April 2021 Issue by The Bend Magazine

THE HOME ISSUE

HOME SWEET LOAN

Kleberg Bank Mortgage is key to making your dreams of homeownership a reality.

top priority: customer service

We know you have many options, so we strive to make a difference by providing the excellent service you deserve.

communication: key to success

We lead the process with clear and consistent communication to ensure a stress free process from application to funding.

quick turn times

With an in-house team of experienced professionals, you’ll enjoy rapid responses from the approval process to funding.

home financing options

We offer conventional, FHA, VA, jumbo, home improvement, and construction loans.

competitive rates

Contact a mortgage professional at (361) 850-6800 or apply online at KlebergBank.com. SCAN QR CODE TO LEARN MORE.

Victoria Gutierrez NMLS#1182000

Leigh Fowler NMLS#1307268

Carlos Reyna NMLS #1968315

Greg Knupp NMLS #1416595

PRESIDENT

Jordan Regas

VICE

PRESIDENT

Kaley Regas

PUBLISHER

Chris Knapick

ART

DIRECTOR

Jarred Schuetze

EDITORIAL

DIRECTOR

Kylie Cooper

ACCOUNT

EXECUTIVE

Gloria Stauber

COPY EDITOR

Steve Gill

SENIOR WRITER

Kirby Conda Tello

LEAD

PHOTOGRAPHER

Rachel Benavides

PHOTOGRAPHY

Jason Page

Lillian Reitz

Aaron Garcia

CONTRIBUTORS

Justin Butts

Kayla Butts

Jillian Becquet

Jo Anne Howell

Jacqueline Gonzalez

Jessie Chrobocinski

Alexis Harborth

Julieta Hernandez

Katy Jones-Gulsby

Terrie Moore

Monica Benavidez

Luis Arjona

Monique Dennis

Josh Maxwell

Q: What is your favorite room in the house and why?

KCT: My living room is my favorite place to be in my home. It’s where I’ve placed my collection of books—I love to cozy up in my big chair and escape into a great story.

JG: Definitely my home office! I get to escape reality and just be a writer. It is a unique space where I get to relax and unwind.

JH: Definitely the laundry room! Usually there's a lot of light coming in, the scent of fabric softener, and it’s probably one of the most productive and refreshing little spaces. It’s a sweet little corner of a house people don’t frequent often, but it’s pretty peaceful on Sundays.

BEHIND THE COVER:

The annual Home Issue is always a favorite for our team. The ability to peek inside some of the area’s

Submissions: kylie@thebendmag.com

Advertising : gloria@thebendmag.com

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Providing cosmetic surgery in Corpus Christi, TX and surrounding communities

The Year We Spent at Home

I feel it’s safe to say the amount of time we’ve all spent at home in the last year has been far greater than usual. Stay-at-home orders went into place in Nueces County at the end of March 2020, and while the order itself was lifted a couple weeks later, our time inside the home would – for most of us – continue to outweigh the time spent anywhere else. The morning I wrote this letter, I listened to a podcast episode titled, “Our Pandemic Year.” It had officially been one full year since COVID-19 was declared a pandemic.

As we begin to turn a page in the seemingly never-ending novel that is the coronavirus – to what will hopefully be a more optimistic chapter – I can’t help but reflect on the year we all spent at home.

I remember falling back in love with my space. I remember first feeling overwhelmed by the disarray inevitably to come from spending so much time in one place, and then learning how to embrace it. Valuable lessons were learned, like understanding the kitchen won’t implode and collapse on itself if the dishes didn’t get done before bed, or that keeping the mattress in the living room for a week might just be the only thing that brings you joy. I remember actually spending

time on my front porch and getting to know the neighbors. I was rediscovering the place I had already called home for quite some time – obtaining a greater appreciation and admiration for it.

The home is a sacred place. It houses memories and milestones and moments. When someone invites The Bend Magazine into theirs, and in turn invites each of you in along with us, we are granted access to peek in on some of the most intimate details of a person's life. In this year’s annual home issue, you’ll discover the stories of two remarkable Coastal Bend abodes, and those who inhabit them.

SAVING A SPECIES

In a history-making rescue effort, the Texas State Aquarium’s Wildlife Rescue Center rehabilitated more than 1,200 cold-stunned green sea turtles after the below freezing

In our cover story “Resident Collector,” by Senior Writer Kirby Conda Tello, custom steel doors open to reveal the many lives lived by those inside. Sensational works of art adorn each square foot, and the array of color and texture throughout the entire space send your senses into overdrive.

On the opposite end of the design spectrum sits the second home you’ll find within these pages. In the Home and Garden department, crisp whites and contemporary architecture breathe life into a modern maison. While drastically different from one another, both spaces come together perfectly to create a narrative; one that helps to make those within its walls who they are.

At their core, our spaces house so much more than one-of-a-kind paintings and geometric light fixtures. They house love, and tribulations, and laughter, and everything in between. A home tells a story, our story, and the past year allowed us to reread that book from an entirely new point of view. Although we’re all eager to get back to whatever “normal” is at this point, perhaps every now and then we’ll think back fondly of the days when there was nowhere to go but home.

Kylie Cooper, Editorial Director kylie@thebendmag.com

GIVING BUSINESS THE COMMONS TOUCH Commons, a new retail shop located in Downtown Corpus Christi, focuses on bringing sustainable high-end goods to the area. Carrying both local and national products, the shop has something for everyone. Pg. 96

THE OUTSTANDING BALLROOM BY THE BAY Dancing is beneficial to our health in a multitude of ways. Corpus Christi Ballroom by the Bay offers an array of classes in different styles that will help improve your mental and physical health. Pg. 54

Three Cheers for Realtors

This month’s issue gives us an opportunity to expand on one of the most popular sections of The Bend Magazine, Home and Garden. This happens to be one of my favorites as well, as I have a strong connection to homes and real estate in the Coastal Bend and I love perusing through photos featuring some of the beautiful homes in our area.

If you haven’t noticed, real estate in the Coastal Bend is booming. Generally, any given market can be defined as either a Seller’s Market (inventories are low, prices are up) or a Buyer’s Market, (inventories are saturated, prices are dropping). This particular market is what I would define as a mutual market. Inventories are very low, generating top dollar pricing for sellers while at the same time, interest rates are at a historical low, giving buyers a lot more bang for their buck.

Last year, during a major economic hit due to the pandemic, our real estate market showed an increase of 39% in home sales. For the first time, our local market area (Corpus Christi) breached the $1B mark in total home sales. Some of this increase can be attributed to the 15% increase in the average price of homes sold. But when we look at the number of units sold, we still see a strong increase of 20% year over year. Those are pretty amazing numbers considering the pandemic. Our area’s new home construction permits were up over 13% for 2020. That doesn’t sound like a lot, but considering halfway through the year we were at negative growth, it’s pretty strong. This number, coupled with our low inventories, means our locals aren’t just moving from one house to another, it means we have a lot of new people moving to our area. This is exciting for me. We have, for many years, seen little growth in terms of families moving to the Coastal Bend, but it seems as though the breach has collapsed, and our population is seeing some real, strong growth. We are starting to catch the attention of people and companies looking for a place to plant their roots.

At the heart of all this real estate activity is an army of realtors who work to make the process of selling or buying a home a smooth transaction. Our local real estate market boasts over 1,500 active agents. Many of them have been active for over 10 years – and it’s not an easy job. Over the past few decades, the process of buying a home has become much more complex and the need to have a professional working for you throughout the process is almost imperative. As you will find in our Top Realtor Profile Section, the successful realtors work long hours, many times six to seven days a week, to ensure their clients are getting everything taken care of. As one quoted and many will attest, they eat, sleep and drink real estate.

In many ways, these agents act as the ambassadors for the Coastal Bend to those moving here. They are, at times, the first point of contact for an individual or family relocating to our area. They open the door to our community, showcasing why this is a great place to live and raise a family. They provide the help needed to find that perfect place someone will call home. This month, we lift a glass to those who work and live out the profession of realtor. Our hats are off to you.

Chris Knapick, Publisher chris@thebendmag.com

AROUND THE BEND

C'est la vie, slippers, it's time for a

The New House Shoe

C'EST LA VIE, SLIPPERS – IT'S TIME FOR MORE UPLIFTING HOUSE SHOES

BY: JARRED SCHUETZE PHOTOS BY: AARON GARCIA SHOES: JULIAN GOLD

The year of 2020 brought about, shall we say, very lazy sartorial decisions –especially when it comes to the shoe game. Being house-bound for nearly 13 months resulted in bare feet, a pair of socks, or at best comfy slippers. But as you slowly return to "normal" life, it's time to step up your footwear and invest in new shoes you can wear around the house now and out and about later.

Cobey Clemishire

Q: Aside from creating beautiful smiles, what is a passion of yours?

A: One of my greatest passions is surfing. I started surfing while attending dental school in Southern California, I have been hooked ever since. Recently I have started shaping a few surfboards and had an article I wrote in a surf publication.

Q: What attracted you to South Texas?

A: I am originally from a small town in Oklahoma. Gaining my passion for surfing I wanted to live by the coast and South Texas happens to be the closest coast to my hometown in Oklahoma. It gives me proximity to family and also allows me to live at the beach.

Q: What makes Allen Dental Group unique?

A: When I first met Dr. Allen, I knew this was the place I needed to be. The group is different from other offices I have seen and shadowed previously. Allen Dental Group cares for their patients and treats every patient to the highest standard. The group has a family like atmosphere and we work hard to make every patient feel comfortable.

My wife, daughter, and I moved to Corpus Christi in 2017, just in time to be greeted by Hurricane Harvey! We checked off the ‘lived through a hurricane’ box in our first week living in the Coastal Bend and have been in love with the area ever since. We found our home.

We moved to Corpus Christi to join the team at the Orthopaedic Center of Corpus Christi. When I was in residency, multiple mentors recommended I join the Orthopaedic Center as they were the best in town. I fully agree. I specialize in the comprehensive treatment of the spine from the base of the skull to the pelvis. I was blessed with the opportunity to train in the Adult and Pediatric Spine Surgery Fellowship at Washington University in St. Louis, one of the premier spine fellowships in the world, after completing my residency in Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio. As part of my training, I also became a fellow of AOSpine, a renowned international organization devoted to spine surgery education and training. I bring a broad perspective to treating spine-related problems from my medical training as well as my prior career as a physical therapist. I firmly believe in a comprehensive evaluation of my patients to get the diagnosis correct. Appropriate and effective treatments can only be developed based on the accurate diagnosis of your problem. I carefully guide my patients through treatment options to achieve the best outcomes. I perform both minimally invasive and traditional open procedures to address surgical problems that do not improve with other treatments. I always recommend the most targeted and limited surgery that will get you give you excellent and durable results.

If you develop any issues related to your spine, call our offices, and I will get you where you want to be with caring and comprehensive care.

HOME IMPROVEMENT

You’ve got the fever, my friend, the fever for a change in décor. You're getting weary of the dull drabness of the winter months, and now you’re itching for the light, spirited mood of the spring season. Here are a few of our favorite ways to freshen up your interior game.

BY: JARRED SCHUETZE

1. Prater Stool Susan Castor Collection 2. Eye Throw Pillow She Shed 3. Brixton in Atlantic Area Rug Chic to Chic Furniture 4. Sambonet Gold 7 Candelabra Park Seven 5. Wooden Round Mirror Oh My! Rockport 6. Brass Arc Floor Lamp Macy's 7. Totem Candles COMMONS 8. Bernhardt Allure Sideboard Buddy Walker Home Furnishings 9. Rubber Plant and Terracotta Planter Turner's Gardenland

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

the bend shop

Shop Locally-Made Goods

Have you checked out The Bend Shop yet? Purchase locally-made goods via the retail side of The Bend Magazine straight from our website! We’re currently stocking items from Woodson & Co., ChillWax Candle Bar, Daisy Holsenbeck Jewelry, Indigo Laine & Co., Lillian Jean Photography, and Oh Goodie Designs. Plus, special Bend-branded items are also for sale. Keep an eye out for our second collection dropping oh-so soon!

Are You a Match?

A SIMPLE SWAB PUTS YOU ON A REGISTRY THAT IS SAVING LIVES, INCLUDING A SINTON GIRL WHO’S ALIVE TODAY BECAUSE OF IT

BY: ALEXIS HARBORTH PHOTOS BY: RACHEL BENAVIDES

he need for the cure never ends,” says Leticia Mondragon, the Donor Development & Engagement Specialist at Be the Match. This 501c3 nonprofit organization gives those with life-threatening blood cancers and disorders the opportunity to be matched with a donor who could save their lives.

Patients with leukemia, lymphoma, and other life-threatening diseases rely on Be the Match to find a donor for bone marrow, peripheral blood stem cells, or a cord blood transplant – which may be their best or only hope for a cure. The statistics behind those in need are staggering.

“Every 3 minutes, someone is diagnosed with a life-threatening blood cancer or disorder. That’s 20 people an hour, 480 a day,” Mondragon says. One such patient is Laynie Houser.

“In early 2015, we began to see signs that something wasn’t quite right with Laynie’s health. By May 2015, we’d received confirmation that our 7-year-old had aplastic anemia,” recounts Holly Houser, Laynie’s mother.

Aplastic anemia is bone marrow failure, a life-threatening condition in which the body stops making adequate amounts of white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets.

“On the first day of diagnosis, we were told Laynie needed a bone marrow transplant to survive.” Holly explained they tried to find a match within their family, but could not; 70 percent of patients do not have a fully matched donor in their family. “We asked Be the Match to step in and find us the perfect, unrelated match to save our daughter.”

Through science and medical advancements, it’s easier than ever to help save a life. “It’s now through a stem cell transplant that you may be able to cure someone of cancer,” Mondragon says. “About 80 percent of needed donations are peripheral stem cell donations, which is very similar to a platelet or plasma donation.”

Be the Match is the largest, most diverse registry in the nation. A search for Laynie’s match turned up several possibilities, and in January 2017, her perfect match was identified as Alyssa, a surgical nurse in Wisconsin.

Help save a life: Visit Be The Match’s website to register and help save a life. It is quick, free, and easy! You’ll be asked to complete an online assessment with a series of questions about your medical history to see if you meet basic requirements and then a self-swab kit will be mailed to your door.

