Section a for web

Back Porch Turkey Bowl by Ronnie Narmour

The voice of The Island since 1996

Free

The Island Moon

December 4, 2014

New funds for beach cleanup

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It was the fourth year for the kickoff party which has added a great many more toys each year to the Toys for Tots coffers.

Next up is the lighting of the Island tree on Saturday, December 6, at Port Royal Resort, then the 1st Annual Land Parade which kicks off at 6 p.m. (with muster at 5:30) at Briscoe King Pavilion.

In between, eight different events are on tap with the addition this year of the Land Parade on Monday, December 8.

On Tuesday the Island Strategic Action Committee voted to support a bill in the Texas Legislature next year that would allow 2% of the Hotel Occupancy Tax across the city to be used for beach cleanup. The city’s Austin lobbyist told the group that Galveston, Port Aransas, and cities in the Rio Grande Valley currently get 1% of their city’s HOT tax for beach maintenance and Corpus Christi has been eligible for a similar passthrough of 2% of the state’s current 6% slice of the tax since 2007 but the city would have had to annex a portion of the Padre Island National Seashore to get it.

The bill, if successful, would provide an estimated $2-3 million in revenue each year for beach cleanup.

According to city staffers, 93% of the 433 hotels in Corpus Christi are within five miles of the beach, either on Corpus Christi Bay or The Island.

Overnight stay facilities across the city generated $23 million in room revenue in July, with $7 million of that coming from The Island. The HOT tax annually generates about $160 million.

December 8th – La Posada 1st Annual Christmas LAND Parade – 6:00 to 9:00 P.M.. The Yorktown Fire Department has teamed with the PIYC to launch this fun community event. Donate a toy for Toys for Tots. The Padre Island Golf Cart Club will be joining this land parade, mustering at 5:30 at the Pavilion on Access Road 5. People are welcome to join at that point.

December 8th-10th – La Posada Residential/Commercial Christmas Decoration Judging water side and street side. During these three evenings a team of judges will tour North Padre Island judging decorated residences and commercial buildings. Be ready by December 8th.

More La Posada Info on page A4

Land Parade Don’t forget that the 1st Annual La Posada Land Parade will make its way through The Island Monday evening. You’ll know they are headed your way by the fire trucks. The route is included in this issue. We’ll be judging the land side decorations so come out and say hello when you see us Around The Island.

Schedule continued on A4

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Traffic Light continued on A12

La Posada Kick-off Party Brings Crowd to Scuttlebutts

Inside the Moon

Toys and Auction Proceeds Go to Toys for Tots

(PIYC) sponsored La Posada Kick-off Party on Tuesday, December 2nd.

Enjoying the fine food and drink at Scuttlebutts, guests circled around several tables of fine silent auction items.

Many waited for the live auction that followed in a tent outside of Scuttlebutts.

This year PIYC has many events tied to La Posada and Toys for Tots. You can keep posted by going to www. piyc.org (go to Activities – La Posada December 6th – La Posada Lighted Christmas Tree Party at Port Royal Resort. Be a part of the fun as the large decorated Christmas Tree is lighted. Bring a toy.

Pac

The state, through the Texas Department of Transportation, has left the question of placing the light at the intersection up to the City of

By Brent Rourk

Eagle Ford

So drill baby drill!

The push for the light by a San Antonio real estate developer who owns land on the east side of the intersection took a big step toward becoming reality Tuesday night as the move passed the Island Strategic Action Committee by a vote of 7-4.

La Posada Schedule

December 10th – Collector Boat Meeting at PIYC at 7:00 P.M. All collector boat. Captains must attend.

Drilling permits in the Permian Basin took a bigger hit with a 22% drop in October. In contrast permit requests increased in both the Barnett Shale in North Texas and the Bakken shale in North Dakota. Nationwide, according to industry data permits for new wells dropped 15% in the 12 major shale formations in October.

The good news is that industry analysts say the liquid-rich areas in the Eagle Ford have a break-even price point between $50 and $60 per barrel.

Barring any unexpected moves from the Corpus Christi City Council The Island will get a new traffic light at the intersection of South Padre Island Drive (SPID) and Aquarius Street near the base of the JFK Causeway, possibly as early as next summer.

The parade began in 1974 and has become the largest single generator in Texas for toys for the Toys for Tots program. For complete La Posada information see the La Posada page in this issue.

The City of Port Aransas currently gets 1 percent of the state’s HOT tax revenue and is looking to increase that to 2 percent.

Oil prices below $70 per barrel have made themselves felt in the Eagle Ford Shale play where drilling permits dropped by 13% in October and another 42% in November as the price of oil took a bit of a drop at the end of the month. But state numbers show that the working rig count held steady at 268 rights through the end of November.

By Dale Rankin

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The kickoff for the 40th Annual La Posada season played Annual to a full house and then some at Scuttlebutt’s Bar LA POSADA and Grill Tuesday Lighted Boat Parade night as the toys flooded in and the crowd rolled into the holiday season.

Traffic light at SPID/Aquarius could be in place by summer 2015

Blv

We hope everybody came through Black Friday with all their body parts intact. We made it to the mall too late for any of those cut rate deals on television sets or tennis bracelets.

By the time we got there those were all gone and all that was left were the pants that fit people who are as big around as they are tall.

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By Dale Rankin

Google Maps

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La Posada 2014 Has Arrived!

editor@islandmoon.com

We’ve officially hit the Christmas season as the kickoff party for La Posada is behind us and things kick into high gear on Saturday and Monday with more La Posada events.

See the full schedule in this issue.

Weekly SPID Traffic Signal Gets Green Light

The Island Where Santa comes for Breakfast

Ma

Around The Island

By Dale Rankin

FREE

ark

Issue 555

By Brent Rourk Wearing smiles and toting hands full of toys, crowds made their way to Scuttlebutts Restaurant for the annual Padre Island Yacht Club

During the live auction many islanders secured fabulous deals on condo and resort packages, fishing and hunting trips, golf lessons, scuba diving lessons and more. Again one of the highlights of the live auction was the auctioning

Kickoff continued on A9

Black Swans in Flour Bluff!

Turkey Bowl A2

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Annual

Imagery ©2014 DigitalGlobe, Texas General Land Ofce, Texas Orthoimagery Program, U.S. Geological Survey, Map data ©2014 Google

1 of 1

LA POSADA

Lighted Boat Parade La Posada A4

These guys have been the talk of Coastal Bend bird watchers for the past week. It’s not every day that we see a herd (yes, that’s the right word) of Black Swans in these parts but these guys have taken up residence in the brackish water of the Laguna Madre along Laguna Shores road of late.

The species is native to Australia and the Coastal Bend Chapter of the

Audubon Society says these guys probably were brought to the area by humans and escaped.

“It is next to impossible that they migrated here from Australia,” said David Newstead, Conservation Director for the local Audubon Society. “We also had some reported last year in Oso Bay, but they are extremely rare in this area.”

Swans continued on A9 On the Rocks A7

A Little Island History

How Padre Became Two Islands

4 Reale Spanish coin (Carlos and Johanna)found near Padre Island Shipwrecks of 1554

We are often asked, primarily by newcomers to The Island, how there came to be North Padre Island and South Padre Island.

The answer lies in a man-made project which marks the line of demarcation between North and South; Mansfield Channel.

Redfish Landing In 1933 a hurricane hit just north of the mouth of the Rio Grande River and sent a twenty-five foot tidal surge into South Texas for more than twenty-four hours.

Fifteen to twenty foot waves crashed into the shore at what was then called Redfish Landing (now Port Mansfield) which was named for giant redfish in Baffin Bay said to be over four feet long. The road to Redfish Bay from the land side was washed out and the tiny village was only accessible by water.

In 1933 the Civil Works Administration was formed to build public projects and in 1934 Congress appropriated $7,000 for

200 ft

construction of a good road to the landlocked village. During the war years the Army Air Corps used the Laguna Madre and what is now North Padre Island for a bombing range for pilot trainees and for trainees at the gunnery school in Harlingen. Even in recent years beachcombers looking behind the dunes on North Padre have found the three-feet long wooden training bombs dropped from the airplanes. A 10-guage shotgun shell detonated a powder-filled magazine in the nose of the wooden “bomb” to show the pilot where the bomb had hit.

It was said by cowboys on the Dunn Ranch at the time that when the cows heard the droning of overhead engines they would move away from the targets which was stretched on top of the ground and after the “bombs’ fell would move back to the newly churned area to forage.

Port Mansfield In the years right after the war the federal government condemned 1760

Sports A8

Enchanted Forest A9

acres around Redfish Landing and the Navigation District paid the American Legion three dollars per acre for the land and renamed the village Port Mansfield in honor of State Senator Mansfield from

History continued on A6

Live Music A16

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A2

La Posada Boat Parade 2013

Island Moon

Breakfast With Santa Please join the Kiwanis Club of Padre Island for Breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Saturday, December 6, 2014 9:00 to 11:00 AM Family Life Center at St Andrew by the Sea 14235 Encantada (Encantada is across from the entrance to Balli Park)

There is no charge for this event but each child is encouraged to bring an unwrapped toy to share with a less fortunate child.

For more information, call 361 816-1243

Turkey Bowl at The Back Porch

December 4, 2014

December 4, 2014

Island Moon

Moon Monkeys

Letters to the Editor

Mike Ellis, Founder

Distribution Pete Alsop

Arlan

Island Delivery Coldwell Banker

Dale,

Advertising

Just dropping a quick line to say that it was pretty cool to see a local Islander's (Arlan Andrews) success story published in the Moon.

Not to mention the great short story.

Jan Park Rankin Classifieds Arlene Ritley Design/Layout

Thanks for keeping it local!!

Jeff Craft

Mike Raymor

Contributing Writers

Parade

Joey Farah Andy Purvis

I've read the articles in the newspaper concerning the La Posada lighted boat parade and I understand that it goes through the canals.

As this is our first year here on the Island during the winter and we don't live on the water, can someone tell us where the general public gathers to see the lighted boat parade? Thank you!!

Devorah Fox Mary Craft t Christiansen Jay Gardner Chad Peters

Bonny Grigsby

Todd Hunter Dotson Lewis

Editor’s note: The best place to see the parade on Saturday night is at the end of Whitecap across the street from the entrance to the Padre Island Yacht Club. The boats will approach from the south and turn west at that point to go around the channel in front of the yacht club. See the parade map in this issue for more details.

