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December 20, 2012Happy Holidays from the Island Moon Monkeysz Next Publication Date: 1/3/2012 Facebook: The Island Moon Newspaper Year 15, Issue 454

Around The IslandBy Dale Rankin editor@islandmoon.com If you are reading this after midnight on

Thursday then we have survived the End of Days as some believed the Mayan Calendar predicted it looks like we’ll be okay. As we said last time we don’t use a Mayan Calendar here at the Moon, we mostly use a Dog Calendar that someone gave us and it goes right on through 2013 so maybe we can relax.

Now we only have to worry about the End of the World predicted by those guys on last night television and they’ve cried Wolf so many times we ignore them without having to send them any money.

If the Weather Wonks got it right and you are in fact reading this after Thursday midnight then the wind should be blowing from the north and the temperatures should be dropping below the 85 degrees we’ve had for most of the third week of December when we had no rain, no clouds, no wind to speak of. What more could we ask for? If the Weather Wonks get that one right we’ll be playing chicken with a cold front that could bring some ice to our friends who live way OTB. So as the Holiday Season moves on be prepared to bring in your brass monkeys.

Things have been kind of slow on our Island this week. The big La Posada season is over and Islanders now seem to be getting ready for the Holiday Rush. It is likely to be a rather busy weekend since Christmas falls on a Tuesday this year it means a lot of people will take Monday off and head for The Island for the weekend and the holiday. Did you ever wonder how Santa finds those kids who are in their second home on the Coast for the holidays? Seems like they would have to send in some kind of Change of Chimney Address. It’s a real Yuletide Head Scratcher.

Power to The Island People!

We had another power outage last Friday morning. AEP says 2035 homes on The Island were without power after a bird – probably a pelican – flew into a line; that’s what they said folks. The first power went out at 6:30 a.m. and the last power came back on at 9:10 a.m. We have requested a list of all power outages in 2012 from AEP but as of this writing have not received them.

Our next issue will be on January 3 and will contain a new section for our Winter Texan friends who the coming Cold Front will blow this way. So get ready for the Belt Sander Racing Season, have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, and we’ll see you on the other side. Have a happy holiday ya’ll.

In the meantime say hello if you see us Around The Island.

Inside the Moon...

Felder Gallery A2 For the love of Art A6 Sports A14Snow! A9

Island Area News ● Events ● Entertainment

Photo by Dale Rankin

Don’t forget, the Island Moon will not publish a

regular weekly edition on Thursday, December 27th

so read this issue real slow. We will return on Thursday, January 3rd.

Island Man Found Trapping Coyotes

Eagle Ford Shale Update

Texas Oil Production Tops 1988 Levels

State Representative Hunter Says

Water, Windstorm, Education and

Gaming to Dominate Legislative Agenda

By Dale Rankin

State Representative Todd Hunter, who represents The Island in the Texas State Legislature, says water, windstorm insurance, education funding, and casino gaming will be the items for Islanders to watch in the session of the legislature which kicks off in January in Austin.

“There are going to be some people, mostly from North Texas, who are going to try to raise your windstorm insurance rates, or put limits on your coverage,” Hunter told the Kiwanis Club on Wednesday at their regular noon meeting at The Barrel.

“It is under control for now,” he told the crowd, “but don’t trust anyone except yourselves and be ready to let them hear from you when the time is right.”

He said the issue should come into clearer focus when House committee assignments are made and the committees seated in late January. A rally is scheduled for March 5 at a so-far unannounced location in Austin. We will supply full details as soon as we have them.

Also on the legislative agenda is legalized casino gambling in the state. Hunter said the issue likely won’t get to a House vote until an expected special session to deal with education funding. A pending court ruling is expected to place the State House clearly in the crosshairs to come up with new funding plan for public schools in the state and money – or lack thereof

A little Island history

Yes Boys and Girls – We Had a White Christmas on The Island

By Dale Rankin

Todd Hunter Continued on A5

By Dale Rankin

When Islander David Pierce patrols the privately owned land just south of Sea Pines he is used to seeing coyotes. The open acreage between the Kleberg County line and Padre Island National Seashore is open and abuts the southernmost neighborhoods on The Island and is home to substantial wildlife population with numerous deer and coyotes as well as other critters.

But earlier this week David got a surprise as he made regular patrol through the area. The coyotes he found were caught in leg traps.

“I never thought on my weekly patrols of the property I would find our own nature’s neighbor (the coyote) cruelly trapped by a spring loaded ankle trap and left to suffer until the trap setter would return at his convenience to score,” he said.

Pierce followed the ATV tracks he found around the trap sites to a house on Allamanda

and when Game Wardens arrived they spoke to the homeowner who showed them a total of eight traps he had been using to catch the coyotes since mid November.

Game Warden Saul Aguillar said while trapping coyotes is not illegal, doing it without the property owners permission is trespassing. The coyote pelts are bringing about $40 each these days and Aguillar said about twelve had been caught since the trapping began.

The two men who were operating the traps showed the wardens where the remaining traps were located and all have now been removed.

“Our biggest concern was that a lot of people walk through that property to go fishing at Night Hawk Bay and these traps are hidden,” Aguillar said. “It would be easy for someone to step in one of them and get seriously hurt.”

Pierce said since the land is privately owned permission is required before anyone can legally enter.

This guy was one of twelve coyotes caught in leg traps placed in the open area just south of Sea Pines.

We have so many people on The Island whose jobs depend on or are related to the Eagle Ford Shale play that we will provide periodic updates on activity there. The latest news is that the level of oil production in Texas this week passed the statewide levels from 1988, the last time oil production in Texas took off.

Texas has reversed 30 years of declining oil production. Texas production eclipsed 2 million barrels per day in September 2012 and has almost doubled from lows just a few years ago. U.S. production is up almost 62% over the same time period.

266 rigs

As of this week in the Eagle Ford Shale there are currently 266 rigs running. Atascosa County, with an increase of two rigs drilling, had the biggest change

of any county. There are nine rigs running in the county, but even that is down from the peak of 15 in September 2012. The natural gas rig count fell four rigs to 49.

La Salle County leads development with 39 rigs running. Karnes with 35 rigs, McMullen (28), Dimmit (22), Gonzales (22), Webb (22), DeWitt (19), Live Oak (13), Atascosa (9), Fayette (8) and Lavaca (8) round out the top Eagle Ford counties.

Eagle Ford crude priced at $97.75/bbl on the 6th of

December. Light crude and condensate in the area traded at $82.75 and $81.75, respectively.

Eagle Ford at night

Everyone who lived on The Island in 2004 remembers where they were when it happened. For some people it was a phone call followed by a look out the front window, for others it was the first flakes that tickled their nose, or started the dog barking. But everyone remembers where they saw the first snow on The Island on Christmas Eve 2004. It had been 86 years since The Island had a White Christmas; in 1918 one inch of snow fell on Christmas Day. But this was a two-day event that put turned The Island into a winter wonderland with three inches.

It started in a perfectly Dickensian way when snow first began falling on cue on Christmas Eve. Cell phones on The Island lit up as friends called each other to look outside. If any Island kids were able to sleep that night at all, they awoke the next morning to a beautiful blanket of three inches of white covering their Island.

Snow covered the Coastal Bend from Galveston, to Brownsville and as far inland as Goliad and Victoria. The snowfall got

Snow! Continued on A9 Moon Founder Mike Ellis

101 Reasons You Might Be An Islander… (or not)

Salty Sue and Island Mike have written a book entitled 101 Reasons You Might Be An Islander (or not). The illustrations are done by Wes Nyle and it is just in time for Christmas and may be the ultimate Island Stocking Stuffer. It is available at Isle Mail & More.

