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January 16, 2020FREEWeekly

The

IslandMoon

Around The Island

By Dale Rankin

Inside the Moon

www.islandmoon.com

Remember When A2 Fishing A11

27° 37' 0.5952'' N | 97° 13' 21.4068'' W

It’s been a while since we’ve had this much fog around here. Just this week we saw a seagull using the map on his cell phone to find his way to the beach. The thick fog makes for some great visuals as high-rise buildings seem to magically disappear into the sky and bridges go off into nothingness. But alas the Weather Wonks say a cool front is on the way and so the fog will likely follow it out of town.

The Winter Texans are here in force and we’re seeing more of them from the northwest part of the country this year. Give yourself a little more time to get where you are going because our Winter Texan friends like to take their time and as our old friend Guy Clark said, “they are fond of breezing palms on the beach as their going.”

Leaping Marlin

The next time you come over the JFK at night notice the lights are back on the Marlin Statue there. We want to once again thank long-time Islander Richard Pittman for making that happen, and City Councilman Greg Smith for finding private funds to pay for it. It is a great way to welcome visitors to our little sandbar.

Rising water

Del Smith who has lived along the Laguna Madre on the Padre side for more than two decades reports that the tide level there has risen at least a foot in the last ten years. The road to Snoopy’s and Marker 37 was underwater for several weeks in late 2019 due to high tides. Plans are underway to use a city bond of $1.5 million to improve that area and the work hopefully will raise the street level and keep the road water free.

Barefoot Mardi Gras

The 2020 version of the Barefoot Mardi Gras hits The Island on the weekend of February 22. The beach parade each year packs the beach between Whitecap and Bob Hall Pier. The event raises money for Big Brothers and Big Sisters and for Seashore Charter Schools on Padre Island.

No progress in Island cases

Kleberg County officials are still mum on the progress of the case of the two people murdered on the beach in Kleberg County in October. Two suspects have been in custody for almost three months but calls to the Kleberg County District Attorney on charges continue to go unanswered.

Corpus Christi Police this week said there are no arrests in the shooting case in the 15700 block of Dyna on January 3. The police report in the case has not been released and a police spokesman said this week there are “suspicions” but no conclusions.

And then there’s this…

It’s not Island news exactly but the City of McAllen revealed this week that they lost $485,000 in taxpayer money on a Enrique Iglesias concert. The discloser was the result of state lawmakers closing a loophole making the information public. The city paid for a charter flight for Iglesias and his entourage from Guadalajara, Mexico, and put them up for two nights in 24 hotel rooms. It also included sushi and sashimi meals that were to be served backstage. Iglesias insisted that 36 bottles of spring water, “Fiji only,” be available at room temperature and one bottle of premium Ketel One vodka was provided. The only thing missing were paying customers.

That’s all for now everybody. Say hello if you see us Around The Island.

Issue 822

Birds: Where to Find Them A15

A little Island history

Angels, Serpents and Frescos22 Steps to the Little Chapel on the Dunes

History cont. on A4

Cabins on the Beach A12

Photo by Steve Coons

San Jose A7

By the numbers

Padre Island Voters

2018 General Election

7873 Registered Island Voters

4657 Total Island Vote

59.14% turnout

2370 Straight Party Republican

585 Straight Party Democrat

November 2016 General Election

107,140 of 199,057 (53.82%) Registered voters in Nueces County cast ballots

4973 total Island votes cast

2016 Primary elections

23,245 total votes in Democrat Primary

456 Democrats voted on Padre Island

28,240 total votes in Republicans Primary

2178 Republicans voted on Padre Island

*Source: Nueces County Elections Department

Bridge cont. on A4 Election cont. on A4

By Brent Rourk © – brentrourk@yahoo.com

Tucked far away between trees and homes, yet perched solidly on top of the tallest dune in the city of Port Aransas sets one of the most remarkable and miraculous chapels ever built – The Little Chapel on the Dunes. It was also the home, as history reveals, of angels and serpents.

Originally constructed in 1938 by the Carter Family, this chapel has a storied history, beautifully painted frescoes, and a peace that transcends its location. Built at a time when there was no ferry service to Mustang Island nor causeway connecting Corpus Christi to North

Padre Island or Mustang Island, this astounding chapel beckons a visit from you, just as it was intended to attract locals when its chief designer and builder Aline Badger Carter envisioned a small chapel on the island in the 1930s.

It remains the oldest consecrated church on The Island. If you carefully climb the 22 sand and rock steps from the street to the top of the dune you will have the opportunity to explore this splendid chapel. Though the Chapel is small in size, it is huge in color and spirit. An Idyllic visit to this heavenly chapel has brought thousands of people a sense of joy, comfort and spirituality, common

Photo by Brent Rourk

Island High-Rise Condominiums Back

in Business After Hurricane HarveyExpect to be fully ready for summer 2020 season

By Dale Rankin

Most high-rise condominiums along the Gulf Beach between Packery Channel and the Corpus Christi City Limits are back up and running after repairs to damage done by Hurricane Harvey in 2017. All seven missed the 2018 season but several had at least some overnight stay rooms ready by the summer of 2019.

A survey of the sites this week found that only two of the seven buildings are still completely out of operation. Mustang Towers which sustained severe water damage when water entered the building through an elevator shaft is still closed, and the Holiday Inn on the Michael J. Ellis Seawall is still under construction.

Of the five remaining high-rises all have at least some overnight stay rooms available and most said they will be back at full operation by the start of the 2020 summer season.

Gulf Shores located just inside the Corpus Christi City Limits on Mustang Island currently has six units out of 56 that rent overnight in service. They expect to be fully

operations by summer 2020. Port Royal has 146 units out of 210 total currently available and the restaurant and pool are open.

However, construction on the main building is still not underway and likely will not be complete by the summer of 2020 due to litigation

with their insurance company

Sea Gull condominiums has a total of 105 units but only 65 units that

lease overnight, 63 of those are now available and the rest are expected to be ready by the summer of 2020.

Mayan Princess has a total of 60 units with 48 that lease short-term which are all repaired and open.

The Holiday Inn on the Michael J. Ellis Seawall on Padre Island is still under construction with plans to be open by the summer 2020 season.

Mustang Towers is still closed to the public after Hurricane Harvey

damage.

Sandpiper condominiums has a total of 103 rooms with 60 that

lease overnight. Most of them are currently open with the remainder

expected to be ready by the summer of 2020.

City Council Awards Park

Road 22 Water Exchange

Bridge Construction

ContractBy Dale Rankin

With no discussion and a unanimous vote the Corpus Christi City Council on Tuesday and awarded the $13,943,536 contract for construction of the Park Road 22 Water Exchange Bridge. The vote comes sixteen years after the project was first approved by voters and is the final hurdle for moving the project to construction.

Early Voting in March Primary Election kicks

off February 18Island Constable

Race draws three Republican

candidatesBy Dale Rankin

Judging by the number of campaign signs popping up on The Island as the March 3 Primary Election approaches the hottest local race may be for a seat that has been occupied by the same man since 1992 and one that has duties which are likely unclear to most voters.

Bobby Sherwood, who is running for re-election to the four-year term, has been Precinct 4 Nueces County Constable for almost three decades has drawn two opponents in the Republican Primary after running unopposed for most of his time in office.

January 16, 2020 Island Moon A 2

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WATERFRONT

Remember WhenTen Years Ago This Month

The wind also blew down the sign at the Holiday Inn.

Ten years ago this month a 64 mile-per hour wind dropped masonry on the Sandpiper

Condominiums onto cars in the parking lot.

Ten years ago this month work was underway on the new restrooms on the Michael J. Ellis Seawall.

Ten years ago this month two Russian bikers arrived on Padre Island and had fun driving their bikes through the saltwater. The bikes

were rented.

Ten years ago this month passengers arriving at Corpus Christi International Airport saw

signs welcoming them to Padre Island

donor waiting list with UNOS (United Network for Organ Sharing.)

Being on dialysis for 5-7 years can prove to be exhausting. Not only do you have to come to the dialysis center 3 times a week for 4 hours but most patients on dialysis also have other medical complications and a highly restrictive diet caused by the fact that their kidneys are not working properly. These include but are not limited to blood pressure fluctuations, increased rate of heart disease, advanced bone disease and even problems with anemia. Also, many patients suffer from emotional problems like depression and anxiety due to the demands of living with such a burdensome disease.

There is a way to end the wait…finding or being a living donor. When a person waiting for a kidney transplant finds a live donor, they can receive a transplant in as little as 6 months. Just for a moment, imagine the difference that makes. You just went from having to go for dialysis 3 times a week for 84 months down to 6…a difference of 78 months of life. Not only that, but kidneys transplanted from living donors typically have better outcomes and can last up to twice as long than those from deceased donors.

To learn more about kidney transplant and how to be a live donor for a local island resident go to www.livingdonor-MethodistUSA.com or, call the living donor hotline 1-844-746-3338 and reference Gary Bachunas DOB 08-07-1953. These contact methods will get you in contact with the Methodist Specialty and Transplant Hospital in San Antonio. This hospital is one of the nation’s premier transplant hospitals. You can also go to the following websites: www.transplantliving.org or www.kidneyregistry.org or www.unos.org and www.kidney.org. You may be surprised to find out how much good you could do with giving someone the gift of life!

Ev

Then there was lightDale,

I wish to express my gratitude to my fellow Islanders for finally getting the lights back on the entrance monument to “The Island” with my Leaping Marlin Statue, after it sat dark and neglected for 5 years!!

Sincere thanks to Gregg Smith and Richard Pittman for getting it organized, and not in the least to the anonymous donor who paid for the expenses.

Thank you also, Dale, for covering the happening in THE ISLAND MOON and keeping us Islanders updated on Island news!

With warmest regards,

Kent Ullberg, sculptor.

ShotsDale, I may have missed it but have you

reported on the six shots fired in a neighborhood on our Island last week and the 40 minutes required to get a police response? I understand that is why we now have two police units on the Island 24/7. Please confirm.

Richard

Editor’s Note: CCPD said this week they have made no arrests in the case and would not release any more information. We have had two full police beats on Padre Island for several years now (three officers for each beat) and according to police policy one officer is supposed to remain on The Island at all times, which was not the case on the night in question. City Hall sources tell us the Police Chief was not happy and has taken step to see that is does not happen in the future.

From Our Facebook PageDale Column:

ArrArr Dubya I lived on Galveston island for a few years. They have TXDOT cameras in major roadways in certain areas. I'm curious as whytheres none here. I see no reason not to have one. Cameras are what brought the suspects in that murder case in.

Police substation

Justin Brandt Padre Isles needs to hire security guard that work nights and drives around the island in marked vehicle.

Diane Bonneau Might be good to note that there’s crime that happens right at the Flour Bluff substations front door basically so I’m not sure that the substation is that much of a crime deterrence. We had a person fatally hit by a car basically right at the substation. We have a huge Vagrant camp in the lot across from the substation with drug use and trespassing happening. We have vagrants crashed out high at the park adjacent to the substation. Vagrants trashing that spot. People having to call police over for disturbances and threats right there frequently.

Soooo... I don’t know that I agree that it is a deterrent.

Julie Wray The Island needs it. A few years ago the condo we were renting was ‘broken’ into and our belongings were stolen. Very little was done to so I’m all for more police presence.

Roy Sharp There used to be a Police station behind the CVS up until at least the late 90s.

There was a noticeable Police presence on the Island day and night, patrol cars where always coming and going from the station.

Since then the city closed the Island Police station to cut costs, but keeps raising our taxes!

No taxation without a Police Station!

Joe Kramer your right, but also know the police coverage(districts) were set up differently back then. the bluff and island were a stand alone district. that changed, and the Chief is working to change the districts back to better cover the island and bluff again...

Joe Kramer Chief Markel is working to redistrict Bravo, and other areas to make coverage better... meaning more officers covering the bluff and the island. Right now there are 1 for the bluff and 1 for the island in most time slots...

CamerasHi Dale,

I read your piece about placing cameras on the causeway to record every vehicle going on or off the island and for once I have to disagree with you rather profoundly. What you are advocating is creating a database of every vehicle coming on or off the island and basically turning everyone on the island into a potential suspect in every crime. My wife and I drive an older chevy truck when we are on the island. A very popular vehicle, and probably popular with crooks too. I would VERY MUCH resent having a cop come to my door to question my whereabouts or search my residence, or pulling me over and searching my vehicle, just because I got recorded driving across the bridge about the same time as someone called the cops to report their cooler was stolen by someone in an older gray chevy. And what if I happen to have an igloo cooler in my truck like what was reported stolen? Walmart in the Bluff probably sells hundreds of them every month during the summer and almost every one of them gets to ride in the back of a pickup truck. Suddenly I might be having to empty my bank account to hire a lawyer to prove my innocence just because a camera recorded me on the bridge at a certain time? Are we now going to have to start carrying receipts for every beach chair, cooler and fishing pole we carry in the back of our truck in case someone gets a similar one stolen? Just because we are on an island with only one bridge should not make us less entitled to the protections our constitution is supposed to guarantee us. Every other neighborhood in Corpus Christi has problems with crime just like the island but you aren’t advocating recording everyone there.

I might also point out that there are MANY security cameras out here on the island and they record thefts regularly. I’ve seen any number of videos posted online showing someone’s car being broken into or whatever. The common complaint in almost every one of those posts is that the cops didn’t do anything even when the video clearly shows the person who did it. Why? Probably because even if they found someone in possession of stolen property they usually can’t prove it didn’t belong to them. Most people don’t put identifiable proof of ownership on their stuff.

And then we get to the much more intangible privacy arguments. Events over the last 3 years or so in Washington DC should prove that surveillance technology WILL be abused by people in power. No matter what protections you try to put in place to protect innocent people, if the technology exists, the temptation to use it by those in power will eventually lead someone to break the rules. It may be to try to get a candidate elected or on a much lower level to exert power over someone a cop has a grudge against or lord only knows what other ways someone may dream up. If the power exists eventually someone will abuse it. And yes, I know, most cops are extraordinary people doing an impossible job. I have several law enforcement folks in my extended family. But in San Antonio, almost every week we see another story about a cop or deputy or politician being arrested or fired for some serious crime or abuse of power. Bad apples exist and will abuse what ever power they may have. I am very much NOT in favor of cameras on the bridge to record every person going on or off the island. You are not going to catch very many bad guys but you WILL record every good person on the island. If having cops patrolling is a good deterrent, then lets get them out here.

Russell Lipe

Organ DonationEvery day most of us enjoy a wonderful life

here on Padre Island and feel as though we are blessed. Unfortunately there are many island residents who suffer from an assortment of medical conditions who do not live an equally good life. One of those is Kidney Disease afflicting several residents. There are also a number of medical professionals living on Padre Island who go OTB each day to help provide treatment for those islanders who go to dialysis. Every day in our busy lives it is easy to forget about those islanders that have a chronic health issue that makes island life a little more complicated. Here is a little bit more information that may help open everyone's eyes to what some of our neighbors experience each day.

Dialysis is a very demanding treatment. For those individuals who require it to stay alive, it affects all aspects of their daily lives. Most people do dialysis at a dialysis clinic where they come 3 times a week to have their blood filtered to remove waste and excess fluid. This treatment lasts about 4 hours and leaves most people weak and tired after their treatment. Those who are on dialysis must do this for the rest of their lives or until they get a transplant. They answer their phone one day and get the amazing news that a kidney became available that is a match for them.

The problem with this picture is that phone call normally takes 5-7 years in the State of Texas due to the number of people waiting for a kidney transplant in this state.

There are approximately 55,000 individuals on dialysis in the state of Texas. Of those, almost 10,500 are actively waiting on the deceased

January 16, 2020 Island Moon A 3

Moon MonkeysMike Ellis, Founder

Distribution

Pete Alsop

Island Delivery

Coldwell Banker

Advertising

Jan Park Rankin

Classifieds

Arlene Ritley

Production Manager Abigail Bair

Contributing Writers

Joey FarahAndy PurvisMary Craft

Emily GainesJay GardnerTodd Hunter

Dotson LewisDr. Tom DorrellRonnie Narmour

Brent Rourk

Photographers

Miles Merwin (Emeritus)

Debbie Noble

Jan Rankin

Mary Craft

Ronnie Narmour

Office Security/Spillage Control (Emeritus)

Riley P. Dog

Publisher

Dale RankinAbout the Island Moon

The Island Moon is published every Thursday, Dale Rankin, Editor / Publisher.

Total circulation is 10,000 copies. Distribution includes delivery to 4,000 Island homes, free distribution of 3,000

copies in over 50 Padre Island businesses and condos, as well as 600 copies distributed in Flour Bluff, 1,400 copies on Mustang Island and Port Aransas businesses.

News articles, photos, display ads, classified ads,

payments, etc. may be left at the Moon Office.

The Island Moon Newspaper

14646 Compass, Suite 3

Corpus Christi, TX 78418

361-949-7700

editor@islandmoon.com

Facebook: The Island Moon Newspaper

Port Aransas

Gulf Stream RV

Pioneer RV

Stripes on 1A

My Coastal Home

WB Liquor Store

Island Wine Room

Kody’s

Coffee Waves

Moby Dicks

IGA

Treasure Island

Ms. Woody’s Automotive

Port A Glass Studio

San Juan’s Restaurant

Wash Tub

Woody’s Sports Center

Back Porch Bar

Shorty’s Place

Fisherman’s Wharf

Giggity’s

Gratitude

The Gaff Trinity By the Sea

Episcopal

Where to Find The Island Moon

North Padre

All Stripes Stores

Black Sheep/Barrel

CVS Dollar General

Whataburger

Doc’s Restaurant

Snoopy’s Pier

Isle Mail N More

Island Italian

Brooklyn Pie Co.

Ace Hardware

Holiday Inn

Texas Star (Shell)

Jesse’s Liquor

Scuttlebutt’s Restaurant

Subway

Island Tire

Padre Pizzeria

And all Moon retail advertisers

WB Liquor

Flour BluffH.E.B.

Whataburger on Waldron

Ethyl Everly Senior Center

Fire Station

Police Station

Stripes on Flour Bluff & SPID

Letters to the Editor

Did Ya Hear?

By Mary "Scoop" Craft

New AdvertisersIsland Democrats will have social

meet ups at the Waves Resort the fourth Wednesday of each month at 6 pm. The first one will be January 22nd. It is family friendly and all democrats are welcome.

Real Estate Broker Associate Merrily Piepho at Coldwell Banker has been a top producing agent since 1987. She can be reached at 361-728-1495 or at www.merrilysellshouses.com.