Ronnie Narmour Brent Rourk Dr. Donna Shaver Photographers Miles Merwin Jeff Dolan

Solicitors

Mary Craft Ronnie Narmour Office Security/Spillage Control (Emeritus)

Riley P. Dog Editor/Publisher/Spillage Control Supervisor Dale Rankin About the Island Moon

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

Total circulation is 10,000 copies. Distribution includes delivery to 4,000 Island homes, free distribution of 3,000 copies in over 50 Padre Island businesses and condos, as well as 600 copies distributed in Flour Bluff, 1,400 copies on Mustang Island and Port Aransas businesses.

News articles, photos, display ads, classified ads, payments, etc. may be left at the Moon Office.

The Island Moon Newspaper 15201 S. Padre Island Drive, Suite 250 Corpus Christi, TX 78418 361-949-7700 editor@islandmoon.com Facebook: The Island Moon Newspaper

Where to Find The Island Moon Port Aransas Lisabella’s Restaurant

Sandpiper Condos WB Liquors Port A Arts

Stripes @ Beach Access Rd. 1A

North Padre

A Mano

All Stripes Stores

Coffee Waves

CVS

Moby Dicks

Whataburger

Spanky’sLiquor

Doc’s Restaurant

IGA Grocery Store

Isle Mail N More

Carter Pharmacy

Island Italian

San Juan’s Taqueria

Ace Hardware

Wash Board Laundry Mat

Texas Star (Shell)

Pioneer RV Park

Port A Parks and Rec Public Library

Snoopy’s Pier

Holiday Inn Jesse’s Liquor Scuttlebutt’s Restaurant Subway

Chamber of Commerce

Island Tire

Duckworth Antiques

And all Moon retail advertisers

Back Porch

WB Liquor

Woody’s Sports Center Shorty’s Place

Flour Bluff

Giggity’s

H.E.B.

Stripes @ Cotter & Station

Liquid Town

Gratitude Gift Shop Keepers Pier House Port A Glass Studio The Gaff

From theislandmoonnewspaper Facebook page…

"Are ya mad?", asked the solicitor (who banged loudly on my door at around 2:30 today) as my sister closed my door in his face while my 3 week old baby screamed and as I prayed that my 2-year old twins wouldn't wake up. The answer was and is YES!! Especially because I had a sign on my door that said no knocking or doorbell ringing between 12:00 and 4:00 and most especially because it said NO SOLICITORS! Ignoring my sign isn't exactly buttering me up for a sale, and unless you're selling some kind of "Solicitor-Be-Gone" spray, I'm not interested. Can something be done to stop this?

Natalie Werkhoven Editor’s note: Cheese whiz Natalie. Lots of it. Word will get around in the door to door solicitor community. It’s hard to sell door to door with a head full of cheese whiz. Teach the twins to use it.

When we spoke to the cops a couple of weeks ago about the solicitors they told us to buy one of the no soliciting signs/stickers from Walmart and put it up. If they bother you with your sign up you can call the police and they can issue a citation.

Brooke Compton

This is outrageous!

I just downloaded the bills for utilities (water, waste water and solid waste) at two townhouses we own on Ports O'Call on Padre Island. They are identical properties in the same building.

Both are vacant as they are for sale. One has been vacant since the May 30th, and the other since September 1st. Every two weeks I turn the water on at each of the three toilets per unit, flush them, and turn the water back off. Three toilets each unit times two flushes per month times one gallon per flush results in a total water consumption of six gallons per month at each unit.

The bill, dated 11/26/2014, for 13969 Ports O'Call, Unit C, was $65.29.

Community Center

I am writing to strongly object to the proposed community center. Firstly, where was/is the transparency of this process? To simply ask "hey, would you guys like a community center?" and then decide to spend 2.4 million on the response is ludicrous. Of course everyone will say, "yeah sure, why not?" without any details, as if it were free. Where's the democracy? Island residents should be polled and given all the facts. Where is the money coming from? To say it won't cost us anything because it will be financed is an insult to our intelligence. Financing means debt, and financing means paying interest on that debt with residents' money. Where are the details, such as the results of a projected utilization study, projected rental income, a projection of the additional annual property tax burden, a projection of additional property, liability, wind storm, and flood insurance, security costs, projected building maintenance and janitorial costs, information on who will manage the facility including scheduling of events, cleanup, rent collection. It is perplexing that the POA would move forward on this with our money based on a meeting with thirty residents, which is 0.004% of the island property owners.

Do we really need this facility above all other priorities? Where are our priority needs, like clean up of litter in the roads and trash on lots, mowing vacant lots, beautifying and maintaining cul-de-sacs, neighborhood security? Why do we need this facility when every island church, the yacht club, Schlitterbahn, Balli Park, and some restaurants all have meeting/party rooms that can be used. Based on my experience in communities that have done this, the utilization after the initial novelty wears off will be very low (especially during off-season months), the building will sit empty and forgotten, and it will deteriorate. The POA has told us more than once that important things can't be done because of lack of funds, yet they are ready to lay a financial burden on us for something we don't really need.

This is a very bad idea, a very unwise use of our money, and it seems it's being railroaded through without proper detailed consideration and proper island resident input. I strongly recommend a halt to this project until island residents are given all the facts and costs, and let us vote on it. "You can't always get what you want, but if you try sometime, you may find, you get what you need". Wake up, islanders, and demand transparency and a voice. The POA works for us, not the other way around. Yeah, I'm upset.

Rick Gangemi Fulltime Island resident...for now

Community Center Dale, the POA director's article in the Nov. 27 Moon fell dreadfully short of convincing that we should spend $2.4 million dollars we don't have on a facility we don't need. This idea is totally ludicrous. I own and have owned a number of properties under owners associations control and I have never seen a project of this magnitude railroaded through in the manner as this .

This action affects all property owners, and a mail-in vote reaching everyone should be conducted, just as the election of board members is done. And to the POA, don't go point out to me some outdated covenants that allow a few people to cram this down our throats. When I first bought property out here in '85 I remember being handed covenants that specifically restricted the Padre Island Country Club real estate from ever being anything but a golf course. And look at what we have now! There are a number of business and social groups out here, and I haven't heard of a single one not being able to find a location for their activities, with the churches, restaurants, Briscoe-King pavilion and Schlitterbahn all offering space.

If this is really built, after the new wears off, it will likely turn out to be little more than a hang-out for a handful of people, with the entire island ownership picking up the tab.

Mike Baker Caravel

The bill, dated 11/26/2014, for 13969 Ports O'Call, Unit B, was $113.29 !!!!!!!!!

Total consumption reflected for that period for each of the units was zero (0) thousands of gallons.

My wife, Patricia, called customer service and spoke with Lisa. She told my wife that the basic rate for Unit B is $88.29. (Recall that the total bill for Unit C was $65.29). When asked why it was so much more than the identical unit on the opposite side of the wall, Lisa stated that the rate was higher because of the different date for establishing service.

Lisa also stated that we had been charged a $25 start up fee. (This is three months after putting the bill in our name.) My wife pointed out that we had paid a $100 deposit for Unit B for the period ending 9/24/2013. Lisa stated that she didn't see that we had paid a deposit.

Charles S Marschall

WHITECAP LIQUOR Liquor

Wine

Did Ya Hear?

A3

by Mary Craft mkay512@aol.com or @padreeyelander on twitter

New Advertisers The Sand Bar at the Holiday Inn will have live music every weekend, weather permitting. On Fridays and Saturdays bands will play 4 pm – 8 pm and on Sundays 3 pm – 7 pm.

Chilla’s Storage & Gift Shop in Port A will be part of the Port A Holiday ShopAround and will have all items 15% off Friday, December 5th 5 pm – 8 pm and Saturday all day. They have candles, jewelry, metal art, Minnetonka shoes and much more. They are located at 2119 Hwy 361.

Business Briefs The Annual Breakfast with Santa sponsored by the Kiwanis Club will be held Saturday, December 6th 9am – 11:30 am at the St. Andrew by the Sea Family Life Center building on Encantada. The pancake and sausage breakfast is free but visitors are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy.

Mikel May’s Beachside Bar & Grill at Bob Hall Pier now has a shrimp boil every Wednesday evening that Includes crab legs, shrimp, mussels, sausage, corn on the cob, red potatoes, and toasted French bread.. They have happy hour daily 3 pm – 7 pm and breakfast on the weekends starting at 7 am.

The Scuttlebutt’s La Posada KickOff Party collected more than $20,000 for Toys for Tots from the live and silent auctions. The restaurant will be closed all day Monday, December 8th to celebrate with family and friends a private Christmas party.

The La Posada 1st Annual Christmas Land Parade will be on December 8th 6 pm – 9 pm. They will be collecting toys along the parade route which will go through most of the streets in the Sea Pines Subdivision.

The Traffic Light Vote by the ISAC committee members was 7for the light and 4 against with two members not voting. The members for the light were John White, Alex Harris, Gabriele Hilpold, Charles Mader, J.J. Hart, Stan Hulse and William Goldston. Those against were Jodi Steen, Jyoti Patel, Rick Sowash and Gregory Smith.

Gratitude will be participating in the Port A Shop-Around with a 20%off all day on Saturday, December 6th. The eclectic shoppe is located near the corner of Beach and Station Street.

The Schlitterbahn crew should be fully staffed again soon and the park will be opening this spring.

The Animal Hospital at Padre Island is offering December specials. The Obedient Dog sex week training package is $65 and there will be 25% off all dental services. There are also puppy/ kitten packages that include spay/neuter, rabies and parasite screen for $99 and Cat Wednesday with 50% off exams and vaccines. Call the hospital at 949-8200 for an appointment or more details.

Johnny D's Restaurant will host an outdoor Shrimp Boil w/fixings, happy hour drink specials & appetizers on Sunday, December 7th at 1:00 Pm. There will be discounted pricing if you bring a Toy for Tots The La Posada Lighted Christmas Tree Party at Port Royal is on Saturday, December 6th. Enjoy the lighting of the large decorated tree and don’t forget to bring a Toy for Tots.

The Holiday Home Tour presented

by Padre Island Enrichment Club is Saturday, December 7th 1 pm – 5 pm.

The $10 tickets will be sold at the home on Three Fathoms and the one on North Cabana on the day of the tour.

Island Day Spa has spa packages starting at $159 and there are gift certificates available. The spa is conveniently located in the first strip mall on the right as you come onto the Island. Call 949-1444 to make an appointment.