You know you’re an Islander when…

You must explain to your in-town friends that OTB translates into “Over The Bridge” which translates to a “Trip To The City” which translates into “Nobody Wants To Go.”

Your wardrobe includes yard flip flops, town flip flops, and wedding flip flops.

You ask your house guests what they

would like to drink and the choices are limited to beer and bottled water.

Your OTB friends think you live too far to come and visit, but you have plenty of out of town guests.

You don’t take a shower before you leave home, but you do take a shower before you come home

You know that South Padre Island Drive takes you to North Padre Island

A hurricane means Surf’s Up!

The kids are friends, the parents are friends, and everyone hangs out together

You’re still amazed that every time you drive over the bridge onto The Island your whole body relaxes

More Island Christmas Lights A2

Travel A11

Felder Gallery Hosts Opening

The Felder Gallery in Port Aransas had an opening last week. Larry Felder, who now lives in Central America,

was on hand. The show was put together by his son Robby who runs the Port A gallery. The new works will remain up through the New Year. That’s not a window

they are standing in front of, it’s one of Larry’s seascapes.

A 2 Island Moon December 20, 2012

Dec

25%OFF

DON’T BE A GRINCH!PETS NEED GROOMING

TOO!

MUST PRESENT

COUPON AT DROP-OFF

Private Aircraft Leasing & Management

•Fly from The Island or CC Intl •Perfect for Intrastate Business •All Destinations, Big or Small •3-4 Passenger Capacity Call 830-734-2346 for 2013 Lease Information

“Accomplish Your Texas Business. Get back to the Island for Dinner!”

Happy Holidays from Scuttlebutt’s Bar & Grill

We will be closed Dec, 24th, 25th and 26th to allow staff to enjoy

their families during the Holiday Season. Happy New Year!

North Padre Island TX

Seafood Bar & Grill

Seafood SteaksSushi & So Much More!

361-949-676914254 S.P.I.D

Located in the Loma Alta Plaza

The Island Lights Up for Christmas

First Community Bank had their annual Christmas party Last Wednesday

Fire Station #15, on Padre Island, received an appreciation gift from Padre Island Enrichment Club

December 20, 2012 Island Moon A 3

SkywatchA Daily Astrological Timing Guide for All Signs

Research & Analysis by Islander W. Lance Ferguson

Available online at www.skywatchastrology.com

Thursday, December 20. Caution lights. The Moon

enters fired up Aries early this morning and she meets “crazy legs” Uranus in the heavens at 10:34 am which is bound to prompt a few smoke bombs to go off in the fifth grade music room. A challenging Jupiter Pluto inconjunct is the big event in the Skywatch today. Exact at 9:36 pm, this minor aspect gets more respect due to Jupiter’s inconjunct to Saturn forming at the same time. Bottom line: stay out of court, stay under the speed limit, don’t force the issue and let others jump into the spotlight today. The best hour for calls appears as the Moon trines sweet Venus at 12:40 pm. Stress levels are bound to rise as the Moon squares Pluto at 6:51 pm in the face of the inconjunct which follows. Play it safe and cool Thursday night. As times change.

Friday, December 21. A change of seasons. The Sun enters Capricorn at 5:12 am and we celebrate the Winter Solstice and a change of seasons Friday morning. The Moon in Aries trines clever Mercury at 6:13 am and then sails out into quiet seas for the rest of the day and night. Meanwhile, Jupiter is lining up in an inconjunct with stingy Saturn—this marker won’t knock you off your horse but suggests a need for adjustments and/or maybe a detour or delay in your progress. The less you have planned the better. A quiet but very welcome Sun Neptune sextile lights up the evening skies and is exact just after midnight. Neptune loves art, music, dance and brings the Spirit we really need over this holiday period—you can find it tonight if you try.

THE WEEKEND: Keep your boat docked Saturday morning. Caution lights are up. The Moon squares impatient Mars at 6:57 am and then turns Void of Course until she enters Taurus at 12:25 pm. Moreover, Jupiter makes a 150-degree-angle with Saturn, an inconjunct, at 9:02 am Saturday morning inviting accidents, bad decisions and general annoyances around your home or office. Some help arrives in the afternoon hours as the Moon sextiles Neptune at 2:07 pm and then trines the Sun at 3:19 pm—this pair is upbeat and kicks the green lights back on. Enough? Too much? Hedonistic Venus lines up opposite extravagant Jupiter at 9:50 pm Saturday night. The choice is yours to make, as always. The stars impel, they don’t compel. (But my freezer will be stocked with ice cream drumsticks that night.)

Sunday’s Skywatch is quiet. The Moon in peaceful Taurus opposes serious Saturn at 6:13 am and trines Pluto twenty minutes later Sunday morning. Snore. You’ll probably sleep through them. There are no other exact aspects in the Skywatch on Sunday. Green lights are up. This is a very good day to shop—Taurus has an eye for value and quality. More drumsticks, too, as the Bulls do like something sweet and rich.

Monday, December 24. The second part of the Yod formation in the sky now becomes exact this week. As Saturn and Pluto form a positive union in a sextile and create the top part of the “Y”. Even better they are in each others’ signs—a condition called Mutual Reception in astrology. This sharing of energy makes this sextile particularly powerful. This is not a flashy aspect and it’s been cooking for a few months. This is the second pass and there will be another one next year. This creates a wonderful window of opportunity for you to heal an important element in your life; this is also a very good time to pay some dues that will pay off in the future. The inconjuncts from Jupiter to this pair only ask that you keep plans within reason and don’t try to break the bank in your first poker game. This is why Yod formations generally bring positive results once we accept some limitations and take advantage of an opportunity that comes along at the same time. Green lights are up on Monday as the Moon travels through trustworthy Taurus in peace and quiet. The one exact marker in the Skywatch shows up at midnight when the Moon trines Mars and Santa loads up his sleigh…

Tuesday, December 25. Merry Christmas. The Moon slides into Gemini early this morning and squares dreamy Neptune at 3:04  am which hopefully you will sleep through. Astrological skies clear past that moment. Expect smiles around the breakfast table as Luna sextiles friendly Uranus at 10:45  am. Even better, the Moon travels on to meet lucky Jupiter at 6:18  pm and spirits will be high. However, the main event in the Skywatch is the Sun making a challenging square to Uranus at 7:32  pm. Problems with electrical devices, crazy uncles or neighbors acting out, surprising calls and reactions—Uranus is unpredictable—something unusual is certain to appear on Christmas Day. And it could be a pleasant surprise as well because astrological skies clear quickly past the square and a positive Saturn Pluto sextile is the next main event—and it’s a blessing for all of us. As times change.

Wednesday, December 26. Surf’s up. The Moon opposes Venus at 3:09  am and then

sails out into calm seas for the rest of the day and night. Green lights are flashing. Saturn in Scorpio forms an exact 60-degree angle to Pluto in Capricorn at 6:48 and we link up responsible action (Saturn) with the power to heal and improve a situation (Pluto). Nothing in the Skywatch will push you into making changes in your life, but if you have been waiting for a good opportunity to do something different, the time has come. And this marker will stay around through next March, so you have time to plan and set up something significant that has long-term benefits, something that is good for your development in the months ahead.

