Coastal Scene

3RD QUARTER 2017

Magazine Living & Leisure in the Coastal Bend

INFLATABLES Are Unbeatable

Seafair 2017 A Coastal Celebration Shallow Secrets Coastal Bend Fishing Real Estate Sales Are Increasing

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Table of Contents 5

8

34

ene oastal ScMagazine Volume 5 Issue 3 Fall 2017

Debbie Aylesworth Editor/Publisher debbiea@cbredbook.com

Brenda Dodson

In Every Issue: 10 Publisher’s Note 4 Calendar of Events 36-37 18 Business Directory 38 From the Cover: 20 24 14 27 30 Inflatables Are Unbeatable

Shallow Secrets & Saltwater Tails

Office Manager/ Sales Associate/ Photographer office@cbredbook.com

Gary Kuhn

Simple and Elegant: Native Grasses Merge Art with Nature Real Estate is Thriving The ABCs of Education

Sales Associate office@cbredbook.com Tina M. Riley Production Manager/ Graphic Designer snobawl@hotmail.com

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Coastal Scene Magazine ©2017 is a free publication published 4 times per year and distributed throughout the Coastal Bend. Reproduction in whole or in part without the express written permission from the publisher is prohibited. Coastal Scene Magazine cannot be held responsible for the accuracy of content or opinions expressed by its authors or advertisers. Coastal Scene Magazine office is located at 361 S Commercial, Aransas Pass, Texas 78336.

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PUBLISHERS NOTE:

H

ter was the seeker this year playing the game.

Have you noticed that the sky is closer on the Mimi performs the driving career she has always coast than it is in the northern parts of Texas? I wanted. I drove and Lauren watched her phone recently made a trip to Amarillo and noticed the telling me where to go, like a little GPS girl. It was sky is waaaaaay up there. As I drove home, the significant to note what locations the game had sesky got closer and closer. If someone knows a lected in Rockport and Aransas Pass for Pokemon scientific reason for this, I would love to hear it.

Gyms (where you battle for position) or Pokemon We have some new features in our third quarDebbie Aylesworth, Editor/Publisher stops (where you pick up balls). The Niantic comter edition this year. We were called on by an pany probably inflatable kayak company and invited to take an used Google Earth to early morning tour with them at Port Aransas or Mission Bay. The warm temperatures required an early start. Scout look at our communities and make this deterInflatables took our reporter on the Mission River excursion. We have some great photos to compliment the story. mination. They used churches, water towers, I was intrigued with the inflatable idea and the pictures showed women loading and unloading the watercraft with city offices and memorials. ease. This is a great resource for female islanders.

A breakfast meeting The “Islander” frame of mind in the Coastal Bend also makes it the perfect place to play Pokemon Go. This game for the RockportFulton Chamber of was launched in the USA in July 2016 and I was first Commerce featured a made aware of it with my grandson last summer. It was speaker that shared designed to encourage kids to be more physically active but has instead, drawn an older client that drives and tries how the Texas MarPHOTO BY: BRAD TOOLEY to pick up Pokemon balls simultaneously. My granddaugh- itime Museum in Rockport has used the Pokemon game to increase weekend visitors to the museum. They tripled attendance and doubled the guests for that Saturday.

This makes sense for many businesses relying on foot traffic to increase store sales. My understanding is that one could contact the company, requesting a presence of some level on the game map.

We invite you to come and visit us. Whether you are playing Pokemon Go or just want to stay in a historic bed and breakfast, a cottage or one of the multiple hotels, there is something for everyone’s budget. Our fresh seafood is the best in the state and choices abound for all types of food including Mexican, Italian, Asian and home-cooking.

The waters of the Gulf are almost as warm as they will get this year and they won’t start cooling until October, so s !CTIVE 6ETERAN come on down and enjoy the beaches and terrific fishing.

-ILITARY $ISCOUNTS Typically, the warmest months in South Texas are August and s &IRST 2ESPONDER September and the weatherman’s forecast is precisely that for $ISCOUNTS this year. s 'ROUP 2ATES In this edition we have a story on hurricane prepareds 'IFT #ERTIlCATES ness. It’s those warmer waters in the Gulf that are the fuel for hurricanes. All these seasonal changes effect the fishing industry as well. Fishing is such an important business and recreational activity in our area. We try to keep you updated on the latest regulations and conditions.

We give you current information on area attractions in every edition. Be sure and catch Seafair 2017 in Rockport this year. It will be October 6-9.

It’s time to play in the water! You can experience the WWW.TEXANWARBIRDADVENTURES.COM “island” groove and be at peace. Come on down!

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7 1 0 2 r i a f Sea R NORMA MARTINEZ Special Reporter

Rockport-Fulton’s annual Seafair event, best known for its gumbo cook-off and other seathemed activities along with live entertainment, features an exciting new twist this year, as it will conclude with a full-day of Christian music.

The success of Seafair is due to its many volunteers, a group of more than 120 people who have done an outstanding job of organizing the 2017 event, said Rockport-Fulton Chamber of Commerce President/CEO Diane Probst. She said it was one of those volunteers, Grady Cartwright, who suggested the Christian entertainment, explaining the churches in the community would like it.

Seafair’s four-day celebration, sponsored by the Rockport-Fulton Chamber of Commerce, is

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scheduled Oct. 12-15, 2017 and organizers are excited about the new Sunday Christian lineup which will be headlined by Sanctus Real. This American Christian rock band has been nominated for multiple Grammys and will take the stage at 6 p.m. Oct. 15.

Probst pointed out it in considering the proposal of such a musical lineup, organizers took into consideration the fact beer is served at Seafair, and made the decision to serve the beverage in cups. She said the decision was not to disguise the beer, but to be respectful.

Crowds of 20,000-plus are expected to come and enjoy the traditional live music, arts and crafts booths, carnival, 5K and 10K runs, parade, seafood and more in this 43rd year. Traditional live entertainment includes country western entertainer Joe DifďŹ e headlining on Friday, Oct. 13, and up and coming country western singer Hudson Moore, the headliner for Saturday, Oct. 14. Sanctus Real, a nationally known Christian Band, will be the headliner for Sunday.

The event kicks off Thursday night, Oct. 12, beginning with Karaoke signup, followed by a Battle of the Bands.

The remainder of the weekend includes boat show and market vendors, gumbo sales, stand up paddle board races in Little Bay, chili and gumbo cookoffs, a children’s activity tent, cardboard boat judging at the water entertainment area, a salsa contest in the gumbo tent, and a Just Desserts contest.

If you have a group and would like to perform, there

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Hudson Moore

were still openings at press time. Call Sandy Jumper at the Rockport-Fulton Chamber of Commerce at 361-7296445.

Probst said the volunteers help with getting the entertainment and the vendor booths. She added, “The committee is the crown jewel.”

The idea for Seafair was the brainchild of thenRockport resident Bill Christian who believed the area needed a celebration in the fall to fill the lull between the summer visitors and the arrival of winter tourists.

Christian formed a board of directors, established a 501©4 non-profit organization and the first Seafair was held in 1975.

Since that first event, Seafair has included a seafood gumbo contest, live music, arts and crafts, carnival, 5K and 10K run, parade, sportsman’s tent and dealers boat show and plenty of seafood. The event continued to be a success for the next 25 years.

Then in April of 2000, Seafair board president Pam Farley asked the board of directors of the Rockport-Fulton Area Chamber of Commerce to take over the event. After much discussion, the board agreed to do so and hosted it for the first time that year. During the Seafair celebration, the area experienced the coldest of fronts for that time period as well as four solid days of rain.

On the heels of that unsuccessful event, Bill Christian visited the Chamber office, bringing with him a box full of Seafair history, as well as many words of encouragement.

Over the next 15 years, Seafair continued to grow and continues to be a great event as it draws visitors and tourists to Rockport and Fulton during a slow economic time for the community.

Usually held on Columbus Day, 2017 is an off year with Seafair scheduled Oct. 12-15, the weekend after the holiday. Probst explained the Chamber plans to keep Seafair on the schedule for the second week of October each year. Probst pointed out that the Chamber is

committed to the continuing the Seafair legacy and Christian’s wonderful ideas.

For more information about Seafair and its entertainment lineup as the event draws near, visit the Rockport Seafair website at www.rockportseafair.com.

For visitor information about the Rockport-Fulton community, visit the Chamber website at www. rockport-fulton.org, call (800) 242-0071, or email tourism@1rockport.org.

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l a u n n a 29th n o i t a r b e l e C d r i B r e Humm

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NORMA MARTINEZ Special Reporter

The Ruby-throated Hummingbird, the star of the show, draws 5 5,000 000 visitors to the coastal towns of Rockport and Fulton for 0 four days in September each year for the annual HummerBird Celebration marking the fall migration of this feathered phenomena. A PBS documentary filmed at the HummerBird Celebration in 2015 at the home of former committee chairman Steve Reisinger also will be shown.

Reisinger’s home was designated as a Hummer Home and used as a banding site. Master Banders “captured” hummingbirds at the site then fitted them with a tiny band containing data to identify them. All bird banding information is recorded and the data is sent to the North American Bird Banding Laboratory where such records are maintained.

Whenever a banded bird is recaptured, the information is sent to the banding lab, which then notifies the original bander of the place and date their bird was recaptured. The bander who recaptured the bird is notified where and when the bird was originally banded. The process, among other aspects of the hummingbird, was filmed for the PBS special.

This year’s 29th annual HummerBird Celebration is scheduled Sept. 14-17, 2017, with the PBS film “Behind the Scenes with Hummingbirds,” to be shown that first night, at 6 p.m. at the Saltwater Pavilion located at the north end of Rockport Beach.

Rockport-Fulton Chamber of Commerce President/CEO Diane Probst said calling the hummingbird the star of the show is not a cliché, it’s a statement, proven each year based on the number of visitors who attend.

Preparations begin, not just for the celebration, but for the hummingbirds, well in advance of the event. By late July, residents are bringing out their hummingbird feeders and filling them with a sugar solution to draw the birds to their yards.

The migration was first documented by amateur ornithologist, the late Connie Hagar in 1938. In 1957, Dr. Harry C. Oberholser, the senior wildlife research biologist in the U. S. Department of the Interior wrote Hagar regarding her report and called it “one of the most remarkable and unexpected movements in Texas, or anywhere else, for that matter.”

