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15201 S. Padre Island Drive Ste. 250Corpus Christi, TX. [email protected]

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Island Area News ● Events ● Entertainment

February 23, 2012Photo By Miles Merwin

The Only Island Where Canalligator Comes to Barefoot Mardi Gras Next Publication Date: 3/1/2012 Facebook: The Island Moon Newspaper Year 15, Issue 411

Around The IslandBy Dale Rankin

[email protected]

By Dale Rankin

Well the good news is that there have been no new sightings of the Island Canalligator. If he’s still roaming our canals he’s doing it quietly or at night because since last week no one has seen him, at least that we have heard of.

Based on his previous pattern of climbing up on dog ramps to get out of the water he may have decided to head over to a spoil island somewhere so that he can get in and out of the water with more ease.

We’ve had no reports of more sightings or of calls to Texas Parks and Wildlife so it looks like the Canalligator may have moved on to balmier climes.

We’ll let you know if we hear anything new.

Dredging

Dredging is winding down over on Packery Channel. Crews are still moving about 4000-5000 cubic feet of sand per day and a total of about 250,000 cubic yards so far. They must be done by Spring Break and may get 280,000 out before they are done.

Power outage

We’ve had more than the usual number of power outages of late. The best one was Saturday night at the Country Club during the Barefoot Mardi Gras party. Just as outgoing Mardi Gras King Jack handed over the magic baton to new King Dave zydeco music from Ponty Bone and friends swelled to a crescendo. It was literally the passing of the baton when Bang Bang! Out go the lights! It was like the reign of New King David had sucked all the energy out of the air.

But the show went on as revelers held up lighted cell phones and the second line dance broke out and was still going when the lights came back on. Maybe we should turn off the lights a while every year.

Night at the Races

Don’t forget the Rotary Club’s annual Night at the Races at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 3 at Padre Isles Country Club. You can bet on your favorite nag for fun and prizes. For tickets call the Country club or John White at 361 549-6347.

Say hello if you see us Around The Island.

Big Shell Continued on A4

Inside the Moon...

Seashore News - A2Barefoot Mardi

Gras- A10Port A Mardi Gras

Parade -A11Weathering Winter, Island Style -A9 Winter Texan Roundup - A 12

Ban the Bag Photo Contest

Up There in the Sky! It’s a Bird, It’s a

Plane…It’s a Flying Plastic Trash Bag!

In what best may be categorized as life imitating art the Coastal Bend Surfriders are working to turn the ridiculous into the sublime. Even as the City Council prepares for a vote on a Ban the Bag ordinance the Surfriders are launching a BAN the BAG Photo Contest and invite participation of area photographers. Entries will be accepted from February 15 through March 15.

Send original and unstaged photos of plastic bags in trees, flying through the air, decorating neighborhoods, from anywhere in Corpus Christi. Entries must include name, contact, information, and location. Photos should be sent to [email protected]..

Winners will be selected and prizes awarded in these categories: Most Artistic, Black&White and color, Best Bag in a Tree, Best Airborne Bag, Most Different Bags, Biggest Mess.

For Contest information about the contest: Pat Gardiner, 361-739-5507. For Ban the Bag information: Neil McQueen, 361-765-4445

The City Council is scheduled to begin formal hearings on a plan that would either ban the single-use plastic bags outright, or place a bounty on each bag of up to $1 with the procedes to be used for bag cleanup around the city. More than thirty countries around the world current ban the bags or place restrictions on their use. The city of Brownsville instituted a $1 per bag fee in January 2011 and collected more than $300,000 in fees last year.

Celebration for Island’s Community

GardenThe Island’s Community

Garden gets its official send off on Saturday, February 25, at 10:00 a.m. The Community Garden has been under construction at Dowden Park at the end of Cobo de Bara for several months and is now up and ready for planting just in time for spring.

The garden contains twenty separate garden plots which have already been spoken for by Island gardeners with more planned. Workers have been busy putting last minute improvements in place and now each site has its own fence, mulch, and topsoil.

To reserve a spot contact the POA office.

Island Garden Party

water (thanks Ainsworth Trucking) and after the event, hotdogs will be provided by CCA (thanks!) and pizzas from Domino’s (thanks Daniel Dain!).

We ALWAYS need trucks with trailers, so if you have one that you could bring down, it would be GREATLY appreciated! There will be t-shirts for the first 500 people (or so) through

17th Year!

Big Shell Beach Cleanup Is On!

Saturday, March 25

Hopefully all you loyal readers are

already geared up and ready for the Big Shell Clean up this weekend down on the Padre Island National Seashore. This yearly event is one of the largest volunteer clean ups in the Nation, and is going on its’ 17th year! This is a massive undertaking, and wouldn’t be possible without everyone showing up and pitching in folks.

Our intel has identified a fluffy patch around the 6MM, but we should be able to get through that and head on down south. If you’ve never participated, this is one heck of a deal. We’ll meet in the Malaquite Parking lot (VC, or Visitors Center) around 6:45-7:00am on Saturday and organize and head out from there. Snacks will be provided (thanks HEB!) and

On the RocksBig Shell Beach Cleanup

By Jay Gardener

Whoop it Up! Mark your calendar for our

4th Annual Whoop It UpWhen: Sunday March 3rd

Where: Whiskey River 5702 S. Staples

Sunday, March 04, 2012, 06:00pm - 10:00pm

Whoop it Up!$25 in advance, $35 at door; $500 table

Support our schools purchase tickets

Tickets available for $25.00 at all Seashore Schools.

Donate tickets, condos, trips, services, and talent--anything of value--for the auction and/or raffle.

Sponsor the event.

We will happily pick up your donation (call Sunshine at 361-815-0420 or Jennifer @ 361-244-2536), or you may drop it at any school office.

This event is a fundraiser for Island Foundation for Seashore Learning Center, Seashore Middle Academy and Seashore Early Childhood Education Academy.

Location : Whiskey River, 5702 South Staples Street , Corpus Christi , TX , 78413

Schlitterbahn Talks Hit a SnagDecisive City Council vote set for Tuesday

By Dale RankinA snag over esoteric shadings in different types

of city zoning ordinances has raised an eleventh hour threat to the future of the proposed Schlitterbahn Waterpark and Resort and the surrounding retail and residential development.

The future of the project looks to come down to a vote by the City Council during its meeting on Tuesday, February 28.

The snag centers around height. More specifically whether zoning should preclude a future hotel or residential tower more than sixty feet in height on a site along SPID, about 800 feet from the nearest homes. The plan for the Waterpark itself does not include any structures higher than sixty feet. However, developers say while none are planned limiting buildings to sixty feet on the planned riverwalk development – to tentatively be called Beach Walk – could

have a major negative impact in the future on that portion of the plan with the potential of making it economically unviable.

Under current plans nothing would be built within two hundred feet of any existing homes and all development on the side of the park where homes currently exist would be residential. Any possible high rise buildings would be on the eastern border of the site, next to SPID.

It all comes down to whether the 651 acres which will include the park and all the surrounding development should be zoned as CR2 – commercial zoning that includes no restrictions on the height of buildings, or whether the site should be zoned through a

Schlitterbahn Continued on A6

This is the site map (subject to change) that Schlitterbahn planners have been discussing with the City.

A 2 Island Moon February 23, 2012

Seashore News

C.J. Evaristo and Will Stirling prepare to set off their mousetrap car during competition.

Savannah Stirling and Michael Curtin watch their tower as it strains to hold

more and more weight. The tower, built to meet strict building specifications,

supported a bucket below, to which sand was added.

The Seashore Middle Academy Science Olympiad team dominated at the regional event held at TAMU-CC on Saturday, taking first place overall and advancing to the state

competition at Texas A&M College Station in April. The event hosted 13 teams from as far away as Houston.

Results are as follows: Anatomy - 1st place, Patricia Kernan and Izabella Hockmuller; Crime Scene Busters - 1st place, Savannah Stirling and Aubrey Banda; Dynamic Planet - 2nd place, Hannah Curry and Makaila Vasconcellos; Experimental Design - 1st place,

Hannah Curry, Blake McIntyre, and Hallie Trial; Microbe Mission - 1st place, Lily Lamb and Hallie Trial; Rocks & Minerals - 1st place, Taylor Boehm and Sandy Bernal; Wildflowers - 2nd place, Blake McIntyre and Aubrey Banda; Optics - 1st place, Michael

Curtin and C.J. Evaristo; Towers - 6th Place, Savannah Stirling and Michael Curtin; Reach for the Stars - 6th place, Sandy Bernal and Patricia Kernan.

15930 Cabo Blanco $199,500Mary Melick Real Estate 361-949-7281

This group of twenty-somethings gathered at the Holiday Inn to celebrate Sunday with some tequila

shots.

