April 2014

APRIL 2014, ISSUE 1

EVents

Health

Fashion

P.08

P.14

P.29

What’s Up around Rejuvenation: the bend?

Inside and Out

Grains of Hope Autism Awareness in the Coastal Bend

Reid Ryan is “Hooked” on the Future Before they Became Stars

Spring into Comfort

Texas Sandfest is Back!

KID’S MEALS… more than just yummy!

• 12 choices!

• Free of:

Artificial Trans Fat Processed MSG High Fructose Corn Syrup Artificial Colors & Dyes

• KID’S MEALS INCLUDE

choice of Organic Apple Juice or Organic Milks

And so much more...

Corpus Christi 1416 Airline / 361-992-4649 5325 Saratoga / 361-980-8300

Fun stuff with JD Kids! http://www.jasonsdeli.com/JDKids

Vol. 1, Issue 1 April 2014 PUBLISHER: Jordan Regas ART DIRECTOR: Julio Studios DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS: Kaley Regas MANAGING EDITOR: Carol Pate PHOTOGRAPHY: Rachel Durrent Michael Diamante Tina Alexandra CONTRIBUTERS: Magen Storrie Andy Purvis Monica Jimenez Missy Long Brittney Richerson OFFICE: 5262 S. Staples. St. Ste.300 Corpus Christi, TX 78411 PHONE: 361.792.3606

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10. Social Hour

Delicious Reasons To dine out

How social were you last month?

29.

Looking for the right outfit this spring?

32.

tonight 47.

Reid Ryan The future looks bright as the Hooks celebrate ten years in Corpus Christi 34.

FAX: 361.232.4976

Fashion

Before they Became Stars

A short history of baseball in Corpus Christi.

38.

Reading Your Palms 41.

Did you know this Palm Tree produces small black dates?

Rodeo Royalty

Passing the buck - Sissy Winn and her rodeo heritage.

17.

E-MAIL: admin@thebendmag.com SUBMISSIONS: editor@thebendmag.com

Speaking In Their Place

ADVERTISING: info@thebendmag.com

How one Coastal Bend family brought Autism Awareness to their home, family and community.

Copyright Š 2014 Gemstone Media, LLC. The Bend: Coastal Life Magazine is published by Gemstone Media, LLC. No portion may be reproduced without express written consent. Editorial or advertising does not constitute advice, but is rather considered informative Expressed opinions are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of ownership.

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Message in a Bottle

Dear Neighbors,

Sharon Kollaja, President Sterling Personnel, Inc.

This is truly a special time to live in the Coastal Bend. The economy is great, employment is rising, our region has taken on a new shine and this is only the beginning. Every day the staff and I at Sterling Personnel deal with local businesses that are seeking quality, hardworking and talented people for their workforce. We are finding that although salary and job duties are the initial concern, the quality of life and quality of place which they will be living is usually a key decision factor. It’s time to highlight all the wonderful aspects of living in the Coastal Bend because they play an important role in deciding the health of our economy.

I grew up here, went to college here, raised my children here and started my business here. I know firsthand this is a great place to live as well as a great place to work. It is my hope that within the pages of The Bend: Coastal Life Magazine, people will discover what I know to be true – the Coastal Bend offers a unique and exciting lifestyle you simply cannot find in any other part of the country.

So, if you are just starting your career, recently moved to the area, or are a lifelong resident who is excited to pave the way for the future, I invite you to see how you can get the most out of living in the Coastal Bend. I hope you will enjoy the pages of The Bend as they showcase our incredible quality of life and quality of place.

Kindest regards, Sharon Kollaja

About Us || Our Mission

Our Mission is Simple

W

e want to capture the quality of life that the Coastal Bend offers to residents and visitors alike. How do we do it? Simply, we want to use quality photography to depict our colorful sunsets and mouthwatering seafood, to pull readers into the area culture with intriguing design and tell good stories about the people in our communities who are positively shaping life around us.

Published eleven times a year, we are, for the most part, a monthly publication.

Each month, we will bring readers a new taste of what is happening in the Coastal Bend. From our advanced medical facilities to our relaxed beaches, our communities have plenty to offer. We hope to inform and entertain, but we apologize if readers get hungry from staring at pictures of our delicious South Texas cuisine. Look for us in your mailbox or around town. If you have any good stories to tell or words of advice, we are happy to listen. r e a d o n l i n e at

thebendmag.com connect with us

The Bend Magazine -Facebook-

@thebendmag -Twitter-

@thebendmag -Instagram-

The Problem with Sand

FRED MALLETT: SAND SCULPTOR Fred has competed in Masters Level Sand Sculpture events since 2002. As of the end of 2013, he has competed in 74 Masters Level competitions and placed at 37 of them.

Along with competing, he specializes in creating art from sand to help advertise and promote businesses

It was a cold day when I met Fred out on the beach for an early sandfest – not the optimal moment for a day at the beach, but the sky was a faded blue and the sand settled softly between my toes. Fred was hard at work with a small crowd assembled nearby when I arrived. It was amazing to see the look on the crowd’s faces as they watched the artist slice into the giant pillar. Some even questioned if the structure was made entirely out of sand. Only after Fred carved into the back of the puzzle piece the words “Autism Speaks” did people begin to understand the meaning of his creation. The puzzle piece is the “official symbol” of Autism Spectrum Disorder.

When Fred and I discussed how we might be able to use sand to create a puzzle piece of our own, we ran into a big problem. Any sand sculptor, from the five-year-old building her first castle to the award-winning artist, can tell you about an experience with a collapse. The “arms” of our puzzle piece would not be able to support themselves, causing a major risk. As we discussed the issue, Fred combined his knowledge of sand engineering with the story of his two nephews with Autism. He would form the piece with a sense of motion that symbolized “rising” or conquering.

As we waited for the sun to set over the completed piece, more and more people walked up asking about what is was and if they could grab a picture. It gave us the chance to talk to random bystanders about Autism. It seemed as

“It seemed as if everybody knew someone with Autism and were truly touched as they walked along the beach.”

Photo: Michael Diamante

if everybody knew someone with Autism and were truly touched as they walked along the beach. During one scary and special moment a large SUV pulled up dangerously close to the puzzle piece and a lady jumped out to take a picture. As we talked, I discovered she had a grandson with Autism who lived out of state. Before she left, this lady who I had never met before in my life reached out to give me a hug and thanked us for what we were doing. It was incredibly touching; it was at that point that the meaning of this issue became a reality to me.

I’m not sure how long the puzzle piece stood. Even before we left one curious gentleman had touched it in disbelief and watched the tip of the arm crumble off.

Therein lies the problem with sand. Like this issue, it won’t last. April is Autism Awareness Month, so we wanted to do something special (in Coastal Bend Style) to represent that.

It is my hope that The Bend Magazine can do some good for residents in our communities, starting with issue one.

- JORDAN REGAS

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Events || Spotlights

Calendar 8TH ANNUAL AUTISM AWARENESS WALK

April 5, 10am Cole Park, Corpus Christi www.asrc-cc.org

Looking for a fun way to help a great cause? Bring your family and walk to help raise funds to provide support, activities and services to individuals with, and the families of those on the Autism Spectrum!

Visit the Autism Spectrum Resource Center’s website to fill out the form and join the fun!

TEXAS SANDFEST

April 11-13, 9am Mustang Island www.texassandfest.com

What started as a play date with two women and their children is now the largest Master Sand Sculpting Competition in the United States! 100,000+ visit the beaches of Port Aransas each year to view these detailed works of sand art. Enjoy the sun, sand and an interesting spectacle while escaping from the hustle and bustle of the city.

CORPUS CHRISTI SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA: “ODE TO JOY”

April 12, 8pm TAMUCC-Performing Arts Center www.ccsymphony.org

If you missed out on “Pops in the Park” at Whataburger Field, this is your final chance to experience one of the finest points of society in Corpus Christi. Renowned Maestro John Giordano is in his 10th year with the CCSO and says that Corpus Christi is attracting some of the finest musical talent around Texas. Enjoy Beethoven’s Overture to Prometheus & Symphony No. 9 as the curtain closes on another great season with the CCSO.

2014 COASTAL CHARM TOUR OF HOMES

April 12-13, 10am Rockport Center for Arts www.rockportartcenter.com

The 2014 Tour of Homes features the best in Texas Coastal Living, providing a self-guided tour through unique & memorable Rockport dwellings. thebendmag.com

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FISHING

EDUCATION

IFA REDFISH TOURNAMENT

TEXAS STATEWIDE INDEPENDENT LIVING CONFERENCE: BEACH BUILDING & EXPANDING ABILITIES, CAPACITIES, AND HORIZONS

April 4-6 redfishtour.com or call 478-836-4266 ROCK THE DOCK

3rd Annual “Rock the Dock” In-Water Boat Show April 11, 12-7pm 322 Huff St. Aransas Pass.

