunday brunch specials.

Other Boerne gems to check out: Diamond C Stables, Trisum Sailing, The Dienger Trading Co., Richter’s Tavern and Little Gretel Restaurant thebendmag.com 29

Wimberley EXPLORE

Often described as one of the most picturesque Texas towns, Wimberley is filled with refreshing swimming holes and creeks, an energetic town square, worldrenowned creatives and a welcoming atmosphere unlike any other. Located smack-dab in the middle of San Antonio and Austin, this Hill Country haven doesn’t have a bad angle. Swimming in Blue Hole Regional Park, Jacob’s Well or the Cypress Falls Swimming Hole and climbing up the 218 stone stairway of Old Baldy to take in the views are among the obligatory activities; but don’t forget to check the iconic Corral Theatre’s schedule for outdoor movie screenings and The EmilyAnn Theatre and Gardens to see what family-friendly production is set for the Main Stage theatre. You can easily spend an entire day strolling through the town’s Square, which acts as a hub of local love with rows of boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants. Wimberley Market Days, which returns this month, is the Hill Country’s oldest outdoor market and the second largest in Texas, with over 475 booths of treasures, tree-shaded paths, live music and BBQ. Regardless of your itinerary, Wimberley’s special brand of southern hospitality makes everyone — yes, even tourists — feel at home.

30 The Bend

The Lazy Lavender Unique design and personal touches come together to create this dreamy lodging experience. Each house on the property exudes a different personality while combining luxury elements with second-hand finds.

Owner Nathali Barlas’ distinct design eye and attention to detail will help elevate your Wimberley stay.

The Wimberley Inn + Bar Effortlessly straddling the line of modern city vibes and smalltown Texas charm, this chic boutique hotel serves as another great lodging option. The cocktail-centric bar, located inside the old Innkeeper's Cottage, and exclusive access to the Blanco River — via its sister hotel 7A Ranch — make this spot even more appealing.

Creekhouse Soul-satisfying food, creatively curated cocktails and a modern design located right on Cypress Creek sets this place above the rest. The Creekhouse menu has something for everyone, including a variety of gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options.

Silo Glass Studio & Gallery This is a must-visit when in Wimberley.

The gallery itself features dozens of artists specializing in various 3D artforms, while the architectural showroom and studio contains architectural and home accessories.

When available, studio tours provide visitors with a jaw-dropping look inside the fused glass studio and how warm glass is created.

Wimberley Valley Winery The Texas Hill Country is no stranger to wine, and (when in Rome …) you’ll want to stop here.

Both educational and delicious, wine tastings are available inside the Tasting Room — with no reservations needed for parties less than six.

A retro, double-decker bus serves up express bottle and glass service on the patio.

Clockwise from top left: Porch swing at Lazy Lavender; Rowdy Winters. Spread from Creekhouse; White Light Exposure. Zipline; Wimberley Zipline Adventures.

The Leaning Pear exterior; Tristan Rhodes. Room at The Wimberley Inn + Bar; The Wimberley Inn + Bar. Exterior drone shot of Lazy Lavender; Rowdy Winters.

The Leaning Pear Housed inside one of the area’s oldest restored structures, this restaurant’s philosophy centers around sharing good conversations over fresh, seasonal and local food. The fried Brussels sprouts, grilled steelhead trout and house-made gelato are just a few of the delicious items you’ll find.

Wimberley Zipline Adventures If you’re interested in exploring the beautiful Hill Country from a bird’s eye view, book a reservation here. A walking tour leads you to the start of a 10-zipline course through hills, meadows and canyons. Things to keep in mind: A new beer garden just opened on site, and bookings are $20 off on Tuesdays!

Other Wimberley gems to check out: Getaway Hill Country, Longleaf Craft Kitchen + Bar, Rough Creek Ranch and Lavender Fields and Basecamp Gallery

thebendmag.com 31

EXPLORE

Salado

Endless construction on Interstate 35 made visiting this Central Texas town deeply rooted in history a bit challenging. But with completed roadwork, renovated gems and still-standing landmarks, a handful of new restaurants and a thriving local community, the Village of Salado is ready to be explored. A revived Main Street now features dozens of lively store fronts, galleries, antique shops and treasured local spots, and more than 40 historic sites in and around the city also make it a great destination for the history buffs.

Nature abounds with options such as spending a day at Salado Creek or walking around the Salado Sculpture Garden, where numerous art pieces are displayed within a natural landscape. While a getaway to Salado certainly offers a quiet respite, it also provides visitors with a unique look into the independent spirit and friendly atmosphere living in the heart of Texas.

Shady Villa Hotel & Stagecoach Restaurant A private oasis in a small-town setting, Shady Villa is a must when lodging in Salado. Formerly the Stagecoach Inn, the renovated 1950s hotel brings new life to the midcentury architecture.

Its restaurant’s menu pays homage to the building’s history with original items like the Strawberry Kiss, while serving up new favorites such as the Stagecoach Smash Burger and panseared salmon.

Soeur Boutique & Wine Bar A newer addition to the action on Main Street, this lifestyle boutique and wine bar combines two of life’s greatest pleasures: sipping and shopping. The store features a collection of home goods, clothing, accessories and more.

Salado Glassworks The 5,000-sq.-ft. gallery and working studio space is where you’ll find the most entrancing pieces of hand-blown glass. Take a sideline seat and watch the artists work their magic, or schedule a trip around one of the “Blow Your Own” events, where guests are invited to interact with the art firsthand.

Rio Salado Cocina y Cantina If you’re looking for a Tex-Mex fix while on vacation, this is the spot. Rio Salado has a spacious outdoor patio, some of the best margaritas you’ll find in Central Texas and a menu filled with freshly made and flavorful favorites.

32 The Bend

Uniquely Salado This artist collective houses over 30 local artists with a wide range of mediums, from traditional paintings to woodworking. Salado is home to a thriving art scene, and this gallery is a one-stop shop to view some of the best in the community.

Clockwise from top: Ro Shaw Clay Studio, Shady Villa Pool Club; Nick Simonite. Spread from Rio Salado Cocina y Cantina; J. Genevieve. Lively Coffee House & Bistro exterior; Courtesy of Visit Salado. Interior detail at Stagecoach Restaurant; Nick Simonite. Brunch Spread spread at Stagecoach Restaurant; Jessica Attie.

Barrow Brewing Co. Housed in the old Silver Spur Theatre, this is Bell County’s first and only microbrewery. Its high-quality craft beer is available for sipping in the tap room or beer garden. Live music, the occasional yoga class and rotating food trucks — such as the popular Happy Pizza Co. — add to the overall Barrow experience.

Ro Shaw Clay Studio With pieces included in many public collections and publications, Ro Shaw is a ceramicist with phenomenal skill.

For Shaw, the kiln is always hot, and to share his passion, he offers a variety of workshops and classes. Make sure to call the studio ahead of time to check on availability.

Other Salado gems to check out: Lively Coffee House & Bistro, Main Street Bar, Salado Olive Oil Company, Chupacabra Craft Beer, Milk Creek Golf Course and Salado Winery

thebendmag.com 33

Big Bend EXPLORE

The Big Bend area is home to some of the state’s most breathtaking views, extraordinary culture and fascinating history. Over one million acres of public land, including Big Bend National Park and Big Bend Ranch State Park, make the area one of the best places in the country to hike, camp, river run, mountain bike and everything in between. Since most of the cities and communities located throughout can be explored in a day or so, we’re looking at a few of our favorites: Terlingua, Alpine and Marathon.

The ghost town of Terlingua, once a mining town around the turn of the century, has excellent views of Santa Fe de Los Pinos, Chisos Mountains and the Mule Ear Peaks. While microscopic in population, Terlingua is home to unique lodging, marvelous sightseeing and a world-famous chili cookoff. Alpine serves as the hub of Big Bend; while visiting, make a point of hiking through Davis Mountain State Park and up the Hancock Hill Trail to take a seat at the famous desk three local students carried up in 1981. Marathon has been blessed with the darkest skies in the lower 48 states, making it the best place in the country to stargaze. Visit the folks over at Marathon Motel for a star party, to wonder with awe at the magic in the night sky.

La Posada Milagro Spacious and bright with a touch of Mexico, La Posada Milagro has a little bit of everything.

Guesthouses offer a rustic approach to luxury for those looking to stay a while, and Taqueria El Milagro (authentic Mexican fare, BYOB) and Espresso Y Poco Mas (varied beverages, along with breakfast and lunch options) are must-visits.

Basecamp Terlingua Offering a variety of luxury lodging options just minutes away from Big Bend National Park, Basecamp Terlingua stretches across FM 170.

Guests can choose between smaller options such as the lotus tents, campsites and retro trailers, or for larger parties, the famous bubbles or a casita would do.

Top: Desk at Hancock Hill; Brandon Hayse / Visit Alpine.

Alpine landscape; Erik Zimmer / Visit Alpine 34 The Bend

Terlingua, Alpine & Marathon Texas Horseback Adventures This unique attraction offers an open style of horseback riding in the Davis Mountains of West Texas with custom rides designed for the whole family to enjoy.

Responsive Quarter Horses take riders safely to the pinnacle of ultimate views.

Evans Gallery and Klepper Gallery West Texas is no stranger to the arts, and these two galleries feature the best of Big Bend photography from James H. Evans and E. Dan Klepper. The former’s featured work mostly consists of the area’s landscape and inhabitants, while the latter showcases both the landscape and vibrant culture of the region.

The Century Bar and Grill Located inside the historic Holland Hotel, the Century boasts contemporary, upscale cuisine steeped in history, to be enjoyed in the Rio Grande Room, at the Chef ’s Table, which features a view of the open kitchen, or outside in the courtyard.

Stacked Rocks at La Posada Milagro, Terlingua Ghostown sign; Deirdre Hanlon-Jones Spread at 12 Gage Restaurant; Jason Risner. On trail with Texas Horseback Adventures; Provided Texas Horseback Adventures

Railroad Blues The pinnacle of a live, funky music experience. Established in 1983, the stage has seen many a music legend and its amiable mood personifies Alpine’s friendly spirit.

Museum of Big Bend One of the few remaining Texas Centennial Museums still operating as a museum, it truly acts as one of the best introductions to the area. Browse through its exhibitions to learn more about Big Bend’s tri-county story.

Gage Hotel At the Gage, you’ll find laid-back luxury, gracious hospitality and superior dining: award-winning food at the 12-Gage Restaurant, one of Texas Monthly’s “Top Hotel Bars” at the White Buffalo Bar and a perfect showing of Texas barbeque at Brick Vault Brewery & BBQ.

Other Big Bend gems to check out: Big Bend Holiday Hotel (Terlingua), Starlight Theatre Restaurant & Saloon (Terlingua), Texas Horseback Adventures (Alpine), Cedar Coffee Supply (Alpine), French Co. Grocer (Marathon) and Big Bend Pizza (Marathon) thebendmag.com 35

36 The Bend

Fred Darge Paints the Big Bend and Beyond April 22 - June 4, 2022 OPENING RECEPTION Friday, April 22, 5:00-7:00 pm SYMPOSIUM - Saturday, April 23, 11:00 am -3:00 pm - Presentations about Darge and Western art by a variety of speakers.

Friendly Encounter by Fred Darge

Both events will be at the Museum of the Big Bend. Free to members, $5.00 for non-members

HERITAGE DINNER - Saturday, April 23, starting at 5:00 pm - Honoring the Kokernot family. Hosted by the Gage hotel at the Ritchey Building in Marathon. Catered by the Brick Vault Brewery and Barbecue.

Ticketed event

www.museumofthebigbend.com

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thebendmag.com 37

38 The Bend

written by KIRBY CONDA

THE FASCINATING LIFE OF KATHRYN CHILDERS

portrait by LILLIAN REITZ

SOUNDS LIKE THE TITLE OF A HIT BLOCKBUSTER MOVIE — AND RIGHTFULLY SO. A STORY WORTHY OF THE GOLDEN GLOBES IS RARELY COMPLETE WITHOUT BEING BASED ON TRUE EVENTS, AND IN CHILDERS’ CASE, IF HOLLYWOOD EVER DID COME A -KNOCKING, THE TALES OF HER REAL LIFE WOULD SWEEP ALL THE AWARDS. PG. 39

thebendmag.com 39

BORN IN 1947, CHILDERS, KNOWN AS KATHRYN CL ARK AT THE TIME, WAS THRUST INTO THE “NO GIRLS ALLOWED” GENERATION OF AMERICA. As a young child, she was acutely aware of the lack of opportunity for women and their inability to “do what men do.” The ’50s and ’60s were defined by laws that were made to exclude women, which bled into the social and cultural fabric all across the country.

Under the circumstances — she valued athletics, but women’s sports teams were nonexistent — Childers fulfilled her childhood dream of becoming Annie Oakley by accompanying her father while bird hunting. She loved the precision and skill bird hunting required, as well as the athleticism. At the time she had no way of knowing these skills would come in handy for her history-making role as one of the first females to be hired as a federal agent in the Secret Service; making her one of the “First Five,” alongside Phyllis Shantz, Sue Ann Baker, Holly Hufschmidt and Laurie Anderson.

But as it was happening — both hunting with her father and later being hired into the Secret Service in 1970 — Childers didn’t identify with the magnitude of these major life events or the influence she would ultimately have on her generation in all the years to come. “At the time, I wasn’t aware of the historical impact,” Childers said.

In the years between child huntress and becoming one of the first female secret agents, Childers gravitated toward volunteerism in college.

40 The Bend

Left: Kathryn sitting in the Executive Protective Service training class as the only woman.

Right: Kathryn joined by special agent Baldelli at the New York Field Office to celebrate a trunk of thousands of bogus bills after a successful buy.

She found herself leading other groups of women in organized efforts to advocate for various social groups, and accepting speaking opportunities on the University of Colorado campus. “People called us the ‘women’s lib-ers,’” Childers recalls about her student activism.

The women’s movement of the 1960s was rising, and especially palpable on college campuses. Still, there were many unknowns for women seeking equal rights and opportunities — in the classroom and in the workforce. “We were knocking on the door of independence without a way to pay the rent,” she explained.