Lion Painting

Hi Dale,

This is Michelle Gouin, here on the Island. Our twins, Brennan and Ashlynn Carnley go to Seashore Academy here on the Island. Once a year our Island Foundation School holds a fundraiser to raise funds for the school. This year the schools need computers, so that is our goal. Our daughter, Ashlynn Carnley, 11 years old, painted this picture of a lion (freehand) to donate to the school to assist in raising the funds they need. I am hoping you can put her picture in the Island Moon, to help generate interest in our event March 4th, at Whiskey River at 6:30pm. We will have a silent auction with items like Ashlynn’s painting, and so much more! The tickets are $25.00 to attend, and it includes food, and DJ, and dancing. Tickets are available at the Island Foundation Schools, or they can call me (363)774-5976. It should be a lot of fun. Thank you Dale in advance!

Michelle Gouin

P.S. The picture was taken at Seashore Middle Academy with the Principal Mrs. Barbara Beeler and Ashlynn Carnley

Has anyone seen our monkeys? Moon Monkeys are lost and need medication. They were attached to our Island Moon float (see upper left of photo) and flew away on Saturday, February 18th. If you found them or know who has them please call The Moon at 361-

949-7700.

Stuff I heard on the IslandBy Dale Rankin

So far 2012 has been a great time to be on The Island. Our Winter

so far has been nearly non-existent, The Winter Texans have arrived, the Canalligator has gone back to wherever it was he came from, fishing has been okay, and April is just around the corner.

It started me thinking that sometime you just got to stop and smell the sea breeze. We have the privilege of living on a barrier Island with its own channel to the Gulf and its own beaches, and we got a ski basin that’s better than a lake, heck, we even got our own National Park.

Sure we have to share it with the coyotes but unless you are a cat or a little yappy dog that really doesn’t matter, and we have to share with the tourists but they bring their own supply of yappy dogs so that’s okay too.

All in all we really don’t have much in the way of gripes. Every now and then we get a little sand in our chili but it just gives us a little bit of true grit. So with that in mind, and at the suggestion of a friend, I decided to make a list of why I like living on The Island.

So in no particular order here goes; maybe you can add some that I left out.

Boat rides in the canals. If you have ever spent a sunny afternoon riding around the Island canals you know what I’m talking about. From the street side our neighborhoods can look pretty much like those in any subdivision anywhere. But when you get on the waterside it’s a completely different Island.

We live on our decks out by the water. We cook out there and we fish out there, and yes, sometimes when no one is looking we stand out there and raise the sea level in China, and sometimes knuckleheads among us toss a stick of dynamite out there just to watch the water fly. But hey, a boat ride around our canals is something that you can’t do very many places in the semi-arid Southwest.

So even though the Moon fleet has failed to launch there are plenty of people around who you can bum a ride with so get out there and cruise baby cruise.

Surf Camps. There are some great folks on our Island who do surf camps so kids can go out and get on a board, most for the first time. I ask you friends how can that be anything but a good thing? Surf camps I say.

Beach Bums. No one makes better use of our resources than our Beach Bums. We have two varieties now. We have Andre and Gib and friends over on the SoPac south of the Packery. They have adopted their stretch of beach through the Texas General Land Office and they pick up trash that people leave behind along with cigarette butts and whatever flotsam and jetsam that needs to be removed. I’ve seen them build a fire then throw out a cast net for bait and by the time the fire is ready they’ve used the bait to catch a fish to cook on it. Those guys and gals know how to make use of a beach. Spending a day with the Bums is a good reminder of what brought us all to a barrier island in the first place.

On the NoPac north of the Packery Willard and friends bring out bands for concerts on the sand. Last time they had ten of them who started at noon and the last went on at 3:00 a.m. Where else can you do that in such a beautiful and natural setting.

Mardi Gras. This one is plural since there are parades on both ends of The Island. I got to do both this year. The Barefoot Mardi Gras goes down the beach – the only one of its kind I’ve ever heard of.

We took the Moon float and Tony’s stretch limousine up to the Port A parade this year and the streets were packed. We threw about six hundred Moon pies and didn’t even make a dent in having enough for everyone.

A couple of years ago I was at the Austin City

Garage Sale and I bought some giant Christmas orbs almost as big as bowling balls that were in Mardi Gras colors. I strung them and made them into giant Mardi Gras beads.

I was wearing them in the parade when someone in the crowd yelled at me that my old friend James was there. I hadn’t seen James since we matriculated at Gregory-Portland High over thirty years ago but heard he had recently moved to The Island. So I jumped off the back of Miles’ jeep and when I hit the ground the string broke and those giant beads went in every direction. There were seven of them; three gold, three purple, and one green. As Miles and others ran around the street trying to gather up the rambling beads a Winter Texan lady came out of the crowd and scooped up a gold one and took off through the crowd like a scalded cat. The people on the float behind us saw her but she was too fast for them. That lady was on that gold bead like a seagull on Cheeto.

So all I can say madam is I guess you needed that giant gold bead more than I did. Maybe you can send me a picture of it in its new home, or at least write when it gets work.

Packery Jetties. The jetties and the canal they keep open have been a great addition to our sand bar. Whether you are a fisherperson or just a hiker, a walk out to the end of the jetties is a complete Island experience. It’s a great walk at night too. Another Only On The Island thing.

Beach Walks. A walk on the beach is enough in itself. I was never a big fan of those Long Walks On the Beach like you see in chick flicks. I’m more of a short walk on the beach and sit on the sand kind of guy.

We have one of the best beach walking routes anywhere and it’s easy to get to. You can drive there. Just park at Bob Hall Pier and head north. From Bob Hall Pier, along the seawall to the north end is almost exactly one mile. Then down the beach and out to the end of the packery jetties and back to the pier makes for a two-mile-plus round trip with a great view, a tiki bar in the middle, jetties and a pier. Add a walk to the end of Bob Hall Pier and back, repeat the route and you have a great five mile walk.

It’s enough to make you take up walking.

Hardly anyone is from here. While The Island is kind its own small town it’s different than most in one sense; hardly anyone grew up here. A lot of people had careers and lives elsewhere until they could figure out how to move to The Island permanently. It makes for a very diverse mix that produces some surprises.

I once got into a conversation with a guy who told me he knew why the first space shuttle blew up. I was about to say, “Yea, and I solved the space/time continuum” but instead I asked him, “Yea, how do you know that?”

“Because I helped design the propulsion system on the space shuttles,” he said. And come to find out he was telling the truth. You never know if the guy you’re talking to is a Jetty Monster running from his ex-wife and living in his car down by the cut, or a millionaire who just likes shirts with mustard stains on them. It keeps things interesting.

Just last weekend a friend of mine invited me to his house where a guy with nine Grammys and fifty million dollars in record sales was playing a house party. My friend’s name is Bill but Bill said he doesn’t want his name in the paper so we’ll call him Bob. Bob just moved to The Island in the last year and this was Bob’s way of saying thanks to all the people who have been so nice to him. It was a great evening where we didn’t know a lot people when we got there but now we do. The songwriter sang this song:

Now the man your momma hated

Has got you incarcerated

Now you’re married and doing wife without parole

Yeah, I like this Island.

February 23, 2012 Island Moon A 3

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● Free Estimates ● Island References ● No deposit required ● Payment upon completion

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361-461-5144Island Resident-Brooks J. Sheehan

New AdvertisersThe 17th Annual Bill Sandifer Big Shell

Clean-Up will be Saturday, February 25th at 7 am. Volunteers are needed and trash bags will be provided and they will serve lunch afterwards. Volunteers will get free admission to the park and receive a commemorative t-shirt. They especially need 4x4’s and trailers. For more info visit friendsofpadre.com.

Business BriefsBingo at the Beach presented by the Kiwanis

Club of Padre Island will be held Thursday, February 23rd at the Holiday Inn. Admission to the fundraiser is $5 and includes door prizes, light hors d’oeuvres and cash bar. The event will be 7 pm – 10 pm.

The 16th Annual Whooping Crane Festival in Port Aransas is this weekend. This is the only place where you can view these birds at close range. New this year is a butterfly tent and expanded children’s corner. Early registration for this four day event has well surpassed expectations. Call the Chamber at 749-5919 for more info.

Peerless Cleaners on the Island has closed its doors. Bay Area Title is moving into that space. The Peerless in Flour Bluff on Waldron Road is still open.

The Rotary Club’s Night at the Races will be held at Padre Isles Country Club on Saturday, March 3rd at 6 pm. Pick your winning horses for prizes and bragging rights. Call the club at 949-8056 or John White at 549-6347.

The Sand Bar at the Holiday Inn will be opening Wednesday, March 7th with a mostly new staff of eight enthusiastic servers. Christina was hired as manager replacing Jeremy.

Fashion and Flip-Flops..Island Style Fashion Show will be presented by ort Aransas Garden Club Thursday, March 8th at the Civic Center located at Cut-off Road and Avenue A. Doors open at 1 pm for shopping while enjoying wine and hors d’oeuvres. The runway show is at 2:30 pm. Eleven local boutiques will be participating.