PARKS AND RECREATIONS ADOPT A BEACH CLEAN UP

April 26, 9am-12pm Contact: Deno Fabrie @ 361.749.0256

ART ART WALK

April 4 Downtown Corpus Christi PORT ARANSAS’ FIRST FRIDAY ART RECEPTION

April 4, 5:30-7:30pm Port Aransas Art Center “WESTERN EXPOSURE” ANSEL ADAMS EXHIBITION

April 1-May 4 Art Museum of South Texas, Corpus Christi

EARTH, WIND & SKY: A LANDSCAPE EXHIBIT

March 30 - April 1 Omni Corpus Christi Bayfront Hotel

LUNCH & LEARN SERIES: BUSINESS MODEL GENERATIONS AND SMALL BUSINESS VISION

April 1, 11:45-1:15pm Rockport Fulton Chamber of Commerce

AUTISM ROCKS CONCERT

April 25, 7pm House of Rock

Wild Caught

LOCAL FARMER’S MARKET DOWNTOWN FARMERS MARKET

5-7pm every Wednesday Yin Yang Fandango and Tango Team Room SOUTHSIDE FARMERS MARKET

SPORTS

April 14, 7 pm American Bank Center

Riviera Reds Seafood Delivers Nationwide!

Straight to your friends and families door.

April 6, 12, 20, 28; 10am-4pm Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History

MUSIC/ ENTERTAINMENT

CELTIC WOMAN “THE EMERALD TOUR”

www.ShrimpTX.com or call 866.905.9056

LIVE THEATRE EXHIBITS OF CORPUS CHRISTI HISTORY

9am every Saturday Parking lot of 5800 Everhart, Corpus Christi

April 4, 6-10pm Concrete Street

Order Online

FAMILY FUN DAY

April 1-27 Art Center of Corpus Christi

BERNIES FAMOUS CRAWFISH BOIL/SUPPORT SCHOLARSHIP FUNDS AT DEL MAR.

Think Shrimp.

Think Fish.

Think of all your landlocked friends who can’t get the best Gulf Coast Seafood at their local supermarket.

CORPUS CHRISTI HOOKS VS. TULSA DRILLERS

The Hooks are back in town for their first home game of the season.

April 10, 7:10pm Whataburger Field

BUC DAYS MILLER LIGHT PRCA RODEO

A special chance to see the top riders and ropers in the world.

April 24-27, 7pm American Bank Center Arena thebendmag.com

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Oh, and don’t forget to send seafood to Aunt Mary in Iowa…

Product of USA

Events || Social Hour

SOCIAL HOUR It’s not everyday that you get to look your best, see all of your friends in one place and possibly have too much fun. Did we catch you around the bend?

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KEDT’s Food & Wine Classic 1. Josh & Karen 2. Brittany, Christi, Mariah, Doan.

3. Robin and Michael

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Events || Social Hour

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American Heart Association Heart Ball 1. Jonathan & Kelly Adrian 2. Fred & Edel Deases, Julie & Vince Stark 3. Kim Sorrells, Courtney Pusley-Tegeler, Kari Keeble 4. Ken & Gina Weir 5. Bill & Victoria Smith 6. Todd & Alexis Hunter

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Halo Flight Casino Night 1. Christina Knox, Stephanie Knox, Phil Murphy 2. Virginia & Eddie Knox, Bill Colston, Jr., Rona Briggs-Knox and Jack Ritter.

3. Leo Rios, Renee Solomon, Michael Perez, Letti Perez, Patsy Perez, Bertha Garcia, Alex Garcia 4. Leo Rios, Scott Mandel, Alex Garcia, Tracy & Adrian Garza

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Bend Bodies || Youga Yoga

Inside and Out Youga Yoga Lindy Burns is rejuvenating downtown Corpus Christi in more ways than one.

Lindy Burns sits outside her downtown studio.

Along with promoting community wellness, she hopes to beautify dowtown Corpus Christi.

Words: Missy Long Photos: Rachel Durrent

If you have ever doubted yoga’s impact on one’s personal health and wellbeing, a short conversation with Lindy Burns is likely to change your mind. For Lindy, yoga isn’t another modern fitness fad that will come and go as so many do. In fact, she does not really even categorize yoga as fitness – she refers to it as the “science of life.” Through Youga Yoga, Lindy hopes to bring wellness education to the community and apply yoga to everyday life.

issues many of us face in everyday life. “Our bodies are like car engines, if we are constantly revving them, it will lead to chronic stress,” says Lindy. She went on to say that, “tension in the neck causes headaches… it’s a physical symptom of other aspects in life.” Lindy teaches her students to look inward and to listen instead of speak. According to Lindy, we are constantly being distracted and pulled outside of ourselves throughout the day, but yoga is a practice of exploring your mind, body and emotions, it empowers you to know yourself.

Lindy once implemented a heavy regiment of physical activity into her exercise routine, but today she travels down a less strenuous physical path. “Every pose is total body,” says Lindy, “it’s learning how to engage every part of the body with the poses.” It’s not that she’s against lifting weights or running marathons, she has just realized the benefits of implementing yoga into any routine. Lindy says it is great for preventing injuries and increases bone mass.

Lindy’s vision for Youga Yoga surpasses the standard yoga class. It’s more of a community than a studio.

Members participate in “flash mob” yoga, yoga on the beach and are active in many of the events put on by the DTMD, such as Art Walk and Bridge Walk. Her primary care is community wellness, which is why her studio is purely donation based. She intentionally chose the downtown location because alongside her mission to rejuvenate the community, she has a deep desire beautify downtown Corpus Christi.

Having received her Master’s in Clinical Psychology from TAMUCC, Lindy knows a thing or two about the

MYTH: Yoga is only for women FACT: Some NFL football players practice yoga regularly during football season. thebendmag.com

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Practicing yoga teaches discipline, selfawareness and focus, which can have positive effects on any busy mind and schedule.

First Steps: 1. Find a Yoga Studio: Lindy says that it is important to find a studio with qualified instructors, because if yoga is not done properly; it could end up having negative effects. She would love if you joined Youga Yoga, but she also recommends other great, local studios such as Crossroads Yoga and Yoga Studios of Corpus Christi.

2. Get Equipped: Youga Yoga does provide mats if needed, but if you decide to purchase your own, make sure it’s a sticky mat. You can find a quality mat for the right price at stores like TJ Max or Marshal’s. Also, make sure you wear comfortable clothing.

3. Join in: There are no “levels” at Youga Yoga – all skill levels participate together. The classes are intended for everyone and it is a very welcoming community, so there is no need to be intimidated. One important note Lindy made is that any first time student should be honest about past injuries.

Lindy guides her students through each pose. Each class consists of all skill levels.

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Lindy demonstates a onelegged, downward facing dog pose for the class.

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photo: Mike Mahode 16 | written: Anne Patricia

Speaking in Their Place How one Coastal Bend family brought Autism Awareness to their home, family and community

“There are all these hopes and dreams that you have for your kids, all of the ignorant stuff you think of, like wanting them to be the valedictorian, the star athlete or just great at all these things. Then your focus changes to – I just want them to talk”

Words: Jordan Regas Photos: Michael Diamante

– Katie French

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C

hris and Katie French live in Portland with their three sons, Zack, Rig and Wade. They have a beautiful home along Broadway Boulevard with a giant arched doorway leading into a spacious foyer. There is an elegant, twisting staircase that greets visitors on their right. Covering the walls are large family portraits – something most people might take for granted, but photos don’t come easy for the French family and getting the chance to see all their children smile is a valued piece of art. It’s a home painted with pride, laid out in love and decorated with memories. It’s a home very aware of the realities of raising two children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. It’s a gorgeous house, but the French’s have built a more impressive home. Through relentless effort, unconditional love and community support, the French’s have triumphed over Autism, but the journey wasn’t easy.

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service they could find was a support group. To make matters worse, insurance companies were denying them coverage due to Zack’s condition. As more people found out about their son, their denial faded into anger.

“People would say things that were horribly offensive, like, ‘If you just leave him with me for five minutes, I bet I could get him to talk,’ or, ‘Be glad he doesn’t talk, because I can’t get mine to shut up.’ A lot of people had good intentions, but no one we knew had a child with Zack’s disabilities. Most people would say things meaning only to help, but sometimes, to us, it would come out as being horribly offensive,” said Chris.

Denial Fourteen years ago Chris and Katie French sat puzzled inside a neurologist’s office. Two-year-old Zack ran about the room like any normal child at the dawn of the terrible twos would. Zack’s development appeared to be perfectly fine, but they were concerned with his speech development. Until this point, life for the French’s was completely normal with no real assumption of any serious issues.

“So the doctor comes in, and he is obviously a very intelligent person, but if you have ever heard of a doctor with no bedside manner, this was him,” says Chris. “He’s talking to us and he is halfway watching Zack. No tests or anything, just watching Zack run around the room.

So I asked him what he thought, and he bluntly says, ‘I think he has autism.’” According to Chris, the doctor went on to say that he would run a battery of tests and blood work to test for the things they could rule out.