By now, Childers’ “backpack of experiences and skills was bulging,” as she put it, and when the Secret Service became the first federal agency to hire female agents, Childers felt the dots of her experiences connecting. “It is a remarkable challenge to be the first,” she said, “and it doesn’t mean you’ll be the best.”

Childers’ history-making legacy comes with a powerful slogan — it is said that she “shot holes through the glass ceiling,” and while Childers is fond of this recognition, she is graceful in her assertion that while she may have been one of the first, her contribution to history lies deeply in making way for more dynamic women to cross the same threshold.

Her many agency assignments included protecting the President and world leaders, including Prince Juan Carlos of Spain, investigating counterfeiting, working undercover alongside New York City law enforcement and most notably protecting the Kennedy children — Caroline and John Jr. — while traveling with Former First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, and Childers maintains that it was these experiences that taught her how to be comfortable in any situation. “Including the courage to explore other careers,” she said. Her work in the Secret Service gave her everything she could ever want in a fulfilling career, but her life was missing the family aspect. Traveling the globe charged with some of the most dangerous assignments wasn’t conducive to having a marriage and starting a family.

When the time came, Childers found herself in the Coastal Bend, where she pursued a new life and love.

She traded her pistol for a podium and found herself in the anchor’s chair of her own morning television show, “Morning Magazine” on Channel 3, where she spent 18 years on-air. Childers interviewed a plethora of high-profile celebrities and local icons, often with very little notice or time to prepare. What she loved about television was the fast-paced, unpredictable environment that kept her on her toes. In many ways, Childers found the newsroom to be much like being in the field as a federal agent.

After moving on from television, Childers started a media/publishing company, and sold 10,000 copies of a children’s book which she wrote based on a fluke Christmas Eve snowstorm — Snow: The South Texas Christmas Miracle 2004. Later, the book became a series when Childers co-wrote More Snow for Kids with her son, Clark L. Childers. It was illustrated by a legendary local potter, William Wilhelmi.

Each endeavor Childers has embarked upon contains a common thread of humanitarianism and her passion for people. She has always had a deep connection to volunteering and offering her time, resources and skillset to bettering the community and giving a voice to causes that matter. “Volunteering was my ticket into the city,” explained Childers. When she was new to town, Childers joined the Corpus Christi Arts Council and the Junior League of Corpus Christi. These non-profit organizations allowed her to meet the movers and shakers, and identify areas of opportunity where she could lend her experiences.

It should come as no surprise that Kathryn Clark Childers’ debut novel, Scared Fearless, is about the journey she calls her life. The title was influenced by her favorite motto provided to her by her father — “Do it scared” — and the book takes readers on an in-depth journey of the places she’s been, the people she’s protected and the world around her that she has made extraordinarily fascinating.

Left: Kathryn with the “Mod Squad, “consisting of Special Agent Bill Montgomery and Angie Angelone, posing as antiwar protestors.

Right: Swearing-In Day (from left to right): Phyllis F. Shantz, Kathryn Clark Childers, Holly Hufschmidt, Sue Ann Baker and Laurie B. Anderson.

In the book, Childers writes that the sharing of her story isn’t so much a retrospective of policy change inviting women into the Secret Service, but more a way to look back at a time when the playing field for women was dismal. She poses the question, “Why, some fifty years ago, did the Secret Service decide to bring women into the fold of one of the most elite, highly trained cadres of men to protect some of the most important places and people in the world?”

Her answer to that question, she writes, is merely speculation, but it speaks to the idea that the need for change was recognized by the men in charge, and that she was one of the first five young women lucky enough to be brought into the ranks and give it a try.

Although it was unlikely at the time, having the chance to rock the boat and pioneer a new line of thought regarding what roles women should play and what they’re capable of bringing to the table makes the fascinating life of Kathryn Childers all the more remarkable, and remains an important chapter in the history book of women and their extraordinary abilities and accomplishments.

thebendmag.com 41

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44 The Bend

3.22

HEALTH BE WEL L 46

BEAUTY 48

KIMMY HUYNH'S GO-TO BEAUTY PRODUCTS pg 48

photography by L I L L I A N R E I T Z

Beauty editor, influencer and entrepreneur shares a few of her must– have products

thebendmag.com 45

HEALTH BE WELL

Now Experiencing: Restorative & Yin Yoga Finding ways to center ourselves is crucial. Restorative and Yin Yoga are beneficial in helping to do just that. Both stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, which promotes relaxation and brings focus to the breath. While they are similar in providing a slow-paced experience, they differ in that Restorative is more about supporting your body, allowing it to relax and heal; while Yin is more about stretching and applying gentle stress to certain spots. In order to get a feel for these gentler yoga practices, three of our team members visited local yoga studios to report back on their experiences.

“If I am going to be active, I shy away from any activity that won’t get my heart rate up to at least 130 BPM. However, the older I get, the more I have learned to incorporate slower movements and the importance of recovery in between the harder sweats. That is why I was thrilled to attend a Yin class at Akasha Yoga & Meditation. I’m not usually a big ‘class’ person, and I was a bit nervous. However, the moment I walked through the doors, my nerves dissipated. Upon arrival, I was greeted by the official studio pup Shay and owner Cheryl Lehman; both instantly made me feel right at home.

Our instructor for the Yin class was Susanna Beirich, and her calming presence and glowing energy was intoxicating. She helped everyone set up their props and lightly assisted with poses throughout the practice. Yin flow is a gentle approach to yoga which increases circulation in the joints, improves flexibility and takes more of a meditative style. Beirich’s guidance allowed for modifications to either get a deeper stretch or make the pose less challenging.

Each pose was held for several minutes, allowing both your body and mind to be fully present and enveloped into the practice. " Read full review online.

– KYLIE COOPER, E D I T O R I N C H I E F 46 The Bend

“I have begun to include restorative yoga in my well-being routine, especially during the last two years. As a former athlete and person who likes intense workouts, I have often opted to shy away from exercise classes that don’t make me sweat. However, recently I have been attending Restorative yoga classes in the Coastal Bend. Restorative Yoga itself is an opportunity to reconnect with your body, breathe and hold positions much longer — sometimes up to 5 minutes — for deep stretches and restoration to the muscles and surrounding ligaments.

Somos Yoga is a cozy space, for smaller class sizes of around eight people.

The room was the perfect temperature with incense and relaxing music. Somos offered the traditional props of blankets, bolsters and blocks, but I also had the opportunity to use straps to help hold positions and relax other muscle groups during the pose without straining or having to work to get into position.

Restorative yoga is about comfort, not sitting in silent pain during poses. The instructor Kaeli offered small touches of towels with essential oils to cover your eyes, reinforced comfort and offered suggestions for modifying poses."

Read full review online.

– SUZZETTE JAMES, C O N T R I B U T O R

“I’ve attended a few yoga classes throughout life, but I carry stress in my shoulders and hips — think the Tin Man before the oil. Combine that with no memory recall when given instructions and you have my current practice of ‘Yoga Pants That Never Go to Yoga.’ So, when Harkness Yoga posted that Susanna Beirich was starting a new class on Thursday mornings for those who want to increase mobility through gentle moving, the Yin Flow practice piqued my interest.

The studio space was clean and serene, which I loved, and Beirich greeted me with the energy usually reserved for a best friend. Mats, blocks and blankets are all available if needed, so no worries about having the right equipment. Beirich was guiding and encouraging, offering suggestions and sprinkling bits of wisdom that sink in and become helpful when tackling a pose. When I was unable to simply bend toward my toes, she sweetly said ‘not every pose serves you.’ While she credited T.K.V. Desikachar, author of The Heart of Yoga, it was her sharing that gift of wisdom that eased my mind and relaxed my muscles. She then placed a rolled blanket over my lap to make the pose easier and I was able to actually bend forward."

Read full review online.

– TERRIE MOORE, C O N T R I B U T O R

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HEALTH BEAUTY

Kimmy Huynh's

go-to BEAUTY PRODUCTS BEAUTY EDITOR, INFLUENCER AND ENTREPRENEUR SHARES HOW SHE REPLENISHES HER OWN CUP AND A FEW OF HER MUST-HAVE PRODUCTS BY: KIMMY HUYNH PHOTO BY: LILLIAN REITZ

I

have lived a million lives in a whirlwind of major cities before checking out what Corpus Christi has to offer, due to my partner’s burgeoning medical practice, Advanced Pain Specialists. Having grown up in Dallas makes me a Texas girl at heart, but I spent most of my career living the big-city life in Miami, San Diego, Las Vegas, Denver, Los Angeles and New York.

After having worked alongside celebrities, renowned beauty insiders and highly regarded medical professionals, I had such apprehension about trialing the unknown down South: Would I ever find my people here? I have — and so much more, with a Texas glam squad that is pretty well up to par with the Hollywood heavy hitters!

As a beauty editor and influencer, there’s a level of glamour and enticing appeal to get to sneak a peek behind the curtain of the fashion and beauty industry.

Yet, it is intrinsically more than just the face value of it all, but what it instills within us and how it brings out the complete confidence of a consumer, so that each person can make their difference in the world.

Now, my life is continually trying to achieve a more meaningful balance among being a mom, beauty editor, entrepreneur and supporter of my partner’s medical career. I lost myself entirely into motherhood, and when I emerged, I was a completely different woman. In the nine months of pregnancy, no one even mentions, “You’re about to meet someone entirely new.

And it’s not your baby. It’s going to be you.” I was always running on empty, depleted of any joy.

Over time I’ve learned you cannot pour from an empty cup, and you cannot have what’s in my cup. Now, coming from a place of immense self-love and self-care, it’s all about giving from all the overflow. Love is so limitless, and just the daily practice of this replenishes and refills the cup. I can then serve as I’m meant to in all areas of my life and for my community. So, as each month adds on to my time here in Texas, I find myself overflowing with appreciation for this hidden gem of the sparkling city by the sea. With my beauty expertise, I hope to bring a cosmopolitan and luxurious med spa experience and product line catered to the Texas skincare aficionados in the near future.

48 The Bend

ARTISTRY BEAUTY EXPERIENCE

“I have dedicated myself to the highest standards of the ART of PLASTIC SURGERY, but I never forget the human need.”

• Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery • Certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery • Certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery

DID YOU KNOW? •

For the past 25 years, Dr. Herve` Gentile`s practice has been 100% exclusively limited to Aesthetic Surgery and all aspects of non-surgical Cosmetic Treatments.

•

Dr. Gentile held a teaching position since 1993 as Clinical Assistant Professor of Surgery (Plastic Surgery) at the Medical College of Georgia, Univ. of Georgia Systems.

•

Triple Boarded Plastic Surgeon Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, the American Board of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. Dr. Gentile was one of the first of only a handful of Triple Boarded Plastic Surgeons.

•

Served in the USAF flying F- 4 Phantoms. This contributed to the formation of the necessary discipline of quick decision abilities required to be a complete rounded plastic surgeon.

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With his artistic abilities, Dr. Herve` Gentile designed the first in-office surgery center accredited in South Texas in the late 90`s. It features the most current technology which provides for patient convenience, comfort, and privacy with all the safety features, but without the added expenses and inconveniences of a hospital setting.

•

Dr. Gentile`s tip when seeking plastic surgery is to expect to improve your looks and raise your self-esteem, but you must be prepared to have realistic expectations. Due diligence is a must in choosing the most qualified surgeon.

Many are practicing without the necessary experience and qualifications. Dr. Gentile`s artistic skills, extensive training and years of experience allows him to confidently perform a variety of advanced procedures.

HERVE` F. GENTILE MD, FACS A BETTER YOU COSMETIC SURGERY & LASER CENTER

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Membership matters:

Dr. Gentile is member of the elite American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and others too many to mention.

He is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons and the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.

•

Has been an invited speaker by many Plastic Surgery Societies and Institutions including the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery in the US and Internationally (Miami, Dubai, Monaco, Rio de Janeiro, etc…)

•

Continually voted by his peers for many years to be included by Castle Connolly® and earlier by Best Doctors of America®. Both are the US preeminent medical-database authority to identify the highestrated specialty physicians, all of whom are nominated by their peers after an extensive survey process of thousands of doctors each year.

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Skinbetter Alto Defense Serum & AlphaRet Everyone should have a retinol or retinoid in their anti-aging routine; it’s proven time and time again to help cell turnover.

AlphaRet does it gently and effectively without giving you the flakey retinoid ugly phase. Alto Defense Serum is chockfull of vital antioxidants, leaving you radiant and protected against damaging free radicals.

Available at Corpus Christi Institute of Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery UBeauty Resurfacing Compound My girlfriend, Tina a.k.a. The Bag Snob, who is synonymous with glass skin, came out with this ingenious product with SIREN technology. It helps uncover that hidden beauty behind your layers of dead skin.

Available online via UBeauty Olaplex and Milabon Haircare Biologique Recherche P50 1970, Colostrum Serum, Crème Vernix, Masque Vivant and VIP O2 Buy the best, and you’ll only cry once. A French-based regimen, tailor-made to your skin type to enhance that natural beauty. They are undoubtedly the stinkiest of all skincare, but they are my cult favorite Holy Grails and I will keep slathering the smell to achieve the baby skin results they give.

Available at Skincare Butik Botox A great skincare regimen can only do so much; I duly attribute injectables to turning back the clock on steroids. Fine lines, be gone, but also there are so many inventive uses — such as microtox, tech neck reversal and migraine protocols. I’m also an anxious sleeper by clenching my jaw, so Botox has helped reduce TMJ. SkinMedica TNS Advanced Serum This is literally magic in a bottle, evidence of a skin-rejuvenating formula that visibly improves the appearance of coarse wrinkles, fine lines and sagging skin. The supercharged star ingredients are special growth factors that show results in as little as two weeks.

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In Texas — the land of blondes, but where no one is truly blonde — I have found my hair savior, Chatty Celeste, who rivals some of the best hairstylists across the nation. I naturally have jet-black hair with brassy undertones, and she manages to get me to my blonde girl dreams, keeping my long locks cool, bright and healthy with Olaplex and Milabon haircare products.

Olaplex available at Riptide Salon Gel X

This became one of my favorites after giving birth. I was able to introduce back more active ingredients, yet also gone were the days of a 12-step routine. Hello, “wham-bam-thank you ma’am,” one cream and you’re done. Plump, dewy skin without all the hassle.