Mardi Gras Festival at Sharkey’s in Port A starts with live music at 2 pm. There will be wiener dog races, silent auction, food and merchandise vendors. A fun day to spend outdoors!

Island Day Spa is offering two new services. They now have shellac Manicures that last for weeks and Bleach Bright Teeth whitening. They are currently offering $99 spa packages. For appointment call 949-1444.

Ban the Bag photo Contest, sponsored by Keep Corpus Christi Beautiful, will be accepting entries until March 15th. They are looking for photos that capture the plastic bags that plague our beautiful landscape.

Send entries to [email protected].

Did Ya Hear?By Mary Craft

email your business news to Mary Craft at [email protected]

A few more Mardi Gras PhotosSee A10 and A11 for more

A 4 Island Moon February 23, 2012

FEEL AT HOME WITHOUR FREE IN-HOMEDESIGN SERVICE

©2011 Ethan Allen Global, Inc.CORPUS CHRISTI 4325 SOUTH PADRE ISLAND DR. 361.854.2391

TheIslandMoon_Jan_custom_1.25:Layout 4 1/18/12 2:29 PM Page 1

Trivia Question of the Week

Hi dale,

Had some interesting conversations about the Flour Bluff mascot most of which led me to realize that no one knows its origin. Many believe it’s the fighter jet, but the fact that the school and its mascot predates the fighter makes that impossible.

Greg Smith was a member of the Bluff’ first graduating class and he said he thought it was named for the aircraft carrier.

This carrier has a distinguished career and was one of the most decorated carriers in the U.S. Navy. Its creed even includes the words “a Heritage of Excellence.”

If this is correct, I think it would be an interesting article. If not...I’d love to know the origin.

What is the origin of the Flour Bluff mascot?

Come on Hornets we know you’re out there… let us hear from you.

Johnny D’s 15605 SPID n 949-2500

Hours:Open Tues- Sat 4:30 - 10 PM

Sunday 4:30 - 9 PM Closed Monday

We can cook your catch!

Featuring 7 Draft Beers on Tap

Happy Hour4:30 to 6:30 p.m.

$2.00 PintsFull Service Bar

Great Daily Dinner Specials

Located on Padre Island, Johnny D's offers Island dining at its best. Serving Corpus Christi with the freshest local seafood and culinary masterpieces, order the rack of lamb and you'll be calling your friends from the table! Hours of operation are Tuesday-Saturday 4:30 to 10pm and Sunday 4:30 to 9pm

15600 SPID On the Island 949-2500HOURS-Closed MONDAYSTUES-SAT 4:30 till 10:00

SUNDAY 4:30 till 9:00 Daily Features. Fresh Fish.

We will cook your catch. Live music most Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays

Winter Texan Specials!Check our website for more

informationwww.letseat.at/johnnydsrestaurant

Coming out of our shell at the 33rd Annual Oysterfest in Fulton!

Rockport-Fulton, TX (February 9, 2012) – Don’t miss the Fulton Volunteer Fire Department’s celebration of one of America’s favorite seafood delicacies; it’s the 33rd Annual Oysterfest on the waterfront in Fulton, Texas March 1-4.

Shuck and slurp your way to cash prizesIf you love to eat oysters, you’ll find them prepared

in many delicious ways. If you really love to eat oysters, you might consider entering the oyster eating contest. There’s one for men and one for women, with a top prize of $200 for the winner of each contest. If you think you can get these tasty morsels out of their shells in the blink of an eye, enter the oyster shucking contest at 4 p.m. on Sunday with a chance to take home the top prize of $700.

One of the most unique contests at Oysterfest is the decorated oyster which will be judged at 7:45 p.m. Friday, March 2. Your imagination is the only limit to bejewel your oyster for a chance at the coveted trophy.

The festival opens Thursday, March 1 with $1 gate entry and FREE for active military (Thursday only) into the grounds where you can enjoy Arts and Crafts vendors and musical entertainment from 5 p.m. to10 p.m. The carnival will also be open all 4 days. Live music will include Mike Sydow and Kelly Kenning as well as the Shaman Dura Dancers. Fri, Sat and Sun admission is $3 per person (12 yrs and over).

Friday, March 2, Oysterfest is open from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.; the Arts & Crafts area closes at 10 p.m. Whiskey Bent Band performs from 5 p.m.-7:45p.m.

The Shaman Dura Dancers will entertain at 8:15 with Riptide closing out the night, performing from 9 p.m.-to-11 p.m.

On Saturday, March 3 the Oysterfest parade begins at 11 a.m. at the intersection of S. Fulton Beach Road and Traylor Blvd. It will proceed North down Fulton Beach Road and concludes at the festival grounds on the waterfront. Grounds are open 10 a.m. to 12 a.m. Entertainment throughout the day will include TK and Bandana Rose, Texas Gypsies, Dottsy, Darrin and Gene Brown with Heather Myles headline performance from 10 p.m. to midnight. There will be great Arts & Crafts from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

The grounds and Arts & Crafts are open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, March 4. From 10:30 a.m. to11:30 a.m. Song of Glory will provide the entertainment. Other entertainment will include Purple Sage, Shireen & Mystic Eastern Dancers and Drummers, Texas Gypsies, and James Edwards. To conclude the event The Sons of Texas will perform from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

This popular four day event attracts more than 36,000 and began as a labor of love by the Fulton Volunteer Fire Department. Funds are used to purchase life-saving and firefighting equipment. This year’s proceeds will aid in the fund to construct a new fire station. Oysterfest proceeds are still a major source of funds for fire protection equipment in the community.

For more information on the Fulton Oysterfest visit www.fultonoysterfest.org or call 361-463-9955.

The Tarpon Ice House Presents

The Louisiana Swamp Romp & Gumbo Cook-Off

Sponsored by the Island Moon NewspaperIt’s Cajun! It’s Zydeco! The Louisiana Swamp Romp & Gumbo Cookoff is all about the music and the food!

The Swamp Romp is scheduled for Saturday, April 21, 2012 beginning at 3:00 p.m. at the Tarpon Ice House in Downtown Port Aransas,

Texas. It’s all about the music and food. All are invited to join in the Coastal Bend’s largest celebration of everything from the bayou.

Gumbo Cook-Off: 3:00 - 5:00 p.m.

Gumbo Cook-Off Tasting/Judgin 5:00 - 6:00 p.m.

Gumbo Cook-Off Awards 6:00 p.m.

Swamp Romp Music 7:00 p.m. Opening Act TBA

9:00 p.m. Headline Act: Ponty Bone & The Squeezetones

Admission to event: $10.00

(Children under 12 years FREE)

Applications for entry in the Gumbo Cook-Off will be accepted through April 1, 2012. A limit of 20 entries are available. Entry fee for Gumbo Cook-Off is $25.00. Each Gumbo Cook-Off participant must supply their own tables, chairs, propane, equipment, serving instruments signage, trash cans, and all necessary food. Gumbo Cook-Off participants will be supplied with a 10x10 foot space for set up. Additional space is available for an additional fee.

Crawfish, crawfish and more crawfish. Crawdads will be available for sale at the Tarpon Ice House from 3:00 - 6:00 p.m. or until they run out.

Arts & Crafts booths will be available on a limited basis. Application deadline is March 15, 2012. Booth spaces are limited to a 10x10 foot area. Booth fee is $75.00. All items sold must be approved in advance at the time of application and payment. All items must be in good taste. Preference will be given to Cajun, Louisiana, and Mardi Gras items.

CCA Texas Takes Bold Step in Opening Cedar Bayou

$500,000 pledge kicks off multi-million dollar fundraising campaign

The Coastal Conservation Association Texas recently announced a $500,000 matching grant to initiate a new push in generating the funding to open Aransas County’s Cedar Bayou and Vincent Slough. After decades of negative impacts from siltation and low water flows, an estimated $6.5M effort will be required to open the vital connection from Mesquite and Aransas Bays to the Gulf of Mexico.

“It is not often that there is an opportunity to reopen a vital and iconic pass,” said Robby Byers, CCA Texas executive director. “There is still a lot of money to be raised and a lot of work to do, but CCA Texas kicked off a critical next step with this financial support.”

Cedar Bayou is a natural pass that separates St. Joseph’s Island from Matagorda Island. Dredging efforts date back to the 1930s, but partial efforts, siltation and misplacement of spoil materials have eventually led to the pass and adjacent Vincent Slough being sealed.

Along with the kick-off funding, CCA Texas will partner with Aransas County in providing funds to secure a professional fundraiser to pursue the needed

dollars to complete the dredging project. To date, Aransas County has already secured $500,000 in Coastal Impact Assistance Program funds for the project.

“This is a tremendous opportunity for the economic and environmental future of Aransas County and the State of Texas,” said Judge C.H. Mills. “Our partnership with CCA in this important effort is a much-needed boost to push this initiative forward.”

