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The voice of The Island since 1996

February 28, 2019FREEWeekly

Issue 776 The

IslandMoon

Around The Island

By Dale Rankin

Inside the Moon

www.islandmoon.com

Winter Texans of the Week A2 Moon on a Spoon A7Barefoot in Brief A5

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

Fishing A13

A little Island history

Shipwreck Uncovered by Hurricane Still Lies Buried in the Sand South of Bob Hall Pier

The Billy Sandier Big Shell Cleanup was a rousing success on Saturday with 1400 volunteers who went south all the way to the 40 mile marker where they found this nasty little piece of business.

If anyone is missing a bundle of rusty syringes they have been found. When you get out and start picking up plastic on the beach all of sudden you realize how much of it there is. We walked up behind the dunes and it looked like a plastic bottle collection. The cleanup got the big plastic stuff but the bottle caps and plastic bags are everywhere.

Bridge

As we go to press on Wednesday the word is that the Memorandum of Understanding between the city and the owners of land along the west side of SPID is expected to be done by the end of this week clearing the way for the Water Exchange Bridge. We could not confirm anything by press time but it looks like this is going to happen and it will be the biggest thing to happen on The Island since Packery Channel. This single piece of paperwork has held up the Water Exchange Bridge on SPID between Commodores and Whitecap for two years. Bids on the bridge were opened in April of 2017 but the contract was never let because the bridge can’t move forward until the owners of the land on the west side promise to finish the canal and bulkheads connecting it to the current Island canal system. The MOU does that. If in fact it is completed in the next week that will mean the bridge will be rebid and should be finished by the end of 2020 when the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers permit requires that water be flowing under SPID.

This is a big deal for our Island. Four hotels are planned along its bank and in Lake Padre and two marinas, one in Lake Padre and one on the back side behind Aquarius, It will bring much needed retail space and when it is done the waterway and the new development along its 3200 feet of banks will be the centerpiece of The Island. This project began in 2004 and hopefully in our next issue we can report that the MOU is done and the project is headed to bids. Stay tuned.

Census track

One of the great mysteries of Padre Island is exactly who lives here. Not only the number of people but the demographics of the population. Historically Padre Island and Flour Bluff have been linked by a single Zip Code in the same census track and as a result the census data cannot be separated. The U.S. Census shows that the 78418 Zip Code has a population of 29,854 with 14,739 housing units and a median home value of $151,900 and a median household income of $55,487. Common knowledge on Padre Island tells us that $151,900 won’t get you a median-sized home on Padre Island and a median household income of $55,487 would have a hard time paying property taxes of $6000-$7000 per year that most Islanders pay. The problem is there is no way to really know what the Island’s numbers are.

Editor’s note: This story is the last installment about Islander Louis Rawalt and his memoir Island of Reprieve. After several requests were are exploring the idea of releasing the entire series in book form. However, those wishing to read the entire series can do so on our website islandmoon.com

After last week’s story on Island treasure hunter Eugene (Frenchy) French which first ran almost ten years ago we received this question from reader Altan Guzeldere.

Hi, Really enjoying the past articles on Louis Rawalt and this weeks on the 1554 shipwrecks. Apparently Frenchy and two other guys discovered a shipwreck roughly three miles south of Bob Hall in 1967 after Hurricane Beulah that they think was another

History cont. on A4

Spanish ship. I have also heard that the state covered the ship back up and littered the area with nails to discourage metal detectors. Three miles south roughly puts it in front of the "bowl". Do you have any further insight on this mystery shipwreck?

Altan Guzeldere

By Dale Rankin

The story comes to use via a man named Joe Hagan who lived with an aunt and uncle on the Corpus Christi Naval Air Station from 1949-50. Hagan writes, “My uncle Ray Cummins, had a model A Ford with the old rumble seat. I have wonderful memories of those times. We used to travel down the Island about an hour to his favorite place where we always tied a rope to a post that stuck up

Photo by Beverly Firmani

Around cont. on A4

Found near Mile Marker 39.

Nao like the one buried on The Island.

Two Lighthouse

Keepers Say Goodbye to a

Third

The current keeper of the Lydia Anne Lighthouse Captain Billy Gaskins (left), the 24th Keeper

in the lighthouse’s history, took a group of friends of Rick

Reichenbach, the 23rd lighthouse keeper who passed away last

week, to spread his ashes at the lighthouse Sunday. Rick Pratt

(right) was the 22nd lighthouse keeper, played the bagpipes to

honor Reichenbach.

T-Joe fires his cannon loaded with Light House Rick's ashes.

The Lydia Ann Light House. Photo by Ronnie Narmour.

The tenth annual Barefoot Mardi Gras celebration is Saturday, March 2, with the Barefoot Parade beginning at 11 a.m. on the beach at Whitecap moving south to Bob Hall Pier. It is followed by the Barefoot Parade, Festival and King and Queens Ball scheduled for Saturday afternoon and evening at Briscoe King Pavilion.

Immediately after the parade the Barefoot Festival, with its party of food trucks, artists, exhibitors and children’s activities, will have live music, Kidz Fun Zone and a Mardi Gras Costume Contest for all ages! It’s open from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. at Briscoe King Pavilion.

Then in the evening the King and Queens Ball this year is moving to the New Orleans Tent at Padre Bali Park at the attendees will find a whole new event with Bali Park transformed into

Barefoot Mardi Gras Parade and Ball Saturday, March 2

Laissez les bon temps rouler!

the Street of New Orleans. Bourbon Street, Jackson Square and Café du Padre.

Saturday night the ball kicks off at 7:30 p.m. and runs to 11:30 p.m. with dance music from Splendiferous, a shrimp boil from Rollin’ Tide, and a full bar available. A traditional New Orleans style procession will bring the Barefoot Royalty through the crowd and crown the new Barefoot King and Queen.

Tickets are $30 before February 23, and $40 after and can be purchased online at www.barefootmardigras.com, at Frost Bank Padre Island and Coastline Properties. The event is conducted by the Padre Island Business Association and is a fundraiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters and Seashore Schools.

P.I.N.S Poachers

Late Monday night a poacher killed a mature buck on the Padre

Island National Seashore, cut the antlers off and left the buck

on the beach. This is a State and Federal Violation. If anyone has any suspect information on this crime please call the Padre

Island National Seashore Ranger Office at 361-949-1990, or

TPWD at 1-800-792-GAME or Kleberg County Sheriff's Office at 361-595-8500. The public's

assistance in this investigation is appreciated.

146 Feet of TroubleBulkhead is sliding into the canal

By Dale Rankin

A 146-foot long section of a nearly fifty year-old bulkhead located behind the German Bakery is slowly sliding into the canal as the sand behind it erodes.

The problem has caught the attention of the Padre Isles Property Owners Board of Directors and Executive Director Jim Smock said

this week engineering will be done to determine how best to repair it then bids will be taken.

The failure is the second in the island system of 32 miles of bulkheads in the recent past. The repair of a failed section of bulkhead on Primavera last year cost $4500 per foot to repair. Island bulkheads are supported by about 42,000 tie-backs which consist of a cable connected on one end to the

bulkhead to secure it in place, and on the other to buried concrete blocks. They are spaced about four feet apart throughout the system. Repair costs are currently about $2000 per tie-back with the repairs funded through the POA which has budgeted $450,000 per year for bulkhead repair for the past seven years, with that amount to increase to $600,000 in 2019.

February 28, 2019 Island Moon A 2

The First PC LAN Gaming Center on the Texas Coast!

VR arena with 170 games, mini-theater & PC gaming units

Saturday Night EDM DJ Dance PartyMar. 9 & Mar. 16 @ 9:00pm on the Big Stage

Sunday Funday (Heated, Swim-Up Bar) Pool Party

Mar. 10 & Mar. 17 @ 2:00pm at Bob’s Cabana Bay

Inventive Texas & Coastal CuisineShort rib burgers, fresh tacos, BBQ shrimp & more

Dry Stack Dive-In Theater w/Grotto BarMean Girls & Rocky Horror Picture Show on 50ft. screen

Spend The Week On Our Island! Resort rooms, great views, water rides & nearby beaches

@SchlitterbahnCorpusChristi

DANCE | SPLASH | EAT | STAY14353 Commodore Dr. on the Island at Corpus Christi | 361-589-4220

Energetic beatz by

DJ STASH@danceSTASH

Winter Texans of the Week

This El Constante Winter Texan group has been coming to the Island for more than ten years. They usually spend their happy hours at one of the condo balconies but

occasionally they frequent one of the Island restaurants and wine is normally involved. They are pictured here enjoying dinner at Island Italian. Photo by Mary Craft.

Eyesore of the Week

Our Eyesore of the Week this time comes to us from Isla Pinta where this heavy metal fan is stockpiling iron in the front yard. Neighbors are asking if a business is being run

beside the trailer in the front yard?

Celebration of Life Cont. From A1

February 28, 2019 Island Moon A 3

Moon MonkeysMike Ellis, Founder

Distribution

Pete Alsop

Island Delivery

Coldwell Banker

Advertising

Jan Park Rankin

Classifieds

Arlene Ritley

Production Manager Abigail Bair

Contributing Writers

Joey FarahAndy PurvisMary Craft

Kelly TrevinoJay GardnerTodd Hunter

Dotson LewisDr. Tom DorrellRonnie Narmour

Brent Rourk

Photographers

Miles Merwin (Emeritus)

Debbie Noble

Jan Rankin

Mary Craft

Ronnie Narmour

Office Security/Spillage Control (Emeritus)

Riley P. Dog

Publisher

Dale RankinAbout the Island Moon

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

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

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

News articles, photos, display ads, classified ads,

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

The Island Moon Newspaper

14646 Compass, Suite 3

Corpus Christi, TX 78418

361-949-7700

editor@islandmoon.com

Facebook: The Island Moon Newspaper

Port Aransas

Gulf Stream RV

Pioneer RV

Stripes on 1A

My Coastal Home

WB Liquor Store

Island Wine Room

Kody’s

Coffee Waves

Moby Dicks

IGA

Treasure Island

Ms. Woody’s Automotive

Port A Glass Studio

San Juan’s Restaurant

Wash Tub

Woody’s Sports Center

Back Porch Bar

Shorty’s Place

Fisherman’s Wharf

Giggity’s

Gratitude

The Gaff Trinity By the Sea

Episcopal

Where to Find The Island Moon

North Padre

All Stripes Stores

Black Sheep/Barrel

CVS

Whataburger

Doc’s Restaurant

Snoopy’s Pier

Isle Mail N More

Island Italian

Brooklyn Pie Co.

Ace Hardware

Holiday Inn

Texas Star (Shell)

Jesse’s Liquor

Scuttlebutt’s Restaurant

Subway

Island Tire

Padre Pizzeria

And all Moon retail advertisers

WB Liquor

Flour BluffH.E.B.

Whataburger on Waldron

Ethyl Everly Senior Center

Fire Station

Police Station

Stripes on Flour Bluff & SPID

Letters to the Editor

Coastal Bend RepublicansHello Dale,

We have launched this month the Coastal Bend Republican Wednesdays Series.

For those who are Republican and looking for ways to find out what is going on, and to have a voice, and share with friends, we have just what you need.

Every Wednesday, at 11:30 am, Lunch at JB's German Bakery( 15137 S Padre Island Dr, Corpus Christi, TX 78418) will be the perfect opportunity!

Our formula is unique, and we hope you will enjoy it: Just mark your Calendars, once and for all and join us, every Wednesday if you can!

Every one of these events will be open to all, and while quite different in format and message, they will always be worth your time They will bring you good food, not just for your body, but also for reflection and action , as well as fellowship and fun.

1st Wednesday of the Month: Coastal Bend Republican Women (CBRW)

2nd Wednesday of the Month: Coastal Bend Tea Party (CBTP)

3rd Wednesday of the Month: Coastal Bend United Grassroots Republicans (CBUGR)

4th Wednesday of the Month: Coastal Bend Conservatives Social

5th Wednesday of the Month: Coastal Bend Tea Party (CBTP)

This is the new Island way! Make it a habit…

It’s an ambitious project, but we truly believe that there is a real need for a venue open to those looking to get involved.

Clearly, the 3 groups participating in this Series, are different, but our hope is to get many of the local Republicans involved in all three.

The Coastal Bend Republican Women (which has women as members and men as associates) doesn’t need much description. Its Bylaws have just been approved by the Texas Federation of Republican Women.

The Coastal Bend Tea Party, affiliated with Tea Party Patriots, Heritage Action (Heritage

Did Ya Hear?

New AdvertisersSpring Fling Arts & Crafts Event on

Saturday, March 2nd 9 am – 1 pm at the Ethel Eyerly Senior Center 654 Graham Road in Flour Bluff.

Business BriefsThe series Tanked seen on The Animal

Planet is coming to the Island. The Acrylic Tank Manufacturing Company located in Las Vegas has leased three spaces next to Scuttlebutt’s. It will be their first franchise. The show will not be filmed here but custom made aquarium tanks will be made here.

Roosevelt’s at the Tarpon Inn is re-opening this weekend and will be reservation only. They have added extra dining space and more natural light.

Barefoot Mardi Gras Sunday Brunch at Port Royal will have a Cajun themed menu presented with bottomless mimosas for $30 on March 3rd 9 am – 3 pm. Live music will be provided by the Third Coast Combo. Call 1-855-250-9723 for reservations.

The Barefoot Mardi Gras Parade will begin at Whitecap at 11 am with more than 60 entries. The family-friendly festival afterward will take place at the Briscoe Pavilion until 5 pm.The Ball for those over 21 will be at the Pavilion 7:30 – 11:30 pm. Access to the beach at Whitecap will be blocked before the parade at 10 am so get your spot early or access the beach from road to Bob Hall Pier.

Giggity’s in Port A will feature the zydeco band Mrs. Neesy & the Earfood Orchestra on Fat Tuesday after the parade around 6 pm. Cajun menu items will be served.

Island Animal Clinic in Port A has new owners and new vets. They provide medicine, surgery, radiology, boarding, grooming and more. They are located at 319 Beach Street and take appointments Monday – Friday call 749-4134.

An Estate Sale will be held at 13505 Ducat Court on Friday, March 1st 8 am – 3 pm. To view items go to corpusestatesales.

Bifocals found near the Holiday Inn. Call 461-1704 to identify and retrieve.

We spring forward in 9 days just in time for the beginning of spring break on Friday, March 8th. Be sure to hit HEB beforehand. Historically the worst time to drive to the Island spring break is Saturday afternoon noon – 3 pm and the best time for Islanders to take a vacation is spring break week.

By Mary "Scoop" Craft

By the numbers

La PosadaBy Sandy Graves

Board Member - Toys La Posada Foundation

To my Island Neighbors. The United States Marine Corps. Reserves have contactedLa Posada Foundation with the results from all the festivities sponsored by and for La Posada Toys for Tots 2018.

First off I cannot that all of you who supported us this past season by giving so generously with your time, monetary donations, and toy donations. We could not have done this without you. Our activities included the 1st ever Christmas in July Toy Drive held at the Angry Marlin.