“You knew people were trying the best that they knew how, but the people who just sat down and listened was what we really needed,” adds Katie.

New Discoveries The first sign of hope came in the form of a book titled, “Let Me Hear Your Voice,” by Catherine Maurice.

The book is a memoir about a mother whose daughter couldn’t speak, but through a program known as Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA), the little girl found her voice. Chris and Katy were intrigued. They discovered that ABA was an intense, one-on-one, forty hour a week therapy. “The basic premise is that a child with Autism doesn’t learn by observation. There is too much distraction for that. You have to take everything and break it down into little steps and then reinforce those steps over and over again. It’s highly repetitious,” said Chris.

The couple was shocked. “That was the first time we heard the word autism, and that was the delivery we got,” adds Katy.

Chris, not wanting his son poked with needle after needle for only the chance of eliminating possibilities, grabbed his family and ran out of the door. Katy said they didn’t even want to hear the word “Autism” again.

Their denial would last for about six months, but they were eventually put to the arduous task of finding help for Zack.

“If you look on the Internet for what can help a child with Autism, everybody has something to say. It’s an overwhelming amount of advice - take this pill, restrict this diet, do this therapy and so on. There were even chiropractors who said they could make him talk,” said Chris. “They tried restricting gluten and dairy from his diet, but that was nearly impossible since the only thing Zack would eat were grilled cheese sandwiches.”

“Any progress,” said Katie.

It seemed as if they had found what they were looking for, but they had no idea how to get this program for their son. They considered moving to Wisconsin when they found out that ABA was offered in the school systems up there. By a random chance of fate, Chris, who traveled often with his job, sat on an airplane next to a woman from Houston whose son was in an ABA program there. She offered to have Chris and his wife come and observe the progress her son was making with Dr. Harris and his staff. This program was a huge discovery for the French’s, one that gave them hope for their child. But along with it came another major and devastating discovery. Their second son Rig, just a toddler, was also on the Autism Spectrum. Having just given birth to their third son, Wade, the couple felt they would likely end up raising three sons with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

They continued searching for help, but the only local

Their first introduction to ABA was somewhat of a wakeup call. While Zack was going through his

Although they still believed their child didn’t belong, they eventually enrolled Zack into PPCD, the stateoffered program for children with disabilities. It wasn’t the answer to their prayers, but at least it was something. Chris said they walked in the classroom and saw over a dozen children grouped together, all with a range of disabilities. “The school’s standard is that the children show some progress,” said Chris.

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and Rig, who also joined the program, dropped from a 37 to a 33. (Rig would later drop to a 28 on the scale).

“It wasn’t that they were cured, but they were learning how to manage,” says Chris. As time passed, their team slowly experienced burnout, as did their bank account.

At one point they even considered bankruptcy. They had already spent around $80,000 for their children’s education and they hadn’t even started kindergarten.

But the program was working and they could prove it.

preliminary testing, Chris and Katie went through an unexpected interrogation. They wondered why there was nearly as much concern for them as there was for Zack. They then learned that there is an 80% divorce rate among parents of children with ASD. To make matters worse, they were informed that parents of children with ASD are likely to suffer depression at a greater rate than parents of terminally ill children. At the end of the testing, Zack was given a score of 48 on a spectrum ranging from 20 to 60, with 60 being severe.

The high score was primarily due to the fact that Zack couldn’t speak, but Chris and Katie found hope in the discovery that Zack had very high-functioning nonverbal skills.

School’s in Session For most parents, watching your child head off for their first day of school is a little scary, but still a special and exciting experience. The French’s were terrified.

In Texas, parents of children with disabilities sit down with a school team for an annual Admission, Review and Dismissal Meeting, or ARD. The two parties determine the special education reports and services for a student.

When Chris and Katy first sat down for Zack’s ARD, they brought stacks of data about how successful the ABA program was at home, but despite their findings, their program was not considered. Chris and Katie both knew the option on the table wouldn’t work. They kept Zack at home and used the ABA program with a private tutor until he reached the third grade. Around that time, the therapist suggested they attempt to send Rig to Kindergarten at the public school.

Community Support The French’s had found the program they wanted, but it was three hours away from home and would set them back $60,000 a year. They were preparing to pack up the family and move to Houston when suddenly another door opened.

“The doctor in Houston informed us that if we could reach out to kids at the local college, our neighbors, church, wherever, and get a team of volunteers together to work in shifts, he would get us started by sending someone down once every couple of weeks. Trips for the staff would cost us $1,000 a day and phone calls would run about a dollar a minute. We would also pay for gas and food. We would have to video tape the sessions and take massive amounts of data, but they were going to monitor the program and, most importantly, we could do the program at home.” says Chris. Not only did the family not have to relocate to Houston, but the whole program would now cost significantly less.

“He ran around like a wild man and I think he pulled the fire alarm because the police and fire truck came. The school called us to come pick him up. They asked us if there was anything they should know and we told the teacher he was autistic,” said Chris. With their money gone and help running low, the French’s reached their breaking point. Then they heard about a local attorney who specialized in helping parents get the programs that would benefit their child’s special needs.

Chris reached out to his extended family network in the area and Katie reached out to some friends at church who could squeeze in two six-hour shifts per week. It was a major sacrifice to request of friends and family.

“This was very hard for me to do,” says Chris, “you labor under this illusion that you are self-sufficient, that you can do everything yourself. The doctor said there is no way; there is no way that you can do therapy for forty hours a week and still be the parents.” Despite Chris and Katie’s reluctance to ask for help, the community came to their rescue.

“We found out the school district had to at least consider the ABA program we were presenting. He asked us if we had checked agree or disagree when we left the meeting.

I told him I checked “agree,” thinking we were agreeing that we didn’t want the program they offered. So he told us to check “disagree” and then bring the document to him,” says Chris. The matter was settled in court.

It was a situation that could have taken many directions, with some outcomes more drastic than others. In the end, Chris and Katie were able to change the course of their children’s lives. The school district agreed to

The results were astounding. After only several months of therapy, Zack dropped from a 48 to a 42 on the scale

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implement the ABA program for Zack and Rig. “Since your child doesn’t have a voice, the only voice he has is yours,” says Chris. “You have to speak out for your child.”

Chris and Katie have never stopped speaking for their kids. On one occasion, someone asked Chris and Katie why they took this so personally. “These are our kids,” they replied, “How much more personal does it get?”

Today This year, Zack and Rig both made the transition to Gregory-Portland High School. “The high school’s administration has been very supportive,” said Chris and Katie. Thanks to the school’s integration of the therapy program, Rig now sits in class with the other freshman his age. Rig is involved as a trainer on the football team and recently discovered his gift for photography. He is making new friends at GP and even invited a group of students to his birthday party where they all rode bikes around the neighborhood, one of Rig’s favorite hobbies.

There is always the concern with bullying for any child, but most of the students look out for Rig. Zack remains in the Life Skills class, but is making great progress. He would not be nearly as self-sufficient today had it not been for Chris and Katie’s determination. Wade may be the youngest brother, but he is Zack and Rig’s biggest supporter. As it turns out, Wade was never diagnosed with ASD. Katie and Chris are comforted in knowing that he will always be there to watch out for Zack and Rig. It’s a bit ironic that Zack enjoys laying out puzzles on the living room table. The jigsaw puzzle piece is the international symbol for Autism Awareness. Sometimes the rest of the family will pitch in and, piece-by-piece, the image becomes a little clearer. The French’s are no longer afraid of the word Autism. They do what they can to bring Autism awareness to their community and support other families facing the same issues. The French home is still standing strong in the face of Autism, but they wouldn’t have made it had it not been for early intervention, community support and never giving up on their children. A quote painted above Zack’s bed says it best. It’s from the children’s book, “I’ll Love You Forever,” by Robert Munsch. It reads: I’ll love you forever I’ll like you for always As long as I’m living My baby you’ll be

Person of Interest || Monica Jimenez

Autism Spectrum Resource Center with Monica Jimenez, Program Director

“

year we really want to get them out into the community.

Let’s go see the Ice Rays, let’s go to a Hook’s game and let’s go see the Islanders play. One of the moms knows somebody who works with the Ice Rays and got twenty tickets donated for the older children. It’s all about connections. We just need to get the word out.

Autism Spectrum Resource Center (or ASRC) is a place for families with children who have been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Back in 2011, Bill Butler and Doreen Lund, ASRC’s founders, noticed that there wasn’t a safe place for parents of children on the spectrum to go and not feel judged. When your child is having a temper tantrum because they can’t articulate what they need – hitting their mom screaming or taking off into the street, everyone just stares and it can become fearful for the parent. Most of these parents can’t even take their children to the grocery store, because being on the spectrum, there are so many things that could happen that people just wouldn’t understand. So, the Autism Spectrum Resource Center was created.