Available online at Augustinus Bader Tripollar Stop X Radio-frequency technology to deeply penetrate and target areas, to keep your face and jawline snatched to the gods.

Its lifting, sculpting and skin-tightening benefits are worth the wallet sticker shock. It’s a soothing, FDA-approved at home device, building collagen to help plump and firm the skin with a soothing warmth.

Available online at Tripollar Stop X MUTHA Body Oil and Body Butter When my dear friend Hope Smith heard of my high-risk pregnancy woes and autoimmune issues, she sent over her miracle butter and silky oil. These help prevent and reduce stretch marks to keep my mum tum from looking like it got attacked by Freddy Krueger; it’s calming, healing and best at fading away the marks, so ideal both during pregnancy and postpartum.

Available online at MUTHA Sakara Beauty + Detox Drops

Often imitated, yet never duplicated — Apres Nails Gel-X system is unrivaled for those seeking an alternative to acrylic, hard gels and extension nails. If you’ve ever admired a red carpet mani or nail art from a reality star or fave celeb, it’s practically guaranteed to be Gel-X soak off gel extensions.

These drops help hydrate and remineralize the body, and give skin a lit-from-within-glow.

Sakara vitamin supplements and metabolism powder have been life-changing for my gut and mental health. Mix it with coconut water or coffee for caffeine fiends, sprinkle in some functional adaptogens and kickstart your day.

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Dyson Airwrap and Colorwow Dreamcoat

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For the ultimate at-home blowout. Sleek, silky hair with the option to curl and style without damaging your hair. It gives you a salon-quality look in the convenience of your home in half the time. Colorwow Dreamcoat simulates a keratin treatment without all the harsh chemicals and heat, lasting up to 4 washes.

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Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream

Once the pandemic hit and we were all sheltering at home, I missed the spa days and just sweating out all my weekend sins. This at-home sauna blanket feels like a human burrito, but it truly gets the job done with its infrared rays for a restorative yet euphoric high and unbelievable glow.

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HOME & GARDEN O PE N H OU SE 5 4

G A RDENI NG 62

SPAC ES 6 4

ENTERTA I NING 67

OLD & NEW MEETS CAPE COD BLUE pg 54

photography by J A S O N P A G E

An Ocean Drive dream home that still honors its past lives

thebendmag.com 53

HOME & GARDEN OPEN HOUSE

54 The Bend

Old & New Meets Cape Cod Blue AN OCEAN DRIVE DREAM HOME THAT STILL HONORS ITS PAST LIVES BY: JACQUELINE GONZALEZ PHOTOS BY: JASON PAGE

E

very house carries a history within its walls, a story of different lives lived — and the historic homes in the Ocean Drive area are perfect examples. When Nikki and Alan Nisbet discovered the 1930s white Cape Codstyle home with blue shutters, they fell in love … not only with the exterior, but also with the fact that the home was filled with so much history, and that they would be next in line to add to it.

As the fifth family to live in the home since its original construction, Nikki and Alan were excited to move on with the project and make the space their own. With history at the cornerstone, Nikki wanted to create a thread linking the past and the future. “The problem is that I’m very sentimental,” she said with a smile. So, instead of undoing or covering prior renovations, she decided to keep some of the changes and additions made throughout the years, while also adding in a more contemporary touch to reflect their tastes.

For the home’s central color palette, a clean and crisp combination of black and white aids in incorporating that contemporary mood. Cool hues of blue are also seen throughout the home to bring a calming feeling while nodding to both the exterior shutters and ocean. This color scheme, juxtaposed with more neutral tones, allows the traditional elements of the home to shine without overpowering the contemporary elements.

thebendmag.com 55

It could be seen as a challenge to add modern design elements to a 1930s Cape Cod-style home, but with expertise and eye for detail from Elizabeth Welsh of Elizabeth Welsh Interior Design, the Nisbets were able to create balance by taking elements of both styles to design a unique aesthetic that introduces a new chapter to the story of the home.

To preserve some of the home’s history, elements such as the kitchen cabinets with original glass and soapstone countertops, a bar area, the sunroom with slate tile flooring, the dining room’s built-in shell-shaped shelving and the elevator were kept intact, providing a backdrop to bring in the more modern elements.

When it came to updating spaces in the home, each decision was thoughtful and intentional. A few foundation and floorplan

56 The Bend

changes were made to create easier access from room to room, and to incorporate more arches throughout. The kitchen got a facelift in the form of a fresh paint job, and while the cabinets and walls remained white, the island was painted the same shade of blue as the outdoor shutters. Adding intrigue and dimension to the kitchen area, the backsplash was upgraded to a Moroccan Zellige, and black and white flooring was installed.

The use of eye-catching wallpaper and tiling in many areas of the home adds a unique and refreshing personality throughout.

In the master bath, seafoam green glass tiling lines the shower’s interior and carries over to the faucet handles. In their daughter’s room, a love of lavender inspired a more feminine aesthetic with custom-colored tile made in Morocco for the flooring,

thebendmag.com 57

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pearlescent subway tile in the bathtub and brushed gold finishes throughout. The wallpaper in her bedroom keeps to the same theme and features a playful floral wallpaper. In the downstairs hall bathroom, wallpaper featuring a painterly, abstract pattern bursting with color adds visual interest to what can oftentimes be an overlooked room in the house.

The formal dining room also benefited from a fresh coat of paint in a slate blue hue, from floor to ceiling. This allowed Nikki to keep the original style of the shell-shaped shelving while elevating it with the choice of paint color. The bi-fold and tri-fold doors in the space were kept, as an original feature,

and plans to have replicas made to incorporate in other doorways are in the works.

Although the Nisbets have made headway with their renovations, they still have more projects underway. They have plans for built-in shelving additions, closet upgrades, bead board ceilings, contemporary light fixtures and many other finishing touches as they wait for delayed items to arrive. They’re also working on an outdoor landscaping design with a privacy wall, pool upgrade and renovations to the circle drive.

Welsh and Nikki agree the most anticipated upgrade is to the fireplace and mantel in the sunroom. They’ve already begun by wiping the

While the master bath was kept rather neutral, an injection of color in the form of seafoam green glass tiles is used in the shower and as accents on the faucet handles.

thebendmag.com 59

slate clean on the fireplace in order to bring in a more adobe, Santa Fe Monolithic treatment. The design adheres to a contemporary theme with fire spheres, rather than the traditional logs, that mimic the round design on the black and white flooring in the kitchen, along with the spheres on the base of a round dining room table also set to be added. The fireplace is flanked by a shiplap wall that was once part of the home’s exterior before the sunroom was added by a previous owner. The combination of these two components is on par with the family’s goal to combine the past with the future.

Although the pandemic has slowed down many of their planned renovations, Nikki and Alan are proud of the little details Welsh has helped them accomplish to make their home truly unique. The couple loves the coziness and warmth of the home and the many stories they can share about its history. This is only the beginning, though, and many projects are underway to continue adding to the legacy of this one-ofa-kind landmark home.

60 The Bend

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125 Ropes | $650,000 | 4/3/2 | Pool 12510 Ropes pool Hewit| |$549,500 $750,000||4/3/1/2 Vacant|lot 3913 Ocean | $2,250,000 | 6/6/1/2 | Pool | Waterfront | Tennis 5810 Ocean | $1,599,000 | 4/5/2 | Pool | Waterfront

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thebendmag.com 61

HOME & GARDEN GARDENING

Showstopping Blooms

ADDING LANTANA TO YOUR COASTAL BEND GARDEN TO ATTRACT BUTTERFLIES AND BIRDS BY: JUSTIN BUTTS

L

antana is an evergreen shrub native to the tropical regions of Africa and South America. But don’t let the foreign origins fool you; lantana plants love the weather of the Coastal Bend! They are durable, drought-tolerant and easy to grow. They thrive in the worst heat of summer when few South Texas plants can muster flowers, and these tough shrubs are simply gorgeous in full bloom.

A mature lantana planted in full sun and grown in healthy soil offers hundreds of tiny flowers. This amazing show of blooms in a wide variety of colors make lantana a gorgeous backdrop as a hedge. Older lantana plants that have not been killed in a freeze can grow very tall, with dense greenery, brilliant flowers and large, woody stems.

They also make beautiful potted plants; just make sure to bring them inside during the few freezing nights in winter and you will enjoy a lush plant throughout the year. Trailing lantanas are great in hanging baskets as stunning accent plants with long stems of blooms.

Lantanas are an essential plant in any butterfly garden. Birds, especially hummingbirds, love the flowers, so in late summer, your beautiful lantanas will provide a glorious show as birds and butterflies flutter about the blooms.

a need-to-know basis GROWING UP

PROFILING

LO C A L R E C S

F U N FAC T S

Spacing, 12” to 18”. Height, 24” to 36”.

Easy to grow. Plant from transplant in March. Full sun; shaded plants grow slowly with fewer blooms. Any welldrained soil. Add several inches compost, plus two cups pastured poultry manure and two cups native wood ash.

Add two cups pastured poultry manure at first sign of blooms. Compost with native leaf mulch. Water as needed once established.

An evergreen shrub with many clusters of small flowers in red, orange, pink, purple, yellow or white. To grow lantanas as a low hedge, space in line at 15” and prune to form dense hedge.

As a potted plant, grow in full sun and bring inside during freeze. For hanging baskets, “trailing lantana” makes a gorgeous accent plant. Trailing lantanas also make excellent ground cover. Grow new plants from cuttings, not seeds.

"Lantana is tough and beautiful just like South Texas. It's versatile across different design styles and feeds pollinators, which is very important! We typically have 10-12 different varieties in stock, and the bees and butterflies love them all. Texas native lantana is best for birds, Purple trailing lantana spills beautifully out of containers or raised beds and Dallas Red lantana is great as an accent or for mass planting."

Lantanas are remarkably tough and resilient plants. They can take harsh winds, saltwater spray and the worst heat of summer. They can withstand mild Coastal Bend winters, but will die to the ground in a freeze. However, they will regrow quickly in the warm weather of spring. After the epic freeze last February, all of our frozen lantana plants regrew rapidly from their roots in March.

Each spring, prune any dead limbs to speed regrowth.

- Jesse Jenkins, Owner and General Manager, Gill Garden Center + Landscape Co. @gills.corpus

62 The Bend

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HOME & GARDEN SPACES

BABY TALK Don’t pick a theme; instead, strive for an emotion. Soft colors keep it serene and restful. Dark grays ground the space and provide a strong feeling.

Paper flowers, some made from Bible pages, are a beautiful reminder of the blessings of nature.

Inspiring wonder and awe of our earth’s little creatures can be done through fun animal additions. A furry lamb tuffet, wicker unicorn toy basket and a papier-mâché stag mount introduce this concept here.

Bringing Up Baby TIPS AND TRICKS FOR A SERENE NURSERY BY: TERRIE MOORE PHOTOS BY: RACHEL BENAVIDES

64 The Bend

W

hy do such tiny beings require so much stuff?

Honestly, they don’t. The U.S. baby products industry sold over $1.7 billion dollars of merchandise in 2021.

That’s a lot of businesses convincing a lot of people that they need a lot of stuff.

My advice is to keep it simple and leave space in the baby’s room for growth and change. A firm crib mattress without surrounding bumpers is the recommended sleeping surface for newborns. A soft chair with arms will make feedings comfortable.

A changing station is a must, but opting for a daybed or small sofa to get the job done makes converting your nursery into a toddler’s room even easier. Last but not least, don’t forget a large soft rug that invites everyone onto the ground to experience those first attempts at crawling.

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get the look

Velvet Swivel Chair Chic to Chic Handmade Paper Flowers Posh & Posy Stag Mount and Lamb Tuffet Restoration Hardware Crib Bedding and Wicker Toy Basket Pottery Barn Rug HomeGoods

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HOME & GARDEN ENTERTAINING

Little Bunny on the Way BY: JO ANNE HOWELL PHOTOS BY: RACHEL BENAVIDES Seasonal Bites When planning a catering menu, the time of year should always play a factor. Incorporating seasonal elements into your spread allows for the freshest of ingredients to be used. For this event, fresh fruit, springtime salads and sandwiches, carrot cake cupcakes and custom cookies were served.

parting words For this springtime baby shower, a theme of “bunnies in the garden” was chosen.

While we originally planned to host the event outdoors, the weather had other plans, and having a strategy to move indoors is fundamental in event coordination. Luckily, Hester’s at Lamar Park has both a wonderful courtyard and dining room. Lush florals and greenery helped carry the garden theme indoors.

Jo

Flowering Gifts Party favors serve as a thoughtful way to express gratitude to your guests and provide a sweet memory from the event. Following with the theme, beautifully wrapped hyacinth bulbs were given out.

I always recommend coming up with a useful party favor guests will actually keep and use.

xo,

thebendmag.com 67

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Beyond Barbecue in Kansas City WHERE TO EAT, STAY AND PLAY FOR A KC GETAWAY BY: GREG HORTON

T

ell someone you’re headed for Kansas City, and the first question is likely to be some variation of “Which is your favorite barbecue place?” This probably isn’t the answer your questioner wants to hear, but the truth is there are dozens of better reasons to go to KC than any one meat emporium.

Kansas City is decidedly blue-collar, and it’s a description they embrace with pride; the city was built on railroads and manufacturing. The influx of Italian immigrants—mostly Sicilian— in the late 19th century has added an Old World ethnic vibe that’s easy to love, especially in joints like Garozzo’s Ristorante and Lidia’s, and in Lazia’s modern evolution.

Much of the city’s reputation as a destination was formed in the Pendergast years, when political boss Tom Pendergast resisted Prohibition and made the city famous for booze, jazz and debauchery, earning the (likely self-chosen) nickname “Paris of the Plains”— ironic given that Kansas City is not in the Great Plains, nor does it

70 The Bend

From the legendary 18th and Vine jazz district to Power and Light to the Crossroads, Kansas City’s districts offer beautiful cityscapes and hours of discovery, dining and entertainment.

feel like it. The city is lush, in fact, and the autumn season features a beautiful wash of crimson and gold.