Beer

14414 Whitecap Blvd.

Corpus Christi, TX On North Padre Island..... near the Beach

361 949-9289 whitecapliquor@yahoo.com http://www.whitecap.vpweb.com

Whataburger on Waldron Ethyl Everly Senior Center Fire Station Police Station Stripes on Flour Bluff & SPID

US Marines at the La Posada Kickoff Party at Scuttlebutts

A4

December 4, 2014

Island Moon

Schedule continued from A1 December 11th – Captain’s meeting for Lit Parade Boats at PIYC 7:00 P.M. Residential and Commercial. Captains must attend.

December 12th – La Posada Boat Parade North side begins at 7:00 P.M. Bring lots of toys for Toys for Tots. A flotilla of collector boats will collect toys from docks. People must flash yellow lit collector boats with flashlight to have toys picked up. Enjoy the parade on the North Side of the Island as the boats make two passes around this short course.

December 13th – La Posada Boat Parade South side begins at 6:00 P.M. A flotilla of collector boats will collect toys from docks.

People must flash yellow lit collector boats with flashlight to have toys picked up. See parade route.

La Posada 2014

Toys for Tots Drop Locations

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Please donate toys for the U.S. Marines Toys for Tots Campaign at the following locations: Padre Island Yacht Club Scuttlebutt's Port Royal CVS Schitterbahn Mail Plus Johnny D's Boat House Docs Brooklyn Pizza Candlewood

Annual LA POSADA

Lighted Boat Parade

Gulf Winds Golf Course

40th Annual La Posada Lighted Boat Parade December 12 and 13, 2014 Registration Schedule Information

Monday, December 8, 2014 La Posada Christmas Land Parade Route

Registration To register for this year’s boat parade, simply fill out the attached registration form and return it to Padre Island Mail Plus, the Pharmacy at CVS or North Padre IslandIsland Moon Hardware. You can attach it and email it to brentrourk@yahoo.com or send it to Brent Rourk 15606 Gypsy St. Corpus Christi, TX 78418

A 6 Mustering @ the Pavilion @ 5:30

Letters to Riley ROUTE 1: PAVILION 6:00 P Start @ Briscoe King Pavilion To Encantada Ave,

Island Dogs

By Riley P. Dog

Left Palmira Ave,

It was a good week

Right San Felipe St. for we Island dogs. I went Left to Stingrays up in Port Aransas where Cabo Blance, my friend Deb slipped me a good supply of Punta Bonaire, pizzaLeft bones.

There were a lot of humans yelling at a little square Right Sea Pines, thing on the wall with people all Right Palo Seconar, dressed alike running around on it. Humans are funny.

Left LaBlanquilla Dr.

2014 LA POSADA BOAT PARADE REGISTRATION The following information is required. Please print legibly: NAME___________________________________________________________________ ADDRESS________________________________________________________________ PHONE with area code_______________________ CELL_________________________ E MAIL ADDRESS________________________________________________________ February 6, 2014 POWER________ SAIL________ BOAT NAME_________________________________ BOAT DESCRIPTION______________________________________________________

Stuff I Heard on the Island

STATE REGISTRATION #___________________________LENGTH_______________ NAME OF INSURANCE COMPANY_________________________________________

by Dale Rankin Electronic downloads of Foundation, International Falls, Minnesota.

Additional requirements: My friends there will send them to me. Don’t forms and information at are a lot ofCAPTAINS There things happening on ourREPRESENTATIVE MUST ATTEND THE CAPTAINS' forget…hotdogs…International Falls.

OR A VESSEL Beach ISLAND sticker prices Island this week. Here are a fewDECEMBER of them.

MEETING 11, 2014 AT THE PADRE YACHT CLUB AT 7 PM. Don’t send anything to the cats. Stoopid cats www.piyc.org A move to raise the price of beachREQUIREMENTS. parking  ALL VESSELS MUST MEET STATE & FEDERAL SAFETY Dasmarinas speed humps stickers from the current has been underway  ALL VESSELS MUST HAVE A WORKING VHF$12 RADIO. (Home, La Posada, Drivers on Dasmarinas north of Whitecap will for about a year but is getting nowhere fast.  CAPTAINS FOR THE SAFE AND PRUDENT notice that five new speed humpsARE are RESPONSIBLE now in It will take agreement of the cities of Corpus OPERATION OF THEIR VESSELS. Registration) place. Congratulations to Dave Zeiler for his Christi and Port Aransas, and Nueces County  ONLY ENGINE-POWERED VESSELS ARE ALLOWED TO PARTICIPATE. persistence in getting it done.

to do it and so far it doesn’t appear they are Schedule Mandatory captains’ meeting  PARTICIPANTS ARE ASKED TOEven COMPLETE PARADE talking. after they THE agreeENTIRE it will take about ROUTE Thursday, December 11th , 2014, at 7 p.m. at No police boat THEY ENTER. FOR WHICH a year to get the approval of the Texas General the Padre Island Yacht Club, 13403 Whitecap Corpus Christi Floyd Simpson poked the final Land Office which must sign off on the deal.

Blvd. Parade positions, call signs, paradehole route, in the hull of a police boat to patrol Island The City of Port Aransas sold about $900,000 communications and safety procedures will bewhen he canals told the Island Strategic Action Indicate Parade Area(s)/Dates in which participate: in stickers last yearyou whilewill Corpus Christi sold covered.

Committee (ISAC) this week that he doesn’t only about $700,000.

That has led to some COVE ______FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2014. GALLEON BAY/COMMODORES have the manpower to staff it.

It could happen Friday, December 12, 2014, Galleon Bay/ grumbling in Port A that splitting the sticker sooner or laterMarshalling but as of now it will be entrance later. He to Commodores Canal by 6:30 PM. area at the revenue according to linear feet of beach Commodores Cove parade. Marshalling will be told the groupParade that he wouldatprefer begins 7 PM.to have a maintained by each entity might need a review. at 6:30 p.m. Parade will start at 7 p.m.

I got kicked out of two other Right EL Soccorro Loop, places but that was okay because Left my Sea humans Pines, left with me. Sometimes dogs get in and Right Coral Vine, I can’t sometimes we don’t. figureLeft it out.

Allamanda, My humans left me and the Little Left Pionciana, Yappy Dog home two nights in a Right row but weBay got Bean, even. I peed the floor and the Little Yappy Dog Left Tree Bean, pooped the back porch. We dogs got our ways.

Right Sea Pines,

police storefront on The Island and is currently

Stay tuned. NORTH & SOUTH OF WHITECAP BLVD location and then will be looking Saturday, December 13, 2014, north andlooking south for a ______SATURDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2014. for volunteers to help staff it. He said his goal sides of Whitecap Blvd parade. Marshalling Marshalling area by the Caravel Drive boat ramp (north of Whitecap) Island Dog Shelter by 5:30 PM. to ultimately have an “Island Cop” who is the will be at 5:30 p.m. at the Caravel boatisramp Paradefor begins at 6onPM. main police contact citizens The Island.

The Island Moon Facebook page – north of Whitecap Blvd. Parade will start at 6 theislandmoonnewspaper – has become He also said Instructions: the PD is looking into the of p.m.

Return thisuse completed formboard Electronically to: Brent Rourk at the registration Island bulletin and by watching cameras to catch No Wake violators as part of a 15606it Gypsy St. Corpus Christi TX 78418. Or brentrourk@yahoo.com or Brent Rourk it everyday has become apparent that the Sunday, December 14, 2014, at 9 a.m. department-wide at the computer system upgrade that deliver it to PADRE ISLAND MAIL PLUS, the PHARMACY at CVS number of abandoned dogs on The Island isor NORTH Padre Island Yacht Club, collected toysshould will be in place by the end of the year. going up steadily andreceive quickly. aSome are being call after I PADRE ISLAND ACE HARDWARE. You will confirmation be given to the US Marines for their Toys for abandoned by puppy farms when they become Code enforcement receive your registration form.

Tots® campaign. Awards ceremony and brunch too old to sell and others, sadly, just simply will follow at 10 a.m.

Simpson also said as of February 1 CCPD has

I tried to Palmira blame the wet spot on Left Ave, the cat but the cat ratted me out.

LeftCat! Encanta Ave, Stoopid

Gypsy, I gotRight to go back and see Dr. Christi again found - Vote Best Stop @ because POA – IBreak another one of the pounds I lost.

Decorated Cart- Exit/Entry I think it might have been the pizza bones.

Or it could have @ 6:30 Mustering @ POA been the stuff I found when I went trash ROUTE diving in 2: thePOA office7:00P last week. Boy did I get in trouble Gypsy, Left Whitecap, for that. But I scored a piece of an old hamburger that made my Right Das Marinas, stomach feel funny.

because people don’t want them anymore and

Left Aquarius,

I got to stop writing now my Right Whitecap, nose is starting to throb from Right Tesoro, hitting the space bar. Please send me some Just put them Righthotdogs.

Cobo De Bara, in a box with Not Hotdogs Left Tesoro, on the outside and send them to the Save Riley De P. Plata Dog Ct, Right Camino

This is my

Right Reales Left Whitecap, Left Aquarius, Stop @ Fire Station-Break- Vote Best Decorated Cart-Exit/Entry

taken Information Awards will be given for firstover code enforcement. That means they know that if they dump them on The Island we now can help police dumping and other formerly won’t let them starve. Indeed a large number of and second places in the categories: MOST non-police offenses and that trespassing is at the PADRE GOLF CARTS good-hearted Islanders are taking the dogs in TRADITIONAL; MOST JOYFUL; MOST top of the list. until they can find permanent homes.

PATRIOTIC; and BEST ISLAND SPIRIT. Let Padre Island La Posada Land Christmas Parade Entry Form Trespassing your imagination run wild. The top boat across But we are reaching a tipping point where that all categories will receive the Fleet Award.And speaking of trespassing; the No system won’t work much longer. We need an You are invited to participate in the Padre Island La Posada Land Christmas facility where volunteers can take care signs that went up on private animal th All boats must have current registration Trespassing and Parade on Monday December 8 of , 2014 from 6‐ 9 p.m. in which we decorate our them while they are looking for a home. property all over The Island two weeks ago are insurance. now gone. The carts, ATVs, & Buggies for prizes and hand‐out candy to the children (do not half-life of a No Trespassing There are plenty of people who will/are helping Working VHF radios are required aboardsign all hereabouts is about the same as a Cheeto in but they can only have so many dogs in their throw anything from the parade… hazard for children running into the road way). a flock of seagulls. vessels nice human friend Deb. homes. If we had a place where the dogs could be kept there is no shortage of volunteers.