Our board members range from teachers and educators to judges and political figures. We try to get everyone in town; we just want to spread the word. Everyone on our board knows someone with Autism. They understand just how beneficial this program really is to the families.

My mission as the director is for everyone to know about us. Just last week we had seven new members sign up.

One woman was in Corpus Christi for five years, her child was diagnosed four years ago and she only found out about us two weeks ago. She came to bingo and her child, who had never socialized very well, had a blast.

She could feel there was no judgment. I think that is the biggest thing for parents to feel. For a parent to take their child to a group and feel so comfortable on their first visit and keep coming back - that’s the void we wanted to fill, even if it’s just one family a week.

Our goal is to have something once a week for kiddos on the spectrum. For example, our ASRC Birthday Celebration is for anyone who has a birthday that month.

We celebrate in the 1st Baptist Recreation Center. Every 2nd Friday of the month we buy a cake, cookies and pizzas. It costs us about $100. When I first took over we had about 30 people coming each month. This past month we had 72 people. Anyone can come. We want to create a place where the children can learn to not be wild at parties, how to get in line, how to talk to other people, things they need to understand in order to attend social events. It’s a safe place where they can be social and have fun without judgment.

Being a non-profit can be challenging. You have to go out and get sponsors from the community. We have to have money coming in so that we can continue our events and activities. I think just spreading awareness in the community is a good start. If somebody wanted to help, We also have a young adult group, but we noticed there the greatest way to do so is to make a monetary donation. was a gap. What about the teenagers, the ones who are in That way we can have a safe haven for parents to turn to. high school with Asperger’s and are social in school, but We can still have the birthday parties and bingo for the never leave the house? What can we do for them? So this kids.

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”

DRISCOLL CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL: www.driscollchildrens.org Provides P/T, O/T, Speech, Neurology. Driscoll Children’s Hospital in Corpus Christi is located at 3533 S. Alameda Street, Corpus Christi, TX 78411 (361) 694-4542

ASRC Resource Guide Parents and family members who have a child diagnosed as having Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are often faced with questions and seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

Issues concerning therapy, education and advocacy in the school system are some of the many concerns that parents with a child on the ASD spectrum may face. As a result of this very real need by parents in the Coastal Bend area to have support and guidance concerning ASD, Doreen Lund and Bill Butler created the Autism Spectrum Resource Center (ASRC). The ASRC is a multifaceted organization that provides public out-

THE RISE SCHOOL: www.riseschool.org/CorpusChristi This school specializes in children with disabilities, ages 18 months to 6 years. In Corpus Christi, it is located at 744 Everhart Rd. Corpus Christi, TX 78411 (361) 814-9399 EARLY CHILDHOOD INTERVENTION: www.ncmhmr.org Early Childhood Intervention is intended for parents with questions about the development of their young child. It is located at 1630 S. Brownlee Street Corpus Christi, TX 78404 (361) 980-9652 CORPUS CHRISTI PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATES: www.corpuschristipsychologicalassociates.com Treating areas of mood disorders, crime victims, intellectual and developmental disabilities, thought disorders, anger management and more. It is located at 1001 Lousiana Ave. Suite 102, Corpus Christi, TX 78404 (361) 442-4024

reach, fundraising activities, and general support

for families dealing with ASD. Monica Jimenez (LPCI) is the organizer for the social support portion of the ASRC (www.meetup.com/CCASTeam) which sponsors various social activities for the whole family. For all the other sources of support found in the Coastal Bend area, the ASRC website (http://www.asrc-cc.org/) is the first place to start. The following are all resources easily accessed on the ASRC website:

GLENOAK THERAPEUTIC RIDING CENTER: www.reidbthomas.com/Glenoak_Program.html Provides Equine-assisted therapy and rehabilitation.

1517 Glenoak Drive/Corpus Christi, TX 78418 (361) 537-3495

SPECTRUM COUNSELING: www.spectrumcounseling.us Spectrum Counseling provides training in social skills and has Individual, group, and family therapy. They also have support groups, social understanding groups, a depression/anxiety group, and sibling support group. The therapists include the owner Bill Butler, LCSW, Amy Bowser-Yilmazer, LCSW, and Monica Jimenez (LPCI). Spectrum Counseling is located at 3440 S. Alameda Corpus Christi, TX 78411.

(361)851-5111.

CHILDREN’S ASSOCIATION FOR MAXIMUM POTENTIAL: www.campcamp.org Camp for autistic children and their families (210) 671-5411

THERAPY CONNECTIONS OF SOUTH TEXAS: www.therapyconnectionsofsouthtexas.com This group specializes in ABA and Music Therapy. The founder is Robin Blue, MAEd, BCBA, MT-BC. Also on the staff is Melody Perez, MT BC. It is located at 1001 Louisiana Ave, Ste 102/Corpus Christi, TX 78404 (361) 815-2433.

TEAM PROJECT PARTNERS RESOURCE NETWORK, INC. www.partnerstx.org Provides training, education, information and individual assistance obtaining services.Located at 1090 Longfellow Drive, Suite B/Beaumont, TX 71706 1-800-866-4726

TEXAS PARENT TO PARENT: www.txp2p.org/ Matches parents in TX to help with support and resources. You can also be trained as a resource parent.

Telephone toll free 866-896-6001.

AUTISM SPEAKS: www.autismspeaks.org National organization that has a 100 day guide for parents, and lots of references/support

PEDIATRIC THERAPY ASSOCIATES: www.pediatrictherapyassociatescc.com Provides PT/OT/Speech Services. Therapists include founders Sandy Mader (PC) and Pamela A. McDowell, PC. Also on staff is Waynette Jarrell, OTR PC. The office in Corpus Christi is locate at 1001 Louisiana Suite 402 (361) 853-0488. It is located at 1020 G S. 14th Street, Kingsville, TX 78363 (361)-443-2723.

MILITARY AUTISM HELP: www.operationautismonline.org Online guide, and is military specific. Steps lead you through deployments, moves, Tricare, etc.

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Family Life || Table Talk

When sitting down to dinner as a family, you likely will be more inclined to make meals more nutritious.

Words: Missy Long

Table Talk

With hectic schedules and numerous obligations, it becomes all too easy to let life get in the way of what really matters. Research shows that eating as a family benefits both your child’s physical and mental well-being. Now what could matter more than that?

1. BONDING While most modern day Americans consider “TV time” to be “family time”, nothing can encourage open communication and sharing more than sitting down for dinner.

Children will feel more comfortable confiding in their parents when they feel they have their parent’s full attention.

3. HEALTHIER BODY WEIGHT When sitting down to dinner as a family, you likely will feel more inclined to make meals more nutritious. Sitting around the table together may also prevent the mindless eating that takes place when dinner is had in front of the TV, making you more aware of the food you are taking in.

2. BETTER GRADES Kids who have regular family dinners are more likely to have higher grades than those who do not. Children feel more obligated to achieve good grades when parents stay involved.

5. MODEL MANNERS Leading by example is a strong way to teach your children appropriate behavior. Mealtime offers the perfect setting for modeling table manners, meal etiquette, and social skills.

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6. AVOID DESTRUCTIVE BEHAVIOR Teens who regularly eat dinner with their family are less likely to get into fights, be promiscuous, or abuse drugs and alcohol. Accountability goes up when children know someone is there to regularly offer advice, comfort, and direction.

So ring the dinner bell and get your family to the table! Setting a goal for your family to eat together at least 5 times a week will contribute to a healthy lifestyle. And who knows, you may even make some warm and lasting memories while you’re at it.

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Coastal Trends || Weddings

The Big Day

THE BRIDE: Lauren Jade Martin THE GROOM: Thomas Konzen McDowell BIG DAY: January 4,2014 LOCATION OF CEREMONY: Holy Family Catholic Church LOCATION OF RECEPTION: D&E Party Barn and Ranch; We picked this location because it fit our personalities to a T! Laid back, western and unique PHOTOGRAPHER: Danny Vivian Photography

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CATERER: We chose Werner’s Catering, and served pork loin, twice baked mashed potatoes, seasoned green beans, and a Caesar salad. Everything was absolutely wonderful!

CAKE: We did things a little differently. Neither of us likes cake, so we decided to have a pecan pie tower instead. My great grandma Schaefer makes the best pecan pies around. We…couldn’t miss out on that.

FLORIST: All of our flowers came from Sam’s Club, and Tammy Brooks made all of the floral arrangements.

Tell us the story of how you two met?

We did not go to the same high school, and we lived in different towns so the odds of us meeting the way that we did is kind of a miracle. We fell in love all because he got out of a truck and opened a gate for me. He got my number from a friend and called me (not texted, mind you) to ask me on a date the very next day.

How did he propose?

Thomas proposed unlike most. He made it something super-special between just him and I. There was no super fancy moonlight dinner, flowers everywhere, or tons of

people around, just him and me in his barn while we were feeding the horses. Little did I know that he was hiding a diamond in the feed bucket! I wouldn’t have wanted the proposal to be any different; it was our kind of romantic.