If your birthday is this week (Dec 23–29), this powerful Yod formation that is in the Skywatch now becomes the central theme in your new Solar Return, Capricorn. I hope you’ve been reading along as the message is the same: control spending and expectations, be realistic, seize an opportunity to heal an element in your life and be patient. This is a winning hand and you’ll make big-time progress taking this line of action, Capricorn. The big square in this new SR is Uranus in Aries lined up in a square to your Sun. You can be the agent of change or the victim of it—things cannot continue on the same path. Most helpful this year is Venus and Mercury in optimistic Sagittarius in your SR encouraging you to travel, get more education or experience, settle legal battles and to be lucky in love—reach out. As times change.

Thursday, December 27. Stick to routine. The Moon turns Void of Course early this morning until she enters home sign Cancer at 2:06 pm. Hold off on making important decisions and purchases while the Moon is V/C. Green lights for work or play come on once the Moon changes signs and the Skywatch clears. The kiss of the day encourages you to listen to your intuition and vibes as Luna trines/harmonizes with psychic Neptune at 4:04  pm Thursday afternoon. A Full Moon will be perched in the heavens this evening. And this one squares rebellious Uranus at 11:34 pm Thursday night. Caution lights kick on with this square as the Moon then becomes Full at 4:21  am Friday Morning. The coyotes will be howling on the south Texas coast and you’ll hear sirens in the city tonight—the lunatics will be out. As times change.

Friday, December 28. Emotionally charged. Caution lights. A Full Moon in sensitive Cancer at 4:21  am lines up exactly opposite demanding Pluto and in trine to realistic Saturn, both exact together at 8:43 am Friday morning. The Moon then turns Void of Course until early Sunday morning! This is one of the longest V/C cycles I’ve ever seen. Stick to routine while the Moon is V/C keep it simple Friday night.

THE WEEKEND: The Moon is Void of Course in moody Cancer all day and night on Saturday. Your astrologer suggests you retreat from the material world and enjoy the artistic, spiritual and charitable activities you prefer. Hold off on spending money or signing papers for a new house on Saturday as the outcome is not guaranteed to be what you expect or even need. Stay up late and you’ll feel an energy boost as the Moon enters roaring Leo at 1:45 am early Sunday morning ending a long V/C cycle.

There’s an explosion of energy in the Skywatch Sunday morning. The Sun meets intense Pluto at 7:37  am and then sextiles Saturn at 11:45 am. Patience is the key here. And heads up. Because the Moon opposes impatient Mars at 8:47  am and then quickly trines Uranus at 11  am. This is more than I can translate but the upside of it all could be fabulous—Pluto can be a tremendous healing force and Saturn is realistic and dependable. Another good aspect, Moon sextile agreeable Jupiter, follows at 5:07 pm Sunday afternoon. The only quack in the heavens shows up at 8:14  pm when the Moon squares grumpy Saturn. (Ok, I’ll take out the garbage.) Clear skies follow. As times change.

Monday, December 31. Tackle the hard jobs first thing. We’ve got a superb line-up of markers in the heavens today. The main event is Mars lined up in a harmonious sextile to “The Awakener” Uranus. This aspect rewards your ability to put your original ideas into action—winners today will think outside the box. Exact at 8:32 pm, this aspect is in power all day and night and suggests a good time to shock somebody in a nice way. Because the Moon trines/kisses sweet Venus at 3:52  pm, you are bound to get approval for your wishes at this hour. The Moon turns Void of Course a minute later until tomorrow morning which doesn’t really matter to New Year’s Eve celebrations as the Moon is in party sign Leo and the Skywatch is calm. Notable: Mercury enters Winter sign Capricorn today and I suspect a blizzard is indicated on the weather maps some place up north—it’s time.

LOOKING AHEAD: High energy. Green lights. The new year kicks off with every planet in direct motion save for Jupiter who stations in Jan and stops his Retrograde cycle on Jan 30. All planets in direct motion tend to speed up the pace of events and give us more energy. So this is a very good month to put new plans into action and to work on top priority concerns.

All your Packaging needsFedEx, UPS, USPS

P.O. BoxesLocal Artistry

Gelato & CoffeesCards & Gifts (361) 949-9325

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

Isle Mail N More

W i l l i a m a. T h a u i i i , P.C .“Former U.S. Navy Lawyer”

l Divorce and Separation l Auto Accidentsl Child Custody and Support l Personal Injuryl Adoption/Guardianship l DWIl Paternity Cases l Criminal Justicel Wills and Probate l Military Law

ConvenienT Flour BluFF loCaTion

9708 S.P.I.D., Suite A-101 s CorPus ChrisTi

(361) 937-5513 s Toll Free 1-877-888-1369Licensed by the Supreme Court of Texas

Former President of the Corpus Christi Family Law Association (1999-2000)Selected as a Texas “Super Lawyer” in November 2003, October 2004 and October 2005 Issues of Texas Monthly

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.

Peewee's Animal Shelter

Member Padre Island

Business Association

Member Padre Island Rotary Club

Legislative UpdateTodd Hunter, District 32

‘Tis The Season For GivingThe Holiday Season is here and many of

us are looking forward to a Christmas and holiday season spent with family and friends. Unfortunately, there are many in our community who will not be so blessed as to be surrounded by loved ones, gifts and the simple pleasures that make Christmas and the holidays so special. This year we should focus on being charitable and helping those who are less fortunate and in need. Over the next two weeks, I will use this column to point out different ways in which you can make this Christmas and holiday season a little brighter for those who need it the most.

Toys for Tots

The “Toys for Tots” Program has been a mission of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve since it first began in 1947. The program collects new, unwrapped toys during October, November and December each year, and distributes those toys as Christmas gifts to disadvantaged children in the community. In its first year, founder Major Bill Hendricks, USCR and a group of Marine Reservists in Los Angeles collected and distributed 5,000 toys to children. Over the past 65 years, the U. S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program has distributed well over 452 million toys to more than 209 million needy children. Many of those toys have been distributed in our Coastal Bend region.

In the Coastal Bend region boat parades are used as part of the Toys for Tots campaign. The lighted boats in the parades are accompanied by “pick-up” boats with Marines on board that stop along the route at boat docks and collect toys. Our area ranks as one of the top areas in the country in the amount of toys collected every year. It is important to note that there are more than 50 drop-off locations for unwrapped toys located throughout the Coastal Bend. For more information on how and where to make a donation, please visit www.toysfortots.org.

Texas Department of Family and Protective

Services (DFPS)

Many of our state’s most vulnerable citizens are currently under the care of the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS). The agency has a broad charge which in part includes protecting children as well as adults who are elderly or have disabilities that are living at home or in state facilities. There are approximately 249 offices across the state with roughly 6,800 DFPS employees assisting Texas citizens in need.

It is important to remember that many of the citizens being served by DFPS are children in foster care. These are children in need of a loving home, but many are also in need of something much simpler this Christmas and holiday season -- the joy that comes with the receipt of a thoughtful gift.

DFPS has partners across the state called Rainbow Rooms, who accept donations on behalf of the children and families with whom they service. These donations can be items such as toys and even basic essentials. It is important to remember that toy donations should be new and unwrapped. If you are unable to find a Rainbow Room near you these items can also be taken to the DFPS local offices. There are several offices located in the counties that make up House District 32. You can find out more about how you can help as well as locate the nearest DFPS office by visiting the agency’s Web site at www.dfps.state.tx.us.

If you have questions regarding the giving opportunities 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).