“At 11:59 p.m. on Good Friday, our donor’s bone marrow began flowing into Laynie’s body,” Holly says, explaining that while the recovery was challenging, her daughter is now considered fully cured. “Today, Laynie is an active, social, healthy 13-year-old girl. She celebrates her 4th rebirthday in April 2021.”

When it comes to joining the registry, Laynie has a special message to our community. “By joining the Be the Match registry, you are providing hope and life to patients who are facing their last chance at life. You can be a living donor and save a life.”

Mondragon is utilizing digital-based initiatives throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. “It takes 5-7 minutes to sign up with Be the Match, and it’s contactfree. You can visit us online or you can text Hero4 to 61474 for a sign-up link. We encourage the community to register to see if they are a match for someone in need.”

A few minutes can save a life and make an impact. As Holly says, “Our donor Alyssa not only saved Laynie’s life, but she saved all our lives. It is an indescribable blessing. You can save a life. It’s nothing short of miraculous.”

CONTACT:

PERSONALIZED CARE BY EXPERTS–SUPPORTING

SAFE TRANSITIONS HOME

PERSONALIZED CARE BY EXPERTS–SUPPORTING SAFE TRANSITIONS HOME

PERSONALIZED CARE BY EXPERTS–SUPPORTING SAFE

TRANSITIONS HOME

someone you love is discharged from a hospital facility, their recovery isn’t necessarily complete they return home. In fact, it’s often just beginning. Readjusting to daily routines can be stressful and the falls and injury is often greater. This can lead to return trip to the hospital, which no one wants.

When someone you love is discharged from a hospital or facility, their recovery isn’t necessarily complete once they return home. In fact, it’s often just beginning. Readjusting to daily routines can be stressful and the risk of falls and injury is often greater. This can lead to a return trip to the hospital, which no one wants.

When someone you love is discharged from a hospital facility, their recovery isn’t necessarily complete once they return home. In fact, it’s often just beginning. Readjusting to daily routines can be stressful and the of falls and injury is often greater. This can lead to return trip to the hospital, which no one wants.

Helpers® makes transitions to home easier

Senior Helpers® makes transitions to home easier

Staying Home Safe™ - a unique approach to care management that helps patients achieve their goals creating a safe environment for recuperation.

Senior Helpers® makes transitions to home easier with Staying Home Safe™ - a unique approach to care management that helps patients achieve their goals while creating a safe environment for recuperation.

Staying Home Safe™ - a unique approach to care management that helps patients achieve their goals while creating a safe environment for recuperation.

IT

ALL

IT ALL STARTS WITH A PLAN

STARTS WITH A PLAN

IT ALL STARTS WITH A PLAN

Our customized assessments take stock of what your loved one needs and builds a care plan around their condition and goals. We can then deliver this care using our highly skilled and trained in-home care providers.

IT ALL STARTS WITH A PLAN

WE WON’T LEAVE YOU HANGING

Our care plans are designed with your input and delivered in a way that keeps you in the loop. We give you the eyes, ears and helping hands you need to take care of those you love when you’re not able to.

WE WON’T LEAVE YOU HANGING

STRENGTHENING CIRCLES OF CARE

We make sure our care is coordinated with the support you provide, and with the with the doctors, nurses and care managers that work with your loved one. We want everyone to stay in the loop!

STRENGTHENING CIRCLES OF CARE

We make sure our care is coordinated with the support you provide, and with the with the doctors, nurses and care managers that work with your loved one. We want everyone to stay in the loop!

ACCESSIBLE TRANSPORTATION

We make sure our care is coordinated with the support you provide, and with the with the doctors, nurses and care managers that work with your loved one. We want everyone to stay in the loop!

Regular visits to the doctor and to any necessary follow-up appointments are important to a successful recovery. your loved one needs a ride, we can provide one. If they need reminders about their appointments we can do that too.

Regular visits to the doctor and to any necessary follow-up appointments are important to a successful recovery. If your loved one needs a ride, we can provide one. If they need reminders about their appointments we can do that too.

ACCESSIBLE TRANSPORTATION

MEDICATION REMINDERS AND PRESCRIPTION

MEDICATION REMINDERS AND PRESCRIPTION PICK-UP

PICK-UP

MEDICATION REMINDERS AND PRESCRIPTION PICK-UP

Improper use of medications can lead to a slower recovery. We can pick up medications at the pharmacy and help make sure that your loved one is taking the medications they need, when they need them.

MEDICATION REMINDERS AND PRESCRIPTION PICK-UP

Improper use of medications can lead to a slower recovery. We can pick up medications at the pharmacy and help make sure that your loved one is taking the medications they need, when they need them.

NUTRITION PLANNING, FOOD SHOPPING, AND MEAL PREPARATION

Improper use of medications can lead to a slower recovery. We can pick up medications at the pharmacy and help make sure that your loved one is taking the medications they need, when they need them.

Eating nutritious meals is very important to maintaining good health especially if there are special dietary requirements. Our meal preparation service is designed to give your loved one the food they want and need! This includes pick-up of food and personal items as needed. CONTACT

NUTRITION PLANNING, FOOD SHOPPING, AND MEAL PREPARATION

Call: (361) 844-8181

email: rbucey@seniorhelpers.com

Call: (361) 844-8181 email: rbucey@seniorhelpers.com

writer recommendations

Venues for Micro-Weddings

BY: KYLIE COOPER PHOTO BY: LILLIAN REITZ

THE WAY WE COMMEMORATE LIFE’S MANY MILESTONES HAS DRASTICALLY CHANGED IN THE LAST YEAR OR SO. DUE TO THE PANDEMIC, CAR PARADES, VIRTUAL PARTIES, AND POSTPONING CELEBRATIONS ALTOGETHER HAVE BECOME THE NEW NORM. HOWEVER, WITH HOPE ON THE HORIZON, SOON-TO-BE-NEWLYWEDS ARE GEARING UP TO HOST THEIR CELEBRATION OF LOVE IN PERSON. WITH THAT IN MIND, WE’VE DECIDED TO ROUND UP A FEW IDEAS ON WHERE TO HOST A MICRO-WEDDING THIS SPRING.

ART MUSEUM OF SOUTH TEXAS

Picture this: Your closest friends and family gathered together amid gorgeous works of art, bathed in natural light, and a picture-perfect view of the bay. Renting a gallery space at the Art Museum of South Texas for your micro-wedding this spring will allow your small number of guests the opportunity to marvel at your nuptials and get a little education and culture in at the same time.

1902 N. SHORELINE BLVD.

SOUTH TEXAS BOTANICAL GARDENS

Allow your love to flourish within the beauty of the South Texas Botanical Gardens. This is the perfect local venue of an outdoor micro-wedding, just in time for blooming buds! Our suggestion would be renting out the Plumeria Garden and Platform for your special day. Their rental policies require a membership before renting, but we promise it’ll be worth it.

8545 S. STAPLES

THE VENUE AT HOUSE OF ROCK

You’re probably familiar with House of Rock’s delicious pizza and live music performances. But, did you know renting out the space for a special event was possible? If you’re looking for a sulkier vibe, this is the spot for you. Concrete floors, moody lighting, and raw details throughout the space create a blank canvas for you to create your dream wedding.

511 STARR ST.

CHAPEL ON THE DUNES

The historic Chapel on the Dunes, located high on a sand dune in Port Aransas overlooking the Gulf of Mexico, an idyllic location for a wedding ceremony. The quaint chapel comfortably seats about 22 people, making it the perfect spot for a micro-wedding. The ornate and intricate altar, tile work, and drawings along the walls make for a whimsical and ethereal setting. 203 S 11TH ST.

THE DOME CHAPEL CORPUS CHRISTI SCI ENCE AND HISTORY MUSEUM

Located in the Gallery of Cultural Encounters, the Dome Chapel is without a doubt a go-to spot for an intimate affair. From the authentic 16th century carved wood ceiling and bowed archways with sculpted pillars to porcelain tiles and paintings depicting historical scenes, the Dome Chapel will take you and your guests to a different land.

1900 N CHAPARRAL ST.

CHAPEL ON THE DUNES

Lon Gonzalez

THOUGHTS ON THE VALUE OF LOCAL NEWS AND A LIFE ON THE AIR CONVERSATION

BY: KYLIE COOPER PHOTOS

BY:

LILLIAN REITZ

KC: Let's start with a bit of background information. How did you get into the radio industry, and how did it lead you to where you are now?

LG: I attended Ben Bolt-Palito Blanco High School, and it was there that I got a glimpse into what would eventually turn out to be my career. I had suffered a football injury when I was a junior, and couldn't play sports anymore. Since I had been involved in UIL Speech competitions in junior high and high school, my speech teacher gave me a brochure about radio classes sponsored by Lamar University in Beaumont. That summer (1974), I attended the month-long radio class, and absorbed all I could about it. The end result of the course was getting your FCC license for future work. After graduation, I returned to Lamar University and continued my work at the university station, which was an NPR affiliate. I also managed to get involved in some commercial stations in the Beaumont area, and even did some TV production work. Those experiences led me to begin, literally, at the bottom. I worked as a voice on a small station in Alice, and began doing news. I eventually moved into the production area when stations began to cut back on news departments. I stayed in production for over two decades. Now I'm here at KEDT-FM. The road has been long and interesting, and there's never been a dull moment, which is something that keeps me very excited about what I do.

KC: So, you've been in radio for almost 50 years now. Why do you think you've stayed in the industry for so long?

LG: I've been able to adjust to the constantly changing situations in this industry; much of it has been embracing the technologies that we now utilize. Keeping a close group of confidants is also a good thing to have in the business. I also believe that listeners have come to trust what I do, and how I present whatever the situation is, whether it was in production, on air or news.

KC: Do you feel the advancement of technology has affected your listeners and how you approach them?

LG: Technology has definitely raised the bar – not just for listeners, but for us, too. We've had to advance our game to include new in-house technologies, as well as introducing listeners to our streaming channel. The strength of streaming our signal not only gives listeners another listening option, but opens our station to a global audience. So technological advances are things we always keep our eyes on to see if our listeners would benefit.

KC: What would you say is the value of public radio?

LG: I believe the value of public radio is in its message. While there are many types of public radio stations, I would venture to say that in the case of our station (KEDT), the passage of information without forming a decision for our listeners to take is the best that's offered to the public. There's never a push given to opinion, but rather [we] let the listener get the full story, and let them decide for themselves. That's a strong point in what we do here.

KC: Why do you feel public access to trustworthy, local news is so important?

LG: Radio listeners, and especially KEDT listeners, have come to trust what we broadcast long before I entered the picture. Local news is the heart and soul of any type of news coverage. As the saying goes, "all news is local news." And it's true! It's local news that connects people with the proper flow of information.

KC: Why do you think public radio is able to remain relevant when so many people are getting news from other outlets?

LG: The key to what public radio has to offer, in our case our affiliation with National Public Radio and the Texas Newsroom, is to present our stories in a straight, no-frills manner. Lay out the situation, don't pursue a side in the issue, and present the story in a non-complicated way. Staying out of partisan presentations is the best way to present our stories to our listeners. John Lennon once said, "Give me some truth!” I'd like to think that we follow that particular route.

KC: Do you ever get nervous when going on air anymore?

LG: There are times I still get jitters, but not that often. After so many years behind the mic in some sense, it's just become second nature for me to just set up and go. We recently started a series of town hall sessions on different issues, and in both recent cases, I did have a few butterflies since it was live and we had a panel of experts to confer with. That can sometimes be a little intimidating.

KC: What advice would you give to people when it comes to navigating the news cycle in an undaunting way?

LG: I would tell them to be very careful when it comes to listening in today's evolving news cycles. There's so much misinformation, and it's very easy to access. Take time to listen carefully to whichever news source you choose.

KC: Take us through a day in the life of Lon Gonzalez.

LG: A day in the life, let's see. I'm up very early in the morning. It's something I'm used to from so many years of radio work with a morning team. Once I get to the station, it's off to checking news sites and networks for news stories that will hope fully be useful for our listeners. Keeping track of our network while I'm on the air is a must, because news changes quickly. Once I'm off air, I work on getting some phone interviews with various folks whose stories would be of both interest and value to our listeners. Most people

are very receptive to the idea. Our big newscast comes at noon, and we try to fit in as much as possible – to not only inform our audience, but entertain them as well. Once I'm done, I head home to my lovely wife and two dogs, and do some work around the house.

KC: What is your favorite part of being a radio host? Any favorite memories you'd care to share?

LG: My favorite part of being a radio host is bringing something different to listeners. I've tried to incorporate a mix between what I think a non-commercial and commercial station should sound like: being informative, but not being so unattainable that people won't be able to identify with what you're doing. It's something I've tried to accomplish working at KEDT. Insofar as favorite memories in radio? I have lots of them, but you'll have to be on the lookout for the book that I'll write one day.

CONTACT: kedt.org

Listening w/ Lon: Catch Lon Gonzalez on KEDT FM Monday through Friday 5 AM for the Morning Edition and 12 PM for the Mid-Day Report. Tune into 90.3 FM or livestream the broadcast directly from kedt.org.

Wassily Chair, designed by Marcel Breuer in the 1920s

RESIDENT COLLECTOR

BY: KIRBY CONDA TELLO PHOTOGRAPHY BY:

JASON PAGE

ayside Corpus Christi is a mecca for old home charm. From Pope Place to Lamar Park, Morningside to Del Mar, some of the most immaculate, well-designed interiors are nestled within unassuming exteriors. But that is what makes these homes so delightful; the anticipation of a surprise when entering a friend’s lair for the first time is enough to send one boiling over the top with excitement.

A huge perk of being a part of The Bend Magazine family is the opportunity to explore some of these coastal treasures that otherwise may never be made available to the general public. So many gracious families open their doors to allow for a glimpse into their intimate spaces – and for that, we are eternally grateful and inspired.

Tucked away in a serene oasis along one of the city’s main drags is this month’s featured homestead. A home is an innately personal space, and no matter how much a person enjoys sharing their house with others, doing so on a scale such as this can be a bit

much. In that spirit, the homeowners prefer to remain anonymous.

