Inspire Coastal Bend Magazine Business Nov/Dec 2019 by Inspire Coastal Bend Magazine

COASTAL BEND MAGAZINE

BUSINESS AND COMMUNITY

MAKING OUR VOICES HEARD

THE ANNUAL CB TO DC ADVOCACY TRIP BEST-KEPT SECRET

FIREARMS & FASHION

PADRE PIZZERIA

GUNS & GLAMOUR BOUTIQUE

GOING THE EXTRA MILE

DBS GRAPHICS

BREAKING BARRIERS

JUDGE

BARBARA CANALES Plus: AY HOLID S G IF T NOV/DEC 2019

that inspire

I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

ALL BATTERY CENTER A World of Batteries to Local Power Solutions Expert Batteries & Gear for Home & Business in the Coastal Bend 

One store for all your battery needs for home and office



Batteries, chargers, flashlights, etc



A local Partner committed to serving the Coastal Bend community



Locally owned and operated



Tested and trusted products and services



We’re here to help you out with all your battery problems

4903 Ambassador Row Corpus Christi Texas 361.854.5000 Store Hours: Mon-Fri 7:30am – 6pm / Sat 8:30am – 2:30pm / Sun Closed like Chick-fil-A

InterstateBatteriesCorpus.com Facebook.com/interstatebatteriescorpus Instagram@interstatebatteries_cc 2

I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

ENERGIZING OUR COMMUNITIES Follow us on social media and see how we are energizing our communities.

Facebook:

@PortCorpusChristi

Instagram: @PoccaPort

I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

when you land, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re home WHY ... COMMUTE? WAIT IN LINE? GET STUCK IN TRAFFIC?

SOUTHWEST | UNITED | AMERICAN | WWW.FLYCCIA.COM 2

I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

YOUR BUSINESS

In the Spotlight! 2020 ADVERTISIING INFORMATION

ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES! Put your business in the spotlight with Harbor Playhouse advertising opportunities! From printed programs to ad projections, let us help increase your visibility to our diverse audience base. Through 8 great productions and more than 100 performances, we provide high-quality platforms to showcase your message. The Harbor Playhouse is a irreplaceable community resource that has helped to preserve and enrich the artistic and cultural heritage of the Coastal Bend for 94 years through theatrical productions and educational programming. Our commitment to the community provides businesses and organizations a cost-effective, creative, and efficient way to engage with over 30,000 patrons annually.

2020 SEASON 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee JAN. 17 -FEB 9

The Producers JUL. 10 - AUG. 16

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat FEB. 28 - APR. 5

Wizard of OZ SEPT. 4 - OCT. 11

Pirate Melodrama

We Will Rock You!

APR. 24 - MAY 31

MAY 29 - JUN. 28

Cannibal SOLAR the Musical

Elf the Musical

OCT. 16 - NOV. 1

NOV. 13 - DEC. 20

1802 N. CHAPPARRAL|CORPUS CHRISTI , TEXAS 78401 | 361.882.5500 | WWW.HARBORPLAYHOUSE.COM

I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

CONTENTS NOVEMBER.DECEMBER 2019

26 PROFILE GUNS & GLAMOUR BOUTIQUE

The brainchild of husband-and-wife duo, Andy and Melissa Joslin, this unique store provides a singular shopping experience, offering something for everyone.

32 PROFILE DBS GRAPHICS

GIFT GUIDE PG.

Raising the caliber of quality and design, Shawn and his team bring New Yorklevel work to Corpus Christi.

38 UNITED CORPUS CHRISTI CHAMBER THE ANNUAL CB TO DC ADVOCACY TRIP

Corpus Christi community and business leaders go to Washington to educate elected officials on chamber priorities and the importance of our community.

40 LOCAL EATS PADRE PIZZERIA

With excellent dining options and a big heart for giving back, Lorena Schmitt’s pizza kitchen is Padre Island’s best-kept secret.

BUSINESS COACH 10 Decisions, Decisions SPECIAL FEATURE 12 Stellar Spotlight 14 Coastal Christmas

COVER STORY

JUDGE BARBARA CANALES

Nueces County’s first female judge focuses on service and excellence, working to transform the county into the next economic powerhouse in Texas.

FEATURE 16 Mind, Body, Spirit 18 Holiday Happenings

COVER AND TABLE OF CONTENTS PHOTOS BY: TWINS MEDIA

I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

TRAVEL 46 Diary of a Frequent CCIA Traveler TASTE 48 Seasonal Classic NONPROFIT 50 Environmental Heroes 52 Champions for Children 54 Come Play!

THINK BIG. THINK COOPER.