We were honored by two events held to benefit our efforts, Motorcycle Rally starting at Cycle Plaza, OTB and ending at The Pelican. The other event was a Golf Cart Poker Run here on the Island. Thank you to Black Sheep/The Barrel, Boathouse, and Angry Marlin. One of the best toy drives included Seashore Middle Academy and Seashore Learning Center. Thank you to Colleen McIntyre and her staff, they were very influential in the success of this event. Then of course our two main fund and toy raisers were the Auction and the Lighted Boat Parade. Friday evening the parade passed our 3 Island business' on the ICW, Marker 37, Snoopy's and Doc's. They also had events paired with a toy drive. This year our parade was televised for the very first time live on Saturday evening. Which brings me to all of you, volunteers, and supporters. We can plan all activities but they are not successful without all of you. Thank you for your kind heart, and generosity. But mostly for your love and desire to ensure a happy Christmas to those kids who need it the most.

So without further ado, here are the results of all of our efforts:

Money donation from La Posada: $25,000

Toys Collected: 9,143

Toys purchased with $25k: 1,949 (dollar range $10.00-$30.00)

Toys collected and purchased: 11,092

Children reached: 4,436

Every child received and average of 2.5 toys. Dollar amount spent cannot exceed $30.00 per toy.

So you see without each and every one of you, this type of success could be achieved. I thank each of you from the bottom of my heart.

Foundation’s Grassroots Group), Grassroots Coalition of Texas, and Empower Texans, is a more activist group, where a lot of information will be shared, with regular Calls to Action,

The Coastal Bend Grassroots Republicans is the place where all Republicans should be able to find a home, get information, political education, and fellowship…

We hope to see many of our fellow Islanders join us.

Suzanne Guggenheim

Nueces County GOP Chair Precinct #40

sg@cis-tech.com

361-290-7068

Suzanne Guggenheim

CoyotesThere has been increased concerns about

coyotes on The Island and I feel it is time to offer a small lesson to those that need a bit of understanding of nature . Coyotes were here before us and will most likely be here after we are gone. They eat what they can catch. Although I have never heard of them caring off a small child but yes, they will catch and eat a small dog or cat if those are careless to not supervise their pets. Our island is a wonderful piece of nature. Coyotes eat snakes, rats, mice, gofers, bugs and yes, even small critters like dogs and cats. If the coyotes were gone, then the small critters likes rats and such would expand. Then the snakes would increase due the the increased food supply. Believe me, you do not want a rattle snake in your home or garage. Nothing like a good morning wake up finding a snake on your kitchen floor or behind your workbench. Coyotes use opportunities but will mostly keep a distance from us or follow a bit due to curiosity. Nature is a balance on our beautiful sand bar and if anything can be said about its disruption then it is us humans. So contain you trash, pick up litter when you see it and next time you see a coyote on the field or road, thank it for keeping our environment and island, balanced and on the level.

John J. Plotnik SIOR, CEcD

Lent and Easter at Island Presbyterian Church

IPC invites all our neighbors and friends to join us on our Lenten journey as we approach the cross and the celebration Christ’s resurrection on Easter at 14030 Fortuna Bay Dr, Corpus Christi, TX 78418 (www.islandpresby.com). We begin our Lenten journey on Ash Wednesday, March 6th at 6:00 PM, when we will gather for Holy Communion and the imposition of ashes. Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of lent, and the six weeks of penitence prior to Easter.

On Palm Sunday April 14th at 10:00 AM we hope you will join us as we celebrate Jesus triumphal entry into Jerusalem. The worship service will be marked with our own procession of the faithful waving palm branches around the courtyard and an original Hosanna Introit will be presented by the choir. Palm Sunday starts Holy week and our journey to the cross and resurrection on Easter Sunday.

On Thursday, April 18th, Maundy Thursday at 6:00 PM the congregation invites you to join them as they remember Jesus’ command to the disciples to serve (Maundy). This service will be two services in one. The first half will be the remembrance of the Last Supper of Jesus and the disciples with the service of communion. The second half takes us into Good Friday with a Tenebrae service.

Good Friday April 19th, at 11:00 AM begins our day at the cross. John’s account of the crucifixion will be read is a quiet somber service.

On Easter Sunday, April 21st, “He Is Risen!” will be the shouts of the people at our ecumenical Easter Sunrise Service on the Beach. Join the combined Congregations of Island in the Son United Methodist, Saint Peters by the Sea United Methodist, and Island Presbyterian Churches at the beach at the end of Whitecap to watch the sun come up over the Gulf of Mexico at 7:00 AM. Join us in celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ with song, communion, and refreshments after the service. Sunrise is at 6:59 AM, so come early to see the sun’s first rays come up over the Gulf of Mexico. Bring your lawn chairs and a flashlight.

Also, on Easter morning at 10:00 AM, in the church will be a traditional Easter morning service. The room will be filled with the shouts of, “He is risen! He is risen indeed!”, as we celebrate the resurrection of Christ with communion and song.

The members and staff of Island Presbyterian Church invite all of you to join them on their journey to the cross and the resurrection.

Fat Tuesday PartyHelp celebrate Fat Tuesday next week, March

5th, at Island In The Son UMC's "Pancakes & Pajamas Party,” from 6-8 pm.

We'll have great fun, as the United Methodist Men will be cooking unlimited pancakes, sausage, and bacon, with diabetic-friendly options.

Cost will be a very affordable $7.00 per Adult donation, with $4.00 requested, per child. This is one of several yearly Fund-raisers, for Island In The Son Church, located at:

10650 Hwy 361, on Mustang Island.

Local checks and cash will be accepted.

Wear your pajamas, or "come as you are", in the casual style of Island In The Son Methodist Church.

The Public is invited-- no reservations are necessary-- please join us for the food, fun, and board games!

For further information, please contact Chairman Davina Ramon, at: 214-980-5395, or: Bev Firmani, at: 361-688-4035.

Tea PartyDear Editor,

Exactly ten years ago – on February 27, 2009 – the first round of nationwide tea parties was held in nearly 50 cities. More than 30,000 people attended local protests. The movement grew fast. Just a few weeks later, on April 15, 2009, more than 850 Tax Day tea parties were held, with more than one million patriotic Americans in attendance.

Ever since, I have been working to bring more personal freedom, economic freedom, and a debt free future to our nation. For eight years under President Obama, our country suffered extraordinarily high levels of joblessness – in fact, so dismal were Americans’ prospects for finding jobs, that millions of people simply gave up looking for work altogether, and just dropped out of the job market.

We had record high numbers of our fellow Americans on food stamps and other forms of welfare. A safety net is one thing, but President Obama pursued economic policies that perpetually impoverished our citizens to such an extent that their only means of survival was continued government dependency, which breeds despair and hopelessness.

But then President Trump was elected. He immediately implemented many of the policies we proposed. President Trump cut taxes for all Americans, eliminated burdensome regulations that stifled job creators, and brought more accountability to government departments and bureaucrats. The results speak for themselves: rapid job creation, record low unemployment for all Americans, more hope, more confidence, and more opportunities for all of us.

On this 10th anniversary of the tea party movement, we hope our fellow Americans understand we have been fighting for them, too. We fought for their jobs, their families, their financial security, and their freedom. And I will be thrilled to spend the rest of my years continuing to fight for them.

Suzanne Guggenheim

President of Coastal Bend Tea Party

Texas State Coordinator for Tea Party Patriots

Cartagena Ct

February 28, 2019 Island Moon A 4

The Future of the OrganizationDan Brown

“All for One and One for All”….The Three Musketeers

said it best.

To understand the future of the Padre Isle Property Owners Association (PIPOA) perhaps a little

history should be discussed. When the original developers of the Island built the infrastructure, some 50+ years ago, they established covenants which would allow for the maintenance of the subdivisions bulk heads and canals along with having provisions for making the subdivision a “high quality marine community”. The Island was not part of the City of Corpus Christi at this time. Reportedly, when the City decided to annex the Island they would not accept the responsibility of maintaining the bulkheads and canals due to the small tax base and potential expense. (Not the case now)

Today, the primary purpose of the PIPOA is to make sure that our marine community is of a “high quality” and that our canals and bulkheads are maintained. Over the years the PIPOA has performed as necessary and has liquid assets which approximate $9,900,000. The bulkheads and canals, now being approximately 50 years old are absorbing a larger share of the annual budget. I believe we can all agree that the values of our homes, both land and water lots, are primarily determined because we are a canal and marine community. If the canals are not usable and the homes on the water are adversely affected….we all lose.

As of late, our PIPOA has an increased focus on compliance and organizational issues. Most if not all of the individual subdivisions have the ability to leave the combined PIPOA which Sea Pines has recently done. Sea Pines will now have to abide by the laws and rules of the City of Corpus Christi. I think it would be difficult for the water front subdivisions, right now, to defect but if the PIPOA does not find a way to add value to the community as a whole….the PIPOA is at risk. One suggestion I have so as to add value would be to provide one project every quarter that the whole neighborhood can see and enjoy. The first one might be repairing and refurbishing the Frisbee golf course.

If more subdivisions leave PIPOA the income and cash available to take care of our primary purpose will be diminished. We need to adopt the “All for One and One for All” philosophy.

Robert AlgeoAll of our subdivisions

have the same provisions allowing each subdivision to withdraw from the Padre Isles POA. It’s written in every subdivision’s covenants as, “Section VII, Duration.” It says

that the owners of a majority of the lots in this subdivision may execute and acknowledge an agreement in writing terminating these restrictions and covenants and file the same in the Office of the County Clerk. At such time thereupon, these restrictions and covenants shall be null, void and of no further force and effect.

The Sea Pines subdivision appears to have submitted that required paperwork, showing that a majority of the property owners there have voted to withdraw from the POA, and it’s currently under legal review. If so, the secession of the Sea Pines subdivision will set a precedent, as no others have previously seceded.

The primary mission of our POA is to maintain the waterfront cement bulkheads, as well as the seven POA boat ramps and all of the POA common areas. However, the Sea Pines subdivision has none of the above. It’s all dry lots; no bulkheads, no boat ramps, nor common areas owned by our POA. And of course, it seems obvious now that the majority of the property owners in the Sea Pines subdivision got so fed up with the POA’s Maintenance Standards, property restrictions, warning letters and CAM fees, that they organized their petition to withdraw.

Their withdrawal should be relatively simple, compared to the vast majority of POA subdivisions, which contain property owned and maintained by our POA; such

as cement bulkheads, boat ramps and common areas. For most subdivisions, secession would involve very complicated legal determinations, primarily over the bulkheads. The POA owns all of the cement bulkheads in every subdivision, and the maintenance and expensive repair of those 55 year old bulkheads has been the responsibility of the POA.

It may take a room full of lawyers to argue over the value of POA bulkhead ownership, versus merely giving away those ownership rights and the costly responsibilities for future collective bulkhead maintenance, if a wet subdivision organizes a majority of property owner signatures, desiring to secede from the Padre Isles POA.

If a wet subdivision has a majority of owners ready to secede, a better choice might be to propose an amendment to their Covenants, which removes all of the POA restrictions they don’t like, yet leaves all of the bulkhead and common area maintenance to the POA, as it is now. The same majority of owners can pass any legal amendment to their Covenants.

Robert Algeo

Judith CutrightNo resident or

subdivision is an island unto itself. Whether we own an interior or waterfront lot, the safety, security, and beauty of our island impacts us all. As charged in the Articles of

Incorporation, the POA is organized to promote social welfare and provide facilities for protection, security, pleasure, recreation and benefit or common good of all property owners and residents. To preserve a marina type community of the highest quality, the POA is tasked with developing, maintaining, repairing, and replacing common areas the POA owns, including bulkheads, greenways, recreation areas, canals, seawalls, lighting, parks, water access areas, boat ramps etc. Bulkheads, a primary island asset, may be an indirect benefit of interior lot owners, yet maintenance is critical to ensure the safety of all islanders. How well we follow our Protective Covenants and uphold our Standards (Good Neighbor Policies), reflects on us all.

The solution is not to eliminate the POA but to improve it to be more responsive to its members. The island is evolving and so must the POA to meet changing needs and desires of residents. A proactive POA membership will help create our POA’s future roadmap and clarify its mission and goals.

By promoting open dialogue among all members, the POA will gain member input in the decision-making process. By sponsoring informal gatherings with residents of individual subdivisions, our POA will help identify needs and encourage residents to get more involved. An interactive POA website will aid in sharing ideas and setting POA goals. Enhancing recreational activities and facilities that benefit all residents will gain member support while fulfilling POA’s mission. With increased participation, our POA will better represent and respond effectively to our constituency.

The POA is needed to uphold standards of living that protect our property values and promote the social welfare, safety, and security of residents. By ensuring continuity and harmony throughout our subdivisions, members can enjoy an enriched quality of life. Encouragingly, recent POA staff and Board initiatives underway are helping to right the course.

Working together we can envision the larger picture and provide a unified force to respond to current and future needs of our area. If each of us does our part to keep up our little piece of paradise, our POA will become a more effective entity. Let’s end the scuttlebutt and be part of the solution as we chart a new course for the POA.

Kelly McFaddenFour weeks ago, on February 2, I published

the following analysis on social media. I present it again today.

Don’t Throw the Baby Out with the Bath Water.

Sea Pines has no PIPOA common areas in its

boundaries. But if it did, the secession of Sea Pines would not change the ownership

POA Candidates Forum

of any areas owned by the PIPOA.

Let’s look at a neighborhood that does involve common area.

Tradewinds is the neighborhood on the east side of Gypsy. If they also seceded, the PIPOA would still own the Encantada boat ramp. And the PIPOA is legally obligated by governing documents other than the Tradewind’s covenants to maintain it.

But the sticky situation would be the canals in Tradewinds. Just like the boat ramp, the canals and bulkheads are areas owned by the PIPOA. You can verify this on the Nueces County Appraisal district website.

A water lot owner in Tradewinds does not own the bulkhead or the water area adjacent to their lot. The PIPOA does. But the covenants of Tradewinds grant the owner the right to build a dock in the PIPOA owned canal.

If the Tradewind covenants are cancelled, so is the agreement with the PIPOA allowing you to build on PIPOA property. You can’t build on your next-door neighbor’s property and now the PIPOA is just another “neighbor”.

So now you own a water lot, but you have no legal authority to build a dock in front of it. A problematic situation for boat owners.

Could this situation be resolved legally? Maybe. But does any water lot owner really want to take the chance that they lose all water access from their lot?

Sea Pines is a symptom of decades of mismanagement by previous administrations of the PIPOA. Mismanagement that seems to have escalated after the rates increased and more money became available. Coincidence?

Let’s not throw the baby out with the bathwater.

I don’t believe the solution is to leave the PIPOA. I believe that homeowners should get involved to help solve the problems. That is what many others, as well as I, are trying to do. Progress is being made, albeit with some bumps along the way. But we should not stop trying.

This seat belongs to the Members. I ask you to trust me with your vote.

www.KellyForPIPOA.com

Brian McCabeSea Pines has attempted

to leave the PIPOA. This move by the residents of Sea Pins has been widely reported, speculated about, the subject of many rumors (many of which are unsubstantiated), and

should be a great concern to the PIPOA. While it is true that Sea Pines has no canals, bulkheads, or, to my knowledge, no common areas, if they were to leave the PIPOA, they will continue to have access to the PIPOA boat ramps and canals. The only caveat is that they may not park their vehicles on the boat ramps, they are allowed to park on the street adjacent to the boat ramp.

HOWEVER, it is important to note that our Articles of Incorporation state in Art 8 or 9 that we are a membership entity AND that the powers of the members are set out in the Bylaws.