After a protracted application and approval process, Judge Mills signed the dredging permit for Cedar Bayou and Vincent Slough on August 3 of 2010. Although the pass has been dredged numerous times through history, this is the largest and most comprehensive effort slated to date.

“Anytime you can open a pass between the Gulf and bay, you are creating a tremendous benefit for the bay and the anglers who enjoy it,” said Mark Ray, CCA Texas Chairman. “CCA Texas has supported this important effort for decades and this new support will hopefully reopen this vital pass for generations to come.”

the door, as well as some goodies frtom our other sponsors at CCA, Roy’s Bait and Tackle, Fishbites! and Smartshield. A special thanks goes out to Ben Beatty who does the artwork for the shirt every year for free; you out-do yourself every year Ben!

Of currents and flotsamWe’ve had an onslaught of man‘o wars recently,

from that Pacific low that came over the Sierra Madres and gave us some southerly winds. The long shore currents changes every winter from south-to-north, to north-to-south. This brings dirtier water from the Sabine and the Mississippi Rivers, and “piles” a lot of flotsam down offshore around Mexico. This water also tends to push our sub-tropical species south; but that’s a topic for another day.

Then, we get a southerly flow and it pushes all that stuff up on the beach in this area. It’s a little early this season to get a south-to-north current, and my contacts in South Padre are worried because they’ve already gotten some Sargassum on the beaches down there. Personally, I don’t think we’ve completely switched the currents this early in the season yet; I’m betting we will still have a couple of strong fronts that will push back to the south, thus sparing us from the Sargassum this early in the season, although it’s not uncommon for us to get that stuff early.

Man oh man those things stingThe issue with this back-and-forth with the

currents at this point in the season is the vast amount of Portuguese Man’o Wars that it brings in. Despite their pretty purple color, these colonies of jellyfish are quite dangerous, even after they’ve washed up on the beach. The bell, or the float, is generally harmless; but the tentacles underneath are where the action is. Those purple tentacles are actually laden with nematocysts; these nematocysts are comprised of varying types of tiny “arrow” and threads. When the nematocysts come in contact with prey (or humans, the nematocysts also

function secondarily as defense) the cells “fire” the arrows and threads into the victim. There may be a thousand such nematocysts on each tentacle! These arrows contain a variety of toxins, all meant to quickly subdue their small fish prey. Unfortunately, when a person comes in contact with the jellyfish, it causes quite a painful sting.

Fry ‘em like an eggJellyfish can remain potent for days after

it washes ashore; its recommended to be very careful and not touch them. The sting (and toxins) can cause some folks to go into anaphylactic shock and potentially die. Most folks however, just feel the sting and it causes redness, swelling, and some short-term pain. If you’re quick about it, you can put meat tenderizer on the tentacles and help fry them like an egg (rendering them harmless). The life guards (if they’re around) may put a mixture of baking soda and peroxide on them, which does the same thing. The hardest thing to do is to NOT scrub the tentacles off with sand, which is the first reaction after getting stung. This makes it much worse, as you’re literally scrubbing the nematocysts into your skin and causing more damage!

Big drumAnyhoo, so be careful out there on the beach

folks. I’ve been a slacker myself; I”ve been chasing white bass up around Choke Canyon, and we’ve been doing OK. Ozzie and Kevin (Eager) have been doing really well on catching and releasing oversize black drum out in the ICWW. And if you’ve been wondering what all those folks are doing at the Causeway piers, they’ve been doing the same. Pieces of crab are historically the best bait. Jeff and Jake the Snake and I ran by them in the skiff the other day; and we even saw Kip and Maria in the inflatable enjoying the afternoon. Y’all go on out there and check it out. Say hello when you see us out there.

Big Shell Continued from A1

We got several responses but none that are definitive. It seems the exact origin of the mascot has been lost to time. We checked the Flour Bluff ISD website and learned that the FBISD World logo and the Hornet mascots are trademarks of Flour Bluff I.S.D. and that use of these logos is prohibited without permission from District Officials. So we do have that going for us.

While we don’t know who actually drew the mascot we can say with some certainty the Aircraft carrier Hornet was somehow involved. Why that carrier rather than any other was chosen can only be guessed at – except that the Flour Bluff Lexingtons has a strange ring to it.

We did get a note from reader Linda Reed who says we had a “major error” in our question: She says Greg Smith wasn’t a member of the first graduating class but rather a member of the first graduating class “from the new building.” We stand corrected.

We’ll keep looking for more details.

What is the origin of the Flour Bluff mascot?Our trivia question last time was based on a letter

we got from Islander Colleen McIntyre.

February 23, 2012 Island Moon A 5

Who Are the Moon Monkeys

Mike Ellis, Founder

Distribution

Pete Alsop

Island Delivery

Coldwell Banker

Advertising

Jan Park Rankin

Office

Lisa Towns

Classifieds

Arlene Ritley

Design/Layout

Jeff Craft

Contributing Writers

(In no particular order)

Devorah Fox

Mary Craft

Maybeth Christiansen

Dr. Tom Dorrell

Jay Gardner

Todd Hunter

Mike (Murph) Murphy

Ronnie Narmour

Dr. Donna Shaver

Photographers

Miles Merwin

Office Security/Spillage Control

Riley P. Dog

Editor/Publisher/Spillage Control Supervisor

Dale RankinAbout the Island Moon

The Island Moon is published every Wednesday, Dale Rankin, Editor.

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 15201 S P I D. Suite 250. For more information call 361-949-7700 or contact the Moon at 15201 S Padre Island Dr., Suite 250, Corpus Christi, TX 78418 or by e-mail to [email protected].

Letters to the EditorOld Trip

Dale,

To help save the economy, the Government will announce next month that the Immigration Department will start deporting seniors instead of undocumented aliens in order to lower Social Security and Medicare costs.

Older people are easier to catch and will not remember how to get back home.

I started to cry when I thought of you.

Then it dawned on me ... oh, man...

I’ll see you on the bus!

Blackie Pitzer

RunnersHello.

One of the things we enjoy the most on living on the island is it’s active people. Some advice-when running, walking pets, pushing strollers on the roadway-PLEASE go against traffic. Pedestrians are so much easier to see when you’re driving when they are facing you. What’s realy incredible (and scary) is the number of people texting down Whitecap as they’re pushing down the road, (another problem in and of itself). Being able to see these people with bad driving habits before they get too close to you could save your life. This goes into the for all its worth dept.

Paul Boisjolie

Island

Sail Around the WorldHi Dale,

My name is Chris Barrows and I have an article you might want to put in the moon about my intention to sail around the world this April. If you like the article, feel free to edit it as you see fit.

Chris Barrows will begin his adventure to sail around the world in his 30’ Bristol sailboat in April. While planning his trip, Chris has met others who have the same dream, and he would like to share how he is preparing for the journey and give monthly updates from abroad.

How to sail around the world in five easy steps;

1. Obtain a sailboat. Preferably a neglected but solid sailboat on the island that the owner wants to get rid of for $10. Bring the boat back to life with elbow grease, money, and TLC.All the renovating you do will teach you about the boat and how it goes together and what to fix if thing break. (and they will).

2. Learn to sail. Read some books and start getting your feet wet with experience. Find friends who know how to sail to go out with. Ask everyone you know if they want to go sailing and see if you can get people crazy enough to go on a boat with a beginning sailor. (Tow Boat USA is your best friend when you are first learning).

3. Plan Course. Read more books from people who have sailed around the world. Talk to people who have sailed to distant places and get advice. Pick which countries you want to visit. Get passport.

4. Stock up. Get lots of food that can last for a long time and give you needed nutrition for your journey.Nuts and canned stuff. Fill your cubbyholes with lots of water.

5. Go

There may be a little more to it but this is how Chris is preparing and he feels he will be ready to cross the Gulf and head to the Panama Canal in April. (no not an April fools joke). Chris figures he will run out of money somewhere around Australia. He will use his skills as a handyman to work and get to the next ports.

Chris is taking his boat out of the water to make some modifications and paint the bottom in March.

There will be a bon voyage party at the la Barataia restaurant in Port A at 7pm on March 16th.

If you would like to donate to Chris’ adventure to help keep him afloat, there will be a drop box at the island Mail and More.

Feel free to write Chris [email protected]

Thanks,

Chris

Trade SchoolEDITORIAL BOARD:

As a 12 year resident of Corpus Christi, The Caller Times, January 28,2012 front page Headlines: ‘’City Still Trails in Literacy Rankings’ is daunting given that Corpus Christi is listed second as the ‘Least Literate rate of cities listed’’. And that nearly 50,000 people in Nueces County cannot read. Equally disturbing, is that only about one person out of five in Texas are illiterate, and that Texas has the fourth – highest illiterate rate in the nation.

The demographic of Metro Corpus Christi and the region with high Hispanic population and demographics graduate rates for high schools and students with college degrees are not conducive or incentives for people and organizations seeking to relocate.