There is a position available for a fundraiser, development officer who can spread awareness of pediatric cancer research foundation’s mission through donor outreach and event planning. Send resume to TOKC 717 Coleman Avenue Corpus Christi 78401.

Tuff Stuff Cleaning Service is insured and bonded. Call Rhonda at 361-222-8995.

Business BriefsPalmilla Golf Course in Port A has tee

times available until mid-March online. The fee is $35 for nine holes and $50 for 18 holes (play the nine twice) and there is also a 12 hole with three par nines. The fees are the same on weekends. Tee times are for up to four golfers.

Southern Sweets is having their first cookie class of the year on Saturday, January 25th noon and 4 pm At Aunt Sissy’s Kitchen next to Scuttlebutt’s. The Funky Flower Cookie Class is $60 and includes supplies to make six large flower cookies, snacks, beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) and a gift. You can register on their web site until January 18th.

The Kiwanis Club Bingo at the Waves Resort returns every Thursday 7 - 9 pm starting January 16th. The resort is providing a special menu for the event.

The Island Famers/Health Market will be at the Briscoe Pavilion on Thursday, January 16th from 5 pm (not 4 pm) until 8 pm. They have invited local doctors, health coaches, personal trainers and other professionals to join them.

The Barefoot Mardi Gras Kick Off Party will be at the Waterline below Doc’s on Tuesday, January 21st 5::30 – 8 pm. There will be Cajun food courtesy of Doc’s with live music by Stevie Start and a silent auction. Admission is a $7.50 donation at the door.

Fireworks Founder and Organizer Jerry Watkins and The Padre Island Yacht Club announced a transfer of responsibility for the 4th of July Fireworks Island Blast Show. Jerry has moved off the Island and the Yacht Club stepped in to be sure this popular Island event continues. The event continues to rely on private donations. To mail a donation send to PIYC Fireworks Fund 14493 SPID Ste A PMB 342 Corpus Christi 78418.

Marker 37 owner Mitchell Kalogridis announced that he has entered an agreement with Coastal Marina Management to oversee the daily operations of the facility. Their clients include marinas on the east coast, Gulf Coast and as far as St. Thomas.

Litter Critter will be at the Briscoe Pavilion on Saturday, January 18th 9 am – noon.

You Betcha!.

Freighter coming in. Photo by Steve Coons.

Joe Kramer Oh and for all the citizens that like to point out how CCPD is not do there jobs.. When was the last time you attended a town hall meeting or city council meeting or even spoke to city leaders? If you listen and learn first hand... It helps to understand the real facts...

Jan Page Would love to see more police presence. Especially on Aquarius between Commodore and Whitecap. Of course I would love it even more if our POA would do there job and we know that isn't going to happen.

Around:

Ema Wilson So sad about the couple, hope the family gets closure soon. Yay for the marlin! Thanks for the updates! Wish I was there eating at Snoopy's.

January 16, 2020 Island Moon A 4

Send Letters and Photos to editor@islandmoon.com

and follow us on Facebook: The Island Moon Newspaper

Bridge cont. from A1

to those who visit old and large European cathedrals with fresco-covered walls. It is still without lighting and air conditioning. Open windows and an open front door permit a comforting Gulf breeze and welcome the sounds of local shore birds to sooth and inspire the soul. It is during a moment like this that the images in the frescoes come alive and the spirit connects with more powerful forces.

The Carter Family and the Chapel

Henry Champe Carter (1861-1948) was a well-known attorney, judge and former president of the State Bar Association of Texas and he earned a very good living. In 1888 Henry married Ella Goodwyn Carter (1868-1914) and they had two sons and two daughters by that marriage: Champe Goodwyn Carter (1888-1982), Randolf Lee Carter (1891-1987), Mary Louise Carter (1893-[ ]), and Ella Carter ([ ]). Ella Goodwyn Carter died on July 26, 1914.

Aline Badger ([1892]-1972), born in San Antonio to a wealthy, popular and talented society woman named Florence C. Eager Roberts, was privately tutored and attended Wellsley for one year in 1913. Additionally, she studied harp at Boston Conservatory.

Henry and Aline Meet and Marry

Henry met Aline when she was 16 years old. It was rumored that Henry Champe Carter’s son Goodwyn was dating or courting Aline Badger. Henry Carter allegedly told his son Goodwyn, “If you don’t marry her, I will.” Henry had fallen in love with Aline and also loved the way she dressed in angelic white, something Henry allegedly asked Aline to continue to do.

Henry and Aline were married in San Antonio in 1915 when Aline was reported to be 20 years old. Aline was very private about her age, but if she was 20 years old in 1915, then she would have been born in 1895, though some records and rumors point to her birth year as 1892. Within a few years Henry and Aline had a family of three sons: Henry Champe Carter Jr. (1917-1960), Frank Joseph Carter (1920- ), and David Paul Carter (1921-2013).

Above and left:

Murals at the Little Chapel. Photos by Brent Rourk

Aline Badger Carter was a busy mother and an avid Episcopalian. She was in charge of a large, ever-growing mansion and she was also an avid volunteer. She performed volunteer work in jails on a continual basis, taking time to teach and mentor those in jail. She would often distribute fruit baskets and books to prisoners. During the Christmas holiday at their 27 room mansion in San Antonio Aline would “entertain protestant orphans”, according to her son Frank Carter,

now a 93 year old resident of Port Aransas who ‘keeps an eye’ on the chapel. She would give presents to the orphans and would also visit other orphanages in the San Antonio area and give them presents.

According to Frank, “Aline was one of the most religious people you would ever meet”. Aline customarily wore long, flowing, white organdy gowns, a white, wide-brimmed hat, a white bow, and white socks and shoes which together gave her appearance of an angel. Coupled with her strong Episcopalian beliefs and her loving and giving demeanor, she was considered to look like and act like an angel. In fact, over time she became known unofficially to many locals, especially the children who attended her bible study sessions, as the “Little Angel”, or “White Angel”. Aline had been referred to as the ‘Little Angel’ by a national magazine that revealed her visits to jails with books and fruit basket where she would teach the incarcerated the Bible and astronomy. The Little Angel could be seen in her white flowing gowns and dresses walking to The Little Chapel to pray or meditate or find inspiration to work on her poetry. Aline originally referred to it as the Chapel of Eternal Light. She loved the way the morning light burst through the east facing windows and how the afternoon sunsets lit the chapel through the west window.

Carters Purchase Land in Port Aransas

The Carter family still lived in San Antonio in the 1930s in their large, family mansion and began to vacation and retreat in Port Aransas, Texas. The family would travel to Port Aransas for one month during the summer and rented a house on 619 E. Avenue B owned by the Fair Family of Dallas, Texas. That house had been moved from the flats by Bill Ellis. Goodwyn Carter, son of Henry Champe Carter purchased the acre of land in Port Aransas on which the Little Chapel and the Carter House (620 E. Avenue B) now stand for about $3,800 in 1938, and quickly the Carters built a humble home there. The current address of the Chapel is 207 11th Street in Port Aransas, however, the Chapel has not moved. At that time according to son Frank Carter, “There weren’t many homes on the island”.

Build a Chapel

Aline had the idea of building a chapel on the island (the Carters already had a chapel in their San Antonio mansion), so not long after they built a house they began construction on a modest chapel perched on a high dune on the adjacent lot. Frank states that there was no other church on the island at that time and that Aline, “built the church for the children of Port Aransas.” From that high dune a person had an impeccable and unobstructed view, embracing the Gulf along the eastern shore of the island. So it was the perfect place for the Chapel.

Under the watchful eye of Aline and Ethel Wilson Harris, custodian of San Antonio Missions, they began construction of the 230

square foot chapel. Without a local nursery, rock quarry, and Home Depot to purchase wood, hardware and stone, the construction process had to be well-planned. With hard work, persistence and Aline’s determination the chapel quickly took form.

Flagstone from the Hill Country

The chapel floor was constructed out of flagstone that Frank remembers “was taken from a quarry in the Hill Country in Texas”. Frank recalls that his family collected the heavy flagstone and brought it down each time they visited. The beautiful stone had to be loaded from their car to a shrimp boat and then to Port Aransas. When a shrimp boat was not available, the Carter’s arranged for another boat to help them transport their materials, equipment, and supplies from the mainland to The Island.

San Antonio artist Ethel Wilson Harris assisted Aline in supervising the chapel’s construction throughout the process. Ethel was a historian and an artist who specialized in Mexican arts and crafts. She made some tiles and had them built into the modest Chapel altar. According to Frank Carter, Ethel provided Aline with an immense amount of help, from design to construction. Within a year the white stucco Little Chapel on the Dunes was completed and the “White Angel”, dressed in her flowing white gowns, could be seen using it for her prayer service and meditation retreat. She was also sometimes seen leading a large group of excited children who would avoid the stickers and cacti on the dune and enter the Chapel to hear Aline recount exciting Bible stories. Contrary to embellished rumors the Chapel was not built as a respite for lost seafarers nor a ‘sober house’ for inebriated or wayward bar patrons.

Haas-Anderson Construction Limited was the low bidder on the project and funding was already in place from bond money and funds from the Island’s Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone.

The vote requires one more reading for final approval, however, the Tuesday item was on the council’s Consent Agenda and according to sources at city hall will also be on the Consent Agenda for the second reading.

The awarding of the contact allows Haas-Anderson to begin discussions with sub-contractors aimed at reducing the cost of the bridge. It also clears the way for construction to begin on the canal leading to the bridge from the west side under a Developer Agreement with landowners Diamond Beach Holdings, LLC and Padre Island Holdings, LLC already approved by the council. That work is scheduled to begin by the end of January 2020. Under the agreement work on the Water Exchange Bridge will begin once work on the canal is ‘substantially complete.’

The design calls for the bridge to consist of three arches of compressed concrete each with a span of about forty feet, one with fourteen feet of clearance over the canal and two covering pedestrian and cart paths on either side. Previous estimates to the council say it will take between nine months and fifteen months for construction of the bridge.

Election cont. from A1For the record constables in Texas are full-

fledged peace officers whose precincts are congruent with the boundaries of those of Justice of the Peace courts where they serve as bailiffs and they also serve warrants and civil papers such as subpoenas, restraining orders, and notices to vacate. On Padre Island the Precinct 4 Constable has the unusual role of patrolling about five miles of beach owned by Nueces County located in Kleberg County which was the scene of a double murder in October.

With a paycheck in the $50,000 range pay seems an unlikely reason for the attention the office is getting. More likely a problem which arose in March of 2018 which resulted in Sherwood being charged with two felony counts of tampering with witnesses, one count of organized criminal activity and one count of bribery is what brought the two challengers to the race. When the case became public Sherwood garnered wide support in Port Aransas where he is well-known and highly regarded. The case has not gone to trial and Sherwood has said he will plead innocent to the charges.

Monty Allen has served as Chief Deputy in the Precinct 4 Constable’s office under Sherwood for twelve years and is now running for the top job.

John Bowers who has lived in Port Aransas since 2018 after thirty-one years with the San Antonio Police Department has also filed for the seat.

Nueces County Clerk Kara Sands said this week that the voting location on Padre Island may be Island Baptist Church but a final announcement will be made soon.

Send Letters and Photos to editor@islandmoon.com

and follow us on Facebook: The Island Moon Newspaper

January 16, 2020 Island Moon A 5

Stuff I Heard on the IslandBy Dale RankinTides of the Week

Tides for Bob Hall Pier January 16 - January 23 Day High Tide Height Sunrise Moon Time Moon /Low Time in Feet Sunset Visible

Th 16 Low 2:15 AM 0.5 7:20 AM Set 11:48 AM 69

16 High 6:41 AM 0.8 5:57 PM

16 Low 1:15 PM 0.1

16 High 7:54 PM 0.9

F 17 Low 2:49 AM 0.2 7:20 AM Rise 12:26 AM 58

17 High 9:01 AM 0.8 5:58 PM Set 12:25 PM

17 Low 2:50 PM 0.5

17 High 7:57 PM 0.8

Sa 18 Low 3:34 AM -0.2 7:20 AM Rise 1:28 AM 47

18 High 11:43 AM 1.0 5:58 PM Set 1:04 PM

18 Low 5:21 PM 0.7

18 High 7:47 PM 0.8

Su 19 Low 4:23 AM -0.4 7:20 AM Rise 2:30 AM 36

19 High 1:42 PM 1.2 5:59 PM Set 1:45 PM

M 20 Low 5:15 AM -0.7 7:20 AM Rise 3:32 AM 26

20 High 2:49 PM 1.4 6:00 PM Set 2:30 PM

Tu 21 Low 6:06 AM -0.8 7:20 AM Rise 4:32 AM 17

21 High 3:42 PM 1.5 6:01 PM Set 3:18 PM

W 22 Low 6:56 AM -0.9 7:19 AM Rise 5:31 AM 10

22 High 4:29 PM 1.5 6:02 PM Set 4:10 PM

Th 23 Low 7:43 AM -0.9 7:19 AM Rise 6:26 AM 4

23 High 5:09 PM 1.5 6:02 PM Set 5:05 PM

Q. How will the new rules for exempt and hourly

employees impact my business?

A. Depending on which industry your business is in it may have a significant impact. Previously salaried employees paid $455 per week ($23,600 per year) or more were considered exempt management employees and not eligible for overtime for working more than 40 hours per week. The new rule changes those limits to $685 per week ($35,568 per year). It's expected that 1.3 million workers become eligible for overtime pay.

You will need to review the duties of exempt employees and reclassify them when necessary. You may be able to change job duties sufficiently to continue classifying the exempt employee as exempt. If not, the employee will have to record hours worked to determine when overtime is due.

Work after hours by smart phone and computer will also have to be recorded and controlled. Businesses may have to set policies about after hour work and monitor and control it to minimize overtime costs.

Requiring former exempt employees to punch a time clock has work culture issues. Exempt employees typically feel they have

a career not a job as hourly employees do. The former exempt employees may feel they are being demoted. In some businesses exempt employees wear a visible emblem of their status like a different color hard hat. Exempt employees often have more flexible work hours. They are allowed to take time off for personal or family needs because management recognizes they typically work more than 40 hours per week and deserve special consideration.

Businesses may want to consider continuing that flexibility perk by allowing the new hourly employees to make up the missed time during the pay period. Also, businesses may want to allow the new hourly employees to record their work time on their business computer rather than punching a clock along with the hourly employees.

On the other hand, some lower paid exempt employees have been working a lot of overtime work and not getting paid. Under the new rules their income will increase and offset the perceived downgrade in status. Also, management will be more discriminating about requiring overtime work because previously it was free. The employee may have resented the extra work for questionable purposes and will be more content under the new rules.

New Rules for Overtime PayBy Ralph Coker

Ask Ralph

When Peter Zanoni took over as Corpus Christi City Manager one of his first acts in office was to call for an

audit of city operations, a deep dive into what the city owned and where the money was going. It turned up a lot of surprises and has already resulted in several million dollars in savings across city departments.

One of the surprises it turned up was that the City Water Department is in the mobile home park business. Unbeknownst to the city council and most people at city hall the city is the proud owner and operator of a twenty-seven acre mobile home park four miles southwest of Mathis at the north end of Wesley E. Seale Dam. It’s called Sunrise Beach Park and includes one mile of shoreline on Lake Corpus Christi.

Until January 1, 2009 the park was operated by private individuals under contract with the city, but for reasons unknown in 2009 the city took over operation of the park which is not connected to the city geographically since it is not located anywhere near the Corpus Christi City Limits.

The fees at the park were last raised in 2011 and are a pretty sweet deal. Overnight stay starts at $25 per night but the monthly fee, including electricity, water, and sewer charges, is $400.

I’ve never been to the park so I don’t know how many people live there full time but there must be at least a dozen because that’s about how many turned up at city hall on Tuesday to complain about the city’s plan to raise the monthly fee to $650 – still including all utilities.

The rate hike, according to the city documents, was in keeping with the cost of similar parks around the area but according to the park residents who rose to speak on Tuesday the only thing available at Sunrise Beach Park is ice; no tennis courts, no swimming pool (except the lake when there is enough water in it) no playgrounds or any other amenities except a mile of lakefront and the ability to buy ice. But then again $650 per month with all bills paid still isn’t too bad a deal.

But if you listened to the speakers at city hall on Tuesday the homeless population in the city is about to bust open at the seams from all the people who are going to have to leave Sunrise Beach Park due to the $250 per month increase

– a hike that will leave them unable to continue living there.

Law of unintended consequences

But when the Sunrise residents got to city hall Tuesday they ran into an unexpected problem in the form of District 4 City Councilman Greg Smith who, among other locations, owns Pioneer RV Beach Resort in Port Aransas and therefore knows a few things about RV parks one of which is that at $400 per month with all bills paid the city is losing money every month. As the saying goes “we lose a little on every deal but we make it up in volume.”

When the matter came up Smith’s first question to the head of the Water Department was, “What is your experience in running a mobile home park?”

“It’s outside our core functions,” came the response. The only reason the park fell into the domain of the Water Department is because they own Wesley Seale Dam and the land around it, and in all likelihood someone in the City Parks and Recreation Department in 2009 said, “We don’t want to run a park thirty miles from town” and shoveled the park over to the Water Department.

“Does the city really want to be in the mobile home park business?” Smith asked, and the answer was a pretty obvious no.

After several admonitions from park residents on Tuesday not to raise fees it was apparent Zanoni wasn’t budging. Losing money in the mobile home park business is not on his agenda. The park residents won a pyrrhic victory in the sense that the fee is only going up to $500 per month (including utilities) but the limited rate hike came with the admonition to Councilman Smith to visit the park and come back within thirty days with a recommendation on a long-term solution. I’m guessing the city will go back to the contract system with a private operator and the monthly cost is going to likely be higher than the $650 proposed by the city on Tuesday with or without utilities included. All good things must come to an end and in this case the residents at Sunrise Beach Park likely would have been a lot better off swallowing hard and paying the $650 fee (with all bills paid) and staying under the radar. But now it’s way too late for that.

And so it goes.

                                   

                                          Michelle Matthews   

 

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Dolphins at Roberts Point Park. Photo by Steve Coons.

BINGO Returns to the IslandKicks off January 16 at Waves

By Brent Rourk

Bingo on Padre Island kicks off on Thursday, January 16 at Waves Resort.

The event is sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Padre Island and runs each Thursday for six weeks. This year marks the tenth year for Kiwanis bingo on Padre Island and has raised over $100,000 which has been donated to childrens’ causes.