I ___________________________________________________________ (name) All vessels must meet US Coast Guard safety ATVs requirements.

Developer Paul Schexnailder has agreed to The ISAC this week recommended that some Will be driving an ______ ELECTRIC or ______ GAS GOLF CART donate land near the water tower for a dog park.

ATVs be allowed to remain on the beach but Only engine power can be used during the Maybe that would be a good place for a No Kill only if they are low speed.

The question is how parade. shelter as well.______ OTHER _____ 4 SEATER ______ 6 SEATER or to distinguish between a low-speed ATV and a

Parade registration will not be accepted high-speed after ATV and it has now been forwarded Something is going to have to be done and now ADDRESS: __________________________________________________________ the captains’ meeting. to the City Attorney’s office for a legal opinion. is the time to start thinking about what is the

best thing to do.

This is the 17th year we will be collecting Toys Fire hydrants CELL PHONE NUMBER: _______________________________________________ Any ideas? for Tots® during the La Posada Boat Parade.

A recent test of Island fire hydrants found that Toys must be new and in original packaging.

E‐MAIL ADDRESS: ___________________________________________________ 8% failed inspection due to corrosion. The Right Swordfish, Have a party, have attendees bring a toy and became an issue after a storage facility matter we will pick up the toys at your dock during Right Cabana, suffered severeGOLF CART ROUTE CHOICES: MAY PARTICIPATE IN ONE OR ALL GROUPS BY damage over the summer the parade. Simply flash a white light because at our the nearest fire hydrant was unusable Left Commodore, CHECKING EACH GROUP. Under the Bridge collector boats showing yellow flashing due lights to corrosion.

Left Compass, and we will get to you.

Be patient; it will be Serving South Texas Seafood for The next check_____GROUP 1: BRISCOE KING PAVILLION THROUGH SEA PINES AREA TO POA will be for water pressure after both busy and dark. Have a camera ready to builder said he had to install a pump in Right Head Sail, a local Over 30 Years take a picture of the service member collecting a new building becauseMustering @ 5:30 pm the water pressure from Left Frontage toys. the nearest hydrant was not sufficient to get Open Daily 11:00 your - 10:00 Left Jackfish, water to the second floor in case of a fire. _____GROUP 2: POA THROUGH TESORO, AQUARIAS AREA TO FIRE STATION 15 Right Aquarius, So if you’re going to have a fire and don’t have Mustering @ 6:45 pm a pump make sure it starts on the first floor but Left Sea Horse, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi’s ninth remember, fire burns up. season of The Gloria and Robert R. Furgason Right Aloha, _____GROUP 3: FIRE STATION 15 Mustering @ 7:45 pm THROUGH NORTH END 50 Bravo! Series presents “An Evening with Hal Right Suntan, (add Right Caribbe) Professional Nails Care, Waxing, Eyelash Extension AREA (CVS to Linden”, Tony and Emmy Award Winning Broadway and Film Star and TV’s “Barney Left Aquarius, Appointments & Walk-ins Welcome

Jessie’s Liquor area), ENDNG AT SCHLITTERBAHN PARKING LOT Miller” on Friday, Feb. 14, at 7:30 p.m. in the AlsoRight Amdrosia, Hours: Performing Arts Center.

Scoopy’s Please mail this form to: Bob‐0 Campbell 13606 Moro Lane CC, Tx 78418 or ‐ E‐mail this form to Monday - Saturday 9 am - 7 pm End @ Schlitterbahn 9:00 P. Vote Best Veranda Backed by a 7-piece band, Linden, a former padregolfcarts@aol.com . For more information Call Bob‐O @ (361) 537‐5006 or Vic Schreck @ (214) 668‐6263 Decorated Cart With Sweet Treats, Soups, Sunday 11 am - 6 pm big band singer and instrumentalist with the

Mustering @ Fire Station @ 7:45 ROUTE 3: FIRE STATION 8:00P

Traditional half-shell season is here!

Friday & SaturdayBella’s Only Nails From 5pm until gone $6 per dozen Daily lunch specials 11-2

Snoopy’s Scoopy’s

Hal Linden, TV’s “Barney Miller”, Brings Broadway Hits and Big Band Sound to the Island University

Spa

All dogs take notice!

Jerky Treats to Return, Salads & Sandwiches Veterinarians Provide 361-867-1281 Advice 15125 S. Padre Island Dr. # 103 13313 S. Padre Island Drive

(361) 949-8815 The controversy surrounding jerky treats for Corpus Christi, TX 78418 pets (361) 949-7810 has resumed following an announcement

Come join in and drive your Christmas decorated vehicle, hand‐out candy, collect toys for the U.S. Marine Corps “Toys for Tots” campaign and Sammy Kaye Orchestra, will provide decades enjoy all of the fun.

One Bite and You’re Hooked!

worth of knowledge and talent and an entire concert filled with an assortment of poise, entertainment and timeless big band, Broadway, and jazz standards.

D eluxe Nails

Mon - Sat 9 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Tickets are available for purchase Sunday online at11 a.m - 5 p.m. tamucc.tix.com or by calling (361) 825-ARTS or stopping by the Performing Arts Center box The treats in question had been voluntarily office Monday-Friday between Offering: 9 a.m. and 3 recalled, though members of the public were p.m. General reserved-seat tickets range from s warned by the Food and Drug Administration $26-$36; student tickets are $7 Tip withOverlay a valid through a report that approximately 4,500 dogs s Sculptured Nails SandDollar ID. had reportedly gotten sick and nearly 600 dogs s Solar Nail had died, allegedly from consuming jerky treats. Traffic continued from A1 s PinkLanding & WhiteStrip” Glitter Powder Passing lanes on “The Ultimately, an identifying cause of the illnesses s Gel & Shellac Other improvements along the SH 361 corridor and deaths was never found. Some human foods Nail Aransas, Design between North Padre Island ands Port are toxic to pets; onions, garlic, chocolate, s Manicure &locals, Pedicure colloquially called The Landing Strip by raisins, grapes, macadamia nuts, the sugar include $10.5 million, currently not Waxing funded, s Bra substitute xylitol, and raw or undercooked food to add two “Super Passing Lanes” to State can create major problems for pets. s Facials Permanent Cosmetics Highway 361 between the SPID intersection on s Eyeash Extensions North Padre and Port Aransas. The lanes will Eyeliner, Lipliner & Eyebrow s Bodyto&pass Foot Massage allow for faster moving vehicles slower Sanitary and Professional moving vehiclestwithout having to cross into Nail Service the lane of oncomingttraffic, or forcing slower Gift Certificates Are Available moving traffic onto the shoulder.

The new 12Call For Appointment 14493 S. Padre Island Dr., Unit B 361 949-1794 foot lanes will be spaced periodically along the Corpus Christi, 18-mile stretch of road.

No timetable has been TX Next to Padre Pizzeria set for the project. that two major pet treat manufacturers will soon return their products to stores’ shelves.

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78418

It is a temporary solution to allow easing of the

December 4, 2014 Christmas came early at the historic archives of the General Land Office with a gift Texans worldwide will be eager to share. A private collection of some of the oldest and rarest maps of Texas is now available to the public, thanks to a unique digitization project with Houston map collectors, Frank and Carol Holcomb.

High-quality, digital reprints of the Frank and Carol Holcomb collection are available now for as little as $20. All proceeds from the sales help Save Texas History, a public-private effort to preserve and digitize the massive collection of maps and historic documents in the Archives of the General Land Office.

“Texas history is an epic tale and these maps are colorful reminders,” Patterson said. “Buying maps on-line from the General Land Office is a great way to take care of some Christmas shopping and help preserve our great state’s history at the same time.”

The Holcomb’s are allowing the General Land Office to digitize their map collection, providing access for the first time to over seventy important historic maps of Texas, the United States, and the Western Hemisphere.

The Frank and Carol Holcomb Map Collection includes many maps that show Texas and the southwest dating to 1513, making them the oldest maps in the collection at the General Land Office Archives and Records.

“The addition of the Frank and Carol Holcomb Map Collection is exciting news for those interested in Texas maps,” said Mark Lambert, Deputy Commissioner of Archives and Records for the General Land Office. “These maps represent some of the most important not only in Texas history, but U.S. and Western Hemisphere history as well. We are deeply indebted to the Holcombs for this wonderful gift and project. As a state institution, we are reliant upon private individuals, like Frank and Carol Holcomb, to help us fulfill our goal of creating the most comprehensive Texas map database in the world.”

The Frank and Carol Holcomb Map Collection will be searchable at www.savetexashistory.org, just like the other 45,000 maps housed at the GLO, as well as thousands of additional maps that the General Land Office has scanned for other public institutions and private collectors.

Island Moon “Frank and Carol Holcomb have made an important contribution to the study of the cartographic history of Texas with a donation that will benefit school children studying Texas and American history and geography, as well as scholars, and people who just like historic maps,” Patterson said. “These digital resources will help the GLO, and users of our archival records, better understand how Texas was formed, and will show the evolution of Texas mapping.”

Other private collectors are encouraged to donate and digitize their map collections with the General Land Office. Donations made to the GLO for public purposes are tax deductible pursuant to Internal Revenue Code §170(c)(1).

Frank Holcomb is a Houston attorney who specializes in tax issues and estate planning.

His wife Carol is a volunteer docent at Bayou Bend, the American decorative arts collection of the Museum of Fine Arts Houston. The maps were publicly displayed for the first time at the Patron’s Party for the San Jacinto Battleground Conservancy in April 2013.

These and hundreds of other great maps can be found at www.savetexashistory.org.

Most maps at www.savetexashistory.org cost as little as $20. Online and phone orders before 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 19th can be delivered by Christmas Day. Orders can also be called in directly to the Archives and Records Program of the Land Office at 1-800-998-4GLO (4456).

Maps may be purchased at the General Land Office, 1700 N. Congress Ave., through Tuesday, Dec. 23.

The Save Texas History Program is a unique campaign that brings together private and government efforts to preserve the 35.5 million maps and documents at the Texas General Land Office.

After items are conserved, they’re digitally preserved and made available to the public via the Internet. The Digital Preservation Project of the Save Texas History Program has been recognized by the Texas Historical Commission for its monumental effort to digitally preserve these historic treasures.