The sentiment that “art makes a home” feels like a living, breathing notion in this 1968 remodel. Originally two individual townhomes, the spaces was melded together, and the resulting expanse has enough of its authentic structure to give the home tour a mazelike vibe, complete with surprises around every turn. Along with its structure, the home boasts many original building materials, finishes, and hardware, including the tile floor. It is that Spanish terracotta clay color design found in traditional Mexican builds. “Casita” comes to mind. And in the areas of the home that werem’t originally tiled, the owners had replica tiles made and added to the floorplan so the transition from room to room is seamless.

The journey of this home’s renewal began in July 2020, with a goal of completion before the holidays. The couple was moved in and had fully decorated before the new year, making it a five-month remodel

Dale Chihuly, Chandelier, 1999, Handblown Glass, Private Collection

Chihuly’s inspiration for colorful glassblowing derived from time in Monterey, Mexico in the 1980s at the beginning of his career, where he studied different techniques for glassblowing through Mexican artisans for whom glassblowing is a 500-year-old tradition.

"I can envision where everything goes from the beginning."

project. While this is definitely the exception to the rule in general contracting, it’s even more impressive that – since many of their belongings required the packing and shipping care normally reserved for major exhibitions from the Smithsonian or, dare I say, the Louvre – the home is free from any indication that the project may have been expedited. The overwhelming feeling is thoughtful and intriguing; there will always be something new to discover in an abode like this, even if it’s just the rearrangement of hanging artwork.

So much of the home has a backstory. Nearly every door, carpet, entryway, and of course, artwork is a treasure trove of insight into the many lives lived by the homeowners. Although native Texans, the owners acquired most of their fixtures across decades of world traveling. Many rooms seem to have a theme that derives from the country of origin for a certain table or painting, but that wasn’t necessarily a planned occurrence.

One of the owners, a self-taught design architect (who would likely deny that title because of their humble nature), is a one-of-a-kind visionary in several respects. In fact, the purchase of the townhomes was made sight unseen. A realtor friend who was made aware of the homes potentially being up for sale called the now-owners with the news that these properties hadn’t hit the market yet and they would be perfect for the couple. “We weren’t even living in Corpus Christi at the time,” says the homeowner. Their realtor sent photos of the homes, and they were instantly able to envision what it could be once renovated to fit their lifestyle.

“I can envision where everything goes from the beginning,” they say. That includes which walls will eventually be knocked down, and which piece of art will adorn a certain space. Keeping their lifestyle in mind, the home’s design is completely customized to how they maneuver through the space, while allowing

Commissioned from Bill Meek, the large, communal dining table serves as an object of both admiration and function. Meek personally delivered the piece from his studio in Houston, Meek Studio & Gallery. Atop the custom table sits a pair of floral displays designed by Ray Briones and a Greg Rueter original.

Joe Peña “Viva Santa Anna,” 2017, Oil on canvas, 24” x 30”

"That is how I first met Joe Peña... he delivered a piece titled 'The First Mexican on Mars'"

seems to flip modernity on its head. But it is soon clear how the two design aesthetics work as one. In a home so colorful with paintings, sculptures, and numerous collections of sentiments from world travel, the large glass table commands a presence that is somehow grandiose yet subtle. It is a breath of fresh air that is initially surprising and delightful, and once it has the chance to resonate, knowing that the owners describe their style using the term modern, the home suddenly makes sense.

What ties this Spanish-style casita to its eclectic furnishings is the comprehensive intentions of populating the home with unique pieces that have a story and hold a place in the owners’ souls. “Some of these smaller, wooden tables throughout were given to us by my mother,” one of the homeowners explains. And speaking of unique, there are several works on canvas and sculpture pieces that are in fact one of a handful (or less) made in the world.

Coming from self-proclaimed modernists in design taste, the owners’ affinity for collecting art

Prior to taking on their current residence as a renovation project, the design visionary of the two had drawn up architectural plans for a custom new-

The built-in bookshelves are original to the home and initially, when bare, seemed a bit oversized. However, it didn’t take long before they were able to visually populate each of the shelves with various books, ornaments, and art.

A fascinating display of how different colors and textures can come together in unique harmony, with each item holding sentimental value for the pair.

The sentiment that “art makes a home” feels like a living, breathing notion in this 1968 remodel.

build dream home on a lot they purchased not far from where they live now. They showed us the blueprints and digital renderings of the project that once was. I asked them, after putting so much time and effort into creating this dream home, why they walked away from those plans.

“The timeline for completion (2 years) seemed too long,” they explain.

But that creative energy is not lost. The owner can see a finished project in their mind before the foundation’s concrete being mixed or before a single wall comes down. They can place art and decor in their proper place within a home while bidding on it through online auctions. It is a gift, really, to envision what can be out of something that is not.

Just like the custom finishes, the selections of artwork, and the sentiment of how furniture is placed for functional living and entertaining, this couple, too, reflects a flow among their host of collections.

Greg Reuter, The Sentinel, Gessoed Surfboard Foam, Private Collection

The base of this piece, originally an old washed-up buoy found along the shoreline, was found by Reuter’s wife, Bibi Dalrymple after Hurricane Harvey in 2017. Reuter then added the sculpture atop the base. Prior to being acquired by the estate, this sculpture was featured in La Palmera Mall for some time.

We Guide You Home.

Making a move starts with the right agent. A Weichert® agent knows the neighborhoods, knows the market, and will get to know you. Our experienced agents have the knowledge and resources to put you on the road to the home of your dreams. And, our expansive capabilities help take you through the process from wherever you are. You may have a home journey ahead of you. But with Weichert® behind you, you’re on your way home.

SAVING A SPECIES

Texas State Aquarium’s Wildlife Rescue Center rehabilitated more than 1,200 cold-stunned green sea turtles in a history-making rescue effort

BY: JESSIE CHROBOCINSKI PHOTOS BY: RACHEL BENAVIDES

In February, Texas faced a brutal winter storm that brought widespread power outages. Temperatures dropped to dangerous conditions, unsafe for both humans and wildlife – including the sea turtles that reside in the tepid waters of the Gulf of Mexico. As a result, thousands of cold-blooded turtles could not regulate their temperatures in the freezing water, causing them to fall into a stunned state of hypother mia. Since they can't swim, the stunned sea turtles float, increasing their chances of encountering fatal situations.

Widespread coverage of efforts to rescue these helpless creatures filled everyone's newsfeeds. Most impressive was our very own Texas State Aquarium's (TSA) Wildlife Rescue Center. Since 1995, the Wild life Rescue Center has focused on shorebirds, raptors, sea turtles, and marine mammals in the South Texas coastal area. The TSA’s Wildlife Rescue Center is the only one federally licensed in Texas to handle birds, sea turtles, and marine mammals. The center provides acute medical care to about 400 wildlife patients in an average year.

Texas State Aquarium Vice President and COO Jesse Gilbert elaborates on the Wildlife Rescue Center's provisions following the cold front.

"With all the parties at the table, we came up with a plan: how to recover the animals from the wild, and how we would process them, get them to the Rescue Center, and what our operation looked like after they were here," says Gilbert. "As we started to see the forecast working itself out, we prepared for large numbers, and at that point, we put planning into place. Because [sea turtles] are cold-blooded, we can control behavior with temperature. What we do is keep the water pretty low so they don't want to eat or defecate, and bite – which is a significant concern. We won't have them long enough, but if this lasted maybe more than a week and a half, we would have had to come up with some sort of contingency plan."

With truckloads arriving with about 150 to 180 sea turtles each, Gilbert said it took an army of about ten people to manage each truckload. Other agencies sent out their teams to look for stunned sea turtles on the beach, while the Wildlife Rescue Center maintained its essential role to process and rehabilitate sea turtles as they arrived.

"We received our first two patients Saturday and about another 30 or 40 on [that Sunday before the freeze]. By Monday, you couldn't get here [due to the freeze], and on Tuesday, it began. On Thursday alone, we processed more than 800 turtles," says Gilbert.

TSA veterinarians scanned each turtle's condition. Typically measurements and diagnostics would be performed on each animal, but because of the incredibly large quantities of turtles received, Gilbert says the Wildlife Rescue Center's main goal was to get the turtles back in the water.

"The challenge is that sea turtles are cold-blooded. It's difficult to determine whether or not they have a heartbeat and circulating blood because they're cold. If we even think there's a remote chance that they're alive, we'll keep them and let them warm up," Gilbert continues. "We're looking for normal sea turtle behavior where they hang out at the bottom [of the water] if they're not eating or breathing. So that's a good sign. [Those floating at the top] we'll continue to watch, because that might indicate pneumonia."

Too weak to swim, stunned turtles' eyes are treated with a water-based lubricant three times a day to avoid ulcers and are moved around to prevent pressure sores. Turtles in conditions such that it’s unclear whether they're alive or don't have enough strength are placed in a corral on the ground until their body temperature reaches 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Those that can swim and don't show signs of struggle are monitored and maintained physiologically active in a tank resembling a waist-deep, long, extended bathtub. Upon being deemed healthy, the recovered turtles swim with the rest of the larger rescued population in an enormous tank.

"They're being cared for around the clock; we have staff checking on them 24 hours a day, watching the water. With this amount of animals in a water space, the water must stay adjusted. So, we have a water quality person from the main Aquarium here, 24 hours, to make sure it's working out well," says Gilbert.

Though most sea turtles were roughly similar in size, Gilbert says the Wildlife Rescue Center received some up to 120 to 150 pounds – big enough to require cranes to move them. Out of the five species of sea turtles found in the Corpus Christi area, 100 percent of the turtles the Wildlife Rescue Center received were green sea turtles.

"This fascinating, unique situation happened because we had a warm winter up until [that] Sunday," Gilbert continues. "In the Corpus Christi Bay,

these sea turtles didn't get the thermal cues from Mother Nature that tells them when to move out to the Gulf of Mexico, where the water stays warm all winter long. So the turtle populations remained in the shallow bays. Then when the cold weather came, the bays [changed temperature] fast, instantaneously stunning this population. All of the studies take place from Matagorda Bay South, which is interesting. For the most part, the sea turtles are almost exclusively all down here because the water is warmer. [Green sea turtles] are the ones that kind of inhabit the coastal waters mostly anyway. You'll find Kemp's Ridleys; you might find hawksbills, but those are more oceanic turtles. So these were the animals that were in the shallow bays all the time, no matter what."

After the Wildlife Rescue Center received clearance from the government, groups of staff checked and boarded the sea turtles onto moving vans in an assembly-line fashion. Many of the rescued sea turtles resettled into their typical migratory pattern after being released back into the Gulf of Mexico, where the warm temperatures prevail. Thanks to team efforts made by the Texas State Aquarium and conservation partners at Padre Island National Seashore and others, a little more than 1,200 sea turtles were housed in the TSA’s Wildlife Rescue Center when it was all said and done – which made this event the largest sea turtle cold stunning event in the United States. "We're a pretty active rescue

cue centers in Texas and the United States," Gilbert says confidently. "We've been in this building since about 1995; it's about a 40-year-old building that's right on the coast. We think this is one of the bestkept secrets in Corpus Christi."

The Texas State Aquarium is in the final design phase of its new state-of-the-art Wildlife Rescue Center. Developed at the TSA's primary location, 20,000 square feet will provide enhanced procedures for more efficient operations and access to medical technologies. For fans of the TSA, the most exciting component is the enhanced access so visitors will be able to witness firsthand, from a safe distance, the Wildlife Rescue Center's valiant efforts.

This remarkable feat is one of the most significant conservation works the Texas State Aquarium has ever been a part of in its 30-year history. Protecting this endangered species was a labor of love for those who worked tirelessly to complete the rescue. It certainly took a village to successfully complete this historic event, but knowing a species has been saved because of it, as Gilbert put it, “made it all worth it.”

WHAT EXACTLY IS SALTY AF?

SALTY AF is a local tropical fish, coral, tank maintenance and aquarium supply store that serves the Coastal Bend for both saltwater and freshwater aquariums.

WHEN DID YOU GET INTO THIS INDUSTRY AND HOW DID YOU GET TO WHERE YOU ARE TODAY?

In 2010 I became a saltwater hobbyist. As time progressed, it became my passion. I did everything possible to educate myself about the saltwater aquarium world and my dream was to one day own my own saltwater aquarium store.

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO OPEN SALTY AF?

I felt like the Coastal Bend lacked a store that catered to the higher-end saltwater hobbyist. We didn’t have any stores carrying unique and hard to find fish and corals. I spoke with many other hobbyists in the area that felt the same. I would say that was my “ah ha” moment. It’s a niche I wanted to create here in the Coastal Bend.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE LOOKING TO START AN AQUARIUM FOR THE FIRST TIME?

Before you get started, it is best to have an idea in mind about what you want to keep in your aquarium. What first caught your eye and inspired you to want a saltwater tank? Knowing what you want to keep in it will help you decided which equipment you need before you make a purchase. Above all, patience is most important.

WHAT TYPE OF CHALLENGES HAVE YOU FACED AS A RETAIL OWNER IN THE LAST YEAR AMID COVID-19 AND HOW DID YOU LEARN TO ADAPT?

My biggest challenge was starting a business at the very beginning of the pandemic. All of the fish and corals came from places like Indonesia, Bali, Fiji and the Southern Pacific

regions. There were no commercial flights coming from those areas. I thought “wow, I have a store that sells products from all these regions. How am I going to get them here?” It was a difficult process of private flights and very high shipping costs, but I got it here. A lot of the equipment we use is made in the upper United States area and they were shut down for Covid for months. So, we had to work around that and find back stock in other areas that were open. Overall, the pandemic was good for people that were interested in starting aquariums and did not have the time before. Many new hobbyists were required to stay home and were using their extra time to start up new aquariums.

WHAT ALL DOES SALTY AF OFFER, BOTH PRODUCT AND SERVICE WISE?

We offer only the highest quality fish, coral, aquariums and aquatic supplies. We offer aquarium maintenance service for the entire Coastal Bend area. We are very proud to let everyone know we are now also FRESH AF. We are taking the same approach to the freshwater fish and plant world just like SALTY AF, we do it all.