One reading of Section 1.01 of the Bylaws, could lead to the conclusion that Sea Pines, as well as all of the subdivisions, are members of the PIPOA and that such membership shall continue for the duration of the ownership of the property. In other words, once one is a member, one remains a member until one sells out.

Given the extensive research done on the Bylaws, one can conclude that they may be only amended by 51% of all members which requires a vote at the Annual or a Special Meeting, not just the membership of a single subdivision. If this is true, no subdivision has the power to dissolve the PIPOA, the PIPOA can only be dissolved by pertinent processes set forth in Chapter 22 of the Texas Business Organization Code.

So, the real questions that need to be addressed in more depth are - has Sea Pines successfully left the PIPOA and would any other attempts to leave in a manner that is inconsistent with the Articles or Bylaws be upheld. This is being written with full understanding that there may be other interpretations through case law or other statutes. But, to paraphrase the words of a great man, it may be that “You can check out any time you like, but (unless you follow the provisions of the Articles and Bylaws) you can never leave!”

We have requested data for Padre Island from the local office of the Census Bureau and should have it by next issue. But researchers at Texas A&M University Corpus Christi are working to put together a long-term solution by splitting the 78418 Zip Code making Padre Island its own census track. That would be beneficial to both sides of the Laguna Madre and could be done by the 2020 Census.

So long Rick

We attended the memorial for longtime Port Aransas resident Rick Reichenbach on Sunday who passed away last week. Rick was a good friend who often let musicians from around the state use the secluded lighthouse location to write. Rick had the dubious distinction of being the only person to be bitten twice by Riley P. Dog who did not like the motorcycle

Around cont. from A1

out of the sand. The other end was tied to the car and we had a good canvas tarp for a shade. Little did we know that post was a mast from an ancient shipwreck! A few years have past and I heard of someone who was excavating a spot on the Island!”

That someone was in fact our Islander Frenchy and friends. When Hurricane Beulah blew across The Island in 1967, Frenchy, along with fellow travelers Richard Clements and Ed Page discovered the wreck that was connected to the “post” which Cummins used as a tent stake. The wreck was three miles south of Bob Hall Pier. According to what Page told a reporter later, “The hull construction indicates the ship is a Spanish Nao, approximately seventy-five feet in length with cannon ports, two decks and double planking.”

The Nao

In Spanish the ship type was known as Nao or carrack. To the Portuguese it was a Nau, to the French a caraque or nef.

In any language the ship type was a three- or four-masted sailing ship developed in the 15th century by the Portuguese for use in the Atlantic Ocean but became widely used by all of Europe's maritime powers. It was distinguished by its high rounded stern with large aftcastle, forecastle and bowsprit at the stem. It was first used by the Portuguese, and later by the Spanish, to explore and map the world. It was usually square-rigged on the foremast and mainmast and lateen-rigged on the mizzenmast. The ships were ocean-going vessels large enough to be stable in heavy seas, and roomy enough to carry provisions for long voyages. They were the ships in which the Portuguese and the Spanish explored the world in the 15th and 16th centuries. The design was the forerunner of the great ships of the age of sail and one of the most influential ship designs in history; the basic design remained unchanged throughout the Age of Sail.

The dig

Over the next couple of days the three man worked at the site and recovered human bones, musket balls, about twenty five pounds of oxidized silver, enough beeswax to fill a five gallon bucket, a Roman coin dating back almost two thousand years and plenty of river rock that undoubtedly was used as ballast and packed around cargo to keep it from shifting during transit. This was two years before the passage of the Texas Antiquities Act and soon offers started coming in from museums around the country to buy the hull of the ship. “The top offer was $20,000” Page told the reporter.

It was Clements who originally discovered the wreck. He said he spotted one of the wooden pegs sticking out of the sand after the storm and tried to yank it up but couldn’t. In curiosity he began digging. When he figured out that he was onto something he pitched a tent over the spot to hide his find and either he or one of the other three treasure hunters remained at the site around the clock, armed with a shotgun to keep an eye on things. The three men also “posted claims” at five other sites uncovered by the storm but the site south of Bob Hall looked to hold the best prospects. Soon the site attracted hundreds of curious spectators and inevitably some of them began their own digs.

“We just ignore them” Clements said at the time. “We let them dig until they get tired. That’s the way to fix that. Some of them have pretty big mouths too.”

Texas State Archaeologist Curtis Tunnell went to the site during the dig but was unable to determine the age of the vessel though he did feel it was not a Spanish galleon and dated it somewhere in the mid-1800s. Page and French disagreed because the lead sheeting fastened with bronze nails on the ship’s hull indicated to them the ship was not early American or English as it was the custom for shipwrights in both those countries to use copper nails to fasten lead sheeting.

Soon the three men finished their digging and the sand once again claimed its secret and with the passage of the Antiquities Law no further digging has been done at the site.

For this story we contacted the Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History who said they know of the site but have no further information. We also contacted the Texas Historical Commission with similar luck.

The fact is that there are thousands of shipwrecks along the Gulf Coast of Texas but the museums and governmental agencies who know where they are located are less than forthcoming with that information because they don’t want the sites disturbed.

The site in question here is located in Kleberg County where metal detectors are currently permitted, but if the move to expand Padre Island by 3800 acres to the north of the current boundary is successful will soon be part of the park where metal detectors are forbidden. The fact is that the site has been worked over for decades by people who work the beach with metal detectors and they have been over the area many times without success – whether they knew it was there or not. As far as we know it’s still down there, but digging for it is against the law.

That’s what we know Altan and thanks for writing.

History cont. from A1

Rick was riding. Rick was succinct about his job description; nighttime turn light on, daytime turn light off. Rick will be missed. Some people just can’t be replaced and Rick is one of those folk. The Island turns a little slower on its axis without Rick around.

Get ready for Spring Break 2019 everybody. Now it’s time to do some Barefoot Mardi Gras this weekend and it looks like the weather will hold. We’ll see you there and say hello if you see us Around The Island.

Creating Dreams for Island Homeowners

since 1987•  New Homes•  Remodels•  Additions•  Repairs•  No job too big or too small

Call 774-7043 for estimate

www.billgoinhomes.com

fcbot.com

Have YouMet Don?Come By and Say Hello!

14254 S Padre Island Dr • 361-949-9310

Don HerrickVice President

Send letters and photos to editor@islandmoon.com

February 28, 2019 Island Moon A 5

Stuff I Heard on the IslandBy Dale RankinIt was a cool day in 2008

and Duane and Denise Ebert were at the Back

Porch in Port Aransas. They had just taken over the annual Mardi Gras party that Dede and Big Fred had brought down from Dallas and Duane wanted to kick things up a notch. We organized a crew of about half a dozen people and started planning.

“I want to do something big!” Duane said, and after a while the idea of a beach parade was hatched. Not long after the name came flying in from somewhere out there in the ether…Barefoot Mardi Gras was born.

I will never forget the first year when we lined up for the parade and rounded the corner onto the beach. We had no idea what to expect and we were all taken aback by the number of people. It was a hit.

My friends in San Antonio had a zydeco band and we booked them for the party and as soon as the first notes filled the Briscoe King Pavilion at the first party we knew we had something. I distinctly remember Gladys Choyke shouting into my ear, “This is the best party we ever had!” and she was right. We flew in bags of crawfish from Louisiana and Gib and the Beach Bums did the cooking. The only mistake we made was allowing people to fill their own plates. The folks at the front of the line got heaping helpings and the people at the back of the line got bubkes.

Over the years our floats have gone from a pirate ship to an army tank and the parade crowds grew to the point where the route had to be lengthened north to Whitecap and maybe someday it may even go up to the seawall. It all started with Duane and Denise wanting to make it into something big and ten years on that has happened.

With that in mind here are some of the hundreds of photos we’ve taken over the years. We’ll see you at the parade.

Tides of the WeekTides for Bob Hall Pier February 21 - February 28

Day High Tide Height Sunrise Moon Time Moon /Low Time in Feet Sunset Visible

Th 28 Low 4:23 AM -0.3 6:54 AM Rise 2:49 AM 37

28 High 2:08 PM 1.4 6:29 PM Set 1:35 PM

F 1 Low 5:24 AM -0.3 6:53 AM Rise 3:39 AM 28

1 High 2:49 PM 1.4 6:29 PM Set 2:24 PM

Sa 2 Low 6:18 AM -0.3 6:52 AM Rise 4:26 AM 19

2 High 3:21 PM 1.4 6:30 PM Set 3:16 PM

Su 3 Low 7:06 AM -0.3 6:51 AM Rise 5:10 AM 12

3 High 3:44 PM 1.3 6:30 PM Set 4:08 PM

M 4 Low 7:48 AM -0.2 6:50 AM Rise 5:50 AM 7

4 High 3:58 PM 1.3 6:31 PM Set 5:00 PM

4 Low 9:36 PM 0.9

Tu 5 High 12:29 AM 1.0 6:49 AM Rise 6:27 AM 3

5 Low 8:26 AM -0.1 6:32 PM Set 5:53 PM

5 High 4:04 PM 1.2

5 Low 9:46 PM 0.9

W 6 High 1:30 AM 1.1 6:48 AM Rise 7:02 AM 0

6 Low 9:01 AM 0.0 6:32 PM Set 6:45 PM

6 High 4:09 PM 1.1

6 Low 9:55 PM 0.8

Th 7 High 2:28 AM 1.1 6:47 AM Rise 7:35 AM 0

7 Low 9:34 AM 0.2 6:33 PM Set 7:37 PM

7 High 4:16 PM 1.1

7 Low 10:03 PM 0.7

Q. My business has employees and colleagues in several

countries around the world. How can I make conference calls more productive?

A. A recent Wall Street Journal article gave best practices for conference calls. Conference calls are here to stay. Time spent in conference calls is increasing about 10 percent each year and about 65 percent are by phone. It's a very useful tool to cope with growing business globalization and travel costs.

However, complaints about poor conference call etiquette are rampant. Remote participants fail to mute their phones and all sorts of background noise comes through. Remote participants multitask and don't participate. Remote participants fail to build rapport with those on site. One study of 3301 business people indicated 75 percent said building rapport was a serious obstacle. Another 71 percent said lack of participation by remote participants was a problem.

The lack of visual body language and facial expressions makes remote participants reluctant to speak and harder to concentrate. Conflicts are more likely because remote participants feel left out or ignored. Conference call leaders are not mindful that remote participants around the world have to get up in the middle of the night to participate.

Good conference call etiquette and best practices help a lot. Conference call leaders should set firm ground rules and tight agendas to keep participants on track. Leaders need prepared written questions to get remote

participants talking and write down the answers for later reference. Leaders listen more and talk less than in face to face conferences. A good guide is for the leader to talk 40 percent of the time and listen 60 percent.

If remote participants don't know the others, the leader should begin by asking each participant to introduce themselves and say what their role is and what they expect to get out of the conference call. If a remote participant is not talking, the leader should ask them a question to get them talking. Otherwise, they may feel left out and become hostile.

Leaders should ask each participant to state their name before speaking so remote participants know who is talking. Conference calls requiring interaction shouldn't include more than 7 to 9 participants. If larger, participants don't get to talk and feel ignored. Larger groups also encourage multiple conversations within the group.

The leader should be the moderator or appoint another participant to be moderator to keep people on topic and on time. If the remote participants are around the world, the leader should schedule calls to be as convenient as possible for the remote participants and vary the schedule to spread the inconvenience equally.

Video conferencing equipment is becoming better in quality and less expensive. However, video tends to make people self conscious and they avoid using the video and use voice instead. Some people feel they need to dress up if they are on video.

More Productive Conference CallsBy Ralph Coker

Ask Ralph

PS. Editors note.

Betty, we fear for your sanity. That relentless sameness must be infiltrating your mind so that you are no

longer noticing the repetitive columns you are sending us. It sounds like you have been imprisoned in your house for weeks now.

Betty: What are you talking about? Every night there is the next episode on Netflix. Not the same one. Different. And the crocheting is different. A new afghan every week.

Editors: Betty, you and Bert need to get out. You need people. Variety. Real life. You live in a frigid closet. It’s not normal.

Betty: Oh. Netflix isn’t real?

Editors: No Betty. The outside world is real. Just take a look at the political news for instance. That is the real world.

Betty: Oh. OK. I see. Thanks my friends. I love you.

Snowed in again, specifically drifted in. This morning I could see the future and moved my car down to the county road once this wild wind

had established itself. By the time Bert got out, our driveway was waist deep in places. So

Frostbite Betty

A Long Winterhe called it a snow day, quickly hauled in some firewood on a little kid sled, and settled in to watch jewelry making lessons on YouTube.

I made cookies, and more tea, and got out my laptop to make a spreadsheet on how much fuel we used each year to heat the place. Sounds kind of dull, but everything felt pretty cozy this afternoon.

But faced with weeks more of winter ahead of us, and more subzero temps tonight, I figured it was time to get myself a plane ticket to the desert, where the sun shines boldly every day. My little vacay is still three weeks away, but I get the bonus of imagining myself wearing shorts and sandals and feeling the sun on pale white skin. So the effect of sunshine stretches out in my dreams and daydreams.

It’s almost happy hour now, and the wind has not let up. Hopefully it will run out of fierceness by morning and the plow guy will come. Until then, it’s cookies and a sipping beverage. Later on a movie if the power and internet don’t blow away.

And that’s the report from Frostbite Falls.

Be well y’all.

Betty and Bert

By 2015 the parade filled the beach and the route had to be lengthened.

King Duane the first year.

Ronnie got in trouble for this photo of his full plate.

The Island Moon float in the first Barefoot Mardi Gras Parade was the Frayed Knot

from the Gaff.

The Moon and the animal hospital rocked the giant dog in 2013.

The Moon tank crew in 2016.

The first Barefoot parade.

The party the first year at Briscoe King..

The second year for the Mardi Gras parade in 2010.

What Bikini Atoll Looks Like Today

After the last nuclear test 1958, the groundwater is contaminated and the coconuts are radioactive. But the coral reefs are thriving.

Bikini Atoll is beautiful but eerie, say those who have been there. Palm trees are planted in rows, animals haven’t yet learned to be wary of humans, and giant radioactive coconut crabs scuttle about. Now Bikini Atoll looks like the idyllic Pacific paradise it was in 1946 — a bracelet of sandy, palm-covered islets encircling an azure lagoon. But it doesn’t take long to pick up on Bikini’s enduring eeriness, says Stanford biology professor Stephen Palumbi, who visited the remote atoll for a 10-day research trip featured in Big Pacific, a documentary that aired in the summer of 2018, on PBS.

At one point, Palumbi was boating around Bravo Crater, a mile-wide scar blasted into the lagoon by the most potent U.S. bomb ever detonated, when the navigation system began screaming a warning. The device thought they had run aground. The boat, Palumbi says, was in 160 feet of water. It took a moment to realize the alarm wasn’t malfunctioning. The navigation system was simply relying on maps that haven’t been redrawn since before 1954, when a bomb 1,000 times more powerful than the one that dropped on Hiroshima vaporized three islands in the lagoon, including the one where the expedition crew was.

Using the navigation device, they then boated around the perimeter of the missing coral to estimate how much mass had been hurled heavenward. “It’s equivalent to 216 Empire State Buildings being blown into the sky,” Palumbi says. “These tests are the most violent thing we’ve ever done to the ocean.”

When Palumbi — the director of Stanford’s Hopkins Marine Station — and others dove near the crater’s rim, they encountered something even more astonishing: a reassembling ecosystem, including schools of large fish, reef sharks and robust coral, which may have begun life as little as a decade after the area’s annihilation.