It wasn’t until the late 1980s when local part-time resident Betty Baker and wildlife expert Jesse Grantham and others came up with the idea to create an event as a means of celebrating the fall migration. Their intent was to bring attention to the great phenomena of the fall migration, and bring attention to hummingbirds, and all birds. They did not seek to have a festival with tents and carnivals, but instead envisioned a learning extravaganza.

Check out our upcoming events: – 70th Annual Shrimporee June 8 – 10, 2018 – Hotties on the Harbor – Taste of Aransas Pass – Custom & Classic Car Show Sat. Sept. 6th

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The main focus is about the feathered creatures, the Rubythroats, which pass through the Rockport-Fulton area on their way south to their winter homes in Mexico and beyond. After the hummers pause here to prepare for the most arduous leg of their migration, they will y non-stop across the Gulf of Mexico, a journey of some 800-plus miles. They must eat to increase their body fat up to 50 percent in order to use it as fuel for their continued migration.

While the birds are here, residents and visitors can go on ďŹ eld trips, boat trips, visit Hummer Homes, or sit in their own yards and see the hummers stocking up at feeders. The HummerBird Celebration provides an added opportunity for visitors and residents alike to expand their knowledge of not just the Rubythroated Hummingbird, but all birds, and associated wildlife.

Beginning Thursday, Sept. 14, a lineup of speakers will present a variety of topics about birds, butteries, gardening, photography, and the like. Presentations will be held at the Aransas County Independent School District’s Martha Luigi Auditorium and at Rockport-Fulton Middle School. This year, a HummerBird Celebration Committee volunteer is coordinating speakers into classrooms as a need was pointed out for years.

The committee attempted to involve the youth in this event, however with sports and other activities, it has been difďŹ cult for them to be involved.

In addition to the speakers and programs, the HummerBird Celebration features two vendor areas. Hummer Mall I is located in the Rockport-Fulton High School cafeteria (commons) and Hummer Mall II is located in the Rockport-Fulton Middle School cafeteria. Hours of operation are: 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.

Friday and Saturday, and 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. on Sunday. There

is no admission fee to enter the Hummer Malls which hold a variety of nature-only, vendor booths.

Hummer Homes are a unique aspect of the HummerBird Celebration. They are located throughout the community and provide valuable sources of nectar as the yards and gardens are landscaped and maintained year round with plants speciďŹ cally intended to attract and nourish hummingbirds.

During the celebration, visitors can take a self-guided tour of the homes and businesses. The homes/businesses will be marked with four- to ďŹ ve-foot signs designed by local student artists and made in the shape of a hummingbird placed on a post in front of the Hummer Home. It is sometimes possible to see more than 100 hummingbirds in one yard.

For those who would like to see hummingbird banding up close, there are Hummer Home Bus Trips available.

Participants will visit three homes guided by experienced birders, and see exclusive hummingbird banding by Master Bander Susan Prasad. “It is our hope community members do their part and put out feeders to help the hummers on their journey,� said Probst.

She explained, “we created this event built around a natural resource, the hummingbird, to bring awareness of nature, wildlife, habitat and all birds to our community. “It is incredible to think how much of an impact this event has had on the community from putting the Rockport-Fulton area on the map with a fabulous fall birding migration to the development of more than 35 birding hotspots in the community.�

For more information about the HummerBird Celebration, go to the website http://www.rockport-fulton.org/HB.

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South Texas offers world-class saltwater fishing year round. For the nearshore fisherman there are 1000’s of square miles of shallow bay and over 250 miles of Gulf beach. For the offshore enthusiast, the South Texas Coast provides easy access to the blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

Fishing in South Texas gives anglers opportunities for freshwater lakes and rivers or bay and deep sea fishing in the Gulf waters lining Nueces, San Patricio and Aransas Counties.

Fish in fresh water sources are bass, a variety of panfish and catfish while saltwater varieties of fish include redfish, flounder, saltwater trout, grouper and the list goes on. Bay fishing and deep sea fishing will offer fishermen an endless choice of tackle,bait and lures to reel in their limits.

Bay Fishing Bay fishing along the coast of Texas is outstanding sport for any angler. Bay fishing in South Texas offers world-class fishing year round with over 1,000 miles of bays and inland areas to fish. Bays in Aransas and San Patricio contain numerous saltwater marshes, channels and shallow flats. Although many parts of the bay are very shallow, fish are abundant and angling can be done by means of various casting techniques or fly fishing. Wade fishing can be seen year round in the mild temperatures of South Texas. Spring will be here soon and the number of lines in the water grows daily.

Kayaks are another favorite venue for fishing in bays to fish shallow or deeper waters. All across South Texas, guides are ready to show you their expertise in locating fish to make your trip successful.

Bay fishing offers as many different kinds of fish as there are ways to snag them. Redfish are a popular variety, giving anglers a good fight regardless of size.

Saltwater trout are plentiful and abundant in the spring. Other varieties include: amberjack, Atlantic croaker, black drum, black fin tuna, blacktip shark, blue crab, bluefish, Florida pompano, gag grouper, gray snapper, hardhead sea catfish, King mackerel, Lane snapper and many varieties of trout, shark and turtles.

Lake Fishing After a couple of years drought conditions have lowered Lake Corpus Christi, fall rains made a positive impact on the lake. Fishing is still bringing in recordsized catfish. Camping is hard to beat with shoreline sites inside Lake Corpus Christi State Park, located approximately 20 miles northwest of Corpus Christi.

Predominant fish species in the lake are largemouth and white bass, crappie, blue, channel and flathead catfish as well as bluegill and red ear sunfish. Largemouth bass are abundant with frequent reports of fish

reaching five pounds-plus being caught. Blue catfish are the most abundant type of catfish although flathead and channel catfish also provide excellent numbers. White bass comes in from the Nueces River channel during cooler months and in the main reservoir during summer.

Crappie fishing has been improving and respectable catches are not uncommon in the spring.

The state park at Lake Corpus Christi has a beautiful view of the lake with shoreline campgrounds available. Amenities abound at Mustang Hollow Campground in Mathis, also located right on the shoreline of Lake Corpus Christi. The former KOA has a swimming pool for families and has live entertainment most Fridays and Saturdays. This campground features 47 wooded acres of wildlife area, 2 miles of lakeshore, 20 boat slips-and 46 camping cabins and cottages (along with RV and tent sites). Enjoy fishing, boating, hiking and swimming in the lake or pool. Keep an eye out for arrowheads; this site is a Karankawa Indian state archaeological landmark. It’s a great central location for day trips to San Antonio, Gulf of Mexico, Padre Island National Seashore, Texas State Aquarium, Mexico and more.

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WE WILL EASILY ACCOMMODATE SPECIFIC NEEDS TO ENSURE A SUCCESSFUL EVENT.

11

Species

Daily Bag

Length in Inches (Minimum)

5 (in any combination)

14

FRESHWATER BAG LIMITS

Bass: largemouth and smallmouth spotted and Guadalupe 5 (in any combination)

Bass, white

25

10

No limit

No limit

25 (in any combination)

12

5

18

25 (in any combination)

10

Catfish: channel and blue catfish, their hybrids and subspecies Catfish, flathead Crappie: white and black crappie, their hybrids and subspecies Paddlefish

No harvest allowed 1

No limit

No limit

No limit

5 (in any combination)

No limit

5 (only two can be less than 16 inches in length)

No limit

Gar, alligator Sunfish: various species including bluegill, redear, green, warmouth and longear Trout: rainbow and brown trout, their hybrids and subspecies Walleye, Saugeye

Amberjack, greater

Daily Bag

Length in Inches (Minimum — Maximum)

1

38 — No limit

Bass: striped, its hybrids and subspecies

5 (in any combination)

18 — No limit

Catfish: channel and blue catfish, their hybrids and subspecies

25 (in any combination)

12 — No limit

Catfish, flathead

5

18 — No limit

No limit

14 — No limit

Cobia

2

37 — No limit

Drum, black

5

14 — 30

Drum, red

3

20 — 28

5/2 (in any combination)

14 — No limit

Gar, alligator

1

No limit — No limit

Grouper, gag

2

22 — No limit

Grouper, goliath (formerly called Jewfish)

0

Catch and release only

Mackerel, king

2

27 — No limit

Mackerel, Spanish

15

14 — No limit

Mullet: all species, their hybrids and subspecies

No limit

Sailfish

No limit

Catfish, gafftopsail

Flounder: all species, their hybrids and subspecies

Seatrout, spotted All waters NORTH of F.M. 457 in Matagorda County All waters SOUTH of F.M. 457 in Matagorda County

No limit — 12 (during Oct., Nov., Dec. & Jan.) 84 — No limit 15 — 25

10 5

Sheepshead

5

15 — No limit

Snapper, lane

No limit

8 — No limit

Snapper, red

4

15 — No limit

No limit

10 — No limit

Snapper, vermilion Snook

1

24 — 28

Tarpon

1

85 — No limit

20

16 — No limit

3

17 — No limit

Triggerfish, gray Tripletail

12

18

Bass, yellow

Species

SALTWATER BAG LIMITS

No limit

Bass, striped and hybrid striped bass (also known as palmetto or sunshine bass)

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Choke Canyon Reservoir is formed from the Frio River watershed in Live Oak and McMullen counties and is located four miles west of Three Rivers. Its isolated beds of water star grass provide shade for marine life. Largemouth bass and catfish are the most popular sport fish in the reservoir. Bass are abundant with frequent reports of double-digit fish being boated. Blue catfish are the most abundant catfish species, but flathead and channel cat also provide excellent fishing. White bass provide excellent angling opportunities in the main Frio River channel during cooler months and along the northern shoreline during the summer.

The surface area of the reservoir covers 25,670 acres with a maximum depth of 95 feet. Popular spring baits include spinner baits, buzz baits, rattletraps, crank baits and un-weighted soft plastic worms or jerk baits. Summer bass fishing in Choke Canyon can be frustrating for even the most experienced angler. Top water baits such as buzz baits, Zara Spooks or Pop-R’s presented very early or very late in the day near weed beds, are popular and can be productive throughout the day if cloud cover is present.

There are several varieties of fish available to anglers.

Coastal Scene offers some insight on a few of the more common ones.

Black Drum The black drum is a thick fish with a lot of whiskers under the lower jaw. The younger black drum have four or five vertical bars on the sides. The bars disappear with age. The color on the backs and sides of the drum vary. The bellies on older drum are usually white. Drum from Gulf water usually lack color. The Texas record for drum by a sports angler is 78 pounds.

Drum can be caught in the clearest water of sand flats.

Drum thrive in shallow water, and in the Gulf waters more than 100 feet deep.