The jazz lives on from the Prohibition years, especially at Green Lady Lounge and the Black Dolphin. A who’s who of jazz musicians and vocalists make their way to and through Kansas City every year, and the clubs offer live music every night. And Kansas City is still a haven for distillers: J. Rieger & Co., Union Horse, Tom’s Town and others keep the tradition alive.

And, yes, it has delicious barbecue, but a spate of James Beard nominations and awards over the past 25 years have established Kansas City as a multidimensional food city, too. Locals will tell you it always has been, and evidence is in their favor. The diversity ranges from barbecue to Italian, Vietnamese to soul food and modern American to North African. A handful of those Beard nominations have been for bar programs, including Antler Room, so excellence abounds at every level in KC.

photography: U N I O N S K Y L I N E : J O N AT H A N TA S L E R . KC S T R E E T C A R : P R O V I D E D BY V I S I T KC

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thebendmag.com 71

BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT TODAY!

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FINANCING | CONTACTLESS PAYMENT | WIFI/COFFEE | LOCAL SHUTTLE 72 The Bend

HOW TO DO KANSAS CITY

photography: LAZIA AT CROSSROADS HOTEL: PROVIDED BY CROSSROADS HOTEL. GIN AND COCKTAIL: PROVIDED BY J. RIEGER & CO. DISH FROM ANTLER ROOM: PROVIDED BY ANTLER ROOM. J. RIEGER & CO. SLIDE: WALKER GASTINGER

WHERE TO STAY The Crossroads Hotel, located in the district of the same name, is the repurposed Pabst Brewing Depot, built in 1911. Much of the original building has been left intact, and wood from the original facility floor has been used for walls throughout the hotel. Its location is far enough from the noise of downtown, but still close enough to make West Bottoms an 11-minute drive, and Green Lady Lounge an 11-minute walk.

Lobby bar XR is stunning, with excellent service, solid cocktails and a nice whiskey selection. Modern Italian concept Lazia is on site, and its menu is one of the best in Kansas City.

WHERE TO EAT Antler Room alone is worth the trip.

The husband-and-wife team of Chef Nick Goellner and Leslie Newsam Goellner (her bar program is a Beard nominee) have created a pocket of awesomeness on a sleepy street away from the ruckus of downtown. The menu is focused on small plates, creative cuisine—the best dish I had in KC was the carrot fritters with house-made hot sauce—and brilliant wine pairings. The soup dumplings are a local favorite, but Goellner prepares duck like no one else in the city. Antler Room manages to be very local, with neighborhood regulars just popping in, while also welcoming to visitors, and accessible to many diners: I had four courses and two glasses of wine for $100, and could have been content with half that.

If you have time, Corvino and Rye are absolutely worth your time, and you should absolutely experience the lobster pasta and agnolotti at Lazia. For a quick peek at another Kansas City, the Crossroads Hotel is a five-minute walk from Town Topic, a walk-up burger joint that is comfort food perfection.

WHERE TO PLAY

WHERE TO DRINK

Vacation with the kids? Kansas City has that covered too. You can catch a Royals game if you’re in town at the right time, and if not, Kaleidoscope is a free, hands-on art center for kids, and one of the most popular destinations in the city. It is undergoing updates currently, and should reopen this spring. For the budding athlete, there is the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, an interactive record of the contributions of Black athletes to the culture of American baseball. Two world-class art museums provide additional education and entertainment: The Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art features modern and contemporary art, and the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art has an extensive collection dating to ancient times.

The aforementioned Green Lady has excellent cocktails, and Swordfish Tom’s is a must (it’s a few minutes from the Crossroads Hotel, too). You’ll definitely want to check out the Rieger distillery, where J. Rieger & Co., have resurrected Kansas Citystyle whiskey and produced some of the best gin in America. Its blend of 9-year bourbon, 12-year American whiskey and two-percent Oloroso sherry is a return to an historic use of sherry in American whiskey. It also has a beautiful bar upstairs where you can test its line of whiskeys in Old Fashioneds or other favorite cocktails.

thebendmag.com 73

OUT & ABOUT ARTS & CULTURE

A Culture of Many Identities EXPLORING THE IMPORTANCE OF THE MUSEUM OF HISPANIC CULTURE BY: MARK GREGORY LOPEZ PHOTOS BY: RACHEL BENAVIDES

W

hat’s in a name? Shakespeare himself posed that question in Romeo & Juliet.

When someone speaks Spanish or shares a love of pan de polvo, does that automatically make them Hispanic or Latino? In the grand mirror of language, what person stares back at the reflection of such a name? These are questions the Museum of Hispanic Culture hopes to come to terms with.

Housed in the Lichtenstein House at Heritage Park, the museum highlights the many places that share this beautiful and sometimes complicated heritage. Part of the Instituto de Cultura Hispanica de Corpus Christi, this small museum aims to advance and promote the history of Hispanic culture and tradition in South Texas under one roof. “[The museum] is important because it’s a way for people to know there isn’t only one country Hispanic people come from—because people sometimes think Hispanic is the same as Mexican,” said Olga Velasquez, the museum

74 The Bend

manager. “At the museum, we highlight 23 Spanish-speaking countries, that come from Spanish descent, including the USA. We have showcases, flags and information about all those countries, and we are very proud for people to know that we are very diverse, even though we all speak Spanish.”

While the Coastal Bend is no stranger to the Latino experience, what with taquerias, Tejano and tamales, there are so many citizens of this city that don’t necessarily come from that background, or maybe share personal connections rooted in their own country’s individuality.

“When you come from one of the Hispanic countries, you don’t even see your color. We don’t have a color. I’m mestizo. I’m mixed. I have Indian. I have African. I have white. I don’t know what I am,” Velasquez said. “Besides that, we don’t recognize ourselves maybe in the global scene.

We say Hispanic or Latino, but we rarely say Venezuelan, Peruvian, Chilean."

Special exhibitions are featured periodically and admission to the museum is always free.

One of the museum’s main focuses in its exhibits is to show though each of these Spanish-speaking countries owes its language and parts of its heritage to the Spaniards, there are still so many things that differentiate one from another.

“We should all be proud we come from Spain, and that we separated in time, and we were influenced by different countries in each country,” Velasquez said. “Each country has their own typical food and dress because in the end, even though we were conquered by the Spanish, we had indigenous tribes. Each tribe is different in each country, and some overlap countries.

"We were all once one country, but in the end, the influence of the things that came after is what made us what we are today.”

Which is exactly what Velasquez hopes people take away from their visit to the museum. That a vast collection of people and places and traditions and cultures make up the heritage and history beautifully recounted within its walls.

CONTACT: 1819 1617 N. Chaparral St. 78401 | 361.879.0336 Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10AM-2PM thebendmag.com 75

OUT & ABOUT DISCOVERIES

Coastal Wear Fit for a Lady Captain WOMEN-OWNED BOUTIQUE DEFINES THE STYLE OF THE SOUTH TEXAS COAST BY: JESSIE CHROBOCINSKI PHOTOS BY: LILLIAN REITZ

I

f you're one to embrace nature, enjoy life's finer things and not take anything too seriously, then Lady Captain is the boutique for you.

Inspired by the Gulf Coast gal who can catch a fish and then set a gorgeous table for her catch of the day, Lady Captain curates a line of thoughtful clothing selections, home goods and accessories that are both sophisticated and laid-back.

Located in Rockport, Lady Captain was founded

by Lauren Neal and Claire Craig to bring definition to South Texas Coast style, and partner silhouettes with activewear elements for versatile clothing fit for any occasion.

Lady Captain carries brand names uniquely found in the Coastal Bend and its signature clothing 76 The Bend

line, which features a women's fishing tunic— comparable to a shirt dress version of a fishing shirt, catered to a feminine figure.

"We just kind of noticed [that] when people were down here, they're always wearing oversized fishing shirts, or the only option for women was a fitted fishing shirt, which isn't necessarily the most comfortable when you're out on a boat. So we created a women's fishing shirt flattering on any shape— that's part of our utility collection," said Neal.

Lady Captain's Resort collection includes comfortable pieces that are easy to throw on, from linen to seersucker. Neal and Craig made each piece versatile enough to be dressed up or down. "We knew we wanted it to be somewhat ‘utility’ to cater to the

Shop Lady Captain's signature line and more from the comfort of your own home, online at ladycaptain.com

TREAT YOURSELF TO CLINICAL LUXURY Aquagold therapeutic infusion reaches the impossible zone.

It’s the layer too shallow for dermal filler, but too deep for topicals.

fishing and active lifestyle of the Gulf Coast, but also feminine and sweet in an homage to the modern hostess," Craig said.

"Take the high-quality women's fishing shirt: It's water repellent and breathable, so it's made to wear on a boat, but you can also pair it with jeans and wear a dressy shoe for dinner at the Yacht Club," said Neal.

The pair says their idea of a Lady Captain is that she’s active, and not afraid to get out in nature, but also enjoys hosting a dinner or cocktail party and can conjure up an aesthetically pleasing tablescape.

Keeping that idea, along with all body types and sizes, in mind when curating

their shop’s inventory is fundamental to achieving their overall goal.

"We definitely have something for everybody, especially our clothing line. We wanted to make sure that it fits all sizes, too.

Some of our stuff is oversized, and some are more fitted,” Craig said. “We wanted to make sure everyone who entered Lady Captain could leave with something."

H ALCYON

MED SPA (361) 452-2637 halcyonmedspa.com @halcyonmedspa 7002 S. Staples

CONTACT: 1819 Broadway St | @ladycaptainco thebendmag.com 77

OUT & ABOUT DATEBOOK

MARCH 2022

Calendar Events 42 ND ANNUAL FULTON OYSTERFEST MARCH 3-6

A salute to the tasty bi valve found in our local waters.

Oysterfest is a weekend long event that features carnival rides, games, food, an oyster eating contest, live music, unique vendor booths and most of all - fun for the whole family!

402 N FULTON BEACH RD.

60 TH ANNUAL TEXAS JAZZ FESTIVAL MARCH 18

Three stages of live jazz music, incredible food and market vendors come together in Heritage Park for this classic Coastal Bend event. The festival is free to enter and presents amazing entertainment you won’t want to miss. 1581 N CHAPARRAL ST. 78 The Bend

CORPUS CHRISTI SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA PRESENTS GERSHWIN RACHS MARCH 12

Featuring selections by Saint-Saens, Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninoff and Gershwin, join the CCSO for a night of music. The concert will include performances by Susan Sturman, principal cello, and Mikhail Berestnev on piano.

6300 OCEAN DR. #5723

2022 WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH 5K/10K MARCH 19

Join V-Fit Productions for the 1st Annual Women’s History Month 5K and 10K event.

Participants are invited to run or walk the course beginning at Cole Park Pier.

2600 OCEAN DR.

TOUCH-A-TRUCK MARCH 19

The 4th Annual Touch-ATruck event hosted by Junior League of Corpus Christi is a free, family-centric event at Whataburger Field offering children a handson opportunity to explore working trucks of all types, as well as meet the people who operate them.

734 EAST PORT AVE.

ROCKPORT SPRING ART FAIR

CRAWFISH FOR A CAUSE MARCH 26

Pinch, peel and eat for a cause!

Join Leadership Corpus Christi’s Class of 50 for a crawfish cook-off in support of the Salvation Army of the Coastal Bend. Tickets are limited and include admission, all you can eat crawfish and the chance to vote for your favorite team.

15820 PARK ROAD 22

MARCH 25 - 27

32 ND ANNUAL FOOD & WINE CLASSIC

The Rockport Spring Art Fair features various galleries and collectives from around the state in one space for acquisition and collection.

Tickets to the fair can be purchased online, and proceeds benefit free and low cost cultural programming of Rockport Center for the Arts.

402 N FULTON BEACH RD.

Sample world class domestic and imported wines along with a variety of decadent gourmet cuisine at the Soloman P. Ortiz Center. All proceeds from this event benefit KEDT. Tickets are available online at KEDT’s website.

402 HARBOR DR.

MARCH 31

UPCOMING EVENTS Downtown MAR

WILLIAM CLARK GREEn

MAR

Giovannie & the Hired Guns The spazmatics 10 Years Jon Wolfe

11 & the Shaker Hymns

24

APR

01

APR

03

APR

09

Pickup

APR

22 Taylor swift inspired Dance Party

APR

23 RUSSELL BOYD’s Sing-Along Piano Show

Easy online orde r i ng AT B R EW ST ER ST R EET. NET MAR

05

Diamond’s Edge

MAR

12 The GROOVE

MAR

19 Splendiferous

MAR

26 Passing Strangers

Over 100 whiskeys

Do YOU DARE to try them all?

listen. drink. play.

RockitsCC.com 709 N. Chaparral St.

(361) 360-0330

COMING SOON Mar 18 Kevin Gates + Snow Tha Product Mar19 Parker McCollum with Mike ryan, Slade Coulter & Jacob Stelly MAR 30 Papa Roach with Hollywood Undead & Bad Wolves APR 02 311 APR 15 Beartooth with Silverstein, The Devil Wears Prada & ERRA May 12 RUSS & Friends jul 23 Koe Wetzel & Friends Jul 31 Rebelution with Steel Pulse, DENM & DJ MAckle

concretestreet.net

thebendmag.com 79

3

1

21

4

5 1

6

2022 Corpus Christi Heart Ball benefitting American Heart Association - Texas

1. Kellie Shipley, Kristine Caruso, EJ Goodroe, Marisol Ramirez, Jason Houlihan, DeeAnna Heavilin, Ed Cantu, Kelsey Reed Chopelas, Keith Heavilin, Amalia Ferguson and Colin Chopelas 2. Nancy Dinh and Bryce Herrmann 3. Raphael and Dr. Mary Dale Peterson 4. William Durrill and Liz Mathews 5. Mark & Bernadette Strauss 6. Brandon & Cassy Fleming and Amanda & Rob Pruett 7. Frank DelaRosa, Shannon Gulley, Brian Gulley, Liz Hanna and Paris Hanna 80 The Bend

17

PHOTOS BY: RACHEL BENAVIDES

OUT & ABOUT SOCIAL HOUR

thebendmag.com 81

Who is Scout?