WHAT SETS YOU APART FROM OTHER RELATED BUSINESSES IN THE AREA?

We offer the best in both the saltwater and freshwater aquarium business. We stock harder to find fish, coral, plants and supplies. The biggest difference is we encourage customers to come sit down and talk with us to help them through their hobby and let them know there is help here locally. We take extra measures to ensure that our customers are taking home healthy fish and coral. Not only selling them what they need for their tanks, but also giving them advice and guidance to ensure their tank remains a healthy environment for the beautiful fish and coral they purchase. We want our customers to know they are not in this alone and that we are here to help.

The Outstanding Ballroom by the Bay

DANCE YOUR WAY TO BETTER PHYSICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH

BY: MONIQUE DENNIS PHOTOS BY: AARON GARCIA

here is no denying that dancing is an innovative, fun way to incorporate fitness into your daily exercise routine. It can help you lose weight, reduce stress, create a new social circle – and help to perfect those dance moves, of course! Her background in and love for dance led Angela Murray to open Corpus Christi Ballroom by the Bay, a dance studio here in the Coastal Bend.

Murray said she has danced her entire life, starting at around the age of three. She excelled in various genres, but primarily competed in ballroom dancing, which quickly became her dance of choice. She recalled how ballet and jazz taught her flawless posture and body alignment at a very young age.

“You can always spot a dancer in public by how they stand and carry themselves. It’s just drilled into us,” Murray laughs.

Corpus Christi Ballroom by the Bay offers a wide range of styles – ballroom, Latin, country/western, heels, swing, ballet, jazz, hip hop, and more – as well as services for all dancing needs: weddings, sweet 16 celebrations, quinceaneras, even self defense, and competitive, social, or performance styles. No partner is needed, but couples are always welcome! They also offer group classes Monday through Thursday and host private sessions available on weekends, not just with Murray but with other instructors as well.

These classes, Murray explained, are beneficial to our health in a multitude of ways.

“Ballet and jazz are great for teaching all ages – but for young people specifically, it teaches them how to move and understand their body. Your body awareness goes up tenfold, I would venture to say, more than average child athletes (softball or football players), due to not having to time out movements (planting feet and moving torso simultaneously.) They learn footwork, how to isolate small muscles or parts of the body, and how to move all parts of the body at the same time, but they are all doing something different or moving at different paces, which is unique to dancing as opposed to basketball or weightlifting.

“Ballroom dancing is great for our elderly clients, as it helps reduce stress levels, is low impact, and helps prevent Alzheimer’s patients. The majority of our other genres, such as hip hop, swing, and salsa, are all upbeat and fast-paced, which get the heart rate up to aid in weight loss and better mental health overall. Heels is a new style that combines multiple genres of dance and is performed with heels on, which is great for those calf muscles.”

Classes are offered for all ages, levels, and backgrounds. They accept children as young as 3 to 5 years old, depending on the maturity level of the child, and go all the way up to 60+ years old. The heels class is the only class that is 18 and up.

Why make dance at Corpus Christi Ballroom by the Bay a part of your fitness and health journey? Murray said that dance teaches you extremely good body awareness. It is also very good exercise, and great on working with the muscles and putting them into a small amount of hypertrophy. She said most dancers do not lift weights, so the muscle definition they have is from dancing.

Simply put, dance is a fun way to help individuals achieve their fitness goals, physical or mental – dancing can help improve mental health, and has been known to alleviate symptoms such as low self-esteem and social withdrawal.

The passion that Murray portrays when talking about dance fitness and the health benefits is truly contagious.

CONTACT: 6204 Dunbarton Oak Drive #200

ccballroombythebay.com

Pooja Bindingnavele’s go-to BEAUTY PRODUCTS

HOW THIS LOCAL BOSS BABE AND MOM OF FIVE KEEPS

HER SKIN LOOKING FRESH AND HYDRATED

BY: POOJA BINDINGNAVELE PHOTOS BY: LILLIAN REITZ

am at a stage in life where I play many roles, and typically all at once. I am first a wife to a busy plastic surgeon, and the mother of four strong, intelligent, brave girls and a sweet, adventurous baby boy. I am up late at night with my teenagers, typically offering moral support or a late-night snack; in the middle of the night nursing my 10-month-old; and early to hang out with my husband before he goes off for the day. In addition to being a wife and mom, I also run a real estate business, “do the books” at my husband’s plastic surgery practice, and sit on the boards of many organizations. My beauty routine depends upon quick and easy. My makeup and hair typically take less than 5 minutes total, so I rely on my skin and hair products to get me through the day looking like I did indeed sleep the night before.

The easiest thing I can always wear is a smile. The past year of COVID-19, though it has been exceptionally difficult in many ways, has reinforced to me that we need to find and express happiness in our lives. Life is not about what you do, it’s about how you do it. The smile is really only for me. It’s an expression of how I want to live my life: in a state of contentment.

My non-skincare skincare tips are three-fold: Nutrition is so very important. Your body puts out what you put in. My breakfast is typically a home-made yogurt and berry smoothie. Most days I am fortunate enough to be able to pack a hot lunch for all the kiddos and my husband. Everyone’s snacks always include fruits and nuts. We are vegetarian, so many different varieties of lentils and legumes find their way into our diet. Meditation is also paramount to feeling good about yourself; you will never “look good” to yourself if you don’t feel good. I try to take some time every day for meditation and self-reflection. Finally, hydration – you can put all the creams and lotions you want on your face, but if you’re not drinking plenty of water it’s all for naught.

You will note that many of the products mentioned are available at local retailers, with the exception of Plump & Pout and Total Eye Rescue, which are exclusive to the Corpus Christi Institute of Cosmetic & Plastic Surgery (CCICPS). I encourage you to buy beauty products from locations in town for two reasons. First, it is so very important to our local community that we shop and support local. Second, all of these products work for me and most of them will probably work for you, but it’s best to consult with a professional to make sure you’re getting the right products to help you. On a final note: Chocolate is an amazing anti-oxidant. From my research thus far, there is no upper limit on chocolate consumption and skin health.

This is one of my absolute favorites – it was an “Allure Beauty Breakthrough” winner in 2017. Skin magic in a bottle for sure. It’s by a line I love called “skinbetter,” and it’s full of antioxidants. Three days after using it for the first time, I turned to my husband and said, “Three days and isn’t my skin better?” I use it in the morning after showering/skin cleansing and at night after skin cleansing but

This is one of my two “She looks like she slept through the night” secrets. DEJ stands for the dermal-epidermal-junction, and this does an amazing job rejuvenating the eye. It’s the only eye cream I’ve found that can go on the top of the eyelid and doesn’t irritate my eyes or skin. All of the eye creams I have used prior to this have been restricted to only lower eyelid use, but this cream is meant for both upper and lower lids. I use half a pump for both eyes, so it lasts forever.

Available at Revision Skincare or local retailer

PLUMP & POUT

I have two of these – one in my purse and one in my vanity. It’s a lipstick wand that hydrates and plumps almost instantly; it makes my lips look good and makes me feel good. If I am having a busy day and need to look nice, this is a super quick pick-me-up that makes me feel confident about myself.

Available exclusively at CCICPS

TOTAL EYE RESCUE

This is my second go-to for under my eyes, an area that I’m sensitive about – literally and figuratively. It has an applicator that fits right under the eye and conceals and de-puffs at the same time. I was skeptical at first because one color cannot fit all, but the formulation blends to match over 90 percent of skin tones, and mine was included. I put it on in the morning just before a little bit of powder. It blends well and helps de-puff my eyes and hide any dark circles that may be lurking.

Available exclusively at CCICPS

SKINCEUTICALS- METACELL RENEWAL

They call this IPL in a bottle, and because my skin tone doesn’t allow for IPL, I was intrigued. It is a super moisturizing facial cream that I use twice a day after the Alto. Before I forget, extras of the Alto and Metacell always go first on the neck and then on the hands. I love the feeling of having moisturized skin, and this definitely makes me feel luxurious while hydrating and healing at the same time.

Available at SkinCeuticals

GLORY CONDITIONER

This amazing green goop is a pot of magic for your hair. It is a thick green conditioner that smells amazing and is full of natural goodness like coconut oil for my curly hair. It helps decrease the frizz and keeps my curls happy. The first few days after using it, people around me kept asking me what smelled so good … it was my hair. Fun(ny) fact about this: After I used it several times, I read the ingredient list in detail. It contains Okra Gel – yes, you read that correctly. I absolutely abhor okra in all forms, and even now I grimace just the tiniest bit as I apply it to my hair. My family finds it hilarious. It is a testament to Glory that I still use it even though it has okra … it’s just that good.

Available at Lush

CHEMICAL PEELS AND LASERS

These are clearly not products, but they are by far my favorite skin care essential. Laser genesis is a quick and easy laser facial – literally every day for a week after these facials, I feel like I look younger and more relaxed. Chemical peels do the same thing for longer, but there is some downtime involved. I visit my Licensed Aesthetican Carissa Horalek at the CCICPS (@corpusplasticsurgery) once a month for a facial and dermaplaning. She’s helped me find these products that help me achieve my skin goals easily. It’s important to have someone experienced who will listen to what you want and help you get there.

April is Occupational Therapy Month. Thank you to all occupational therapy professionals who work each and every day to make the world a better, more accessible place for us all.

T H I S M O N T H W E C E L E B R AT E YO U !

The Montalvos' MODERN MAISON

A SHARED VISION, TRUST, AND TALENT FOR DECORATING HELPED CREATE A RELAXING AND FUNCTIONAL SPACE FILLED WITH PERSONALITY AND CHIC DECOR

BY: JACQUELINE GONZALEZ PHOTOS BY: JASON PAGE

hen a Montalvo has a vision, great things are on the horizon. Working in real estate, Amanda Montalvo and her husband Chris seek out abandoned homes to flip and put back on the market for a lucky Corpus Christi resident to call their own. When they discovered a 4,677-square-foot mid-century modern gem in the Ocean Drive area, Chris made it his mission to find the owner so he could purchase what would eventually become their most rewarding project yet. While living in and remodeling several homes in Corpus Christi with Chris, Amanda had never truly become attached to any of her previous homes; each one had a particular feature that didn’t suit her tastes or her personality. But once she and Chris saw the potential in their latest discovery, the project became personal and special to them.

The layout and overall design of the home would prove to be a challenge, though; initially, the architecture did not provide a smooth flow from one room to another and was in need of heavy renovations. The Montalvos never shy away from

a challenge, and they enlisted the help of designer and family friend Ronna Braselton. Her talents in interior design are evident as she helped them bring their vision to life with a monochromatic color scheme of black, gray, white, and chrome accents to create a holistic and cohesive design.

“We couldn’t have completed this project without Ronna,” says Amanda. “We trust her work and we’ve been happy with it every step of the way.” Each piece was carefully chosen by Braselton not only to encompass the contemporary design desired by the Montalvos, but also to reflect their personalities.

Part of the renovations included creating an open space with the living room, kitchen, and dining area, and the color scheme helps create the cohesion Amanda was seeking. The kitchen, once at the front of the home in a windowless room, is now near the dining and living room, which both overlook the beautiful backyard landscaping and crystal blue pool. The open area of these three rooms, combined with the breathtaking view, makes the perfect spot for entertaining. The bare

Amanda and her cousin Gino were both featured on the HGTV special “Shoring the House,” which highlighted the beauty of Corpus Christi while viewers got to see them transform a fixer-upper into a modern coastal home. The show originally aired Aug. 26, 2018 and can be viewed on the HGTV website.

floor-to-ceiling white walls called for something unique, and the three-dimensional artwork was the perfect addition. Its strategic placement and balancing create an eye-catching, yet sleek and modern, addition to the contemporary, chic design of the room.

All it takes is one look around the house to know that Braselton means business when she boasts, “Lighting is my jam!” The various Kelly Wearstler by Visual Comfort lighting pieces around the home provide a luxurious touch to the refined modern design, from the chandeliers to the tabletop orb lighting fixtures. Although the home has ample natural lighting from the picturesque windows, the lighting pieces work as

decorative elements during the day and provide rich lighting in the evening.

Amanda’s favorite spot in the home is her personal den space, which is decorated to showcase her feminine personality with a plush cream-colored couch, fluffy throw pillows, and accents of soft pink for a chic and elegant touch. Here, Amanda is able to relax, enjoy time with her friends, or host a Bible study. The soft lighting maximizes comfort while creating a welcoming and cozy feel. A painting by Jill Malouf of Dallas, Texas, featuring the same soft pink and gold accents, was the perfect finishing touch.

The kids’ play area in the room across from Amanda’s den features plush brown leather

Creating a space in your home for the kids to play doesn’t mean style has to be sacrificed. Plush leather seating is both sturdy and comfortable and fun accent pieces, like this egg swing chair, make for playful and intriguing décor elements.

Pam Morin, Owner Budget Blinds of Corpus Christi

couches that are sturdy enough to accommodate guests and provide child-proof furnishings. The egg swing chair with plush seating is a family favorite, but also the perfect space for Amanda to curl up with a book while her kids enjoy a game of chess. Animal print rugs and greenery add just the right pops of color to the browns and neutral shades.

Although they have made strides with the renovations and décor in the home, the ideas never cease for the Montalvo family. They are always a couple of steps ahead of the game as they envision upcoming projects. Currently, they’re working on converting the sunroom near the living area into a cigar room for Chris. The room, hugged by windows to provide gorgeous Coastal Bend lighting, will make an ideal masculine space, and they plan to continue the renovations outside by creating an outdoor kitchen overlooking the pool.

The combined talents of Amanda and Chris Montalvo and Ronna Braselton helped take this house from being another potential renovation project and transform it into their perfect home.

CONGRATS TO ALL THE TOP REALTORS IN THE COASTAL BEND!

CHERI SPERLING

How do you know this woman’s name? As the 2020 Immediate Past President of the Corpus Christi Association of REALTORS®? Or, as the 2019 Queen of the Padre Island Barefoot Mardi Gras Parade’s annual beach event? Or as a past Director on the Padre Isles HOA Board or a past Director on the Padre Island Business Association’s board? Or, simply as one of the Real Estate icons on Padre Island - known as the “Go To” Island REALTOR®?