According to local guides, drum are the perfect fish for any skill level of angler to catch. Tackle can be rod and reel, trotline, hand line or cane pole, and bait for drum is not expensive. Peeled shrimp tails are the most popular bait used to catch drum. The daily bag limit for black drum is five being 14 – 30 inches in length. No more than one black drum over 52 inches may be retained per person per day and count as part of the daily bag limit and possession limit.

Flounder One of the many fishing experiences available in the Coastal Bend area is flounder gigging.

A multi-pronged spear at the end of a long pole, usually 8 to 14 feet long, is called a gig. The gig is used to spear the flounder. A light is used to spot the outline of the flounder at the bottom of a shallow area of the bay.

Flounder lies on its side and blends in with the ocean floor. It changes its color pattern to match the area it’s in, anything from blackish-brown to light gray or a mottled color. Because of its laterally compressed body, the flounder lies flat on its side and looks up. Being able to blend or burry itself in the ocean floor makes the flounder harder to see by its prey and by fishermen.

The southern flounder is the most abundant flatfish in Texas waters. March through December, the female flounder make their way in to the bay areas to feed after spawning. Fall is the “flounder run” and prime season for flounder gigging. The majority of flounder caught in the bay are female but male flounder can be found as well though they tend to stay in the Gulf of Mexico year round.

Female are the larger of the sought after fish, growing up to 25 inches. Males only grow up to 12 inches. Flounder meat is high quality and the added uniqueness of catching it makes it a popular Coastal Bend game fish.

Redfish Redfish are known for one large black spot on the upper part of the tail base. The color of redfish varies from a dark black, coppery color to nearly silver. The most common color is reddish-bronze. Redfish grow at a rapid rate. Redfish reach around 11 inches and one pound in its first year, 17-22 inches and 3 1/2 pounds in two years, and 22-24 inches and 6-8 pounds in three years.

Redfish are known to take most kinds of bait whether natural or artificial. The most popular natural bait to catch redfish are live shrimp which are best at the bottom using a slip-sinker type rig where fish can swim freely. The best artificial baits are heavier spoons and slow sinking fish shaped plugs.

Redfish prefer shallow waters in the bays with submerged vegetation. Redfish can be found in all bottoms types but like submerged vegetation and soft mud the most. Coves, points, jetties, and old pier pilings attract redfish.

The daily bag limit for redfish is three being 20 – 28 inches in length.”

Snapper Red snapper is a dark, rosy red color with dark fringe around the dorsal and tail fins.

Full grown red snapper average two – four pounds but can reach over 50 pounds.

Younger red snapper can be caught on muddy bottoms or inshore. Adult red snapper can be caught near structures in the deeper waters. Red snapper are the most popular fish to be caught offshore. Hand line, manual reels and electric reels are used with heavy weights and multiple hooks. Bait with fresh squid or cigar minnows, live pinfish can be used to catch larger snapper. Reefs, rigs and banks offshore are the best places to catch red snapper. The daily bag limit for red snapper is four being at least 15 inches in length.

For more information on specifics or other species not listed, go to www.tpwd.texas.gov.

Living & Leisure in the Coastal Bend

13

An Unforgettable

STORY PHOTOS BY: RICHARD GONZALES

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RICHARD GONZALES Special Reporter

The Coastal Bend region offers such a wide range of outdoor water recreational opportunities. Boating, birding, fishing, duck hunting, beachcombing, exploring, or just relaxing overlooking the waves of wind-driven currents.

Getting out on to the shallow waters of the Texas coastal bay system allows outdoor enthusiasts to reach down and feel the wetness, especially if they are in a kayak…or, in the ultimate alternative to a kayak, a Scout365 Inflatable.

Technology continues to change the way humans do things whether using a cell phone or a water craft. Way back when, native cultures would send a smoke signal to reach across vast distances. The original kayaks were made by the Arctic Eskimo tribes who used washed up driftwood to sew together with seal skin to better protect against harsh cold climate conditions. They mimicked nature by custom building each kayak to fit the size of the paddler. The word for kayak originates from the Arctic native Inuit language qayaq.

“In today’s world, different people are going to choose different types of equipment like kayaks, canoes or inflatables,” said Hector Rios, a certified kayak instructor in Aransas Pass, “Technology and social expression will dictate what people ultimately choose for their preferred outdoor water craft and how they convey their message.

Some people want to have a trailer hauling their kayak. Or they may like it attached to the top of their vehicle,” added Rios, who also is a Commissioner on the San Patricio Navigation District.

There are so many ways to get on to the many bays and estuaries in the Coastal Bend. Aransas County has developed the Aransas Pathways system that has 17 sites from which kayaks can launch from (http:// aransaspathways.com/category/kayaking/). The Scout365 Inflatable offers another way to use these sites or to launch from even more remote locations. This was the case on the Mission River along State Highway 136 between Bayside and Refugio with a Coastal Bend Paddlers & Explorers Meetup Group event on July 23, 2017.

Jody Bickel is the Trip Leader for the Coastal Bend

Paddlers & Explorers Group. She uses the online social media app Meetup.com to organize water trips for beginners, intermediate and advanced paddlers and explorers.

“We now have 53 members and are averaging trips about three weekends each month,” said Jody, who came to the Coastal Bend a year ago from the Rocky Mountain region. “All participants must be fit enough to move their own equipment, and to paddle and/or small motor for several hours in a variety of weather conditions. Trips are all in the Coastal Bend region, most within a one-hour drive of Rockport/Fulton. You need to have all of your own equipment, but you can easily start off renting the basics from area outfitters. You need to plan on getting your own equipment transported to/from the boat launches, although group members may be willing to lend a hand,” she explained.

The Mission River begins at the confluence of the Blanco and Medio Creeks in central Refugio County.

It meanders downstream 24 miles into Mission Bay, a tertiary bay that empties into Copano Bay, which adjoins Aransas Bay at the northern end of Live Oak Peninsula.

It is a river where you can catch both salt water and fresh water species like blue cats, trout, drum, blue crabs and reds all in the same day. The Mission River, like many other Texas rivers, empties into a bay that oftentimes carry the same namesakes….Nueces, San Antonio, Aransas, Lavaca, and Tres Palacios. All of these coastal areas are on the Coastal Bend Paddlers & Explorers Group radar.

“I was relocating to the Texas Coast for my work as Business Development Manager at Mitigation Solutions USA,” continued Bickel. “As a full-time RV’er, I wanted to purchase a boat that was easy for me to store securely (locked in the RV storage compartment) rather than a rigid boat, or a boat that required a trailer. I wanted to be able to explore the area bays and rivers to get to know the region. A boat that was designed to be paddled and also have a small motor on it was ideal. I started searching and found that the Scout365 boat had been recently made available for sale. It was a perfect match!” she said.

The Scout365 is set up within 10 minutes and measures 12 feet by 3.5 feet fully inflated. It has a high pressure inflatable flooring pad that adds to stability so two people

Living & Leisure in the Coastal Bend

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can stand up in the boat. When it comes time to deflate the boat and store it, the dimensions of the boat in the bag is only 36” x 26” x 11” making for convenient transportation and storage.

“I have been exploring the outdoors on water since I was a kid,” Bickel shared. “My dad took us on canoe trips.

Over the years I have whitewater kayaked and rafted, sea kayaked, and canoed. Other than riding in other people’s motor boats, I have never owned or operated a boat that can use a motor until now. I love it! This boat allows me the freedom to paddle and get exercise, and also the ability to move more effectively with the motor when its windy, or I am tired, or need to get somewhere faster.

“I currently use a lightweight Honda 2.3hp outboard on my boat and am considering using a 55lb. electric trolling motor for a second boat.”

Charlie Roemer who comes to Rockport from Ohio to spend time with his grandson Logan says his grandson enjoys adventuring, but the paddling not so much. So that means Grandpa has to do most of the paddling when he Logan head out to explore in his kayak.

“I would seriously consider the Scout365 to avoid the extra cost of a trailer and to make my water trips with Logan more enjoyable,” said Roemer. “A Scout365 with an attached motor would be a better outdoor experience for both of us,” he added.

“There are so many places to go in the Coastal Bend, so as a Trip Leader, I try not to go to the same place twice,” explained Bickel. “I have been to San Antonio Bay, Aransas Bay, Redfish Bay, Nueces Bay and Corus Christi Bay. I will go as far north as the Guadalupe River to Lake Corpus Christi, as long as it is within a reasonable distance for a day trip,” she said.

The inflatable Scout365 is stable enough to seat two or three people and allow one to stand up and fly fish. It has the capacity for a 3.5 horsepower motor and up to 500 pounds carrying capacity. All boats are made using the latest generation of PVC 1,100 denier PVC fabric with polyester support which offers excellent abrasion and tear resistance. The new generation PVC is designed to be inflated and deflated on a regular basis and the results are a boat that is tough and built to last. With a portable, compact, stable and rugged design, the Scout365 is available in seven colors, including a camouflage pattern that comes with a three-dimensional “duck blind” attachment for birding and duck hunting. Scout365 just added a flycasting stabilizer bar for the serious sports fisher, which according to the crew at Scout Inflatables is a world first for an inflatable boat of this size!

As an avid outdoors-woman and full-time RV’er, Jody serves as the South Texas Brand Ambassador representing the full line of Scout Inflatables products. The Coastal Bend Paddlers & Explorers Meetup Group is sponsored

by Scout Inflatables as a part of their business mission to help get more people out enjoying their natural environment more often. The online price for the comprehensive Scout365 boat package is about $1,300

16

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but just a mention of Jody can save 10% off the retail price plus a bunch of great freebies provided by Scout.

“I just enjoy being present and experiencing the natural environment, seeing new places, appreciating them, and helping other people to get out and do the same,” Jody shared.

To find out more about the Scout365 Inflatable or the Coastal Bend Paddlers & Explorers Meetup Group, contact jody@ scoutinflatables.com or call (361) 558-5168.

And the best part it’s FREE! Come and join us on our next outing.

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Simple and Elegant: Native Grasses Merge Art with Nature

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CHRISTY TINSLEY-ILFREY Special Reporter

Take a drive from any point in Texas’ Coastal Bend toward any direction, and eventually you will see wide swaths of ornamental grasses dancing like synchronized ballerinas on the gulf breeze. Look closely: packs of birds and butterflies dine elegantly on the feast of seeds and take lodging in the swanky foliage-hotels. In nature, these upright bunch-plants are revered as five-star destinations. But for humans, they offer much more: ornamental grasses serve as dynamic backdrops to other elements of fine gardening without creating burdensome maintenance tasks or supplanting natural processes.