Who or what has been most inspiring in the wedding planning process?

Having so much support from our close friends and family. Getting married at such a young age is typically not something that most people encourage, but our families were behind us 100%.

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“Don’t be so nervous!

You are about to marry the love of your life. Don’t let nerves take over your emotions!”

- Lauren

Coastal Trends || Weddings

What was your favorite part of your special day?

Being able to spend the day with the people who mean the most to me. My sister was my maid of honor and she slaved that entire day to make everything absolutely perfect. My mom knew all of the right things to say that day; she has always been my rock to lean on. My dad and I shared a special moment that words cannot describe when he saw me in my dress, and then walked me down the aisle. I gained a second family that day that I truly love and cherish. Most importantly, I gained the lifelong partner that I have always dreamed of.

Any recommendations for future brides?

Don’t be so nervous! I know that sounds silly, but be around people who calm you down. You are about to marry the love of your life. Don’t let nerves take over your emotions!

What part of the planning process was most stressful?

One acronym…..DIY. I wanted everything to be personable and resemble Thomas and myself so I did the do-ityourself route. Thank God for Pinterest and patient parents!

Do you have any budgeting tips?

We had 700 people invited to our wedding, and approximately 600 attended. We had no choice but come up with ways to save money. We saved money by using styrofoam plates and plastic silver wear, instead of glass plates and real silver wear. I feel like no one ever remembers what they eat off of at a wedding; they do remember what they ate, so don’t skimp on food. We also saved a few bucks by using the UPS Store for making things like napkins, thank you cards and cups instead of ordering them online, UPS Store is the way to go. Lastly, when you set a budget, stick with it. There will be times when you are tempted to spend more than you really need to, but remember that no one ever remembers the little details that you fret about.

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Coastal Trends Spring Fashion Photo: Tina Alexandra Location: South Texas Botanical Gardens

Coastal Trends || Fashion

A Sense for Fashion Meet Shannon Bartkowiak

to her. “With our warm summers, it’s important that a fabric can breathe well – something that you can wash and hang and put on again. I think that those are the things that a woman just gravitates to in her closet. If they put it on and it feels good, they are going to wear that outfit more often,” said Shannon. Maybe this is the reason why so many customers continue gravitating back into her store. “I have learned my clientele over the years. A lot of times when I go to market, I think, ‘Oh, so-and-so is going to love that.’ So, I actually have customers in mind when I go to market,” she said.

Shannon Bartkowiak is the owner of Shannon’s Distinctive Fashions, located on the Southside of Corpus Christi in The Market Place Shopping Center on S. Staples St. Shannon grew up in Corpus Christi’s retail and fashion scene. As a young woman, she worked for her mother’s business partner, Linda, at Linda’s Dress Shop. Twelve years ago, upon Linda’s retirement, Shannon purchased the store and made it her own. She stays active in the community, bringing her unique finds to the runways of charity fashion shows throughout the year.

What is the secret to Shannon’s success? A keen eye for fashion and a sense for what her customers want. When it comes to picking out clothes, she follows her instincts and knows what she likes the moment she sees it. Fabrics are something which are very important

Shannon likes to fill her store with unique options that can’t be found in department stores. We got a sneak peek at a few spring looks that you just might see around the bend this month.

“I have learned my clientele over the years.

So, I actually have customers in mind when I go to Market.”

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This gorgeous sheer dress will keep you comfortable in the South Texas heat.

Rompers can easily be dressed up or down. This classic black romper offers so much versatility.

Add statement earrings to any laid back outift for a dressy, yet effortless, look.

Back When || Sports

Before They Became Stars So you like Hooks baseball; who doesn’t? Maybe you retired here or like some of us, moved here for your job. Maybe you just like the sound of the ball coming off the bat, the ocean in the background and the smell of fresh, salty air. Either way, did you know that Minor League baseball has been a part of Corpus Christi since the early 1900’s?

The Corpus Christi Pelicans, a Class-D team of the Southwest Texas League, existed in 1910 and 1911, but did not have affiliation with any Major League club. Their manager was Harry Hunt. Two of the Pelican stars were Joe Pate from Alice, Texas, an outfielder for the Philadelphia A’s, and Denney Wilie, also an outfielder, for the Cardinals and Indians.

The Corpus Christi Seahawks, a Class-D team, played in the Texas Valley League from 1926-1928. They were not affiliated with any Major League club at the time and were managed by Chick Brandon in 1926, whose team finished fourth and Jim Payton in 1927 and 1928. Payton’s 1927 club finished as league champs. South Texas was the destination for many clubs in the early days, as the New York Yankees and the Brooklyn Dodgers regularly played

Words: Andy Purvis Photo: Corpus Christi Hooks

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catcher Joe Kracher from San Angelo spent his time with the Phillies.

The Aces were replaced by the Clippers in 1955.

That year, Skipper Billy Capps would lead his team to an 87-60 win-loss record, well enough for a third-place finish in the Class-B Big State League, affiliated with the Milwaukee Braves. Connie Ryan managed the 1955 club as the Clippers became the League champs. Sibby Sisti and Jack Wilkinson were player-managers with the club though 1957. Other stars who made it to the Majors were Leo Posada, an uncle of Jorge Posada, former New York Yankee catcher, who played for the Kansas City A’s, and Sibby Sisti himself who played for the Milwaukee Braves and starred in the movie “The Natural.” Most of the players for the Aces and Clippers had their careers interrupted by WWII.

The Corpus Christi Giants moved from Oklahoma City in time for the 1958 season. They also changed affiliations from the Boston Red Sox to the San Francisco Giants. They were a Class-Double A team in the Texas League attached to the San Francisco club. This team played at the Giants’ Field also once re-

spring training games in San Antonio and Austin. Both Dick Esrey and Lee Stebbins became stars of the hometown Seahawks, but neither was good enough to make it to the “Show.”

In 1938, Rod Whitney was managing the new team in Corpus known as the “Spudders.” This Class-D team from the Texas Valley League would post a 9244 win-loss record to win first place, but lose to the Harlingen Hubs in the playoffs. Pitcher “Ox” Miller from George West, Texas, and George Hausmann, from Boerne, were the stars of this club. Miller would become a pitcher for the Senators, Browns, and Cubs, while Hausmann was a second baseman for the N.Y. Giants.

The Spudders lasted just one year. It would be another twelve years before pro baseball returned to Corpus.

By 1952, the new Class-B Gulf Coast League team in town called themselves the Corpus Christi Aces. This team would be managed through the 1954 season by Jack Trench and eventually “Showboat” Fisher. Three players from this club made the Major League rosters. Tommy Warren was a pitcher and hurled for the Dodgers. Heinz Becker was a fine first baseman for the Indians, and

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Back When || Sports

Photo: Doc McGregor, Corpus Christi Public Libraries

An unknown baseball team from Corpus Christi in the late 1930s.

ferred to as Clippers Field. On Friday, April 18, 1958, the Giants entertained the San Antonio Missions and won their first game. They would finish third with a 77-75 record and face the Houston Buffs in the playoffs. Pitchers Eddie Fisher, who would later pitch for the Los Angeles Angels and the Chicago White Sox, and soon to become a Hall-of-Famer Gaylord Perry, who seemed to have pitched for everyone, closed out the Buffs and moved on to play the Austin Senators, led by player-manager “Peanuts” Lowrey. The Giants beat the Senators four games to three and won the Texas League and would now face the winner of the Southern Association in the Dixie Series. Birmingham had defeated Mobile for the right to play the Giants.

A total of fifteen players for the Giants played in the Major Leagues. In 1959, the Giants won 66 and lost 79 games.

Corpus Christi’s fifth Minor League team started in 1976. They were called the Seagulls, a Class-A team of the Gulf States League. Their player-manager was Leo Mazzone, the famed future pitching coach of the Atlanta Braves. I have a photo of a young Leo and Mickey Mantle taken here in Corpus. His team recorded a 50-27 record and they won

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both halves of the Western Division. They led their league in offense and attendance. The following year, 1977, the Seagulls played in the Lone Star League and again they were a powerhouse, winning the division. The Seagulls left at the end of the season.

The Corpus Christi Barracudas operated in Corpus from 1994 to 1995. Several onetime Major League players joined the team in an effort to work their way back to a big league club. They were Tony Mack, Randy O’Neal, Gary Eave, and Mike Felder. They were known as a Class-Independent operating in the Texas-Louisiana League. Their manager was Mark Wasinger. The announcer for the Barracudas was a fellow by the name of Dave Schultz. He asked me several times to sit in with him and do the color commentary. The Barracudas played their home games at Cabaniss Field and one night we got into a 19-inning game against Jose Cruz and his San Antonio Tejanos.

I tried to leave several times, but Dave persuaded me to stay. We were both pretty much out of things to say. The Barracudas finally won around 12:45 or so. We figured the team coming in, the Harlingen White Wings, were already in town and in their hotel before our

game ended. The next night, the Barracudas surprised us by hitting three grand slams, two by Gary Hagy and one by the league’s leading home-run hitter, Ron Reams, to beat the White Wings 15-4.