BINGO will run from 7:00 to 9:00 P.M. on the second floor of the Waves Resort, however, BINGO players are encouraged to get there earlier to secure their seats. This year Kiwanis will permit folks to reserve seats in advance for a cost of $10 per seat. Reserve seats in advance by calling John Vaughn at 361-779-0477.

The Waves Resort is also providing a special menu for BINGO players as well as adult beverages and soft drinks for purchase. There is

also plenty of parking and an available elevator.

The dates of Kiwanis BINGO are January, 16, 23, 30 and February 6, 13, 20. Mark your calendars and gather the group to enjoy these evenings of family fun. Cost of BINGO is $5.00 plus cost of the BINGO cards.

The Kiwanis BINGO has become a very popular Winter event for Islanders, locals, and Winter Texans alike. In addition to many cash prizes, the Kiwanis group has always provided countless door prizes to sweeten the evening.

Kiwanis is also seeking businesses that might be interested in co-sponsoring our BINGO evenings. Co-sponsors will have a sign placed on the wall and be mentioned during the evening. Co-sponsor cost for a yard sign sized poster is $50 per BINGO or $250 for 6 BINGOS. Call John at 361-779-0477 or Beverly at 361-548-1886 to co-sponsor.

January 16, 2020Island MoonA6

Iwo Jima RevisitedBy Dotson Lewis Special to the Island Moon

Dotson’s Note: At 10 AM, Saturday February 18, 2020, there will be an Iwo Jima Memorial Ceremony at Sherrill Veterans Memorial Park. Please attend and bring your family and friends. Thanks to the Marine Corps, Hannah Knowles, Dustin Spence, Thomas Gibbons-Neff, and to some of my deceased friends who were there, for the facts contained in this report. Also to my friends now in the United States Marine Corps for the photos.

Purposely, the men raising one of the first American flags on Japanese soil were anonymous symbols of the war effort — backs turned, faces obscured in the Associated Press photograph that would win a Pulitzer, signal triumph amid massive causalities and help finance World War II.

“Our country needed a pick-me-up,” said Dustin Spence, a Sacramento filmmaker and historian who has studied the photo for years. “This flag-raising picture did that.” Then President Franklin D. Roosevelt said he wanted to bring the six Marines pictured to Washington, D.C. “That’s when we kind of opened up this Pandora’s box,” Spence told The Washington Post.

There Were Two Flags Raised At Iwo Jima

In October 2019 the Marine Corps confirmed that it had long misidentified one of the men in Joe Rosenthal’s iconic picture from the island of Iwo Jima, after Spence and other historians submitted a PowerPoint of evidence. It wasn’t the first error. Three years prior, the Marines acknowledged another mistake, and false IDs have plagued another image from the Feb. 23, 1945, flag-raising on Japan’s Mount Suribachi, too.

It Took Nearly 75 Years to Get the Names Right

The Marines now say they misidentified men at both. Both the Marines and the FBI’s Digital Evidence Laboratory worked to confirm the latest “opportunity to expand on the historical record,” the Marine Corps said in a statement — the revelation that Cpl. Harold “Pie” Keller rather than Pfc. Rene Gagnon is pictured in Rosenthal’s shot.

“Regardless of who was in the photograph, each and every Marine who set foot on Iwo Jima, or supported the effort from the sea and air around the island is, and always will be, a part of our Corps’ cherished history,” the Marines said. “In the words of General David H. Berger, Commandant of the Marine Corps, ‘they are all heroes.’ ”

For Spence, the Marines’ admission capped a personal project that’s spanned half the 35-year-old’s life. Fascinated by World War II after growing up on his grandfather’s stories of piloting in the Pacific, Spence spent his college years interviewing veterans. One of those veterans told him a story about a flag-raising picture from Iwo Jima that all the books got wrong.

Two flag-raisings were memorialized on Iwo Jima on Feb. 23rd, but U.S. forces swapped in a bigger flag before Rosenthal’s shot. Spence started scouting out misconceptions about the first, lesser-known photo before moving on to the Rosenthal image that plastered newspapers in 1945. He teamed up with two other historians who had been scrutinizing the pictures, Stephen Foley and Brent Westemeyer.

In May 2016, the Marine Corps announced it was revisiting the lore around the famous Associated Press photo, thanks to Spence and others’ digging. Within a month, a panel headed by a retired general had put its weight behind the historians’ findings.

Navy Pharmacist’s Mate 2nd Class John Bradley was, in fact, Marine Pvt. Harold Schultz. Bradley was actually part of the first, smaller flag-raising, the panel affirmed.

Westemeyer had a “hunch” that one man was still wrongly identified, Spence recalled. But they needed proof.

Those lingering questions sent Spence to Army archives in Carlisle, Pa., where he sifted through other, little-known pictures from that day on Iwo Jima — snapped by photographers who never got Rosenthal’s fame. It was like a puzzle, he said: He would match a snippet of camouflage helmet from Rosenthal’s image to a different picture, then trace another detail to yet another picture, until he found a clearly visible face.

The face he landed on seemed to belong to Harold Keller. Looking for more confirmation, Spence said, he tracked down Keller’s daughter, Kay Maurer.

Maurer showed him a trunk of keepsakes her parents saved from the war era, full of news clippings using words like “bloodbath” and “meat grinder” to describe the brutal war being waged in the Pacific, Spence said. Among the papers: articles about the flag-raising.

Spence has spoken with many veterans over the years, he said, but Keller stood out: A Purple Heart winner and Marine Raider, Keller was what Spence calls “the Navy SEAL of World War II,” a man highly trained and prepared to survive behind enemy lines. The filmmaker found out that he’d fought in major clashes like the Battle of Midway and lived through a bullet in the neck.

The only one of the six Marines in Rosenthal’s photo to have children, Keller would name his son after a friend mortally wounded at the bottom of Mount Suribachi, Spence said.

News that Keller was pictured in the famous photo has reportedly caught Keller’s family off guard.

“He never spoke about any of this when we were growing up,” Maurer, 70, told NBC News. “We knew he fought in the war, we knew he was wounded in the shoulder at one point. … But he didn’t tell us he helped raise the flag on Mount Suribachi.”

Hanging on the living room wall, though, was another Rosenthal picture, Maurer told the news station. It showed Marines in front of the replacement flag taken a little later and is called the “Gung Ho” photograph and included Keller.

An obituary indicates that Keller died in 1979.

Sometimes, Spence said, he’s asked why it matters who’s in Rosenthal’s image. After all, the second flag-raising shot seems composed to discourage identification.

“It’s not supposed to be named individuals,” Spence speculated. “You’re supposed to see Marines, or any type of person, coming together to raise something, raise a flag that symbolizes unity.”

But Spence says the moments captured on Feb. 23, 1945, matter a great deal to the veterans he’s encountered over years of sleuthing. Obituaries identify men as “Iwo Jima flag-raisers.” One of Spence’s documentaries captures a veteran’s habit — years after participating atop Mount Suribachi — of putting a flag up each day outside his house.

Despite the Rosenthal photo’s track record, Spence believes the Marines finally have the right names. “I feel the journey is over,” he said.

Dotson’s Other Note: I thought many of you Moon Monkeys might enjoy this update. I can be reached at: dlewis1@stx.rr.com and/or Land Line: 361-949-7681 or Cell: call or text: 530-748-8475. I really appreciate the phone calls, Emails, texts and conversations about Senior Moments.

Please note: The next Veterans Round Table Meeting will be Tuesday, January 21, 2020; 8:30-11 a.m., 3209 S. Staples. All veterans, their families and anyone interested in veterans’ affairs, are invited. Coffee & donuts are provided. Hope to see you there. Also our Veterans Radio Round Table is on the air on KEYS AM 1440, 8 – 10 a.m., Saturdays. The next show will air January 18, 2020. Please listen and call in. The listener/text line is: 361-882-5397…It’s your two hours, please let us hear from you.

Senior Moments

By Abigail Bair

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“Gung Ho” photo, also by Rosenthal

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Last summer, my two small nephews came to visit for a month. The problem with

kids, especially little boys, is that they can be highly gross -- even for a family that takes disgustingness pretty much in stride. Once, the Rev had to drive home with two Newfoundlands who had both been sprayed by skunks, (twice -- the boys were pretty slow on the uptake). She didn’t even bother to mention the incident for a few days.

“Mom, the dogs reek!” I screeched, home on one of my many larder raids. “What happened?”

“They’re fine. They just got hit by a bunch of skunks. Your father washed them with tomato juice! What’s the big deal?”

For about a year, anytime the dogs got wet you could smell the lingering stench, but it takes more than stinky dogs to faze the Rev.

Little boys, however, tend to be more terrible than even big dogs. Getting Avery to take his nightly shower involved a “Dukes of Hazzard” style chase, threats, bribery, and finally bodily hurling the child into the running water. Then you had to stand in front of the door, blocking it so that he couldn’t escape. I think he used soap twice the entire time he was here, and that was only because the Rev soaped him.

One evening, all of us adult people were exhausted. Mom wasn’t feeling well and had retired for the evening, so Dad called in the B-Team (me).

“Ab, I’m tired and Mom crapped out. I don’t know what I’m going to feed these kids. Get over here.”

“I’ll bring pizza,” I replied.

When I walked into my parents’ living room, the small children were flung over the furniture as though they were boy-shaped afghans. Lolling and bored, Jovanni barely turned his eyes away from the television long enough to notice my presence. Avery got right up and started bouncing on the couch.

“Hi Ab!” he exclaimed. “Did you bring PIZZA?!?”

“Yep! Pepperoni!”

“YAY!”

I went into the kitchen and began pre-heating the oven. I noticed a fresh bag of cherries on the counter beside a dustpan just full of pits. Full, it would have weighed around four pounds, but the sack on the Rev’s counter was greatly depleted. Avery came running into the kitchen, grabbed a handful of cherries out of the bag (depositing a very sticky mess of pits in the dustpan) and raced back into the living room. I decided that I should investigate.

“Avery,” I asked, “how many cherries have you eaten today?”

“A BILLIONTY MILLION,” Avery replied, helpfully showing me his sticky, pit-filled fist. Further research seemed to be in order.

“Mom?” I yelled through the Rev’s closed bedroom door.

“WHAT? I’M SICK!” came the wheezing, irritated reply.

“Did you just buy that bag of cherries today, though?” I asked.

“Yes. This afternoon. Go talk to your father.”

That seemed like sound advice. I found the G.P. shooting billiards in the Great Room.

“Dad, I think Avery ate like three pounds of cherries, maybe more, ” I ratted.

“Yeah, so? That’s what they’re there for.”

“Isn’t three pounds kind of … excessive?”

“Fruit is good for him,” Dad huffed. There is little sympathy for snitches in my family.

I went back into the living room and told Avery he couldn’t have any more cherries. Instead, I made the kids a veggie tray. Avery gleefully plowed through the cucumbers.

I served the boys and the G.P. their pizza out on the couch. They had found a cartoon that they all wanted to watch, and were happily ensconced. Avery wasn’t touching his pizza.

“You need to eat your dinner,” I ordered.

“Okay,” he replied, slowly nibbling a corner.

“Really?!? You were so hungry! At least finish your milk.”

He chugged the last of his milk and scurried off to get a book he wanted to show me…

And stopped dead….

Turned to face his grandfather (who was watching the tv while simultaneously sneering at his own piece of pizza)….

And simply EXPLODED!

I had never seen anything like it, except possibly in the “Witches of Eastwick.” A flood of used cherries erupted from the child like a geyser of goop. I started laughing and shouting lines from “The Exorcist.”

Avery ran to the bathroom, leaving a trail of viscous, red slime behind him. I headed to get the paper towels.

When I got back into the living room, Jovanni was standing in his chair, clucking like an upset hen. I walked over to assess the pile, got down on my knees and started to wipe.

“What the hell are you doing, Ab?” queried the G.P.

“I’m cleaning up the puke, Dad?”

“What the Hell? Did a kid barf?”

Avery had literally burst two feet in front of the Dad’s face. I guess the G.P. was not a fan of the pizza.

“Stand aside,” ordered my father, impersonating Batman. “Don’t waste good paper towels on upchuck.” He went to the kitchen and returned with the broom and plastic dustpan.

“But, Dad, your broom will smell gross forever!”

“Out of my way!” Dad commanded. “Let an expert handle this.”

I went to the bathroom to find Avery sitting dejectedly on the side of the tub. I threw him in the shower, as the Rev barreled angrily down the hallway.

She popped her head in the bathroom. “Is Avery ok?” she asked.

“Yeah,” I relied. “He ate like three pounds of cherries and blew up.”

“THREE POUNDS!?!?”

“At least. I told Dad about it!”

My mother looked at me scornfully, as though I should have known better.

“YOU SAID YOU WERE SICK!” I whined. “I told an adult!”

“You ARE an adult, Ab,” she rejoined as she stomped away to comfort Jovanni, who was sobbing like he was next in line to contract ebola.

“Shows what you know,” I muttered as I cleaned up the slime trail.

“Can I have some pizza now, Ab?” asked Avery, freshly washed and pajama clad.

“You’re hungry? After that??”

“I’m ALWAYS hungry,” he replied.

Then he ate three pieces of pizza.

They’re coming back in June. We’re investing heavily in Scotch Guard.

In which we discover the answer to the eternal question of what happens when a kid eats all

the cherries.

I'm still low-key grossed out by the fact that Dad thinks a broom and a dust pan are go-to

items for cleaning up barf.

January 16, 2020Island MoonA7

Island’s

EdgeSALON

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Game Warden Field NotesThe following items are compiled from recent

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s law enforcement reports.

Operation Lights Out

In December, 20 game wardens were called in to take part in Operation Lights Out, which focuses on illegal activity in Red River, Bowie and Lamar Counties. Their efforts over a weekend resulted in a total of 37 charges filed, three arrests, one felony arrest and one impounded vehicle. The violations consisted of hunting from a public roadway, possession of an open container, hunting duck over a baited area, possession of drug paraphernalia and discharge of a firearm from a public roadway, just to name a few.

Puff, Puff, Crash

Two Henderson County game wardens received a call in the evening from a local landowner who said he and members of his church were conducting a bible study when an unknown vehicle sped through his front gate and crashed in the pasture behind his property. As the wardens arrived on scene, the driver of the vehicle fled on foot and couldn’t be found. However, the driver left behind his wallet and identification card in the car along with other personal items. After searching the area with no success, the wardens decided to continue the investigation the next morning. Early the next day, the landowner called the wardens saying he had gone deer hunting and as he was leaving the deer stand the driver appeared out of nowhere, smoking a cigarette. The driver asked him “Where am I? How did I get here?” The wardens responded to the call and found the landowner and driver sitting down by a fire having coffee. The driver told the wardens he decided to smoke some Kush cannabis after leaving his parole officer’s office. The driver spent the night outside in freezing temperatures and was so impaired he had no clue how he got to this ranch or where his car was.

Furry Detectives

A Limestone County game warden was contacted by a landowner who was concerned about an undersized white-tailed buck deer head found on his front porch. He told the warden he believed his dogs took the deer head from his neighbor’s house across the street. The warden spoke to the neighbor and found the man who harvested the undersized buck. The man admitted he knew he made a mistake but was afraid to call the game warden because he didn’t want to get in trouble. The warden filed several cases including taking an illegal buck under 13 inches, untagged deer and a harvest log violation.

Let Minnow How That Works Out

A Navarro County game warden received a call from a local fisherman about multiple people cast netting and keeping everything they caught. The caller told the warden they had been recording them with their cellphone. When he arrived, the warden found the people and a white five-gallon bucket. The bucket was nearly full of fish. The warden asked them about the fish and one person said they were just minnows. The warden told them most of the fish were undersized crappie. When asked for fishing licenses and identification, one of the individuals said they would “just throw them back” and attempted to reach for the bucket. The warden stopped them and said the fish were now evidence and many of the fish looked dead. Upon further inspection of the fish within the five-gallon bucket, nearly 100 fish were identified. Of those fish, more than 70 were undersized crappie of which 61 were either dead or too injured to be released back into the water. There was also one catfish, numerous sunfish, shad and yellow bass. Many of the crappie measured between three and five inches in length, with the longest being nine inches long. Non-game fish were returned to the individuals, as they had current fishing licenses. Multiple citations were issued to the individuals.

Guilty Conscience

A Cherokee County game warden was patrolling near Rusk when he found an open gate and fresh tire tracks. The warden continued into the property until the road ended at a gas well. A man and young girl dressed in camo were found as they were preparing to go hunting. After speaking with the duo, he found out they had been hunting the area for the past few weeks. When asked for their hunting license, the man handed the warden his license and said, “I haven’t tagged the deer I got two weeks ago yet!” The warden asked if he could see a picture of it and the man was happy to show it. A citation was issued for an untagged white-tailed deer and harvest log violation.

Getting Schooled

Two Hood County game wardens were alerted by a TPWD Criminal Investigation Division (CID), motion activated camera that was triggered at 6 a.m. by two men in camouflage walking with bow and arrows on Acton School property. The camera had been set up in attempt to catch illegal hunters. When they arrived on scene, the wardens spread out through the wooded area to search for the men. At 10 a.m., the camera was tripped again capturing a photo of one of the men exiting the property. One of the wardens ran to a different part of the property and found a vehicle driving through the school parking lot at a high rate of speed. The driver saw the warden and slammed on the brakes. Thinking the warden was one of their buddies, the driver stopped to pick him up. The warden approached the vehicle and the woman who was driving said she wasn’t in the area to pick up anyone hunting. After being interviewed further, she revealed she was picking up her boyfriend and his friend. She was instructed to call her boyfriend and tell him to meet her. The boyfriend told the woman he had left the property and went to the parking lot of a Kroger. After he was detained, he admitted to hunting on school property. He also admitted to hunting with his friend and said he told him to run when they saw the game warden. The TPWD K9 team was deployed and the second man was tracked for a long distance until his scent was lost. Further investigation revealed the second man was on parole and had previous convictions for hunting without landowner consent and his hunting license was suspended. Evidence was collected and the subject was later arrested on a parole blue warrant. The investigation is ongoing.

No Regrets

A Henderson County game warden was contacted by a local landowner about some duck hunters who had been hunting during the closed season split. The landowner was able to provide the warden with the license plates of the suspected duck hunter’s vehicles. The wardens responded to the location but were unable to find the suspected duck hunters. As the investigation continued, the wardens were able to track down the hunters at their residence. During an interview, one of the hunters admitted to duck hunting and was proud to say it was his “best morning ever.” After the investigation was over, it was clear the hunters were new to duck hunting and were unaware of the split.