For Advertising Call (361) 882-3088 Locally owned and operated since 1981

www.CooperOutdoor.com I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

MEET THE STAFF COASTAL BEND MAGAZINE

BUSINESS AND COMMUNITY

NOVEMBER.DECEMBER 2019

ADRIAN GARZA PUBLISHER adrian@inspirecoastalbendmag.com 361.548.1044

PUBLISHER Adrian Garza

PUBLISHER & OPERATIONS Holly Lewis

EDITOR Erin O’Brien

ART DIRECTOR Elisa Giordano

HOLLY LEWIS PUBLISHER & OPERATIONS holly@inspirecoastalbendmag.com 479.935.0868

ERIN O'BRIEN EDITOR erin.editorial@gmail.com

SOCIAL MEDIA Morgan Bartel

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Mandy Ashcraft Jessica Dusek Jeff Ghee Jacqueline Gonzalez Connie Laughlin Kathleen Naderer Jon Reily Samantha Koepp-Stemplinger Becca Taylor Kathryn Tunnell Sarona Winfrey

PHOTOGRAPHY Dustin Ashcraft Debbie Noble Taylor Cravey Photography TWINS Media

ELISA GIORDANO ART DIRECTOR elisa@inspirecoastalbendmag.com 210.716.5320

www.inspirecoastalbendmag.com For advertising information or editorial comments, please call 479-935-0868 or email holly@inspirecoastalbendmag.com.

MORGAN BARTEL SOCIAL MEDIA morgan@inspirecoastalbendmag.com 620.417.5392

I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

PELICAN

MEDIA GROUP

I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

PUBLISHER’S NOTE

HAPPY HOLIDAY SEASON! Happy Holiday Season! Yes, it’s that time of year again, and oh my goodness – I cannot get over how soon 2020 will be upon us! And, as a publisher, I am well into the New Year. [Sigh]

providing confidence and peace of mind to their patients every single day. They have built their careers transforming peoples’ lives, and having their expertise in our community is truly a gift.

I’m sure most of you can agree with me that the years just keep going faster and faster. It’s funny how this happens with age. I can recall very specifically that, as a child, I really wanted to be 7 years old and it seemed to take an eternity to get there. Why 7? It’s not quite the typical milestone one would think of, but 7 for me, as a child in a neighborhood of older kids (including my big brother), was everything. My mom had somehow determined that 7 was the appropriate age for allowing me to play in the neighborhood unsupervised until the sun went down.

The monumental, history-making role of leadership we share with you about Nueces County’s first female and first Latina judge, Barbara Canales, is a story that is not political – it is a story of significance. It’s a story of how a local woman, both highly qualified and passionate for her hometown community (our community), has broken barriers to step up and serve, all the while striving for the betterment of our residents, our infrastructure and our quality of life in the Coastal Bend.

Of course, this was back in the day of a safer world. Nowadays, I wonder if 17 years old is even O.K. for no supervision. There were the long, long years that it took to reach 16 and 18 and 21 ... and now, at 40-something, I basically blink and one more year is gone. So, STOP! We are not quite to 2020 yet, and I am going to do my best to slow down and savor these last couple months of 2019.

Beyond these covers, we share with you local small business, community, medical innovations and some great causes to get behind. We also have included a special insert to offer you some great holiday gift ideas from some of our favorite local shopping spots. I hope you enjoy this issue and take away something of value and inspiration as we embark upon the close of yet another decade. Be sure to make every day count, and to be inspired!

Putting this issue together has been a thrill for me. Drs. Vijay and Cassidy are simply two of the best medical professionals in their field! They not only are about improving imperfections, but they are also

Holly Lewis, Publisher holly@inspirecoastalbendmag.com

I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

COME ON IN, WE MAKE GIFT-GIVING EASY Top brands of apparel for men and women, full line of firearms, unique gifts and accessories Texas License to Carry class on the 2nd & 4th Saturday every month.

1801 E. Main Street Alice, Texas 361-396-0835 Like us on Facebook Melissa Popham and Andy Joslin, Owners

www.GunsandGlamour.com I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

BUSINESS COACH

DECISIONS, DECISIONS Celebrate your good choices in 2020. By: CONNIE LAUGHLIN

oday’s choices establish tomorrow’s future. Every single day, we’re faced with choices. So far this year, you’ve probably had more than your fair share. You might be well-served to ponder a scene from Charlie Brown and Lucy. I believe the comic strip story goes like this: Charlie Brown is shown on a snowy day balancing a large snowball in his hand and looking quizzically at Lucy. Lucy sternly returns his gaze and makes the following considered observation: “Life is full of choices. You may choose, if you wish, to throw the snowball at me ... You may choose if you wish, not to throw the snowball at me. Now, if you wish to throw the snowball at me, I’ll pound you right into the ground! If you choose not to throw the snowball at me, your head will be spared.” Charlie Brown is shown on his own – without the snowball, looking contemplative. He concludes that, “Life is full of choices; but you never get any.” You may think you have choices, or would it be true to say that you’re just following the path of least resistance? At times, our ignorance provides us with too many choices. Choices we made at earlier times may dictate our options today. If you mishandled an employee issue yesterday, retaining an attorney today might not be a choice. Will we throw the snowball with intense instant gratification, or will we have our head pounded into the ground later? Do we consider short-term and long-term consequences?