“We found, much to our surprise, not just scattered corals, but very abundant, big healthy coral communities — corals larger than cars scattered about the edges of a hydrogen bomb crater,” he says. “You’re kind of looking at that and thinking, ‘Well, that’s strange.’ “Frankly, the visual and emotional impact of it is just stunning.”

Given their short life spans and their mobility, the hearty fish were comparatively easy to understand. But the corals look like they have been growing in place for 50-some years. How they emerged from such toxic beginnings is a question Palumbi and doctoral student Elora López hope to illuminate using the genomes of samples they took from Bikini. It’s an area of research López says has received scant attention.

*Kilotons=1000 metric tons.

Dotson’s Other Note: The nuclear weapons tests of the United States were performed between1945 and 1992 as part of the nuclear arms race. The United States conducted around 1,054 nuclear tests by official count, including 216 atmospheric, underwater, and space tests. Most of the tests took place at the Nevada Test Site (NNSS/NTS) and the Pacific Proving Grounds in the Marshall Islands and off Kiritimati Island in the Pacific, plus three in the Atlantic Ocean. Ten other tests took place at various locations in the United States, including Alaska, Nevada other than the NNSS/NTS (Nevada National Security Site/Nevada Test Site), Colorado, Mississippi, and New Mexico. Thank you for reading and commenting on Senior Moments. I can be reached at: dlewis1@stx.rr.com and/or Land Line: 361-949-7681 or Cell: 530-748-8475

Please Note: The next Veterans Round Table Meeting will be Tuesday, March 5, 2019; 9-11 AM, 3209 S. Staples. All veterans, their families and anyone interested in veterans’ affairs, are invited. Coffee & doughnuts are provided. Hope to see you there. Also our Veterans Radio Round Table is on the air on KEYS AM 1440, 8 – 10 AM, Saturdays. The next show will air March 9, 2019. Please listen and call in. The listener/text line is: 361-882-5397…It’s your two hours, let us hear from you.

Hang in there/Have fun!

February 28, 2019Island MoonA6

Anecdotingly

By Abigail Bair

Let Me Eat CakeIt is not any kind of secret that I don’t deal

well with illness. Because of this, I generally tend to sequester myself with a bottle of Nyquil, some red Gatorade and a vat of Campbell’s Chicken and Rice soup until whatever is ailing me is defeated by the great medicinal trifecta of my people. Last week, however, I got so sick that I wound up being forcibly hauled to TLC’s Emergency Room by the Rev. Honestly, I didn’t fight terribly hard. By the time we got there, I’d felt like I was being whomped in the head with those strange xylophone sticks with a marshmallow on one end for at least two days. It was both painful and annoying, and I really wanted to find a people-mechanic who could fix me.

I have the world’s crappiest insurance. Rephrase: I THINK I have the world’s crappiest insurance – it may actually be the most wonderful coverage the world’s ever seen, except for the fact that it’s completely unnavigable. There are five 1-800 numbers you can TRY to call, but you might as well just dial a random phone number and ask where to go for treatment:

“Hi, my name is Abi. I need to go to a doctor. My policy number is this. Where do I go?”

“Um, this is Tim at Firestone. Do you need some tires or what? Maybe you should go to the ER.”

I tried to find a provider in my handy dandy 500 page long “book of convenient care,” but there were only four in all of Nueces county, none of which were open on a Saturday. The aforementioned horrible headache barely prevented me from setting the guide on fire as a warning to future insurance policy manuals.

I headed out to Doc Tom on autopilot. He’s the best people fixer I know, so it seemed likely he could get me back on the road. Luckily, we found out when we got there that TLC took my insurance. I very incorrectly (probably) filled out some forms, and then we began the wait. The Rev swears that we didn’t sit in the waiting room for more than 20 minutes, but illness makes time pass super slowly. To me it felt like 9 hours. Mom says I started whining about “just bailing” and “dying in my own bed” after two minutes. She also made me wear a mask to keep me from infecting other patients, which I immediately started calling a “germ rebreather” and saying that it was only aiding and abetting the germs I already had. At that point, Mom got me a blanket from the car, covered me up, and went to read her Kindle in another (quieter) part of the lobby.

I hid under my hoodie and the pile of blankets and muttered to myself. Light hurt my eyes and I kept alternating between broiling and fell-in-a-freezing-lake level of hypothermia. Finally, my name was called and we headed back.

They gave me the fifteen-point analysis, from my fluids all the way down to the shocks. Then, just to be absolutely certain, they tested me for the flu.

I don’t know if you’ve ever gotten a flu test before, but it’s enough to make even the most avowed needle-phobe beg for a shot of vaccine instead. The protocol appears to be that someone wearing scrubs jams a Q-tip through your nostril into the bottom part of your frontal lobe to “see how sick you are.” The nurse tried to warn me.

“Have you ever had a flu test before?” she asked, worriedly.

“Um, I don’t know. Probably.” I muttered petulantly.

“Well, if you had, you’d remember, and if you haven’t, you’re not going to like it,” she cheerfully responded, unwrapping an evil Q-tip with a business end like an aardvark’s snout.

“Look man, any time a medical professional whips out a Q-tip, I’m already like 99% sure

I’m going to hate whatever happens next. Just do what you gotta do.”

I didn’t have the flu, but now I can smell the color blue.

We finally got home, armed with a variety of prescription drugs and I crawled gratefully back into my bed and passed out.

At about 6 p.m. the doorbell rang and Stadler-the-dog went absolutely bonkers. I peeped though the curtains and saw a black SUV that I didn’t recognize.

“I’m not opening this stupid door,” I thought, as I stomped morosely to the front door and opened it.

A pretty young woman stood there, smiling shyly and holding a box with a golden horn sticking out of it.

“This is for you,” she said (I think kind of terrified of me – I looked like a rancid sea hag), “from Kenia.”

I thanked her and took the heavy box from her, setting it on the dining room table. Inside, was a sparkly, rainbow, unicorn birthday cake which my sister-in-law somehow managed to procure for me --despite the fact that she lives in Germany.

It was all I really wanted for my birthday, and there it sat – horn raised proudly to the heavens, mane of edible flowers, a towering sugary monument of deliciousness. I stared, for a moment, stunned and awed.

Then I put it in the refrigerator and went back to bed.

Still, the cake was definitely the best thing about my birthday. I had been complaining on social media (between fifteen-hour long naps) that all I got this year was a throbbing headache, a fever

and bonus explosive diarrhea.

Kenia shut me up, and the internet reeled with gratitude.

In the end, I got my cake and ate it, too – after Doc Tom called in a prednisone prescription that got me feeling nearly human again. I hate to say it, but this wasn’t my worst birthday.

I didn’t even manage to set myself on fire.

Bikini-First Atomic Test After World War II

By Dotson Lewis Special to the Island Moon

Senior Moments

Dotson’s Note: After the response for the Senior Moments report “1950’s Atomic Testing in the United States,” I believe it is a good time to remind you Moon Monkeys of the other nuclear testing that was done by the United States after WWII. My thanks to Stephen Palumbi, Elora López, Dr. Louise Reiss, Sam Scott, the Stanford Magazine, my old civilian friends and old military comrades for many of the facts contained in this report. Thanks to Dan Griffin & the U.S. Archives for the photos.

On July 1st 1946, the United States conducted the first nuclear test after World War II. The explosion took place at the Bikini Atoll lagoon, situated in the Marshall Islands in the Pacific Ocean. Test Able was to be the first of a series of 67 tests in the atoll and the second U.S. nuclear test of over a thousand to follow.

The explosion of the fission bomb, largely identical to the weapon used in the attack on Nagasaki on 9 August 1945, occurred 158 meters (172.791 yards), above sea level and had a yield of 23 Kilotons*. The main aim was to test the effects of nuclear weapons on ships. To that end, a fleet of 78 vessels, many of which had been captured during World War II, were anchored in the lagoon. The blast sunk only five of them, leaving another 14 seriously damaged.

The irradiation consequences, however, were largely underestimated. Marines were ordered to board the vessels shortly after the explosion to attempt to decontaminate the ships by scrubbing the decks, exposing them to high doses of radioactivity. After these efforts proved largely ineffective, many of the ships were subsequently abandoned and sunk in the Pacific Ocean.

Apart from experimenting with the naval array, the test was used to investigate the effect of nuclear explosions on living beings. Fifty-seven animals were placed on the targeted ships, of which roughly a third died directly from the blast or from lethal radiation doses. This triggered numerous protests in the United States – rallying public opinion against nuclear testing for the first time.

It was only after the United States (joined by the Soviet Union from 1949) had conducted several hundred more atmospheric nuclear tests, irradiating practically every living being on Earth, that public pressure increased, leading to the adoption of the 1963 “Partial Test Ban Treaty.” Dr Louise Reiss and her “Baby Tooth Survey,” played a significant role. While this treaty drove most nuclear testing underground, it did little to constrain the development of weapons.

Only the 1996 Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) bans all forms of nuclear testing. Although 183 countries have signed the Treaty, of which 164 have also ratified, it must be ratified by 44 specific countries – those holding nuclear technology at the time of its negotiation – to enter into the force. Thirty-six countries have already done so, including the nuclear weapon possessors France, Russia and the UK. The remaining eight are China, Egypt, Iran, Israel and the United States, which have already signed the CTBT, as well as India, Pakistan and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, which have yet to sign and ratify.

StressWhat is stress? Stress

is defined differently in many venues. The one that makes the most sense to me is a state of mental or emotional strain or tension resulting from adverse or very demanding circumstances. Stress is a big part of our lives these days. The advent of technology and never being unplugged is partly to blame. Even our kids have more pressure put on them. It starts in grade school. We have them learn more at a rapid pace compared with days past. They are pushed in sports by their parents playing club ball and school ball almost year around, their young bodies not being meant for year around athletic push. This makes sports injuries in my experience much more common these days than 30 years ago.

Parents are bad about using electronic devices like phones and Ipads to baby sit their toddler and preschool age kids. This creates the need for nonstop sensory stimulation at young age. It would be worth studying to see if attention deficit diagnoses correlate with this habit. It might already have been studied and I just may be unaware. Kids in general that are not in competitive athletics tend to spend less time playing outdoors and tend to live inside and spend more time on video games which are a really bad idea. When I talk to parents sometimes they are just like what do I do? I can’t make him stop? The answer is be the parent. Get them out of the house. When I was a kid my mom made us stay outside till it got dark. That gives you plenty of time to find other avenues for entertainment. Sometimes we got in trouble by jumping our bikes off big ramps with no helmet. Now they would book my parents for child abuse. Hence all the snowflakes we have running around now days.

Stress is a natural part of our world and we have to be taught to deal with it. I think parents in the last 25 -30 years have failed. The “protect the children” mentality that comes out of California and into our education system misses one thing. The world can be a hard place when you are on your own. Kids need to experience hardship when they are maturing so they know how to cope and “cowboy up” so to speak. Many of today’s youth do not have that skill because mommy and daddy have taken all risk away. This is a disservice, sometimes it is good to let them experience some failure so they recognize it and how to overcome it. Helping them do that is a much greater service.

Stress is tough but to overcome it both adults and kids have to learn to get mentally tough and realize we can only control what we can truly control. You have to let the rest roll off your back. When things are tough take the time to exercise both aerobics and weight training can release natural endorphins that can help you refocus and take the edge off. Unplug and spend some time outdoors with no techy stimulus around. I promise they can wait. Beware of resorting to alcohol or drugs because this in the end will make it worse not better. If you are really struggling go see your doc sometimes you can develop clinical depression or anxiety disorder and this can require treatment.

Tax season is coming so I know we will have some stressed out folks, hopefully it will be a little less this year. We live in a great place so get out on the water or to the beach and enjoy what God gave us here in South Texas. Have a great week! Doc Tom

Thoughts From Dr. Tom

Bikini’s Manicured Landscape

Test Able’s Cloud Boiled Up Almost Seven Miles.

Above Islanders were asked to "temporarily" leave Bikini "for the good of mankind and to end all world wars.”

In 1997 the International Atomic Energy Agency reported that the Bikini Atoll was

still uninhabitable.

It was rainbow on the INSIDE, too!

February 28, 2019 Island Moon A 7

Savory Pot PieBy Chef Vita Jarrin

Island Moon on a Spoon

There’s something rich, satisfying and nostalgic about eating a flaky, bubbly homemade, rustic pot pie. It’s a savory dish that America has loved for centuries. But for some it may seem like too much work. In all honesty, making a “from scratch” pie dough, cutting all the veggies and poaching or roasting the chicken, does involve a bit of work.

But there are shortcuts to everything. All of which I approve of. I wouldn’t take shortcuts if they compromised the end result on something so delicious and traditional, as a pot pie. By using premade pie dough or crusts, you cut the time in half as well as by using rotisserie chicken if you are truly in a bind and need to make this in a pinch.

The important thing is the end result. Following my recipe will give you a great pot pie with a variety of tips on how to keep it fresh and interesting.

Ingredients:

4 tbsp. butter

1 tsp extra virgin olive oil

1/2 cup Diced Onion

1/2 cup Diced Carrot

1/2 cup Diced Celery

3 cups shredded cooked chicken (dark & white meat preferred)

1/4 cup flour

3 cups Low-sodium Chicken Broth, Plus More If Needed

Splash of White Wine (optional)

1/4 teaspoon turmeric

1tsp Ras el hanout spice blend (world market)

1tsp coriander

1 tsp granulated garlic

2 tsp. Kosher or Sea salt

1 tsp. black pepper

Dash or two chili flakes for heat (optional)

Chopped fresh thyme leaves (1-2 sprigs)

1/4 cup Heavy Cream

2 whole unbaked Pie Crust

1 whole egg

1 tbsp. water

1 tbsp. milk

INSTRUCTIONS

Preheat the oven to 375 F.

Melt the oil and butter in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Stir them around until the onions start to

turn translucent, about 3-5 minutes.

Stir in the chicken add the thyme, salt, pepper and spices. Then sprinkle the flour over the top and stir it until it’s all combined with the chicken and vegetables. Stir in wine if using, and stir for about 2 minutes. Add the stock and allow to thicken.

Add the cream, then stir the mixture and let it bubble up and thicken for about 3 minutes. If it seems overly thick, splash in a little more broth. Turn off the heat.

Roll out the pie dough to fit inside the pie dish. Roll out the second piece of dough for the top and set aside. Add a little cooking spray to the dish and drop in the first sheet of pie dough. You should have a little overhang of dough in order to seal the top layer. With a fork, poke holes in the dough. Pour the filling into the baking dish. Make the egg wash, by combining the egg, water and milk. You will likely have egg wash left over. You may discard it.

Brush some on the wash on the edges of the bottom layer. Lay the second sheet of dough over the top of the dish. Press the dough so that the edges stick together. You can press or pinch edges with your fingers, or use a fork and go around the pie and seal both crusts together. Keep it rustic, this avoids stressing over the dish. Use a knife to cut little vents on the top of the pot pie. Four to six slits to resemble a cross will work fine. Brush the top layer of the pie with more egg wash. This will make the crust golden.

Place the pie on a rimmed baking sheet, covered in foil and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the crust is deep golden brown and the filling is bubbly. To prevent the crust from getting too brown, you might want to cover it lightly with foil for the first 15 minutes of baking time.

Tip of the week!