Ornamental grasses are among the most versatile and abundant plant species in Texas’ Coastal Bend.

Variations in color, texture, movement, and lines offer a simplistic yet elegant approach to gardening.

Their ability to survive with nominal management by humans makes these plant species sustainable alternatives to traditional shrubbery. Native birds, butterflies, and other wildlife depend on them for food and shelter. Coastal Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium var. littorale), for example, attracts juncos, sparrow songbirds, and rosy finches. This grass is also host to various species of skipper butterflies and the common wood-nymph. Green-blue foliage during the growing season gives way to bronze hues during the cooler months.

In residential applications, Coastal Bluestem makes the perfect shrub when planted in large masses. Plant in full sun and well-draining soil, and allow to grow up to 4 feet tall and wide. Water at the roots initially and every few days for the next few weeks. Gradually, transition to as-needed irrigation only. Because its foliage changes with the seasons, Coastal Bluestem should be allowed to grow year-round. However, previous year’s growth may be used as filler in flower arrangements when cut back as the new growth emerges. Create a sense of drama by planting a single specimen in large pottery to create a focal point in the garden.

Often found growing in moist, low-lying areas of prairies and near Coastal Bluestem is Brushy Bluestem (Andropogon glomeratus). During the growing season its foliage too is green, but in the cooler months it fades to a tan, almost blonde, color. Its plume is fluffy and cottony, and creates a lovely contrast to that of Coastal Bluestem in flower arrangements. Like its neighbor, this species of Bluestem also offers allyou-can eat dining and lodging to several birds, and serves as larval host for skippers and satyr butterflies.

Humans find it another suitable alternative to clipped hedges. Plant in full sun and moist or poor-draining soil; expect Brushy Bluestem to reach 2-5 feet tall and wide. This grass may also

PHOTO BY: DAVID A. ILFREY, JR. Dunescape, Marine Science Institute, Port Aransas. Featuring Coastal Bluestem and Seaoats, as well as Beach Panic Grass and Railroadvine.

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be used singularly in large pottery to create focused interest in the garden.

Airy, pink blooms that resemble cotton candy have made Gulf Muhly (Muhlenbergia capillaris) a popular landscape plant in recent years. This ornamental grass creates quite a show in mid-fall, and its ability to thrive with minimal care has garnered the approval of municipalities, landscapers, and homeowners. There is another ornamental grass that is equally well-behaved but much less familiar to people outside the native plant enthusiast community: purple lovegrass! Eragrostis spectabilis stands a mere 1-3ft tall, but its crown of cottony red-to-purple blooms really gleam. Plant several specimens, close-knit, in full sun and in moist to well-draining soil. Enjoy the symphony of pollinators that soon will come; but deer will not!

Hot, dry, deep sand? Seaoats (Uniola paniculata) is an excellent choice for its foliage serves as backdrop for showier, more colorful perennials. Allow it to grow to its full 6-foot-tall majesty and 2-4 foot girth. Its oat-like bloom adds a musical element to gardens and to flower arrangements. Red-winged blackbirds are particularly fond of the seeds, but they are also a delicacy among the songbird crowd. Recreate a sliver of paradise by planting Seaoats with Dune Sunflower (Helianthus debilis), Beach Elder (Iva imbricata), Sea Purslane (Sesuvium portulocastrum), and Railroadvine (Ipomoea pes-caprae).

Together in nature, this plant community functions to stabilize sand dunes and, as a result, accrete land.

Sites in part- to deep-shade have their own lovely counterpart to Seaoats. Inland Sea Oats (Chasmanthium latifolium) stands 2-4 feet tall and up to 2 feet wide. Like the beachy plant, Inland Sea Oats boasts oat-like blooms that imbue music and movement into the garden. Also known as River Oats, this species grows best in dry to well-draining soils and may help to slow erosion along sloped stream banks. Seedheads provide food for granivorous birds, and Inland Sea Oats hosts skipper butterfly larvae.

Often overlooked in favor of flashy “eye candy”, ornamental grasses elevate garden design from mere “exterior decorating” to ensembles of plants that morph and flow throughout the seasons. These collections fuse artistic aesthetics with rules of nature to create individual masterpieces that feature beauty inherent in local native plants.

PHOTO BY:

DAVID A. ILFREY, JR. Gulf Muhly bloom.

PHOTO BY: CHRISTY TINSLEY-ILFREY

Purple Lovegrass.

Living & Leisure in the Coastal Bend

PHOTO BY:

DAVID A. ILFREY, JR.

Coastal Bluestem bloom.

PHOTO BY:

CHRISTY TINSLEY-ILFREY

Inland Sea Oats

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Real estate is an active business year round in the Coastal Bend. Homes don’t sit on the MLS for long, especially during summer months. This year larger, higher priced homes are moving smoothly in many communities.

“I can tell you I’m super busy right now,” said Shirley Gallagher with Texas Coast Property Myers Gallagher. “The high end homes are moving.

We’re also seeing more home starts (buying lots and building new homes) than we’ve ever seen,” Gallagher said. “Homes are moving quickly. I just sold a home in Bay Harbor in Aransas Pass that was on the market only 38 days.

“We are recruiting agents. I think this year is going to be better than last year and last year was good. People from Houston, San Antonio, and Austin are coming down looking for second homes”, she said.

Elizabeth Martin, managing broker/Realtor with Eling Coastal Real Estate in Rockport said, “Single family houses have been selling more in our office. With summer months, the houses that are selling the most for full time residents, not second homes. Many of our sales have been land that someone could put an RV on, but most have been single family homes.”

“Business has been steady in our office,” Martin said.

“Everyone is happy to be able to enjoy the good business flow, but are not swamped. We’ve had an increase of people looking into commercial properties for restaurants.

Of course, in Rockport there is always people looking for land to build RV parks.”

The median price of homes was up 11 percent in June according to the Rockport Housing Report published in July 2017. The report showed the median price of a home in Rockport at $250,000.00 with 40% of all sales being between $200,000-$299,000. “Most of our home sales

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have been in the $200,000$250.000 range” Martin said.

In Portland and Port Aransas, mid-priced housing is not readily available. Port Aransas realtors are busy with new developments in Cinnamon Shores and Palmilla. Most costal bend communities have new development from several different builders. The infrastructure needed to accommodate new homes and people requires each community to take steps to prepare for the new residents.

Pat Fenton of Century 21 Lee Real Estate said, “Several multi-family dwellings are being constructed as well as new single-family homes in Ingleside. In the last year, taxes and insurance increased along with the price of real estate,” Fenton said. “We have had a shortage of housing in Ingleside right now so it’s definitely a seller’s market.

“RV and mobile home parks are thriving,” Fenton said.

“Almost weekly, I get calls from people wanting to buy property to develop mobile home or RV parks. Retired people want to come down here and fish.”

Per square foot price in Ingleside and Portland vary

slightly. “Portland is higher,” Fenton said.

“We are still considered rural in many ways and Portland is not.”

In San Patricio and Aransas Counties, rental property is very limited.

Due to the fact that there are very few rental homes available in the south San Patricio County, further building and development is desperately needed. With overall home sales being up last year, developments and subdivisions are being planned.

Twenty acres of property is under projections to build in south Aransas Pass because of the demand for housing in

Growing trends ...

Although the heydays of the real estate boom of the early 2000s have not quite returned, things look positive. In the United States, 1,226,000 new homes were built in 2016, according to data from Consumer Reports. That was the most since 2007.

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Resales also have been more promising. The National Association of Realtors® says the median number of days a home was on the market in April 2017 reached a new low of 29 days. However, low supply levels did stanch existing home sales somewhat.

By mid-2017, the market was a seller’s market, with more people in the market for homes than properties available. But sales during that time were still outpacing sales figures from a year prior. Low interest rates on mortgages and more confidence in the economy has driven many people to make improvements to their existing homes. As is typical, the things homeowners are looking for in 2017 have evolved from years past. The following are some trends that are helping to steer the real estate market further. · Smaller homes: Home sizes in the United States steadily increased for decades, eventually leading to an average of 2,453 square feet in 2014, according to U.S. Census figures.

However, Realtor.com reported in 2015 that new construction homes have already begun to shrink by 40 square feet.

There seems to be a slight trend toward more modest homes as people consider affordability and maintenance on larger properties. The National Association of Home Builders

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states buyers are now looking for smaller, more livable homes with flexible floor plans, energy-efficient appliances and plenty of storage space. · Matte finishes: Stainless steel and luster have been popular for years. However, the next big thing is matte finishes on faucets, appliances and even in countertops.

These less flashy finishes are prized for their warmth and elegance.

While some high-end models with matte finishes have been available for several years, even less expensive models are now available. · Smarter technology: Many homeowners are embracing smart technology throughout their homes, but it’s not just lights that turn on with voice command or more efficient thermostats. Innovative technology includes toilets that can autonomously stay clean and sanitized, refrigerators equipped with cameras so homeowners can see the contents inside and indoor food recyclers that can turn food waste into fertilizer.

Staying abreast of the ever-changing trends in home improvement and real estate can help consumers make the best choices with regard to buying and building their homes.

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The ABCs of Education

V

around the Coastal Bend NORMA MARTINEZ Special Reporter

Vacationers who enjoy fishing, swimming, the beach, and seeing the many attractions available may be contemplating moving their families to the Coastal Bend, and should keep in mind the educational facilities available in area communities.

Gregory Portland ISD The Gregory-Portland Independent School District serves students in the communities of Gregory and Portland and is located in the Southeastern portion of San Patricio County, just eight miles north of Corpus Christi on Highway 181.

Gregory and Portland have a combined population of 18,300 according to current statistics. The school district covers a

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101-square-mile area and maintains an enrollment in excess of 4,000 students. It has four elementary campuses; one intermediate school, one junior high school, and one high school.

The district completed a $16.9 million project with the construction of East Cliff Elementary, which opened in the fall of 2016. The facility houses 800 students in pre-kindergarten through fifth grade, and is twice the size of the former campus at more than 80,000 square feet.

The GPISD also broke ground on a new school to replace the current Andrews Elementary, which is 50,452 square feet including detached buildings. The new campus is designed at 81,997 square feet.

Construction plans for the future to be completed with funds from its Bond of 2015 include: a new middle school campus, a new high school addition, and land acquisition. Materials to be upgraded include new band instruments, music, athletic uniforms, theater equipment, technology upgrades, furniture, interior needs for new campuses, and maintenance projects such as concession stands, athletic restrooms, and school buses.