SoFISHticated Operation

With the assistance of CID, Bexar County game wardens set up a buy with an individual attempting to sell six steaks of yellowfin tuna for $200. A time and location were set up and the wardens sat and waited outside of an HEB for the seller to show up. As they waited, they saw the seller standing outside the doors with a dog and a blue bag in a basket. As the wardens approached the man, he gave the dog to a woman and went inside the store. The woman then began to walk into the parking lot with the blue bag. Wardens then went up to the woman and asked where the man went. She said the man went inside of the store to shop. The wardens searched the blue bag and found the tuna steaks. One of the wardens went inside to retrieve the man and, once outside, he was interviewed. The man did not have the proper licenses to sell aquatic species. The individual was educated about the sale of aquatic species and issued a citation. The tuna was seized to be donated. Cases pending.

Fast and Furious

A Bell County game warden received a call from a fisherman on Lake Stillhouse about a boat driving around and shooting at ducks. The warden, with assistance from an additional Bell County game warden, were able to stop the individuals as they were pulling out of the boat ramp. Upon further inspection, the individuals had more than 20 violations and had killed two buzzards along with three coots. Some of the violations included no hunting license, utilizing lead shot, rally and disturb, hunt from a

watercraft and no migratory duck stamp, just to name a few. Wardens issued multiple citations.

Stop Lying, it’s the Pits

A Hardin County game warden and a game warden cadet were fueling up at a gas station near Kountze when they noticed a man in a nearby truck putting ice in a cooler and struck up a conversation. They learned the man was putting ice on a quartered deer he had just harvested, so they asked to see the head and the tag. The man explained he had left the head and the tag back at his hunting camp. When asked for his hunting license, he produced a license without any missing tags. The warden followed the hunter back to his deer lease to retrieve the deer head and complete the investigation. A citation was issued for possession of an untagged deer and a warning for failure to complete the harvest log. Case pending.

Work Continues on San Jose Island

Lots of activity down by the grounded barges on San Jose' Island this weekend.

Marine debris on San Jose.

Preparing to remove one of the barges that washed up on San Jose' Island during Hurricane Harvey.

Workers preparing to remove the barges off of San Jose' Island.

Work continued this week to remove six barges from San Jose Island where they were deposited by Hurricane Harvey in 2017. Several options were considered for their removal and a final plan

to remove them through canals cut through on the Gulf of Mexico side was decided on.

Photos by Ronnie Narmour and Dale Rankin.

January 16, 2020Island MoonA8

SPORTS

NCAA Board Approves Athlete Compensation By Dotson Lewis

By Andy Purvis Special to the Island Moon

Growing the GameSports Talk Special to The Island Moon

You know it’s funny, you can tell when a guy is obsessed with basketball. He can’t place anything in the garbage can normally. He has to shoot it like there’s 3 seconds left in an NBA game and his team is down by one. You could tell this fellow was someone special even if you had never heard his name. You just needed to watch his walk. This guy was always the smartest one in the room. He was a man of small stature, enormous ego and, at times, could be feisty and unfiltered. This fellow never had a problem playing the bad guy. For his work ethic, he became richer than chocolate mousse. His Limo may have been four blocks long. This fellow will be remembered as a visionary with revolutionary ideas. Some have said he had more impact on the league than any individual player. He was built like a ten-speed bike; he had many different gears he could use throughout his career. There is no doubt that he changed lives, especially for women in the world of professional sports. By the time he had hung up his coat and tie, the world had taken notice; the WNBA was here to stay.

Very few events bring a group of people together like sports. Sports help us move forward during challenging times. He understood that owning a sports team is big business, you’re either getting bigger or you’re getting smaller. The man made so much cash for the players they began to dream in the color of money (green).

Sometimes the pursuit of perfection is not healthy. If you don’t stay on your toes you wind up on your back. He wanted to be the man he ultimately became, a leader, a mentor, and a force in the game of professional basketball. In a league of tall, sleek athletes capable of performing seemingly superhuman feats on the basketball court, the un-athletic, 5-foot-9 David Stern was unquestionably the most dominant figure in the NBA. He should have a mansion in Springfield, Massachusetts, not just a plaque. Growing the game is what David Stern did best.

David Joel Stern was born on September 22, 1942, in Manhattan, New York City, New York, the city that never sleeps. David grew up in Teaneck, New Jersey, in a Jewish family. He was one of three children born to William and Anna Stern. David’s father ran a Jewish Delicatessen in the Chelsea neighborhood of Manhattan. He graduated from Teaneck High School and attended Rutgers University. He graduated in 1963 with a degree in history, and then graduated from Columbia Law School in 1966. He promptly passed the state bar exam in New York and started practicing law at Proskauer, Rose, Goetz & Mendelsohn, LLP, law firm. This law firm represented the NBA at that time. Stern was the lead attorney for the firm in the case of Oscar Robertson vs. the National Basketball Association. Stern helped the league negotiate a settlement that allowed the NBA/ABA merger to proceed, in return for the NBA getting rid of the “option” clause in their players’ contracts, and allowed players to become free agents for the first time. In 1978, Stern left the law firm to become the NBA’s General Counsel under commissioner Larry O’Brien. Stern was promoted to the Executive Vice President position in 1980. His promotion was based on the results of two landmark decisions he helped reach. with the NBA Players Association; they concerned drug testing and a team salary cap. Drug testing was needed as the NBA admitted it had a problem with the perception that their athletes were using drugs, and that the league needed to be cleaned up. Secondly, having a salary cap created a revenue-sharing system where owners and players were financial partners.

On February 1, 1984, David Stern became the Commissioner of the NBA. You know, timing sometimes makes a world of difference. There is no doubt that from 1984 to 1989, Stern benefited from the addition of several of the league’s future marquee players. Michael Jordan, Hakeem Olajuwon, Charles Barkley and John Stockton all entered the NBA and joined Larry Bird and “Magic” Johnson. Players of their qualities gave the league national attention, more commercial opportunities (such as Nike), and helped the game to grow in popularity and profits.

In 1992, David Stern was instrumental in creating the USA Dream Team. This team was the first team to use current professional basketball players to represent the U.S. in the Olympics. It is still considered the greatest team ever assembled in any sport. This team was coached by “Chuck” Daly and included Michael Jordon, Charles Barkley, “Scottie” Pippen, John Stockton, Karl Malone, “Magic” Johnson, Larry Bird, Patrick Ewing, Clyde Drexler, Chris Mullin, David Roberson and Christian Laettner.

By 2004, the league had grown to 30 franchises, including Canada, under Stern’s supervision. Six franchises relocated: Clippers, Kings, Grizzlies, Nets, Hornets and Sonics. Seven new teams began play: Hornets, Timberwolves, Heat, Magic, Grizzlies, Raptors and Bobcats. NBA games were also being televised around the world and players from all nationalities were coming to America to play college and professional basketball. Under his leadership, there are now 12 NBA offices in cities outside the U.S., and the game is broadcast in 50 different languages in over 200 countries. Stern renamed the NBA Finals Trophy, the Larry O’Brien Trophy, and also renamed the Finals MVP Trophy, after Bill Russell. Stern

also saw the possibilities of growing his game during the digital age. He oversaw the launching of NBA.com, NBA-TV, and the NBA League Pass, the first global streaming service. He also created NBA Cares, in an effort to address important social issues in the U.S. Before the 2006 season began, Stern implemented a new dress code for its players. This new dress code banned players from wearing headphones, chains, shorts, sleeveless shirts, sunglasses, jerseys and other headgear, like baseball caps, during NBA-related public appearances. It is safe to say that David Stern took a league dominated by African American athletes and sold the game to white fans and sponsors.

Before the 2006 season began, the NBA introduced a new microfiber basketball to use in games. It would replace the old ball that had been used since 1970. Mark Cuban, owner of the Dallas Mavericks, agreed and felt the old ball was inconsistent. Many of the league’s players disagreed. So, Cuban paid for a study and found that the new ball did not bounce as high and was more erratic. Stern then reminded us that even extraordinary people sometimes make mistakes. Stern initially did not want to concede that the new ball was a poor choice, but two months into the 2006 season, he announced that the new ball may have been a bad choice and poorly tested by the NBA, therefore, the league would switch back to the old leather ball on January 1, 2007.

Stern also created the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA), and a development league known now as the NBA G-League.

During his time with the NBA, David served on the Rutgers University Board of Overseers and was a Chair Emeritus of the Board of Trustees of Columbia University. He was also a member of the Council on Foreign Relations. October 25, 2012, Stern announced he would step down as NBA Commissioner on February 1, 2014, exactly 30 years to the day he had begun as commissioner. Adam Silver would be his replacement. Stern has received several awards such as the Olympic Order, in 2012. On February 14, 2014, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame announced that he would be a member of its 2014 class. In 2016, Stern also became a member of the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) Hall of Fame.

I was fortunate to meet David Stern on two occasions, and I took pictures both times. The first time was during the 1992 NBA All-Star Game in Orlando, Florida. I was a guest of the Miller Brewing Company, and David Stern was standing with writer Bob Ryan of the Boston Globe at an after party. I walked over and introduced myself to both men. They were both kind and courteous. The second time was in 1995, in Phoenix, Arizona, again at an NBA All-Star Game. Stern was the speaker during a luncheon I attended. Not only did we meet again, but he graciously signed my All-Star program.

Suddenly, “out of the blue,” on December 12, 2019, Stern had a brain hemorrhage. He underwent emergency surgery in Manhattan, New York, and later died on January 1, 2020. He was 77 years of age. Stern was living in Scarsdale, New York, with his wife Dianne Bock Stern. They have two sons, Eric and Andrew. David Stern was an honorable man. He believed that you’re either getting better or you’re getting worse. You never stay the same.

Andy Purvis is a local author and radio personality. Please visit www.purvisbooks.com for all the latest info on his books or to listen to the new radio podcast. Andy’s books are available online and can be found in the local Barnes & Noble bookstore. Andy can be contacted at purvis.andy@mygrande.net. Also listen to sports talk radio on Dennis & Andy’s Q & A Session from 6-8 PM on Sportsradiocc.com 1230 AM, 95.1 and 96.1 FM. The home of the Houston Astros.

Dotson’s Note: The NCAA Board of Governors took

the first step Tuesday, Oct 29, 2019 toward allowing athletes to cash in on their fame, voting unanimously to clear the way for the amateur athletes to "benefit from the use of their name, image and likeness.” Thanks to Bill Morgan, Stacey Osburn and Ralph Russo for the facts contained in this report and Bill Morgan (former SWC SID) for use of the photos.

The nation’s largest governing body for college sports and its member schools now must figure out how to allow athletes to profit while still maintaining rules regarding amateurism. The NCAA Board of Governors, meeting at Emory University in Atlanta, directed each of the NCAA’s three divisions to create the necessary new rules immediately and have them in place no later than January 2021.

Board chair Michael Drake, the president of Ohio State University, said the NCAA must embrace change and modernize “to provide the best possible experience for college athletes.”

But such changes will come with limitations, he said. “The board is emphasizing that change must be consistent with the values of college sports and higher education and not turn student-athletes into employees of institutions.”

A group of NCAA administrators has been exploring since last May, the ways in which athletes could be allowed to receive compensation for the use of their names, images and likenesses. The working group, led by Ohio State athletic director Gene Smith and Big East Commissioner Val Ackerman, presented their status report to the university presidents who make up the Board of Governors.

Smith and Ackerman’s group laid out principles and guidelines, endorsed by the board, to be followed as NCAA members go about crafting new rules and tweaking existing ones. Some college sports leaders fear allowing athletes to earn outside income could open the door to corruption.

“One of the most distinctive things about college sports is this whole recruitment process,” NCAA President Mark Emmert said. “The whole notion of trying to maintain as fair a playing field as you can is really central to all this. And using sponsorship arrangements, in one way or another, as recruiting inducements is something everybody is deeply concerned about.”

Ackerman and Smith said the challenges lie in determining what regulations need to be set in place; what markets athletes should be allowed to access; what entities and individuals they should be permitted to work with; and whether the schools themselves could provide funds to athletes through licensing deals.

The NCAA’s move came a month after California passed a law that would make it illegal for NCAA schools to prohibit college athletes from making money on endorsements, autograph signings and social media advertising, among other activities. “California has made it clear that we won’t accept any arbitrary limitations on college athletes’ right to their name, image, and likeness,” state Sen. Nancy Skinner, who co-sponsored the bill, posted on Twitter.

The California law goes into effect in 2023. More than a dozen states have followed with similar legislation, some of which could be on the books as soon as next year. “This is another attempt by the NCAA at stalling on this issue,” said Ramogi Huma, executive director of the National College Players Association, an advocacy group.

It’s hard to say exactly how much athletes could fetch on an open market for their names. It could range from a few hundred dollars for creating personalized video and audio greetings for fans through companies such as Cameo, to thousands of dollars for doing television advertisements for local businesses. NCAA

rules allow for an athletic scholarship that covers tuition, room and board, books and a cost-of-attendance stipend. The cost of attendance is determined by the institution using federal guidelines and generally ranges from $2,000-$5,000 per semester.

Gabe Feldman, director of the Tulane University sports law program, said the NCAA has taken an important step by recognizing its rules are antiquated. “But the ultimate question is how are the rules modified to both allow college athletes to profit from their name, image and likeness while also being consistent with the collegiate model,” Feldman said.

The NCAA has said California’s law is unconstitutional, and any states that pass similar legislation could see their athletes and schools being declared ineligible to compete. But the board also said it hopes to reach a resolution with states without going to court.

In addition to pending state laws, North Carolina Republican U.S. Rep. Mark Walker has proposed a national bill that would prohibit the NCAA and its member schools from restricting athletes from selling the rights to their names,

images and likenesses to third-party buyers on the open market.

“We’re going to continue to communicate with legislators at the state and federal level,” Emmert said. “That’s one of the things that the board is asking of me and my staff and the membership in general, and hopefully we can avoid anything that’s a direct conflict with our state legislators.”

Each NCAA division is directed to immediately consider modernization of bylaws and policies.

Action Taken By the NCAA Board of Governors

The Board of Governors’ action directs each of the NCAA’s three divisions to immediately consider updates to relevant bylaws and policies for the 21st century, said Michael V. Drake, chair of the board and president of The Ohio State University.

“We must embrace change to provide the best possible experience for college athletes,” Drake said. “Additional flexibility in this area can and must continue to support college sports as a part of higher education. This modernization for the future is a natural extension of the numerous steps NCAA members have taken in recent years to improve support for student-athletes, including full cost of attendance and guaranteed scholarships.”

Specifically, the board said modernization should occur within the following principles and guidelines:

• Assure student-athletes are treated similarly to non-athlete students unless a compelling reason exists to differentiate.

• Maintain the priorities of education and the collegiate experience to provide opportunities for student-athlete success.

• Ensure rules are transparent, focused and enforceable and facilitate fair and balanced competition.

• Make clear the distinction between collegiate and professional opportunities.

• Make clear that compensation for athletics performance or participation is impermissible.

• Reaffirm that student-athletes are students first and not employees of the university.

• Enhance principles of diversity, inclusion and gender equity.

• Protect the recruiting environment and prohibit inducements to select, remain at, or transfer to a specific institution.

“As a national governing body, the NCAA is uniquely positioned to modify its rules to ensure fairness and a level playing field for student-athletes,” NCAA President Mark Emmert said. “The board’s action today creates a path to enhance opportunities for student-athletes while ensuring they compete against students and not professionals.”

Dotson’s Other Note: What do you Moon Monkeys think of this? You takes are solicited. Please send you comments to The Moon’s Letters to the Editor, or Email, Text call me. Thanks for reading The Island Moon. I can be reached at dlewis1@stx.rr.com and or text/call 530-748-8475.

-30-Have fun and hang in there.

Mark Emmert

Michael Drake Ohio State.

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15733 Dyna

3/2/2 $1700

15214 Caravel 3/2/2 $1900

Beach Club #144 2/2 furnished $1500

15302 Bonasse #102 1/1 $1400 furnished

14878 Granada #303

3/2.5/1 $2200

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2019 PARADE HOME by Steve’s Homes 14013 La Blanquilla. 4 BR, 3 BA, great room, 3 car garage furnished model. $379,900. Call Cindy 549-5557.

Anchor Resort #137 Located in Building A, updated unit currently in rental pool with history. Washer and dryer. Location is great. In-door heated pool. $115,000. Call Kellye Pena 361-522-0292.

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Sea Gull Condo Dreaming of a beachfront condo with panoramic views of the Gulf and resort amenities? See this beautiful 2/2 $489,900. Call Cindy Molnar 361-549-5557.

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720 Access Road 1-A #301 Premier Port Aransas BEACHFRONT complex. 2/2 facing Gulf. Com-pletely remodeled. High end fea-tures. $412K. Charlene 361-244-2344.

Island House #106 It doesn’t get any closer to the beach! 2 bed-room, 2 bath condominium with awesome views! Stay and play or rent it out. $300,000. Call Allen 830-660-0717.

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January 16, 2020 Island Moon A11

The Great OutdoorsBy Jay Gardner

On the Rocks

w w w. b r o o k l y n p i e . c o m

N E W Y O R K S T Y L E

&

H O M E O F T H E

GIANTSLICE

6181 Saratoga Blvd. #107ACorpus Christi, TX 78414

SOUTHSIDE15326 S. Padre Island #106

Corpus Christi, TX 78418

PADRE ISLAND

361.949.1100

Backwater AdventuresBy Joey FarahFarah’s Fishing AdventuresI saw that the PR 22 bridge

was on the City Council agenda for approval this afternoon. I tried watching the meeting

between tasks, but they couldn’t seem to move past the Consent agenda due to a variety of items that the entirety of Corpus Christi showed up to provide public comment on. I really have to hand it to all the Council members, as they volunteered to sit and listen to hours and hours of public comment each month. Sometimes the comments are germane to the topic, and sometimes the comments are all over the charts. Just remember folks, when you’re giving public comment to any committee, please plan your comments and make sure that your comments are pertinent. Anyone that starts their public comment like “I’ve lived here for 27 years, and I’ve never seen….” Or “all you bums should be thrown out on your head.” That’s a great way to alienate your audience and get people to tune out immediately. Repeating yourself five times and pushing the three minute rule doesn’t impress anyone either. Nuff said.