Scout is Kennedy Dental Care’s certified therapy dog. Scout’s job is to take the edge off of nervous and uncertain patients or parents.

She will make your child’s visit with us even more fun and enjoyable.

Please follow us on Instagram and Facebook for more Scout content!

Benefits of Therapy Animals Studies have shown that being in the presence of an animal companion, reduces any stress or anxiety and also comforts people.

I would like Scout at my appointment. What do I do?

Please let us know when you make your appointment so we can make sure Scout will be at the office for your visit. She does have trainer mandated off-days during the week, so it is important to request her when you schedule your appointment.

Twinkle Everyone loves a visit from the toothy fairy! Twinkle the Tooth Fairy provides a program designed to teach children dental habits. This program is funfilled, engaging and educational! Programs are offered to day care centers, preschools, elementary schools, and summer programs throughout Corpus Christi and the surrounding areas.

SARATOGA OFFICE:

CALALLEN OFFICE:

ALAMEDA OFFICE:

6200 Saratoga Blvd. Bldg. 1

13725 Northwest Blvd. Ste. 270 Corpus Christi, TX 78410

3435 S. Alameda St. Ste. A Corpus Christi, TX 78411

Corpus Christi, TX 78414

PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY

82 The Bend

ORTHODONTICS

PAULKENNEDYDDS.COM 361.992.9500

T O P AT T O R N E Y S 2 0 2 2

Summary. To create the list, the magazine contracted DataJoe Research to facilitate an online peer-voting process and Internet research process. DataJoe Research is a software and research company specializing in data collection and verification, and conducts various nominations across the United States on behalf of publishers. To create the list, DataJoe Research facilitated an online peer-voting process. We paired this with an Internet research process to identify success characteristics. DataJoe checked and confirmed that each published winner had, at time of review, a current, active license status with the appropriate state regulatory board. If we were not able to find evidence of a lawyer's current, active registration with the state regulatory board, that lawyer was excluded from the list. In addition, we checked available public sources to identify lawyers disciplined for an infraction by the state regulatory board. These entities were excluded from the list. Finally, DataJoe presented the tallied result to the magazine for its final review and adjustments.

Final note. We recognize that there are many good lawyers who are not shown in this representative list. This is only a sampling of the huge array of talented professionals within the region. Inclusion in the list is based on the opinions of responding lawyers in the region. We take time and energy to ensure fair voting, although we understand that the results of this survey nomination and Internet research campaign are not an objective metric. We certainly do not discount the fact that many, many good and effective lawyers may not appear on the list.

Disclaimers. DataJoe uses best practices and exercises great care in assembling content for this list. DataJoe does not warrant that the data contained within the list are complete or accurate. DataJoe does not assume, and hereby disclaims, any liability to any person for any loss or damage caused by errors or omissions herein whether such errors or omissions result from negligence, accident, or any other cause. All rights reserved. No commercial use of the information in this list may be made without written permission from DataJoe. Questions? For research/methodology questions, contact the research team at surveys@datajoe.com.

thebendmag.com 83

2 0 2 2 T O P AT T O R N E Y S

ADOPTION LAW

Gary A. Hall

Gary A Hall Attorney At Law 361-885-0943

Emmett R. Reyes

Law Office Of Emmett R Reyes PLLC 361-944-4529

Tiffany Fader

Law Office Of Tiffany Fader 361-887-9900 APPELLATE LAW

Hon. Gregory Perkes

John D. Bell

Ronald A. Simank

James W. Upton

CIVIL LAW LITIGATION

Paul Kratzig

Perkes Law Firm PC 361-813-8003

Upton Mickits & Heymann LLP 361-884-0616

David Walsh

Walsh Law Firm 361-882-2088

Benny Cason

Webb Cason & Manning 361-887-1031

Wood Boykin & Wolter PC 361-888-9201

William Asare

Bonilla & Chapa PC 361-881-1000

Amanda N. Torres Branscomb Law 361-886-3800

Emily Arnold

AVIATION LAW

Branscomb Law 361-886-3800

Jason P. Hoelscher

J.D. Egbert

Bandas Law Firm PC 361-238-2789

BANKRUPTCY AND WORKOUT

Richard W. Crews

Clay E. Coalson

Kevin Michael Maraist

Lauren Braddy

Anderson Alexander PLLC 361-452-1279

Robert Clore

Donnell Kieschnick Wolter & Gamez PC 361-888-5551

Connor R. Adamson

Gault Nye & Quintana LLP 361-654-7008

Thomas F. Nye

Gault Nye & Quintana LLP 361-654-7008

Chris M. Cessac

Heygood Orr & Pearson 214-237-9001

Rob George

Liles White PLLC 361-826-0100

Brian C. Miller

Royston Rayzor Vickery & Williams LLP 361-884-8808

Audrey Mullert Vicknair The Law Office Of Audrey Mullert Vicknair 361-884-5400

Sico Hoelscher & Harris LLP 877-631-9965

Anderson Lehrman Barre & Maraist 361-884-4981

Shelby A. Jordan Jordan & Ortiz PC 361-884-5678

Peter E. Avots

Wood Boykin & Wolter PC 361-888-9201 BUSINESS LAW

Shannon M. Wilde Branscomb Law 361-886-3800

Marshall R. Wilkerson Davis Hutchinson & Wilkerson LLP 361-882-2272

Shannon Stokes-Russek Porter Rogers Dahlman & Gordon PC 361-880-5808

Eric I. Barrera

ARBITRATION AND MEDIATION

Royston Rayzor Vickery & Williams LLP 361-884-8808

Andrew J. Lehrman

Stephen C. McMains

Anderson Lehrman Barre & Maraist 361-884-4981

David J. Dunn

Dunn Coffey & Kasperitis PC 361-883-1594 84 The Bend

Stephen C McMains Attorney At Law 361-887-9900

Daniel O. Gonzalez

Wood Boykin & Wolter PC 361-888-9201

Branscomb Law 361-886-3800

Schauer & Simank PC 361-884-2800 The Kratzig Law Firm 361-888-5564

Andrew W. Schuster Upton Mickits & Heymann LLP 361-698-8233

Alexander J. Tiffany Upton Mickits & Heymann LLP 361-698-8258

CIVIL LAW TRANSACTIONAL

Newman F. Baker III

Hartline Barger LLP 361-866-8034

Davis Hutchinson & Wilkerson LLP 361-882-2272

Celina M. Leon

COMMERCIAL LITIGATION

Law Office Of Ralph M Rodriguez PLLC 361-654-2500

Ralph M. Rodriguez

Jim Clancy

Branscomb Law 361-886-3800

Law Office Of Ralph M Rodriguez PLLC 361-654-2500

Jim Robichaux

James F. McKibben

Ben A. Donnell

McKibben Martinez Jarvis & Wood LLP 361-882-6611

Melissa Vela

Nueces County Attorney's Office 361-888-0391

Jenny Cron

Porter Rogers Dahlman & Gordon PC 361-880-5884

Donald L. Jones

Branscomb Law 361-886-3800

Donnell Kieschnick Wolter & Gamez PC 361-888-5551

C.M. "Skip" Henkel III

Fritz Byrne Head & Gilstrap PLLC 361-883-1500

Conner R. Jackson

Hoblit Darling Ralls Hernandez & Hudlow LLP 361-888-9392

Porter Rogers Dahlman & Gordon PC 361-880-5849

John Swallow

Jack C. Partridge

Van Huseman

Royston Rayzor Vickery & Williams LLP 361-884-8808

Joel de la Garza

Royston Rayzor Vickery & Williams LLP 361-884-8808

Huseman Law Firm 361-883-3563 Huseman Law Firm 361-883-3563

John T. Flood

John T. Flood LLP 361-654-8877

James F. Buchanan

Welder Leshin Law Firm 361-561-8000

T O P AT T O R N E Y S

CONSTRUCTION

Donald W. Elliott Jr.

Anderson Lehrman Barre & Maraist 361-884-4981

Timothy D. McMurtrie Royston Rayzor Vickery & Williams LLP 361-884-8808

Harold C. Waller Waller Law 361-882-3030 ELDER LAW

Brenda B. Baker

Baker & Baker Law Firm 361-985-2226

Edwin W. Baker

CONSUMER DEBT

Baker & Baker Law Firm 361-985-2226

Timothy D. Raub

EMINENT DOMAIN

Raub Law Firm PC 361-880-8181

Dabney Welsh Pettus

CRIMINAL DEFENSE

Welder Leshin Law Firm 361-561-8000

Bill Bonilla

ENERGY, OIL AND GAS

Bonilla & Chapa PC 361-881-1000

Les Cassidy

Cassidy Delgado & Olivarez 361-887-2965

William Patrick Delgado Cassidy Delgado & Olivarez 361-887-2965

Kyle Hoelscher

H. Scott Taylor Branscomb Law 361-886-3800

Charles W. Gordon IV Porter Rogers Dahlman & Gordon PC 361-880-5838

Cornelius M. Hayes III

Hoelscher Law 361-434-0814

Porter Rogers Dahlman & Gordon PC 361-880-5822

Adam P. Rodrigue

Joe W. Christina Jr.

Law Office Of Adam P Rodrigue 361-882-3030

Jason Wolf

Law Office Of Jason Wolf PLLC 361-887-7600

Lisa Gail Greenberg

Welder Leshin Law Firm 361-561-8000 Wood Boykin & Wolter PC 361-888-9201 FAMILY LAW

Law Office Of Scott M Ellison PLLC 361-887-7600

Diamond DeLeon

Deborah Rios

Ann E. Coover

The Law Offices Of James D Granberry 361-888-5556

Nicholas Rothschild Rothschild Law Firm 361-866-5437

Steve Lopez

The Law Office Of Steve Lopez PLLC 361-500-4052 GENERAL PRACTICE

Denny Barre

Alex R Hernandez Jr PLLC 361-734-4062 Coover & Coover 361-882-2100

Kelly Koch

Kelly Koch Attorney at Law 361-882-8000

Heather Moretzsohn de Castro

Rodriguez & Moretzsohn PLLC 361-883-8900 INSURANCE

Kristina Fernandez

Donnell Kieschnick Wolter & Gamez PC 361-888-5551

Monte English

Monte English Law 361-882-2244

Christopher A. Lowrance Royston Rayzor Vickery & Williams LLP 361-884-8808

Anderson Lehrman Barre & Maraist 361-884-4981

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS

Chris Gale

Ochoa & Associates PC 361-806-0070

Gale Law Group PLLC 361-808-4444

David Klein

Klein Law PLLC 361-452-3583

Ira Z. Miller

Law Office Of Ira Z Miller PC 361-882-7788

GOVERNMENT AND ADMINISTRATIVE

Upton Mickits & Heymann LLP 361-884-4138

Joseph B. Baucum

James D. Granberry

Law Office of Sarah Klager 361-884-7250

John C. Heymann

Scott M. Ellison

Rios Law Office 361-510-5806

Sarah Klager

Paul Dodson

Philip M. Hall

Gabriel R. Salais

Law Office Of Bianca A Medina-Rodriguez 361-400-2927

Porter Rogers Dahlman & Gordon PC 361-880-5833

Law Office Of Lisa Gail Greenberg 361-446-2476

Law Office Of Scott M Ellison PLLC 361-887-7600

Bianca Medina-Rodriguez

2022

Paul Dodson Attorney at Law 361-364-7415

Susan Ochoa Spiering

LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT

Carter Hastings

Anderson Alexander PLLC 361-452-1279

Clif Alexander

Anderson Alexander PLLC 361-452-1279

Keith B. Sieczkowski Branscomb Law 361-886-3800

Jon D. Brooks

Dane Bruun

Brooks LLP 361-885-7710

Leo James Welder Jr.

Gale Law Group PLLC 361-808-4444

Welder Leshin Law Firm 361-561-8000 Welder Leshin Law Firm 361-561-8000 HEALTH CARE LAW

Craig S. Smith

Welder Leshin Law Firm 361-561-8000

Amie Augenstein

Liza Wood

McKibben Martinez Jarvis & Wood LLP 361-882-6611

Tonya Beane Webber

IMMIGRATION LAW

Porter Rogers Dahlman & Gordon PC 361-880-5824

Maria Prebisch

Myra K. Morris

Prebisch Law Firm PLLC 361-255-3133

Debra Rodriguez

Royston Rayzor Vickery & Williams LLP 361-884-8808

Rodriguez & Moretzsohn PLLC 361-883-8900 thebendmag.com 85

2 0 2 2 T O P AT T O R N E Y S

Frederick J. McCutchon

Darrell L. Barger

Parker Webb

Marco A. Longoria

MEDICAL MALPRACTICE DEFENSE

Rick B. Waterhouse Jr.

Matthew Manning

Craig A. Ansel

Henry M. Blackmon

Jeffrey G. Wigington

Gerald W. Ostarch

Hastings Law Firm 361-692-2000

PRODUCT LIABILITY

WILLS, ESTATES AND TRUSTS

Robert C. Hilliard

Sico Hoelscher & Harris LLP 877-631-9965

Wood Boykin & Wolter PC 361-888-9201

Richard C. Woolsey Woolsey & Woolsey 361-561-1961

William C. Woolsey Woolsey & Woolsey 361-561-1961

MEDICAL MALPRACTICE PLAINTIFF

Jeffrey Joseph Lehrman Anderson Lehrman Barre & Maraist 361-884-4981

Greg W. Turman

The Snapka Law Firm 361-808-4215

Kathryn Snapka

The Snapka Law Firm 361-808-4215 PERSONAL INJURY

Neely Balko

Balko Law PLLC 361-520-4195

Christopher Bandas Bandas Law Firm PC 361-238-2789

Mikell West

Bandas Law Firm PC 361-238-2789

Ed Chapa

Bonilla & Chapa PC 361-882-8215

Robert "Blake" Brunkenhoefer

Brunkenhoefer PC 361-888-8808

Christopher A. Garza Gowan Elizondo LLP 361-651-1000

Gregory L. Gowan Gowan Elizondo LLP 361-651-1000

John D. Schroeder Gowan Elizondo LLP 361-651-1000

86 The Bend

Hartline Barger LLP 713-759-1990 Hartline Barger LLP 361-866-8003 Hastings Law Firm 361-692-2000

Steve T. Hastings

Hilliard Martinez Gonzales LLP 361-882-1612

John B. Martinez

Hilliard Martinez Gonzales LLP 361-882-1612

Paul Swacina

Huseman Law Firm 361-883-3563

Kevin W. Liles

Liles White PLLC 361-826-0100

Stuart R. White Liles White PLLC 361-826-0100

Todd A. Hunter Jr. Liles White PLLC 361-826-0100

Craig M. Sico

Sico Hoelscher & Harris LLP 877-631-9965

William Clay Bonilla

Webb Cason & Manning 361-887-1031 Webb Cason & Manning 361-887-1031 Wigington Rumley Dunn & Blair LLP 361-885-7500

David Bright

David E. Harris

Sico Hoelscher & Harris LLP 877-631-9965

Brantley White

The Carlson Law Firm 361-336-3317

Charlie Webb

Webb Cason & Manning 361-887-1031 REAL ESTATE LAW

David Z.Conoly

David Z Conoly PC 361-937-6400

Mark B. Gilbreath

Gilbreath & Smith LLC 361-992-1754

Robert C. Morris

Security Title Company 361-993-4302

The Law Offices Of William Bonilla PC 361-882-8284

Bruce S. Hawn

Minesh J. Patel

Milton E. Lorenz Jr.