With over 29 years in a career where she’s known for saying she “eats, drinks and sleeps real estate”.....Cheri juggles her many different roles and yet never loses her sight of caring for all her clients who all soon become good friends. She splits her time evenly between real estate listings, sales and running a well-respected Island real estate company which has been in business since 1995.

Sperling is up by 5 a.m. She prefers to work in the office, where she starts work at her desk by no later than 6:30 a.m. daily. Giving back to her community and the Island schools is what she and all the professionals in her office believe in. Real estate is one of those careers where you get out of it what you put in, she says. They all believe women with strong work ethics will benefit from real estate and are able to shape their real estate career to make it work for their goals. We’re required to constantly educate ourselves, she says. Cheri believes if you want a career that will force you to stay on your toes and push forward....it’s real estate! Cheri also has a retired military Naval Chief husband, Elwin, who supports and stands beside her in every aspect of their very busy island life.

No matter how you know this Island woman, we know you’ll always recognize their slogan – “Come Coast Awhile...” and that’s exactly what you’ll want to do!

14717 S PADRE ISLAND DR, CORPUS CHRISTI, TX 78418 361.949.0101 • COASTLINE-PROPERTIES.COM

2021 COASTAL BEND

Zoe Gottlich is the #1 top producer for the last 11 consecutive years at Coldwell Banker Pacesetter Steel Realtors®. She holds a BS degree in economics, is a member of the International President’s Elite which are the top 2% of Coldwell Banker agents worldwide and is a Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist. Zoe and her husband, Mark, are third generation Corpus Christian and live in Zoe’s childhood home which her parents built in 1947. They have 2 children in their early 30’s, Grier and Cecile. Their daughter Cecile is an architectural interior designer in Austin. Grier and his wife Paige live in Corpus Christi and Grier is a REALTOR® with Coldwell Banker Pacesetter Steel Realtors® as well.

3801 Ocean - $1,775,000 5/4/2/3 | Pool

The greatest compliment she receives is referral business from previous clients. The gratitude from buyers and sellers speaks volumes to the level of service she provided for them. Market knowledge, skilled negotiation, problem solving, creative marketing, and listening to client needs combined with a trustworthy, honest, and enthusiastic attitude are the key ingredients to her ongoing success.

Whether it is a small home or million-dollar estate, personal real estate is usually the largest investment for families and Zoe’s clients are relying on her real estate expertise. Zoe is passionate about her profession and she finds it extremely rewarding to help people realize their dream of buying or selling a home in the coastal bend.

5034 HOLLY RD. CORPUS CHRISTI, TX 78411

2021 COASTAL BEND REAL

KB REAL ESTATE TEAM AT RE/MAX ELITE

Karabe Baltazar, founder of The KB Real Estate Team, began her real estate career in 2016. She has successfully built a dynamic team of agents to fulfill her dream as a top leading real estate group, specializing in Residential Sales across the Coastal Bend area. Since then, she and her team have helped over 300 clients buy and sell homes, and have closed over $68 million in sales. Baltazar is dedicated to the success and growth of her team, providing support, mentorship, and opportunities for her team members.

The KB Real Estate Team at RE/MAX Elite is comprised of Real Estate Professionals focusing on high quality service, integrity, trust and long-term relationships. Their proven dedication, focus, and drive allows them to deliver an exceptional experience for buyers and sellers. In the real estate transaction there can be various challenges. The team brings a positive and creative approach to overcoming objections and identifying the best negotiation strategies, taking pride in their mission statement to deliver education and assistance to their client base.

“Our goal is to educate and set expectations of the home buying and selling process up front to allow for a smoother transaction. We have the tools, knowledge and experience to guide our customers in the right direction,” says Baltazar.

“While we are proud of our accomplishments and growth, we are mostly gratified by developing such amazing relationships with our customers, vendors and fellow real estate professionals. Our passion is to serve, change lives, and make homeownership dreams come true. It is not about the number of transactions we close or the dollar amount, but instead about the quality of service we provide. Our focus is all about the families we help along the way, which brings us the most joy! We look forward to assisting many more clients in the Coastal Bend reach their real estate goals.”

As a part of the international franchise, RE/MAX, The KB Real Estate Team is aligned with the No. 1 Global brand in real estate. Certifications include: Real Estate Negotiation Expert, Seller Representative Specialist, Graduate REALTOR® Institute, Resort & Second-Home Property Specialist

Recognition: Top 500 of RE/MAX of Texas for 2019-2020 • America’s Best Real Estate Professionals, Team Ranked #130 Across The United States • RE/MAX Central Region, Team Ranked #14 Vanguard Council • RE/MAX Executive Club Award for 2018

2021 COASTAL BEND REAL ESTATE

SHANNON BUMSTEADMACDONALD

Strong leadership requires digging deep into details and setting a strong vision that motivates others to go out there and win. Shannon Bumstead-MacDonald is that leader.

Shannon, as a Broker Associate with KM Premier Real Estate, provides a high standard of customer service. With over 19 years of real estate experience as one of Corpus Christi’s top producers, Shannon has proven herself to be a determined, hardworking, and highly respected professional. Her work has placed her among the Top 20 of all agents in the Coastal Bend several times over these last two decades. Recently she was recognized as one of “Corpus Christi’s Top 40 Professionals Under 40.”

Last year Shannon closed out over $20 million in sales right here in the Coastal Bend. In addition, she has been featured on the HGTV hit series, “Beach Front Bargain Hunt” and “Beach Front Bargain Hunt Renovations” and is currently filming a new episode with HGTV to air in the summer of 2021.

Personally, Shannon’s joy comes from being married to Kevin MacDonald and being the mother of two daughters, Danika and Makenna. She realizes that her role as a parent is one of her most important challenges and rewarding responsibilities.

Highly involved in her community, Shannon attends and supports various events throughout the Flour Bluff and the Padre Island community. She has organized and participated in numerous fundraisers that make charitable donations towards the community that she loves. Among the many charities she supports, two of her favorites are the Barefoot Mardi Gras, which helps to raise money for Big Brothers Big Sisters, and those local events which raise money for the Seashore Learning Center on North Padre Island.

Shannon Bumstead-MacDonald strongly believes life is what you create it to be and she is doing her best to create a beautiful one.

COASTAL BEND

BRANDI KIRKEBY

Brandi Kirkeby is known in the industry as “Brandi K,” with All City Real Estate. She has achieved Top Agent status through a combination of ambition, hard work, and a supreme knowledge of the real estate industry. Since arriving in the Coastal Bend, she’s received several real estate awards, such as the Triple Gold status. Her aggressive, integrity-based approach to her clients has provided results for well over two decades.

Brandi has a true passion for helping others achieve their dreams of home ownership, and finds it personally fulfilling to save clients’ money. Her business thrives because of her dedication, and knowledge of the real estate industry. She wants you to achieve having the home of your heart’s desire. She also does work with several local home builders, and ensures forever homes are built to perfection for them.

Brandi is a single mother of two wonderful children, whom she is immensely proud of. She has a large number of family members who are currently active/retired military from the Air Force, Navy, Coast Guard, and the Army. Due to these family members, she understands the needs of the service members who are relocating to the Coastal Bend area.

Brandi additionally remains on top of the real estate game by staying well-versed in the ever-evolving technology advancements within the industry. She utilizes the most up-todate marketing platforms available and markets globally. She provides the best market strategy available to include various luxury plans for your individual needs. She utilizes professional photographers for interior/exterior, and a drone photographer to ensure each home is aesthetically presented at its best. Brandi also has an in-depth understanding of social media, and its importance in assisting with the selling of a client’s property. Brandi is an expert negotiator who regularly gets top dollar for sellers and the lowest price for buyers. She prides herself in helping clients save money.

So if you are looking for a hard-working, passionate Real Estate Agent, then “Brandi K” is the right professional, ready to represent you.

2021 COASTAL BEND REAL ESTATE

ANGIE HUCKABAY

Angie Huckabay is a top-producing Realtor for Mustang Island Realty in Port Aransas, Texas. She works with buyers and sellers interested in the Mustang Island and Padre Island areas. In a region that is primarily a second home market, Angie specializes in helping property owners and investors to partner their goals with her vast knowledge of properties located in the area and can help them make educated decisions about their real estate transactions.

“I serve as a trusted advisor to my clients. In today’s constantly changing market and times, I provide exceptional service and valuable insight to my sellers and prospective buyers.” Being a native to the island, Angie is always very well connected with the pulse of the community and on top of important issues that can affect the sale of properties. Her experience includes transactions of Commercial Properties, Land, Condominiums, and Single-Family Homes including those in Master Planned Developments.

Earning her real estate license over 20 years ago, Angie has the designation of being a GRI and is currently working on becoming a Broker. “Knowledge is the power that grows my business. It’s the primary reason that my clients come to a licensed Realtor and continue to send me referrals,” says Angie. In today’s world of instant gratification and online transactions, she feels that nothing can replace experience and education.

From the very initial meeting to beyond the sale, Angie caters to her clients with the individualized attention that distinguishes her from her colleagues. She is a captive listener and never pushy – an agent who is able to deliver the results her clients expect when it counts the most. “Everyone always tells me how nice I am. My clients are the essential key to my success and I am truly grateful for each and every one of them.”

SOUTH COAST REAL ESTATE, LLC

South Coast Real Estate was founded in 2018 by a small group of like-minded REALTORS® that yearned to do something different and be something more. Collectively, we had experienced a wide variety of brokerage structures, and ultimately felt that there was a better way to serve both our clients and ourselves.

When we started, we knew that we had to be nimble – especially when incorporating or changing technology platforms and tools that could better serve our clients. Our experience, ongoing research and development, and marketing strategies continue to give us an edge, but we still refuse to compromise our commitment to also providing that “personal touch” that so many businesses are lacking. Not only do we expect to serve you through one of the largest financial decisions of your life, but we also aim to give you a positive experience you will share with your friends and family.

We are proud of our team of seasoned and new professional REALTORS®. Our backgrounds, experiences, and cultures are diverse, and we feel that only makes us stronger. We have professionals that can assist you in buying and selling residential,

commercial, or farm and ranch properties, in addition to offering residential and commercial property management. Whether you are buying, selling, or investing in the Coastal Bend, we are here to serve with honesty and integrity.

In addition to the “business” side of our business, our brokerage is comprised of individuals that are dedicated to serving our community. Our business comes from you, and we try our best to give back. Some of the organizations that we are proud to support include the Junior League of Corpus Christi, Inc., Saltwaterfisheries Enhancement Association (SEA), YWCA, The Purple Door, and a variety of other fellow small businesses.

RE/MAX PROFESSIONALS

RE/MAX Professionals began in March, 2019 as a group of experienced, top producing RE/MAX agents who strive for professionalism in every aspect of our work. Our office leadership and staff work to provide a secure and supportive environment to ensure our agents become even more successful through professional development and personal growth. We give the highest standards of service to our clients and our community. Our experienced Real Estate professionals offer Buyers and Sellers guidance on their particular home needs while adhering to the practices of the National Association of Realtors, Texas Real Estate Commission, and Corpus Christi Associations of Realtors. We are 100% committed to our clients and giving the best Real

Estate service possible. Our strong global RE/MAX connections allow our Sellers the peace of mind to know we are advertising their home worldwide. RE/MAX Professionals is a proud sponsor of the Children’s Miracle Network through donations to Driscoll Hospital. We are so fortunate that our office has continued to grow and flourish with the continuing addition of highly accomplished agents. We look forward to serving you in the future!

NPR TEAM

“UNLIKE MOST REALTORS, WE DON’T SEE CLIENTS AS SALES TO CLOSE - WE VIEW THEM AS EXTENDED FAMILY BECAUSE WITHOUT THEM OUR CAREERS WOULDN’T BE POSSIBLE.”

As a Trilingual Team in Corpus Christi, we have combined forces in order to build a team that has the skills and experience needed to provide our clients and their families with everything they need in every transaction that comes our way.

We cover everything from buying and selling a home, to looking for the perfect location for a business or investment opportunity in Real Estate. We understand that any of these steps are part of a life-changing experience that can bring much joy and happiness to each of our clients. The first, and scariest, step is finding a phenomenal Real Estate Agent who is going to put their client first; that’s where we come in.

Our goal is to help our clients make the best decisions based on our expertise as we walk with them from the beginning until the moment we celebrate a closing. Our joy is to see our clients satisfied with the service we provide.

We believe in diversity, change, and great numbers for our clients. This is the reason we are listed one of the top Realtors in Corpus Christi. This is who we are and what we were born to be, “REALTORS.”

2021 COASTAL BEND REAL ESTATE

KRISTY JACKSON

YOUR CORPUS KRISTY REALTOR!

Top 50 Producer 2021 YTD

TOP 100 Producer 2020 Corpus Christi mls

Kristy Jackson, Texas Realtor, US Navy Veteran. A true local raised in Port Aransas, Texas. After graduating from Port Aransas High School, she began a career in The United States Navy. Kristy is a proud Navy veteran who served 5 years on active duty as a hospital corpsman, what she describes as Navy nursing at its finest. She attended Texas A&M University College Station, Texas, and earned her Bachelor of Science in 2003. After college, Kristy quickly discovered that her nursing skills, degree, and ability to never meet a stranger could all be combined in a career in pharmaceutical sales. She has dedicated over a decade to helping patients with diabetes as an advocate and a sales professional, winning numerous global awards for sales. Miss Jackson made the full-time transition to real estate sales with Keller Williams Coastal Bend in 2017. She is passionate about helping her customers find the perfect home and helping sellers who are transitioning do so with ease. Kristy is known for her work with veteran and active duty clients, waterfront properties, luxury homes, and investments. Kristy says her priority is simple, it’s you! She does all her business with honor and integrity. She has 20+ years as an award-winning sales professional!

In her free time, Kristy is known for her advocacy of local veterans and belongs to Corpus Christi Veterans Round Table, and was previous cohost of Veterans Radio on 1440 Keys. Kristy has spoken at a local high school and to the veteran community, adding awareness to veteran suicide. She also lead a 2020 event raising hundreds of toys and essentials for Toys for Tots and Casa Kids.