This, like many of my dishes is versatile. You can use various fillings outside of chicken, such as turkey, ground beef, or ground chicken or lamb, shredded pork etc. You can also get creative and add different veggies too or keep it all vegetables if you prefer. Such veggies include, diced potatoes, corn, lima beans, kale, spinach and the list goes on. Keep in mind however, that using frozen vegetables, will add moisture to your filling, making it watery and diluted in flavor. Therefore I recommend fresh as much as possible or from a can but drained. You can play with spices too. I used some Middle Eastern influence in this dish, but you can add Mexican, Italian, Asian, or Greek spices as well.

The important this is to Have Fun! Try New Things! Happy Eats… Enjoy!

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Send letters and photos to editor@islandmoon.com

February 28, 2019Island MoonA8

SPORTS

Sports History- Mantle & Pitino

By Dotson Lewis

By Andy Purvis Special to the Island Moon

A Glove Man Until the End Part III

Dotson’s Note: On occasion as I browse through sports history I am reminded of interesting (to me) sports personalities that I have met and/or had dealings. I first heard of Mickey Mantle in 1949 when he was playing shortstop for the Independence Yankees of the Kansas–Oklahoma–Missouri League. As I recall, the first run-in I had with Rick Pitino was in 1978 when he was the head basketball coach at Boston College. Thanks to my friend Bill Morgan who was Sports Information Director-Southwest Conference, for the photos and many of the facts contained in these reports.

Mantle Hangs It Up-March 1, 1969

In 1969, after 18 years with the New York Yankees, Mickey Mantle announced his retirement from baseball. Mantle was one of the greatest sluggers the game had ever seen. In 1961, he rivaled teammate Roger Maris in an attempt to break Babe Ruth's single-season home run record. But he had played much of his career in excruciating pain and was coming off a year where he batted a career-low .237. At 37 years old, Mantle was not hesitant to call it quits.

"I can't play anymore," Mantle said plainly and unemotionally. "I can't hit the ball when I need to. I can't steal second when I need to. I can't go from first to third when I need to. I can't score from second when I need to. I have to quit." "I feel bad I didn't hit .300," he added, noting that his final years had brought his career average down to .298. "But there's no way I could get it back over .300 again. There's no use trying."

Mantle retired with 536 home runs, then the third most all time behind Babe Ruth and Willie Mays. He also tallied three MVP awards and won the AL Triple Crown in 1956. His retirement ended fifty years of a great Yankee succession that began with the Babe (who wore No. 3). Lou Gehrig (No. 4) then came along just as Ruth was wrapping up his career, then Joe DiMaggio (No. 5) emerged, and finally Mantle. Mickey originally wore No. 6 to keep the streak going, but he was sent to the minors early in his career and returned wearing the No. 7. His number was retired by the Yankees that summer, joining Ruth, Gehrig, DiMaggio, Bob Feller, and Ted Williams as the only players to have their numbers retired at that time.

After his retirement as a player, Mantle's private life took several twists and turns. He made a large amount of money as a presenter at sports memorabilia shows, was expelled from baseball for working at a casino, and was later reinstated by Commissioner Peter Ueberroth. In 1994, Mantle admitted to Sports Illustrated that he was an alcoholic and stated that he wasn't happy with his life anymore. His alcoholism, partly brought on by the pressure he faced in living up to his Yankee predecessors, was front page news. He later checked into the Betty Ford Clinic in an attempt to rehabilitate himself, but nothing he did could repair the forty years of drinking he had done; in 1995, he died of liver cancer at the age of 63.

In one of the final public appearances in his life, Mantle pleaded with his admirers to live their lives differently from him. "You talk about a role model? This is a role model: Don't be like me... God gave me the ability to play baseball and I wasted it. I was given so much, and I blew it."

Rick Pitino: "Bird Is Not Walking Through That Door"

Rick Pitino had a fantastic run as a college basketball coach, but it never quite worked out for him in the NBA. At first he did okay; when he took over as the New York Knicks coach in 1987, he stayed there for two years and led the Knicks to their first division title in two decades. But the University of Kentucky offered him a job, and Pitino -- whose first love was college basketball -- couldn't pass it up.

At Kentucky, Pitino reaffirmed his status as one of the best coaches in NCAA basketball. He led them to three Final Four appearances and an NCAA championship in 1996. Once again though, the lure of a higher-paying, glorifying job was offered to him, and Pitino left Kentucky to coach the Boston Celtics. It seemed like a good fit, since his first coaching was at Boston University.

Had the Celtics won the NBA lottery in 1997, and had they been able to draft Tim Duncan, maybe things would have gone differently. Instead, Pitino did terribly; in his four years coaching the team, the best the team could muster was a 36-win season in 1996. Pitino was frequently on-edge, and it became obvious that the stress of not living up to the expectations in Boston -- who had won more titles in history than everyone -- was frustrating him to no end.

Finally, after a home loss to the Toronto Raptors on March 1, 2000, Pitino vented with one of the more memorable memes in NBA history: "Larry Bird is not walking through that door, fans. Kevin McHale is not walking through that door, and Robert Parish is not walking through that door. And if you expect them to walk through that door, they're going to be gray and old. What we are is young, exciting, hard-working, and we're going to improve. People don't realize that, and as soon as they realize those three guys are not coming through that door, the better this town will be for all of us because there are young guys in that (locker) room playing their asses off. I wish we had $90 million under the salary cap. I wish we could buy the world. We can't; the only thing we can do is work hard, and all the negativity that's in this town sucks. I've been around when Jim Rice was booed. I've been around when Yastrzemski was booed. And it stinks. It makes the greatest town, greatest city in the world, lousy. The only thing that will turn this

around is being upbeat and positive like we are in that locker room... and if you think I'm going to succumb to negativity, you're wrong. You've got the wrong guy leading this team."

The line "Larry Bird is not walking through that door" would live on long after Pitino resigned in 2001. Like Lee Elia, the Cubs coach who went on a postgame rant in the 1980's, Pitino's words signified the losing of the culture that had embraced the team -- and for a team like the Celtics, who had been so great for so long, it was a memorable statement indeed. For eight years, that line was the de facto mantra of the Boston Celtics, as they tried desperately to reclaim their glory years. Eventually they were able to do it, though only after they traded for Kevin Garnett in 2007.

Dotson’s Other Note: I often saw The Mick after his retirement and living in Dallas as I was the supervisor of officials for the old Southwest Conference. Every time I saw him, he didn’t appear to be feeling well. He clearly was not The Mick of old. As far as I know, Rick Pitino is now coaching the Greek National Basketball Team. Perhaps he finally found a place where he can fool some of the people some of the time. Email: dlewis1@stx.rr.com Mobile: 530-748-8475

-30- Have Fun

Sports Talk Special to The Island Moon

In the summer of 1984, Warren Spahn and Whitey Ford talked George H. W. Bush into playing in the MLB Old-Timers’ Game, to be played in Denver, Colorado. The crowd actually booed Bush when his name was announced. I guess they didn’t want a politician to take part in the ballgame. But the crowd roared when Bush hit a single off Milt Papas into left-center field during his second at-bat. George later took the field at first base. Tension mounted when Hall-of-Famer, Orlando “Cha Cha” Cepeda, stepped into the batter’s box. Cha Cha hit a screaming bullet down the first base line. Sixty-year old George Bush dove to his left and knocked the ball down. He got up, scooped the ball into his mitt and threw Cha Cha out at first. Of course the crowd went crazy, and Cepeda never lived it down. The Detroit Tigers offered then Vice-President George H. W. Bush a playing contract for $1 after seeing him play in the 1984 Old-Timers’ Game.

There’s’ a little-known story about Bush and his need for competition.

On July 13, 1985, President Reagan underwent surgery to remove cancerous polyps from his colon. His surgery was scheduled to last ten hours, and the power of the Presidency was transferred to Bush during that time. What did George do with the ten hours? He participated in a rigorous tennis match. It was said that Bush fell during the match and hit his head and was knocked out cold. It was only later that everyone began to realize that during that brief amount of time, Speaker of the House, “Tip” O’Neill was in fact the leader of the free world.

On April 3, 1989, Bush threw out the first pitch during the Opening Day ceremonies of the Major League Baseball season. The Boston Red Sox were in Baltimore playing the Orioles at Memorial Stadium. George became the first sitting President to throw out the first pitch from the mound and not from a front-row seat, as all the other Presidents had done before him. Yes, he brought his glove with him; the one he had used at Yale. It was a Rawlings’ George McQuinn claw model. Writer Thomas Boswell later visited Bush in the Oval Office. During the conversation, Boswell asked Bush if he knew where his old glove was. “It’s right here,” said President Bush, as he opened his desk drawer. He took it out and it was almost black with age, but oiled and useable. “He pounded his fist in its pocket,” said Boswell.

That same year, 1989, George W. Bush became the Managing General Partner for the Texas Rangers. His father and mother attended many games. He eventually sold his position with the team in 1998.

In 1990, as a tribute to President Bush and his love for baseball, the Topps Baseball Card Company produced 100 commemorative George Bush baseball cards. They are very hard to come by. I wish I had one.

In 2000, the year Enron Park opened, I was lucky enough to purchase a special season-ticket package for two seats behind home plate. The package included Opening Day, all weekend home games and all home playoff games. These seats were several rows behind where President George H. W. Bush and Barbara Bush sat for the ballgames. Barbara would keep score and the President would shake hands and sign autographs for the fans. I was lucky enough to shake the President’s hand. Interestingly, my mother Edith wore her hair the same way as Barbara Bush and they looked very much alike. I can remember one game where I was sitting next to Atlanta Braves’ retired centerfielder, Ralph Garr. Garr was scouting for the Braves. He leaned over and in jest said, “Look-a-there.

We have two Presidents at the game today, George Bush and George Washington.” From behind, Barbara appeared to be wearing a white wig like that which was worn during the 1700’s. I always found myself trying to identify the secret service folks, who protected the President. They seemed to blend in with the crowd. In 2002, Enron Park would become Minute Maid Park.

By 2012, Bush was using a wheelchair to get around. In his later years, after having a hip replaced, he said, “You know you’re getting old when everything hurts and what doesn’t hurt doesn’t work anymore.” Yet all he ever asked about was you. “How are you doing?”

In the spring of 2015, Bush was invited back to Yale to celebrate their 150th baseball season. He answered questions about his time playing ball at Yale and was then asked what advice he had for the future Bulldogs. He answered, “I am not big on giving free advice for the simple reason that it’s usually viewed as being worth what was paid for it. That said, I would encourage each and every young man who might attend Yale and play ball to do the same things my mother taught me a million years ago: do your best, share credit, and focus on the team. It’s not fancy, but it worked for me.”

On October 11, 2015, from his wheelchair, George H. W. Bush threw out the first pitch of Game 3 of the American League Championship Series between the Kansas City Royals and the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park. The Astros won 4-2.

On February 5, 2017, Barbara and George were on hand for the coin toss during the pregame festivities for Super Bowl LI at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. The New England Patriots beat the Atlanta Falcons 34-28.

Bush Sr. and his son George were part of the pre-game festivities before Game 5 of the 2017 World Series in Houston, when the Astros played the Dodgers. Houston won that game 13-12 and captured its first World Series title in Game 6 in Los Angeles.

George H. W. Bush died on Friday, November 30, 2018, of Vascular Parkinsonism. He was 94 and living at his home in Houston, Texas. His wife Barbara passed away at home on April 17, 2018, from congestive heart failure. She was 92. Over the years, George and Barbara attended many Texas A & M football and basketball games and became Aggies fans. The George H. W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum opened in their honor at College Station, Texas, on November 10, 2007. They have both been laid to rest there.

Someone once said, “We are all just passing time and occupying our chair very briefly.” The time we had with President George H. W. Bush was a gift, and we are all better because he occupied his chair so well. It seems that we have had more than our share of loss, but you can see God’s light in others. All we can do is to be there for each other.

“Sports have served me well all my life,” said Bush.

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

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Send letters and photos to editor@islandmoon.com

February 28, 2019 Island Moon A11

Seashore Happenings

Evelyn McDevitt (4th grade) placed 2nd for her experiment, Electromag-NEATO.

Micah Smith (4th grade) placed 3rd for his experiment, Water Filters: Are they

worth the $$?

Ibrahim Saleh Eldin (2nd grade) received an award for Most Creative Science

Experiment for his Barnacle Invasion entry.

Seashore students attended the Valero Energy Foundation and Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi Coastal Bend Regional Science

Fair. Students were competing among 522 entries from 25 districts. Congratulations to all the participants. The following students from

SLC received awards for their outstanding experiments.

Find the solution athttp://onlinecrosswords.net/8926

Free Printable Crossword Puzzle #1This is the Daily Crossword Puzzle #1 for Feb 25, 2019

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Down1. Come together2. Nose (around)3. Battling4. Marked simply5. Scalding6. Garden-variety7. It may begin inFebruary8. Place for a letter9. Nevertheless10. "The Lion King II: __Pride"11. "See ya!"12. Frequentlyquestioned celeb13. "The Graduate" hero

15. Mogul21. Architect Mies vander __22. Expert24. Name of eight popes25. Orchestra section26. Auditing techniques27. When repeated,sings28. Comply29. "A Fish CalledWanda" Oscar winner31. Symptom34. Reliable sorts35. Cabo San Lucas site37. Bud or Sam

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February 28, 2019 Island Moon A12

Moon Crossword

Crossword Solution on classifieds page

Going Easy On You... Knuckle-Cracker

Brain-Buster Mind-Numbing Frustration

Medium Puzzle 859,085,387

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Hard Puzzle 7,691,937,058

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Sudoku

Attention Amazon Shoppers

If you shop on Amazon.com you can now designate the Riley P Dog Park as your charitable donation site. Just use amazon.smile.com and pick Riley P Dog Park as your designated charity. 0.5 percent of every eligible purchase will go directly to the Padre Island Dog Park’s account at Frost Bank Padre Island. Please consider designating the Dog Park as your charity as the park is being funded entirely by donations and volunteers. If you have any questions about the dog park you can visit our page on facebook at Riley P Dog Park or call Jan Rankin at 361-949-7700.

DAVIN JAMES MAR 1RICH LOCKHART MAR 2LAID BACK TEXAS MAR 8MITCHELL FERGUSON MAR 9CODY BRYAN MAR 15AUSTIN MEADE MAR 19

132 W. Cotter St. Port A On the Waterfront

Teachers Wanted!

Crossroads Adult Education and

Literacy ProgramThe Crossroads Adult Education & Literacy

Program is now accepting applications for 70 instructor positions. These positions are part-time and scheduling is flexible. This is a great opportunity for both current and retired teachers as well as those with a bachelor’s degree.

The Adult Education & Literacy Program (AEL) is an educational program that provides instruction for adult students in the areas of adult basic education (ABE), adult secondary education (ASE), English as a Second Language (ESL), High School Equivalency (HSE), and college and career reediness. The AEL program services 11 counties including Nueces, San Patricio, Duval, Aransas, Jim Wells, Brooks, Bee, Kleberg, and Refugio. High need areas are Kingsville, Robstown, Freer, and Refugio.

Instructors are needed in all areas of instruction and we are looking to hire all positions by the end of March. Experience in teaching in an education setting is preferred but, not required. The full job description can be found at: https://bit.ly/2wN2pFr or by visiting https://www.esc2.net/Job_bank/. Additional information about the Crossroads Adult Education & Literacy Program can also be found at: https://crossroads.esc2.net/.