Tony D. Choi

Stewart N. Rice

Thomas J. Henry

TAX LAW

The Patel Firm PLLC 361-400-2036 Thomas J Henry Law 361-254-7873 Thomas J Henry Law 361-254-7873

David Hatcher

Thomas J Henry Law 361-254-7873

Welder Leshin Law Firm 361-561-8000 Welder Leshin Law Firm 361-561-8000 Wood Boykin & Wolter PC 361-888-9201

Casey F. Rickard Branscomb Law 361-886-3833

Branscomb Law 361-886-3800

Davis Hutchinson & Wilkerson LLP 361-882-2272 Ostarch Hilmy & McCauley PLLC 361-884-1961

Michael W. Stukenberg

Branscomb Law 361-886-3800

Omar J. Leal

Branscomb Law 361-886-3800

Scott L. Sherman Branscomb Law 361-886-3800

Susan E. Hutchinson

Davis Hutchinson & Wilkerson LLP 361-882-2272

Richard L. Leshin

Welder Leshin Law Firm 361-561-8000

Lucinda J. Garcia

Wood Boykin & Wolter PC 361-888-9201 WORKER'S COMPENSATION

Sandra Sterba-Boatwright Donnell Kieschnick Wolter & Gamez PC 361-888-5551

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eff Wigington and David Rumley founded their law firm 20 years ago and have devoted their practice to helping people injured or killed in serious accidents. Many of their cases created positive change and made the products that we all use safer. Examples include 15-passenger vans that rolled over, door latches on trucks that opened during accidents, vehicle seat backs that collapsed in rear-end collisions, oxygen containers that caused fires, vehicles that rolled out of park and various oil and gas drilling products that were unreasonably dangerous.

Based on this work, Jeff and David have received national and statewide recognition. This includes appearances in media publications such as “60 Minutes,” The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, USA Today, Bloomberg News, CBS News, The Dallas Morning News, Houston Chronicle, and the San Antonio Express-News.

Jeff and David have both been Board Certified in Personal Injury Trial Law for almost two decades. This certification is awarded through the State Bar of Texas and requires significant trial experience as well as a written examination. There are 106,591 licensed attorneys in Texas. Only 1,428 Texas lawyers are Board Certified in Personal Injury Trial Law. Jeff is licensed in Texas and Oklahoma, and David is licensed in Texas and Arizona. Both handle cases in other jurisdictions, and have prosecuted cases in numerous states across the country.

Over the years, Jeff and David have tried cases that have resulted in multiple nine figure verdicts that have been recognized as some of the largest in the country. The firm’s verdicts include: • • • •

$225,000,000.00 -Alaniz v. Ford Motor Company, Cause No. DC-01195 in the 229th Judicial District Court of Duval County, Texas. $173,720,000.00-Ivy Gonzalez et al. v Southcross Energy Partners, LLP, Cause No. DC-16-139 in the 229th Judicial District Court of Duval County, Texas. $124,546,732.89 –Caraveo v. Chavins, et al., Cause No. 2005-8265 in the 327th Judicial District Court of El Paso County, Texas. $124,496,993.97 – Jesse Rivera, Individually and as Next Friend for Jesse Rivera, Jr., et al. v. Gloria Cordova, Audi AG, and Volkswagen Group of America, Inc., Cause No. 2013-CI-00118 in the 408th Judicial District Court of Bexar County, Texas.

Jeff and David have both practiced for their entire careers in Corpus Christi, where they raise their families and contribute to multiple charitable causes in the Coastal Bend. The firm has offices in Corpus Christi, San Antonio and Jourdanton. They welcome referrals from other attorneys locally, statewide and nationally.

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nlike law firms that specialize in a particular area of law, Branscomb Law specializes in a particular type of client: successful individuals who own their own businesses. Branscomb has a collection of high-quality lawyers with the practice areas necessary to serve all the needs of that special type of client. Branscomb Law helps its clients form a business, grow it, defend it, and sell it or pass it on to the next generation.

Branscomb’s 13 Top Attorney nominees are a testament to the quality of the team it has assembled as South Texas’s leading business firm. Branscomb is ready to provide solutions in the areas of: Tax; Estate Planning and Probate; Oil, Gas, and Energy; Real Estate; Water; Banking; Labor and Employment; Corporate; Mergers and Acquisitions; Personal Injury Litigation, Business Litigation, and Fiduciary Litigation.

12 Branscomb attorneys are listed as Super Lawyers or Rising Stars

by Super Lawyers.

13 Branscomb attorneys are listed in Best Lawyers in America.

11 Branscomb attorneys are rated “AV Preeminent Peer Rated” by Martindale-Hubbell.

7 Branscomb attorneys are Board Certified by The State Bar of Texas.

Branscomb Law’s success comes from putting the client’s needs first. Schedule a consultation to discuss how the team at Branscomb Law can help you.

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PICTURED (L-R): SHANNON WILDE—BUSINESS LAW, OMAR LEAL—WILLS, ESTATES, TRUSTS, SCOTT SHERMAN--WILLS ESTATES TRUSTS LEGACY, SCOTT TAYLOR— ENERGY OIL AND GAS, MARCO LONGORIA—TAX LAW, CASEY RICKARD—TAX LAW, EMILY ARNOLD—CIVIL LAW LITIGATION RISING STAR, MIKE STUKENBERG—WILLS ESTATES TRUSTS LEGACY, JIM ROBICHAUX—COMMERCIAL LITIGATION LEGACY, KEITH SIECZKOWSKI—LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT, JIM CLANCY—COMMERCIAL LITIGATION, AMANDA TORRES—CIVIL LAW LITIGATION, NOT PICTURED: JD EGBERT—CIVIL LAW LITIGATION.

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BILL BONILLA, WILLLIAM ASARE A N D E D C H A PA B O N I L L A & C H A PA , P. C .

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d Chapa has practiced personal injury law over 30 years in Corpus Christi, and has devoted his legal career to representing victims involved in accidents and serious injury claims. He is a partner in the law firm of Bonilla & Chapa, P.C., with offices in Corpus Christi, Houston and San Antonio representing clients locally and throughout Texas.

Family, faith and a strong work ethic are important core values he brings to his practice.

“I believe people injured in an accident caused by the recklessness of others are entitled to strong representation,” Chapa says. “People deserve a voice, an advocate committed to represent their interests when dealing with those responsible for their injuries.”

Bill Bonilla is a lifelong Corpus Christi resident, and engages in the practice of criminal defense, family law and personal injury litigation. As a criminal defense attorney, Bonilla has handled thousands of cases, ranging from misdemeanors to first degree felonies, with juvenile law included. Further, he has been appointed on hundreds of cases pertaining to the mental health caseload in Nueces County.

Bonilla also maintains an active and vigorous community service profile, by serving as Past President of the Corpus Christi Young Lawyers Association, and serving on the Advisory Board of the Boy Scouts of America. Bonilla is a graduate of Leadership Corpus Christi and also presently serves as a Municipal Court Judge. He and his wife Cassie are proud parents of three children: Liam, Charlie and Ellie.

William “Billy” Asare became a licensed attorney in 2010. He is a proud graduate of Baylor University and St. Mary’s University School of Law, and has had the great honor to practice in the Coastal Bend since 2013. Over the years, Asare and his family have proudly called this home. Asare enjoys a diverse civil litigation practice. He has been a trusted advocate for personal injury, family law, probate and business dispute matters. And because of his upstanding reputation, Asare is regularly appointed by judges to serve as an Ad Litem to represent the interests of children in court.

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B R ENDA B. BA K E R AT TO R N EY AT L AW

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orn and raised in Quincy, Illinois, Brenda Baker received her B.A. in philosophy from the University of Denver and her J.D. from Georgetown University before choosing Corpus Christi to raise her two children and build a law practice with her husband of 43 years. Probate, wills, trusts, and guardianships keep her actively engaged in elder law practice. She is a former president of the Corpus Christi Bar Association, and she serves as Alumni interviewer for students seeking admission to Georgetown.

BAKER & BAKER 5350 S S TA P L E S S T. # 2 0 3 | 361.9 85. 222 6 | BAKER SELDER LAW.CO M

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E D W I N W. B A K E R AT TO R N EY AT L AW

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rom Wichita Falls, Texas to Kent State (BBA) to Golden Gate University (MBA) to Georgetown University Law School (J.D.), Ed Baker covered some ground before choosing to make Corpus Christi his home.

Along the way, he served four years in the Army leaving the service as a Captain in Military Intelligence.

He met his wife Brenda in 1976 in school and married her two years later. After law school, they traveled extensively throughout the U.S. and picked Corpus Christi to settle down and begin their practice.

After years of divorce, bankruptcies, and foreclosures, Ed finally found an area of law that gave him a sense of satisfaction. Today, he is a nationally and state Certified Private Professional Guardian, responsible for over 30 elderly or infirm individual wards and nearly 100 additional guardianship cases.

Much of his time is now spent helping clients obtain Medicaid benefits for long-term medical care. With average nursing home costs rising, getting Medicaid to pay the bill without losing your home, your car, or your life savings is an extremely useful service.

BAKER & BAKER 5350 S STAPL ES ST. #2 03 | 361.9 85 . 2 2 2 6 | BAKERSELDERLAW.COM

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C H R I STO P H E R A . GA R Z A AT TO R N EY AT L AW

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hristopher A. Garza is a personal injury attorney working alongside Gregory Gowan and Luis Elizondo of Gowan Elizondo, LLP. Christopher is a trial advocate and is dedicated to representing clients across the state that were injured in trucking, auto, dangerous premises, and work-related accidents. Despite the many delays and court closures throughout Texas, Christopher and his team have worked relentlessly to pursue justice and recover substantial compensation for their clients during these difficult times. Under his leadership, Christopher and his team have secured numerous multimillion dollar settlements on behalf of their clients.

Christopher was recently named a partner at Gowan Elizondo and has been recognized by Texas Super Lawyers as a Top Rated Personal Injury Attorney in the nation and one of Texas’ Rising Stars. He has also earned a Top 40 Under 40 designation from the National Trial Lawyers Association and is licensed to practice law across the state of Texas and in the United States District Courts for the Southern, Western, and Northern Districts of Texas.

“It is an honor to be recognized as one of the top attorneys in the Coastal Bend three years in row,” Garza said. “As an attorney who was born and raised in Corpus Christi, it is very important to me to be recognized in my hometown for the hard work and representation I provide to my clients across Texas. I look forward to representing and helping clients in the Coastal Bend for many years to come.”

Christopher currently serves on the board of the CC Young Lawyers Association and maintains an active membership with the Texas Trial Lawyers Association. He enjoys spending time with his wife, Adriana, and his son, C.J. Christopher and his family always make it a point to support local businesses and charities.

“The Coastal Bend has a lot to offer professionals and growing families,” he said. “I am proud to be able to call Corpus Christi home.”

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mmett R. Reyes is a family law attorney who has been representing people in the Coastal Bend for more than 10 years. He built his practice around having great attorney-client relationships and keeping the best interests of his clients at the forefront of everything he does.

Why did you choose to practice family law as opposed to another sector of the profession?

It was not my initial intention to practice family law, but as soon as I was licensed, it became clear that there was a great need for it, and I discovered it was my niche.

What is your advocacy style?

I get invested in my clients’ stories, meticulously learning about their lives and relationships and what they want out of their case. It’s up to me to successfully condense that information and convince a judge to rule in a way that benefits my client.

There’s great value in being experienced with the judges, understanding their styles, tendencies and their verbal and nonverbal cues. However, the ultimate “win” is to facilitate a resolution in the most peaceful and cost-effective way possible.

Mediation is usually key in reaching this objective.

What is the best part of your job?

Being able to be a steady guide to my clients through what can be a fearful and stressful time. The immense pressure and uncertainty some people experience when they are undergoing a major life change can take a toll on their family life and mental health. I try to counsel them in a way that provides comfort and reassurance. Seeing the repose in their demeanor when their case has been resolved is a gratifying thing. It fulfills me to see them happier and healthier and ready to start a new chapter in their lives; it’s the reason I do this.

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M I K E L L W E ST & RO B E RT C LO R E BANDAS LAW FIRM

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ikell West and Robert Clore are part of a formidable team of attorneys at the Bandas Law Firm, a plaintiff’s firm based in Corpus Christi. The firm was founded to protect consumers and victims of accidents and defective products throughout Texas and across the nation.

Mr. West is an accomplished trial attorney who cut his teeth as a partner with a highly respected defense firm in South Texas. His background affords him a unique perspective in assisting plaintiffs—enabling him to anticipate defense tactics to get the best results for his clients in cases ranging from small accidents to catastrophic injuries and deaths.

Mr. Clore is a skilled appellate attorney who regularly argues in state and federal courts across the country.

His advocacy has effectuated meaningful changes in the law for the benefit of consumers.