For more information about GPISD and its campuses, go to https://www.g-pisd.org/district-info.

Port Aransas ISD The Port Aransas ISD has been educating the students in the Port Aransas community since 1913. Port Aransas is the only established town on Mustang Island which is located north of Padre Island and is one of the longest barrier islands along the Texas coast. It is located in Nueces County.

Currently there are three campuses in the PAISD: H.G. Olsen Elementary serves prekindergarten through-fifth grade students, Ancel Brundrett Middle School serves sixth-eighth graders, and Port Aransas High School serves ninth-12th grade students.

This year, the PISD called for a $6 million bond which was overwhelmingly approved by voters to provide major maintenance to district buildings, a new school bus, safety and security improvements at all three schools, technol-

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ogy upgrades and maintenance, staff housing, athletics and fine arts equipment, and other building maintenance and improvements.

Campus improvements will feature science and computer labs at the high school and middle school, as well as new security and safety improvements, particularly to entrances to the buildings, and security camera installation at the athletic fields.

Transportation needs are a new bus and a barn to protect it from the elements.

Improvements to the athletic department include, but are not limited to: new athletic equipment and uniforms, refinishing the high school gym floor, upgrading the baseball field, upgrading goals in all gyms, and enhancing the track complex with an ADA sidewalk.

Technology upgrades will include the replacement of teacher computers and classroom interactive whiteboards/projectors, and the district marquee.

For more information about the PISD, go to http://www.paisd.net/about-us.

Ingleside ISD The Ingleside ISD is constructing a new high school, and includes renovations to the band hall and school gyms, as well as parking improvements.

This is the first high school built in Ingleside since the

1960s.

Ingleside is located on Corpus Christi Bay on a portion of land known as Ingleside Point at the eastern tip of San Patricio County. A portion of the city is also located in Nueces County.

The current high school complex was built in 1965 with additions in 1985 (18 new classrooms and a library); 1991 (band hall); and in 1998 (new gymnasium). Facilities now include 40 classrooms, two gyms, two band halls, a cafeteria, a library, welding shop, woodworking-cabinet shop, and three computer labs.

The campus serves about 600 students in grades 9-12.

The new 121,710 square-foot high school will be able to serve 750 students and will include administration offices, a nurse’s office, a library, a cafetorium, a central kitchen and 44 classrooms.

The variety of classroom types ranges to include a fine arts room, standard and life skills classrooms as well as science, computer and technology labs.

Students will be able to access the school from multiple dropoffs as bus and parent drop off locations have been separated. Student, faculty and visitor parking have also been separated.

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The district’s other campuses are Ingleside Primary for prekindergarten to first grade; Gilbert J. Mircovich Elementary, second through fourth grades; Blaschke/Sheldon Elementary, for fifth and sixth graders; and Leon Taylor Junior High School, seventh and eighth grades.

For more information about the IISD, go to http:// www.inglesideisd.org.

Aransas Pass ISD The Aransas Pass ISD has two construction projects beginning this year, as ground was recently broken for a new elementary school to house students from both its current elementary campuses.

Ground will soon be broken for a new high school gym, and a snack bar at the athletic fields.

The City of Aransas Pass is primarily in San Patricio County, but portions of it extend into Aransas County to the north, and Nueces County to the south.

The APISD’s new elementary school is a two-story building with a capacity of 750 students to house both Kieberger Elementary (second and third grade) and Faulk Early Childhood (prekindergarten-first) students. It will include a library, gymna-

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sium, and cafeteria, with a separate student and bus/ service drive drop offs and secured entries for visitors.

The new school will have a smaller building footprint with playfield improvements and is expected to open by the fall of 2018.

The high school project includes building a new 18,800-square-foot gymnasium with a full size UIL gymnasium play area for basketball and volleyball, bleachers, ticket booth and restrooms. The addition will be an ADA accessible gym with seating for 1,000 spectators (500 seats home/500 seats visitor). The existing gym will still stay as it is and be used for some physical education classes, practice space and games.

The other high school project is construction of a new 1300 square foot snack bar to be located between the football field and softball and baseball fields.

The project includes men’s and women’s restrooms, storage, custodian closet, food preparation and serving windows.

All APISD campuses will benefit from technology infrastructure improvements, vestibules, security cameras, lighting, roof replacement and repair, various walkway canopies and energy efficient central control units will be included in the bond projects.

Those other campuses are Charlie Marshall Elementary which serves fourth and fifth grades; and Blunt Middle School, sixth through eighth grades.

Aransas County ISD The Aransas County ISD the communities of Holiday Beach, Lamar, Fulton, Rockport and the northern part of Aransas Pass, a 486 square mile area.

ACISD has an enrollment of 3,316 students who are served on the following campuses: Little Bay Primary School (grades PPCD-K), Live Oak 1-3 Learning Center (grades 1-3), Fulton 4-5 Learning Center (grades 4-5), Rockport-Fulton Middle School (grades 6-8), and Rockport-Fulton High School (grades 9-12).

Rockport-Fulton Middle School eighth graders have the opportunity to take classes for high school credit. The gifted and talented program has been expanded from language arts to include math and science courses.

Rockport-Fulton High School students may choose to pursue career and technology pathways or advanced placement courses. Students are encouraged to participate in band, choir, drama, athletics, student government, UIL academic competition, and various local and national clubs.

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Winds of Change ...

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Hurricanes are part of life on the coast of Texas and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s something businesses and individuals can prepare for - this phenomenon that wreaks havoc when it comes ashore.

As hurricane Sandy made its way to the Eastern coast in October 2012, meteorologists called the storm unprecedented in terms of its potential for damage and fatalities. Every year, the world experiences hurricane season. During this period, storm systems spiral out from the tropical regions surrounding the equator and approximately 40-50 of these storms intensify to hurricane levels according to meteorologists. In our part of the earth, the season runs from June 1 to Nov. 30 while the Southern Hemisphere generally experiences hurricane activity from January to March. So 75 percent of the year, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s safe to say that someone somewhere is probably worrying about an impending hurricane.

Hurricanes begin as harmless thunderstorms that are blown out to sea and as the warm waters meet the cooler air temperatures a rotation in cloud activity, much like the draining of a sink begins to take place. As soon as the rotation reaches 75 miles an hour the storm is classiďŹ ed as a hurricane. Trade winds naturally blow from Africa. Some storms can come undone and disappear but many times they hit land with winds at 100 or 150 mph. In the United States, we face this possibility several

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times a year and the tides and rain accompanying a hurricane can be as devastating as the winds. Hurricanes can drop one to two feet of rain in a single day.

It was Aug. 3, 1970. What was to be a calm day took a drastic turn when Hurricane Celia failed to turn and headed straight for the Coastal Bend.

Celia was predicted to turn and make landfall near Galveston. Instead, she continued straight and strengthened to a Category 3 hurricane before making landfall across the Corpus Christi area.

She arrived that afternoon near Port Aransas.

Sustained winds of 125-130 miles per hour pounded the area causing massive destruction in Nueces, San Patricio and Aransas Counties. Hardest hit areas were Corpus Christi, Port Aransas and Aransas Pass, Robstown and Portland.

Rick Moore was 14 years old when Celia made her appearance.

On vacation with his aunt, uncle and cousins, Moore had asked his parents to stay another week so he could go to the coast. The family originally planned to stay in Galveston. Plans were changed when Celia was

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expected to hit that area.

In his blog Holy Coast, he stated in a 2010 post, “We awoke late in the morning and turned on the TV only to find out that Hurricane Celia, which had been expected to head north and hit Galveston, had not turned at all and was now headed directly to Corpus.”

Hurricane Celia was a unique storm, according to a report at www.srh.noaa.gov/crp by Tim Tinsley of the National Weather Service Corpus Christi.

“Celia was an interesting storm in that it had two rapid intensification cycles and explosive damaging wind gusts in the western semi-circle of the eye of the storm in addition to the typical eastern semi-circle,” Tinsley wrote.

Celia was a compact, fast-moving storm. As a result, rainfall was limited.

The Coastal Bend received five to 7 inches with Robstown receiving the most of the area with 7.26 inches. Storm surge wasn’t a factor, either. Instead, extreme winds caused significant damage.

Sustained winds of 110-130 mph were recorded with gusts up to 180 mph.

“For the first two hours or so of the main part of the storm we had amazing winds and rain blowing from our left to right, pretty much parallel to the front of the hotel,” Moore wrote. “A lot of junk was flying through the air and the palm trees in the middle of Ocean Drive were bent over. The roar of the wind never quit.”

Moore and his family waited out the hurricane in their hotel room. When the storm passed, all the windows on the opposite side of the hotel were gone. Air conditioner units were blown off the roof and in to the pool. Flying rocks had struck the building stripping off the paint.

Across the area damage was extensive.

Larry Stewart of Rockport was a college man in 1970.

His family lived on Key Allegro. “We were gone less than 24 hours,” Larry said. “We left as soon as we were sure it was going to hit near us and travelled to Crystal City where my uncle lived. We got up early the next morning and were coming into Tivoli about 10:00 a.m. They wouldn’t let us pass for a while, but soon we were allowed to come into Rockport.

“The roof on our house had to be replaced and Dad called his construction connections in Raymonville and a crew showed up that night with the squares of shingles, some siding and lumber Dad required. By 7:00 the next morning, they began work. The roof was on in two days and after three days the rains started.” Stewart said.

They had water for the toilets and they had stored some water in the house before the hurricane hit. All water and electricity was out for 3-4 weeks. “It was summer and it was hot, so we didn’t need hot water for showers,” Stewart said. “HEB got dry ice and we were able to store food, but people got their BBQ grills out and cooked all the food in their freezers.”

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The roof was off the First Baptist Church sanctuary in Rockport and the Stewarts helped find a tent maker in Waco that obtained a tarp large enough to cover the church until a roof could be constructed. Stewart recalled the ordeal of moving the piano and organ to other areas of the church after each Sunday.

Celia claimed the lives of 15 people and caused 466 injuries.

Property and crop damage was estimated at $453.8 million, which would translate to billions today.

DAMAGES Corpus Christi – 70 percent of residences damaged.

Portland – 90 percent of homes and businesses damaged.

Port Aransas – 75 percent of homes and businesses damaged.

In total, nearly 9,000 homes were destroyed; 13,850 sustained major damage and 41,800 minor damages. In addition, more than 252 businesses were destroyed, 331 boats lost and 310 farm buildings damaged, according to Tinsley.