As Adjunct Professor (2002-2010) at two local community colleges, I experienced the skill level and performance of first year students. Nearly one-half of first year entering students fail to meet Reading and Mathematics skill level requirements.

South Texas because of its subtropical location, proximity to the ocean, abundance of outdoors recreation and sporting activities, small on the ocean city, are attributes people desire seeking to relocate find in the Coastal Bend Region of South Texas.

The deep water channel from the inner harbor of Corpus Christi to the ocean inlet at Ingleside, provides nearly 20 miles for existing and new organizations to locate plants and facilities suited for heavy industries. Deep water drilling for oil in the Gulf coupled with the land drilling or ‘’Fracking’’ in South Texas, the deep waterways of Corpus Christi provides an opportunity for economic development.

Metro Corpus Christi area (Nueces, Aransas, San Patricio counties) and the Coastal Bend Region has the potential for significant Economic Growth. The key to achieving significant Economic Growth is the availability of a skilled labor force required by heavy industry.

To meet the needs for a skilled labor Force, for existing and future organization along Corpus Christi deep waterways, Vision is for an Tri-County Industrial Trade Institution or school. The logical location for a Tri-county Industrial trade School is at the former Ingleside Navy Campus facility.

Frank Pimentel, Economic Development Forum

[email protected]

Artists Opportunity-New Logo Contest-Deadline

March 15thThe Art Center for the Islands has changed its name to

the Port Aransas Art Center. We require a new original design logo reflective of the island community and evidence of the center’s artistic contributions as a gallery and arts education center.

Anyone may enter as many designs as you wish. Stop by 323 N. Alister in Port A. or go to www.portaransasartcenter.org to download an Entry form. We Can’t wait to see all the exciting entries! For questions call 361-749-7334.

Adopt-A-Beach Cleanup Nets Three Tons of Trash

Cigarette butts, beer cans, dirty diapers and more — volunteers at Saturday’s Winter Beach Cleanup picked up more than three tons of trash from Coastal Bend beaches.

A total of 261 volunteers focused their efforts on Corpus Christi Beach at the Texas State Aquarium, Port Aransas beaches and at Padre Island National Seashore. The most trash, about 3,500 pounds worth, was picked up at Corpus Christi Beach. The cleanups at Padre Island National Seashore and Port Aransas found 1,375 pounds of trash and 1,250 pounds, respectively. Odd items found by the beachcombers included a dock line from a large ship and an old boot.

The Texas General Land Office Adopt-A-Beach Program is one of the most successful volunteer efforts in the nation. The Winter Cleanup is one of three all-volunteer seasonal cleanups coordinated by the Adopt-A-Beach Program.

As volunteers clean up beaches they record data to learn more about the causes of marine debris and to help mitigate pollution along Texas’ 367 miles of coastline. Since 1986, more than 423,000 volunteers have removed more than 8,100 tons of trash from the Texas coast. That’s enough to fill up a line of dump trucks 90 miles long.

Columbus Republic Ships Pinta and Nina to Land in

Corpus ChristiOn Friday, March 9th, the ‘Pinta’ and the ‘Nina,’

replicas of Columbus’ ships will open in Corpus Christi. The ships will be docked at the Corpus Christi Municipal Marina, 400 A North Shoreline Blvd., until their departure early Monday morning March 19th.

The ‘Nina’ was built completely by hand and without the use of power tools, Archaeology magazine called the ship “the most historically correct Columbus replica ever built.” The ‘Pinta’ was recently built in Brazil to accompany the ‘Nina’ on all of her travels. She is a larger version of the archetypal caravel. Historians consider the caravel the Space Shuttle of the fifteenth century.

Both ships will be touring together as a new and enhanced ‘sailing museum’ for the purpose of educating the public and school children on the ‘caravel,’ a Portuguese ship used by Columbus and many early explorers to discover the world.

While in port, the general public is invited to visit the ships for a walk aboard self-guided tour. The prices are $8.00 for adults, $7.00 for senior citizens and $6.00 for students 5 to 16. Children 4 and under are free. The ship will be open every day from 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. No reservations necessary.

Teachers or organizations wishing to schedule a 30 minute guided tour with a crew member should call 1-787-672-2152. Minimum of 15. $4.00 per person. No Maximum. Visit our website at www.thenina.com for additional information or email [email protected].

M.A.S.S. Ensemble to Perform in Corpus Christi

March 4“…it’s like being inside a giant cello” –

New York Times Live On Stage, Inc. and Corpus Christi Live!

announce that the M.A.S.S. Ensemble is continuing their 2011-2012 Concert Season.

Wonderfully original in scope and sound, M.A.S.S. (Music, Architecture, Sonic, Sculpture) will bring their combination of unique musical sculptures and installations with traditional instrumentation to the Performing Arts Center on the campus of Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi, TX on Sunday, March 4, 2012 at 5:00 pm. Ticket prices range from $12.00 to $55.00 each. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.corpuschristilive.com, or call 361-980-1949.

Internationally renowned, MASS (Music, Architecture, Sonic, Sculpture) has been fusing music with technology, sculpture, dance and aerial performance for more than a decade. Known for their one-of-a-kind, large-scale long-string and percussive instruments, MASS designs and builds an original site-specific installation for each engagement. One instrument, the Earth Harp, spans out from the stage and over the audience anywhere from 50 to 1,000 feet, depending on the venue.

The performer wears gloves with resin on the fingertips, and the strings are stroked rather than plucked or bowed. The sound quality of the instruments is astounding, and just one instrument is akin to a whole symphonic string section. MASS has performed at some of the world’s most prestigious institutions and festivals ranging from the Kennedy Center, Bumbershoot, The Chicago Field Museum, and many more.

Whooping Crane Festival Exceeds

Expectations16th Annual Whooping

Crane Festival February 23-26, 2012

Early registration has surpassed all expectations with a record number of birders flocking to Port Aransas for the annual Whooping Crane Festival February 23-26. On-site registration will open Thursday, Feb. 23 at 1:30 p.m. at the Port Aransas Civic Center located at 710 W. Ave A.

With overwhelming response to the online early registration, the festival has added an additional Whooping Crane Boat Tour on Thursday, Feb. 23 at 12:30 p.m. Since this trip leaves prior to the opening of registration, interested parties should contact the Chamber at 361-749-5919.

The festival welcomes avid and amateur birders alike, families interested in learning about birds, photographers, and anyone that loves all things nature related. There are still a few trips, tours, and workshops available, as well as many free activities for participants to enjoy. The four-day festival attracts hundreds of birding enthusiasts each year and features world-renowned speakers, and birding experts, exhibits, interactive workshops, a charming children’s art exhibit, and the free nature-related “Bird’s Nest” trade show. New this year is a butterfly tent and an expanded children’s corner. For information see www.portaransas.org or (800) 45-COAST.

Island Style Show“Fashions and Flip-Flops ... Island Style” the annual

style show presented by the Port Aransas Garden Club will be Thursday March 8 at the Port Aransas Civic Center located at the corner of Cut-Off Road and Avenue A. Doors for the runway show will open at 1:00 PM for shopping at the special boothtiques while enjoying wine & Hors d’oeurvres.

Shoppers may browse to their hearts’ content as they peruse potential purchases from many local merchants showing their new spring inventories.

At 2:30 PM., it’s SHOW TIME. There will be 11 participating shops—Antique Mermaid, Absolutely Everything/C&G Sisters, The Coastal Closet, CITA Resort, Fish Tales, Island Woman Boutique, Jo D’s ETC, RAGG Doll Boutique, Salt Grass, Fish on the Line and The Cypress Tree. Joy Morrow-Lucas will moderate. Tickets now on sale are $20.00 at all participating shops. Ticket sales are limited, for more information contact Suzanne at 361-749-3628.

All proceeds are used for PAGC landscaping projects throughout the city and scholarships for Port Aransas High School seniors.

A 6 Island Moon February 23, 2012

Patty brings a bright new smile to Michelle’s Salon. Patty, formerly of Sport Clips next to Lowes. Mention this ad and receive 25% off any chemical service and guys, you will receive a complimentary scalp massage on your first visit. If you are looking for a military cut or a super fade, Patty is your girl. As always, Walk-ins welcome

Schlitterbahn Continued from A1Planned Use Development which is designed for multi-use projects and can include anything except heavy industry and non-restaurant bars.

“My understanding is that the development was going to be done as PUDs,” said At-Large City Councilman David Loeb. “But when the plan came to the City Council for a vote it was as CR2.”

Loeb says that under CR2 huge shopping malls or high rise developments could be built in the future.

“We didn’t ask for CR2 zoning,” said project developer Paul Schexnailder. “We showed them our drawings and said ‘this is what we want to build’ and the city staff recommended CR2 zoning. We have told them what we want to build and it is not a giant shopping center or a bunch of high rise buildings. It is a Waterpark with nothing over sixty feet high and a

riverwalk with no high buildings anywhere near homes, and nothing within two hundred feet of any homes.”