Looks like we might actually get some winter next week, which will end most of the seasonal fun for a bit. Dove season ends next Wednesday for some odd reason, but not a big deal since it was a lackluster second season anyway. Duck season ends next Sunday evening at sundown, which will allow some of you to go back in to sleeping later in the morning. Regular deer season ends this weekend, but the special

spike-and-doe season in the south zone in some surrounding counties to go for another three weekends. Get out this weekend if you’re a hunter, as the seasons start falling off quickly.

Housing Shortage

We were a sponsor to a joint meeting of the ACEC and the CC Development Corp the other day at a downtown function where County Judge Barbara Canales was talking on a panel, and she continually brought up a point that I’ve been making for several years now. With the development coming, the industry on the north side of the bay, the Port of CC cranking up, and the housing shortage, things HAVE to change. We are short housing by somewhere around 2,500 single family homes in the coastal bend. While I am all about responsible development and the environment, we have to get our keisters in gear. The good old boy system is the reason that we are here, and that has got to change. Barbara fired up the crowd, which was mainly comprised of engineers and consultants. The Island is no exception, and it’s past time to move forward. There are new, very large developments going in on the south and west sides of town, and a lot of money from the Developers Funds (water and wastewater) are headed out that direction and not the Island. We’re losing out on a couple fronts, but we can get back ahead of it. Sorry I write in riddles sometimes folks, but you loyal readers know what I’m talking about.

Well I have to jet folks; my time has run out and I have to run out to another meeting. I’m sure it will make my editors of the Moon happy to know that I’m moving out of the Stone Age into the 20th century and I’ve signed up for internet at my house. This may allow me to work on articles a little more early and often (but I’m not sure I’d count on that). I have a little procedure on Friday that might take me out for next week, but we’ll see how I feel. Y’all drop me a line at tarponchaser@mail.com and maybe we’ll see you next week On the Rocks.

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Why We Wade Fish

“Why would you jump out of a perfectly good boat!” This quote came from a fisherman from Louisiana when he saw groups of anglers standing in the water fishing, while their boats here anchored up a short distance away. There are advantages of both being in the boat and standing in the water, and times that I employ both.

Above all the thing that draws and compels anglers to wade fish is that we feel and actually blend ourselves into the environment by occupying above and below the surface.

The boat in any situation, brings our presence known to fish, by boat noise and displacement. Even anchored in calm conditions fish feel the boat and it’s interruption of current and waves. Wade fishing gets you out of the zone of your boats presence. The small refractions of waves on your body and legs can alert redfish in shallow water, so you can imagine what a large boat could do. The foot steps along the bottom sound and few much like a small group of feeding fish. I’ve seen redfish come up behind my feet as they do to sting rays looking for small fish and shrimp scattering as they rough up the bottom. I like to park my boat shallow and a good distance away from my target area. Straight up wind can easily run fish off, as the sound and bottom disturbance flows straight down wind. Starting off shallow makes for a safe entrance, methodical scope of the area, and easier time getting back into the boat. Many of my biggest trophies have come from walking in a foot of water far away from

the normal waist deep areas most fishermen are drawn to. Large mature fish hunt these shallow areas because vibration is felt easier and farther away. The sound of baitfish and food sources, the sounds of danger, and the skinny water heats up under the sun in the winter and cools off at night during the summer.

Slowing our speed of fishing down as well as the way we systematically pick apart an area can be done with Precision while only moving small steps at a time. Here in the Coastal Bend wind pushes us along in boats pretty quickly, and when fishing from the boat is a advantage. When a group of fish is found holding to a break in the bottom or along a group of sand pockets or other structure, often we only get one or two casts before the boat passes it up. While wade fishing we can quietly sneak in,fish, and even back up, allowing the fish to regroup and move back into position again. From the water we can slow our presentation down to the natural speed of the food source we are imitating. Lighter weighted lures can be used without hanging up in the grass.

Feeling the bottom and all the areas that you hook up on fish is the best way to learn exactly what the fish are doing and what kind of structure they are holding to. The surface usually looks very much the same. Wade fishing teaches you what is on the bottom. Years of wade fishing has taught me what each slight difference in the color of sand pockets mean, the color of the grass beds show me what kind of grass is there, along with countless other lessons in being

part of the water world. Getting away from the boat turns up the volume on nature. The sound of footsteps of the shorebirds chafing minnows draws my eyes to the railing redfish along the beach. I can tell the difference by sound if the baitfish jumping off to my side is Shad, mullet, or perch. As I concentrate on the glowing sand pockets my lure is dancing through I hear the slurp and pop of a trout rolling under a small school of mud minnows against the matted grass. I spin and fire a well placed cast against the wind and watch the lure disappear, a silver flash, her gills flare open and suck it in. I have to turn as she fights the rod and walk her up to the beach as she rolls over to my hand. The tiny waves break like giant surf against her flank as she swims

off back into the bay.

Only when you get out of the bait and become part of the system we are sharing with these fish, do you start to truly understand the big picture. Here in Texas we have a unique opportunity to fish thousands of miles of shallow water bays. Much of it we can easily just walk away from reality and all that we would like to leave behind. After that interference is gone and we tune in to the symphony of nature that centers our soul, we can absorb the lessons our Mother Lagoon is willing to teach us. Pick up that phone and give me a call to find your day on the water and learn how to open up the world of wade fishing this spring.

Follow all our hookups on Facebook at Joey Farah’s Backwater Fishing, and tune in to my radio show weekends at the top of the morning hours at 6,7,8&9 on MY COUNTRY 107.3fm! Get wet. 361-442-8145

Getting close to MONSTER TROUT in the boat can be near impossible, I slipped up on this Lady in calm

conditions on foot.

Product of the first wade of the morning! This is the best time of year to jump into wade fishing.

January 16, 2020 Island Moon A12

Moon Crossword

Crossword Solution on classifieds page

Going Easy On You... Knuckle-Cracker

Brain-Buster Mind-Numbing Frustration

Medium Puzzle 4,847,827,531

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Web Sudoku - Billions of Free Sudoku Puzzles to Play Online http://grid.websudoku.com/

1 of 1 1/14/2020, 12:20 PM

Hard Puzzle 7,822,825,876

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1 of 1 1/14/2020, 12:20 PM

Evil Puzzle 7,233,197,219

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1 of 1 1/14/2020, 12:21 PM

Evil Puzzle 9,798,747,248

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1 of 1 1/14/2020, 12:21 PM

Sudoku

Find the solution athttp://onlinecrosswords.net/2156

Free Printable Crossword Puzzle #1This is the Daily Crossword Puzzle #1 for Jan 14, 2020

Across1. Depressed state of mind6. Kind of blanket9. Court bestowal14. Trump15. Tarzan's protector16. Allude17. One looking for lice?19. ''The Sopranos'' bunch20. An American Indian of theWest21. Tribe symbol22. Community hootenanny23. Make hay while the sunshines?24. Kook25. Peeved28. Athletes?32. Sudden, brief increase34. Former capital of Nicaragua35. Flock's flying formation36. Flavor enhancement37. Do a beanery chore38. Muffet, for one39. ''Kill Bill'' star Thurman40. Fair share, maybe42. Blues-rocker Bonnie44. Segment of Dante's''Inferno''?47. Speedy48. Inventor Whitney49. Women's ___52. Whole lot54. Late late talker Kilborn56. Beatle bride57. Prayer name59. Top Ten payouts?61. Europe's longest river62. Calais coin of old63. Little shavers64. Ford named for a Ford65. Soak66. Dilapidated

Down1. Popular dunker (Var.)2. Bring together3. Distributed bymeasure4. Situate5. Early space traveler6. ''You ___ bet?''7. It'll keep you on guard8. They may come out ofthe woodwork9. Equip10. Ermine, e.g.11. Sworn statement12. It may stop somehorseplay13. Lug

18. Itinerary26. Pi-sigma connection27. Writer Kesey28. Story29. Piffle30. Fit snugly31. ___ Plaines32. Conductor's opening?33. Embarrassingblunders36. Center of activity37. Skin woes38. Subj. for generalstudies?40. Tinge

41. Had42. Piece of history?43. Dismounts45. Social Security focus46. Get more intense49. 17th century Britishphilosopher50. Used a brayer51. Domineering52. Pitcher's bailout53. Lump55. Puerto ___58. Kubrick's computerstar60. Potato feature

Free Daily Printable Crossword Puzzles http://www.onlinecrosswords.net/printable-daily-crosswords-1.php

1 of 1 1/14/2020, 12:22 PM

AIR CONDITIONINGSINCE 1986

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Police BlotterIsland Police Calls

7 traffic stops at the base of the JFK Bridge

Compass/Commodores 5 p.m. January 7 Crash

15200 block SPID 11 p.m. January 6 Theft from a motor vehicle

15200 block SPID 8 a.m. January 7 Theft of services

15200 block SPID 4 a.m. January 7 Found narcotics

15200 block SPID 4 a.m. January 7 Possession of marijuana

Aquarius/Whitecap Midnight January 10 DWI

15400 block Salt Cay 10 a.m. January 9 Theft

15700 block Dyna 9 p.m. January 8 Disturbance

15400 block Finistere 6 p.m. January 8 Burglary

15900 block Socorro 11 p.m. January 9 Fire

14200 block Allamanda 7 p.m. January 8 Noise Ordinance violation

Winter Lecture Series at the Port

Aransas Art CenterThe Port Aransas Preservation and Historical

Association is sponsoring a lecture series at the Pioneer RV Resort.

The 2020 lineup is

Tuesday, Jan. 21: Carter Brown will talk on Aline Carter, Chapel history and Carter Family history.

Monday, Jan. 27: Jim Moloney, the 1919 storm and Early Post Cards of Port “Aransas.

Monday, Feb. 3: Greg Smith, TBA. General Membership meeting will be held after 6:30 mixer and before lecture.

Tuesday, Feb 11: TBA

Monday, Feb. 17: TBA

One of the last unnamed lectures will be Dinah Bowman on the history of Gyoto with a live demonstration. All lectures will begin with a 6:30-7 p.m. mixer with wine and cheese type snacks. Talks will begin at 7 p.m.

Port A Ferry.

Riley P does snow.

Crab Dinner by Steve Coons

Kites by Steve Coons.

Lewek Constellation pipe layer outbound. Steve Coons

If you have been to Whitecap beach lately you may have noticed something a bit unusual. A mobile log cabin now sits next to Island House condominiums on the beach.

There is a sign on the front thanking about a dozen people who apparently made “Patrick’s” dream of living in a log cabin on the beach come true. We will find out

“How he got here” and let you know. Photos by Jonathon Wood.

Send Letters and Photos to editor@islandmoon.com

and follow us on Facebook: The Island Moon Newspaper

January 16, 2020 Island Moon A 13

By Todd Hunter, District 32

STATEDomestic Violence Awareness:

Time for ActionThis week’s article is focusing on Domestic

Violence Awareness and encouraging ideas for help in its prevention. Domestic violence is defined as the willful intimidation, assault, and/or abusive behavior of an intimate partner to establish power and control over the other partner. Domestic violence offenders use physical, sexual, emotional, and/or psychological abuse or violence to establish and maintain power and control over their victims. Some examples of these actions include intimidation, coercion, threats, social or economic isolation, and/or belittlement.

Anyone can be a victim of domestic violence. There are no exceptions based on background, economic status, gender, age, and/or ethnicity. In the United States (US), 1 in 4 Americans experience at least one of these abusive actions by their partner. In Texas, more than five million people will experience domestic violence in their lifetime. Additionally, there are over 150 deaths each year in Texas due to domestic violence.

Besides the direct effects on the victim, domestic violence affects the victims’ families. For instance, families are torn apart due to denial or fear. Children who witness violence are at a much higher risk of experiencing violent relationships throughout their lives. If this violent pattern is unaddressed, it can last for several generations.

The trauma of the abuse also affects the victims’ relationships with peers and ability to resume their daily tasks due to their depleted mental and/or physical health. Victims of domestic violence often live in fear, need health care for injuries, or develop post-traumatic

stress disorder (PTSD). Sadly, between the injuries and/or fleeing their abuser, victims can accumulate a noticeable amount of absences from work and/or school. Because of domestic violence in the US, large sums are spent each year on medical costs and lost productivity hours.

Educating ourselves and our peers to recognize domestic violence and familiarizing ourselves with the available resources for victims is a constructive start to end domestic violence. The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (http://ncadv.org), the Texas Council on Family Violence (http://tcfv.org), and the Texas Advocacy Project (http://www.texasadvocacyproject.org) websites all contain excellent materials on current statistics and information about domestic violence and they provide resources to help regarding this issue. Also, a good contact is the National Domestic Violence Hotline and the number is 1-800-799-SAFE(7233). Each of these resources is confidential and provides efficient ways to report any domestic violence concerns.

If you have questions regarding any of the information mentioned in this week’s article, please do not hesitate to call my Capitol or District Office. Please always feel free to contact my office if you have any questions or issues regarding a Texas state agency, or if you would like to contact my office regarding constituent services. As always, my offices are available at any time to assist with questions, concerns or comments (Capitol Office, 512-463-0672; District Office, 361-949-4603).

- State Representative Todd Hunter, District 32

Rep. Hunter represents Nueces County (Part). He can be contacted at todd.hunter@house.texas.gov or at 512-463-0672

PIPOA News by Marvin Jones, PresidentAs always, let me have

your thoughts. You can reach me at marvin@pipoa.net

Billish Park- The park is undergoing maintenance and improvements. The

baseball backstop is under repair. The concrete barrier around the playground is being removed. The softer rubber material is replacing the barrier. The softer material is more shock absorbent. A swing set is being refurbished. That is, it is being painted, and the chain hooks are being replaced. Safety in the park is a primary concern of the Board of Directors.

Barefoot Mardi Gras- The kickoff party and PIBA mixer will be Tuesday, January 21, at Waterline Bar at Doc’s from 5:30-8:00, and a $7.00 donation that will benefit Island Foundation Schools is requested.

Litter Critter- The next Litter Critter will be on Saturday, January 18, from 9:00 AM until 1:00 at Briscoe King Pavilion Parking lot.

The City has advised me that the frequency of Litter Critter is being reduced again. Litter Critter started out being held every month.

It then went to every other month, and now the City wants to hold Litter Critter quarterly. That is four times a year. Each and every Litter Critter has been highly successful. The dumpsters provided by the City are full each and every time. I am extremely disappointed that the City is reducing the service provided to the Taxpayers.

The top three issues Islanders have expressed to me are more and better police presence, City Code enforcement, and solid waste trash removal. (Brush pickup and Litter Critter) Is it time for Islanders to organize and make their voting power known at City Hall?

Board Meeting- The next regular Board Meeting will be Tuesday, January 28, at the Holiday Inn Express at 5:30 PM.

Candidates for the Board- The next election will be in March 2020. There are two Board seats up for election. The candidates are (in alphabetical order), Sandy Graves, Marvin Jones, and Nita Smith. A meet the candidates will be held on Wednesday, February 5 at 5:30 PM at the Holiday Inn Express. An election newsletter profiling the candidates will be sent out in mid- January.

Full Transparency and Disclosure

Your Chance to Make a Difference

City boards and commissioners have

openingsThe City of

Corpus Christi has numerous boards, commissions and committees which strive to reflect the diverse interests and abilities of our citizens.

The City Secretary’s Office is currently seeking applications for the following boards:

• Committee for Persons with Disabilities

• Human Relations Commission

• Library Board

• Marina Advisory Committee

• Port of Corpus Christi Authority of Nueces County, TX

• Reinvestment Zone No. 3 Board

If you know of anyone interested in serving on a City board, commission or committee, please direct them to the City of Corpus Christi’s website at http://serve.cctexas.com. For assistance, please call Norma Duran at (361) 826-3893 or via e-mail at NormaD2@cctexas.com.

All individuals considered for appointment by the City Council to a board, commission or committee must have an application on file in the Office of the City Secretary not later than the 14TH calendar day before the date appointments are considered by City Council.

State Fires Engineering Firm on New Harbor Bridge

The Texas Department of Transportation released the following statement this week regarding problems with the Harbor Bridge project.

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) today announced it has instructed Flatiron/Dragados LLC (FDLLC), the developer of the US 181 Harbor Bridge Replacement Project in Corpus Christi, to remove FIGG Bridge Engineers Inc. (FIGG) from any future work on the main spans of the project.

TxDOT previously alerted FDLLC that it was suspending FIGG’s design work to fully review the October 2019 findings by the National Transportation Safety Board and its investigation into the March 2018 bridge collapse in Florida. FIGG was the design firm responsible for that project. The findings regarding FIGG are significant enough for TxDOT to request a replacement design firm for the New Harbor Bridge main spans.

The main spans can generally be described as the cable-supported, signature portion of the bridge that will cross the Corpus Christi Ship Channel.

“As we have done since the inception of this project, TxDOT will continue oversight of all design work, including work performed by the replacement design firm in the future,” said

Bill Hale, TxDOT’s Chief Engineer. “TxDOT is committed to taking the time necessary to carefully ensure and verify that the highest safety standards are met, as we do with all projects.”

The replacement design firm will be tasked with reviewing and recertifying the current design as well as recommending modifications, if necessary. This development could result in delays to the project and, as more detail becomes available, TxDOT will share any effects this may have on the project timeline.

Work on all other aspects of the project continues to move forward, including drainage, roadway and overpass construction and reconstruction of a major new interchange at I-37/US 181/SH 286. All construction undergoes an extensive quality review and acceptance process. TxDOT has ensured that all construction work completed to date on the project is safe and has been built in compliance with contract requirements and specifications.

“We look forward to delivering on the promise of this project,” said Hale, “which, when complete, will be a significant improvement over the existing bridge by enhancing mobility for motorists and by allowing larger ships to access the Port of Corpus Christi.”

Wizarding World at Corpus Christi

Museum of Science and History

A Celebration of Wizards and All

Aspects of ScienceWizards, Muggles and Harry Potter Nerds will

enjoy a very wizardly, club-like experience at the Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History Saturday, January 25, 2020 from 6-10 pm. Come Cosplay as the museum transforms at night into a different world.

Those who can pass through the brick entry will discover their house, peer into the Mirror of Desire, partake in wizardly classes of Charms, Potions, and the art of Divination. Travel through Diagon Alley to find a wand- all included in admission. Cosplay is encouraged to all wizards while attending this event.

Admission to the Wizarding World of Science Event is $20 for all guests. Avoid the lines with pre-purchase of tickets (strongly suggested) at: https://www.ccmuseum.com/event/wizarding-world-of-science/ Tickets will be additionally sold at the door.