A 4 Island Moon December 20, 2012

1726 State Hwy 361 In the Tower Center Port Aransas Closed Tuesdays 749-1828

Feliz NavidadFeliz Año Nuevo!

Closed

Christmas Day

&

New Year’s Day

All Christmas

Items 30% Off

Chilla’s Gift ShopMerry Christmas!

Big End of Year Sale Begins December 20, 2012

20-40% Off Talavera, Leather Purses & Wallets, Metal Art

2119 Hwy 361 + Port Aransas + 361-749-2653

Serving Coffee, Tea, Hot Cocoa, and Lattes

14457 S. Padre Island Dr. Ste. 107

Corpus Christi, TX 78418

N. Padre Island

Come check out our new shop and recieve

%10 Off!

361-949-1144 www.sweetswirlfrozenyogurt.com

Two Sisters VintageVintage furniture, home decor and unique gifts

14457 SPID Suite 111 + 361-949-4644

Monday 10-6

Closed Tuesday

Wednesday thru

Saturday 10-6

Sunday 12-6

Open every day 11am-8pm

Coupon not valid for alcoholExpires 2-28-2013

10% off any purchase

Dine in or carry-outCatering Big & Small

Come Shop The SToreS AT pAdre STATion14457 S. Padre Island Drive

Serving a wide variety of donuts, croissants, pigs in a blanket. Also serving fresh hot coffee,

teas and juices.

We will be closed December 24th through January 2nd. Happy Holidays!

The Donut PalaceBring in this coupon and get

One Dozen Free Donut Holes

with the purchase of a dozen donuts

Holiday Shopping Guide

December 20, 2012 Island Moon A 5

Moon MonkeysMike Ellis, Founder

Distribution

Pete Alsop

Island Delivery

Coldwell Banker

Advertising

Jan Park Rankin

Raeanne Reed

Office

Lisa Towns

Classifieds

Arlene Ritley

Design/Layout

Jeff Craft

Contributing Writers

Joey Farah

Devorah Fox

Mary Craft

Maybeth Christiansen

Jay Gardner

Todd Hunter

Danniece Bobeché

Ronnie Narmour

Daphne Fine

Dr. Donna Shaver

Photographers

Miles Merwin

Jeff Dolan

Mary Craft

Office Security/Spillage Control

Riley P. Dog

Editor/Publisher/Spillage Control Supervisor

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

15201 S. Padre Island Drive, Suite 250

Corpus Christi, TX 78418

361-949-7700

editor@islandmoon.com

Facebook: The Island Moon Newspaper

Port Aransas

All Stripes Stores

(Except the one next to the VFW where they throw them

away)

Sandpiper Condos

Port Royal Condos

Lisabellas Restaurant

Pioneer RV Park

Snappy’s Convenient Store

Kody’s Restaurant

Beach Lodge

Amano’s

Miss K’s Catering & Bistro

Felder Gallery

Island Woman Boutique

Neptune’s Retreat

Stripes (361 & IA)

Moby Dick’s Restaurant

IGA Food Store

Carter Pharmacy

San Juan’s Restaurant

Wash Board Washateria

Port A Parks and Rec

Port Chamber of Commerce

Duckworth’s Antiques

Woody’s Sports Center

Port A Outfitters

Back Porch Bar

The Flats Lounge

Stripes (Cotter & Station)

Where to Find The Island Moon

Gratitude Boutique

The Gaff Bar

Port A Glass Studio

The Wild Horse Bar & Grill

The Tarpon Ice House

North Padre

All Stripes Stores

CVS

Whataburger

Doc’s Restaurant

Snoopy’s Pier

Isle Mail N More

Island Italian

Ace Hardware

Holiday Inn

Texas Star (Shell)

Jesse’s Liquor

Padre Isles Country Club

Scuttlebutt’s Restaurant

Subway

Island Tire

And all Moon retail advertisers

Flour BluffH.E.B.Liquid Town

Whataburger on Waldron

Ethyl Everly Senior Center

Fire Station

Police Station

Stripes on Flour Bluff & SPID

Floyd’s

                                   

                                          Michelle Matthews   

 

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Letters to the Editor– will be the focus. It was similar court-driven education funding reform that brought about the state lottery when Ann Richards was governor.

Hunter said the most likely scenario appears to be for the legislature to approve a bill that would throw casino gaming to a county by county vote in the 15 or so counties in which the state bill would allow a local option for gaming.

“I will make sure that Nueces is one of those counties,” Hunter told the group. “I’m not a gambler but I believe that Texans should have the right to vote on casinos.”

If that scenario plays out, then voters in Nueces County would decide if they want casinos and if so, where to located them. A group of casino owners last week bought controlling interest in Retama Park, the horse racing park in San Antonio, from the family of House Speaker Joe Strauss. Another group is considering buying Manor Downs near Austin in anticipation of some sort of gaming bill coming out of the legislature.

“I think gaming will be seriously looked at in this session,” Hunter said. “You may even see some commercials during the upcoming (college football) bowl games.”

Hunter said other gaming interests have been looking at land between North Padre Island and Port Aransas on the back side of The Island as potential sites. Another option for the legislature may be to legalize card games – poker and bridge – and allow the state to take a portion of the handle.

Hunter said opposition to gaming will likely come from North Texas where gaming interests associated with the burgeoning casino industry in Oklahoma will bring pressure to defeat gaming in Texas.

He said water rights in the state will also get attention from legislators and the growing area from Uvalde to San Antonio and north to Austin looks to secure long term water sources. He said plans for desalination plants along the coast may also draw attention.

Todd Hunter cont. from A1

Obituary

Islander Bill Bodrug Passes Away

Bill Bodrug, an Island resident since 2003, passed away very suddenly November 28, 2012 while enroute home from a Thanksgiving visit with his family in San Diego, CA. He served on the Padre Island Property Owner Association Board for six years, assuming and enjoying several different positions.

He loved his daily walks on the beach but some of his happiest memories were the three years he helped with the Ridley Turtle Preservation Project, riding his ATV south from Malaquite Beach to Marker 20. He leaves behind his wife, Marilyn Bremser, three children and eight grandchildren.

Farmer’s MarketDale

At last the farmers have some crops to sell! Island Presbyterian Church is making their parking lot available for our farmers at no charge. Just had a call from a farmer who sells produce and eggs. He and another vendor will initially begin selling the second and fourth Sat. mornings. First market will be Jan. 12 at 9 a.m. We are eager to find other produce vendors, so any leads are appreciated.

Can we get some press in the Moon? We will get listed in the Caller Times, but would think the Moon might catch more Islanders.

Thanks all for your patience! Our hot dry summers sometimes work against us...

Kae Berry

Rotary to honor Delmagene Storm

Moon,

Padre Island Rotary Club is honoring Delmagene Storm for her work with the FBISD Interact Club. Interact is Rotary at the high school level. Padre Island Rotary is the sponsor of this club which has over 100 members and is active in the community. Delmagene’s guidance and enthusiasm has helped this club continue to grow each year.

Thursday, Dec.20 at 7:45 am, (after this issue of the Moon went to press) Padre Island Rotary with the help of the Interact club will surprised Ms. Storm and presented her with the Paul Harris award honoring her accomplishments.

Thanks in advance. Kae Berry

Editor’s note: We will try to run a photo of the event in the next issue.

School ShootingEditor’s note: Jonathan Wood is an Islander

who does birds exhibits all over the world. He wrote us this note this week about the school in Connecticut where the school shooting took place last week.