A change from the CR2 zoning to PUD zoning would have to go back through the city’s approval process and could take several months – a potentially deal killing delay.

“I’m in favor of the Schlitterbahn project and everything that goes with it,” Loeb said. “I want to make sure what gets built is what we told people would get built.”

“We’ve told them what we’re going to build and they’ve told us CR2 zoning is the best way to do it,” Schexnailder said. “It was their idea and now they are saying they don’t like it.”

As of this writing talks between Loeb, city planners, and the project developers are scheduled before the crucial City Council vote on Tuesday.

The Wider ViewThese are the plans for the area which includes the waterpark, riverwalk development, and marina across SPID. The concept is to provide a central area including retail and residential as a centerpiece for other development. Note the lengthening of the channel

to connect with the bridge under SPID. Planned waterways are marked in blue.

Lake Padre

Riverwalk

SPIDW

hite

cap

Blv

d

New Canal

New Golf Holes

The map at top is the one submitted to the city for planning purposes several months ago. The two at right were presented by city staff to the City Council last week as

park of the zoning process. They highlight the areas where zoning changes are being requested.

Return to Progreso, Mexico, Discount

Malls in San MarcosMore Bus Trips From The

Island Planned

Two more bus trips from The Island are in the works in the next few weeks.

The first is a trip to the shopping outlet malls in San Marcos on Saturday, March 17 – the height of the Spring Break onslaught. The trip will be up and back in day to the outlet malls which have more than 250 stores in one location. It will also include booklets with discounts for most of the stores.

The second trip will be a week later on Saturday, March 24 and will be a return to Progreso, Mexico. It will be the second done by Beachside Adventures to the border town after a trip on Valentine’s Day.

Both trips are $50 and will be a roundtrip in a single day. To register e-mail to [email protected], go the beachsideadventures.com website to pay online, or call 361 589-9650, or stop by the Moon office.

Gratuitous Old Photos of the Week

Yes, that’s a real person, Port A Popeye. Photos courtesy of Marcy Mathews.jpg

February 23, 2012 Island Moon A 7

Scoopy’s VerandaSun - Sat 11am - 10pm

Carry-out Available!

13313 S. Padre Island Drive Corpus Christi, TX 78418

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

statewide. The study should include recommendations.

Review and make recommendations on the effectiveness of Disciplinary Alternative Education Programs (DAEPs) and Juvenile Justice Alternative Education Programs (JJAEPs) in reducing students’ involvement in further disciplinary infractions. Determine the appropriate role of disciplinary alternative placements in promoting education achievement and how technology could be used to supplement education services. Consider appropriate placements in DAEPs or JJAEPs and consistent funding models for those programs. Consider options for counties without a JJAEP or inefficiently few placements in a JJAEP. Identify positive behavioral models that promote a learning environment for teachers to appropriately instruct while addressing any behavioral issues and enforcing student discipline.

House Committee on Public Health - Examine the adequacy of the primary care workforce in Texas and assess the impact of an aging population, the passage of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, and state and federal funding reductions to graduate medical education and physician loan repayment programs. Study the potential impact of medical school innovations, new practice models, alternative reimbursement strategies, expanded roles for physician extenders, and greater utilization of telemedicine. Make recommendations to increase patient access to primary care and address geographic disparities.

Monitor implementation of the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, including any changes that may result from ongoing litigation or legislative modification or repeal. (Joint with the House Committee on Insurance)

Identify policies to alleviate food insecurity, increase access to healthy foods, and incent good nutrition within existing food assistance programs. Consider initiatives in Texas and other states to eliminate food deserts and grocery gaps, encourage urban agriculture and farmers’ markets, and increase participation in the Summer Food Program. Evaluate the desirability and feasibility of incorporating nutritional standards in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Monitor congressional activity on the 2012 Farm Bill and consider its impact on Texas. (Joint with the House Committee on Human Services)

If you have questions regarding any of the information mentioned in this article, please do not hesitate to call my Capitol or District Office. 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).

Legislative Update District 32

House Speaker Releases List of Potential Issues for Next Legislature

Speaker of the House Joe Straus has released a list of interim study charges for the standing committees of the Texas House of Representatives. These study charges and the resulting recommendations that will be developed during the interim could form the basis for legislation to be considered during the next legislative session. House committees were each given several issues to study. Committee hearings will be held over the course of the interim period (2012) giving the public an opportunity to testify on a variety of issues. At the end of the interim, each committee will submit a formal report to the Speaker of the Texas House with recommendations on possible legislation.

The following is a sampling of charges given to different House committees. If you would like a complete list of the study charges or if you would like more information about issues being studied by any particular committee, please don’t hesitate to call my Capitol office at 512-463-0672 or visit the Texas House of Representatives at www.house.state.tx.us.

Here are some examples of charges given to the standing House committees:

House Committee on Pensions, Investments & Financial Services - Review the impact of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act on Texas industries, with particular attention to any federal preemption issues that exist. Make appropriate legislative recommendations.

House Committee on Public Education - Monitor state and local implementation of the new state assessment system (STAAR), specifically the impact on students, instruction, teachers, and graduation or promotion rates. Review how districts are implementing the requirement that the end-of-course assessment count for 15 percent of the student’s course grade. Recommend any changes to graduation or testing requirements that promote instructional rigor and support postsecondary readiness while appropriately limiting an over reliance on standardized testing.

Evaluate the charter schools system in Texas. Examine success and failure stories in Texas and other states. Review the educational outcomes of students in charter schools compared to those in traditional schools. Identify any best practices and how those practices may be applied

18 Holes of

LibationsAmusements

Minature Golf

361 749- Taco (8226)2034 State Highway 361

One Bite & You’re

Hooked

Great Seafood

and Burgers

Open 11 am - 2 amKitchen Closes @ 1 am

All you can eat shrimp Wednesdays

are back!

Thursdays Prime Rib with Twice Baked Potato

Rep. Hunter represents Aransas, Calhoun, Nueces (Part) and San Patricio Counties. He can be contacted at [email protected].

tx.us or at 512-463-0672.

It’s Always Sunny on the IslandImperfections

By Sunny Reed

I’ve never been very crafty. I have a craft closet and a jumble of unfinished projects stacked in there. My hands seem huge and

uncoordinated when I try stuff and I get hot and want to throw things. I have tried not to give off the vibe that I stink at crafts just like I don’t say out loud, “ I hate math!” I wouldn’t want to put ideas in my sweet kids’ heads.

However, last week my daughters and I were making felt circles for a project and I decided to stop tracing and cut a few. As I grabbed the scissors and began cutting I noticed a look of horror shoot between my girls. I then realized , it’s no secret I can’t cut straight to save my life.

A couple of days later I ask my 4th grader if I could help her with the math she was obviously struggling over. “No thanks, Mom, I”ll just ask the teacher.”

“I’m a grown up. I can do fractions.” I retort.

“ I know Mom, it’s just when you help you take so long, and then you start sighing and putting your head in your hands.”

“And then I go to Google and get your answer with a video of instructions!”

“ Yeah, let’s just skip all that and I’ll get the answer tomorrow.”

So, no good at crafts, a lousy Math helper... What is a Mom to do? Do they realize how much I love to read to them? Do they know how lucky they are to have all these critters in and around this house?” Who knows? I know they love me and that has to be enough. In a few weeks I am going to attempt to make a hot air balloon with my daughter and if Magic Squares never go away I will re- watch that darn you tube explaining them until I can at least fake some understanding. There is power in the trying right?

Islanders Dan and Mandy got the VIP treatment when they recently traveled to Los Angeles to attend a taping of the Tonight Show with Jay Leno. Dan and Leno grew up in the same town in Massachusetts. They were a couple of decades apart and by the time Dan was mowing the yard of Leno’s father Leno had already left town.

But the connection remained and when Dan sent an e-mail to the Tonight Show asking about tickets he got a reply from Leno himself instructing him to go to the backdoor of the studio in LA so he wouldn’t have to stand in the line out front.

From the backdoor he was lead into a waiting room with about thirty other people who were then shown to their seats but Dan and Mandy

ended up in the Green Room with the wrestler turned actor The Rock who, along with Dan, attended the University of Miami.

When the show started they were seated in the second row and after the show invited to Leno’s office for some catching up.

Dan took along a copy of the Moon to take a Traveling Moon photo but one of Leno’s assistance put the kybosh on that because they weren’t sure if the content could cause Mr. Leno trouble. (Obviously they’ve read the Moon before).

So the Moon made it to the threshold of immortality but didn’t quite get there. Of course we’ve still got the photo of Governor Rick Perry with the Moon…if we can just find it.

Located in the Loma Alta Plaza 14254 SPID, Suite 109

949-4848

Offering Gourmet Take-Out Meals

Every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday Hours: 4:00 – 7:00 p.m.