Our Corpus Christi Hooks are the Class-Double A affiliate of the Houston Astros. Nolan Ryan and Don Sanders formed the ownership group of Ryan-Sanders Baseball, with Nolan’s oldest son Reid as the CEO. Nolan Ryan and his group purchased the Jackson Generals, located in Mississippi in 1998, and moved them to Round Rock, Texas, just outside of Austin.

They were moved again to Corpus after the 2004 season ended. They began play at Whataburger Field in 2005. In 2006, under Manager Dave Clark, the Hooks won the Texas League Championship, defeating the Wichita Wranglers.

This marked the first time a Corpus Christi franchise had won a league championship since the 1958 Corpus Christi Giants. The Hooks have sent 57 players thus far to the Major League level, including Hunter Pence. Pence became the first former Hooks player to win a World Series title with the 2012 San Francisco Giants.

In October of 2013, the Ryan-Sanders Baseball group sold their rights to Houston Astro’s new owner, Jim Crane. Crane then hired Reid Ryan to be the President of the Astros, while the Hooks elevated former

all-star pitcher and Hooks executive, Ken Schrom, to be their Club President. Schrom has spent 11 seasons with the Hooks since their inception. Keith Bodie, the Hooks’ Manager, restored the Hooks to glory leading our team to the post-season playoffs in 2012 and 2013, while setting club records for wins with 81 and 83 respectively. In 2013, an unprecedented 14 former Hooks players made their big league debut.

This year will be the 10th anniversary of Corpus Christi Hooks Baseball, and you will not believe the size of the new scoreboard. With a new stadium lease in place that will insure Minor League baseball in Corpus Christi until 2034, the Hooks open their season on the road in Tulsa on Thursday, April 3rd. Their first home date is the following Thursday, April 10th,, against the same team. There are lots of great players in the Hooks Minor League system, and no doubt we will witness several this coming season. So grab your mitt and come check them out, before they become stars. See you at the park!

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Q&A || Reid Ryan

“

The fans really go out of their way to give the players that special, Texas hospitality welcome that really adds to the experience in Corpus Christi.”

– Reid Ryan

Q&A

Hooked on the Future Reid Ryan, Hooks founder and Astros’ President of Business Operations

TB: WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT HOOKS FANS AND THE BASEBALL SPIRIT IN CORPUS CHRISTI? Reid: Corpus is a real baseball town. It’s a community that knows the game well; it’s what I call a high baseball IQ town. They appreciate quality play. So the thing I love most about Hooks’ fans is their knowledge and passion for the game.

TB: IN MAKING YOUR DECISION TO ACCEPT YOUR CURRENT POSITION WITH THE ASTROS, WHY WAS IT IMPORTANT FOR YOU TO KEEP THEIR RELATIONSHIP WITH THE HOOKS INTACT? Reid: When we got to Corpus Christi, two things were very evident. One was that Corpus Christi was a big Astros town and two was that people truly appreciated our efforts to bring professional, affiliated AA baseball and Whataburger Field to Corpus Christi. It took the work of a lot of people to do it. So, what I wanted to do was secure the future of the franchise being in the city of Corpus Christi and being affiliated with the Astros. When I looked at things out there that could affect both our affiliation and franchise long term, I felt that it was in the best interest of the game of baseball to sell the club to the Astros. This would, in essence, secure that the club would be an Astros affiliate for a long time while simultaneously extending the lease with the city.

Some people might say, ‘Oh, well he did that because he wanted to cash out,’ but I did it because I wanted to look out for the future of the franchise. I wanted to give up the ability to cash out, so to speak, and it gave me the ability to continue overseeing baseball in Corpus Christi, to look out for our staff, to look out for our fans.

When you put all of them together, I just don’t think there could have been a better outcome for baseball in Corpus Christi.

TB: AFTER TWO AMAZING SEASONS, WHAT’S IN STORE FOR HOOKS’ BASEBALL THIS SEASON AND WHAT DOES THAT MEAN FOR THE ASTROS DOWN THE ROAD? Reid: I see the Hooks having several good years of baseball in Corpus Christi.

When you look at the fact that all six of our teams made the playoffs in the minor leagues last year, you know there is a lot of talent in the system. I would have loved to have won a Texas League Championship last year, everybody would have. When you have all six teams in the playoffs, it’s hard to do what other

teams sort of do, which is send certain players to certain clubs to give them a competitive advantage. We weren’t able to do that, but when you look at it, we lost a heartbreaking series to San Antonio and they ended up winning the league.

So, we were right there with everybody else. I see us having that opportunity again, Keith Bodie is back – he’s a quality manager who enjoys winning. If you look at the Padres club and some of the other teams out there, you see that some of those organizations maybe don’t have the depth that ours does. So for the next couple years, I expect to be in the running every year and at the end of the day, you have to get lucky sometimes, to have a ball bounce your way here or there.

Hopefully we can win another title, but they’re not easy.

“

Corpus is a real baseball town. It’s a community that knows the game well; it’s what I call a high baseball IQ town.”

-Reid Ryan

TB: WITH THE ASTROS CURRENTLY IN A DEVELOPMENTAL PERIOD, WHAT IS IT ABOUT THE MINOR LEAGUE GAME THAT PREPARES PLAYERS FOR THE MAJOR LEAGUES? Reid: Out of all the professional sports, Major League Baseball is the toughest to move from the amateur ranks to the professional ranks. It has to do with the amount of people who play the game…

What separates good players from great players, mediocre players from good players? It’s a very hard game. So, the way that the minor league system is set up is to let players improve their skill.

You don’t see tools change much. You don’t see a guy going from throwing 82 to 92 to 102. By the time a guy gets drafted, his tools: speed, power and velocity are pretty much what they are going to be.

It’s learning to deal with the failure and honing your skill that makes the difference between a minor league player and big league player. So, the things that matter most in that progression are one, the number of games. For someone coming from high school baseball or college baseball, you’re playing 60 games or 90 games over the course of the year and then jumping to 140 games plus multiple in spring training and the playoffs are an extra 30 games. So, maybe they were running a 100 yard sprint or mile sprint, thebendmag.com

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now they are running a full marathon.

The second thing is that every level you go up, the stadiums get bigger the crowds get bigger, the travel gets tougher…Each one of them is a progression and part of the maturation of getting somebody ready to be a big league player.

TB: THIS YEAR, THE HOOKS WILL FACE SAN ANTONIO IN MINUTE MAID PARK FOR THE FIRST ASTROS’ FUTURES GAME. WHO ARE THE SOME OF THE PLAYERS WE MIGHT SEE ON THE FIELD AND WHICH PLAYERS DO YOU ANTICIPATE MOVING UP? Reid: Well, it’s going to be the AA club, so it will be whoever is on the Hooks basically…We see this as something exciting for the fans in Houston, to be able to see some of this talent down in Corpus. Of course you wonder who is going to be there – probably Delino DeShields, Jr. will be there. Maybe Mark Appel, by June, will be in Houston with the Hooks as a part of the Hooks team that plays in the Futures game. Will somebody like Santana be back or will he be in AAA? Which one of our catchers will be there, will Corporan at some point come up? You wonder if a guy like Lance McCullers, Jr. will make a jump to AA this year. We don’t really know at this point because we haven’t started playing spring training games, but all of those names are out there and as we progress over the next thirty days, I think we will know a lot more about what that team could look like.

TB: WHAT HAVE PLAYERS MENTIONED TO YOU ABOUT THEIR EXPERIENCE WITH THE HOOKS? Reid: The guys that we have had come though Corpus, for one, love the atmosphere of the ballpark, which starts with the fans. They really enjoy our staff. We have a big league staff in Corpus Christi and they are treated like big leaguers.

From doing post game radio interviews after the game to the way the media covers them in the market, to the way the club house is set up and the way that we treat them at the front office. I think that’s important, but I think, more importantly, it’s the folks in the community who go out of their way to make them feel special. Their families, their girlfriends, visiting relatives; whoever it is, the fans really go out of their way to give the players that special, Texas hospitality welcome that really adds to their experience in Corpus Christi.

Open House || Landscape

Reading Your Palms In South Texas, Palm Trees are everywhere you look. We even have a mall named after them! So, let’s take a closer look at la palmera.

Canary Palm The Canary Island Date Palm is a cold hardy palm. It can grow up to 60 feet, and has a thick trunk covered with diamond designs.

Its arching leaves can reach up to 18 feet long. The female trees produce dates, but only if there is a male tree nearby. thebendmag.com

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Sylvester Date Palm The Sylvester Date Palm is native to India, Pakistan and Bangladesh, but thrives in our region. It is relatively pest and disease-resistant, and is drought-tolerant when mature. The Sylvester Date Palm is a fast growing palm that can get up to 50-60 feet tall and 10-15 feet wide.