Hurricane Celia produced several tornadoes across South Texas that killed one and injured two.

Celia downgraded to a tropical depression as it moved northwest to the El Paso area.

Among the most devastating storms to hit the area, Celia left her mark on the land and memories of those who witnessed her strength and devastation.

In preparing for hurricanes, the population is always admonished to give thought to what rising waters will do to your property, not just the violent winds of a hurricane. The storm surge in Hurricane Rita did more damage than the actual winds. Returning to normal is almost impossible when property has been standing in water for two-three weeks.

Since 1851, 63 hurricanes have struck the Texas coast. The greatest threat to lives, according to the National Hurricane Center, is the storm surge and large waves. Storm surge can reach heights well over 20 feet and can span hundreds of miles of coastline. It can also travel miles inland.

When living in a hurricane prone area, thought must be given to the reality of what one will do after the storm. Below are some safety and preparation measures to take before the storm.

1. Storing valuables in plastic tubs with locking tops and being able to secure and move all your valuables within 15 minutes of evacuation.

Shut off the main circuit breaker to prevent short circuiting and eliminating the threat of electrocution.

2. Store rarely used or expensive items in the attic or on high shelves 3. Develop a plan of action to keep from panicking during an emergency.

4. Have an evacuation route and alternatives planned in the event you are asked to evacuate.

5. Communicate your plans to friends or family outside your area.

6. Battery powered radios or televisions can be used in the event of a power outage.

7. Never drive on flooded roads. If you encounter flood waters when driving, turn around, don’t drown.

A hurricane supply kit is advised. It should contain the following: 1. At least a seven day supply of non-perishable food and water. One gallon of water per person per day is recommended.

2. Battery powered portable television or radio with extra batteries.

3. Flashlight with extra batteries.

4. Sanitation and hygiene items such as instant hand sanitizing gel, moist towelettes, toilet paper.

5. Whistle 6. Kitchen accessories, cooking utensils and manual can opener.

7. Cash 8. Extra clothing, blankets, and sleeping bags.

9. Matches in a waterproof container.

10. Photocopies of identification, insurance, prescriptions, household inventory, credit cards and your latest utility bill.

11. CD, thumb/flash drive or photocopies of important documents such as birth/marriage certificates and titles.

12. Prescription medications, eyeglasses, contact lens solution and hearing aid batteries.

13. A good map showing county roads and highways.

14. Tire repair kit, booster cables, pump and flares.

Other items would include special needs for children and pets and a list of family phone numbers and addresses outside the area.

Always be familiar with your local authorities plan for a time to evacuate. Persons deciding to ride out the storm also need to be aware of what area agencies plan to do and when they could expect to be in service after a storm. Galveston residents went back early after Hurricane Ike to no power or water. Many were not prepared for survival without water, sewer, grocery stores and gasoline pumps for many weeks that followed the actual hurricane.

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Aransas Pass Aquatic Park

The many communities scattered along the Coastal Bend of Texas offer their own unique personality and forms of recreation, relaxation, educational activities and shopping. Visitors and potential residents are encouraged to come and “spend a day with the locals.”

Aransas Pass Aransas Pass is the home of Conn Brown Harbor, the home port for dozens of shrimp trawlers which fish the Gulf of Mexico and helped Aransas Pass earn the title “The Shrimp Capital of the World.” This picturesque harbor setting is a favorite spot for photographers and a preferred location for the purchase of fresh seafood, right off the boat The annual Shrimporee which will be June 8-10, 2018 in Aransas Pass brings record crowds of over 60,000 people.

Credit for the increase is given to the entertainment which is a great attraction for the event. Chamber executive director Rosemary Vega is grateful to the more than 800 volunteers making this event possible. The diligent planning of the Aransas Pass Chamber of Commerce makes Shrimporee a commu-

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nity celebration. Many non-profit organizations depend on it for fundraising and they, in turn, give back to the community in the form of scholarships and other services. It will be remembered for a long time as one of the best attended and successful events since the days of Jerry Lewis and the Supremes who were remembered as entertainers of some earlier years.

Pay a visit to the Seaman’s Memorial Tower. This beautiful structure is dedicated to those fishermen who lost their lives at sea. It is located on the point of the southern end of Conn Brown Harbor.

Take time to visit the new Veteran’s Memorial Park at the intersection of McCampbell and Maddox in Aransas Pass.

This beautiful tribute honors our Veterans from all wars. U.S. Congressman Blake Farenthold presided over the dedication in July.

Thousands of Redfish inhabit the flats in Aransas Pass, and catching redfish that can exceed thirty pounds is not uncommon. Sight fishing, fly fishing, live bait and lure fishing can be done with great success for the beginning anglers to the most advanced. Speckled trout, redfish, flounder, black drum, and sheepshead are abundant in its bays.

The Aransas Pass Aquatic Center is one of Aransas Pass’ attractions. The 50,000 gallon shallow pool for smaller children makes plenty of room for safe play. The center also features umbrella water spouts and slides add the excitement of a ride the older kids are sure to love. There are two diving boards in the deeper end for fun for the entire family.

The Rialto Theater doubles as a gallery and live theater opened in 1937. At that time it was more of a movie theater and has been renovated to remain true to its history. A yearround event schedule is in place, full of eclectic performances in the 98-seat theater, fronted by the gallery and lobby for art exhibits. Area artists and supporters of the theater maintain the period attractiveness of the Rialto. It also serves as a meeting place for the Destination Downtown Aransas Pass Merchants Association.

Ingleside Ingleside is located on the southeast tip of San Patricio County, only six miles from Aransas Pass. It is positioned on

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Ingleside Renaissance Faire

the Corpus Christi Bay. As of the census of 2000, there were 9,388 people, 2,980 households, and 2,226 families residing in the city.

On December 9-10 the Ingleside Chamber of Commerce hosts the annual Renaissance Faire. Held at Live Oak Park, off South FM 1069, on Port Ave. and Sherry in Ingleside, the Faire has a medieval theme and is a favorite event for the area. There is live entertainment, food and fun.

Cove Park, located on Hwy. 1069 going toward the bay, has a public boat ramp. Ingleside also has a pool located on Mustang Drive. It is closed during the school year.

Ingleside on the Bay has a public boat ramp that is located on Ebony and Woodhaven.

Whitney Lake is a 50 plus acre project which includes several bird watching areas, extended docks over marsh areas, observation platforms and many other amenities. It also provides wintering and migratory habitat for waterfowl, shorebirds, wading birds, and other species.

Ingleside had their Roundup in April which is the largest event for the chamber. On September 16, 2017 there will be a Beer & Wine Festival at the Pavilion in N.O. Simmons Park.

Port Aransas Luxurious accommodations make Port Aransas a favorite for visitors from all over the United States. Port Aransas is the only established community on Mustang Island, the north portion of famous Padre Island. The beach is open to the waves of the Gulf of Mexico and is famous for ďŹ shing and surďŹ ng. The ferry ride crossing to Aransas Pass is open 24 hours, 365 days a year, at no charge.

Many opportunities abound in Port Aransas for dolphin viewing, deep sea or bay ďŹ shing as well as a multitude of

shops for souvenirs and dining. Several opportunities are sited right as one exits the ferry for dining, shopping or taking a boat ride in the Gulf. Dolphins are abundant in the area and are especially enjoyable at the end of the day as the large ships come in from sea. Dolphins like the breaking waters of the ships and dance for viewers right in front of the ships as they drive in.

Portland Windfest Kites Sunset Lake is a 333 acre area park restored to its natural habitat. The three distinctive facets: recreation, education and conservation are blended to preserve the ecology of rich wetland and the saltwater lake.

Winding between the ponds is a paved two mile hiking/biking trail. Fishing is abundant on the Corpus Christi Bay side and kayaking is enjoyed in the southern part of the lake.

Fred Jones Sanctuary is a botanically rich protected area considered a hot spot for birders looking for Warblers, Vireos, Orioles and other song birds during migration. Dripping water near a covered viewing area entices birds to show themselves.

Many species inhabit the native brush and trees along the creed year-round. This Sanctuary is #74 on the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail.

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Indian Point Park is a premiere fishing pier reaching out into Corpus Christi Bay. It is known to produce record Black Drum. The park includes a variety of habitats for shoreline birds. Entrance to the park is free.

Violet Andrews Park is a kite surfer’s haven. This beautiful and well maintained park sits on a bluff overlooking Corpus Christi Bay. The coastal wind and chop make launching platforms for extreme kite surfing. It offers 10 acres of wildlife preserve with a 1/3 mile hike/bike trail, two observation decks, a narrow sandy beach and a children’s area. There are also two covered patios for watching the sun set and parking.

Portland is becoming well known for the annual Windfest.

This year, Windfest was in April. An estimated 15,000 people came to enjoy the carnival, food and live entertainment. This event is sponsored by the Portland Chamber of Commerce.

Rockport The Texas Maritime Museum has been educating visitors about the rich maritime history of Texas for over 25 years. Visitors may view Texas History from exploration and settlement, to boatbuilding and shipbuilding, to sports and commercial fishing, and finally the search for offshore oil and gas.

The museum hosts the annual Rockport Festival of Wine and Food held every Memorial Day Weekend. Museum hours are Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday 1 – 4 p.m. The museum is always closed on Mondays and some holidays. The museum has been designated as the Maritime

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Salute to San Patricio

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Museum of the State of Texas.

The History Center for Aransas County focuses on the history of those men and women, who founded, settled, and developed Aransas County.

The Center provides space for displays, workshops, meetings and gatherings.

Both the Friends of the The History Center for Aransas County History Center and the Aransas County Historical Commission are housed here. The house has had many owners including A.L. Bruhl, an early 1900s pharmacist and Rockport mayor, Preston Paul, marine contractor, and Chester Johnson, builder, who saved the home from demolition in 1978. Because Johnson offered a penny for the home, it became known as “The Penny House”.

Copano Bay State Fishing Pier, formerly a concession-operated state park, is a 5.9-acre State Park located five miles north of Rockport in Aransas County. The fishing pier, acquired by transfer of jurisdiction from the State Department of Highways and Public Transportation in 1967, was opened the same year.

The old causeway was cut to aid boat traffic, so the pier now has 6190 feet on the north side and 2500 feet on the south side.

The Aransas County Navigation District has plans to conduct major renovations and upgrades to this facility. Current plans include a grant funded project to repair and expand the existing boat launching area at this extremely popular facility.