Visit our website at www.AuntSissysKitchen.com For weekly menus

Full Service Catering Available

For Private Parties

Recipient of the People’s Choice Award

2011 Taste of the Island

Mike Becker with his pet Lemon who he got as a baby 17 years ago. She was named that because her

feet were misshaped. Photo by Mary Craft.

A 8 Island Moon February 23, 2012

South Texas Grassroots Band

Sundays 6:30-9:30

Pee Wee’s Animal Shelter

Peewee’s Animal Shelter is located at 1307 Saratoga and has been in operations since May, 1997. Peewee’s presently houses over 300 animals, including dogs, puppies, cats, kittens as well as, pigs, goats, rabbits and other barn animals.

Peewee’s relies on donations only for its operation. Shelter operations are accomplished strictly by donations. Peewee’s does not get

any government, city or federal funding. Peewee’s helps those animals no one else will - the sick and the stray. The volunteers at Peewee’s work tirelessly to

rehabilitate poor orphaned pets in the hopes that they will find new, loving homes. The dogs and cats are spayed/neutered, given regular heartworm preventative,

and are on flea & tick prevention and medications as needed. Peewee’s does not discriminate due to age or health conditions of the pet. Please visit Peewee’s Pet Adoption World & Sanctuary at 1307 Saratoga Road. You can call them at 361-888-4141 but they do not have staff to answer phones so please leave a message.

Port A HappeningsLifeguard/Water Safety Instructor

ClassesClasses are being offered at the Port Aransas

Community Pool for certification for lifeguards and water safety instructors. The two-day classes will be held Friday and Saturday, March 2 – 3. March 2: 6-10pm, March 3: 8am-4pm.

WANTED: Lifeguards (Ages 15 Plus) -Register today for American Red Cross Lifeguard Training at an aquatics facility near you. Learn lifesaving skills to help keep people safe in, on and around the water. Course length: approx. 30 – 37 hours

Water Safety Instructors (Ages 16 Plus)

Register today to become a certified American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor. Learn to teach children and adults to swim, and give community water safety presentations. Course length: approx. 30 hours

These jobs are in high demand! Plus, American Red Cross certification is recognized nationwide so you can work anywhere in the U.S.

Here’s your chance to build your résumé and show the world what you can do:

• Prepare for college and a career by developing leadership and communication skills

• Be a hero by learning lifesaving skills such as first aid and CPR

• Have fun and earn money at a job you love

The cost is $102 for complete course. Contact Bonney Mauer at 361-779-8388 to register.

We’re Having FunWe will be doing food at the next ‘We’re Having

Fun’ activity set for Tuesday, Feb. 28. Come make some great eats at Popcorn delight. Then we eat!

WHF are free fun and crafts, held every Tuesday in the Girl Scout hut, 739 W. Ave. A, in the Parks and Recreation building at 2 p.m. Materials provided.

March 6: Ice candles.

Brown Bag Lunch Lecture SeriesGerm warfare -- extinction of dinosaurs and mankind

is in the slate for Wednesday, Feb. 29. Chip Cooper will, in his opinion, explain his take that by our past history what is about to happen to mankind.

Cooper is the unofficial non-resident sand sculptor of Port A.

He has been here 38 years, and says Tony Amos calls him Mr. Nobody.

His education has been listening to his elders, street smarts and every documentary that comes his way.

When he picks a subject to sculpt, he learns everything about it. Hence, his knowledge.

Doors open at 11:30, with Marion Fersing entertaining on the piano.

This talk will be held in the Civic Center, 710 W. Ave. A and the free Parks and Recreation activity is open to everyone.

Bring lunch if you care to eat while listening to speakers present at 12 noon every Wednesday.

On March 7: Diana Harrington, Holistic & Alternative Wellness.

Pastime MatineeThe last Red Skelton Marathon (# 3) will be shown

on Thursday, March 1, at 3 p.m.

Join us for another afternoon of laughter with Red Skelton with a new set of shows.

It will be held in the City Council Chambers, 710 W. Ave. A, in the Civic Center/City Hall Complex. Go to the door closest to Cut Off Road.

Free admittance and free popcorn.

H.E.L.P. SeriesHere is another chance to tour the A&M AgriLife

Mariculture lab as part of the H.E.L.P. series activities.

The tour will be on Friday, March 2, and begin at 2 pm. Meet in the Civic Center parking lot at 1:50 pm, to carpool to the facility on Port Street.

This working lab develops and commercializes shrimp and sea urchin farming industries for Texas and the US; develops sea urchin feed and production technology for biomedical and ecotoxicological research; develops starfish feed and production for regeneration and stem cell production; and evaluates fishery processing, biofuel/biodiesel, and grain crops as nutritional replacements in shrimp feeds. FREE!

Space is limited, and pre-registration is required. Contact Pam at [email protected] or 749-4158 to reserve space.

This series on [health, ecology, lifestyle and preparation] is another Parks and Recreation activity.

* On Thursday, March 8, Peter Falus will speak on “Sailing Through the Ages”. FREE!

It will be held at the Community Center, 408 N. Alister, at 7pm. Falus is a retired architect who as a teenager spent a few years on a square-rigged sailing ship in the North Sea off Norway. He has raced sailboats on the open ocean, and has been involved all his life in reconstruction of traditional ships as a hobby.

As a skilled draftsman, Falus created drawings to show how the ‘Tina’ was put together for the Port Aransas Museum. The ‘Tina’ is a restored Farley boat. He currently is involved at the Museum annex, the Farley Boat Works, with a boat-building class.

Pool Changes Effective Friday, March 2, the Port Aransas

Community Pool will have new hours for Spring.

Located at 700 Clark Pkwy., off Ross Avenue, the phone is 361-749-2416.

Open Swim: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday: 1 - 2 pm, Friday and Saturday: 1-5 pm.

Lap Swim: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday: (shared time): 8:30 am - 2 pm, Friday: (shared time): 8:30 am - 5 pm, Saturday and Sunday: (lap swim only): 12 noon - 1 pm (shared time): 1 - 5 pm.

Water Exercise: Tuesday through Friday, 8:30 - 9:30 am, 9:30 - 10:30 am, 12 noon – 1 pm, $1.50 per class. Water exercise coupons available, 20 classes for $30.

Adult swim lessons available on request at pool office, 749-2416.

Daily fee: under 2-no charge, 2 – 18 years -- $1, 19-59 year -- $2, 60+ year -- $1.

Coupon books are available, and may be purchased at the swimming pool during operating hours.

Coupons for lap and open swim: Youth 2-18 yrs - $15 for 20 visits; Adults 19-59 yrs - $30 for 20 visits. Seniors 60 yrs + - $15 for 20 visits.

Children under 3 must wear swim diaper.

Weather Related Closing: It takes up to one hour to uncover or cover the pool with pool blankets. Staff check weather reports for morning predictions of wind / cold and decide to open accordingly. If afternoon winds are predicted, staff must also decide well in advance to set the blankets on the pool without injury to staff or damage to the blankets.

Please call the pool at 361-749-2416 to check pool status if there is a question on the weather.

P.A. Movie TimeA femme fatale headlines the next P.A. Movie Time

in “Catch the Heat” in the City Council Chambers, 710 W. Ave A..

Saturday, March 3, doors open at 6:30 p.m., with Marion Fersing entertaining on the piano as the free popcorn is popped. The free movie begins at 6:55 pm.

She’s smart, sexy and lethally dangerous. Get ready for a femme fatale whose looks are as deadly as her martial arts. Tiana Alexandra punches, kicks and shoots her way to the seedy underbelly of South America in this sizzling action-packed thriller.

First Friday for March

The Port Aransas Art Center, 323 N. Alister St. Port Aransas will host a First Friday reception from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. March 2nd -Free & Open to the public. 361-749-7334.

The event features on display-Annual All Member Show Art Exhibit. Member Artists compete for 1st,2nd & 3rd Place & this year’s Judge is well known area artist & instructor, Guy Morrow. Also from March 2nd thru 29th the Public can vote for 1 piece of art from this exhibit for “People’s Choice”. The winning artists are awarded a “Merit Show” in August 2012.

www.albrittonconstruction.comREFERENCES IN PADRE ISLAND, PORT

ARANSAS AND CORPUS CHRISTIACTIVE JOBS CAN BE VIEWED

REFERENCE LIST UPON REQUESTA

Member of Padre Island Business

Association

On Padre Island Homeowner Association General Contractors List

Preferred Contractor Texas Veterans Home Improvement

Association

ALBRITTON CONSTRUCTION361-480-3001

TOTAL REMODEL, RENOVATION, ADDITIONS, DECKS AND DOCKS

Fully insured with W/C and General Liability

FDR Visted Port A

Padre Island Lions Club will host a Spring Green Thumb fund raiser in conjunction with Gill's Nursery and Landscaping. The Lions Club will sell $20.00 gift cards

provided by Gills. Each card sold will provide $5.00 to the Lions Club to support Lion's Charities. These are cash cards and there is no expiration date for their

use. Get ready to beautify Padre Island and the surrounding area while supporting your local Lions Club.