To search for maps, place orders, or make a monetary donation to the Save Texas History Program, visit www.savetexashistory.org or call the Land Office toll-free at 1-800-998-4GLO.

Rockport-Fulton gears up for holidays!

Enjoy the Christmas Tour of Homes on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 6-7, Sponsored by the History Center of Aransas County. Five private homes and two historic venues will be open 1-5 pm. for visitors to enjoy. Historic homes and venues (from 1860’s -1940’s) throughout Rockport and Fulton will be featured. Docents will dress in historic costume and present the history of each home.

by Dale Rankin

Our phones have been busy here at the Word Factory this week which in and of itself isn’t unusual. What is unusual is the nature of the calls.

The complaints are coming from two Island projects that have moved along parallel paths in recent months and are unrelated except for two things; one is the timing of the two which is purely coincidental, and the other is the lack of opening in the process leading up to the final decision, which probably isn’t.

Community Center The first project is the Community Center that the POA wants to build at a cost of about $3.25 million. This is not to weigh in for or against it. It is simply to say that the complaint we’re getting is that the membership was not allowed to vote, and/or did not know enough about it before the decision was made.

What I can say is that we printed two notices of the public hearing ahead of time so that anyone who reads the Island Moon should have known about. So we told 7000 people twice about it. We give the paper away free so if anyone missed it I’m not sure what could have been done differently.

As to why the membership was not allowed to vote on a project of that size, I can’t say.

That’s a question for the POA board. What I can say is that the newspaper office and Facebook page are in many ways The Island’s complaint department and we have had a lot of them about this lack of membership input.

All I can say to members who are unhappy is that the way Texas’ open records and open meeting rules work, if being a member of the association, in this case the POA, is a requirement of property ownership, which in this case it is, the organization is subject to open records and meeting rules as if they are a public entity. If you are not sure what they are doing, submit your question to them in writing and they will be compelled to respond. If you are not getting the information you want, ask them for it.

New traffic light

The second project is the new traffic light at the SPID/Aquarius intersection. Again, this is not to say whether it is a good or bad idea. It’s the process that got us here that is in question.

I first heard about this two months ago when it was brought up at a meeting of the Island Strategic Action Committee by a city staff member who informed the crowd and the committee simultaneously that the question had been under discussion for several months and a decision had been made by city staff to move forward with the light.

The question from the ISAC members and the public at the meeting was, “who approved that without telling us?”

The facts that have since come to light (no pun intended) are that there was no intention to bring the issue before the ISAC, which is The Island’s only official conduit to City Hall, but to simply handle it “in house.” To their credit it was the developers of the project which is adjacent to the intersection where the light is going who brought it before the ISAC when in fact, if you listened to city officials, it was already a done deal. So who done it? Who knows?

It is this type of “in house” decision making that leads to a complete distrust of local government and those who hold office and it is the way business has been done in our city forever. We don’t live under an oligarchy and those who think we do are headed for trouble.

Right now there is much consternation on our island about both of these projects, more than I have heard on any subject since we had the beach driving ban vote about ten years ago.

The question is not whether either is a good or bad idea, but rather how did they both get so far down the line without more people knowing about them?

All I can say is that doesn’t usually happen by accident; if things are done behind closed doors it is because someone wants it that way. Experience clearly shows us that lack of transparency breeds distrust and right now that’s a commodity we have more than our share of right now.

Police Blotter

Christmas by the Bay

Head to Rockport-Fulton for the holiday. The holiday season officially starts on Saturday, December 6, when Downtown Rockport and the Rockport Harbor come alive with an allday celebration of “Tropical” Christmas. In its 2nd year is the “Tropical Christmas Volksmarch and Volksswim. Hundreds of participants from across the U.S. and beyond are expected to walk The Historical Tour of our area. Tropical Christmas is also bringing in “Cast in Bronze”, for several amazing performances –a show that has been seen around the world in such places as Epcot Center and on NBC's Today show.

Back by popular demand for their 3rd year is the “Capt. Rex Pirate Show”. The “Young Rockers” band, featuring kids from 7-16 yrs. old, will also be performing, along with other local entertainment from our area schools.

Shop and dine while you enjoy a wide variety entertainment. Catch a program at a featured Rockport-Fulton attraction. Enjoy the “Pirate Costume Contest” for toddlers to 5th graders.

Watch kids create their own ornaments, see them dig for coins in the “ Run for Yar Treasure” hunt, and visit with Tropical Santa. Even the pets are included! Dress your pet in tropical attire to enter the Pet Pageant.: Downtown Shops will be participating in the Window Decorating Contest” and there is also a “Tree Trimming Contest” at the festival grounds at Rockport Harbor! The fun doesn’t end when the sun goes down. Don’t miss the lighting of the 75 ft. Children’s Tree or the Illuminated parade starting downtown and ending at Rockport Beach. The grand finale of the evening is a magnificent fireworks display over Little Bay

Stuff I Heard on the Island

A5

Even Burglars Are At It On Taco Tuesday

On Saturday, December 13, bring the family to the water as boats parade the waters for the Lighted Boat Parade. Boats will gather in the first canal of Key Allegro (canal nearest entrance from the bay). The parade will run from there through Little Bay and back. Shallow draft boats may make a run through the area called the “Ski Basin.”

Anyone who can identify this person, or has any additional information about this crime should call the Corpus Christi Police Property Crimes Detectives at 886-2841. Anyone who would like to keep their identity secret and still provide information to detectives should call Crime Stoppers at 888-TIPS (8477) or submit the information online at http://www.888TIPS. com. Information provided to Crime Stoppers which results in an arrest may earn the caller a cash reward.

The Fulton Mansion will be having the annual “Caroling at the Mansion” on Dec. 13 at 6:30pm. This year, the event will be held at the amphitheater and courtyard of the Mansion’s history center. It will be decorated and open to the public, with entertainment by the RockportFulton Middle School Choir.

Be sure to take in the sound of the season as the Corpus Christi Symphony and the Rockport High School Choir perform at the Martha Luigi Auditorium-Rockport-Fulton High School on Sunday, December 14, 2p.m. -4 p.m. for the Holiday Symphony by the Sea. Immediately following the Holiday Symphony by the Sea, The Flavor of Success Event will be held in the Rockport-Fulton High School Commons area. Refreshments will be provided by The Education Foundation and by local restaurant volunteers.

Christmas in Fulton, another fun family event takes place Wednesday and Thursday, December 17 and 18. Beginning at 5:30 p.m. the Fulton Harbor at Paws and Taws Fulton Convention Center and the Fulton Fishing Pier welcome guests and locals alike. On Wednesday evening, Mayor Jimmy Kendrick, will open the ceremonies. There will be live entertainment and cookies, hot cocoa and apple cider will be served. There will also be goody bags and an appearance by Boo the Clown. Thursday night, Fulton Alderman, Les Cole, will conduct the opening ceremonies. Pastor Hugh Varner will do a reading of “Twas the Night before Christmas” plus an appearance by Santa, and much more. Enjoy free lemonade, hot dogs and chips!

long sleeve shirt, jeans, a gold necklace around his neck and ate a taco while he broke into the machine. The man used a four door sedan with a woman passenger.

CCPD Auto Auction Police seek help from the public to identify this burglar who broke into a coin operated machine on Taco Tuesday.

The City of Corpus Christi will have one of its largest auctions of the year with over 126 cars, trucks, vans and motorcycles at the Corpus Christi Police Vehicle Impound Lot located at 5485 Greenwood Drive on Saturday, December 6, 2014 at 10:00 a.m.

The general public is encouraged to register and view the vehicles for auction from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Friday, December 5. The general public can also register and view the vehicles again from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. on the day of the auction.

The vehicles for auction may be viewed online and an auction list may be downloaded from http://www.siskauction.com.

Police calls

Police want help from the public to identify a burglar who used this vehicle during the commission of the crime. Tuesday, November 25 1529 Waldron Road Burglary of a Coin Operated Machine

13800 block Eaglesnest Bay 2:16 p.m. Nov. 24 Credit card abuse

A 60-year-old man reported a burglary to a coin operated machine at the Mango Car Wash on Waldron Road to the Corpus Christi Police Tuesday morning.

Palmira and Sea Pines 9:52 p.m. Nov. 29 Criminal mischief $50-$500

The 60-year-old man told Officers that an unknown man broke the coin machine at the car wash at about 5am that morning and provided Officers a video surveillance recording of the event.

Corpus Christi Police Property Crimes Detectives would like help from the public to identify and locate a man responsible for the burglary. The suspect is described as a bald man about 5 feet 8 inches tall and wore a black

15800 block Grenadine 9:30 p.m. Nov. 27 Criminal mischief $50-$500

1180 block SPID (JFK Causeway) 3:47 a.m.

Nov. 29 DWI 13500 block SPID (JFK Causeway) 3:21 a.m. Nov. 29 Reckless driving SPID/Whitecap 2:01 a.m. Nov. 30 Driving while license suspended 13900 block Mingo Cay 4:30 p.m. Nov. 25 Runaway 15700 block SPID 12:35 a.m. Nov. 30 DWI/3rd or more

A6 4 Reale Spanish coincontinued (Carlos and Johanna)found near Padre A1 Island Shipwrecks of 1554 History from

December 4, 2014

Island Moon

Port Aransas Art Center-Two December Receptions!

Tis the Season to Tamale!

4 Reale Spanish coin (Carlos and Johanna)found near Padre Island Shipwrecks of 1554

The Corpus Christi Parks & Recreation Department’s Cultural Services Division had added an additional Tamale Cooking Demonstration to be held in the Galván House at Heritage Park on Saturday, December 6, from 1:30 pm–3pm.

First Friday Christmas Party– December 5th 5:307:30pm

Join Sandra Vásquez, inventor of the “Mas Tamales” Masa Spreader, as she demonstrates how to make Tamales more efficiently with the help of a modern gadget. Sandra says that, “Tamale cooks can spread masa on a dozen cornhusks in about a minute.” Let Sandra show you the quick and easy way to prepare tamales, and to learn more about tamales, visit her Web site at www.tamalespreader.com. Come join us at our Tamalada demonstration and enjoy some tasty tamales. Don’t miss this one. Sign up now. Cost is $8 per person and includes the demonstration, recipes and food samples. Reservations are requested as seating is limited; call 361-826-3417 to reserve your space.