Butter Beer, beer, wine and mixed drinks, food, magic wands and escape room keys will be available for purchase. This event will have a club-like atmosphere and is not appropriate for children. Those over the age of 12 may come accompanied by an adult.

The museum is located at 1900 N. Chaparral Street, Corpus Christi, TX 78401.

The Museum invites all Wizards and Muggles alike to come celebrate and experience the magic of science, as they debut one of the most extensive events they have ever created! Haunting on 13th

Street To Be Shown at Alamo Draft

HouseJanuary 26th 2020 as

part of STUFFA feature film shot in Texas by ChainGang

Film Productions will be a part of STUFF film festival running from Jan 23rd-26th. “Haunting on 13th Street” filmed in Brownsville also includes the Rio Grande Valley Paranormal Investigations team. “Haunting on 13th Street,” directed by Alcario Cary Cadena, is a 1 hour and 30 minutes, Suspense/Thriller film based on true events.

Cadena a Los Angeles native, who also lived in Corpus Christi, is working in Education in the RGV. He worked with West Oso High School before moving on to IDEA Schools in the RGV. While at San Benito he met Derek “Mac” McElyea, San Benito High Drama department head and McElyea became his lead actor.

Cadena’s female lead is actress Vanessa Luviano.

“McElyea is an actor and teaches acting, he is seasoned, but Vanessa (Luviano) was discovered in Brownsville,” Cadena said. Roberto Suarez a Corpus Christi actor/author, RGV actors David Barreda, and Arthur Edwards (who is also a Rapper/Musician) are also featured in the film. RGV Paranormal Investigators and siblings Thomas and Bonnie Hotcaveg show their skills in the film as well.

The film features a song (Down on 13th Street) written especially for the movie by Harmonica legend, Brownsville born and raised Tim Gonzalez. Musicians call Gonzalez, “The Carlos Santana of Harmonica.”

Alcario Cary Cadena is also an actor, screenwriter and novelist, his book, “The Curandero” was inspired by Don Pedrito Jaramillo, the famous healer from Falfurrias and can be purchased on Amazon.

Island Scouts Raising Funds For

2020By Bryan Haney

Scoutmaster for Troop 949

Island Scout Troop 949 is working on their 2020 Flag Service Fund raiser. This is the only monetary fund raiser that the troop participates in. The funds help them purchase new equipment, offset cost of campouts, and allows for extended opportunities for the boys.

Troop 949 is asking that you consider a subscription for the 2020 year for an annual price of $150. Troop 949 will place a 3’x5’ American

Flag in front of your yard on each of the seven official flag days in 2020 including:

Presidents Day Monday, February 17

Armed Forces Day Saturday, May 16

Memorial Day Monday, May 25

Flag Day Sunday, June 14

Independence Day Saturday, July 4th

Labor Day Monday, September 7

Veterans Day Wednesday, November 11

Participating in the Boy Scout Troop 949 Flag Service is a wonderful way to support local Scouts and display patriotism as a community. Please enroll by January 15th to reserve your flag for the 2020 year. Contact Bryan Haney with any questions at 361.658.3126 or Bryan.haney@reagan.com

To enroll please send your check for $150 payable to BSA Troop 949, to Bryan Haney, 14229 Punta Bonaire, Corpus Christi, Texas 78418.

Coyotes hanging out at Padre Balli Park!!!

January 16, 2020 Island Moon A 14

The beginning of the year is a popular time for trade shows, and trade shows are great opportunities for businesses and consumers alike. For businesses, the shows allow you to display your products and meet potential clients face to face. Consumers are given the opportunity to shop around and compare different businesses in one place, so they can find the one that best suits their needs.

Trade shows can vary from home and garden shows to wedding extravaganzas, so no matter your business or what you’re in the market for, there is a trade show for you. Use these tips from your Better Business Bureau to make the most of your trade show experience:

For businesses:

• Plan ahead. Give yourself time to prepare. Reserve your booth as far in advance as you can, recruit team members to join you and determine strategy. Will everyone be at the booth talking to potential customers, or will you have someone walking the floor to network? Consider training your team members on how to answer FAQs about your business.

• Post on social media. Make the most of your social media presence to let your current followers know about the show you’ll be attending. Post about it ahead of time and be active with your posting during the trade show so your followers can keep up with you. Social media is also a great way for new clients to connect with you after they leave the show.

• Offer freebies. Have items at your booth for attendees to take away with them. Free items will draw people to your booth and can be used as marketing if they have your logo, website or social media info on them.

• Don’t wait to follow up. Bring along a tablet, laptop or other device you can document leads on. If someone is interested in your business or product, offer to take down their information so you can email them more information later. Don’t wait too long after the show to follow up, otherwise the lead may have lost interest or found another provider.

For consumers:

• Plan ahead. Trade shows can be overwhelming for attendees, especially if there are too many vendors to see in one day. Check the list of vendors ahead of time and see if any of them require appointments. When you arrive, get a map of where each vendor is located, so you can easily find exactly who you’re looking for.

• Create a budget. There will probably be opportunities to make purchases at the trade show. Decide ahead of time how much money you’re willing to spend on which items and stick to your budget.

• Look for workshops. Most shows also have seminars and workshops to attend in addition to booths. Not only can this offer a break between vendors, but you may leave with tips or ideas from industry experts.

Trade Show TipsBy Emily Gaines

PR Coordinator for BBB serving the Heart of Texas

PanicThoughts From Dr. Tom

By Dr. Tom Dorrell

What is a panic attack? Panic attack is where a

person has uncontrollable anxiety to the point they feel like they are about to die or some impending doom is coming. It is accompanied by rapid heart rate, illogical thinking, high blood pressure and usually hyperventilation. Hyperventilation is the onset of uncontrolled rapid breathing due to the underlying anxiety. It spawns a litany of effects on the body physically. These include inability to get deep breath, chest pressure and pain, numbness and tingling to the point of cramping and some times fainting if it gets bad enough.

Physiologically many of these symptoms associated with panic and hyperventilation are due to low CO2 levels that result from hyperventilation. The anxiety creates rapid breathing which in turn lowers CO2 levels. The low CO2 tells your respiratory drive in the brainstem that you don’t need to breathe although being awake consciously you know you need to breathe. You get the sensation that you are short of breath or can’t get deep breath even though you are over oxygenated. These same low CO2 levels will cause numbness sensations and sensation of pressure in the chest, sometimes tingling and cramping of the hands and numbness around the mouth. The person then thinks they are having a stroke or heart attack which accelerates the anxiety and panic. This brings them to the ER.

In the ER we have the tools to figure out and treat the situation. Typically the patient is startled and feels like they are going to die. They are oxygenating at a super high level usually 100%, normal is 96%. Their blood pressure and pulse both are usually quite high due to the anxiety and sense of impending doom. We usually do careful history and exam. Often times we will do ekg, start an iv and get labs to rule out other potential causes of these symptoms. Next we will use an exercise of breathing into bag slowly with good seal to raise the depressed CO2 levels. This will begin to help and we also may add anxiolytics which are meds that lower anxiety levels.

Once all lab tests and diagnostic studies are in ruling out dangerous conditions then usually the medications and breathing bag have helped so patients can return home. They are instructed to use the breathing techniques and can discuss their anxiety with their PCP. Hopefully this will help readers cope with the panic attack that starts when all the relatives get together on this year’s holidays.

Longnose Spider Crab Shells Found Along Quintana Beach

By Taylor Bennett

If you have been to Quintana Beach lately you may have noticed weird spiky shells spread along the shore. While surveying for non-breeding shorebirds along Quintana Beach, I came across these shells and figured out that they belong to Longnose Spider Crabs. These crabs are actually part of the decorator crab group. They are often yellow or brown with long spider-like legs, which is where the “spider” in the name comes from. This crab has 6 curved spines along its sides and back, and one long, forked rostrum, or nose, between its two eyestalks.

The Longnose Spider Crab can be found in coastal and estuarine habitats. They are very tolerant to salinity and temperature. They are a benthic species, meaning they live along the bottom of water bodies. Juveniles prefer seagrass beds where they can hide easily from predators, and adults typically live in open, sandy areas. The native range of this particular crab is Cape Cod, Southeastern Texas, Bahamas, and Cuba. Longnose Spider Crabs are a type of scavenger, so they feed on plants, animal tissue, and detritus, or dead stuff. They can also feed on the transparent part of jellyfish.

Longnose Spider Crabs are actually a type of decorator crab, meaning that they decorate their shells with outside material. Only the juveniles cover their shells, while the adults keep their shells clean. As juveniles, they are most at risk of getting predated by larger fish and birds, due to their small size.

Velcro-like hairs called setae carpet the back of their carapace. With these hairs, the crabs can easily attach plants, algae, and small invertebrates to help them blend or camouflage themselves within their environment. The

plants and algae are often unpleasant to eat, so predators are more likely to spit the crab out. Unlike other crabs, their pincers are incredibly small and weak, so they rely on camouflage to protect them.

During their larval stages, Longnose Spider Crabs can actually be seen clinging onto the inside of cannonball jellyfish. This symbiotic relationship with the jellyfish is commensal. Commensal is defined as one species benefiting from the other species while the other species is neither benefitted nor harmed. The larvae uses the jellyfish for food, protection, and transportation, while the jellyfish doesn’t benefit from the crab larvae. This type of relationship is, unfortunately, short-lived because when the larvae molts into a large juvenile, the jellyfish then becomes food for the crab.

Similar to other crabs, Longnose Spider Crabs need to molt in order to grow. In the fall, they often molt in very large groups called pods. In the winter, they are known to hibernate in dense patches. They typically mate in the spring. Females tend to be smaller than males. Like other crabs, you can easily tell them apart from each other by looking at the abdomen.

The females are broader and flexed to brood eggs. Once the male fertilizes the eggs, they develop into larvae. The larvae go through three planktonic stages before they molt into juveniles within nine days.

Taylor graduated from Old Dominion University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology concentrating in Marine Biology, and performs shorebird surveys along the upper Texas Coast. The GCBO is a non-profit organization dedicated to saving the birds and their habitats along the entire Gulf Coast, and beyond into their Central and South America wintering grounds.

Island Moon on a Spoon

New Year New You(or just because) Cauliflower Smash

By Chef Vita Jarrin

Greetings Readers,

As we continue to put the holidays behind us, by taking down decorations, continue to honor our stay fit commitments by walking more, running or going to the gym, we are still faced with temptation of delicious food. Whether we eat out, or cook at home, it’s easy to give in to temptation especially, if we are physically putting forth the effort to get back in shape. Our bodies crave comfort foods and foods that satisfy hunger as well as our emotions. Emotions dictate our efforts or lack there of when it comes to removing naughty foods from our diet, or allowing for that satisfying cheat day.

So I wanted to give you a recipe that actually feeds your body and emotional soul into feeling and believing you cheated but truly, are still very much on track with eliminating those pesky carbohydrates, especially in the beginning of year, after overloading our bodies with so many delicious eats.

As I’ve written before, cauliflower is truly underutilized, however, this year you will continue to see various recipes that includes cauliflower, because it mimics other foods that are high in carbs. Most of us have seen the cauliflower pizza crust, I even wrote a recipe for it here in the moon last year. It’s now used to replace rice, taco filling, buffalo chicken wings, which is great if you’re vegetarian or vegan. Floured and deep fried and then tossed in wing sauce, you can still get your fix.

For this recipe you’ll need similar ingredients as you would when making mashed potatoes. This recipe works for vegetarians, but if you’re vegan, you’ll need to add vegan friendly sour cream and cheese and you’ll be all set.

Cauliflower Smash Ingredients:

2 Med heads of white cauliflower

2 cloves of raw garlic

Salt to your liking to boil cauliflower

2 tbs. butter melted

1/3 C of whole milk or heavy cream (fat is good)

2 Tbsp. sour cream

1 C Cheese of choice (cheddar, parm, mozzarella,)

herbs of choice (dill, parsley, basil, thyme) more for garnish

6 slices of crispy bacon (2-3 more crumbled for garnish)

Directions:

Bring a pot of salted water to boil and add the raw garlic and cauliflower. Let cook until the cauliflower is about to fall apart. Strain into a bowl. If you are more comfortable using a food processor or mixer feel free. Both will remove lumps. If you like natural texture smash the cauliflower with a potato masher. You choose if you’d like to keep garlic in the smash or remove it. Add the butter and stir. Add seasoning of choice, pepper, nutmeg, cayenne etc. Add the sour cream and milk, crumbled bacon, herbs and cheese. Reserve some of the crumbles and herbs for garnishing the top of the smash. You can place the smash in a bowl and serve.

Tip of the week:

If want to bake this dish and get a crispy top crust, you can spray a casserole dish with cooking spray and coat

with bread crumbs and place the cauliflower smash in bowl, add a layer of cheese and bake it until it’s bubbly and golden. Remove from oven and add the bacon crumbles and herbs for garnish and serve.

The options are endless. ;) The Important thing is to have fun, try new things and Enjoy!

Pictured is a Longnose Spider Crab carapace found while surveying for non-

breeding shorebirds along Quintana Beach, Texas. Photo by Taylor Bennett.

Zoomed in photo of the Velcro-like hairs located on the carapace of the Longnose

Spider Crab. Photo by Taylor Bennett

Send letters and photos to editor@islandmoon.com

Padre Island Yacht Club Taking Over

4th of July Fireworks Show

The Padre Island Yacht Club is taking over organization of the Island Blast July 4th Fireworks show from the show’s founders Jerry and Sharon Watkins.

The Watkins recently moved to Port Aransas and after seven years were looking to hand the project off to new managers.

The show costs about $16,000 to put on and since its inception has been staged at the west end of Whitecap Boulevard on city property adjacent to the Yacht Club where it will remain. The show depends entirely on donations from Islanders.

Yacht Club member Fred Edler and PIYC Commodore John Stokes said the club has established the PIYC Fireworks Fund to receive Community donations which can be sent to:

PIYC FIREWORKS FUND14493 S.Padre Island Dr.

STE-A, PMB 342

Corpus Christi, Texas 78418

Island Obituary

David “Dave” W. Zilar

On January 6, 2020, David “Dave” Walker Zilar, loving husband and father passed away at the age of 75. Dave was born July 31, 1944 in Joplin, MO to William and Virginia (Newton) Zilar. After graduating from Northwest Classen High School in Oklahoma City, he served in the US Navy as a petty officer focused on payroll. Later, he received his bachelor’s of accounting from Central State University in Edmond, OK. He practiced accounting initially and then transitioned to human resources focusing on employee benefits.

Dave loved everything associated with the water, especially fishing, boating, and swimming. Often he would fish in the surf off of Mustang Island trying to get a fish to take interest in biting his line. Dave mentored teenagers in business skills with Junior Achievement of Oklahoma City. He was active at Custer Road United Methodist Church, Plano and after retiring, First United Methodist Church, Corpus Christi where he previously served on the finance committee and Communion committee. He also volunteered with friends regularly serving at the FUMC Food Pantry. Naturally gregarious, Dave loved to visit with friends and family. When he and Beth moved to Corpus, he found his community at the North Padre Island Yacht Club where he served as Vice Commodore and Commodore. He could be found playing poker and fishing at the club most weeks.

Dave was preceded in death by his father, William, and his mother, Virginia. He is survived by his wife, Beth Vodicka Zilar; son, Bryan Zilar; brother, Bill Zilar and wife Bonnie; niece, Sherri Zilar Kuiper and husband Sam; nephews, Bill Zilar and wife Debbie, Dale Zilar; and Chris Zilar and wife Joy; sister-in-law Becky Vodicka Moore and husband Harry; nephews John and Andrew Moore.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, January 18th , 2020 at the Corpus Christi United Methodist Church at 900 S. Shoreline Dr. at 1 o’clock p.m. Memorials can be made to the First United Methodist Church noting the Food Pantry, where he served with Beth and friends.

Dave’s body was donated to the United Tissue Network to assist with physician and surgical training, as well as device and drug research in Norman, Oklahoma. Being an OU fan, he would have been proud.

John Stokes (left) shakes hands with Jerry Watkins (right).

January 16, 2020 Island Moon A 15

The Island Moon provides this space for Island organizations. If you are a member of a club and want to get the word out about your events and/or projects send them along and we will get them in.

Be sure to include a brief description of what your organization does and a contact person for those interested in joining.

Send the info to editor@islandmoon.com and we will include it. Or call us at 949-7700.

Youth Development Foundation of Port Aransas.  YDF meets at noon each Thursday at Stingray’s, 401 Beach Ave., Port Aransas.  For more information please email youthfoundporta@gmail.com.

Padre Island Ukulele Club – We meet every other Tuesday night! Call or text Danny Salazar at (316) 877--‐7071 for the next meeting date. Beginners Workshop: 6 to 7 PM and Open Jam: 7 to 8 PM. All Skills levels welcome. Location: Padre Island Baptist Church. A $3 per person donation covers the workshop, materials and the open jam. Loaner ukuleles available at no extra cost. RSVP online. PadreIslandUkeClub@gmail.com

KIWANIS Club of Padre Island. Kiwanis meets at Veranda Restaurantat Schlitterbahn at Noon on the first and third Wednesday of the month.

Island Strategic Action Committee. Is a 14-member committee which meets at 5:30 p.m. on the first Tuesday of each month at the Holiday Inn Express. The committee’s purpose is to advise the Corpus Christi City Council on matters pertaining to The Island. All meetings are open to the public and the public is invited to address the committee during the public comment period.

Padre Island Business Association. The association is a not-for-profit organization whose primary purpose is to advertise and promote Padre/Mustang Islands, Flour Bluff and Corpus Christi while advancing the interests of the business community. It is managed by a 9-member board of directors. A membership luncheon is held on the2nd Thursday at Waves Resort 4th floor starting at 11:30 Mixers are held on the 3rd Tuesday of the month. The association annually has one annual fundraising events – Taste of the Island in the fall. For more information, email info@padreislandbusiness.org.

P.I.E. Padre Island Enrichment Club PIE, or Padre Island Enrichment Club is a Ladies' Social Club for all ladies living on Padre Island. Dues are $25.00 per year, and we have monthly luncheons on the second Friday of the month at 11:30 a.m. at the Port Royal Convention Center Restaurant. You can join many different Interest Groups, such as: Bunco, Bridge, Spades, Book Clubs, and Craft Club. For Membership information, please contact: Jo Ann Holden, at: 720-937-8711, or our Club President, Sandra Leber, at: 361-949-7145. We are welcoming new members!