For additional information please contact Joshua Sosa ESC-2 Program Coordinator II at Joshua.Sosa@esc2.us or 361-561-8679.

First Friday at Port Aransas Art Center

The annual Tiddle Caylor all members show at the Port Aransas Art Center will kick off at the March First Friday celebration on March 1, from 5:30-7:30 with food and live music.

Member artists are invited to put their best foot forward and enter one piece in the show. The Judge will select 1st, 2nd and 3rd Place. The public will vote all month long and the artist with most votes will win People’s Choice. All winners then receive a Merit Show as a group in August. The Show Judge is Kitty Dudics.

Port Aransas Art Center is located at 104 N. Alister. For more information 361-749-7334 www.portaransasartcenter.org.

February 28, 2019Island MoonA 13

The Great Outdoors 2018By Jay Gardner

On the Rocks Backwater AdventuresBy Joey FarahFarah’s Fishing Adventures

Well, I mostly survived the crazy week last week. I barely got the program for the banquet put together, as we had

increased the size of it with many new sponsors. The program last year was only 56 pages, and this year we went to 74. What a beast! Then, at the banquet, the award committee gave awards to the Game Warden of the Year, Ben Bailey, and the TPWD Biologist of the Year was Dr. Daren Topping. We had a special Legacy award for our buddy Dr. Robert Vega, who recently retired from 38 years with Texas Parks and Wildlife, with the last dozen and a half years running the fish hatcheries along the coast. Robert has been instrumental in hosting the Kidfish event out at the ponds, and we thank him for his service. The committee also honored Cal Jennings with a Lifetime Achievement award, and despite my opposition, they voted me for Conservationist of the Year. Good times! Congrats to our award winners. The banquet did really well, and I hope you loyal readers that showed up had a great time.

I also hope that many of you loyal readers made it out to the Big Shell Clean up. That was a heck of a deal and we broke another attendance record this year with about 1400 people. Wow! For the first time, we were able to get all the way down to the 40MM and clean all the sections back to the 18MM. We had to recruit section leaders at the last minute with Tyler and Colin jumping in to lead sections, but we got them down and got them back. Well….except for one car.

This is a good one folks. So I pull out of the parking lot leading a section down to the 19MM, and I had Mickey Berry as my healer pulling up the rear. We make the turns onto the beach and we still have everyone, which is no small miracle sometimes. But I look in the

rearview, and notice that a white Chevy Camaro has pulled into our section in the number 3 spot. About the time I notice this, my shotgun rider Mike Shindle lets me know that yes, we picked up a Camaro. We both knew that it wasn’t going to end well, and it didn’t.

So we cruise down south, the driving was great and the beach was wide enough to get us by. That is until we get about the 10MM, and a fisherman is parked down in the hard packed sand, which makes everyone go up higher and through the soft stuff. Time for the 4 wheel-drive. I pull through the choke point, and basically just pull over, as we all watch the Camaro get about half way through, and then bury the car right next to the fisherman (let that be a lesson!). I get out and start walking back, and that’s where things went really wrong.

The car is buried up the frame in the rear in the 45 seconds it takes me to walk back there before anyone could give the teenage kid any advice. First of many things that went wrong, and the hits kept coming. Right as I walk up, the kids pile out and close the doors with the windows up. Three teenage girls with teenage guys start losing their minds, yelling, and asking if anyone has phone service. Uh, we’re at the 10MM; of course there’s no service. Evidently on the way out of the vehicle, someone hit the lock button right before all the doors closed. And the kicker was, the car was STILL IN GEAR! LOCKED!

Thankfully I had some cool heads in my group, and we told them NOT to try and push it out, but leave it until help comes along. Someone

else in my group told them to break the window. That was our cue to leave, because we couldn’t do anything. Our crew pulled around it and we headed south. It gets even more fun, as I came across a ranger sitting at the entrance to yarborough, looked like he was shooting radar at people coming back up the beach. I told him the story, wished him good luck, and we proceeded south, away from the scene. I heard later that he continued to sit there for at least another three sections passing the scene.

The story was that the kids were coming down to get school credit for the clean-up, but didn’t know the protocol, didn’t go through the parking lot to

get instructions, and didn’t talk to anyone. I wonder who signed off on their volunteer time. Ha! Drop me a line at tarponchaser@mail.com and we’ll see you next week On the Rocks

Fishing has been behind schedule a little as well as the abundance of live shrimp. These two things go hand and hand. Not because you need the live bait to catch them, but the influx of shrimp into the back bay system stimulates the spring migration and spring feeding patterns. As I’ve spoken a few time of in the last few weeks, shrimp are buried in the muddy bottoms offshore and in the deep and open bays. As temperatures warm up they will rise, usually under a dark moon and glow with the tide into the back bays. We did get a push under the last new moon, but flow wasn’t strong. The last full moon washed game and baitfish into the area but there are only scattered pockets of shrimp around right now. We will be coming up on the next new moon next week, things are about to POP!

Look for the sheepshead to finally show up around the rocks for their spawn. Along with them come the pompano and whiting. Stay close to the travel zones to catch gamefish following the shrimp. The ICW and all natural guts with depths of 4-6ft. Along the big grass lines in the open flats you will find the stomachs of most trout full of small pin perch. The fish holding out deeper away from the grass will be

on shrimp. Their feeding times will be different, and I’ve been cashing in on that. I’m using small 3”DOA Cal Shads in the morning along those grass lines and flats. Then I switch to a 4”DOA SHRIMP BODY rigged on a 1/4 ounce jig head. Using a heavier jig head has been important to our success, I want to keep the lure down in their face. Trout have been spending most of their time laying low and conserving energy. Vary your actions to small scratches and scraped of the lure along the bottom to more excited pops and bumps within two feet of the bottom. Surprising enough darker colors have been best red, ROOTBEER, and black/chartreuse.

The black drum are finally starting to get rolling! We have seen some of the giant MONSTER BULLS have beee. Coming in, along with the 2-10lb keepers. The biggest ones can be caught on sea lice, crab, and shrimp. The keeper a lot fish will be caught easier on live or peeled shrimp. Go ahead and put a piece of FISHBITES on your hook as well, crab or shrimp flavor. Look for sandy bottoms, as the drum do not like feeding in the grass. Use a Carolina rig with a #4-#6 OWNER CIRCLE HOOK. The length of your leader will make a difference on how the drum take the bait. Short leaders for trout long for drum, even longer for when they are finicky.

One important factor in fishing here in the Laguna Madre and Baffin complex this year has been the big increase in barge traffic. I guess our refineries have been hot to trot and we are selling more and more Petroleum products to Mexico. In the past we have 1-4 a day, now we have 10-15 barges a day. These big boats are churning up the soft mud in the channel, I have my concerns about what this will do to our water quality and migrating fish flow this year.

Right now we are really having a great time every day balancing out both trout fishing with lures and catching those drum. In the

weeks to come starting now we will be able to include drifting with live shrimp and popping corks as well. I two weeks we will be hit with spring break fever. This is a time in which we all feel the fever, and our little Island wakes up and stretches its arms out in the sun. Give me a call when you are planning to have company in, let’s go have fun, learn, and catch yourself a great fish fry! CAPT JOEY FARAH | 361-442-8145

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We are a full service, customer service based marina. Professional Guided fi shing trips, tackle, and live and dead baits are available daily. We have fuel on site in the marina along with marine supplies. Fish cleaning services are available daily for anyone regardless of

where the fi sh are caught. Beer, wine, soft drinks, snacks are available for sale in the marina. Full service restaurant and bars coming in the near future.

Mr Hoffman and Dirty Dave from Michigan caught over 50trout and picked up these nice keepers on soft plastics this

week in the Laguna Madre.

Another big drum from the side of the Intracoastal Canal.

Monster drum are on the run!

David McKee, Cal Jennings, and myself

In this week’s article I will be discussing two great

Coastal Bend events: the Barefoot Mardi Gras Festival and Sandfest.

Barefoot Mardi Gras will be kicking off in Corpus Christi on March 2 with a parade. The parade will begin at 11:00 am at Whitecap Beach. The Barefoot Mardi Gras parade will be fun for the whole family and filled with different parade floats that will make you feel like you have stepped onto Bourbon Street with a taste of the beach. Following the parade, there will be a Mardi Gras Festival all day from 11:00 am – 5:00 pm. The festival will take place at Balli Park at the Briscoe King Pavilion. The festival will also include a variety of artists, float displays, exhibitors. That evening there will be the King & Queens Ball from 7:30 pm – 12:00 am, and the grounds of the festival will be transformed into the streets of New Orleans. Come on out to experience a true Mardi Gras night while supporting a great cause!

The Barefoot Mardi Gras Parade and Festival is a great way to spend the day at Padre Island and fill your Saturday with a truly unique experience. We are excited to see such an amazing and successful event every year. For more information on the festival, check out their website here: http://www.barefootmardigras.com/. Over the past few articles, we have explored the different arts that are important to our South Texas community. The arts, including local theatres, performing arts centers, artists, and musicians have proved to educate the public on the culture of South Texas and what it means to have the opportunity of self expression. A unique style of art that is representative of the Coastal Bend is the Texas Sandfest.

Sandfest is a cultural staple of the Coastal Bend and began in 1997 and was created by the Port Aransas Art Center. The popularity of the contest grew and became a 3-day, nonprofit festival that supported the Port Aransas Community Theater (PACT). By 2006, PACT was able to build a brand new theater thanks to the many years of fundraising. Because of this accomplishment, Texas Sandfest branched out and began to help various nonprofit groups in our community.

Texas Sandfest, is a Coastal Bend event, encompassing tourists, vendors, and sculptors from all around the South Texas region. The 2019 Sandfest will take place on April 26-28 and will be an event for the whole family (including your pets)! Events include live sand sculpting, live music, amateur contest for kids, teens and adults, and even a golf cart raffle. Sandfest is on the beach between mile markers 9 and 13. The north entrance is at mile marker 8 and the south entrance is at mile marker 18. Texas Sandfest

February 28, 2019 Island Moon A 14

By Todd Hunter, District 32

STATE

will also be providing free cart shuttle from Sandcastle drive to the festival entrance. Tickets will be on sale on site. Ages 5 and under: Free. Volunteers are also welcome for this event. For more information and volunteer opportunities for the Texas Sandfest, check out their website https://www.texassandfest.org.

As a reminder, the 86th Legislative Session is currently underway! If you would like to follow the Texas House and learn more information on news, committees or other aspects of the legislative body, you can access its website at http://www.house.texas.gov. The site features live streaming from the House floor and committee hearings, as well as access to a number of other resources. You can also follow the Texas Senate at http://www.senate.texas.gov. The Texas Governor’s official website can be found at http://gov.texas.gov/ .

If you have questions regarding any of the information mentioned in this week’s article, please do not hesitate to call my Capitol or District Office. Please always feel free to contact my office if you have any questions or issues regarding a Texas state agency, or if you would like to contact my office regarding constituent services. My offices are available at any time to assist with questions, concerns or comments (Capitol Office, 512-463-0672; District Office, 361-949-4603). - State Representative Todd Hunter, District 32

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

POA News by Marvin Jones, President

As always, let me have your thoughts. You can reach me at mjones.law@att.net

Board Meeting- Last nights Board meeting

was yet again one in which disruptions and interference with the business of the PIPOA Board occurred. One attending PIPOA member was escorted out of the meeting by a Police Officer. Interfering and disrupting a meeting is not acceptable and will not be tolerated.

Whistle Blower Investigation- At the January Board meeting, Nita Smith presented the Board with a complaint alleging Marta Sprout violated her fiduciary duties regarding the channel marker project. Ms. Smith’s packet was sent to the Board Attorney for review. (I had absolutely no contact with the Attorney regarding this review.) The Attorney’s review states, “My takeaway from the review of the submitted documentation is that Marta has upheld her duties to the POA and its members in this situation.” The Attorney further stated “The emails also clearly illustrate the negative impact that the interference of others have had on this issue. Rather than coming off as an organized corporation, the badgering of the Coast Guard by others in the community has made the POA look disheveled and petty.”

The Coast Guard has sent Marta a letter in reply to questions posed to the Coast Guard. In the letter, Mr. Tim Boriskie, the Coast Guard representative with whom the Canals and Waterways committee, the Board, and Marta had been communicated with made the following statements. “My office engaged Mrs. Sprout as liaison for PIPOA’s PATON…” This statement is in response to Ms. Smith’s allegation that Marta appointed herself as the

sole point of contact. Mr. Boriskie continues by saying, “After speaking with Mrs. Sprout on May 9, 2018, she got more accomplished in a 7 month period then all her predecessors accomplished in 7 years!”

Mr. Boriskie states, “My letter to PIPOA, addressed to Mr. Marvin Jones and dated October 9, 2018, should not be seen as a threat of legal action; rather it was a standard letter from the Coast Guard communicating our intent to ensure regulatory compliance with a private waterway manager.” This statement by Mr. Boriskie was in response to Ms. Smith’s allegation that Marta’s actions put the PIPOA in legal jeopardy.

Finally, Mr. Boriskie states, “In my opinion, Mrs. Sprout should be praised for her ability to resolve these navigation safety issues.”

Based on the Attorney’s review, the Coast Guard letter, and my examination, the whistleblower complaint by Ms. Smith is closed as unfounded.

Litter Critter- There will be no litter critter in the month of March. The Barefoot Mardi Gras activities have taken over the Briscoe King parking lot; therefore, no room for the Litter Critter.

Annual Meeting/Election- The Annual Meeting and the election will be held March 9th and the Seashore gymnasium beginning at 10:00 AM. You may turn in your ballots at the meeting, however, please note for late arrivers the acceptance of ballots will be cut off at 10:20 AM.

It has been brought to my attention that campaign signs for all candidates have gone missing and some signs have been defaced. Campaign dirty tricks are out of order and juvenile to anyone participating in this mischievous practice, this is not high school.

Full Transparency and DisclosureA Taste of Mardi Gras and Sandfest in the

Coastal Bend

Friday Night Fish Fry March 8-

April 12St. Andrew by the Sea Catholic Church 5-7

St. Andrew by the Sea Catholic Church will hold their annual fish fry at the church Family Life Center, 14238 Encantada Avenue from 5-7 p.m. each week from March 8 through April 12.

The cost is $8 for a plate that includes fried fish, fries, green beans, coleslaw, and coffee or iced tea.

The church is located just off Park Road 22 across the street from the entrance to Bob Hall Pier.

Tired of the hate and negativity? Support Island Forward Candidates We endorse the following candidates for the

PIPOA Board:

DAN BROWN - banking, real estate and fi nancial expertise

BRIAN MCCABE - attorney specializing in non-profi t/501c

Corporations

Goals of the Island Forward movement: • Repair and restore island reputation • Promote harmony amongst neighbors • Maximize the impact of dues paid by property

owners to the PIPOA • Elect a board that can operate with good

governance, involving ALL 7 members in decisions • Ensure island assets and amenities are maintained

and have long term plans in place for their care (bulkheads, boat ramps, parks, canal markers)

Island Forward supports independent candidates with real world experience that have pledged to serve our community with dignity and integrity.

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Veterans Resource Fair March 2

Nueces County Veterans Services and Del Mar College Economic Development Center will host a Veterans Resource Fair from 9 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. March 2 at the Del Mar College Economic Development Center, 3209 South Staples.