Dale,

Just wanted to give you a heads up, I am very familiar with this school, visited numerous times with my bird programs- They were terrific there- even deciding to change their school mascot from a dolphin to a raptor after my first visit ( they had a school contest for this)- I’m numb over this-

Best- Jonathan Wood

Trash CansI just have to say, Dale’s ‘trash can dilemma’

article is the funniest thing I’ve read in a long time. Thanks for the laugh Dale! Good luck disposing of the things!

Ann Vanderpool

Water ShortageDear Dale,

First of all, we are avid Moon readers, and enjoy the paper very much. We had an observation this week that I thought I would share with you and ask about. We have read in the papers and seen on the news where the reservoir is dangerously low (39%?) and water conservation is the word of the day. I try to run the dishwasher only when it is absolutely packed full, I do full loads of laundry and don’t water the plants very often. So why is it that when we drove by the Sonic the other day, they were washing their parking lot? We drove by and pulled in to Whataburger for breakfast. They, too, were washing their parking lot! We ate, and left the restaurant. The guy was still spraying the parking lot. We couldn’t take it anymore, and had to ask him, “Isn’t there a water crisis? Why are you spraying the parking lot?” He stopped for a moment and said, “It’s ok until 10:00.” What? The water crisis begins at 10:00?! Who knew? It must be the same crisis situation at the bank by Wal Mart. They water their yard on a sprinkler system, and one of their sprinkler systems is positioned to hit Flour Bluff Drive. Maybe it’s in need of cleaning, too.

Anyway, just as Virginia wrote to the New York Sun believing that if it is printed in the paper, it must be so, I am asking The Island Moon, is there a water crisis? And would somebody please let Sonic, Whataburger, and First National Bank know about it?

Thank you!

Sue Spivey

Island resident

New Year at the Rialto

Shine your boots (& those sequins!) and come celebrate the Rialto’s 75th year beginning at 7:00 p.m. on December 31st at the Aransas Pass Civic Center.

Ring in the New Year with a scrumptious dinner by Callie’s Cajun and fabulous music by our special headliner, John Arthur Martinez! You know jam - he took “Nashville Star” 2nd place, TMA’s Record of the Year, appeared on the Grand Ole Opry, and he’s fresh off his European tour. The price for all of the festivities is $40 a person, $75 per couple, and premier tables of eight start at $500. Tickets can be purchased at http://rialtotheater.tix.com.

A cash bar will be available to add to the fun.

Moon Mystery Person of Last WeekWe had a lot of guessers but no winners

in last issue’s Mystery Person of the Week.

The correct answer is Islander Danniece Bobeche who has lived on The Island for a long time and is a nurse practitioner by day (OTB) and an Islander at night.

If you have on old photo of a fellow Islander send it along and you or your friend too could be Moon Mystery Person of the Week; and we ask you friends, what could be more better than that?

Read the Moon on FacebookThe Island Moon Newspaper

DiAnne James says goodbye to her long-time home between Doc’s and Snoopy’s.

She’s headed for her new digs near Anchor Resort.

Surfs up

A 6 Island Moon December 20, 2012

Stuff I Heard on the Islandby Dale Rankin

This issue marks the end of the first year of weekly publication for The Island Moon. For the first sixteen years

we were a fortnightly and that seemed to work okay until The Island kind of outgrew that schedule.

There are now just over 9000 souls living fulltime on our Island and that doesn’t count the regular weekenders and Winter Texans who turn up during their annual cycles.

But in the twelve-plus years I’ve lived on The Island - off and on - I’ve noticed a few things have disappeared. Not really big things, but just some old familiar things that just sort of stopped coming around or maybe just found somewhere else to go besides The Island.

Some will be missed, some won’t.

Fire ants

In the latter category, fire ants. I don’t remember the last time I saw any fire ants on The Island and I certainly don’t miss them. Urban legend has it that fire ants entered the United States on bananas that came into port in Mobile, Alabama. It didn’t take them long to start stinging the bare feet of Islanders but somewhere along the way – pow, bang – they disappeared. Good riddance.

Jack rabbits

Jack Rabbits. When’s the last time you saw a jack rabbit on The Island? Our coyote population seems to have winnowed down the rabbit population or at least run them OTB. I’ve never actually seen a jack rabbit walking OTB but they went somewhere.

Rockport Ropers

White Shrimper Boots. It wasn’t that long ago that this was the footwear of choice for a good many Islanders, whether they were actually shrimpers or not. Known colloquially as Rockport Ropers, these practical yet also cringe inducing boots were appropriate for most any Island occasion from fish cleaning to church. I still keep a pair of them which I wear to formal Island occasions like beach fires and Christmas parties but I must say the trend has not really caught on. I’ve done my part but so far Rockport Ropers have found little sartorial traction and that’s too bad because Lord knows that when Island tales start flying you’re going to need some wading boots. And it is a day well spent to stand in your backyard in the sweltering summer heat with a garden hose running cool water into your Rockport Ropers. It’s an experience that must be lived to be appreciated.

Crocs

Which leads us to the next Island dinosaur – Crocs. You know those plastic shoes with the holes in them that let water run out. They look like shoes that aren’t finished yet and a few years back they were all the rage and pushed Rockport Ropers right off the Best Dressed List. But now you hardly see anyone wearing them outside of nurses at hospitals where for some reason they seem to be wildly popular. I still see Doug Hooker wearing his Crocs from time to time but Doug and Lighthouse Rick in Port A are kind of the last holdouts there. My own pair turned into great chew toys for a puppy we babysat a while back and I must say I don’t miss them much.

Stray cats

Stray cats. We used to have a lot of stray cats around The Island but now we hardly have any. Not sure why; and we really don’t need any stray cats and maybe all the cats have found a home and that’s a good thing. I’m going with that. I’m not going to associate the lack of cats with a burgeoning coyote population…I’m just not.

Horny toads

Horny toads. There are those who will tell you that the Texas Horned Toad disappeared when the fire ants arrived. I can’t say. I just know that when I was a kid around here horny toads were ubiquitous and now there are none. Sort of like conservative Democrats except I’m pretty sure it wasn’t the fire ants that got them.

2 Seas

2 Seas. Islanders who have been around for a few years wax nostalgic when the subject of the revered old watering hole comes up. It was located in the building just behind the Padre Burger Company where the boat yard now lives. Mo and Irma ran the place for years and it was a good place to eat and greet.

They sold it to some dude from Kansas or someplace who dumped his 401K into it and put kayaks all over the walls and ripped out the carpet which had been in there since Truman was President and turned the lights way up to the point that you could see everybody in the place. In general he ruined the place. He shoved the shuffleboard tables against the wall so the Tuesday night Shuffleboard League couldn’t play there anymore and the tables migrated to the Pelican along with the league which still plays there every Tuesday night.

It wasn’t the first or the last time that some flatlander showed up with his/her retirement funds and thought it would be a great idea to have “a little bar on the beach” and commence to sink their life savings into an ill conceived business only to have to return to the flatlands and go back to work a year later.

2 Seas was the exception. Mo didn’t’ worry about formalities. He served a good square hamburger and would let you run a tab for a week while you waited for your unemployment check or the royalty check from your oil well to come in. Now that’s an Island watering hole friends.

Then there are things that fall into the category of How Can We Miss You When You Won’t Go Away? What we do have these days is more deer than we used to, and an increasing wild hog population. I’ve seen two groups of them crossing SH 361 on my way to Port Aransas in the past few months, the first time I’ve ever seen them here. They were big healthy looking fellows too, and I must say a little scary.