Island United Political Action Committee: Maximize representation of Corpus Christi residents on Padre and Mustang Islands in area government by promoting and supporting, by the endorsement process, proactive and unified voting in non-partisan races and other issues and referendums put to public vote. Meetings are open to the public.

POA - Padre Isles Owners Association. The Association’s primary responsibility is to maintain the Common Areas, assess and collect the annual fees and provide

information and assistance to property owners. .. Membership in PIPOA is automatic for anyone acquiring record legal title to any property within Padre Isles. Their office is located at 14015 Fortuna Bay Drive on The Island. (361) 949-7025, padreisles@pipoa.net.

ARK – Animal Rehabilitation Keep. Located in Port Aransas the ARK is affiliate with the University of Texas at Austin Marine Science Center. They handle the rehabilitation of most species of wildlife in the area with an emphasis on marine animals. If you find an animal in peril they can help. 750 Channel View Dr. Port Aransas. Contact Alicia Walker at 337-290-0251 or alicia.walker@utexas.edu

Island’s PIPPs Chapter of Corpus Christi Red Hat Society. In 2004 a group of Island ladies got together under a Palapa and founded the Padre Island Palapa Pals (PIPPs). Our only rule is that there are no rules! We are all about fun and friendship. We meet once a month for lunch and various fun outings from cupcake making to CPR.

Coastal Bend Republicans: Coastal Bend Republicans meet every Wednesdays at 5:30pm for a "Wine and Dine With The Republicans" at the Island Italian Restaurant, 15370 SPID.

Join us to get informed and involved.

For more information, call Suzanne Guggenheim - 361 290 7068

Island Book Wine & Spirits: This is the Island Book Club. We meet the first Wednesday Evening of each month at 6:30. Our location will be alternating between various Island locations for awhile. We have a wonderful group of ladies that like to read, love socializing with the girls, and drinking Wine or Spirits! Come on out and join us, we would love to have you. To find our locations for the next few months follow us on facebook at ISLAND BOOK WINE & SPIRITS. You can also contact Linda Walsh, lawalshva@yahoo.com.

Parrot Heads of Port Aransas  - is a local chapter of the Parrot Heads in Paradise Inc., a not-for-profit corporation whose purpose is to assist in community and environmental concerns and provide a variety of social activities for people who are interested in the music of Jimmy Buffett and the tropical lifestyle he personifies. Founded in 2009, the club motto is “Partying with a Purpose’’. To join or ask questions go to portaransasparrotheads.com or  email or call  Deno “Moon Dog” Fabrie, President at 361 749 0256 or dfabrie@yahoo.com.

The New Neighbors League: New Neighbors League is a women’s social organization open to women of the coastal bend, promoting fun & friendship. New Neighbors League holds monthly coffees, luncheons, as well as monthly activities such as Ladies Night Out, Couples Dinners, Movies, Cards, and Golf to name a few. Visit our website at newneighbors.com or email us at ccnewneighbors@gmail.com

Flour Bluff Padre Island 4H Flour Bluff Padre Island 4H (FBPI4H) is a club for kids in 3rd grade-12th grade. We meet at 6:30 pm the first Monday of every month in the FB Intermediate cafeteria. 4H provides opportunities and experiences where young people learn by doing. Please visit us on Facebook at Flour Bluff Padre Island 4H or our website at FBPI4H.com.

Port Aransas Art Center 104 N. Alister 361-749-7334 Classes offered, call for details.

CLUB NEWS

Top Birding Locations to Explore This Season

More than 400 species of birdsAransas County is known as one of the hottest

spots in the United States for observing birds. The county has been on the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail since its beginning and continues to be one of the best places in the United States to see both migrating birds and birds in residence. Geographically, Aransas County is perfectly positioned on the Central flyway migratory path which yields diverse sightings of many species.

The Christmas Bird Count results from our area have just been calculated. The Christmas Bird Count (CBC) is a census of birds in the Western Hemisphere, performed annually in the early Northern-hemisphere winter by volunteer birdwatchers and administered by the National Audubon Society. The purpose is to provide population data for use in science, especially conservation biology, though many people participate for recreation. Our area includes Live-oak Peninsula south to Estes, all of Port Bay, a narrow strip south of SH 188, Bayside, Mission Bay and most of Copano Bay. It consists of urban areas, marshes, open water, grassland, oak mottes, farmlands, mesquite and other brushy areas. This year, for Aransas County, there were 22 participants sighting 128 species in one day.

Aransas County is now in the prime Whooping Crane season with the largest and most accessible wild flock of Whooping Cranes in

North America making the area their home between the months of November and April. The Whooping Cranes migrate over 2500 miles from Western Canada to make their nesting grounds in the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge. People travel from all over the world to see this endangered bird which stands 5ft tall with a 7ft. wingspan. The Whoopers, as we fondly refer to them, can be often be viewed in Lamar, near Goose Island but are best viewed from boat excursions leaving out of Rockport, Fulton and Lamar Harbors. These excursions allow a more up close and personal look at the birds in their nesting grounds at the wildlife refuge.

“Top Birding Spots” include:

Aransas National Wildlife Refuge – Voted the No. 1 birding spot and N[EU1]o. 5 National Wildlife Refuge in the nation for USA TODAY Readers’ Choice, this site is the place to go for watching the more than 400 species of birds, Warblers, Vireos, flycatchers, thrushes, grosbeaks, Couch’s Kingbird, American white Pelican to name a few but especially the Whooping Cranes in the Winter season. Other wildlife can be found here as well, such as turtles, blue crab and butterflies, all in addition to the beautiful scenery. While not visible to the necked eye, a Bald Eagle was recently spotted nesting deep into the property of the refuge.

Goose Island State Park - Water Birds and Shore Birds – Goose Island State Park has a variety of habitats with hiking trails, paved roads and bird feeding stations, birdbaths, shoreline and pier. It is a good place to observe water birds, waterfowl, shorebirds and passerines. If you choose to go in the Park (there is a fee), you may obtain a free checklist of birds detailing which species you might expect to see and in which season.

Rockport Beach - Enter Rockport Beach for an excellent chance to see herons, shorebirds, gulls and terns. The islands in Little Bay are nesting grounds for many species. At the far end of the park are an observation deck and a large protected area where Least Terns, Tricolored Herons, Reddish Egrets, Great Blue Herons,

Laughing Gulls, Killdeer, Clapper Rail and Black Skimmers nest.

Aransas Woods – Located along Hwy. 35 Bypass, about 1-mile North of Hwy 188 on the

eastern side of road. Watch for the Great Texas Birding Trail sign.

This location is a fresh water marsh surrounded by oak mottes and native grasses such as little bluestem and bushy bluestem. Site has a windmill, walking tails and an observation deck. Common Spring migrants include warblers, orioles. Tanagers, Vireos, and flycatchers and

Fall migrants include Marsh Wren, Sora, Swamp Sparrow and Common Yellowthroat

Aransas Pathways has sites developed for Birding, History, Kayaking, and Hiking and Biking Trails. There are 32 Sites developed for Birding All sites can be found on a kiosk at “Pathways Center”. The Pathways Pavilion (listed below) houses informational kiosks with interpretive signage explaining each Aransas Pathway project. The following are some of the most popular Aransas Pathways sites:

Pathways Center Pavilion and Bridge - The pavilion, called “Pathways Center” is the principal information center for all of the Aransas Pathways projects. It is located just off of Hwy 35 at the northernmost entrance to Walmart. This pavilion has an excellent view of the creek and attracts birders and photographers. The bridge connects the North and South sides of Tule Creek and the nature site. This facility functions as the trailhead for Pathways eco-tourism projects in the Aransas County.

Tule Marsh East (Rockport Demo Garden) A 5- acre site with easy public access is a roadside park off of Hwy 35, just across the Hwy from the Aransas Pathways Pavilion and Bridge. The Site contains a roadside park, boardwalk, trail and a pond. It attracts 27 species of Wood Warblers Scarlet Tanagers, Rose breasted Grosbeak, Indigo, Orioles, American Goldfinch Chipping Sparrows, and so many more species.

Linda S. Castro - This 4 1/2 acres contain 3 distinct habitats…a live oak motte, a remnant of a coastal prairie, and an ephemeral pond. A coastal Live Oak forest is special because of the native shrubs and plants that makeup the understory. This plant community, together with the Live Oaks, is called an oak motte. Oak mottes are valuable stopover habitats for migrating songbirds.

Ivy Lane-- located at the end of Ivy Lane, off of Griffith Drive. There are benches, a hard packed

trail, a primitive trail, and water drips on the site. This 28-acre woodland has an understory made up of native shrubs and plants. The plants and shrubs combined with Live Oaks make up an Oak Motte. This makes for a valuable stopover for migrating songbirds.

Great Blue Heron

Least Terns

Laughing Gulls

Killdeer

Ridgeway’s Rail

Laughing Gulls

Roseate Spoonbill

Marker 37 Welcomes Coastal Marina Management

Mitchell Kalogridis, owner of Marker 37 Marina on North Padre Island, announced this week he has entered into an agreement with Coastal Marina Management (CMM) to “oversee the daily operations of the facility, as well as deliver his

long-term vision to Marker 37.”

“In the past two years, we invested to not only improve the marina but to greatly enhance it. We built the new Boardwalk, Tiki Bars, and the new Polynesian Pavilion, as well as the Food Truck; all of which have been very well received by our customers. Now it’s time to invest in the management of the marina to accelerate our growth and achieve what I have always envisioned here since I bought the property,” said Kalogridis.

“CMM brings so much more than just marina management,” Kalogridis added. “They know the Gulf Coast. They know the coastal lifestyle. They know fishing. They know fishing tournaments, and they know what is most important to our customers. That’s the reason they manage some of the finest marinas on the Gulf Coast and around the Nation. Obviously, I’m excited to have them on board.”

Scott Burt, the owner of Coastal Marina Management, shares the excitement of Kalogridis. “The moment I arrived at the Marina, I could immediately see why Mitchell was so excited about this project when we spoke on the phone. There are so many similarities with other clients, both here on the Gulf Coast, the East Coast, and all the way to St. Thomas. There is so much more here than just a marina for everyone to enjoy…and there’s more to come!”

Over the past two years, Marker 37 undertook major renovations including a new Boardwalk, a large Event Stage, food and beverage service,

a new retail store, an upgraded fuel dock to accommodate larger boats with all grades of fuel, live music, and multiple types of events were all added in the past year as part of a year-round activity plan for the property.

According to Kalogridis plans at Marker 37 calls for more retail shopping, and outdoor recreation sports, such as volleyball, shuffleboard, and pickle ball courts. They will be also adding more water-related activities, such as kayak rentals and kayak events.

According to Burt’s resume he has:

• Served on the steering committee with the State of Florida Department of Environmental Protection to create the widely recognized and acclaimed certified Clean Marina Program.

• Been recognized as a Certified Marina Manager.

• Maintained an active membership of the Association of Marine Industries since 1985

• Served as Director of the North West Florida Marine Industries Association.

Kalogridis said this week a manager will be brought in from another CC

Scott Burt

Cuba Today

Sadly, Cuban and the United States governments have not been able to bridge political, ideological, and economic differences. Cuba remains economically poor with food shortages, no major industries (except for sugar, tobacco, petroleum, and tourism), and little to export. Small neighborhood markets, some as paltry as a small, wobbly table, have little food while hourly wages are woefully low. Cuba depends on tourism to inflate its dwindling coffers and to provide a large percentage of jobs.

Tourism has continued in Cuba throughout Castro’s rule as many other countries have maintained open relations with Cuba. Other nations have invested in Cuba and have helped construct resorts, have continued trade, and have sent tourists to enjoy Cuba’s sunny shores and historic Havana. Sugar and tobacco plantations have also drawn tourist interest.

I found many Cubans to be dissatisfied with the Cuban economy, including lack of food and lack of good paying jobs. A severe food shortage in 2019 reminded Cubans of drastic food shortages in its past. Many Cubans are unhappy with the government but afraid to speak up, while many Cubans would like to leave the country but not all have valid passports.

Yet most Cubans sport smiles, work hard, do lots with little, and are kind to each other and to the tourists that visit; an approach reminiscent of the Tainos who welcomed Columbus. Cubans appreciate free and excellent health care (funded through 10% of its GDP) and free schooling from primary through university, yet most still suffer from repressive economic conditions.

Cuba has relaxed some of its policies governing private enterprise during the last decade resulting in more Cubans making efforts to establish their own small businesses. Cubans will do almost anything to earn a living to pay for their shelter, clothing, food, and other necessities. Expenses other than those are luxuries, afforded only by the wealthiest Cubans.

[Next in the series: Cuba – A Neighbor in Distress? From Havana to Varadero]

military action in Cuba: The Russians were building nuclear missile bases at America’s back door, 90 miles from the United States coastline. I personally recall being riveted to the television watching Kennedy explain the horrifying findings, and later discussing the meaning and potential outcomes of having Russian nuclear missiles in Cuba and of creating a blockade. A nuclear war appeared imminent.

Those Russian nuclear missiles were capable of destroying cities far into the United States, so the United States responded by ordering the missiles out of Cuba and placing a naval blockade around Cuba, preventing Russian ships from passing. As the world waited in fear anticipating the distinct possibility of a nuclear war between Russia and the United States,

Russian leader Nikita Khrushchev backed down and removed Russian Missiles after a few incredibly anxious days. A relieved world looked on, although after the crisis Khrushchev left thousands of Russian military ‘advisors’ in Cuba, suggesting the probability that Russian influence in Cuba was not over.

Castro the Global Revolutionist

Castro still fancied himself as a global revolutionist and his fingerprints were a decided part of third world conflicts in Angola, Nicaragua, Ethiopia, and many other African countries, where he supported revolutions and fomented discontent.

During his power, Fidel Castro’s rigid policies forced over a million Cubans to emigrate to the United States, settling chiefly in Florida. Meanwhile, dissidents were tortured, unemployed Cubans were forced to fight in insurgent wars elsewhere, and concentration camps were opened to house alleged Cuban dissidents. Thousands of people were executed during Fidel’s rule, especially during the early days of his rule.

Conditions worsened in Cuba once the Soviet Bloc dissolved, leaving Cuba without the support it needed. The 1980s and early 1990s were marked by extreme food shortages and economic depravity. In spite of periodic and spiraling economic conditions, Castro continued to exude his influence and extend his power as a global revolutionary. Although the United States has recently removed Cuba from its list of state sponsored terrorists, relations between the two contrived remain tenuous. The United States Embassy in Havana was reopened in 2015 but recently closed.

January 16, 2020 Island Moon A 16

Cuba – A Neighbor in Distress?A Brief History - Part 2

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United States and Cuba Relations Sour

The United States initially tried to maintain ties with Cuba after the revolution but Fidel Castro, galvanizing his power over Cuba, failed to side with the United States, instead refusing to forgive his northern neighbor for providing arms to the failed Batista regime. Political differences between the two countries became more apparent, pitting a democratic style of government against a strong socialist form of government. Relations continued to sour between the two countries. As Castro envisioned a new socioeconomic structure for Cuba steeped in communist doctrine and socialist practices, he simultaneously envisioned a new Cuba free of United States control and influence. Castro no longer perceived Cuba as a United States protectorate or possession.

In 1960 Cuba took control of foreign owned oil refineries and other U.S. owned properties, distributing them in small parcels to supportive Cuban citizens. Finally, on January 3rd, 1961 the United Stated severed diplomatic ties with Cuba and in 1962 further restricted trade to the Castro Regime. Trade pressures and embargos continued for the next three decades culminating in the Helms-Burton Act of 1996 which essentially forced other countries doing business with both Cuba and the United States

to choose between the two. The United States continued to apply vast economic pressures on Cuba which continue to this day.

In the meantime, the idea of having a communist country next door to the United States became even more of a non-negotiable issue between the two countries. As Russian Communist control spread post WWII, the world became divided. Communist scare became real almost rivaling the fear created by the Red Scare of the 1920s. The world had entered the Cold War and Cuba, with its close proximity to the United States, was one of the chief countries the United States could not accept to see develop and practice Communist ideology.

The Bay of Pigs and The Cuban Missile Crisis

Striving to ouster the Castro Brothers, in 1961 the United States embarked on a mission to overthrow the communist regime. Under the direction of the CIA, the plan now known as The Bay of Pigs was conceived to empower Cuban opposition groups to overthrown Castro. The mission failed and further built popular support within Cuba for Castro’s socialist government. The United States responded by enacting a

covert campaign to sabotage Cuba, however, this only further polarized the two countries.

Castro reached out to Russia, the pinnacle of communist rule, as its chief ally, creating unworkable and very brittle relations between the United States and Cuba. Inviting Russian military into Cuba heightened tensions until on October 14, 1962 United States U-2 spy planes discovered evidence of Russia installing medium range nuclear ballistic missiles in Cuba. In a very dramatic move, President John Kennedy took to the television to display charts of soviet

Americans react to the Cuban Missile Crisis.

Americans woke up to blockade news and worried for fourteen days about the

possibility of nuclear war.

Che Guevara and Fidel Castro - leaders of the Cuban Revolution.

Che Guevara - was he a butcher or a revolutionary idealist or both.

Cuba - a neighbor worth visiting

Cuban President Fulgencio Batista was overthrown by Fidel Castro.

Khrushchev Castro and Kennedy.

Fidel Castro with his Cuban cigar.

Cuban Revolutionary forces celebrating.

President Kennedy addressing the nation about the Cuban Missile Crisis

January 16, 2020 Island Moon A 17

Moon Classifieds #822

Crossword Solution

Snoopy’s (361) 949-8815Scoopy’s (361) 949-7810

13313 S. Padre Island Drive Corpus Christi, TX 78418

Under the BridgeOpen Sun - Thurs 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Fri - Saturday 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Now Accepting Visa, Mastercard, American Express & Discover

Scoopy’s HoursOpen 7 Days a Week

Sun - Thurs 11:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. Friday & Saturday 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Here’s how to place a Classified Ad

To place an ad you can call me at 361-834-1382 or

Email your ads to: moonclassad@twc.com

No texts please Costs start at $12 for 25 words,

20 cents a word after that. For a small additional charge, your ad can be centered, made larger or pictures or clip art can be added. Ads with payment can be taken to

our office at: 14646 Compass St., Suite 3

Deadline for classified ads is no later than NOON on Tuesday

PAYMENT MUST BE RECEIVED BEFORE PUBLICATION

We accept American Express, Visa,

MasterCard

Legal & Business Notices Do you need to place a legal or business

notice? You’ll find that our rates for running your notice cost less than many other

publication in Nueces County. Call Arlene @ 361-834-1382

The Island Moon Weekly for more information

The Island Newspaper since 1996

Help Wanted Fundraiser, Development Officer (Corpus

Christi, TX Spread awareness of pediatric cancer research foundation's mission through donor outreach & event planning. Develop & utilize blueprints for fundraising campaigns to execute fundraising & community awareness events. Organize & manage programs & initiatives that promote community wellness incl. "DoThat OneThing!" Councils involving over 1,000 students at middle schools, high schools & universities. Prepare & maintain database to track attendance & participation. Use Fusion IQ & hand-press button maker to design pro cancers incl a phase II drug trial stemming from earlier funded research results aimed at preventing the development of metastatic disease & a childhood cancer cell therapy program aiming to translate highly promising cell-based immunotherapy approaches for incurable & hard-to-treat pediatric malignancies into effective therapies. Requires Bach's w/business or medical/health major. 1 yr exp in special event planning.