Martin A. Longoria Nueces County Veterans Service Officer said the event is a community partnership between various veteran owned agencies, nonprofits, federal, state, and local county agencies whose aim is to provide an annual and reliable place and event where Nueces County and surrounding counties can obtain direct connections and information on many different types of veteran specific programs and resources.

February 28, 2019 Island Moon A 15

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Women May Need to Make Extra Financial Moves

International Women’s Day will be observed on March 8. Around the world, special events will celebrate the cultural, social, political and economic achievements of women. However, this last area – economic progress – is one that still causes concern, and rightfully so, because women still face gender-related challenges. How can you deal with them?

To begin with, you need to recognize the nature of these challenges. While many factors are actually responsible for women facing more economic pressure than men, two stand out in particular:

Gender wage gap – It’s still around, despite some progress toward equality. The U.S. Census Bureau has found that full-time, year-round working women earn about 80% of what their male counterparts earn. Other studies show a slightly smaller gap.

Caregiving responsibilities – Women typically take more time away from the workforce than men, both to raise children and then, later in life, to take care of aging parents. These absences can result in lost wages, lower Social Security benefits and fewer contributions to 401(k) and similar retirement plans.

So, given these realities, what can you do to improve your own financial outlook? Here are a few suggestions:

Increase your contributions to your retirement plan. Every time your salary goes up, increase the amount you contribute to your 401(k) or similar retirement plan. At a minimum, put in enough to earn your employer’s match, if one is offered. These plans offer potential tax-deferred earnings, and since your contributions are typically made with pre-tax dollars, the

more you put in, the lower your taxable income.

Invest for growth. Some studies show that men may invest more aggressively than women – though not necessarily more successfully. However, while you do need to invest wisely, you can’t ignore the need for growth. Consequently, you should consider including a reasonable percentage of growth-oriented investments in your retirement and other investment accounts, with the precise amount depending on your individual goals, risk tolerance and time horizon.

Look for income even while serving as caregiver. Of course, you may never become the primary caregiver for your elderly parents – but even if you do, it doesn’t necessarily follow that you must forego all earned income. If it’s possible, you could seek to go part-time at your current job, or request some type of telecommuting arrangement. And as long as you have some earned income, from somewhere, you can still contribute to an IRA.

Manage retirement plan withdrawals carefully. Once you’re retired, possibly to become a full-time caregiver, you can take penalty-free – though still taxable – withdrawals from your 401(k) as early as age 55, provided you meet certain conditions. Once you’re 59-1/2, you can take penalty-free withdrawals from a traditional IRA, though the money will be taxable. While you can withdraw contributions you made to a Roth IRA at any time, tax- and penalty-free, you’ll have to wait until 59-1/2 to take out your earnings free of taxes and penalties. And you’ll need to find a sustainable withdrawal rate so you can reduce the risk of depleting these accounts too early.

As a society, we are still working toward equality for all people – including economic equality. As a woman, however, you can’t afford to wait until that day arrives, so you need to be proactive in seeking and maintaining your financial security.

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor. Your Island Edward Jones Financial Advisor is Keith Clark. Keith can be reached at 361-949-9500.

COMPLIANCE RULES & STANDARDS FOR PADRE ISLES SUBDIVISIONS

As submitted to the PIPOA Board of Directors for Consideration. March 14th, 2019

The following “List of C o m p l i a n c e Rules” and “List of C o m p l i a n c e S t a n d a r d s ” are being submitted to be adopted by the PIPOA Board of Directors, to

clarify for property owners their responsibilities as members of the Padre Island Property Owners Assoc. as addressed in the Articles of Incorporation, By-Laws, the Protective Covenants of the Subdivisions of the PIPOA and City of Corpus Christi Codes.

POA members who think a compliance rule is being violated, are asked to file a formal Compliance Complaint Form with the POA office. The identity of all complainants is to be held in confidence.

PIPOA Compliance Rules.

To insure all property values are protected and that all property owners are treated equally and fairly, the PIPOA compliance staff will be sending letters to property owners notifying them when they are in violation of one or more of these compliance rules. Property owners will be held responsible for the actions and/or inactions of their renters.

After three written notices, property owners will be subject to fines, liens and legal action.

(a) Trash and Rubbish. No lot shall be used as a dumping ground for rubbish or trash. The POA asks all residents to report anyone dumping on a vacant lot.

(b) Garbage Containers. Garbage shall be kept only in the sanitary City provided containers and City provided recycle containers.

(c) High Grass and Weeds. No grass or weeds on vacant lots shall grow higher than twelve inches before being mowed.

(d) Landscape Maintenance. The POA will not regulate the trimming or maintenance of palm trees. All other shrubbery, plantings and grass shall be maintained by trimming or pruning as needed. Fallen palm fronds are the responsibility of the property owner whose tree shed the fronds and shall be picked up and disposed of properly, in a timely manner.

(e) Ground Covering Barriers. Rock and other yard materials over ground cover barriers shall be maintained by the addition of material and necessary repairs. Weed barriers should not show through the rock or other cover material.

(f) Dumping in Canals. Nothing shall be thrown or dumped into the canals, including limbs, leaves, grass clippings, pet waste or any other foreign matter. Please report dumping in canals.

(g) Inoperable Boats, Vehicles and Trailers. No inoperable boats, vehicles or trailers shall be stored in the front yard or driveway of any occupied lot and shall not be visible from a canal. Motor vehicles (cars & trucks) with expired registrations are considered inoperable.

(h) Easements. Property owners with Utility and/or City easements on the rear or side of his/her property along Whitecap Boulevard, Sea Pines Drive, or Commodore Drive shall maintain the easements and shall not allow anything to be parked thereon.

(i) Animals. Non-domestic animals (i.e. pigs, poultry, bees, sheep, goats, or cattle) shall not be allowed in any subdivision.

(j) Construction Violations. Violations by contractors of ACC’s Policies and Procedures Guide for Construction Standards, shall not be allowed. Any construction projects covered by the ACC’s Policies and Procedures Guide shall require an ACC permit. Construction without a proper ACC permit will be issued a cease and desist order and will be subject to additional legal action.

(k) Vacant Lots. “Nothing” shall be stored on any vacant lot, without written permission from the lot owner.

(l) Commercial Vehicles. No commercial vehicles and/or commercial trailers shall be

stored on any vacant or occupied lot.

(m) Motor Homes and Camper Trailers. Motor homes and camper trailers parked on an occupied lot shall not be occupied. But, may be utilized to accommodate guests for up to 10 days at a time.

(n) Fences and Walls. Repairing or rebuilding fences and walls shall follow the ACC standards and any changes may require a permit from the ACC.

Compliance Standards.

To insure property values are protected, the PIPOA compliance staff will be sending letters to property owners reminding them of these compliance standards and will be asking the owners to maintain their properties. Padre Island is to remain a shining example of a “high quality marina type community” that all property owners can be proud of.

It is the position of the Compliance Committee that property owners should not be subjected to fines for minor infractions of these Compliance Standards, but fines may be imposed if the actions and/or inactions of any property owner is determined to be affecting the property values of any neighborhood.

POA members who believe a compliance standard is being violated, are asked to file a formal Compliance Complaint Form with the POA office. The identity of all complainants is to be held in confidence.

(a) Boats and Boat Trailers. The PIPOA is an island community and as such boats and boat trailers are one of the facts of life here. Therefore, the POA will not regulate the parking or storage of “one” boat or “one” boat trailer on an occupied lot. Vegetation under boats and/or boat trailers shall be maintained.

(b) Motor Homes. Motor homes should be parked on concrete or rocks, perpendicular to and along property lines. Motor homes should not be parked blocking the street view of the entire residence.

(c) Camper Trailers. Camper trailers should be parked on concrete or rocks, perpendicular to and along property lines. Camper trailers should not be parked blocking the street view of the entire residence.

(d) Garbage Containers. City provided garbage containers and City provided recycle containers should be put out no earlier than 4 PM on the day before pickup and removed no later than midnight on the pick-up day. All City provided garbage containers and City provided recycle containers should be stored behind the front building line on any property.

(e) Boat Docks. All boat docks should be maintained for safety and for appearance. Any rotting or sagging boards shall be removed and replaced with new boards.

(f) Home Based Businesses. Home based businesses should not be a nuisance for any neighbors.

(g) Curbs and Gutters. The curb and gutter area of each lot should be kept free of weeds, sand, gravel and debris.

(h) Fences and Walls. All fences and walls should be maintained for safety, security and appearance. Broken or missing board should be replaced.

(i) Exterior Maintenance. Any painted surface should be maintained in good condition. House trim, garage doors, windows and doors should be painted as needed. Rust, mold and mildew should be removed.

(j) Brush and Bulk Items Set-out. Brush piles and bulk items for pickup should not to be set out for pickup before the “Brush or Brush/Bulk scheduled “set-out” days”.

(k) Exterior Lights. Exterior lights should be shielded to minimize glare and angled to prevent spillover of light to adjacent properties. Bright lights on after 11 p.m. should be infra-red motion activated.

(l) Domestic “household” pets should not be allowed to be a nuisance to the neighborhood. Dogs that bark incessantly are considered a nuisance.

REV 2-21-19

IRT-

194

8G

-A

www.edwardjones.com Member SIPC

Keith R Clark Financial Advisor

14646 Compass Street Suite 4 Corpus Christi, TX 78418 361-949-9500

On the Island

Angry Marlin, Black Sheep, and Aunt Sissy’s kitchen deliciously represented the island in the Souper Bowl event at the Art Center to benefit the Coastal Bend Food Bank. They served up tasty soups to attendees who also got to take home a hand-crafted one-of-a-

kind pottery bowl. Photos by Debbie NobleLeft to right, Amy Melick, Shelby Spaid , and Chef Jeremy Battles represent The Angry

Marlin restaurant

February 28, 2019 Island Moon A 16

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The Island Outdoors

By Stacey Kempf

It’s that time of year again when our island is literally abuzz with the sights and sounds of hummingbirds. These small migratory birds grace us with their presence in large numbers twice a year, typically in the spring and fall, with peak numbers usually being seen in September. While some choose to call the Lone Star State home year-round, most hummers cover thousands of miles on their way back and forth from down south into Mexico and Central America. Interestingly enough, unlike other migratory birds, they prefer to take their journey solo, traveling along the same path and many times visiting the same flowering plants and feeders from year to year.

Fueling Up

So what can we do to be better hosts to these marathon migrators? Well, it all starts with what fuels them, and that’s nectar or a nectar substitute. According to Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s “Hummingbird Roundup Final Report,” there are certain plants that hummers are drawn to, many of which are native to Texas and can grow quite well here on our strip of sand. Examples include:

• Sages (Salvia spp.) such as Salvia greggii a.k.a. Autumn Sage, is highly favored by hummingbirds and gardeners alike. They come in a variety of colors and are low maintenance plants that are ideal for xeriscapes;

• Turk’s Cap (Malvaviscus aboreus) is another native plant that is attractive to hummers. These plants can do well in both sun and shade and produce vibrant red flowers that are sure to lure hungry birds in;

• Esperanza or Yellow Bells (Tecoma stans), is a heat-loving shrub found in many island yards. It produces bright yellow blooms and is quite resistant to pests;

• Trumpet vine (Campsis radicans) is a native species that is loved by hummingbirds but can become a nuisance to gardeners. Be cautious in planting this very fast growing vine, as it can quickly overtake you and your neighbors’

property with its aerial roots.

There are also many non-native species of plants that hummingbirds utilize too, such as Firebush (Hamelia patens), Shrimp Plant (Justicia brandegeeana), Zinnias (Zinnia spp.) and Cape Honeysuckle (Tecoma capensis).

For those who wish to offer a supplement to flowering plants, experts recommend not using the red store-bought solution. Instead, they support going the homemade route with a 4-to-1 ratio of boiling water to sugar (e.g., 1 cup of water to ¼ cup of table sugar). Just mix the sugar into the boiling water until it dissolves, and then allow it to cool before storing the solution in the fridge or pouring it into feeders with the help of a funnel.

Feeders

In regards to hummingbird feeders themselves, there are a lot of options, but many people prefer glass feeders with perches. Glass feeders tend to be easier to clean, which is crucial because dirty feeders can be deadly to hummers. Mold growth on the feeding ports and fermentation of the liquid are things to be wary of. So with our South Texas heat, check them regularly. If you see mold on the nectar ports, take it down and soak the feeder in a solution of water and bleach (1/4 bleach to 1 gal of water) before rinsing thoroughly. Also, if your liquid becomes cloudy or filled with ants, replace it with your fresh homemade nectar solution as soon as possible.

Location, Location, Location

The location of your feeders matters too. You’ll want to avoid hanging them sunny areas, and you’ll also want to do your best to keep Fluffy at bay by placing your feeders high up off the ground, as housecats are known to prey upon unsuspecting hummers. Also, if you decide to set out more than one feeder at a time, be aware that hummers are notoriously protective of their feeding stations, and spacing your feeders throughout your yard will help keep the peace. Don’t forget to take yourself into consideration to when choosing a site for your feeders too though. A spot, which meets the previous requirements and is viewable from a window in your home is ideal for enjoying these tiny transients during their brief visit to our little island.

At Home with Hummingbirds

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Moon Classifieds #776

Crossword Solution

February 28, 2019 Island Moon A 17

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

13313 S. Padre Island Drive Corpus Christi, TX 78418

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

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

Now Accepting Visa Mastercard & Discover

Scoopy’s HoursOpen 7 Days a Week

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

Here’s how to place a Classified Ad

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

Email your ads to: moonclassad@twc.com

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

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

our office at: 14646 Compass St., Suite 3

Deadline for classified ads is no later than NOON on Tuesday

PAYMENT MUST BE RECEIVED BEFORE PUBLICATION

We accept American Express, Visa,

MasterCard

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

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

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

The Island Moon Weekly for more information

The Island Newspaper since 1996 FOUND

BIFOCALS FOUND NEAR HOLIDAY INN

Call 361-461-1704 To identify and retrieve

Help Wanted Island Fitness Is Hiring For Front Desk Position To inquire please email

sunny@islandfitnesscc.com. Services

Appliance Repair

-N- House Appliance Repair Most major brands & appliances

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

Cleaning & Janitorial G & M Unlimited Janitorial

Commercial & Residential Offices – Apartments – Homes

Move Ins – Move Outs Weekly – Biweekly Insured & Bonded 361-453-5655

35% Discount for Seniors Free estimates Seven days a week

Computer Repair Scott’s Computer Repair

PC/Mac Repair Networking Home Security Camera Installation

Cable TV & Internet Wiring Fast 24 Hour Turn-Around

Home or Business Free Pick Up and Delivery

Call 949-4604 or 425-5627

Services Home Care Givers

ISLAND HOME CARE SERVICES Private Home Care Giver

Housekeeping, Laundry & Ironing Errands, Shopping, Dr. Appointments

Call Josette at 361-850-0204 Pool & Spa Services

ATLANTIS POOL AND SPA SERVICE Weekly Pool Maintenance – Repairs Renovations - Chemicals – Supplies

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

Island Resident Owned Call 361-949-8899 Power Washing

ISLANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE We Power Wash

Houses, Driveways, Fences, Decks & Sidewalks

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

Tree Trimming CC TREE SERVICE

361-443-4852 Tree Trimming & Removal Stump Grinding

A+ BBB Accredited Fully Insured

www.cctrees.net Yard Care

Islandscape Maintenance

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

FREE ESTIMATES 361-949-2773

Cutting Crew Lawn Maintenance

Let Us Help Get Your Yard In Shape We specialize in using

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

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

Affordable Landscape Installation 361-765-8157

Affordable installation and removal of rock landscaping for your island home

Call for a free quote 20 years experience

With picture references on request

Services Home Maintenance

Concrete Work CONCRETE WORK

All aspects of Concrete Driveways, Patios, Retaining walls, etc.