Queen Palm This single trunk palm can get to a height of 50 feet. The leaves get a length of up to 12 feet and are “fluffy� in appearance. As the leaves age, they turn brown and have to be manually trimmed to keep the Queen Palm looking nice.

Pygmy Date Palm This is a fruit-bearing palm that produces small black dates that turn dark red when ripe. It grows to be 12 feet tall and can have a 10 foot spread.

A Pygmy Date Palm grows best in a well- protected area, such as next to the wall of your home. thebendmag.com

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Sissy Winn

Rodeo Royalty As it goes with any royal family, each new heir is destined to someday take the throne. For Sissy Winn, that time is now. At the age of five, Sissy started her rodeo career before most kids lost the training wheels on their bike. Sissy’s dad, a former cowboy himself, introduced his love for rodeo to her and his oldest daughter Amy at a young age. Sissy claims this was a big mistake. What little girl doesn’t want dad to buy them a pony? Over the years, the Winn’s have collected a stable full of award winning horses. With Amy now off at college, Sissy has exclusive access to the horses. She said that having to share a horse with your sister is almost like having to share a cell phone. Rodeo takes an incredible amount of work, time and sacrifice, but instead of dividing the family, Rodeo has brought them together. The Winn’s do everything as a family; Sissy’s parents are her coaches, mangers and biggest fans. They travel most weekends, but the rodeo world is like a second home where they nurse their horses, barbeque with close friends and attend cowboy church on Sunday. As both a Rodeo Queen and National Champion rider, Sissy lets us in on the world of rodeo.

Sissy Winn rounds a barrel on Lena’s Gold Salute during the NHSRA National Championships in Sweetwater, WY. Interview: Jordan Regas Photo: Jennings Rodeo Photography thebendmag.com

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WHAT IS YOUR RELATIONSHIP LIKE WITH THE OTHER RODEO COMPETITORS?

WHAT EVENTS DO YOU COMPETE IN? I compete in barrel racing, pole bending, goat tying, breakaway roping, and cutting. You normally have a particular event that you’re better at or a few that are your primary events, because you just don’t have time to practice them all every single day. So, my best three events are barrel racing, pole bending and cutting.

Most of my friends are rodeo people. Every weekend I get to see the same people I talk to everyday. Some of my biggest competitors are some of my closest friends. They will hurt when your horse hurts.

DO YOU PLAN TO CONTINUE RODEO AFTER HIGH SCHOOL? WILL YOU GO PRO SOMEDAY? I think I’ll do a couple rodeos here and there in college, but my dad stresses that we focus on college. I think maybe afterwards, if I had the right horses and my parents supported me, I might give going pro a try. There are some people who rodeo for a living, but you’re always gone and have to have three or so really good horses that do well and are ready to run. It’s hard to have one.

It’s hard to make a living with it…you do it because you love it.

HAVE YOU PARTICIPATED IN ANY OTHER SPORTS? WHAT MAKES RODEO DIFFERENT? I did a little bit of da ncing. I played basketball and volleyball, but it was hard after middle school. Once you get in high school, that’s all they do. I would be off at rodeo instead of competing in the basketball games.

Rodeo lasts all year. It is somewhat seasonal with different associations you compete in, but there is always a rodeo somewhere. There are just so many different events and a whole lot of people competing against you.

WHAT IS IT THAT YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT RODEO? I think it’s the thrill and the rush and the feeling that you did your best and the horse did its best. Sometimes it doesn’t turn out the way you want, but sometimes it does. It’s just the thrill of everything; the people you meet, the places you go and the horses you ride.

HOW DO YOU GET YOUR HORSES READY FOR THE RODEO? We will ride up and down along our neighbor’s fence, it’s about a mile or so – that will really get their blood running. Sometimes we will swim them, but that is only before something special like state. The horse is an athlete – he needs proper nutrition and training. If the horse is not in tip top shape, you can’t go out there expecting to win.

Biggest Achievements 2010

WHAT IS YOUR RELATIONSHIP LIKE WITH YOUR HORSES? My pole horse, Biscuit, and I have been together for five years, so if something happened to her it would be like something happened to someone in my family. Every run you have with a horse is a special moment. You know that this could be the last time, so my mom has taught me to appreciate every single moment because you don’t know what could happen.

• • •

Jr. High National Pole Bending Champion National Rookie of the Year National Reserve All-Around Champion

2013 •

State All-Around Champion (THSRA)

2014 •

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San Antonio Livestock Show $10,000 scholarship winner

PROMOTION

Home Is Where The Heart Is! Annual Tour of Homes Lends A Sneak Peek Inside Rockport Coastal Retreats While Supporting Rockport Center for The Arts Coastal living truly comes to life this spring with the 2014 Rockport Tour of Homes.

This year’s unforgettable self-guided tour hosts five amazing homes perched on canal waterfront property and tucked under Rockport’s famous Live Oak trees.

“Tour-goers are in for a rare treat. They will get a first-hand look at homes that could be featured in a decorator magazine or any architectural publication for the best in comfortable Coastal living,” says Mary Lynn Painton, this year’s Co-Chair.

“Each year, the homes inspire everyone – whether it’s decorating, renovating, or landscaping,” added Painton of the event that takes place on Saturday, April 12th and Sunday, April 13th all over the Rockport area.

All proceeds from the tour benefit the Rockport Center for the Arts. The nonprofit organization is home to more than 700 working artists and art patrons. In addition, the area plays host to more than 15 art galleries.

Painton adds, “Rockport is magical with its serene coastline and windswept trees, and the tour allows you to step into this very creative world oftentimes inspired by the water.”

Event officials search year-round for standout homes to be included on the tour. This year, Lynda and Brett Bohn’s Harbor Oaks home is causing quite a bit of stir.

The Bohn’s contemporary-style compound was built in the 1970’s and originally owned by the Lichtenstein family of Corpus Christi.

Serenely cloistered on the water, the estate included a 3,000-square-foot main residence known as “Tree House,” a swimming pool and a separate 2,000-square-foot guesthouse known as “Tree Top.”

The couple, with a combined seven children, purchased the home and its art collection in 2007. An intense 18-month renovation took place under the watchful eye of local architect Steve Haynes who helped execute the Bohn’s vision.

One of the focal points is at the center of the house – double Copper doors in the entrance gallery bordered by expansive walls of glass.

Lynda worked with a Florida artist to create the custom doors which feature the area’s Live Oak trees.

In addition to the five homes, everyone can also tour the “Myuong Hui,” a 41-foot 2007 Island Packet SP Cruiser berthed at the Rockport Yacht Club.

“We are very appreciative to those who have agreed to open their private homes and boat all to benefit the Rockport Center for the Arts,” says Painton.

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Rockport Rockport Tour of Homes Featuring 5 Homes & 1 Boat Saturday, April 12 and Sunday, April 13 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Tickets: $20 (2 for $35 if purchased before April 11) Contact: 729-5519 www.rockportartcenter.com

Open House || The Crabtree’s Home

Going With The Flow |

Photo: Rachel Durrent

W

hen Ron and Jan Crabtree married 15 years ago, their 1800 square foot home was the perfect landing spot for these two “empty nesters”. A few family gatherings later, however, they realized that they were actually bursting at the seams.

“Together, Ron and I have five children, thirteen grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren,” says Jan of her ever-growing family.

“Add to that spouses, friends and significant others, and we had a house full and then some!” It was at this point that they made the decision to build a larger home. After finding the perfect lot in Portland’s North Shore Subdivision, they began their plans.

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The couple spent the next year and a half designing a home that would have an easy flow, an open concept, and accommodate their expanding family. The design was meticulously poured over and tweaked until it became exactly what they wanted.

The spacious heart of the home would seamlessly connect the kitchen, dining, and family rooms. Once the general layout was approved, it was time to get down to the details. “We wanted the house to be structurally sound, so full attention was paid to details that would give our home good bones.” Those structural details included a rebar foundation, impact resistant windows and doors, expandable foam insulation on the roof decking and all exterior walls, and a recirculating pump that brings instant hot water into the master bath. A full staircase leads to the attic, which is floored to create ample storage space and stays cool due to the foam insulation.

The dining room offers breathtaking views of the lake behind their house.

Ron Crabtree, enjoying the view of his patio from the bar.

Jan Crabtree in her favorite room of the house, the kitchen.

Attention was also focused on the architectural details of the home. The couple chose 5” crown molding for the ceilings of every room. All of the windows are cased with 4” molding and are covered with 4” plantation shudders, creating a very polished look. The family rooms thebendmag.com

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Open House | | The Crabtree’s Home

Pam Morin 361-808-7400

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are lined with plate glass windows that allow a full view of the backyard pool, the nature pond just beyond that, and finally the 11th hole of the North Shore golf course. The width of the interior and exterior doors is a generous 36 inches, wide enough for wheelchair accessibility.