We also have a steady crop of Naked Men on Kleberg Beach. The warm weather of last week has brought them out in fair numbers to work on their Reverse Lobster Tans down Kleberg way. They are running scared these days though and most hide in their cars when they see a civilian coming down the beach. But they’re there.

I’ve also noticed a proliferation of new Island residents who like to begin their sentences with, “Well, when I lived in (insert Florida, California, or a cold weather state here) the way we did it was,” and then go on to explain how The Island “should” do it the same way. I usually let them finish before asking, “Well, if you liked it in (their home state) so much why did you leave and come here?”

I find this usually leads to a changing of the subject and I’m okay with that.

Red light reckoning

One another subject, several of you have asked me about my fight with a red light camera which claims to have caught me busting a light on Ocean Drive. I went to the Municipal Court last week and filed my appeal, the first red light camera ticket ever appealed to an august body I am told. They made me pay them $50 to make sure I show up for a hearing and go across the street and get my promise to appear notarized. .

I told them, “You don’t have to worry about that, just give me a hearing date and I’ll be here. If I don’t hear from you I’ll go back to Ocean Drive and run the light again and I’ll appeal that one.” It’s not true that you can’t fight City Hall, you can, but they make it as hard as they can and you are probably going to lose; but everybody’s got to have a windmill to tilt at.

Garbage can attack

It is with mixed emotions I report that the garbage cans delivered to my office unannounced last month are being picked up by the city. I’m not sure what happened but for some reason last week the city couldn’t wait to come get those things out of here. I was a little disappointed because I was looking forward to dropping them off on the steps at City Hall during a council meeting. I mean…trash cans, city hall…you don’t get many chances like that. Oh well.

It’s time to get out the axel grease and slip slide into the New Year.

And so it goes…

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For the Love of Artby Devorah Fox

With its distinctive brick façade, The Estelle Stair Gallery in Rockport stands tall between its neighbor shops on Austin Street.

A mercantile stood on that spot from the 1870’s until the 1970’s. Once two stories tall, the building suffered a devastating fire and was rebuilt in 1895 to the one-story building that stands there now. A registered Texas historic landmark, the “Sorensen-Stair” building is the oldest commercial building in Rockport that’s still in use in its original form.

In the 1970’s Estelle Stair, an original founder of the Rockport Art Association (now Rockport Center for the Arts), housed the group in the Sorenson-Stair building before the art association moved to its current location. She is given a lot of credit by the city’s art community for her contributions.

Over time, however, the building needed attention. The brickwork needed repointing and the joists needed repair. The gallery closed and the building was boarded up.

Enter Estelle’s niece Lisa Baer, who decided to restore and reopen it. “I just loved the building,” says Lisa. “It was in the family, and I thought that I might never have such an opportunity again.”

She got encouragement from friends and from John Paul Frederick, now her husband, who made it sound easy. It wasn’t., but she got it done and reopened the building in May of 2011. The building can be rented to serve as a unique and atmospheric setting for weddings, retreats, conferences, dinner parties, fundraisers and the like.

Of course it’s still a studio and a gallery. Lisa is an artist herself who began painting at age 10. She was selected as the Rockport Art Festival poster artist in 2009, the Art Center’s 40th anniversary. Her work is on display at the gallery as well as that of Ed Boyd, Blake Taveapont, James Rhodes, and a host of other artists including, well, me.

Oh, you didn’t know that I’m artist? You thought I was a writer? Well, writers are artists, too. At least we writers think so, and Lisa agrees. She had a bookcase on which she had thought to display art, but it just didn’t look right. About the time she started considering what to put on it, Pat Chapman came into the

picture and suggested books.

An author whose work has been published in the Christian Science Monitor, Associated Press/Hawaii and International, Scholastic Magazines, Washington Times and other media, and who had created and edited a magazine for the Museum of the City of New York, Pat became increasingly frustrated not to have a venue in Rockport or the Rockport area at which her books could be sold. The demise a few years ago of the independent book store Pat’s Place in downtown Rockport, which had carried Pat’s first book left area writers with no immediate answer for people who asked the marvelous question, “Where can I buy your book?” Pat

wanted not only an appropriate outlet for her work but also a way to give all local writers the visibility their work needs and deserves.

“The bookcase at the elegant, historic Estelle Stair Gallery gives the local writers the stature, the recognition, that their work deserves,” says Pat. “I’m deeply grateful to Lisa Baer Frederick, owner of the Estelle Stair Gallery, for the imagination to visualize and the flexibility to create and welcome a home for books written specifically by local writers.”

“How many local books could there be?” Lisa had initially wondered, and was surprised to find that there are quite a few. She started out with the Texas “Snow” books by Kathryn Childers, Clark Childers and William Wlhelmi, Thin Slice of Life by Miles Arceneaux, Heather Miller’s My People or Myself, and Lost in Alaska, Pat Chapman’s book of lyrics, Honey Come Dance With Me, as well as To Bernard

Berenson With Love and The Survivor’s Guide to Grief, James Cooper Hill’s Miranda Warning and Corpus Delecti and mine, The Lost King. Lisa has recently added a cut-out book for the creation of a model Spanish Galleon by Roger Larimore and a cut-out shrimp boat book is next. “I’m going to have to get a bigger bookcase,” says Lisa.

I have often spent an afternoon touring Rockport, stopping in at the Estelle Stair Gallery and being charmed not just by the art on display but by the building itself. And now I’m part of the gallery. How awesome is that?

For more information call 361-463-1059. Send an email to estellestairgallery@gmail.com or just stop by 406 South Austin Street in Rockport. The gallery is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. I’ll see you there.

December 20, 2012 Island Moon A 7

Bring this Coupon in for 30% OFF LABOR on your Annual Service for your Unit!

The greatest perk about living on the Island is the immediate access to the

gulf. However, lugging your boat onto that pesky trailer to bring it to the shop for

work is certainly not a perk. Here at B & S, we can save you the hassle by servicing

your unit ON YOUR DOCK, YEAR-ROUND!

Give us a call and schedule an

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Fourth of July IslandBlast! Is On!Islander Jerry Watkins is still looking for

help in funding his Fourth of July IslandBlast! fireworks exhibit.

The fireworks company that does the displays in downtown and in Port Aransas on the fourth have given a figure of $15,000 for a first-class fireworks show and now Jerry’s at the Who Brought the Money Stage.

Jerry has pitched in himself to get things moving, so if you want to help bring the money contact Jerry at 361 331-7273 or e-mail him at jdwatkins@satx.rr.com and pitch in. All of the money will be handled by a non-profit organization and it will all go towards paying for the fireworks and nothing else.

So dig out your IslandBlast! dollars and let’s put some fire in the sky come Fourth of July!

Fire in the sky on the Fourth of July

IslandBlast!Dale, Here’s a photo of Donna & I at the Navy

vs ND season football opener 9/1 in Dublin Ireland. It was a spectaculor event that started ND off on it’s undefeated season. The Guinness from the Mother land was great.

David Devlin, Padre Island Mail Plus

The Travelling Moon

Island Artists Ron Piercy and Betsy Bowen are in Grand Marais, Minnesota working on a winter solstice shadow puppet show. The title from Hank Williams Did You Ever See A Night So Long.