Expansion will include an additional ramp lane, refurbished queuing docks, an observation area, and fish cleaning station.

Parking improvements will include increased parking area with provisions for improved traffic flow.

Work on the facility will also include renovations and repairs to the fishing pier and restroom facilities as well. A fishing license is required to fish from the pier.

Completed in 1877, the Fulton Mansion was a wonder of its time. Restored to its original glory, the mansion represents the best of gracious living during the booming cattle days.

Guided and self-guided tours provide guests with stories about the fascinating Fultons. Begin your visit at the Education and History Center located behind the mansion. It is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Sunday from 1-4 p.m.

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Rockport Center for the Arts boasts a state-of-theart main gallery. The two parlor galleries are dedicated entirely to its member artists, while the main gallery allows the Center to host local, regional, national and international artists in both solo and group exhibitions.

The building also houses two visual arts classrooms which are home to numerous workshops, classes, seminars and open studio sessions. A well-furnished potterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s studio is always active and includes a kiln room for daily ďŹ rings.

Visitors enjoy the art center gift shop where member artists display a wide range of arts.

The Art Center continues to host community-driven events around the arts. Events such as Art Education Days, ArtLink for Kids, the Rockport Film Festival, a Music Performance Series and the Rockport Clay Expo are just a few examples. Rockport has over 200 working artists, a variety of downtown art galleries and was recently named a â&#x20AC;&#x153;Top 10 Coastal Art Colonyâ&#x20AC;? by Coastal Living Magazine.

Goose Island State Park and The Big Tree are only minutes north of Rockport-Fulton in historic Lamar. Open 7 days a week year-round, the gate is open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.

OfďŹ ce hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Although the park is located on Aransas Bay, there is not a swimming area. The shoreline is comprised of concrete bulkhead, oyster shell, mud ďŹ&#x201A;at and marsh grass. The main recreational activities are camping, excellent birding and ďŹ shing. Other activities include picnicking, boating (motors allowed), nature study, wildlife observation and photography.

The â&#x20AC;&#x153;Big Treeâ&#x20AC;? at Goose Island State Park was named the State Champion Coastal Live Oak (Quercus virginiana) in 1969, and is thought to be one of the largest in the nation. The updates this year to the presentation of the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Big Treeâ&#x20AC;? include a cedar fence protecting it from visitors although all other trees in the area are available for climbing.

The â&#x20AC;&#x153;Big Treeâ&#x20AC;? statistics: s 4RUNK #IRCUMFERENCE v OR METERS s !VERAGE 4RUNK $IAMETER INCH OR METERS s #ROWN 3PREAD FEET OR METERS s (EIGHT FEET OR METERS s !GE )N EXCESS OF YEARS Aquarium at Rockport Harbor overlooks Aransas Bay and the harbor. Guests are asked to register for the history of the Aquarium. It features bay and gulf marine life, artifacts, shell collections and many other special displays. Hours are Thursday through Monday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Volunteers fund as well as serving as hosts to visitors. The Aquarium is fun for all

The Big Tree

ages and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s free.

The Community Aquatic & Skate Park is nestled in a 12-acre Live Oak forest and is open year round. The park has an 8-lane, heated 26-yard pool and diving area; and a whale shaped zero-depth entry for children with slides and sprays. Facilities also include a bathhouse and a 6,000 square foot modular skate park. You must be at least 10 years of age to utilize the skate park. Adjacent to the aquatic and skate park is a picnic area and playground with a Âź mile nature trail.

The park is closed on Mondays.

Aransas National Wildlife Refuge is one of the oldest in the United States and is the winter home of the Whooping Cranes. It is a world of wildlife. Visitors will ďŹ nd a museum, picnic area, walking trails and a 16-mile paved loop with photo opportunities. Alligators, javelinas, deer birds and more can be seen here. This summer in July, raccoons were observed walking quickly to their homes, but undisturbed by the presence of observers.

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Class project reaches successful closure ...

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After ten months of meeting together as Class XXI of the Leadership Aransas County, the eleven class participants, along with the Rockport-Fulton Chamber of Commerce, are pleased to announce that the Mending Fences Project has been an absolute success and the Rockport Cemetery has a brand new commercial-grade six foot chain link fence in place.

Thanks to the incredible generosity of The Margaret Sue Rust Foundation, an anonymous donor, countless private donations made by local citizens and donors throughout the United States through the Mending Fences Facebook page, coupled with a number of fundraising events planned by the leadership class, the group was able to provide the funds to have the existing fence

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removed and the new fence built as well as provide new signage and a brand new, historically accurate aluminum entry arch. The balance of the funds raised will be given to the Rockport Cemetery for their future operating expenses. All told, the leadership class managed to raise over $42,000 for this project. The class would also like to thank Dennis Ramey with A to Z Fence Company, along with his hardworking crew, for providing the materials at cost and doing an outstanding job on the project.

To underscore the importance of this project, the annual expenses of the cemetery are roughly $50,000, with roughly 80% going toward grounds maintenance alone, and the city and county cannot legally take over maintenance unless it is health or safety-related so it is the responsibility of the Rockport Cemetery Association to ďŹ nance and maintain the cemetery in perpetuity. The leadership class recognized the need that existed and the

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importance of maintaining this historic site.

Michael Hynes, president of the Rockport Cemetery Association, was quoted as saying, “This is the best thing that has happened to the cemetery in years.” The leadership class participants have all agreed that it was a great honor to help provide the means to beautify and protect the Rockport Cemetery for generations to come. Class participants include Verna Ashcraft, Andrea Hattman, Kathy James, Michelle Lewis, Elizabeth Lyons, Taylor Place, Tammy Redden, Scott Simmonds, Renee Watkins, Lee Ann Wright, and Philip Zuniga along with class facilitators Kathy Helgenberger and Shelly Stuart. Please take the time to visit the Rockport Cemetery, especially during wildflower season, and see what can happen when citizens rally to protect what is important to their community.

If you would like to become involved in Aransas County, the Rockport-Fulton Chamber of Commerce is now accepting applications for the 2017-2018 LAC Class XXII. This 10-month leadership development program is designed to identify and cultivate individuals with the interest and potential to serve in our community’s many leadership roles. Any person having an interest in the objectives of Leadership Aransas County (LAC) and who has either been a resident of or employed in Aransas County, Rockport or Fulton one year prior to September 1st of the current year shall be eligible to participate.

LAC is a program offering skills training and idea experimentation which will create an attitude receptive to new approaches and adventure in the study of Aransas County issues. Please contact the Rockport-Fulton Chamber of Commerce at 361-729-6445 or on the web at http://www.rockport-fulton. org/ for more information.

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3%04%-"%2 s 0- 0- Beer and Wine Festival N.O. Simmons Park-Ingleside

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OCTOBER 14 2017 Annual Installation Banquet North Shore Country Club, Portland

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Inside and outside vendors sell items like, ladies perfume, make-up, herbal products, knives, antiques, Mexican pottery, jewelry, toys, ďŹ&#x201A;oral arrangements and plants. Come see different on stage talent. This is a family friendly event. Please support your Aransas Pass local Veterans.

Breakfast tacos will be available and Smoked Brisket sandwiches, Home made smokes hamburgers and Hot Dogs. Sodas available.

Rockport-Fulton 3%04%-"%2 HummerBird Celebration www.rockport-fulton.org/HB

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Art Walk, BBQ, & Blues. Get your BBQ before the blues at RedďŹ sh Willieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s or The Bakery CafĂŠ Then bring your dancing feet to the Rialto!!

www.shoprockportfulton.com Start planning your day, shopping strategy, shopping discounts and zany fun. Experience â&#x20AC;&#x153;Shop â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Til you Dropâ&#x20AC;? shopping with discounts, costumes, prizes, food, and fun. Get a team of up to 4 players, dress up in costumes if you like, and compete for prizes as you â&#x20AC;&#x153;play a roundâ&#x20AC;? of shopping at selected Rockport-Fulton stores.

/#4/"%2 43rd Annual Rockport-Fulton Seafair

45%3$!93 s 0- 0Tapas Tuesday: Happy Hour & Open Mic Rialto Theater, Aransas Pass Every Tuesday, very talented musicians gather together to share their love of music in this cool historic theater. Trust us, this is not drunken karaoke but true musicians! So, câ&#x20AC;&#x2122;mon out & ďŹ nd what the Winter Texans have discovered while enjoying a cold one (or a glass of wine).

www.rockportseafair.com Rockport-Fulton Seafair is more than 40 years old. It is a sea-themed fun festival featuring live big name entertainment, over 120 vendors, Gumbo and Chili Cook-Off, Seafood, car show, water entertainment, a big parade and SO MUCH MORE! Join us as we â&#x20AC;&#x153;Celebrate the Seaâ&#x20AC;?.

Beginning Thursday night where we start with a Battle of the Bands.

We have more than 15,000 folks coming - so join us!

3%04%-"%2 s 0- 0The Maxine Flournoy Third Coast Squadron of the Commemorative Annual Air Force Hall of Fame Awards

./6%-"%2 Rockport Film Festival

/#4/"%2 Bacon Festival

3201 FM 3521, Aransas Pass, Tx. The ceremony is free and open to the public. There will be WWII movies in the Museum and WWII airplanes to view and ride before and after the event.

2EDl SH "AY "OATHOUSE s (UFF 3TREET s !RANAS 0ASS 48

rockportďŹ lmfestival.com

./6%-"%2 Chow Down for Charity Contact Information: 361-758-9000

36

oastal

Scene

Port Aransas

Port Aransas (CONT’D)

3%04%-"%2 The Elite Redfish Series Tournament

/#4/"%2 s 0- 0Beach Pumpkin Hustle 5K

theredfishseries.com ... This televised professional tournament will be fishing the Port Aransas waters. Captain’s meeting is Wednesday, September 13 at 5:00 p.m. at the Port Aransas Community Center.

Fishing is Thursday through Saturday beginning at safe light. Weigh-in at 3:00 p.m. each day.

Beach Pumpkin Hustle 5K, featuring the Sand Pumpkin Patch and Trunk or Treat. Spend the afternoon “carving” sand pumpkins at the beach. At dusk, participate in the inaugural Beach Pumpkin Hustle 5K - wear your favorite Halloween costume! Medals will be awarded for overall winners and best costumes. The fun continues after dark with trick-or-treating, food, beverages and DJ, or discover Port A’s nightlife and foodie scene.