2018 Rookie of the Year Award Keller Williams Coastal Bend

2018 Double Gold Award for Production Keller Williams

2019 Double Gold Award for Production Keller Williams

2019 Spirit Award Winner Keller Williams Coastal Bend

2020 Platinum Award for Production Keller Williams

2020 Top 100 Producer

GROUP ONE REAL ESTATE

Celebrating 50 Years in Business 1971-2021

A lot can happen in 50 years, and over at Group One Real Estate they are proud to have served the Coastal Bend for all that time! Group One was founded in 1971 by Sarah Graham, and has been family owned and operated ever since. Sarah’s vision and goals were to always provide a higher and more personal quality of service, not only with home buying/selling, but also in property management, and asset management.

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS IN BUSINESS! 1971-2021

continues to grow largely due to referrals, repeat clients, and being a part of the Leading Real Estate Companies of the World organization. In all 50 years they have stayed consistent in keeping their team up to date on education and new technology, as the industry is constantly changing. They feel the positive energy and culture of their team has a huge impact on the level of care they are able to offer their customers.

BUYING SELLING PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

LET US BE THE ONE

In 1980 Sarah met Jack; they shared the love of real estate in Corpus Christi and joined forces. Later, in 1988, Sarah’s daughter, Karen King, wanted in on all the fun and joined the team. Soon after, Myra Hernandez Graham relocated to Corpus Christi from Houston to join the family business. Fast forward to today, and the torch has been passed to Karen and Myra to hold the vision and the passion, and to keep making/achieving big goals for the company.

Through the years, Group One has grown in size not only by the number of family members working together. Their client base

Group One specializes in Residential Sales and Corporate Relocation and is one of the largest single-family Property Management companies in our area with a dedicated Management Team headed by Sam Blanton.

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

You can be assured when you call their office you will not only get a person on the phone, but will also receive the highest quality of service. Group One’s team is ready to share the excitement of home buying with you!

“THE OLD GOAT AND HIS LADY”

FRANK E. HOLDINESS

Frank E Holdiness, of Premier Texas Realty and owner of Holdiness Homes & Associates, is a Realtor and soon to be Broker. Frank has experience in Commercial, Residential and Farm & Ranch in the Coastal Bend and Central Texas. Frank is also in the process of starting his first commercial and residential development with the goals of providing employment and housing to more rural areas. While serving overseas and researching his family lineage, Frank found that his family has been involved in Real Estate in England for centuries, so it must be in his blood and the reason he loves it so much. Frank, an Army Combat Veteran, is the Homes for Heroes Agent in the Corpus Christi area. This honor, and his time serving his country, has influenced him to make it his mission and duty to help and give back to his fellow Veterans, Teachers, First Responders and Law Enforcement in and around the Coastal Bend. One of his favorite quotes is by one of the founding fathers of this nation, Thomas Jefferson: “The harder I work, the luckier I get.” His “mission first” attitude, hard work, and dedication has allowed him to ensure that he always has the most satisfied clients out there.

GENE GUERNSEY BROKER

Gene & Celeste Guernsey have over 60 years combined real estate brokerage experience. Starting a real estate career in the mid 1980s was the toughest of times. Perseverance is the key to their success. Over the last 20 years Gene has closed $468,727,000 in real estate transactions representing some 1,776 transaction sites. For 18 straight years the CCMLS system data showed Gene as the single highest producing broker in MLS. The “Old GOAT” is an expression jokingly used by protégé agents.

This success is a culmination of hard work, determination, dedication to duty, market knowledge, marketing skills, great relationships, and a huge dose of God’s Grace. They apply a very systematic approach to selling a lot of real estate implemented by an experienced office staff.

His “Certified Relocation Professional” designation by the Employee Relocation Council allows Gene to do Corporate relocation for many of the area’s’ top employers.

Real estate transactions are like good movies; there is a beginning, a middle, and an end. (Of course there is some conflict which directly affects the outcome.) The conflict may be in the form of your price, repairs, appraisal values, closing costs, and with any buyer or seller all are in pursuit of the happy ending. Think of me, your real estate agent, as the protagonist supporting your cause in buying or selling real property. My goal is to support one side, yet ultimately create the win/ win scenario; and that is what I offer to my clients.

I am a local born Corpus Christi girl who provides MLS services in Corpus Christi, Austin, Dallas, and McAllen, TX. I am your boots on the ground within these great Texas cities and a bilingual Spanish speaker.

How do I do it? I took an idea that is popular with attorneys and brought it into the real estate world. If my real estate license is Texas-wide, then why not offer clients the opportunity to leave Austin for a weekend and spend it coastal on North Padre Island? Or have you ever wanted a high rise condominium in Downtown Dallas for season Cowboy tickets and experience a football weekend with Sunday Funday at Texas Stadium?

I leverage with other Texas real estate agents and have found that teamwork is the heart of real estate. It takes accountability to run a real estate transaction, and those enumerated paragraphs on the contract carry significant meaning. Every offer should be planned out strategically and be complete. This process establishes a mutual agreement leading to the performance period and lastly, winding up just like that good movie: To a happy ending.

Melissa became a proud Texas transplant in 2015, when she and her family relocated to Port Aransas from Canada. She initially joined Port Aransas Realty as their Director of Marketing in 2017, seeking a forum that would allow her to leverage her many years of professional multi-media marketing experience and creativity. Melissa made the leap from Marketing Director to licensed Texas Realtor in 2018 and has never looked back! True to her marketing roots, Melissa maintains an active social media marketing presence that spans multiple platforms. Her posts feature a variety of professionally produced listing videos, photography and drone aerial footage, all of which work together to elevate the visibility of her listings to a broad network of prospective buyers. Melissa is proud to specialize in the Port Aransas and North Padre markets, where matching her clients to their next home means welcoming them to the “Island Life!”

104 MUSTANG BLVD. PORT ARANSAS

361.742.9860

MELSELLSISLANDLIFE.COM

My husband/builder and I moved to Port Aransas in 2004 for the salt life and the great public school for our, now grown, children. I have been involved in the building and development business in Port Aransas for over 17 years, which gives me a clear understanding and appreciation of the local real estate market. This market is changing fast, and is like no other market. You need an experienced, local agent to help you navigate your real estate needs or wants in Port A. I look forward to helping you find that perfect island property!

DELIA SHELLY GARCIA

• Residential, Commercial and High Rise Services

• Interior & Exterior Window Cleaning, Including Screens & Sills

• Chandeliers & Ceiling Fans

• Gutters, Skylights & High Fixtures

• Construction Clean-Up & Power Washing

• Insured, Bonded, Uniformed Technicians

• Spine Injury

• Brain Injury

• In-House Procedures

• Respiratory Management

• Early Mobilization

• Cardiac Care

• Pain Management

• Mist Therapy

• Wound Debridement

• CT Scan with and without contrast

• Rehabilitative Therapies

GROWING UP

Plant in full sun in well-drained soil. Grows easily from seed, but takes up to 21 days to germinate, so bed can get weedy. If planting by seed, till the soil and immediately sow seeds at 1/4” depth. Thin flowers to 12” spacing. Or, plant transplants at 12” spacing with native leaf mulch covering soil. No fertilizer, which causes leggy stems with poor blooms. After initial bloom, cut off all flowers to promote growth. Cut top third of stems when deadheading. No pests.

PROFILING

When buying seed packets or nursery transplants, the varieties Sensation (gorgeous pink flowers) or Picotee (white flowers with purple or reddish edges) grow tallest, up to 3’ or more in height. The Sonata varieties are richly colored and shorter, perfect for pots. The varieties Klondyke and Ladybird Dwarf are also shorter and come in shades of orange, red, and yellow. Space shorter varieties at 10” for denser plantings.

The Harmony of the Cosmos

FLOWERING BEAUTY FOR THE SUMMER

BY: JUSTIN BUTTS

osmos are the ideal flower for summer gardens in the Coastal Bend. They are drought-tolerant, can take a lot of heat, and don’t mind poor soil. Best of all, the flowers are absolutely gorgeous! What more could you ask?

Cosmos are annual plants (frost kills them) native to Mexico. Spanish conquistadors discovered the flowers when they met the Aztecs, and sent seeds home to Spain. Spanish friars, marveling at the perfectly ordered structure, named the plant “cosmos” after the Greek word for an ordered universe – or harmony in the heavens.

Cosmos, like marigolds, tomatoes, peppers, and many other plants native to Mexico, did not find their way to the U.S. for several centuries.

The English colonies in America were not allowed to trade with Spain, so they had no access to the foods and flowers that grew on their southern doorstep. Cosmos traveled to Spain, where their cultivation spread to warmer climates. Around 1700, the wife of the British ambassador to Spain brought cosmos seeds home to England. Another 50 years later, the first cosmos seeds finally made their way to America.

Under ideal conditions, some cosmos varieties can grow to six feet tall. In the Coastal Bend, most varieties grow to about three feet tall. Do not fertilize, as this decreases flower growth and causes the stems to grow thin and spindly. Also, do not overwater. If blooming slows, ease off the watering until the flowers brighten and grow more vigorous.

Plant cosmos at the back of the flower bed, preferably against a fence, for structure to help hold the tall stems upright. For potted plants, look for “Sonata” or “Dwarf” varieties.

Cosmos require little care once they are established. When cutting blooms for bouquets or deadheading, cut off the top third of the stem. This pruning invigorates the plants. With proper care (meaning not much!), your cosmos that survive the August heat should bloom beautifully all the way to the next frost.

LOCAL RECS

Cosmos are a beautiful summer bloom that look great in gardens or fresh cut bouquets. They come in a variety of colors, making them a versatile flower for nearly any arrangement. From fresh picked bridal bouquets to birthday arrangements, the options are endless! Though the petals look fragile, they’re actually pretty hardy and grow to be very tall. Their height and blooms make for a fun and whimsical addition to centerpieces. They give off a cute "tea party in the garden" vibe and even look beautiful in a vase all by themselves!

– LaToya Rodriguez, @rosesoireecctx

FUN FACTS

Cosmos have long been used in Mexico and South America to treat malaria. They contain quercetin, a flavonoid with antioxidants that are believed to help treat respiratory infections. The science is still inconclusive, but researchers hope this natural treatment can help. Bonus points if the flowers in our garden can help defeat illness!

SPRING CLEANING & STYLING

STYLED BY:

MONICA BENAVIDEZ

PHOTOS BY:

Spring cleaning is the perfect excuse to get your closets organized and stylish. With more daylight hours, plus plenty of sunny days, you’ll want to spend an afternoon cleaning, organizing, and purging things that no longer spark joy when you look at them.

You may think a closet is just for storage, but you can combine form and function in a closet so that it becomes a stylish space that you enjoy. While you may

EMBRACING FORM & FUNCTIONALITY

• Use peel and stick wallpaper, which is also renter friendly, to line your wall or the back of shelves in a fun, bold pattern. There are so many affordable options out there.

• Baskets are a great way to store small items. I recommend baskets that allow you to see what’s in them at a glance. You can also use baskets in drawers, which is especially helpful in a bathroom or kitchen.

•

not be able to add square footage to your closet, you can add stylish storage solutions that maximize the space you do have.

Also consider incorporating decorative objects that serve a purpose. Use a unique sculpture from a local vintage store to display necklaces, find a small mirror that can add some glam to your space, or use crystal containers to hold small accessories and hair clips.

Look through your clothing, handbags, and accessories and donate anything you haven’t worn in a year. There are many local charity thrift shops that you can help with your donations.

•

Add in a small bench to a closet, if you have the room. It’ll be a great place to sit to put on shoes or to put down your handbag at the end of a long day.

q get the look

RACHEL BENAVIDES

Yarn-Bombs Away!

THE KNITTING PHENOMENON ENLIVENING PORT A

BY: JULIETA HERNANDEZ PHOTOS BY: RACHEL BENAVIDES

hen Diana Vondra and her husband were walking through the streets of Avignon, France, they turned the corner onto an unusually colorful street.

“It was completely decorated in bright, vivid colors of yarn, crocheted and knitted, on everything from trees, bike racks, door knobs…” Vondra recalls. “Everything was decorated, and it was so fun, and I immediately thought of Port A.”

Yarn-bombing, also known as guerrilla knitting, is a world-wide phenomenon and an adorable form of street art. While Vondra met yarn-bombing in France, she later learned that it actually originated in Austin, Texas.

With the help of the community, Vondra began the Bollard Buddies, the Port Aransas yarn-bombing experience that invited knitters from all ranges of experience to help bring color to the beach. Going on five years, the movement started with roughly 82 adorably knitted bollards and has grown to more than 250 presently.

The yarn-bombing, an unfamiliar concept to South Texans, was met with community astonishment.“In the beginning, it was like, ‘What is that? What’s happening down there?’ and then it just got to be that people have begun to take pride in the fact that this is here,” Vondra smiles. “People come down, they take pictures, they watch over them, they even help me put them up.”

When it’s time to attach the creations to the bollards, more and more crowds join every year, even if they aren’t knitters, to secure them properly and safely.

The bollard buddies are created for Port Aransas by a circle of people stretching from those living within the Coastal Bend to winter Texans and pen-pals, even a couple of anonymous knitters. These colorful pieces live in Port Aransas beaches with regular maintenance throughout the winter months, usually also aided by the community.

With Bollard Buddies that circle throughout the year, there are some that become “unemployed” and retire; however, they are re-purposed in adorably unconventional ways. Besides snapping photos visiting different restaurants and bars in town, the retired Bollard Buddies live on with making a band and having concerts. Their band’s YouTube videos can be found on the group’s Facebook page, as well as candid snapshots of their wild parties and adventures.

You can meet the Bollard Buddies during their timeline on the beaches, though in high summer months they are put away to avoid intense sun and beach traffic. And if you find yourself to be an aspiring Bollard Buddy contributor, Diana has teamed up with the local parks and recreation department to create an instructional video with the bollard measurements. Check out their official Facebook page, yarnbombinginporta, for updates and information on the fuzzy yarn friends.

CONTACT: @yarnbombinginporta

Stay up to date with the Bollard Buddies in Port A by liking their Facebook page. This page allows you to discuss new creations with fellow fans, post your photos, and learn what’s coming next.