The oversized shower in the master bath touts an extra wide, sloped opening, ideal for easy entry. “We initially designed our home with my elderly mother in mind,” reflects Jan. “She used a walker, and we wanted her to be able to move freely from room to room.”

With the marvelous flow of this home, moving freely from room to room is no problem. Looking back now, Ron and Jan can say they have accomplished all of their goals for their home design. The couple hosts many get-togethers for family and friends, and space is never an issue. Jan states, “We truly love our home.

But more than that, we cherish the love and laughter that is shared by all who come through our door.”

The Crabtree’s saltwater pool is their grandkid’s favorite part of the house.

Interiorscapes

Bringing Green Indoors Interior plant leasing and maintenance for businesses and homes in the Coastal Bend

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361.815.8823

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The Bend Cuisine You might not consisder yourself a “foodie,” but who dosen’t want to enjoy a nice meal every once in a while. There are plenty of options around the bend?

BLEU BISTRO Goat Cheese Trio House flavored goat cheese served with fresh berries, pecans and kalmata olives.

Photo: Rachel Durrent thebendmag.com

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Dining Guide

Republic of Texas

$$ 2401 Cimarron Blvd, Corpus Christi, TX 78414 (361) 993-7258 Mon-Sun: Lunch and Dinner

Water Street Seafood Company $$ 309 N Water St, Corpus Christi, TX 78401 (361) 882-8683 Mon-Sun: Lunch and Dinner

Mesquite Grill $ 224 N Mesquite St, Corpus Christi, TX 78401 (361) 884-8870 Mon-Fri: Lunch and Dinner; Sat: Dinner Only

Yardarm $$ 4310 Ocean Dr, Corpus Christi, TX 78412 (361) 855-8157 Tues-Sat: Dinner Only

Katz 21 $$$ 5702 Spohn Dr, Corpus Christi, TX 78401 (361) 884-1221 Mon-Th: Lunch and Dinner Fri-Sat: Dinner Only

MESQUITE ST. GRILL Nachos

A giant pile of homemade potato chips, chorizo, black olives and Pico de Gallo, drizzled with pepper jack cheese sauce and served with salsa.

CORPUS CHRISTi Vietnam Restaurant $$$ 701 N Water St, Corpus Christi, TX 78401 (361) 853-2682 Mon-Fri: Lunch and Dinner Sat: Dinner Only Bleu Bistro $$$ 500 N Water St, Corpus Christi, TX 78401 (361) 887-2121 Mon-Th: Lunch and Dinner Fri-Sat: Dinner Only

Aka Sushi

$$ 415 N Water St, Corpus Christi, TX 78401 (361) 882-8885 Mon-Fri: Lunch and Dinner Sat: Dinner Only

Bellinos $$ 3815 S Alameda St, Corpus Christi, TX 78411 (361) 814-8998 Tues-Sat: Lunch and Dinner

Citrus Bistro

$ 100 N Shoreline Blvd, Corpus Christi, TX 78401 (361) 882-2047 Mon- Fri: Lunch Only

Thai Cottage $ 5830 McArdle Rd, Corpus Christi, TX 78412 (361) 993-0777 Mon-Sun: Lunch and Dinner Russos Coal Fired Italian Kitchen $$ 6418 S Staples St, Corpus Christi, TX 78413 (361) 986-0620 Mon-Sun: Lunch and Dinner

Grimaldis

Niko’s Steakhouse

$$ 5409 Saratoga Boulevard, Corpus Christi, TX 78413 (361) 992-2333 Mon-Sun: Lunch and Dinner

Mamma Mia’s

$$$ 128 N Mesquite St, Corpus Christi, TX 78401 (361) 883-3773 Tues-Sat: Dinner Only

$$ 5488 S Padre Island Dr, Corpus Christi, Texas 78411 (361) 980-8600 Mon-Sun: Lunch and Dinner

Sang’s Imperial Café $$ 4650 Corona Dr, Corpus Christi, TX 78411 (361) 808-8881 Mon-Sat: Lunch and Dinner

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Saltwater Grill

$$$$ 900 N Shoreline Blvd, Corpus Christi, TX 78401 (361) 887-1600 Mon-Sun: Dinner Only

BonnA-Petit $ 4301 S Alameda St, Corpus Christi, TX 78412 (361) 299-5127 Mon-Sat: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Hoegemeyer’s BBQ $ 711 Concrete Street, Corpus Christi, TX 78401 (361) 884-4227 Mon-Fri: Lunch Only

TakeNiwa $$ 5216 S Padre Island Dr, Corpus Christi, TX 78411 (361) 356-6888 Mon-Sun: Lunch and Dinner

PORT ARANSAS

Venetian Hot Plate $$$ 232 Beach St, Port Aransas, TX 78373 (361) 749-7617 Tues-Sat: Dinner Only Shells $$$ 522 E Avenue G, Port Aransas, TX 78373 (361) 749-7621 Weds-Mon: Lunch and Dinner The Pelican Club $$$ 914 Tarpon St, Port Aransas, TX 78373 (361) 749-0580 Weds-Sun: Dinner Only

Lisabella’s Bistro $$$ 5009 Hwy 361, Port Aransas, TX 78373 (361) 749-4222 Tues-Sat: Dinner Only

Café Pheonix $ 229 Beach Ave, Port Aransas, TX 78373 (361) 749-9277 Mon-Th: Lunch Only; Fri-Sat: Lunch and Dinner

PADRE ISLAND

Dragonfly $$$ 14701 S Padre Island Dr, Corpus Chisti, TX 78418 (361) 949-2224 Tues-Fri: Lunch and Dinner; Sat: Dinner Only

Black Sheep Bistro $$$ 15201 S Padre Island Dr, Corpus Christi, TX 78418 (361) 949-4819 Mon-Sat: Dinner Only; Sun: Lunch Only

Roosevelt’s at the Tarpon Inn $$$ 200 E Cotter Ave, Port Aransas, TX 78373 (361) 749-1540 Mon-Sun: Dinner Only

BONN A-PETIT

Irie’s

$ 503 North Alister St, Port Aransas, TX 78373 (361) 749-2310 Tues-Sun: Lunch Only

Grilled Flank Steak – Tender pieces of Flank coated with Chimmi Churri sauce served with a side of roasted garlic mashed potatoes and fresh asparagus.

ROCKPORT

Glow $$ 1815 Broadway St, Rockport, TX 78382 (361) 727-2644 Mon-Sun: Dinner Only The Boiling Pot

$$ 201 S Fulton Beach Rd, Fulton, TX 78382 (361) 729-6972 Mon-Th: Dinner Only; Fri-Sun: Lunch and Dinner

Shempy’s Grill $$ 3911 Highway 35 S , Rockport, TX 78382, 78382 (361) 727-0019 Mon-Sun: Lunch and Dinner Latitude 2802 $$$ 105 N Austin St, Rockport, TX 78382 (361) 727-9009 Tues-Sun: Lunch and Dinner

Bonn A-petit BonnA-Petit offers gourmet, vacuum-sealed meals that can be reheated in the microwave from home. The meals range from Spaghetti and Meatballs, to Coconut Curry, to Blueberry Pie. Homemade never tasted so good.

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Aging stops here.

NIKO’S

Carmen Casas, M.D. Board Certified Dermatologist

The “Delmonico” An 18 oz. All Natural Black Angus U.S.D.A. Choice bone-in Ribeye grilled up and topped with a Rosemary Gorgonzola Compound.

Call 994-1001

5756 S. Staples Ste. J1 (Staples at Holly)

INTRODUCING Exclusive treatment for cheek augmentation to correct volume deficits mid-face • Painless BBL Laser Hair Removal, Both Underarms $150 • Laser skin firming “Skin Tyte” Neck $300 • Get a 6 Micron Laser Peel $350

Frown Lines (Brow Lift) $350 Crows Feet $150 $600 per syringe $550 limited time offer We accept CareCredit

Free cosmetic consultation

Scuttlebutts $$ 14254 S Padre Island Dr, Corpus Christi, TX 78418 (361) 949-6769 Mon-Sun: Lunch and Dinner

Snoopy’s Pier $$ 13313 S Padre Island Dr, Corpus Christi, TX 78418 (361) 949-8815 Mon-Sun: Lunch and Dinner

Doc’s Seafood and Steaks $ 13309 S Padre Island Dr, Corpus Christi, TX 78418 (361) 949-6744 Mon-Sun: Lunch and Dinner

It’s famous for a reason!

All You Can Eat! Crawfish, Shrimp and Sausage 6 p.m. Friday, April 4, 2014

Concrete Street, Old Market Pavilion 717 Power Street

Complimentary Drinks!

LIVE Zydeco Music!

Sponsor a table for $1,500, $2,500, $5,000, $10,000 or $25,000.

Individual tickets $150.

All proceeds benefit the Del Mar College Foundation General Scholarship Fund.

Registration available online at www.delmar.edu/alumni

Call 361-698-1033 or email sreigle@delmar.edu for info. thebendmag.com

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