3%04%-"%2 s !Conquer the Coast Bike Ride www.conquerthecoast.org

./6%-"%2 s 0- 0First Friday Art Reception

3%04%-"%2 10th annual Casting for a Cause

On the first Friday of every month, the Port Aransas Art Center holds a reception with great artists, live music and refreshments! Join other art enthusiasts for an evening of fun

castingforacause.org ... Casting For a Cause is a charity driven fishing tournament that benefits various national and Coastal Bend charities. All events will take place at the Dennis Dryer Municipal Harbor at Robert’s Point Park Pavilion.

Portland

3%04%-"%2 s !- 0- Adopt-A-Beach Cleanup

3%04%-"%2 s !- 0- State of the Port Luncheon

www.glo.texas.gov/adopt-a-beach/ ... Statewide beach clean up!

Register to assist Port Aransas in keeping our beach clean. For more information call Harry Martinez, 361-215-2763.

.ORTHSHORE #OUNTY #LUB s % "ROADWAY "LVD s 0ORTLAND 48

7%$.%3$!93 s !- !Birding on the Boardwalk

Al Willeford Chevrolet invites you to the Joe Burke Pavilion, Portland Aquatic Center for the Triathlon! Something for everyone from the weekend warrior up to the elite athlete! Each finisher will receive a t-shirt, medal, food and entertainment!

www.portaransas.org/play/birding

3%04%-"%2 s 0- 0Art Center Street Dance/BBQ Quick Draw

/#4/"%2 s !5th Annual Boo Bash Triathlon

/#4/"%2 0- n 012th Annual Boo Bash

www.portaransasartcenter.org

/#4/"%2 Harvest Moon Regatta harvestmoonregatta.com ... The longest point to point annual sailboat race originating in Galveston and ending in Port Aransas. Enjoy views from the South Jetty, Robert’s Point Park and many other areas to see these colorful vessels.

/#4/"%2 Port Aransas Old Town Festival & Wooden Boat Festival

Calling all Ghosts and Goblins! Events will include a costume contest for children and pets, a pumpkin decorating contest, carnival games and inflatable slides. The Blood Mobile will be on site; parents donate blood and save a life. An easy way to make a big difference in your community while attending this FREE event!

/#4/"%2 s !- 0State of the City Luncheon .ORTHSHORE #OUNTY #LUB s % "ROADWAY "LVD s 0ORTLAND 48

portaransasmuseum.org ... The annual Old Town Festival celebrates Port A’s rich history with a parade, Chapel on the Dunes tours, Old Town Expression-Session surfing contest, live music, 8 Wonders of Port Aransas tours, the Wooden Boat Festival, and more!

Living & Leisure in the Coastal Bend

37

REAL ESTATE (CONT’D) Coldwell Banker The Ron Brown Company Jen Rubinowitz 361-332-1230 (See ad page 22)

Coldwell Banker The Ron Brown Company Darcy Zaricor 361-332-9683 (See ad page 22)

ADVERTISING

FLIGHT ADVENTURES

KAYAKS

Coastal Bend Redbook Directories Coastal Scene Magazine Digital Billboard 361 S Commercial, Aransas Pass 361-790-7106

Texas Warbird Adventures Flysnj4@gmail.com 1-844-FLY-SNJ4

Scout Inflatables SCOUT365.COM (361) 558-5168

(See ad page 4)

(See ad page 17)

GLASS

MAGAZINES

Evins Glass Service 101 NPID @ Bear Ln, CC 361-884-3995

Coastal Scene Magazine 361 S Commercial, Aransas Pass 361-790-7106

COLLEGE EDUCATION Del Mar College 101 Baldwin, Corpus Christi 361-698-1247 (See ad page 25)

CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE

Smitty’s Golf Carts 1540 W Wheeler, Aransas Pass 361-226-1478

Aransas Pass Chamber 130 W Goodnight, Aransas Pass 361-758-2750

INSURANCE

(See ad page 8)

CONVENTION & EVENT CENTERS Aransas Pass Civic Center 130 W Goodnight, Aransas Pass 361-758-0009 (See ad page 11)

San Patricio Fairgrounds 219 W 5th Street, Sinton 361-364-9580 (See ad page 28)

DECOR The Disciple Ship 235 S Commercial, Aransas Pass 361-459-2754 (See ad page 35)

DERMATOLOGY Padre Dermatology Dr. Ryan Rogers 5920 Saratoga Blvd, Ste 540, CC 361-993-0234 (See ad page 30)

ELECTRIC & LIGHTING B&R Electric 401 S Church Street, Rockport 361-729-4499 (See ad page 7)

38

(See ad page 26)

SIGNS & MORE

(See ad page 33)

Shweiki Media 4954 Space Center Dr, San Antonio 210-804-0390 (See ad page 39)

REAL ESTATE

Farmers Insurance Alex Hinojosa 361 S Commercial, Aransas Pass 361-758-7971

CENTURY 21 Lee Real Estate, Inc. Pat Fenton 2527 Highway 361, Suite #B Ingleside 361-332-9496

Farmers Insurance Brian Niemann 508 S San Patricio, Sinton 361-437-4646 (See ad page 9)

Farmers Insurance Roxanne Swierc 904 Memorial Pkwy, Portland 361-643-6264 (See ad page 9)

Russell Insurance 0ORTLAND s #ORPUS #HRISTI s #ORPUS #HRISTI s

(See ad page 21)

CENTURY 21 Lee Real Estate, Inc. Debra Hester 2527 Highway 361, Suite #B Ingleside 361-563-4600 debralhester@yahoo.com (See ad page 23)

Coldwell Banker The Ron Brown Company ROCKPORT: 361.729.4044 INGLESIDE: 361.776.3550

(See ad page 31)

(See ad page 22)

TWFG Insurance Services Angelina Guajardo 406 S Commercial, Aransas Pass 361-226-3501

Coldwell Banker The Ron Brown Company Misty Ash-Kuhn 254-855-7957

(See ad page 27)

oastal

(See ad page 20)

3KID / +AN 622 McBride, Corpus Christi 361-883-6642

(See ad page 9)

(See ad page 9)

Texas Coast Property 109 W Wilson, Aransas Pass 361-758-7534

PORTABLE TOILETS

PRINTERS

Farmers Insurance Bart Floerke 1605 US Hwy 181, Portland 361-643-6500

(See ad Back Page)

Texstar Realty Autumn McLeod 2756 Main Street, Ingleside 361-523-1494

(See ad Page 2)

GOLF CARTS

Eling Corp Coastal Real Estate 1602 Hwy 35 N, Rockport 361-729-3424

(See ad page 22)

Scene

(See ad page 24)

Sign Xpress 4404 S.P.I.D., Corpus Christi 800-841-6872 (See ad page 6)

SMALL BUSINESS BANQUET Salute to San Patricio AP Civic Center 700 W Wheeler, Aransas Pass (See ad page 32)

SECURITY SYSTEMS & WIRELESS TECHNOLOGY VCS Companies 800-876-1886 (See ad page 5)

TELEPHONE DIRECTORIES Coastal Bend Redbook Directories 361 S Comercial, Aransas Pass 361-790-7106

WINDOW COVERINGS Academy Window Coverings 4303 S.P.I.D., Corpus Christi 361-852-6088 (See ad page 29)

Thank You

for advertising

with us!

LIFE IS BET TER IN COLOR let us take care of all your printing needs MAGAZINES CATALOGS POSTCARDS CALENDARS & BROCHURES

4954 Space Center Dr., San Antonio, TX 78218 210.804.0390 | www.shweiki.com Living & Leisure in the Coastal Bend

39

128 Wehring

COASTAL REAL ESTATE

Suberb 4/2 home on a beautifully landscaped corner lot. New paint throughout, new carpet in bedrooms.

Enjoy eating breakfast while looking out the bay windows. Large living area ZLWK Ă&#x20AC;HSODFH VHSDUDWH GLQLQJ URRP another living area. Kitchen has new dishwasher, 6 burner gas cook top, double electric ovens, refrigerator, movable island and eating bar. Over 2400 square feet of living area, backyard with garden area, two car garage with workbench.

NEW LOWER PRICE!!! $199,999.

241 Coastal Wildwood Drive

Find Your Place on the Coast!

601 N Fulton Beach Rd

Residential, Waterfront, Farm & Ranch, Investment and Commercial Properties

1602 Hwy. 35 N. ROCKPORT, TX 78382

STUNNING NEW CONSTRUCTION! 4 bedroom + study or 5th bedroom 3.5 bathrooms. Large 2 car garage.

17.69 secluded acres of beautiful oaks. 2 Private PONDS $875,000

470 Augusta Drive

361-729-3424 www.ElingCoastal.com Margaret A. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Missiâ&#x20AC;? Thomas, Broker Elizabeth Martin, Managing Broker

We have many more beautiful properties available. Please stop by our RIĂ&#x20AC;FH DQG YLVLW ZLWK RQH RI RXU DJHQWV

DAYSPRING Property, Enjoy beautiful waterfront bay views from you own living room, or sit on the front deck relaxing in the bay breezes. This beautiful historic 4 bedroom, 3 bath home on 1.75 acres could be yours, priced at $1,800,000.

An additional .68 acre waterfront lot is available for an additional $475,000.

506 SIERRA SOUND

ELIZABETH MARTIN Managing Broker (361) 205-4442 emartin@elingcoastal.com

Country Club Living! Relax on your back covered patio enjoying the incredible views of the golf course.

2SHQ Ă RRU OLYLQJ ZLWK KXJHSLFWXUH windows bringing the morning sun into your Living Room and Master bedroom. This 3 bedroom, 2 and half bath 2409 square foot beautiful home ZLWK Ă&#x20AC;HSODFH LV DOO UHDG\ WR PRYH LQWR Priced to sell $349,000

JENNIFER BRADSHAW (713) 269-7942 jbradshaw@elingcoastal.com

KEITH HAMILTON (361) 215-3028 khamilton@elingcoastal.com

DAVE FOUNTAIN (361) 205-1867 dfountain@elingcoastal.com

MARK LAUER (361) 463-8305 mrlauer@aol.com

MELISSA DIAZ (361) 386-0707 mdiaz@elingcoastal.com

ANNA ROBERTSON (361) 790-6457 arobertson@elingcoastal.com

Luxurious coastal custom home featuring One Hundred Eighty Six feet of trophy trout yielding premium canal front. Bahia Bay backyard living LQ WKLV Ă&#x20AC;VKHUPDQ¡V SDUDGLVH a gem in the coastal bend.

3 Bedroom, 4 bath, 3200 square feet with two Master Suites. $ 739,000