Giving Business the Commons Touch

DOWNTOWN RETAIL ROOTED IN COMMUNITY VALUES

BY: MONIQUE DENNIS PHOTOS BY: LILLIAN REITZ

ith my store, I want to be the platform to give literal shelf space to local makers, for them to sell their goods.” That’s local business owner Ceirra Riley’s inspiration for opening her new downtown retail shop, Commons. The passion that Riley has for her community is undeniable as she talks about her goal of helping people who are forced to work a nine-to-five job create another steady stream of income.

Relocated to Corpus Christi from Austin, Riley said she wanted to bring the diverse culture of the Texas capital to the Coastal Bend. With major retail chains closing all over the U.S., she knew opening a shop and keeping it thriving could become a challenging task. This challenge did not deter Riley; instead, it inspired her to open her shop in Corpus Christi, where she knew her business could be essential to the quickly growing city.

Riley has set up her shop to reflect her own eclectic interests as well as shelving products made by members of the community. With her idea to join forces with local entrepreneurs to get their goods in her store, she hopes to help emerging brands hatch and develop a broader audience. She will also provide merchandise from all over Texas and the United States that otherwise might not be available to purchase locally.

Commons will specialize in products such as clean-burning candles, palo santo incense, clothing, ceramics, and much more. With her love for sustainable high-end goods, Riley envisions products sold in her store will have the quality to withstand normal wear and tear and possibly even be passed down from one generation to the next.

Besides wanting to be part of the growth of local brands, Riley said she seeks to stand behind Black-owned companies that deserve a seat at the table, women-owned companies that serve as a platform to assist other women

Shop Commons online! If you can’t make it into the store, but still want to get your hands on their goods, simply visit commonscctx.com and purchase all your favorite products.

ON VIEW: APRIL 16 — AUGUST 15, 2021

TAMU-CC

Art and Design Faculty Biennial Exhibition

Leticia Bajuyo, Tethered (series top to bottom) Tethered: Bellsouth, Tethered: Singer, Tethered: Royal, Tethered: Sony, 2020, graphite on wood, on loan from artist

internationally, and larger national brands that are mindful of the ingredients they use in their products. “I don’t want this to be a business where I just take care of me and my bills. I want to be able to help sustain my community and the environment, while circulating the dollar back into the community.” She puts a heavy emphasis on how much it means to her to make her shop a staple for the Coastal Bend community. “I can’t succeed unless they succeed,” Riley says emphatically.

When choosing items for her shop, Riley is drawn to products that provide social inclusion, that help create social sustainability, and that are not detrimental to the environment. “I want Commons to be a shop that anyone can pop into grab something for themselves or a loved one, and they can feel confident about where their money is going.”

CONTACT:

421 Schatzell St • @commonscctx

But First, We Brunch

BY: JO ANNE HOWELL

PHOTOS BY: RACHEL BENAVIDES

Location: Wildflowers

Do it Yourself. You’ve probably seen the donut wall trend on Pinterest. While this concept is nothing new, it does provide a visually appealing way to display more food. Plus, these pegboard décor elements are easy to create yourself!

parting words

This graduation brunch was textbook perfection. Fun surprises such as a visit from a friendly llama and champagne toasts with floral and fruit infused sugar cubes made the celebration that much better. Don’t ever underestimate the power of well-intentioned details at your event or gathering. Leaving a lasting impression on your guests makes all the hard work worth it.

Charcuterie Chic. Let’s be real: There is nothing more aesthetically pleasing than a perfectly curated charcuterie spread. For this graduation brunch, Eleanor’s styled pancakes with all the trimmings, the makings for yogurt bowls, fruits, cheeses, and more. One of the best aspects of styled food is the beauty it adds to your event.

Dreamy Details.

With local shop Wildflowers as the venue, a seamless flow of indoor and outdoor party elements was made easy. The nursery out back provided the perfect canvas for further fun. Floral arrangements with soft pinks and whites and blush linens made for a dreamy seating area.

Kennedy Dental Care

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

month, take a wine journey with us to Tuscany, Italy, home to some of the best wines in the world! We stock over 55 Brunellos, Super Tuscans and other world-class Tuscan wines, cheeses and pantry provisions!

photography by RACHEL

Martin Flores’s budding food truck business

SpiceYourUpLife

A

PERSPECTIVE FOR YOUR SPICE RACK

BY:

KAYLA BUTTS

pices are powerful influencers. Those small, colorful containers in the spice rack that change and enhance the flavor of your food have long influenced global culture and cuisine, even the rise and fall of nations. Spices helped shape the map of the modern world.

The Silk Road was about spices as much as it was about silk. As spices and cuisines moved, religion, language, and culture traveled with them, and these small seasonings influenced the destinies of China, Persia, India, and Europe.

Vasco da Gama sailed out of Lisbon into the unknown waters of the Cape of Good Hope looking for a way to bypass the Silk Road. He discovered a new route to the coveted spices of India and China. His journey created the first shipping lane linking Europe to the Orient, still in use today. Spices bridged distant worlds.

The Dutch, in 1667, traded New York for the tiny islands of Banda (famous then but forgotten now) in Indonesia. Banda was at that time the world’s only source of nutmeg. The Dutch happily gave away all the future riches of the New World simply for the taste (and profits) of nutmeg. Nations rose and fell on spices.

SPICES & CULTURE

Spices have been used since the dawn of mankind as medicine, to flavor food, to mask unpleasant tastes and smells, even to freshen breath.

For many lands, spices played a pivotal role not just in their cuisine, but in their political development. Wars were fought for the control of spice lands. Armies built forts (that became great cites) to protect merchants along spice trade routes. Brigands, pirates, and nomad bands created their own enduring societies by stealing from and selling to the spice travelers.

Spices can resurrect the lands of antiquity through modern cuisine: the saffron of Persia; the cinnamon of Ceylon (now Sri Lanka); the harissa of Tunisia; or the piquant curries of southern India. The aroma of certain spices evokes strong images of distinct cultures and cuisines.

NAVIGATING THE SPICE AISLE

Inexpensive spices found in the grocery store aisles usually sit on shelves too long and are already losing their flavor and nutrients by the time you grab them. Even worse, spices stored in bulk bins are often exposed to excessive light, heat, and inconsistent temperatures. These bulk bin products typically suffer in quality and are not replenished frequently enough.

Avoid any spices with fillers, artificial colors or flavors, preservatives, or anti-caking ingredients. Make sure to read the labels carefully before purchasing.

Buy organic spices if at all possible. Not only are they grown with special care, they are sterilized with steam treatment or dry heat. Non-organic (most grocery store spices) are often fumigated and irradiated with chemicals.

It is easy to find high-quality organic spices online and have them shipped to your door. This is the trend for home chefs—source only the best. These spices cost more than grocery store brands, but you will find yourself using them more and loving them more when you do.

WHOLE GROUNDS

Ground spices are widely available, which is their chief benefit. They offer acceptable flavor (if still fresh), good health benefits, and ease of use. However, ground spices tend to lose potency and go stale very quickly, and must be replaced on an annual basis or more often.

Whole spices are much more potent, stay fresher, have a longer shelf life – up to two years –and do not contain the contaminants or fillers often found in ground spices. Replace any spices, whole or ground, once they lose their robust fragrance. If they smell weak, they will definitely taste weak.

Whole spices require the extra step of grinding when ready to use. This may seem like more work, but it could well become your favorite part of cooking. The freshly ground fragrance is powerful and compelling; the colors are richer. You grind only what you need. Use a spice mill, a Turkish pepper grinder, or even a mortar and pestle. It feels really good, for some reason, to grind your own spices.

STORAGE & USES

Protect spices from light, heat, and humidity. Store in individual airtight containers in a cool, dry, dark pantry. Sunlight and heat oxidize the essential oils in spices, which decreases their antioxidant content and diminishes their flavors.

Add spices and dried herbs at the beginning of the cooking process to let their flavors develop. Encourage whole and freshly crushed spices to “bloom” by heating them in oil for 30 seconds prior to adding the protein or produce.

Avoid shaking spices from their storage containers directly over a hot cooking implement – the resultant heat and steam can cause the spice inside the shaker to cake and clump. Make your own blends to control sodium content, eliminate impurities, and ensure the highest quality flavors for your meals.

Invest in good ones. Extraordinary ingredients make extraordinary meals. Treat yourself well – you are worth it.

Cinnamon - fights inflammation; lowers blood sugar; improves insulin sensitivity; fights breast, lung, and prostate cancer; reduces chronic inflammation; decreases “bad” LDL cholesterol and increases “good” HDL cholesterol; lowers blood pressure; decreases Alzheimer’s risk; and restricts growth of H. Pylori in the gut.

Turmeric - prevents cancer cell and tumor growth; scavenges harmful free radicals; reduces oxidative stress and inflammation; improves carbohydrate and fat metabolism; aids in weight loss; reduces blood sugar; alleviates asthma symptoms; and ameliorates autoimmune response.

Ginger - eases nausea and improves digestion; contains antiinflammatory and antioxidant compounds; alleviates allergies; increases detoxifying enzymes in liver; relieves aches and pains; and reduces the risk of colon cancer.

Garlic - inhibits cancer cell formation; contains allicin which reduces cholesterol and blood pressure; dissolves blood clots; promotes weight loss; improves antimicrobial functions; and lowers the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

Cayenne - kills cancer cells; stimulates digestion; lowers triglycerides and cholesterol; contains antioxidant properties; decreases blood sugar and increases insulin release; and helps the body absorb iron, calcium, and beta-carotene.

RECIPE

All-Purpose Savory Spice Blend

PREP TIME: about 7 minutes

INGREDIENTS:

1 tbsp kosher salt

1 tbsp peppercorns

2 tsp paprika

1 1/2 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp dried rosemary

1 tsp dried thyme

1 tsp turmeric

1/2 tsp red pepper flakes or cayenne

DIRECTIONS:

Grind peppercorns with dried herbs in a pepper grinder or coffee grinder, or with a mortar and pestle. Combine remaining ingredients and stir well. Store in an airtight container in a dry, cool place. Try on eggs, popcorn, meat, or vegetables.

ISave Your Natural Tooth!

Has your dentist told you that you need root canal treatment? If so, you’re not alone. Millions of teeth are treated and saved each year with root canal, or endodontic, treatment. Watch our videos at southtexasendo.com to learn more!

nside the tooth, under the white enamel and a hard layer called the dentin, is a soft tissue called the pulp. The pulp contains blood vessels, nerves and connective tissue, and helps to grow the root of your tooth during development. In a fully developed tooth, the tooth can survive without the pulp because the tooth continues to be nourished by the tissues surrounding it. Contrary to jokes about the matter, modern endodontic treatment is very similar to having a routine filling and usually can be completed in one or two appointments, depending on the condition of your tooth and your personal circumstances. You can expect a comfortable experience during and after your appointment. We also provide nitrous, oral and IV sedation for the anxious patient.

If you are given a choice between root canal treatment or tooth extraction, always choose root canal treatment. Dentistry has yet to produce a denture, bridge or implant that looks, feels and functions as well as a natural tooth. Never choose extraction because you think it will be quicker! Endodontic treatments generally require one to two visits lasting less than an hour each. An extraction requires one visit, but the denture, bridge or implant will require several additional visits with your dentist. Never choose extraction because you think it will be cheaper! When a natural tooth is extracted, it must be replaced with an artificial tooth to prevent other teeth from shifting, and to prevent future dental problems. The cost of a denture, bridge or implant, plus the extraction, often is higher than the cost of an endodontic procedure that would save the tooth for years to come. Most dental insurance plans cover endodontic treatment.

Call South Texas Endodontics:

Saving the natural tooth with root canal treatment has many advantages such as:

• Efficient chewing

• Protects other teeth from excessive wear or strain

• Natural appearance

• Normal biting force and sensation so you can continue to eat your favorite foods

• Limits the need for costlier, ongoing dental work

We want you to have the best experience possible in saving your natural teeth. Dr. Anthony, Dr. King (Board Certified) and Staff are here to answer your questions. If you have any questions about root canal procedures, you can visit our website at southtexasendo.com or call us at 361-992-7871.

We want you to have the best experience possible in saving your natural teeth. Dr. Anthony, Dr. King (Board Certified), Dr. Robles (Board Certified) and staff are here to answer your questions. If you have any questions about root canal procedures, you can visit our webstie at southtexasendo.com or call us at 361-992-7871.

Café de Cultura

BRENDA RODRIGUEZ DESIGNED A COFFEE LINE INSPIRED BY MEXICAN CULTURE AND TRADITION

BY: JACQUELINE GONZALEZ PHOTOS BY: RACHEL BENAVIDES

orpus Christi native Brenda Rodriguez is brewing up a new kind of coffee. She felt there was an unfilled niche for Latin-inspired coffee flavors in Corpus Christi, so when she was laid off from her job last March due to the pandemic, she chose to use the extra time to fulfill her dream of creating her own coffee line.

The inspiration came from a love of coffee shared with her dad – while visiting family in Austin, Houston, and San Antonio, they would explore different coffee shops. Rodriguez’s palate was introduced to the decadent flavors, textures, and tasting notes of Central and South American coffees, and soon, a desire to fuse Latin American charms with the delicious morning brew became something the duo looked forward to.

Unfortunately, her dad passed away three years ago, but with the creation of Café Latina, Rodriguez was able to fulfill their desire to share the beauty of Mexican culture and traditions through coffee. Using her love of these exotic flavors as a launchpad, she began to create notes that brought to life the traditions held dear to Mexican families. “I want people to be able to taste the flavors of our culture and enjoy the smell. I want them to know my background,” she says. Flavors like Pan de Polvo, Café de Olla, Mexican Chocolate, and Dulce de Leche boast a Latin-inspired touch that is reminiscent of her family’s traditions and those of Mexican culture. The notes of cinnamon, anise, brown sugar, and chocolate allow her to share the delicacies created by Latina grandmothers, with the nostalgia of fiestas and family get-togethers.

For Café de Olla, customers learn that coffee used to be made by placing coffee beans in a large ceramic pot and boiled over a long period of time. Rodriguez feels it’s important to know this information to understand the hard work that went into creating these flavor profiles, as opposed to the ease of using a Keurig or French press today. The culmination of delicious flavor, nostalgic aromas, and the educational aspect of the history of the product help customers not only enjoy the flavors, but also appreciate the culture.