Food, Fun, Music & Shopping! The Art Center has jewelry, glass & metal art, pottery,prints,photos,cards & paintings in all sizes.

Come out & get Original Art to gift this Christmas!Support the artists & your Art Center!December Sponsors – Family Center IGA and Karen Winship

Sunday Reception- December 7th 2-4pm Middle School & High School Student Art Show

Columbus, Texas who headed the commission that moved the necessary legislation through the U.S. Congress that extended the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway from Corpus Christi south to Port Isabel. A new harbor was built at Port Mansfield and completed in 1956. The next step was to build the channel from the Laguna to the Gulf and dredging began.

Students of Marilyn Cook & John Speck from Port Aransas ISD, students of Ryan Williams, Lori Lee,Valerie Lichtenberger & Charlotte Walker from Flour Bluff ISD and students of Nancy Kneupper from Seashore Middle Academy. The show will be judged & places 1st thru 3rd in each grade & Best of Show awarded.Refreshments will be served, come on out and support all the young artists in this annual event!

The Cultural Center is located in the beautifully restored Galván House in Heritage Park at 1581 N. Chaparral. Hours of operation are Monday through Thursday, 9am – 5pm, Friday 9am – 2pm and Saturdays by appointment. For more information, call or visit the Corpus Christi Parks & Recreation Department’s Cultural Center at 361-826-3417, www.ccparkandrec.com (click ‘Arts & Culture’). We invite you to Live. Learn. Play!

$1.1 Million for Nueces Bay Rookery Islands Restoration in Nueces Bay

Gift of the Magi Opens at PACT

The Gulf Environmental Benefit Fund will provide $1.1 million to restore and protect over three acres of water bird nesting habitat on three rookery islands in Nueces Bay. Critical rookeries in Nueces Bay are less productive as a result of erosion, relative sea-level rise, mammalian predators, imported fire ants, coastal wetlands loss, and human disturbance of nesting sites. This investment will protect the existing islands from further erosion and place 6,200 cubic yards of new material to restore essential nesting habitat. This additional acreage of nesting grounds is projected to support hundreds of additional pairs of wading birds and ground-nesting birds each year.

4 Reale Spanish coin (Carlos and Johanna)found near Padre Island Shipwrecks of 1554 Contemporary reports said that the dredge ran its hoses straight through an old Spanish galleon, the Santa Maria de Yicar, that was one of the Spanish Treasure ships which wrecked on the Texas Coast in 1554. As the hoses did their work Spanish silver

sparkled in the bright sunlight and work was stopped when workers left their posts on the dredge to become temporary 4treasure Reale Spanish coin (Carlos and Johanna)found near through Padre Islandthe Shipwrecks of 1554 seekers.

The first manmade cut island was completed in September, 1957, but it was not to last.

Christmas Spirit Alive in Several PACT Events

By Brent Rourk PACT is celebrating the Christmas season with several spectacular events including O. Henry’s The Gift of the Magi, a holiday favorite. The play begins when Dell Dellingham discovers that she only has $1.87 to purchase her husband Jim a Christmas gift. Each of them makes incredible decisions about gift giving as Christmas nears.

The Gulf Environmental Benefit Fund, administered by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), supports projects to remedy harm and eliminate or reduce the risk of harm to Gulf Coast natural resources affected by the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill. To date, NFWF has awarded over $56.5 million from the Gulf Environmental Benefit Fund for 14 projects in the state of Texas. These projects were selected for funding after extensive consultation with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, the Texas General Land Office, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

It is a ‘can’t miss’ play for the entire family. Reserve tickets now for December 11,12,13,18,19, and 20 at 7:30 PM or for December 14 and 21 at 2:30 PM. Check www.portaransascommunitytheatre. com for more information.

PACT is also looking for 6 singers to sing at the tree lighting ceremony at Roberts Point. If you are interested in caroling, then e-mail theatre manager Darlene at pactdarlene@yahoo.com.

The public is invited to a PACT business meeting on December 8th at 6:30 PM. On December 23rd the PACT will sponsor a Golf Cart Christmas Caroling. Meet at PACT at 6:00 PM for cookies and hot chocolate and then leave at 6:30 to visit and to sing folks in Port Aransas

Historically, rookery islands in Nueces Bay have supported nesting colonies of various species of colonial waterbirds such as Great Blue Herons, Great Egrets, Snowy Egrets, Roseate Spoonbills, Reddish Egrets, Caspian Terns, and Black Skimmers.

Since the 1960s, nearly 12 acres on 40 critical nesting islands in Nueces Bay have been lost to persistent erosion, hard shell dredging, and storm events. This investment would restore 40 percent of the rookery habitat lost, and contribute to overall health of important bird species in Nueces Bay and the Texas Gulf Coast.

The Classic Christmas Movie Night will be held this year on December 23rd, beginning at 2:00 PM and ending at 2:00 AM. Admission is free and the theatre will have food and snacks for purchase.

For more information about holiday events or other upcoming plays call 361-749-6036 or check out the PACT website at www. portaransascommunitytheatre.com.

These projects were developed in consultation with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and federal resource agencies. Under the allocation formula and other provisions contained in plea agreements, a total of $203 million will be paid into the Gulf Fund over a five-year period for conservation projects in the state of Texas. Locally the funds will be administered through the Coastal Bend Bays and Estuaries Program.

Shifting sands The local engineers who built the jetties ignored the advice of the Army Corps of Engineers and built their south jetty with tetra pods which are shaped like childrens’ jacks which were placed with three legs resting on the sand below and one leg sticking straight up with the massive jetty rocks placed atop the structure.

The north jetty was built atop the remains the old Spanish ship with no other support structure.

When several storms hit the area later that year the engineers learned a valuable Biblical lesson about building on shifting sand and the jetties sank right out of sight and the channel was filled in. The Army Corps of Engineers re-dredged the channel which was finished in summer 1962 and lined on both sides with the granite boulders seen there today.

Today, the Port Mansfield Gulf Channel, also known as the East Cut, is the dividing line between the Padres – North and South.

And that’s how Padre became two islands.

949-0794

2018 Youth Sailing Championships Coming to Corpus Christi The Corpus Christi Yacht Club and the Corpus Christi Convention and Visitors Bureau are pleased to announce that the 2018 ISAF World Youth Sailing Championships was awarded to the United States and will be hosted by Corpus Christi Yacht Club in Corpus Christi, Texas.

Annual Harbor Lights Festival Celebrates 33 Years Illuminating Corpus Christi

The 2018 ISAF World Youth Sailing Championships is the largest youth sailing event for Olympic hopefuls. More than 375 youth sailors, ages 15 to 19, from around the world will compete in nine Olympic training classes including the Laser Radial, International 420, 29er, RS:X and FL16. The event will take place over 8 days in July of 2018.

On Saturday, December 6 the Corpus Christi Bayfront will transform into a landscape of twinkling lights, wonder and merriment as the 33rd Annual Harbor Lights Festival continues its longstanding tradition in the Sparkling City by the Sea.

The planning committee, represented by Mark Foster, past Commodore of Corpus Christi Yacht Club, presented the bid proposal earlier this month at the 2014 ISAF Annual Conference in Palma de Mallorca, Spain. Other countries bidding to host the International event were Argentina, Azerbaijan, China, Italy and Poland.

Festivities will begin with an afternoon full of family fun with the AEP Texas Children’s Parade. The parade will begin at 1:00pm and travel north along Shoreline from Kinney St to Schatzell. Following the parade, the little ones will be able to enjoy a number of activities, such as the Gingerbread Christmas Tree Village, postcard writing to Santa, crafts & gift-making; along with a sweet activity that will teach the children the joy behind giving and the significance of the season during the Children’s Gift of Love.

The International Sailing Federation (ISAF) is the world governing body for the sport of sailing, officially recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). ISAF currently consists of 138 member nations who are its principle members and are responsible for the decision making process that governs the sailing world.

Local choirs, churches and community groups will provide beautiful presentations and entertain guests throughout the day upon the AEP Texas Entertainment Stage. As the sun begins to set, the merriment will increase as the Lighting Ceremony begins at 6:00pm. Santa and his team will then be welcomed into Corpus Christi in grand style during the HEB Santa’s Snowball Express Motorcade. Santa and his helpers will then flip the switch on the Tree of Lights, signaling the official start to the holiday season in Corpus Christi.

The economic impact of this world class event for Corpus Christi is expected to be in excess of $1.75 million.

The Island Moon T-Shirts The Island Looks So Good On You! Get yours for only $10.95 plus shipping and handling. Shirts come in grey or white short sleeve T-Shirts sizes L. XL and XXL. Tank Tops come in Aqua and White in sizes Medium and Large.

Following the tree lighting, Tom Braxton will perform live in concert at 7:00pm. Guests will then have the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful sights & sounds of the season in the Corpus Christi Bay as vessels adorned with lights and caroling captains & crews make their way through the Port of Corpus Christi Boat Parade.

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December 4, 2014

A7

Island Moon

Backwater Adventures On the Rocks

By Jay Gardner

Alex Murphy in Early September

Ms Sue battled this and a few other big reds down in the Land Cut this year

My buddy Shane with a FREAK STRINGER OF REDS AND A 30inch trout. Playing the tides in Packery with live mullet this fall

Well I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday. I had an excellent week off, got a few things done, and made it down south for our annual trip. The weather shaped up a little and conditions were better than originally forecast.

There was a lot of fishing, a fair amount of storytelling and lies swapped around the campfire at night, and two turkeys cooked in one of those new oil-less fryers. Good stuff! Kevin even managed to land a tarpon on the fly. I missed my shot at the title of landing one by not getting down the rocks to land it fast enough. Guess I’m out of practice.

The beach is in excellent condition for driving.

Low tide is basically in the mornings till around 1 or 2pm, and after that you’ll have to use the middle road, which still isn’t bad but requires 4WD. Shelling is Excellent on the southern reaches of the beaches right now. There are lettered olives mixed in with the rest of the ark shells in the wade gut and at the edge of the water. There are also some sand dollars washing in in certain sections. Skip around a few areas and you’ll find pockets of them.