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C HA RL ES W. G OR D ON IV

TON YA BEA N E W EBBER

J OE W. C H RI S T I N A JR.

J E N NY C R ON

D ON AL D L . J ON ES

S H A N N ON S TOK ES - RUSSE K

P O R T E R , R O G E R S , D A H L M A N & G O R D O N , P. C .

BUSINESS INSTINCTS – LEGAL SOLUTIONS

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he attorneys at Porter, Rogers, Dahlman & Gordon, P.C. are highly skilled professionals, each of whom brings a unique blend of experience and talent to their work. The firm’s attorneys — Charles Gordon, IV, Tonya Webber, Joe Christina, Jr., Don Jones, Cornelius M. Hayes III, Jenny Cron, Shannon Stokes-Russek, Rick Foster, Marc Williams, Raj Aujla, Lisa Alcantar, Brandon Coony, Amelia Edelman, Blaine Floerke and Walker Bauer — serve clients throughout the state from the firm’s base in South and Central Texas.

PRDG’s offices are conveniently located in Corpus Christi and San Antonio, and operate as a single cohesive team of committed attorneys and seasoned legal support staff who share their individual knowledge, resources, skills and talent to benefit clients. The firm handles both standard and complex cases in the areas of Litigation, Oil and Gas, Business and Corporate, Insurance, Construction, Health, Labor and Employment, Real Estate and Estate Planning and Probate. It represents individuals, businesses, corporations, institutions and public entities throughout the state.

Since its beginning in 1969, PRDG has strived to be a premier and trusted firm for its clients and the legal community.

Its long-term presence as a firm stands as a testament to its members’ commitment to provide exceptional representation to clients and serve as trusted attorneys in the legal community.

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MONTE ENGLISH MONTE ENGLISH LAW

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t least once a week, Monte English meets a new client who was involved in an accident and is getting sued for the first time. It is a fearful time for clients.

They wonder what will happen to them, their lives, their savings, their homes and their jobs.

They imagine the worst. Mr. English tells each one the same thing at the first meeting: “I have good news and bad news. The bad news is you were in an accident and are getting sued. The good news is you had insurance. It is my job to make sure your insurance takes care of this and it does not cost you a dime. I have been doing this for over 40 years and have successfully helped thousands of people like you. Relax. My staff and I will take care of everything.”

The “10,000 hour rule” says that it takes that many hours of practice to master a skill.

As a trial lawyer representing defendants, Mr. English has handled more than 300 jury trials.

That extraordinary amount of trial experience has given him a mastery of his craft, tested by time. Mr. English says he learns something new in every trial. “I’m still striving to get better every year. Better advocate, better at technology, better legal skills.”

Nonetheless, Mr. English does not want to be remembered for what he did as a lawyer. “I hope at my funeral nobody mentions I was a lawyer,” he said. “I hope they say I was a great husband, father, grandfather and friend. I hope they say I cared for the needy and showed respect and love for everyone I met.”

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H O N. G R E G P E R K E S PERKES LAW FIRM

udge Greg Perkes started practicing law just over 34 years ago. He graduated from St. Mary’s School of Law in 1987, where he was a member of the Phi Delta Phi Legal Honor Fraternity, was a Senior Associate Editor of the St. Mary’s Law Journal and won American Jurisprudence awards in both contract law and police misconduct-civil rights litigation. Perkes started his career as a staff attorney on the 13th Court of Appeals, to which he later returned to sit as a Justice for 8 years.

Upon leaving the bench, he opened Perkes Mediation Services and has served as a mediator and arbitrator in hundreds of cases. Perkes has received certifications from the Mediators and Arbitrators of America and is a Texas Credentialed Mediator from the Texas Mediator Credentialing Association. In addition, he has been board certified in Civil Appellate Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization since 1995.

He has won many awards for his community leadership and professionalism including the SBA/SBDC Small Business Champion award, the Rotary Club’s Paul Harris award and the Judge Paul W. Nye Professionalism award.

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arah Klager is a native of Corpus Christi, graduating from IWA High School and Texas A&M Corpus Christi. After receiving her law degree from Texas Tech School of Law, she returned to the Coastal Bend and founded her own practice, Law Office of Sarah Klager.

Klager’s areas of practice are divorce, child custody, child support, adoption and CPS representation. Her client-centered solo practice strives to help achieve the best resolution while minimizing stress, conflict and uncertainty. When it is the most important decision of your life, Klager is here to help you. From darkness to light, from uncertainty to a hopeful future, she will guide you. With your goals and budget in mind, she considers it an honor to serve you with family law matters.

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ST E P H E N Mc M A I N S

MARIA PIA PREBISCH

tephen is a Corpus Christi native, moving back to the Coastal Bend shortly after law school in 2002. Since moving back, he has been continuously involved in the community. In 2018 he married his dream girl and fellow rock star lawyer, Kayla McMains.

He is professionally licensed to practice law in the State of Texas and has been certified since 2020 as a credentialed mediator by the Texas Mediator Credentialing Association.

He currently is Of Counsel to the Law Offices of Arnold Gonzalez, Jr. His practice primarily consists of administrative law, business law, federal crimes, litigation, mediation and real estate law.

Stephen represents individuals, small businesses and large companies in a variety of matters, taking a results-oriented approach. He understands the need for quick and pragmatic solutions to problems. Whether it is in the courtroom or the negotiating room, he is there to help.

aria Pia Prebisch practices immigration law in Corpus Christi. Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Prebisch received her J.D. from South Texas College of Law Houston and her B.A. in history and anthropology from the University of Houston. She moved to Corpus Christi in 2013 to start her career as a lawyer.

Since then, she has practiced immigration law— and in 2020, opened her solo practice, Prebisch Law Firm, PLLC. Prebisch focuses on business and employment-based immigration, helping companies and foreign nationals understand and explore the complex U.S. immigration system.

She represents clients in the application process for green cards or temporary visas for investors, international executives and managers, as well as professional, non-professional and religious workers, among others.

She currently serves as president of the Coastal Bend Women Lawyers Association.

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H E N RY B L AC K M O N AT T O R N E Y AT L AW

enry Blackmon is a third generation South Texas attorney whose father and grandfather were Nueces County Judges.

Based in Corpus Christi, he litigates catastrophic cases throughout Texas and other states.

While contemplating a move from Houston back to South Texas over 18 years ago, Steve Hastings asked Henry for assistance preparing Firestone tire cases for trial. Henry took that opportunity to be back in his hometown and get involved with a veteran trial lawyer in highstakes litigation. Since 2003, he has been with the Hastings Law Firm.

He primarily represents plaintiffs for product defect, industrial, oil field, construction and commercial vehicle accidents. Case results include a 2005 U.S. Top 100 Jury Verdict. His honors include AV preeminent peer ratings for representations meeting the high criteria of ethical standards and legal ability, and Texas Lawyer noting Henry as a Top Texas Lawyer for excellence and achievements by the legal community.

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cott Ellison and Gabriel Salais are two of the top criminal defense lawyers in the Coastal Bend. With their combined 50 years of criminal law experience and hundreds of trials, they have the knowledge and experience necessary to protect their clients accused of crimes.

Ellison-Salais handles all criminal cases, ranging from complex federal conspiracies and murders to misdemeanors, as well as property forfeitures and expunctions. Knowledge of criminal law, thorough investigation and trial preparation, and veteran courtroom experience enable Ellison-Salais to obtain best-case scenario outcomes for their clients.

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“I’M OFTEN ASKED, ‘GIVEN HMG’S SIZE AND SUCCESS, WHY DON’T YOU MOVE TO SAN ANTONIO, DALLAS, HOUSTON OR EVEN (BELIEVE IT OR NOT) PUERTO RICO?’ IT’S AN EASY ANSWER: NEVER.”

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BUILDING A LEGACY OF SERVICE

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HMGLAWFIRM.COM

(361) 882-1612

(800) 334-3298

719 S SHORLINE, CORPUS CHRISTI, TX 78401

Low-Dose CT Lung Scans for Women: An Essential Exam in 2022 With the beginning of a new year, it's time to start thinking about your health and overall well-being. Radiology Associates, the leading medical imaging practice in the Coastal Bend, would like to help you get the crucial exams you need for a healthier 2022.

We often hear that cancer does not discriminate; this is particularly true during a pandemic. Don't put aside your well-being by delaying these important health screenings. Keeping your scheduled appointments is key to a healthier you. Women receiving their annual Mammograms and/or Bone Density tests should consider adding a CT lung cancer screening to their yearly assessment.

Radiology Associates can assist you with all three screenings.

Despite advancements in surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, lung cancer remains the leading cause of death in the U.S. This is largely due to cancer not being discovered until the disease has reached advanced stages. However, like most cancers, the earlier lung cancer is diagnosed, the greater the chances of survival.

Low-dose CT lung screens are the most effective advancement in cancer detection today. Low-dose CT scans capture images of the entire vascular system, while multiple images give cancer less chance to hide.

High risk individuals may include women who: • Are 55 through 77 years old • Have a history of heavy smoking (one pack per day for 30 years or two packs per day for 15 years) • Are either a current smoker or have quit within the past 15 years If you have any of these risk factors, talk to your health care professional about getting a low-dose CT lung screen.

For more information, visit https://lungscreen.health

Karl T. Fan, MD Follow Us!

361-887-7000 | xraydocs.com

5742 Spohn Dr., Corpus Christi, TX 78414 | 1812 S. Alameda, Corpus Christi, TX 78404 | 3929 River East Dr., Corpus Christi, TX 78410 1776 Billy G. Webb Dr., Portland, TX 78374 | 2000 Dr. N.W. Atkinson Blvd Ste. 801, Alice, TX 78332

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Celebrate any day with Edible® sweet treats and gifts.

Call or visit your local Edible® store today.

5702 S. St aples St e. A4 Corpus Christ i, TX 78413 361-992-3232

Price and availability subject to change by location. ©2021 Edible IP, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Edible®, Edible Arrangements®, and the Fruit Basket Logo are registered trademarks of Edible IP, LLC.

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A new Rockport restaurant bringing an elevated menu to the Coastal Bend

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Noodle Mania FROM TRADITIONAL TO CARB-FREE, THESE PASTA DISHES ARE PERFECT FOR CELEBRATING NATIONAL NOODLE MONTH BY: KAYLA BUTTS, MS, RDN, LDN PHOTOS BY: RACHEL BENAVIDES

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arch is National Noodle Month, and because we all love a good food holiday (and all the carbs), we wanted to celebrate with three “noodle” dishes.

Why the air quotes? It turns out there’s a U.S. regulation from the 1970s mandating noodles to be made with at least 5.5% egg solids, even going so far as to stipulate the shape and diameter of vermicelli. (They can only be cord-shaped with a diameter of less than 0.06 inches, by the way.)

Nevertheless, the definition of a noodle has widely evolved past this narrow description. Most culinarians now recognize pasta of all shapes and sizes, and those made of buckwheat, rice and even kelp (with no eggs required), as noodles. The qualities that unify the diverse sample of noodles on the market are 1) deliciousness and 2) an ability to act as a conduit for sauce.

Our first recipe is the most traditional: Linguine is boiled to al dente, then bathed in a creamy butter garlic sauce.

Sauteed chicken thighs provide a depth of flavor and a good source of protein to the dish. Sun-dried tomatoes add an unexpected acidity and a pop of color. Stir in fresh arugula and top with parmesan reg. for a satisfying noodle dish even the kids will enjoy.

Gluten-intolerant? We got you. Fresh zucchini noodles with sesame ginger dressing make the perfect weekday meal. These zoodles are on the table in less than 15 minutes.

Zoodles are now available at most grocers, making prep even easier by omitting the need for special equipment.

Skirataki aka “Miracle” noodles are made from a special type of fiber derived from the konjac root. These noodles are touted to be carb- and almost calorie-free. What magic is this, you ask? These translucent noodles are 97 percent water and only 3 percent glucomannon fiber. These noodles come precooked and only need to be rinsed and drained before adding them to your favorite stir fry. We like shrimp and broccoli for a quick and guilt-free dinner.

Whether they’re made from wheat and eggs, flat or tubular, lunch or dinner, noodles are something we can all agree on. Recognize National Noodle Month with a great big bowl o’ noodles. And don’t worry if 31 days just doesn’t seem to be enough; National Pasta Month is coming up in October.

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RECIPE

Chicken Linguini With Sun-dried Tomatoes and Arugula Serves 4

PREP TIME: 5 minutes COOK TIME: 25 minutes INGREDIENTS:

1 lb dried linguine 3 tbsp butter 2 tbsp olive oil 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, roughly chopped Salt and black pepper, to taste 4 garlic cloves, minced 6 oz mushrooms, sliced 1/4 cup sun-dried tomato, chopped 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream 1 1/2 cup arugula Parmigiano Reggiano shavings and red pepper flakes DIRECTIONS:

Place a large pot of salted water over high heat. Once the water is boiling, add linguine and cook for 3 minutes or until al dente. Strain and set aside.

Meanwhile, add butter and olive oil to a large saute pan over medium heat. Once the butter has melted and started to bubble, add chicken thighs and season with salt and black pepper.

Cook for 2 minutes, stir chicken, then add garlic and mushrooms. Continue to cook, stirring mixture occasionally, until chicken and mushrooms are golden brown and garlic is fragrant. Add in tomatoes and heavy whipping cream, cooking for an additional two minutes, until cream has begun to thicken.

Remove mixture from heat. Add cooked linguine into chicken mixture and toss to combine. Stir in fresh arugula and top with parmigiano reggiano and red pepper flakes prior to serving.

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RECIPE

Shrimp and Broccoli with Shirataki Noodles Serves 4 PREP TIME: 2 minutes COOK TIME: 10 minutes INGREDIENTS:

14 oz shirataki noodles 1 tbsp sesame seed oil 2 tbsp avocado or vegetable oil 4 cloves garlic, minced 2 tsp fresh ginger, grated 1 head broccoli, separated into florets 1 lb shrimp, deveined, peeled with tails removed 1/4 cup soy sauce 1/4 cup hoisin 2 tbsp sriracha, or more to taste DIRECTIONS:

Place shirataki noodles in a colander over the sink. Rinse noodles with cool running water.

Let strain while preparing the rest of the dish.