The best is yet to come for the Café Latina brand. Rodriguez is currently working on adding two new flavors: Pumpkin Empanada and Churro. She also hopes to place her coffee in Mexican restaurants, and eventually open a coffee shop in Corpus Christi or San Antonio. Make sure you stay in the loop on all things Café Latina. Great things are in store.

CONTACT: cafelatina.net

COMMITTED TO YOUR CARE

Southside Specialty Surgical Center is designed exclusively for outpatient surgery. Here at Southside Specialty Surgical Center we have seven beds with 2 operating rooms. We are a state-of-the-art facility that uses the most modern surgical equipment available today. Currently we have two top of the line Zeiss microscopes and two Centurion Phaco machines for Ophthamology procedures. We are also equipped with a Jackson table and 9800 C-arm for Spine and Orthopedic procedures. Our staff includes board certified surgeons and anesthesiologists, registered nurses and medical technicians, professionally trained in surgical and recovery care.

Southside Specialty Surgical Center has earned The Joint Commission Gold Seal of Approval for Ambulatory Health Center Accreditation by demonstrating continuous compliance with its performance standards. The Gold Seal is a symbol of quality that reflects a health care organization’s commitment to providing safe and quality patient care. We specialize in Pain Management, Ophthalmology, and Spine procedures.

Our mission is to create a safe and physical environment prior to, during, and following a procedure. To minimize stress and anxiety by maintaining an atmosphere of compassion and understanding.

We are currently accepting Medicare, BCBS, Aetna, Humana Gold, Humana PPO and TriWest insurances. Soon we will also be accepting Cigna and United Healthcare. We are very proud to be serving Corpus Christi and surrounding areas.

WHERE TO EAT

AMERICAN

8TE $ •

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

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

CRUZY'S $ •

Tacos take on a whole new meaning at 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, cruzys.com

HAMLIN FOUNTAIN & GIFTS $ •

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

HOEGEMEYER’S BBQ $$ •

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

IRIE’S ISLAND FOOD $ •

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

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, blacksheepbistro.net

PADRE ISLAND BURGER CO $$ ••

Burgers, burgers, and burgers! Build it yourself or choose from their handcrafted menu. 11878 TX-361, padreislandburgercompany.com

POETS FAMILY RESTAURANT $ •

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

SURFSIDE SANDWICH SHOPPE $ ••

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

THE BLUE CLOVE $$ •

Indulge in the art of food with The Blue Cove. Family owned and served with love, this quaint little place will soon become your go-to spot for a weekend bite. 5884 Everhart Rd, (361) 334-0202, theblueclove.com

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) 886-3510, omnihotels.com

THE POST AT LAMAR PARK $$ ••

Enjoy this popular gastro-pub with delicious dishes that are meant to be shared, along side a beer or cocktail of course! 411 Doddridge St #102, (361) 452-0907, thepostlamarpark.com

TOWN & COUNTRY CAFÉ $ •

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

ASIAN

AKA SUSHI $$ •

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

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, dokyodauntaun.com

NINJA RAMEN & THAI $ •

Japanese ramen featuring the most delicious broth is just one aspect of Ninja Ramen & Thai’s delicious cuisine. This family-owned-and-operated spot

features a great menu and excellent service. 2033 Airline Rd #E5, (361) 4522622, ninjaramenandthai.com

ROCK & ROLLS SUSHI LOUNGE $$ •

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

SANG’S IMPERIAL CAFÉ $$ •

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

VIETNAM RESTAURANT $$$ •

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

Z COUNTER $ •

It is all about combining fusion concepts with the authentic flavors of famous street dishes from Asia, including Vietnam, Korea, Thailand, Singapore, China and more. 1220 Airline Rd #155, (361) 991-1115, z-counter.com

BAR&GRILL

BREWSTER STREET ICE HOUSE $$••

Who says that you can’t have 4-star food in a casual environment? Not the Brewster Street Grill! Bring your kids or stay for a concert, they have it all. 1724 N Tancahua, 5550 Holly Rd brewsterstreet.net

EXECUTIVE SURF CLUB $ ••

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

FINS $$ •••

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

FULTON IRISH PUB $

For a seaside bar where you can raise a glass and sing, the Fulton Irish Pub is unmatched. This source for flavors of Ireland creates meals with locallysourced, fresh ingredients and won’t disappoint. 301 N Fulton Beach Rd, (361) 450-5115, fultonsirishpubandgrill.com

CAFÉ

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

HESTERS CAFE $ ••

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

JB’S GERMAN BAKERY $ •••

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

SUGARBAKERS $ •

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

EUROPEAN

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) 334-0241, bienmerite.com

DRAGONFLY $$$ •

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

ERINI'S GYROS & MORE $

Authentic Greek food in the form of gyros, homemade pita, lamb-stuffed pita, and more can be found here. Dine in or sit outside at one of their picnic benches for a delicious bite. 4360 S Alameda St, (361) 334-2150, eirinisgyros.com

ITALIAN

B&J'S PIZZA - BREWPUB $$ •

This popular neighborhood spot makes all our pizza and beer dreams come true. Their classic hand-tossed dough will have you hooked on these top-notch pies. Delicious wings, subs, and more can also be found here. 6662 S Staples, (361). 985-6474, bandjspizza.com

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, bellinostexas.com

HOUSE OF ROCK $ •

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

LUCIANO'S $$ •

The chef’s recipes and experience, all with a genuine Italian flavor, crafted from traditional practices passed down through generations. 1821 S Alameda St, (361) 882-3191, lucianositalian.com

PADRE PIZZERIA $ •

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

VENETIAN HOT PLATE $$$ ••

Quality cuisine and a quaint, yet energetic atmosphere, giving a real touch of Italy. 232 Beach St, (361) 7497617, venetianhotplate.com

MEXICAN

HI-HO RESTAURANT $ •

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

LA PLAYA BY THE BAY $$ ••

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

RESTAURANT SAN JUAN $

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

ROSITA’S TACO SHOP $ •

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

SONNY’S BARBACOA $ •

This quaint taco shop is the place to go if you’re searching for barbacoa. Using only prime cuts of meat to assure the freshest, a best tasting tacos around, Sonny’s Barbacoa is no joke. 4066 S. Port Ave, (361) 808-7711

TO-CE-CHI $ •

A genuine and authentic Mexican dining experience is the only thing on the menu at this local spot. To-Ce-Chi brings a refreshing take on authentic Central Mexican cuisine with dishes like El Zarape and Sopes. 4028 Weber Rd, (361) 334-3432

YOLA COCINA MEXICANA $$ ••

Taking it back 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

MIDDLE EASTERN

GINGER CAFE $$ •

The menu at Ginger Cafe takes you all around the world, to India, Greece, Turkey, 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, gingercafeandgrill.com

KUZINA LEBANESE GRILL $ •

Featuring delightful and traditional Lebanese cuisine, this local gem transports you across oceans to a Lebanese seaside café. Scoop up some tabbouleh with pita, top the falafel with hummus, and enjoy! 3801 Saratoga Blvd #113, kuzinagrill.com

MIDDLE EASTERN MARKET + DELI $ •

Both a bodega and deli, Middle Eastern Market has a something for everyone. From daily deli specials to an expansive selection of spices and more, this spot is a must! 5405 Everhart Rd, (361) 854-9445

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) 356-6715

SEAFOOD

BLACK MARLIN BAR & GRILL $$ ••

Sit indoors, sit outdoors, enjoy the Gulf Coast while diving into top-quality coastal cuisine, live music, craft cocktails and some of the best views around. 258 Snapdragon, (361) 7494653, blackmarlinbarandgrill.com

COSTA SUR $$ ••

This cevicheria is a true Peruvian party on your palette. The dishes are exciting, fresh takes on traditional dishes from South America. Perfect for ending a long beach day. 15113 S Padre Island Dr #101, (361) 945-8303 costasurcc.com

GLOW $$ ••

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

HARRISON’S LANDING $$ •••

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

ISLAND TIME SUSHI BAR + GRILL $ •

A notable Island favorite, Island Time Sushi Bar serves up fresh and colorful sushi rolls and a variety delectable seafood dishes. With excellent cocktail options, this spot offers it all. 14225 S Padre Island Dr, (361) 949-3046

LATITUDE 28˚02’ $$$ •

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

LISABELLA’S BISTRO $$$ •

Casual coastal elegance with a familyfriendly 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, lisabellas.com

ROOSEVELT’S $$$ •

Gourmet dining at its finest in a beautiful Louisiana style home that sets the perfect tone for a taste of luxury. Historic background gives a unique sense of its famous visitors.

200 E Cotter Ave, (361) 749-1540, rooseveltsatthetarponinn.com

SCUTTLEBUTT’S BAR & GRILL $$ •

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

SNOOPY’S PIER $ •••

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

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) 8819448, waterstreetmarketcc.com

YARDARM $$$ •••

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

STEAKHOUSE

KATZ 21 $$$ ••

Sets the standard for premier fine dining experience. Prime steakhouse specializes in dry-aged prime beef and fresh gulf coast seafood. 5702 Spohn Dr, (361) 884-1221, katz21.com

NIKOS STEAKHOUSE $$ •

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

REPUBLIC OF TEXAS $$$ ••

One of the most exclusive dining destinations in the Coastal Bend. A multi-level steakhouse offers beautiful panoramic views of the bay and exceptional dishes. 900 N Shoreline Blvd, (361) 886-3515, omnihotels.com

THAI

BKK THAI KITCHEN + BAR $$ ••

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

THAI COTTAGE $$ ••

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

THAI SPICE $$$ •

Family owned and operated for over 12 years, this restaurant is an intimate fixture providing curries, noodles & other traditional Thai dishes in a upscale relaxed atmosphere.

523 N Water St, (361) 883-8884

Shaping The World, One Slice at a Time

MARTIN FLORES’S BUDDING FOOD TRUCK BUSINESS

BY: JOSH MAXWELL PHOTOS BY: RACHEL BENAVIDES

hen we think of Corpus Christi, we picture the sandy shore that always attracts tourists, or the vast amounts of Hispanic culture, but it’s never long before we happily remember its endless selection of food trucks making downtown and local popups more delicious. One vendor in particular has managed to take a traditional dish and make it all his own: Martin Flores of Marty McPies, who specializes in custommade pan pizzas.

When starting his food truck, Flores was able to find motivation and momentum pretty quickly with the help he received from Del Mar College’s career advisors. “I had Del Mar business advisors help me through the legal aspect of opening my food truck. In fact, they still keep in touch with me,” he says.

Flores not only had the motivation to start his business, but also the passion and creativity to keep it moving toward the future. His truck’s fast-growing Instagram page is about to hit 1,000 followers, and Flores also does his own advertising and outreach.

“I've just been doing everything myself lately. Word of mouth has played a huge role in growing my social media account. I've had plenty of friends come through my Instagram or Facebook and tag me in posts,” Flores says.

By building awareness of his pies and showing just how much the public loves his food, Flores aims to make his truck as big as it can possibly be.

“Foodies are big here in Corpus, so if they see a good-looking pizza from someone who has a large following, then it gets around. I've only been in business since January of this year, so it's starting to get around,” Flores said of his plans to grow public awareness of Marty McPies.

Like most Texans, Flores was caught in the freezing storm that took Texas by surprise this February. While his food truck was still operational, he did experience some minor inconveniences because of the storm.

“The temperature outside definitely affects the dough, so if it's too cold, then my dough won't rise and I can't stretch them out,” Flores says.

When creating his pizzas, Flores tries to incorporate a diverse suite of flavors so he can leave a lasting impression on his customers.

“I just want their taste buds to go for a little ride. Maybe the sauce just hits you and gives you that sweet little tang with a hint of spice,” Flores says. Taste

and technique are core components of his craft, and skills he is constantly trying to improve on when creating new menu items. “Although the pizza is thin, they still get that fluffiness when it comes to the crust. So it's two different textures and a couple of flavors, which gives an allaround treat to the customer.”

While pizza is definitely one of Flores’s passions, he hopes to one day grow out of his food truck and open up a brickand-mortar location. “I would definitely like a brick-and-mortar location. I have some experience in the bar industry and I would like to combine that into a pretty cool location,” Flores says.

He has also expressed a desire to collaborate with other local businesses and grow the food scene as a whole. Even though he’s baking his dream one pie at a time, he still wants others in the industry to reach their potential, as well.

“Just go for it! It's actually easier than I thought it was going to be. There's always gonna be a review here and there that puts you down, but if you have a passion for it, you'll be able to taste it, and you'll want everyone to try it,” Flores says.

Whether you're cruising downtown or just happen to have a strong craving for pizza, Marty McPies is your most delicious bet.

CONTACT:

@marty mcpies

looking back

Corpus Christi’s Recordkeeper

BY: JILLIAN BECQUET PHOTO BY: DOC MCGREGOR, CORPUS CHRISTI PUBLIC LIBRARIES

When people walked through these doors, sometimes it was just for a visit to the home of Doc McGregor, his wife, and three children. Other times it was to see a chiropractor. Either way, they could borrow a camera for free, buy film, return the camera and film, and walk out with prints the same day. Over time, the medicine fell to the side and Doc’s passion for photography became his (more than) full-time job.

When his home state made it illegal for chiropractors to practice, he planned to move his family to California to continue his work. Along the way, he stopped in Corpus Christi and fell in love with the city. It was 1929, and the city’s port was new and booming as the city grew at an enormous pace. Doc watched it all through the lenses of his cameras for the next five decades.

His images aren’t just of baptisms, graduations, and weddings, but also of grocery stores stocked with fruit and men stopping for a shoeshine – everyday people doing everyday things. Each day he went out and about in the city taking pictures, then came back to the studio to process them, stamping the back of each print with the date it was processed, so historians know roughly the date each image was taken. He shot an estimated half a million photos, and was purposeful and passionate in his work to tell the story of his city and its people. Corpus Christi’s history is richer because of Doc McGregor’s life and work. Thank you, Doc.

McGregor took this photo of his studio on North Chaparral in December 1937.

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