Submit resume & letter of interest to: TOKC, 717 Coleman Ave, Corpus Christi, TX 78401

Isle Mail & More Now Hiring Full or Part Time

Customer Service Position Must enjoy working closely with customers,

and be proficient in Basic Computer Applications

Apply in person at 14493 SPID or send resume to:

islemailmore@yahoo.com.

Services Appliance Repair

-N- House Appliance

Repair Most major brands & appliances

Also offering complete dryer vent clean outs

Mention this ad for discount on repairs 361-960-0911

Computer Repair Scott’s Computer Repair

PC/Mac Repair Networking Home Security Camera Installation

Cable TV & Internet Wiring Fast 24 Hour Turn-Around

Home or Business Free Pick Up and Delivery

Call 949-4604 or 425-5627 Mobile Auto Repair

Dave's Affordable Mobile Auto Repair

*Hotrods/Motorcycles *Diesel Engines/Small Engine Repairs

*Free Estimates and Discounts To Everyone

Owner/Mechanic: Dave 361-271-5256

Affordablerepairs361@Gmail.Com Island Resident

Pool & Spa Services ATLANTIS POOL AND SPA SERVICE

Weekly Pool Maintenance – Repairs Renovations - Chemicals – Supplies

Residential – Commercial 25 Years Experience – Insured Free Delivery! Free Estimates!

Island Resident Owned Call 361-949-8899

Wade In The Water Pool Services Cleaning • Repairs • Builds

Remodels • Hot Tubs • Warranty Station Don’t go OTB for pool & spa chemicals!

15715 SPID #101 Monday-Friday 9am-5pm FREE WATER TESTING

Locally owned and operated since 2010 Call 361-658-8581 Power Washing

ISLANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE We Power Wash

Houses, Driveways, Fences, Decks & Sidewalks

Call us now to schedule an estimate 361-949-2773

Specialty Rug Cleaning SPECIALTY RUG CLEANING &

REPAIR Persian – Oriental – Area Rugs

Cleaning, repair Remove smells

Persian rugs done by hand Appraise – Buy/Sell

361-991-9999

Services Tree Trimming

CC TREE SERVICE 361-443-4852

Tree Trimming & Removal Stump Grinding

A+ BBB Accredited Fully Insured

www.cctrees.net Electrical

361 ELECTRIC Residential & Commercial

Service Calls Licensed & Insured

Island Resident 361-903-2111

Lawn Care Islandscape Maintenance

* Lawn Maintenance * Power Washing * Palm Trimming * Fall Cutback * Lot Mowing * Decks * Installation

FREE ESTIMATES 361-949-2773

Cutting Crew Lawn Maintenance Let Us Help Get Your Yard In Shape

We Specialize In Using Professional Lawn Equipment

● Mowing, Trimming ● Edging, & Tree Pruning ● 4wd Tractor ● Large or Small Lots ● Pressure Washing Driveways, Decks, Homes ● Deck Repair

We can repair garage doors Over 24 years of experience

Free Estimates – Insured We take pride in our work! Call Robert 361-800-3535

AWESOME LAWN CARE, INC.

We have made sand look good since 1992

We are a complete landscape/maintenance company

We do residential and commercial work No job is too small

Please call if we can be of service 361-334-2340 Office

awesomelawncare@gmail.com awesomelawncarecorpuschristi.com

Home Maintenance Concrete Installation

CONCRETE CONSTRUCTION Larry Allen

Concrete Construction 30 years experience

Local references available 830-460-1173

Patios – Retaining Walls Foundation – Driveways

Larryallen.concrete@yahoo.com 14318 Cruiser St.

Corpus Christi, TX 78418 PO Box 2526 Bandera, TX 78003

No Job Too Small…No Job Too Big Fences/Decks/Docks

Boat Lifts Artistic Construction

Decks, Docks, Pilings, Boat Lifts, Painting, Remodeling, Welding,

Blacksmithing, Handyman. Licensed – Insured

PIBA & BBB Member Decades of experience.

361-444-4702 Sunnie@ArtisticConstruction.cc

Repair/Remodel MASTER CARPENTER

Drywall / Sheetrock Repair Tape / Float/ Texture / Paint

Water Damage Repair Make Ready for Sale or Rent

+ 30yrs Experience 361-815-7900

RSS HOME QUALITY CONSTRUCTION INC.

* Kitchen & Bath Remodeling * Handyman Repair

* Specializing In Epoxy Floors Insured

Island Resident OWNER: RON SOBJACK

361-688-0116 CARPENTER

Fencing – Decks – Docks Home Repairs & Remodeling

Lawn Maintenance & Landscaping Locally Owned & Operated

Nate Lee 361-510-0114

ISLAND CREATIONS & REBLEIGH CONSTRUCTION

RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL CARPENTRY, CONCRETE, PAINTING,

WATER DAMAGE, PRESSURE WASHING, FENCING,

DIRT WORK LICENSED AND INSURED

ON THE ISLAND FOR 14 YEARS 361-960-9001

Remodeling & Handyman Services Bill “Billy” Olson, Jr.

Drywall Float & Tape, Patch Repairs

Make Readys Painting Carpentry Honey-Dos Much More!

Cell: 713-201-0628 E-Mail: billy.olsontoj@yahoo.com

Home Maintenance SUPERIOR G REMODELING

Make all your remodeling dreams come true

Framing – Drywall Cabinets – Floors Fencing – Doors Windows – Tile Kitchen Work Bathroom Work

Interior/Exterior Painting 25 years experience, Insured

361-460-9590 Roofing

Wolfe Construction, Inc. Insurance Restoration

Specialists Roofing Residential & Commercial

Bryan Wolfe 361-949-1180

15809 El Soccorro Loop Corpus Christi TX 78418

A+ ROOFING & REMODELING AC – Electrical – Fencing

Foundation Repair Painting – Plumbing

Residential & Commercial 361-438-4095

ROOFING PROS! Custom Home Exteriors, Inc. Tom Sheehan 361-949-2100

Engineer Inspected/Windstorm Certified Quality “Owens Corning” Shingles

Island Homeowner Roofing Padre Island

Since 1985! Stucco

GOT CRACKS? CALL THE STUCCO PROS

AT 361-949-2100 Care Groups AIM HOSPICE

A Coastal Bend Non-Profit Hospice Since 1987

Serving from Rockport for over 30 years

Offering complete caring hospice services suited to your needs.

We also offer a public grief group each Tuesday from 10:30 am to 12 pm, and a public Alzheimer’s group that meets

the 3rd Thursday of the month from 10:30 am to 11:30 am.

For questions or more information please contact me at:

361-729-0507 We are located at 703 E. Concho,

Rockport TX 78382 Cynthia Guthrie, Administrator

www.aimhospicecoastal.org Al-Anon & AA Meetings Is alcohol causing a problem

in your family? Try Al-Anon

Al-Anon meets at 7:00 pm Sundays at Padre Island Baptist Church

Friends and families of problem drinkers find understanding and support

At Al-Anon Meetings An Al-Anon group meets each

Thursday at 7:00 PM at St Andrew by the Sea 14238 Encantada Ave.

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS MEETINGS

The Sunset 7 AA Meetings are held on Monday, Wednesday & Friday at 7 PM

at : The Presbyterian Church

On the Island 14030 Fortuna Bay Dr.

In addition on Sunday AA Meetings are held at 8 AM at

The Pavillon on the Boardwalk Near Padre Bali

take note, there is REGGAE ALERT at the House of Rock on Feb 20th with the Aggrolytes and the 28th with Mike Pinto. Also Mardi Gras is coming up fast. The annual Barefoot Mardi Gras Parade and Party on Feb. 22nd down on Padre and the great Zydeco/Roots band from San Antonio, Miss Neesy and Ear Food will play on Fat Tuesday (Feb. 25) at Giggity’s following the parade of which I’m sure I’ll be in front of on my tricycle with a mermaid in the back. Did you get all that? Be safe out there.

♫♪♫ And, that’s the truth ♫♪♫

January 16, 2020 Island Moon A 18

The Winter People are thick as thieves…

It’s that time of year. Though I live in a place where the sun continuously bakes our collective brain pans like Mom’s left-over lasagna, I really do love this cooler weather. And I must not be alone. Much of the population from all points north of Dallas has descended upon us en masse. Yes it’s true. The Winter People are back. We had a great time driving through the parking lot at Bernie’s last Wednesday evening when the PA Rockers played the first show of their winter residency this year. To say, “they’re back” is an understatement. We saw license plates from as far as Alaska and Canada and many, many from Minnesota, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Illinois and Wisconsin. In short, the

“Winter People” have finally returned. When I say “our” Winter People, I’m talking about a group of Winter Texans that we met and became friends with years ago at the Tarpon Ice House when Paul Fain was our concierge… you might really know them: Larry and Sherry, Rick and Joey, Greg and Katy, Vince and Jan, Jim and Vick, Colorado Bob and Carolyn, John and Karen… there’s a bunch of them. They were all Ice House regulars who always went to our jams and loved to hear Dennis Sullivan, Billy Snipes and Uel Jackson play. We got to know them well through the years, with music as our common bond. You can most always find them at Shorty’s or Giggity’s when the Free Beer Band, Selfie or the Independent Thieves play. They are the best and a whole lot of fun to hang with. I know there is a whole other tribe of Winter People at the Gaff led by Kevin who seems to be the first to show up every year. We sure do miss Betty. If you want another true barometer of our island’s Winter People presence, go to the belt sander races at the Gaff every second and fourth Saturday until Spring Break. That’ll sure open your eyes. I’m sure there are groups of them that are at every haunt from here to South Padre. They have their own coconut telegraph and every one of them seems to know each other. The point is, the Winter People have become a big part of us and it’s a joyous reunion when they return. So welcome home Winter People. I’ve missed you. We’ve missed you. BTW, I’m still waiting for Frostbite Betty and Burt to grace us with a long awaited appearance. It’s that time of the year you know.

Scattered shots…

It was fairly slim pickings last weekend. The Rockers at Bernie’s and Free Beer Band at Giggity’s were huge shows that resembled a 1969

By Ronnie Narmour

ronnienarmour@gmail.com

Three Chords and the Truth

The GaffPizza Beer Darts Belt sander Races

GIGGITY’S RESTAURANT & BARLIVE MUSIC

EVERY NIGHT

Kitchen Open Until 1 a.m.!

Expert Computer Repairs

Live MusicVinylz @ Bar Under the

Sun

Sunday, January 26Fundaze @ House of Rock

Antone & All Stars @ Giggity’s

Monday, January 27Open Jam @ Giggity’s

Tuesday, January 28Open Jam @ Giggity’sOpen Mic @ House of

Rock

Wednesday, January 29Damon Scott @ House of

RockJimmy Wilden @

Giggity’s

Thursday, January 30Free Beer Band @

Giggity’sSunny Sweeny, Erin

Enderlin @ Brewster Street

Mickey Avalon @ House of Rock

Starlite & the Moonbeams @ Executive Surf Club

Friday, January 31Johnny Boy @ Giggity’s

Black Magic Flower Power, Denim Hares @ House of

RockScarecrow People @ Executive Surf ClubFalco & the Wolf @

Brewster Street

Saturday, February 1Mike O’Neill @ Giggity’s

Terri Hendrix & Lloyd Maines @ Third Coast

TheaterTimeline @ Brewster Street

Another Level @ Rockits

GROUNDHOG DAY, February 2

Antone & All Stars @ Giggity’s

Monday, February 3Open Jam @ Giggity’s

Tuesday, February 4Paul & Victoria @

Giggity’s

Wednesday, February 5Jimmy Wilden @ Giggity’s

Thursday, February 6Free Beer Band @

Giggity’s

Friday, February 7Chanklas @ Giggity’s

Spazmatics @ Brewster Street

Saturday, February 8Toman Bros. @ Giggity’s

An American Rhapsody @ Performing Arts Center

Piano Sing Along Bar @ Brewster Street

Sunday, February 9Antone & All Stars @

Giggity’s

Monday, February 10Open Jam @ Giggity’s

Tuesday, February 11Paul Victoria @ Giggity’s

Wednesday, February 12Jered Clark @ Giggity’s

Thursday, February 13Free Beer Band @

Giggity’s

TonightThursday, January 16Free Beer Band @ Giggity’sMatt Gilmour Band @ House of RockAlley Catz @ Executive Surf ClubJohn Eric, Kelly Kenning @ Brewster Street

Friday, January 17Dreaming in Color @ Giggity’sDeftones, Breaking Benjamin @ Brewster StreetKalacas, Chench + 3 bands @ House of RockRetroVIbe @ Executive Surf Club

Saturday, Jan. 18Toman Brothers @ Giggity’sKeith Sykes @ Third Coast TheaterAdrenaline @ Rockit’sIann Dior, Landon Cuibe, POORSTACY @ Brewster StreetIDONTKNOWJEFFERY @ The ExchangeCruise Control @ Pelican LoungeGroove @ Executive Surf ClubCorpus Creepys @ House of RockIann dior @ Brewster Street

Sunday, January 19Fundaze @ House of RockAntone & All Stars @ Giggity’sDiamond’s Edge @ Pelican Lounge

MLK Day, January 20Open Jam @ Giggity’s

Tuesday, January 21Paul & Victoria @ Giggity’sOpen Mic @ House of Rock

Wednesday, January 22Damon Scott @ House of RockHank Reeves @ Giggity’s

Thursday, January 23Free Beer Band @ Giggity’sRiptide @ Executive Surf ClubCrosstown Expressway @ House of RockTumble Dry Low @ Brewster Street

Friday, January 24Radney Foster @ Third Coast TheaterGroove @ Giggity’sDrive @ Executive Surf Club

Saturday, January 2531st Annual Port A Garden Club Home Tour @ Port ABack Pew Revival @ Giggity’sSeattle Rising @ Brewster StreetPassing Strangers @ Rockit’s40oz to Freedom @ House of RockJimmy Willden @ Executive Surf Club

Rock 4 a Cause w/ Reely Rotnz, Cover Tones,

VOODOO LOGIC, The

OPEN Till 2am • 823 Tarpon St. Port A.

Port A’s Oldest

& Friendliest

132 W. Cotter St. Port A On the Waterfront

WELCOMEWINTERTEXANS

LIVE MUSICFree Beer Band every Thurs (7-10) Dreaming in Color on Friday (9-1)

Toman Brothers on Sat. (9-1) Mike Williams Sunday Brunch (11-3)

Antone & All Stars Every Sunday(8-12) Open Jam Every Monday (8 -12)

Paul & Victoria Every Tuesday (7-10) Hank Reeves on Wednesday (8-12)

722 Tarpon, Port Aransas, TX

High School Reunion. I can remember when Winter Texans looked old. Other than that, it was Ray Summy’s 73rd birthday bash at Shorty’s and RetroVibe and Todd Dorn at Giggity’s. Ray Ray’s party was a hoot. There’s something about that little stage inside the bar at Shorty’s that really works when Selfie plays there. It got pretty wild.

Coming this weekend…

Saturday is my 67th birthday and since I don’t drink anymore, you can just give me the money instead. And don’t expect me to staple bills all over my shirt… I have a small degree of shame left. I am elderly you know. Other than my birthday on Saturday, our pal from Memphis, Keith Sykes will play the Third Coast Theater. We haven’t seen Keith since Light House Rick died. They were pals and Keith would sometimes stay with Rick out at the light house and write songs. Rick died listening to Keith’s song, You Got Gold. Sykes was once in Jimmy Buffett’s Coral Reefer Band and is a songwriter and a half and one funny fellow…and I wouldn’t miss this show for love or money. Other than that it’s Dreaming in Color at Giggity’s on Friday and the great Toman Brothers are there on Saturday. Dreaming in Color is a fun variety band with a female vocalist at the helm, Debra Scott Brown. Look for a cool Sade vibe. And as for the Toman Brothers, I could write volumes. I’ve been pals with them since the 80’s when they were Gary Stewart’s road band. As far as I’m concerned, the Toman Brothers are the consummate bar band. They play a tasty variety of pure Texas honky tonk with a generous helping of classic rock going as deep as Fog Hat and Aerosmith.

On the horizon…

And speaking of the Third Coast Theater, winter is also their season to shine. Other than the Keith Sykes show this weekend, they have shows by Radney Foster (Jan. 24), Terri Hendrix & Lloyd Mains (Feb. 1) on the horizon and Richard Leigh & Larry Joe Taylor on February 22nd. The Third Coast Theater is a favorite with Winter People and showcase great talent in the winter. In the past I’ve seen shows

from luminaries such as Ray Wylie Hubbard, Susan Griffin, Slaid Cleaves, Bruce Robison, Max Stalling, Walt Wilkins, Bob Livingston, Lisa Morales and The Tejas Brothers. It’s one of the finest listening rooms that I’ve been to with two levels and the audience only inches away. Also on the near horizon, look for shows from the great country/Americana band Back Pew Revival (Jan. 25) and the up and coming guitar monster, Johnny “Blues Boy” Amundsen (Jan. 31) at Giggity’s. Also

PA Rockers photo by Karen Boeckler.

Selfie celebrated Ray Ray’s B-day at Shorty’s last Saturday.

The Free Beer Band play Giggity’s every Thursday.

The Winter People were out in force for the Gaff’s belt sander races last Saturday.

The Winter People were thick as thieves at Bernie’s last Wednesday.

Todd Dorn and the Sea Drifters play the third Saturday at Giggity’s.

Tony Tish and RetroVibe played

Giggity’s last Friday.

Treasure IslandFULL BAR 14 TAPS

DANCE CLUBtreasureislandporta 315 N. Alister (361) 416-1020