Seashore News

SMA 7th grader C.J. Evaristo blocks out a defender as he dribbles up the court in the boys’ victory over Corpus Christi Montessori School last week. Photo by Angel Gaines

Fifth graders Lahna Lee, Julie Long, Maddie Clark, Lorelei Irby, and Sara Schey sing “Silver Bells” at the SMA winter music performance on Dec. 13. Photo by Olivia Fuller

Colleen McIntyre was honored for her long-time service as President of the Island Foundation Board at a reception Dec. 12 at Doc’s. 

A 8 land Moon December 20, 2012

d

Happy hour 4-6 pm Tuesday through Friday

Dragon�y is the perfect place for any of your catering needs. We have several pre-set options available or we can customize a

special menu for your event or celebration.

Get with Ricky to discuss any Holiday celebrations, Ney Years Eve parties, birthday parties or weddings you may be planning.

Scoopy’s VerandaSun - Sat 11am - 10pm

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Sun - Thurs 11-9 Fri & Sat 11-10

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13313 S. Padre Island Drive Corpus Christi, TX 78418

Thank you for your patronage this year and throughout the years!

Closed Christmas Eve & Christmas Day

next to each other. Our air conditioner unit is located on the opposite side of the house from the pool equipment. Not a deal breaker, but more complicated.

For More Information

To verify my research, before tackling this article, I met with Gianluca Ferrario and Chris Mundahl, owner of Bodine-Scott in Corpus Christi. 361-883-1900 They have contacted a company in Virginia, that is promoting this type of installation. To me, this is a perfect solution for our climate here in the Coastal Bend. It can operate day or night, rain or shine, as opposed to solar heat sources. It is a “free” by product that actually reduces the load on your air conditioning unit, as opposed to paying for gas to heat your pool. It can be installed in less than one day, if all the tradesmen are co-ordinated. Being informed is a good thing.

Island Real Estate Ticker

3 Multi Family Units For Sale From $319,500 to $2,500,000

9 Commercial Properties For Sale From $150,000 to $4,557,465

160 Lots and Land For Sale

61 Parcels on a Canal or Water From $98,900 to $1,850,250

99 Parcels not on the Water From $17,500 to $1,529,000

220 Island Residences For Sale

112 Attached Home For Sale From $58,000 to $529,000

58 Detached Homes on the Water From $224,900 to $2,200,000

50 Detached Homes not on the Water From $149,900 to $315,000

Real Estate Roundup

Use your air conditioner unit to heat your pool!

By Mary Lou WhiteWhat happens when you

wake up at 4:30AM on Saturday morning and you have to get up at 5AM, anyway? As I kept working on the TV remote, I finally came to an episode of “Ask This Old House”. Buried in the middle of that show was a segment that really caught my attention. Use your air conditioner unit to heat your pool for free! During the months of September, October, November, December, March and April, we still have the air conditioner running, but our pool is too cool to use. Yes, we have a pool heater. No, we never use it. It is expensive, it needs too much maintenance and it is frankly, scary. However, this alternative sounded like a win/win to me. First, you benefit from the wasted heat that blows from your outside condensing unit and second, you reduce the load on that air conditioning unit.

System Components

You start with a heat sensor that determines the temperature of your pool. If the pool needs more heat, the heat sensor activates a control switch that diverts the pool water from your pool filter, to pass through a heat exchanger. Inside that heat exchanger, titanium coils use the waste heat from you’re A/C unit to heat the water before it flows back to the pool. How can something so simple, have been ignored for so long? According to the TV show, Season 11, Episode 9, which aired on 29 November 2012 and can be viewed by internet, three separate tradesmen are needed to install this system. An electrician is needed to install the control box that activates the control switch. A Heat and Air Contractor is needed to recapture the coolant from your A/C system. It takes about two hours to complete that task. Then he must connect the heat exchanger to the refrigerant lines and re-install the coolant, before testing the system for leaks. The third tradesperson needed can be a plumber or a pool installer that connects the heat exchanger to the pool filter system.

Costs Involved

Research has determined that this type of installation should cost between $2000 and $3000. For those of us who want to retrofit an old system, that might be too much. But for new pool customers, it is offset by not buying the gas pool heater, in the first place. It is also a valid option for those people, who have a pool, but lack gas service to their home. Your A/C unit runs the same as always, but the pool heat is now a free by product. One thing to keep in mind, you may need to run your pool filter pump for longer periods. One other drawback for our home situation. On the TV show, the air conditioning unit and the pool equipment sat

100th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

627th Engineer Dive Unit’s Change of Command Ceremony Held Underwater

By Spc. Aaron Moreno

Members of the Texas Army National Guard’s 627th Engineer Heavy Dive Detachment, headquartered in Corpus Christi, Texas,

welcomed a new commander during a unique underwater ceremony, Dec. 8.

Capt. Jacob Patterson received the detachment’s guidon and responsibility of the unit from Capt. Terrance Tysall, the outgoing commander. The ceremony was anything but routine as family, friends, and special guests watched the ceremony via an underwater video feed from a remotely operated vehicle.

“I have many goals coming into this unit,” Patterson said, “but primarily I want to continue the history of diving that they’ve started here in Texas for the military.”

“One of our primary missions is to support civil responders and I want to ensure we have the ability and force packages available successfully support civil authorities,” Patterson said about his new command.

The underwater guidon exchange is a tradition within the detachment that also showcases the unit’s unique capabilities to friends, family, and high ranking officers. The Heavy Dive Unit is one of the Texas Army National Guard’s newest

units and outgoing commander Capt. Terrance Tysall joined the unit shortly after its creation.

According to Tysall, his fondest memory as team member and commander was helping to

build the team from the ground up and working with talented Soldiers who wanted to take the unit to a higher level of operational capability.

“I was fortunate enough to be present when the team was growing and becoming a fully realized unit,” Tysall said. “I mean, we became real divers instead of just scuba. We got service supplied, we got our chamber, and we were really accepted by the Army as a larger entity.”

The unit is composed of scuba and surface supplied divers that can perform underwater tasks, including: demolitions; port construction and rehabilitation; salvage and clearance; and search and reconnaissance missions.

The unit was organized in 2008, and Patterson the detachment’s third commander.

“At the end of the day, this ceremony is not about me, but a new chapter in the history of this unit,” Patterson said. “I’m taking over a unit of highly trained Soldiers that are eager to serve and ready to face the challenges ahead. I am excited about the future and confident that we will succeed in our future operations.”

When the Padre Isles Country Club was still a sand dune

Mary Ann McShane, Realtor, GRI, SRESe-mail: malm335@sbcglobal.net

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Take a short boat ride to your favorite fishing hole in redfish bay, or take a relaxing dip in the pool, or fire up the rV housed in its own 640 sq ft garage with a 12X16 foot electric door. Kitchen appliances include

Wolf brand stove and a sub Zero refrigerator/freezer. High ceilings in every room. Windows

protected with electric storm shutters. Two Boat lifts. Call for more details.

$879,000MLS# 205846

The best service,The best results... Call Liz today!

NEW YEAR’S EVE BASH 20136 pm - 2 am | $75 per person | Music by the “Groove”

Includes: Dinner, 2 Drink Tickets, Party Favors, Champagne Toast, Black Eyed Peas & Cornbread at Midnight

NEW YEAR’S DAY BRUNCH BUFFET9 am - 2 pm

Adults - $23.95 | Seniors - $19.95 | Children 5-10 - $14.95 | Under 5 Eat Free

SUNDAY champagneBRUNCHCome & Enjoy our amazing Sunday Brunch!