Heat a wok over high heat.

Add sesame and avocado oil to preheated wok. Once the oil starts to shimmer, add garlic and ginger and cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly. Add in shrimp and hoisin, cooking for 1 more minute, continuing to flip and toss the mixture. Add in remaining ingredients and toss to combine.

Remove shrimp mixture from heat and stir in reserved shirataki noodles. Serve immediately.

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RECIPE

Zoodles with Sesame Ginger Dressing Serves 2 PREP TIME: 5 minutes INGREDIENTS:

2 cups spiralized zucchini (zucchini noodles) 1/2 cup tahini (sesame seed paste) 1/4 cup nut butter 1/4 cup soy sauce or liquid aminos 1 tbsp sesame seed oil 1 tbsp rice wine vinegar 1 tbsp honey 2 tsp ginger, grated For garnish: gochugaru (korean chili pepper), sesame seeds and toasted nuts DIRECTIONS:

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together tahini, nut butter, soy sauce, sesame seed oil, rice wine vinegar, honey and ginger until smooth. Place zoodles into a serving bowl and drizzle with sesame ginger dressing. Top with gochugaru, sesame seeds and toasted nuts.

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CUISINE THE DRINK

Enjoy deals on signature drinks and more at Grumbles' happy hour every Tuesday and Thursday from 3-7pm

Sippin’ Solace From the Sun

A DELIGHTFUL COLLECTION OF COCKTAILS AT GRUMBLES BY: JULIETA HERNANDEZ PHOTO BY: TYLER SCHULTZ

L

iving on the coast is an open invitation to sip, surf and savor at all times of the year. In the lively little beach city of Port Aransas, Grumbles Seafood Co. invites you to wash down the beach day with just the right concoction. A seat at its bar and a few cocktails in, you’ll feel the carefree spirit of island time in every sip.

After one year in business, the new Port A spot has boomed with happy beachgoers looking for some liquid relief from the bounty of sun. Mo Chavez, assistant general manager at Grumbles, takes her bar very seriously. “I learned a lot about Port A—it’s completely different, island time is real,” she said with a smile. “We do what we have, and we do it well. I hire really good bartenders that can make anything under the sun.”

Proudly repping Texas’s own Dripping Springs vodka, the perfect Grumbles Bloody Mary is garnished with a lime wedge, olive, Texas veggies and a juicy piece of shrimp.

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“Our Bloody Mary, I think, is perfect; not only that, it’s a beautiful cocktail,” Chavez said. “I always get mine extra spicy.”

The bar offers any spice variable of your choosing and shakes the vodka with Bloody Revolution, an Austin-based mix, resulting in a true Texas Bloody Mary by the beach. What could be more perfect?

For every Bloody Mary drinker out there, there are those who like their piña coladas; in the spring break heat when the sun favors the coast, you’ll need a piña colada good enough to drink before it melts. A Grumbles Pina Colada puts Flor de Cana 4 year white rum in a lovely harmony of colada mix and pineapple juice, with a little room on top for a Black Barrel rum floater.

To make things simple after exploring different flavors of beach life, we recommend The Big Southern, a cocktail true to its name in reminding locals and tourists alike what’s loved down here: Tequila and Topo Chico. With natural flavors coming from muddled slices of grapefruit and lime, this is an ideal refresher with a healthy kick of Herradura silver tequila and a vitamin C boost to rehydrate and alleviate any sun fatigue at the end of the day.

“Overall quality and flavor is important; if you have a margarita with not-that-great tequila, it’s obvious,” said bartender Caitlyn Bauman-Campell.

There are real, quality ingredients in the cocktails at Grumbles, and that’s something you’ll undoubtedly notice, and have less of a hangover as a result.

CONTACT: 850 Tarpon St., Port Aransas @grumblesseafoodco

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CORPUS CHRISTI, TX 78413 thebendmag.com 117

CUISINE DINING GUIDE

The Dining Guide $ Most Entrees Under $10 $$ Most Entrees $10-$25 $$$ Most Entrees Above $26

2021 Local's List Winner

B R E A K F A S T/ BRUNCH 8TE

A shabby chic interior that features classic comfort dishes with a modern twist! Serving brunch, lunch, and dinner. 1220 Airline Rd. #250, 361-723-0261 $

Andy’s Country Kitchen

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

Bien Mérité

This female run bakery serves up sensational french inspired pastries, cakes, croissants, and more. Satisfy your cravings at this quaint, and beautifully appointed eatery. 1316 S Staples St, 361-3340241 $

Coral Bean Cafe

This Southside staple will be your new go-to spot for caffeinated beverages and light breakfast and lunch fare. The high quality beverages and espresso will impress even the connoisseurs.

7426 S Staples, 361-334-0194 $

Hester's Cafe

This legendary local cafe and coffee bar serves up inventive breakfast and lunch dishes with a focus on fresh, quality ingredients.

Don't forget to grab some baked goods before you leave. 3812 S Alameda St, 361-855-1892 $ Roosevelt's

200 E Cotter Ave Port Aransas 361-749-1540

$$$

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Hi-Ho Restaurant

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

The Glass Pavilion

Casual hotel eatery offering simple American mains and views of the sea. Did we mention they also offer a breakfast buffet? Stop in for breakfast, lunch, or dinner! 2nd Floor Omni Corpus Christi Hotel, 900 N Shoreline Blvd, 361-8863510 $$

JB’s German Bakery

Committed to maintaining the highest German standard, every product is handmade following age-old German traditions and recipes. 4141 S Staples St #100, 361-949-5474 $

The Post at Lamar Park

Enjoy this popular gastro-pub with delicious dishes that are meant to be shared, alongside a beer or cocktail of course! 411 Doddridge St #102, 361-452-0907 $$

Town & Country Café

This down-to-earth diner serves the best in homestyle American comfort food for breakfast and lunch. 4228 S Alameda St, 361-992-0360 $

LUNCH AKA Sushi

Creative and daring rolls that work well together. The authentic Asian cuisine is made by a masterful chef with scratch recipes that will blow your mind. 415 Water St, 361-882885 $$

Cruzy's

Tacos take on a whole new meaning at a new local favorite, Cruzy’s. Each taco features carefully chosen ingredients to create dishes you won’t find anywhere else. 7042 S. Staples #108, 361-452-2081 $

Elizabeth's

Tucked away overlooking the harbor, guests can escape to an all-but-mundane mix of Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, cocktails, and environment within the walls of the iconic Art Museum of South Texas. 1902 N Shoreline Blvd $$

Executive Surf Club

The most beloved casual dive dining spot serving up the best in burgers, beer and live music. Make sure to stop by on Tuesday nights for $2 Pints! 306 N Chaparral St, 361-884-7873 $

Ginger Cafe

The menu at Ginger Cafe takes you all around the world, to India, Greece, Iran and more. While some dishes remain authentic, others combine flavors from multiple countries to offer you an entire continent on a plate. 7009 S Staples St. 361-946-9834 $$

Harrison’s Landing

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

The Lookout

Located on the sunlit shores of the Laguna Madre, The Lookout at Bluff’s Landing is real food made with quality local ingredients.

Enjoy a selection of uniquely crafted meals, curated cocktails, and of course those beautiful water views. 4242 Laguna Shores Rd, 361-252-9861 $$

Ninja Ramen & Thai

Japanese ramen featuring the most delicious broth is just one aspect of Ninja Ramen & Thai’s delicious cuisine. This familyowned-and-operated spot features a great menu and excellent service. 2033 Airline Rd #E5, 361452-2622 $

Padre Island Burger Co.

Burgers, burgers, and burgers!

Build it yourself or choose from their handcrafted menu. 11878 TX-361 $$

Sufi Kabob

Sufi Kabob’s menu features the entire expanse of the Middle East region right at your fingertips.

From Pakistani and Persian to Indian and even Halal, this menu offers casual eats for every palate.

7150 S Padre Island Dr, 361-3566715 $

Surfside Sandwich Shoppe

Dine inside or outside on the patio, and enjoy their large assortment of sandwiches and sides or just have a nice cold post-beach beverage.

Don’t forget the homemade desserts! 15113 S Padre Island Dr, 361-949-0505 $

Z Counter

It is all about combining fusion concepts with the authentic flavors of famous street dishes from Asia, including Vietnam, Korea, Thailand, Singapore, China and more. 1220 Airline Rd #155, 361991-1115 $

DINNER Bellino

Comfortable and welcoming with a trattoria style authentic cuisine.

You won’t find these delectable dishes anywhere else in Corpus Christi! Perfect spot for your next date night! 3815 S Alameda St, 361-814-8998 $$

Black Marlin Bar & Grill

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

Black Sheep Bistro

A unique, trendy atmosphere that transcends age and style with a menu full of foods rich, colorful, and full of flavor. 15201 S Padre Island Dr, 210-418-4819 $$

Dokyo Dauntaun

One of the Coastal Bend’s highly regarded restaurants, Dokyo Dauntaun takes an innovative and artistic approach to fine dining.

From mouthwatering dishes to creative cocktails, Dokyo never disappoints. 424 N. Chaparral St, 361-462-2620 $$

Katz 21

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

Latitude 28˚02’

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

Lisabella’s Bistro

Casual coastal elegance with a family-friendly setting. The menu boasts a remarkable gourmet twist to your favorite fare, and a full bar that goes beyond just ordinary.

5009 Hwy 361, 361-749-4222 $$$

Republic of Texas

One of the most exclusive dining destinations in the Coastal Bend.

A multi-level steakhouse offers beautiful panoramic views of the bay and exceptional dishes. 900 N Shoreline Blvd, 361-886-3515 $$$

Roosevelt’s

Gourmet dining at its finest in a beautiful Louisiana style home that sets the perfect tone for a taste of luxury. 200 E Cotter Ave, 361-7491540 $$$

Venetian Hot Plate

This italian hot spot serves up quality cuisine and a quaint, yet energetic atmosphere, brings a real touch of Italy. 232 Beach St, 361-749-7617 $$

Vietnam Restaurant

Local fine dining restaurant with an extensive menu and eye-catching Vietnamese culture spread throughout the dining area. 701 N Water St, 361-853-2682 $$$

Water Street Oyster Bar

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

Yola Cocina Mexicana

Taking it to the neighborhoods in Mexico City, this chic and timeless dining spot serves up authentic Mexican cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. 3818 S Alameda, 361-334-0020 $$

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CUISINE THE DISH

Wild Prawn Packs a Culinary Punch A NEW ROCKPORT RESTAURANT BRINGING AN ELEVATED MENU TO THE COASTAL BEND BY: LUIS ARJONA PHOTOS BY: RACHEL BENAVIDES

"E

at, drink, relax” is the mantra of Wild Prawn in Rockport. Melissa Le, who owns and operates it with her husband Chris, said the restaurant is bringing “a unique twist in flavor to the Coastal Bend.” Wild Prawn serves exquisite dishes ranging from delicious seafood plates such as a mouthwatering Chilean sea bass to savory steaks and a rotation of homemade soups of the day.

Even though its opening was in June of 2021, Wild Prawn is a restaurant with roots in our community, as the Les were private chefs for 15 years before starting this venture. Melissa and Chris illustrate their background, history and passion through Wild Prawn by observing the quality of their ingredients and refining their culinary art — everything on the menu is made fresh daily, and the restaurant doesn’t even have a walk-in cooler. Chris’ mother was the first woman shrimp boat captain in the Coastal Bend in the 1980s. Her hard work is the inspiration behind the name of Wild Prawn, while Chris’ Vietnamese background bleeds into the dishes by adding some Asian techniques and ingredients to various menu items. Melissa’s favorite is the beef tenderloin with Asian ginger glaze, which is as visually stunning as it is delicious when plated.

The 8oz Beef Tenderloin pan seared to perfection, topped with one jumbo cajun shrimp and garlic honey reduction sauce.

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Though the dishes definitely have an elevated flair, Wild Prawn aims to provide a simple and elegant menu for everyone to enjoy in a laid-back setting. Some customer favorites include barbacoa eggrolls, the Wild Prawn shrimp tossed in creamy chile sauce and the homemade key lime pie. If I could put it in terms of an NBA franchise, those three dishes would be the big three of the ’08 Celtics, because those dishes enjoyed in one sitting make a winning combination.

With a history in the Coastal Bend and a dedication to serving both locals and visitors of Rockport, the Les provide a fine establishment for good food. This promising young restaurant is a homecoming for a family to share their culinary gift with the surrounding area.

Left: Firecracker Shrimp in eggroll wrappers and fried served with a sweet pineapple rum sauce

CONTACT: 1941 SH-35 Loop, Rockport, TX | 361.450.1150 | wild-prawn.com

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HISTORY LOOKING BACK

The entrance of Mary Carroll High School in the 1960s.

A Legacy Expands MARY CARROLL’S NAMESAKE WILL GROW INTO A NEW BUILDING THIS YEAR BY: JILLIAN BECQUET PHOTO COURTESY OF: CORPUS CHRISTI PUBLIC LIBRARIES, LA RETAMA SPECIAL COLLECTIONS & ARCHIVES Schools in Corpus Christi bear the names of many who helped support education, but few have an impact on the school district and its students as long-reaching as Mary Carroll. She was just 18 when she was hired to teach Spanish in 1901. Twenty years later, she was named principal of the high school, before becoming superintendent the following year.

In her role as the district’s first and only female superintendent, Mary Carroll led the district from 1922 to 1933. The population boomed during this era, thanks in part to the construction and opening of the Port. A new Corpus Christi High School building (now Miller High School) was constructed in 1929. Carroll was proud of the introduction of junior highs, a system the district continued to expand as it grew.

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In 1950, Ray High School opened, and in 1957 the district opened Mary Carroll High School. By this time, Carroll had pursued a doctorate, taught for another decade in McAllen and finally retired. Carroll High School’s current campus was designed for 1,500 students; it will increase its capacity to about 2,400 when they pack up and move into their new location later this year—the first time a Corpus Christi high school is relocating since the building of Corpus Christi High in 1929.

While Mary Carroll won’t be here to unveil the building bearing her name this time, there’s no doubt she’d be proud of the growth of the district and the amazing resources waiting inside for the students in the new Carroll High School.

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