Rachel with a winter time catch greenwing) headed south low over the water around the second gut. You really have to have a big lens and a quick hand to get pictures of those guys out there though. Your chances are much better at freshwater ponds like on the Seashore, as the rains have filled up and flooded all the wetlands down there. Just immediately to the right of the entrance station is a parking lot and a trail that goes back into the interior of the island. This trail is a hidden gem that many don’t know about, or take the time to walk down. It’s free with your entrance to the park, and can hold many surprises at this time of year, including deer, northern harriers, and all kinds of waterfowl right now. The trail is a loop, and the pond is on the right hand side at the fork not too far down the path. Make sure to move very slowly and sneak up to the pond instead of walking directly up to it, that way you don’t spook the birds off and around the water.

Lots of gamefish were caught this fall in the Packery Channel area.

Parks and Wildlife Looking for Illegal Fishing Suspects

The fishing this time of year is hit or miss, but can be really good. The massive bait migration has left many hungry predators cruising our bays and lagoon. It’s time for that winter time trout pattern in deeper waters and catches can be outstanding. Remember the limit is only 5 trout this year. Flounder gigging is also off limits until the 15th of this month. Make sure to read Joey’s article for more in depth hints.

Kevin with a tarpon on the rocks

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and the U.S. Coast Guard are currently investigating multiple cases involving illegal fishing activities along the Texas/Mexico Border. These activities include illegal long lining, gill netting, crabbing, hoop netting, shrimping, etc. The Gulf of Mexico, Rio Grande River, Falcon Lake and

Amistad Lake are include in the affected areas.

These acts of illegal and unreported fishing adversely affect both the recreational and commercial fishing industries. Any information related to such illegal fishing activities should be reported to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department or the U.S. Coast Guard.

On the way down and back I caught a glimpse of what was either a peregrine or aplomado falcon at the 17MM. I also saw some birders in that area, so maybe they got some shots of it and can ID it. In addition, there were a bunch of great wintering birds down the beach and a few anomalies. Of course there are lots of red knots on the north half of the beach, you should go check them out. I also saw a few common loons swimming around in the first gut, which is slightly interesting. If you pull ahead in the vehicle of which way they’re swimming, stay in your truck as they approach, you can get some great shots in the afternoon and evening.

There were also some pintail ducks lurking around in the wade gut, which is slightly interesting.

There were also teal (likely

Tides of the Week

Corpus Christi Realty Group

Tides for Corpus Christi (Bob Hall Pier) December 4-10, 2014

Day

High /Low

Tide Time

Height in Feet

Sunrise Moon Time Sunset

As we tear off into December, I can’t help that similar feeling of “where did the year go?”

Christmas parties are already on the books and I’ve seen people start working on their boats for La Posada. Hopefully the weather holds for all the upcoming events. As for me, it’s time to repair the rods and reels, do the projects in the yard, and start to look forward to dove season which opens in a few short weeks. It will be here before you know it. Drop me a line at jaygardner@scientist.com if you have any questions or comments.

Moon Visible

15217 South Padre Island Drive Suite 108

Th

4

Low

6:57 AM

-0.2

7:04 AM Set 5:07 AM

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3:41 PM

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5:34 PM Rise 4:28 PM

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7:38 AM

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7:05 AM Set 6:06 AM

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5:34 PM Rise 5:16 PM

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8:18 AM

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7:06 AM Set 7:03 AM

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5:34 PM Rise 6:07 PM

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8:56 AM

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7:07 AM Set 7:56 AM

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5:34 PM Rise 6:59 PM

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7:07 AM Set 8:45 AM

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5:35 PM Rise 7:52 PM

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10:07 AM

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7:08 AM Set 9:31 AM

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5:35 PM Rise 8:45 PM

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10

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10:40 AM

0.0

7:09 AM Set 10:12 AM

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1.6

5:35 PM Rise 9:37 PM

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A8

December 4, 2014

Island Moon

SPORTS Before Jackie Robinson

Concussions

By Andy Purvis Special to the Island Moon

Sports Talk-Special to The Island Moon

By Dotson Lewis

the season.

Dotson’s note: The Flour Bluff Hornets lose in the 3rd round of the UIL Football Playoffs to the Austin Vandegrift Vipers 49 to 27. Congratulations to the Hornets on a very successful season! There are four teams in “our area” who are left in the UIL playoffs: Odom, Sinton, Refugio & Bruni. Good luck to them.

The lawsuit only targets the Illinois association. High school football isn't overseen by a single national body equivalent to the NCAA, but rather by school boards, state law and 50 separate associations. Siprut says he intends to file suits against other state governing bodies.

A national sports headline this week is Former Star High School QB Sues over Concussion 'Epidemic.' That story is below. Following that story please see Concussions. I have extracted some items from the NCAA Football Rules Book. Texas high schools play by slightly modified NCAA Football Rules. Back in 1977, which was my first year working with the rules committee; we did an exhaustive study regarding our concerns that players were using their helmets as weapons, injuring their opponents and themselves. In 1978, we made a video titled “Sportsmanship-A Question of Attitude.” It was mandated that all football players and coaches view the video prior to the start of each season. Since then, all of those involved in football have been diligently working to make the game safer. Since 2007 the prevention and treatment of concussions has been the first priority of all those involved in the game in which the participants are studentathletes.

Washington was the first state to pass laws addressing sports concussions in children in 2009, including barring concussed players from returning to the same game. All 50 states have now adopted such laws.

Former Star High School QB Sues over Concussion 'Epidemic'

Speaking Saturday, Siprut said the legal action wasn't intended to undermine America's most popular sport.

But the new lawsuit alleges governing bodies, like the IHSA, have had patchy implementation of state mandates.

Around 140,000 out of nearly 8 million high school athletes have concussions every year, most of them football players, according to the National Federation of State High School Associations. Some estimates put the number of concussions much higher.

Eight high school students died directly from playing football in 2013, six from head and two from neck injuries while there were none last year in college or professional football, a 2014 report by National Center for Catastrophic Sport Injury Research says.

"This is not a threat or attack on football," he said. "Football is in danger in Illinois and other states especially at the high school level because of how dangerous it is. If football does not change internally, it will die. The talent well will dry up as parents keep kids out of the sport and that's how a sport dies."

Concussions

A former high school quarterback followed in the steps of one-time pro and college players Saturday by suing a sport’s governing body, in this case the Illinois High School Association, saying it didn't do enough to protect him from concussions when he played and still doesn't do enough to protect current players.

The lawsuit, filed in Cook County Circuit Cook on the same day Illinois wrapped up its last high school football championship games, is the first instance in which legal action has been taken for former high school players as a whole against a group responsible for prep sports in a state. Such litigation could snowball, as similar suits targeting associations in other states are planned.

The lead plaintiff is Daniel Bukal, a star quarterback at Notre Dame College Prep in Niles until 2003. He received multiple concussions at the suburban Chicago school and, a decade later, still suffers frequent migraines and some memory loss, according to the 51-page suit.

Bukal didn't play beyond high school.

A concussion is a brain injury that may be caused by a blow to the head, face, neck or elsewhere on the body with an “impulsive” force transmitted to the head. Concussions can occur without loss of consciousness or other obvious signs. A repeat concussion that occurs before the brain recovers from the previous one (hours, days or week) can slow recovery or increase the likelihood of having long-term problems. In rare cases, repeat concussions can result in brain swelling, permanent brain damage and even death.

Recognize and Refer To help recognize a concussion, watch for the following two events among your studentathletes during both games and practices: 1. A forceful blow to the head or body that results in rapid movement of the head.

2. Any change in the student-athlete’s behavior, thinking or physical functioning.

Head to Head Contact

The IHSA did not have concussion protocols in place, putting Bukal and other high school players at risk, and those protocols remain deficient, the lawsuit alleges. It calls on the Bloomington-based IHSA to tighten its rules regarding head injuries at the 800 high schools it oversees. It doesn't seek specific monetary damages.

"In Illinois high school football, responsibility and, ultimately, fault for the historically poor management of concussions begins with the IHSA," the lawsuit states. It calls high school concussions "an epidemic" and says the "most important battle being waged on high school football fields is the battle for the health and lives of young players.”

In a brief emailed statement, IHSA Executive Director Marty Hickman said he wanted to keep the spotlight Saturday on the playoff finals.

But he said concussion management is "a top priority" and that the IHSA "will continue to be a leader" in reducing head-injury risks.

Bukal's Chicago-based attorney Joseph Siprut, who filed a similar lawsuit against the NCAA in 2011, provided an advance copy of the new lawsuit to The Associated Press. The college sports governing body agreed this year to settle the NCAA lawsuit, including by committing $70 million for a medical monitoring program to test athletes for brain trauma. The deal is awaiting a judge's approval.

An athlete who exhibits signs, symptoms of behavior consistent with a concussion either at rest or during exertion, should be removed immediately from practice or competition or should not return to play until cleared by an appropriate health care professional. Sports have injury timeouts and player substitutions so that student-athletes can get checked.

Dotson’s other note: Do you think all that is possible is being done to make interscholastic football a safer game? What about the NFL? Your suggestions/Comments/Questions/Concerns are appreciated. Call the Benchwarmers 361560-5397 weekdays, Mondays thru Fridays, 3-6 p.m. or contact me. Phone: 361-949-7681 Cell: 530-748-8475 Email: dlewis1@stx.rr.com

The IHSA lawsuit seeks similar medical monitoring of Illinois high school football players, though it doesn't spell out how such 2001(I-37 Suntide (I-37Christi Exit 7) Corpus Christi a program would operate. It contends new Road 2001 Suntide Exit Road 7) Corpus regulations should include mandatory baseline Sept.20 & 21 Nov. 8 & 9 Dec. 13 & 14 Sept.20 & 21 Nov. 8 & 9 Dec. 13 & 14 testing of all players before each season to help 9 to95to 4 Sunday 9 to 4 Saturday 9 to 5 Saturday Sunday determine the severity of any concussion during

There were only four, the first four AfricanAmericans to play professional football. And guess what? They all started in 1946, one year before Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier with the Brooklyn Dodgers in Major League Baseball. So, sit back, enjoy and discover the brief history of these four players that integrated professional football.

Kenny Washington Kenny Washington, halfback, was from Los Angeles, California, and attended Abraham Lincoln High School. In 1939, after high school, Kenny rushed for 1,914 yards in his UCLA career, a school record that stood for 34 years. He led the nation in total offense and became the first consensus All-American in the history of the UCLA Bruins’ football program.

Washington felt the wrath of discrimination when he was left out of the East-West Shrine Game that same year.

at Ohio State and was a part of the Buckeyes’ first National Championship Football team, in 1942.