Insured 361-960-9001

Fences/Decks/Docks Boat Lifts

Artistic Construction Decks, Docks, Pilings, Boat Lifts, Painting,

Remodeling, Welding, Blacksmithing, Handyman

Licensed – Insured PIBA & BBB Member Decades of experience

361-444-4702 Sunnie@ArtisticConstruction.cc

Brock’s Docks – Boatlift Specialist Repair or Replace Decks Docks Lifts

15 Years Experience, Island References Brock Johnston

361-673-4321 Plumbers

Blades Plumbing, LLC. Locally Owned

Residential Service, Remodel and New Construction

Scott Blades Licensed Master Plumber

RMP 42117 361-271-6487

Check us out on our website: www.bladesplumbingllc.com

10% Discount for Island residents Repair/Remodel

Re-Parrot We’ll fix it right – For a song!

Home maintenance

Repair & light remodeling Free Estimates

Located on “The Island” G. Michael Wall 361-779-6621

ISLAND NATIVE MASTER CARPENTER

30 years+ experience Doors – Windows – Decks – Cabinets

Sheetrock – Tape and Float 361-815-7900

Home Maintenance Repair/Remodel (continued)

CARPENTER Fencing – Decks – Docks

Home Repairs & Remodeling Lawn Maintenance & Landscaping

Locally Owned & Operated Nate Lee

361-510-0114 MASTER CARPENTER & CREW

20+ years’ experience All aspects of Remodeling, Pergolas,

Fences, etc. Insured

361-960-9001 Remodeling & Handyman Services

Bill “Billy” Olson, Jr. Drywall

Float & Tape, Patch Repairs Make Readys Painting Carpentry Honey-Dos Much More!

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

SUPERIOR G REMODELING Make all your remodeling

dreams come true Framing – Drywall Cabinets – Floors

Fencing – Doors Windows – Tile Kitchen Work Bathroom Work

Interior/Exterior Painting 25 years experience, Insured

361-460-9590 Roofing

Wolfe Construction, Inc. Insurance Restoration

Specialists Roofing Residential & Commercial

Bryan Wolfe 361-949-1180

15809 El Soccorro Loop Corpus Christi TX 78418 ROOFING PROS!

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

Engineer Inspected/Windstorm Certified Quality “Owens Corning” Shingles

Island Homeowner Roofing Padre Island

Since 1985! A+ ROOFING & REMODELING

AC – Electrical – Fencing Foundation Repair

Painting – Plumbing Residential & Commercial

361-438-4095

Public Welcome

Arts & Crafts Event

Saturday March 2 9 am to 1 pm

Ethel Eyerly Senior Center 654 Graham Rd.

Corpus Christi 78418 Miscellaneous For Sale

Queen Bed Maple Headboard And Footboard $25 OBO

Modern Glass Coffee Table $25 OBO Large Recliner Like New $75 OBO

Small Desk $35 OBO Roller Desk Chair $15 OBO

830-928-9288 Queen Palm Trees For Sale

At Redfish Bay Cottage 945 N. Commerce St.

Aransas Pass Hardy, home grown, in containers

Ready to plant – Can deliver & install 361-463-6683 Real Estate

WATERFRONT CONDO 15413 Gun Cay Ct, Unit 101

One bedroom, one bath, updated, terracotta tile throughout except for bedroom. All appliances included washer, dryer, stove, fridge, and

microwave. Screened back porch. Boat slips and trailer parking available.

Priced at $119,900 Call Sylvia at 361-947-1213

for showings Surfside, 2/1 Furnished Condos across from the beach on N. Padre Island. #104, first floor, colorful décor, $113,000. #218, second floor, vinyl wood look and carpet flooring, $110,000. #112, first floor, $112,500 with $5000 carpet allowance. Nice pool area. Barbara Thrasher, Coldwell Banker Island Escapes, 817-271-6880, HomesPortAransas.com.

Vacation Rentals VACATION RENTAL

REDFISH BAY COTTAGE 945 N. Commercial St. in Aransas Pass

361-463-6683 redfishbaycottage.com

WINTER TEXANS WANTED 1 Bedroom Condo at Port Royal on

Fortuna Bay Dr. Two double beds, fully furnished, washer/dryer, wifi, canal

views. Available Nov. thru March but dates are flexible Call 210-818-7267

for pictures and more information Owner holds contract. No extra fees.

Office Space OFFICE SPACE AVAILABLE

FOR LEASE Up to 1360 sq ft is available at:

15217 So. Padre Island Dr. Ste 110 Call 361-225-0220 Boat Services

Buckshot Services Tom Buckner

USCG 100 Ton Master Insured

Bi-monthly Service Includes: Check Boat Lift Run Boat Check All Systems Thorough Boat Wash Provide List of Needed Repairs

361-947-3337 tbuckshot@icloud.com

361 Mobile Marine Automotive – Diesel Small Engine Repair

Call Aaron at 956-351-9951

Corpus Christi in 1887

winning the whole thing that day. I couldn’t be prouder. That’s one in a row for the Moon Monkey. Look out Turbo Trout, get back Mustang Island Express, I’m on your heels. I went to a house party at Bubba and Patti’s Rasta Casa on Padre Island last Thursday and witnessed a delightful performance by Houston bluesman John Egan. Egan is a blues purist in the finest sense. He plays solo armed with a big metal guitar, a cut off bottle and an amplified foot board. This man plays with a super delicate touch and authentic blues growl and is nothing short of hypnotic. He is listening room material and the small crowd of friends at Bubba’s “got it”. Thanks for the invite Bubba. John Eagan is a really special artist. It’s easy to see why he just landed an opening gig with George Thorogood. I also caught another great guitarist, and also in the blues realm…make that blues rock. Ulrich Ellison and his band Tribe played Giggity’s last Friday and tore the roof off the joint, as usual. We’ll see him one more time in March and then he’s back in Europe until summer. Trust me, catch this guy whenever you can. On Sunday, I mentioned we had Light House Rick’s send off at Shorty’s and many of the local musicians showed up for a true island jam: Carol Elliott, John Reed, Roy Hollingshead, BJ Shuler, Chris Jordan, Arnie Govella, Jered Clark and Billy Snipes.

Moon Monkeys. We always make a notable appearance. On Sunday, Texas Red’s will have a big crawfish boil with Ty Dietz and on Fat Tuesday proper, Port A will have their parade starting at the Gaff at 5:00 with the great Earfood Orchestra playing Giggity’s right after the parade. And on Wednesday it’s Lint and we’ll get some rest. On Friday Aloha Dave and the Tourists will play Giggity’s and Davin James will play the Back Porch. On Saturday Matt Hole will play Giggity’s and Rich Lockhart is at the Porch.. Also on Saturday, the Independent Thieves will play Shorty’s. This live music calendar is starting to look like something, finally. Things are starting to pick up with Mardi Gras, St. Patty’s and soon Spring Break. Here we go again. Yall be safe out there.

♫♪♫ And, that’s the truth ♫♪♫

DO NOT MISS LIST

It’s time for Mardi Gras yall, and that means one thing. PARTY!!! Get your mud bugs ready, break out those beads and find yourself a parade… which isn’t hard to do around here. The 10th Annual Barefoot Mardi Gras Parade and Party is this Saturday on Padre Island. Splendiferous will be supplying the music. This is a WORLD CLASS party and NOT TO BE MISSED. Be sure to watch for the

Dickie Neely died…

Somehow, I find myself the designated messenger of death around here. It’s true, there’s no shortage of people dying and I suppose I’m the chosen one to break it to you easy. It seems I’ve morphed into that raven on the back fence. We just buried Lighthouse Rick on Sunday with a great ceremony on the Mustang to spread his ashes out by the light house and then party at Shorty’s afterwards. It was a proper Shorty’s send off and I know Rick would have approved. No sooner had the ashes settled, we learned of the passing of two

more dear friends. Dickie Neely and Jim “Mr. B” Brannan have gone to meet their maker. I learned of Dickie’s passing from his good friend and fellow musician, Guy Le Roux, who told me he’s died from complications from a fall. He was 71. Dicky was originally from Marshall, Texas and was a fixture on the Gulf Coast blues

scene since the early 80’s. Besides playing harmonica in working blues bands, he worked at a funeral home, was a boat builder, a welder, a construction worker, a teacher, a windsurfing instructor, a sportscaster, a freelance journalist, a cartoonist (for the Island Moon at one point), a photographer, an author, a poet, a lyricist and a music events promoter. Dickie founded and ran the annual Fall Back Festival in Port A, which attracted the best musicians from the area. He worked with many area musicians, including Rocky Benton, Dave Miller,  Cody Angel, David “Bottlehead” Miller, Eddie Skipwith, Richie Segura, Mike O’Connor, Antone Perez, Dave Ward and Mike Cross. A memorial surfer’s “paddle out” service will be announced for May or June.

Mr. B passed on…

Jim “Mr. B” Brannan, an island fixture since 2002, passed away last Friday, only one day after his 59th wedding anniversary with his bride Jan. Mr. B was born James Richard Brannan in Montpelier, OH, on September 25, 1938. He served six years in the US Navy as an Electronics Technician. He went on to receive

his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management and Business Law from Syracuse University. James began his career with IBM where he was employed for over 31 years, retiring to Port Aransas where he and Mrs. B owned and operated the Sportsman’s Lodge for 16 years. A Memorial Service is scheduled for Saturday, April 20th at Woody’s Sports Center. Guests will board The Mustang at 12:30pm, followed by a celebration of life at the Gaff.

Scattered shots…

My new belt sander racer, the Moon Monkey, won its first race last Saturday at the Gaff. The competition was stiff with 20 racers that day and I didn’t win my heat, but I did win ONE race against the Gaffinator, who ended up

By Ronnie Narmour

ronnienarmour@gmail.com

Three Chords and the TruthFebruary 28, 2019 Island Moon A 18

GIGGITY’S RESTAURANT & BARLIVE MUSIC

EVERY NIGHT

Kitchen Open Until 1 a.m.!

The GaffPizza Beer Darts Belt sander Races

LIVE MUSICFree Beer Band Every Thurs (7-10)

Aloha Dave on Friday Matt Hole on Saturday

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

Paul & Victoria Every Tuesday (7-10) Jered Clark on Wednesday

722 Tarpon, Port Aransas, TX

Crawfish Boil MARCH 3

Expert Computer Repairs

Live MusicBetween the Buried, Me with Tesseract @ House

of Rock

Wednesday, March 6Jered Clark @ Giggity’sPA Rockers @ Bernie’s

Jerry Ward @ Doc’s Seafood

South Texas Grassroots @ Island Italian

Thursday, March 7Free Beer Band @

Giggity’sRuben Limas @ Island

Italian Read Southall Band, Kolby Cooper @ Brewster Street

Friday, March 8 Laid Back Texas @ Back

PorchBad Buoys @ Giggity’s

Michael Perez & Alley Catz @ Waterline at Doc’sOddfellas @ Rockit’s

Stevie Start @ Island ItalianMemphis May Fire @

House of RockBri Bagwell, Drew Fish Band @ Brewster Street

Saturday, March 9 Toman Brothers @

Giggity’sRed Giant @ Shorty’s

Mitchell Ferguson @ Back Porch

Stevie Start @ Doc’s Seafood

John Eric @ Waterline at Doc’s

Kevin Gates, Yella Beezy @ Concrete Street

Swagger @ Rockit’sAngkor Wat, Skatenigs @

House of RockRobin Blue @ Island Italian

Sing Along Piano Bar @ Brewster Street

Sunday, March 10 Antone & the All Stars @

Giggity’sBayside Boogie Co. @

Waterline at Doc’s

Monday, March 11 Open Jam w/ Ray Summy

@ Giggity’sJohn Eric @ Waterline at

Doc’s

Tuesday, March 12 Paul & Victoria @

Giggity’sSierra Dawn Howe @

Waterline at Doc’sOpen Jam w/ Rev Matt @

House of Rock

TonightThursday, February 28Free Beer Band @ Giggity’sRuben Limas @ Island Italian Ty Dietz & the Cool Arrows @ House of RockAlley Catz @ Executive Surf ClubTrisum @ Brewster Street

Friday, March 1 Davin James @ Back PorchAloha Dave & the Tourists @ Giggity’sJustin & Niki @ Waterline at Doc’sClarissa Serna @ Rockit’sStevie Start @ Island ItalianBeatnik Bandits, Shaker Hymns @ House of RockSpazmatics @ Brewster Street

Saturday, March 2Barefoot Mardi Gras Parade @ Padre IslandSplendiferous @ Barefoot Mardi Gras PartyRich Lockhart @ Back PorchMatt Hole & the Hot Rod Gang @ Giggity’sIndependent Thieves @ Shorty’sStevie Start @ Doc’s Seafood Johnny Kiser @ Waterline at Doc’sAnother Level @ Rockit’sProof of Life @ House of RockRobin Blue @ Island ItalianJake Worthington, Pake Rossi, Ty Dietz @ Brewster Street

Sunday, March 3Kenya, Africa Slide Show by Scott & Joan Holt @ Port A Art CenterAntone & the All Stars @ Giggity’sTy Dietz @ Red’s

Monday, March 4Open Jam w/ Ray Summy @ Giggity’sCalling All Captains, Settle Your Score @ House of Rock

Fat Tuesday, March 5 Earfood @ Giggity’sPA Rockers @ Bernie’sOpen Jam w/ Rev Matt @ House of Rock

OPEN Till 2am • 823 Tarpon St. Port Aransas

Independent Thieves Mar. 2 Red Giant Mar. 9 Selfie Mar. 15 & 23 Laid Back Texas Mar. 16 Ty Dietz Mar. 30

132 W. Cotter St. Port A On the Waterfront

315 N. Alister (361) 416-1020

Treasure IslandSPRING FEVER PUB CRAWL!

PRIZES! SATURDAY, MAR 2. SEE OUR FACEBOOK PAGE

FOR MORE INFO

treasureislandporta

DAVIN JAMES MAR 1RICH LOCKHART MAR 2LAID BACK TEXAS MAR 8MITCHELL FERGUSON MAR 9 CODY BRYAN MAR 15 AUSTIN MEADE MAR 19

Bubba Brandenberger hosted a house concert with John Egan last Thursday.

Carol Elliott with Bob Reed, Billy Snipes, Roy Hollingshead and Arnie Govella

played the jam at Light House RIck’s send off at Shorty’s on Sunday.

Dicky Neely passed away last week.

Jim Brennan known around the island as

Mr. B passed away last week. He is seen here with his devoted wife Jan... or Mrs. B as we

call her.

Miss Neesie and the Earfood Orchestra will play Giggity’s this Mardi Gras.

Port A Mardi Gras Parade is this Fat Tuesday.

Renee Garland knows a thing or two about

cooking up some mudbugs. Red’s is

having a big crawfish boil on Sunday the

3rd.

Splendiferous will play the Barefoot Mardi Gras party this Saturday.

Ulrich and Sabina Ellison played Giggity’s last weekend.