Prices same as New Year’s Day BrunchCall for weekly and Holiday specials & hours

MAKE YOUR RESERVATION TODAY361.749.3711

CHRISTMAS DAY BRUNCH BUFFET11 am - 3 pm

Adults - $29.95 | Seniors $24.95 | Children 5-10 $16.95 | Under 5 Eat Free

10% OFF

Snow! continued from A1heavier as it moved north dropping 1.5 inches in Brownsville and 10-12 inches in Victoria. There was a run on disposable cameras in Island Stripes stores as Islanders tried to fathom the unfathomable; a White Christmas on The Island! Others rushed to the beach and built fires so they could stay warm outside while they watched The Island slowly become engulfed in snow.

For a little historical perspective, the last time Corpus Christi or the Coastal Bend received similar 24 hour snowfall totals was in February 1895 when a snow event the snow totals were nearly double (10-20 inches) those of the 2004; but it was not on Christmas Eve.

It was a rarity described by the Weather Wonks as “a combination of the very low- latitude

upper-level trough, and the deep cold air mass.” That is to say…snow. A coffee table book of photographs of the event has sold more than 70,000 books in seven printings since its release in October 2005.

Eight years have gone by since it happened, but anyone who lived here at the time still has a story about the year we had a White Christmas on The Island.

A 10 Island Moon December 20, 2012

COLDWELL BANKER ISLAND, REALTORS 14945 S. Padre Island Dr., Corpus Chris�, TX  78418 

(361) 949‐7077 or  (800) 580‐7077 www.cbir.com ISLAND, REALTORS

3442 Paradise Dr. 4/3.5/3 $324,900. 1.7 acres of land with lots of mature trees, water well, 2 living and 2 dining. Call CharlieKnoll 443-2499.

3918 Gulfton 3/2/2 $124,900. 1369 sq.ft. well maintained house with a nice location. New counter-tops & backsplash. Call Charlie443-2499 or Jeremy 960-7873.

Mystic Harbor one bedroom corner unit on water. Canal ac-cess. Tropical pool. Hot tub. Security entrance. Sold furnished. Call Cheryl 563-0444.

25,570 sq.ft. feet int. lot in Coquina Bay. Two story with 4 bdrms-2207 sq. feet- $209,000.Call Dorothy @ 563-8486.

3266 Roscher—zoned for horses, near 5 acres. 2 story home 3-2.5-2. Backs up to the Oso Bay, pri-vate beach, fishing pier, pool. Cheryl or Mary Lou.

6th floor side/front unit-long ve r anda -g r ea t gu l f v i ew -immaculate-newer appointments. Call Dorothy Ernst at 563-8486.

Nautilus Galleria-one bedroom across the street from beach. Furnished. Secure entrance. Pool & hot tub. On site laundry facili-ties. Call Cheryl 563-0444.

Waterfront Lots for Sale!!

Bounty $109,900

Palo Seco $154,900

San Felipe $200,000

Cuttysark $189,000

For More Info Call: Terry Cox 549-7703

Lovely Flour Bluff 1-story home on 1.3 acre corner. Spa-cious 4/3/2 w/2 living & 2 dining. Circular drive & water well for yard. Call Pam Morgan 215-8116. $343,700.

Beautifully Updated 3-2-2 w/multi purpose room. Split bed-rooms. Gas stove. Tile & bam-boo floors. Plantation shutters. Large backyard. Cheryl 563-0444.

Prestigious Beachfront Aransas Princess. Fully furnished 2/2. Underground parking, 2 pools, hot tub , tenn i s , much more. $335,000. Call Charlene 361-244-2344.

This two story home sits on over 1 acre of land. Water well with sprinkler system. Four bedrooms with four baths. 3 car garage. Two living & 2 eating areas. Call Terry Cox 549-7703. $388,500.

New Construction on the Island. 4/3/with study. Over 2300 sq.ft., stained cabinetry, granite countertops throughout.$239,900. Call Beth for plans 779-4943.

13721 Cayo Cantiles 3/2/2$295,000. 1926 sq.ft of living area, nice deck area with great views. Master down with 2 bed-rooms up. Very well cared for home. Call Terry at 549-7703.

13541 Ducat fabulous waterfront home on 75’x120’ lot. 3-4 bed-rooms, 3 full baths, Trex decks. Too many extras to list $600,000.Call Cindy Molnar 549-5557.

1 5 9 0 5 P u n t a B o n a i r e $620,100. 3 bedrooms, 3 full baths, concrete saltwater pool, boat lift, too many extras to list. Call Charlie Knoll 443-2499.

Enjoy the Good Life. This two bedroom, 2.5 bath at El Constante comes fully furnished. Awesome views of the Gulf of Mexico. Call Terry 549-7703.

121 Gulfstream $209,900 Beautiful 1st floor unit, ss appli-ances/granite countertop. Updated furnishings. Easy pool/beach ac-cess. Call Shonna 510-3445.

Mediterranean Beauty—Waterfront, new construction by Seaquist. 3-2.5-2. Huge game room. Master down. High impact windows. Still time to choose colors. Cheryl.

722 St. Lucy $149,900 3/2.5/1. 1624 sq.ft of living area. 2 living areas. All bedrooms up. Nice land-scaping. Above ground pool. Charlie 361-443-2499.

Reduced Price 15713 Cuttysark3/2.5/1 lovely Island home. Large yard with room for a pool. Call Laura Wallace (361) 815-2116.

Captains Row Luxury!

4/3/2 waterfront home with 2 master suites, pool with stone waterfall, boat lift, gourmet kitchen and more!

13801 Captain’s Row $1,499,000.Call Guy Davis 688-5159.

Beautiful Golf Course Home! 4/2.5/2, two living, covered patio, crown molding, granite counter-tops! 14006 Rudder Ct. $315,000. Call Shonna today 510-3445 to see.

Wishing You a Very Merry Christmas

and Happy New Year!

From your friends at Coldwell Banker

Island, Realtors.

New construction by Seaquist Homes. 4-2-2 on Punta Espada. Open floor plan, split bedrooms, landscaped front yard, builder’s warranty. Call Cheryl 563-0444.

Looking for Long Term Rental Property? Below are some of our available rentals: 

Looking for Professional Long Term Property Management Services? Our services include:  Tenant Qualifying  Collec�ons of Rents 

Coordina�ng Repairs & Maintenance  Professional Itemized Monthly Statements  

Marke�ng/Adver�sing  

Beach Club #394 Efficiency—1  $750 

 

1806 Hosea 3/2/2  $1700 

 

Lakeshore Villas #24 2/2  $1150 

 

Portono #705 2/2  $1800 furnished  

 

15838 Punta Espada 3/2.5/2  $2200 

 

Seascape Villa #A‐5 1/1  $900 

  

Leeward Isles #5204 2/2  $1200 

 

3834 Priscilla 4/3/2  $2500 

 

13765 Eaglesnest 3/2/2  $2300 pool 

 

Superior Service, Outstanding Reputa�on since 1999 

14945 S. Padre Island Dr. Corpus Chris�, TX  78418 

(361) 949‐2131  (877) 269‐2131 

www.rentpadreisland.com 

www.coldwellbanker.com 

Sale Pending! 

2201 Oak Crest $139,900. 2bedrooms, 2 baths plus an 2 addi-tional rooms. Pool on the grounds. Call Charlie 361-443-2499.

New Construction by TwoSaam!

14126 Coquina Bay. 3 bedrooms, 2 baths + den/office, 2 car garage. 1859 sq.ft. of living area. Tile floors and granite countertops throughout. Open floor plan and much more. $219.900.

Charlie Knoll 443-2499.