Bill retired in 1954 at the age of 32, and became Cleveland’s first chairman of the Ohio Youth Commission. His goal was to help troubled youth in the Cleveland area. His #99 was retired by the Buckeyes, and he entered the College Football Hall of Fame in 1971. He has also been a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame since 1977. Bill Willis #30, died in 2007.

Marion Motley Marion Motley signed ten days after Bill Willis with the Cleveland Browns. Born in Leesburg, Georgia, Marion grew up in Canton, Ohio. He attended and played football and

After graduation from UCLA, Chicago Bears Head Coach, George Halas, tried to sign Washington but was blocked by racial discrimination from the other NFL owners.

So from 1941-1945, Kenny joined a semi-pro football team known as the Hollywood Bears, of the Pacific Coast League. When the Cleveland Rams moved to Los Angeles in 1946, an agreement was drawn up between owners, that teams could be integrated. Washington signed with the Rams on March 21, 1946. Kenny only played in the NFL for three years, but his performance was exceptional.

Washington was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1956, and his jersey #13 was the first to be retired by UCLA. He would become a distinguished police officer for the LA Police Department. In 1971, Washington died at the young age of 52.

Woody Strode

“Woody” Strode is a name you will know if you enjoyed John Wayne westerns, as he starred in many of the big-screen movies produced by John Ford. Strode was not only a football star, but a decathlete in track and field. He was born in Los Angeles, California, and attended high school at Jefferson, located in East L.A. He later enrolled at UCLA in 1939, where he joined Jackie Robinson and Kenny Washington in the Bruins’ backfield. Ray Bartlett was the fourth member of the UCLA backfield and he, too, was an African-American. This was at a time where there were only a dozen or so black players participating on college football teams across the land. The Bruins would play the National Champion USC Trojans to a 0-0 tie, in the 1940 Rose Bowl. Strode would sign with the Los Angeles Rams on May 7, 1946.

No other black players had played in the NFL from 1933 to 1945. In 1948, Strode joined the Calgary Stampeders as an offensive end and helped them win the Grey Cup Championship that same year. Strode retired in 1949, because of injuries. Woody Strode also dabbled in professional wrestling, before the NFL and afterwards. Standing 6’ 4” tall and weighing well over 200 pounds, he was billed as the 1962 Pacific Coast Negro Heavyweight Wrestling Champion. Strode also became a terrific actor and is best remembered for his roles in Spartacus, Sergeant Rutledge and The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance. Strode had parts in 67 movies during his career. Woody died in 1994 of lung cancer. He was 80.

Bill Willis Bill Willis bent over and put his hand in the dirt for eight seasons for the Cleveland Browns.

He was an excellent defensive lineman who was selected All-Pro all eight years, while winning four AAFC Championships (All American Football Conference) and the 1950 NFL Championship. The Browns beat the New York Giants 8-3, as Willis made a game-saving tackle in the fourth quarter on Gene “ChooChoo” Roberts. You can also find Willis in the Cleveland Browns’ Ring of Honor and a part of the NFL’s 1940’s All-Decade Team. Coach Paul Brown called Willis “One of the outstanding linemen in the history of professional football.”

After graduating from Columbus East High School, Bill attended Ohio State from 19411945, and then signed with the Cleveland Browns in 1946. Born in Columbus, Ohio, Bill also joined the Buckeyes’ track and field team

basketball at Canton McKinley High School.

After graduation, Motley enrolled at South Carolina State College in 1939, but later transferred to the University of Nevada before his sophomore year.

In 1943, he suffered a knee injury and returned to Canton after dropping out of school. Motley joined the U.S. Navy in 1944 and managed to play fullback and linebacker for a military team known as the Great Lakes Blue Jackets, coached by none other than Paul Brown. By 1946, Motley was back in Canton working in a steel mill. In one of the oddest recruiting stories ever told, Motley wrote Paul Brown and asked for a tryout. Brown declined, but later signed Bill Willis. After Willis made the team, Brown reconsidered and asked Marion Motley to come try out. Brown later admitted that Willis had needed an African-American roommate. Motley signed for $4,500 a year and averaged 8.2 yards per carry in his first season.

Marion led the league in rushing in 1948, as the Cleveland Browns posted a perfect 15-0 record.

When the league folded after the 1949 season, Motley was the AAFC’s all-time rushing leader with 3,024 yards. There was another pleasant surprise. Paul Brown estimated that more than 10,000 black fans attended Cleveland’s first game. As mentioned above, Cleveland won the 1950 NFL Championship and, by 1951, Motley began to feel the physical effects of the game and suffered a knee injury. Marion Motley would retire before the 1954 season started. His career rushing average of 5.7 yards per carry is still the all-time rushing record for fullbacks. Motley asked many NFL teams for a coaching job but was turned down. He later worked for the U.S. Postal Service, Miller Construction, and the Ohio Department of Youth Services. Motley died in 1999 of prostate cancer. He was the second African-American player to be elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Motley was also named to the NFL’s 75th Anniversary AllTime Team in 1994.

It would be hard to imagine the game of pro football without the likes of players like Walter Payton, Jerry Rice and David “Deacon” Jones.

Andy Purvis is a local author and radio personality. His newest book “Greatness Continued” in now available to order online at bn.com, Amazon, Google Books, Bookamillion, etc. You may also purchase all three of his latest books at the local Barnes & Noble Book store in Moore Plaza. All three books are also available in e-book format, Kindle, Nook, Apple I Pad and Kobo. Please visit www.purvisbooks.com for more info and leave a message in the guest section. You may also contact him at purvis. andy@mygrande.net and don’t forget to listen to Story Time with Uncle Andy on Tuesdays 5-6 PM and Dennis & Andy’s Q & A Session each Thursday night from 6-8 PM on ESPN 1440 KEYS.

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December 4, 2014

Island Moon

Skip The Plastic recognizes Kathy Jansen as ‘Bag Hero’

Kickoff continued from A1

A9

off a date with a United States Marine. The Marines looked sharp as they assisted with a variety of jobs at the party, but they drew the most interest as the popular auctioneer Kenny Stowe described them and then auctioned them off.

All proceeds from the La Posada Kick-off Party go to Toys for Tots. The PIYC’s series of La Posada events collectively have become one of the largest toy gathering events in the nation.

Toys taken by the Marines are distributed in Texas to less fortunate children.

Padre Island Yacht Club Commodore Vic Schreck, “We appreciated the islanders supporting the Kick-off party. It is difficult to exceed past year gains, but this was another banner year. Thanks to Scuttlebutt’s, our auctioneer, the Marines, and all of the PIYC volunteers who worked tirelessly to make the event successful.”

The Bag Hero Program is a campaign to educate and encourage the use of reusable shopping bags in the Coastal Bend. We recognize community members who set a positive example by bringing reusable bags when shopping for groceries or other goods.

For the month of December, our Bag Hero is Kathy Jansen. Kathy is the Director of Food Services/Chef at the Mustang Island Episcopal Conference Center on Highway 361.

One of Kathy’s many tasks is buying the groceries to prepare meals for up to eighty guests at the center. In order to feed that many people, she has to make three to five trips to the grocery store every week.

Silent Auction Winner

See the La Posada schedule on page A4 of this issue for additional events, including the land parade and the water parades. Those interested in being in the water parades on December 12th and 13th should complete an application available at www.piyc.org and then forward it to Brent Rourk at brentrourk@yahoo.com.

Noting the number of disposable plastic bags she was accumulating, Kathy made the switch to reusable shopping bags six years ago. She now keeps ten reusable bags in her car at all times, so they’re there when she needs them.

Silent auction action

The purpose of Mustang Island Episcopal Conference Center, a ministry of Christian hospitality, is to provide a sacred place that offers guests rest, reflection, and renewal surrounded by God's coastal creation. Kathy says that using reusable bags, “Is one small way for me to be a good steward of the gift of God's creation.”

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2014 First Annual Christmas Tree Auction Gala

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Wednesday, December 10, at Doc’s

By Linda Walsh Photos by Miles Merwin The Enchanted Forest was a huge success, hundreds of children have come through to see Santa and we will be open again Saturday and Sunday from noon to 2:00 at Funtrackers for the kiddies of all ages to see Santa and get a last look at the decorated trees before the auction. After this weekend we will move onto the second part of our program, The Christmas Tree Auction Gala. We have received over 25 beautifully decorated Christmas Trees which will be auctioned off that evening. Don’t buy a new Christmas tree until you have seen these beautiful trees. Your perfect tree may be waiting for your bid. The tickets are $20.00 each and that includes 2 glasses of wine and hors de'oevres. There will also be a cash bar and menus available. The proceeds from this event will go to Timon’s Ministries to help them continue to run their Resource Centers and the amazing programs they run and offer to the working poor and needy in our community.

Please come out and support this wonderful fundraiser. For tickets you can contact Linda Walsh at 361-445-7999, or lawalshva@yahoo. com, or Norma Wright at 361-946-4996 or

normas_wright@yahoo.com you can also buy tickets at the door.

Sponsors for this program include: Doc’s Seafood and Steaks Restaurant, Funtrackers, UPS, Donald McClure TX 12482 Texas Auto Title, Mail Plus, and a Great Big Thank you to Bob Paulison and David Hoffmann for making sure we had Santa at the Enchanted Forest!

Please help us make this a wonderful annual event for our community and help out our needy at the same time. We cannot do this without the help of our community.

Merry Christmas from Gratitude!

Life needs more prayers & Pumpkin Pie! Give Thanks!

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P.S. Happy Birthday Marco! ♥ Miss you & love you forever!

GRATITUDE 316 n. Station st. Port Aransas, TX. (361) 749-0302. www.portagratitude . com.

Swans continued from A1 Black Swans are so rare, in fact at one point in history they were not believed to exist at all, that the phrase "black swan" derives from a Latin expression "rara avis in terris nigroque simillima cygno" ("a rare bird in the lands and very much like a black swan." Black Swan Theory denotes an event that denotes a set of conclusions that is potentially undone once any of its fundamental postulates is disproved. In this case, the observation of a single black swan would be the undoing of the logic of any system of thought, as well as any reasoning that followed from that underlying logic. So the sighting of these black swans along Laguna Shores has set the Flour Bluff intellectual community abuzz.

Black Swans prefer brackish water and tidal mudflats with underwater vegetation and are monogamous breeders so we’re not sure how that applies to this trio. All we can say for sure is that the Black Swans have returned to Flour Bluff.

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December 4, 2014