Contact John or Ed to get yours today!!!

www.padre-lions.htsa1.com

John Cooper, President

Phone: 361-949-4979

[email protected]

Ed Puzig, Secretary

Phone: 361-949-1338

[email protected]

Spring Green Thumb Fund Raiser

An unfortunately placed price tag had Riley P Dog hiding behind the couch

February 23, 2012 Island Moon A 9

It’s Wahoo Wednesday’s at Scuttlebutt’s

www.scuttlebuttsbarandgrill.com14254 SPID 361-949-6769

Have it your way blackened, grilled and topped how you like it. Mmmmmm

Islanders can identify with Mark Twain’s famous quote, “If you don’t like the weather, wait a minute.”

This is especially true in our region in late winter when we can’t really determine what the meteorological landscape may look like next. February is known for being unpredictable with a mix of early spring weather invaded by arctic fronts. It can feel bone-chilling cold in the morning and by the afternoon, you’re wondering why you’re wearing long sleeves and blue jeans. My winter follow-up to Twain’s quote is, “Keep your shorts and sandals ready and you sweater nearby.” Despite occasional harsh days of rain, wind and cold though, we are generally blessed with consistently mild winters.

According to the National Weather Service, the record high for today was 88 degrees in 1917 and a low was 27 degrees in 1976. Neither is daunting and the high is balmy bordering on summertime weather. As of this writing, today’s predicted high should be 86 degrees and 68 degrees for the low—hard to complain about for February. We’ve had a few weather extremes in the past, of course. The record low occurred on February 11, 1899 with a temperature of 11 degrees. The city’s largest snowstorm occurred in December 2004 with 4.4 inches. This was an epic Christmas event but wasn’t our coldest event. Colder snaps that lasted longer did damage to the fish population and caused power outages including 1951, 1983 and 1989.

Even at its coldest though, we live in an enviable climate for those who loath winter weather. It’s why winter Texans escape here from northern states and why they sometimes never leave. According to the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association, there are about 1.2 million RV owners who make a trek out of their northern climates to warmer places. Of those, 35% arrive in Texas and many chose the coast from Port Aransas down to the Rio Grande Valley.

Winter Fishing & BoatingWinter can be a truly beautiful time of year

in South Texas. The sun is out and the air is crisp and clear. The canals are often alluringly green, just calling you to venture onto the water. Fishing and boating in fact can be great in our winter months but also require some planning. Days are still short and that bright warm sun at 2:00 p.m. on the south-facing patio can quickly hide behind the clouds or wane with the day, and the temperatures can drop dramatically. Add to that the cold water temperature and the wind, sometimes damp, and the let the shivering begin. Seasoned boaters and anglers go out all year and know what to expect. Those new to winter boating and fishing should come prepared—make short trips and bring layers of clothing. My husband John and I recently took some friends fishing for big drum that run in the winter and early spring. This is nothing new to

us and we came prepared with multiple layers. We caught two large drum and enjoyed the short afternoon trip but despite our layered clothing, our group was chilled enough to welcome a hot shower and a hot cup of coffee on return.

Winter Shelling

Shelling is also great in the winter especially following a high tide or cold front. Postpone breakfast though and get out early as this is no longer a secret. To avoid crowds on a lazy Sunday, take a trip south of Bob Hall Pier or even the National Seashore. Fewer people make the journey and the beautiful drive alone is worth the trip.

Common shells you might find include lightning whelks, pear whelks, shark’s eyes, lettered olives, scallops and if you’re lucky, scotch bonnets, sundials or sand dollars. Starfish wash up occasionally en masse during the winter and must be handled gently. Keep them flat in a bucket or the palm of your hand and place them on the floor board of the car when transporting. They will smell, so find a place in the sun to dry them. Even dried, they are fragile but mix well with dried sea grasses in arrangements or wreaths.

Warming UpWinter prep for many of us islanders means

simply turning off the air conditioner and putting on more clothes. I like using a blanket or throw on the sofa or outside on lounge chairs. Mexican blankets are attractive, warm and can cover two people. We rarely turn on the heater in the house. A fireplace is nice of course and a chimanea on the patio is handy for much of the year. They now sell these imported Mexican fire pots at many stores including HEB and

home improvement stores. They work and are decorative too. For a hot, comfort meal with no hassle, order soup from Dragonfly Restaurant on the island. They offer two great varieties you can get to go and heat up at home: tomato basil and chicken poblano.

Fall and winter generally arrive late in the Coastal Bend and spring and summer arrive early. Spring is just around the corner and promises windy, warm days and some cloudy skies with possible showers. But that is just a picture of our usual spring in Corpus Christi. Who knows, a few late fronts may blow through and change things dramatically. After all, as Twain said, “Climate is what we expect, weather is what we get.”

Hair Salon

949-0794www.theislandsedgehairsalon.com

Color Services starting at $65 Hair Cuts $25 with Color

RoniOwner / Stylist

Denice Stylist

Receive a complimentary gift certificate for a full service hair shaping / cut when you purchase $50 in AVEDA STYLING products. Certificate can be used by the purchaser or given as a gift!

New location 15033 S.P.I.D.

Satu

rday

, Feb

ruar

y 25

th 1

pm-7

pm

All Ages Welcome

Wiener Dog and Small Dog Races

Port Aransas, Texas

Food and Merchandise Vendors Welcome

$20 Donation to the Jody McCormick Scholarship Fund Call Ahead to Reserve Limited Spaces-ask for Victoria

2600 State Hwy 361 • Port Aransas • Texas • 78373

361.749.4254 • www.sharkeysbeachclub.com

LIVE MUSIC Todd Dorn

& the Sea Drifters

2-?pm / Outside / No Cover

Texas Music with a Beach Flair

Raffles All Day! Cajun Lotto Cake Walk

Silent Auction & Much More!

Back by Popular Demand !!!

Lemon Roll!

FUN! FUN! FUN!

Ebb and Flow- The Changing Face of the Island

Weathering Winter, Island StyleBy Melissa Maupin [email protected] Nails

Offering:s Pink & White Full Set

s Solar Nails s Nail Designs Gel Nails

s Acrylic Nails s Waxing

s Manicure s Deluxe Pedicure

361 949-1794Appt. or Walk-in Welcome

Next to Padre Pizzeria

Mon - Sat 9 a.m. - 7 p.m.Sunday 11 a.m - 5 p.m.

14493 S. Padre Island Dr., Unit BCorpus Christi, TX 78418

t Sanitary and Professional Nail Servicet Gift Certificates Are Available

Now offering Shellac Dries Faster, Lasts Longer

A 10 Island Moon February 23, 2012

Island CreatIons

Doing Everything a Home or Business Needs

960-0327Owned & Operated by

Island Residents David & Katherine PierceReferences Available Upon Request

Commercial & Residential

Insured Member, Padre Island Business Association

Member, Builders Association, Corpus Christi

RemodelingTotal Renovation & Remodels, Outdoor Kitchens & Spas, Additions, Kitchen & Bathroom Upgrades, Sunporches, Replacement of Windows and Doors, Roofing, Painting & Stucco

LandscapingDesign work, Yard Maintenance, Decks, Pergolas, Installation of Rock, Grass, Plants, Trees, Walkways, Paths, Tree Trimming, Container Planting, Vacant Lot Mowing & Shade Covers. All Kinds of Fencing, Pressure Washing & Deck Staining & Sealing

ConcreteDriveways, Patios, Sidewalks, Patio Overlays, Decorative Stamping & Staining, Decks, Bulkheads, Grouted Stone Walls & Patios, Decorative Stone Paver Driveways & Patios

Happy Hour Monday - Friday

3-7pm

Live Music, Never a Cover

Book your holiday party,

birthday or special event now!

In Ace Hardware Strip Center

1023 Hwy 361, Ste ApORT aRANSAS tx

361-749-joes

Matilda Blue CafeAustralian Teas, Christmas Gifts,

Design your own Gourmet Sandwiches

Fresh Croissants

Scones

Cookies (Can be made to order)

Fresh Farm Eggs

Located inside Mail N More

Open M-F 8-4, Sat 9-12

(703) 786-7255

Come in and enjoy a tea or breakfast lunch or coffee break. Dine-in or take-away, and you can always call ahead.

Isle Mail N MoreAll your Packaging needs

FedEx, UPS, USPSChristmas Gifts (361) 949-9325

14493 S.P.I.D, Ste ACorpus Christi TX 78418

MATIL

DA BLUE

COFFEE BAR

Isle Mail N MorePort A Mardi Gras Photos on A11

Barefoot Mardi Gras Parade 2012