One sure-fire way to make the best choices is to make fewer choices! The only effective way to do that is to delegate and outsource to trusted pros. If you spend time putting best practices in place today, you’re streamlining your life and business. Whether it’s hiring new employees or selecting a vendor to work with, every decision you make must be made with strategic financial goals and risk management in mind. Determine what’s important. In Charlie Brown’s case, he was keen on keeping his head firmly planted on his shoulders. Other than mastering cash flow and developing a solid financial plan, strategic risk management is the largest challenge we face today. It’s an integral part of your responsibility. Don’t let it be overlooked. Businesses that don’t plan thoroughly are more likely to struggle! Every small to medium-sized company is advised to investigate outsourcing their human resources to a professional employer organization (PEO) firm. They bring that much-needed value to these smaller companies at a minute fraction of the investment of them doing it on their own. It makes good sense to hire professionals to handle the things that aren’t in your wheelhouse, and the things that don’t drive revenue production. Ensure your focus remains 100 percent on profitability, and that you’re operating in accordance with all the state and federal regulations prohibiting potential problems.

“

IT IS OUR CHOICES THAT SHOW WHAT WE TRULY ARE, FAR MORE THAN OUR ABILITIES.” – J.K. ROWLING

CONNIE LAUGHLIN is a PEO business consultant for South Texas. You may contact her at conniel@uniquehr.com.

I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

SPECIAL FEATURE

STELLAR SPOTLIGHT

Meet Stellar Energy Solutions rock star and community advocate, Becky Mays. By: BECCA TAYLOR

BECKY IS AMAZING. I TRULY BELIEVE THERE IS NOTHING THAT SHE CAN’T ACCOMPLISH.”

She sits on the Board of Directors for the Council on Aging Governmental Affairs, to which she was appointed by Judge Burt Mills and then County Commissioner Betty Stiles. She sits on the Board of Directors for ACISD Education Foundation. She just rolled off of the Board of the Rockport Fulton Chamber of Commerce last year. She is the past president of Business Builders of the Rockport Fulton Chamber of Commerce. She is a graduate of LAC Class XVII. She is director of LAC Class XVIII. She served on the LAC Alumni Executive Committee, and she also sat on the LAC Steering Committee. She is a member of the Fulton Volunteer Fire Department. She sat on the Board of Directors for Fulton Oysterfest for three years. In October, she was asked to join the Corpus Christi Executive Association. She also belongs to the Greater Corpus Christi Hospitality Association. She has a great relationship with Channel 3 KIII & Channel 6 KRIS, and she works very closely with 96.5 The Beach & 105.5 WILD. She works very closely with the Portland Chamber of Commerce, and she is the Chair for their Ambassadors Program. She also works with the Corpus Christi United Chamber of Commerce, and she is a Chamber Champion. Mays wants to be sure that everyone knows how important leadership is to her. “One does not facilitate all of these boards and committees without having the passion to make things better for our community. I hold down a fulltime job while I take care of my above-mentioned volunteer positions.” We agree, Becky: Your love and passion for your local community is astounding.

For all your electricity needs, be they commercial or residential, Mays and the Stellar team want to hear from you! Being a deregulated state and having over 129 different electric companies to choose from, why not let SES save you time and money? As we continue to grow, our hope is to continue to become the most trusted energy broker in the Coastal Bend.

I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

PHOTOS COURTESY OF STELLAR ENERGY SOLUTIONS

“

oastal Bend, Stellar Energy Solutions (SES) is extremely proud and excited to spotlight our very own Becky Mays! Mays was raised in Houston, and she moved to Rockport in 2008 with her husband of 31 years, David Mays Sr., and their two children, David Jr. (28) and Megan Bacon (26). She also has a gorgeous granddaughter, Peyten Elizabeth, who is 4 years old. Mays has been with SES for the last five months and has come in and taken the industry by storm. She is talented, smart and beautiful, and she does not take “no” for an answer. SES is lucky to have her! President and CEO of SES, Mr. Tim Clark, was ecstatic to bring Mays on as a member of the Stellar team. “Becky is amazing. I truly believe there is nothing that she can’t accomplish. In all my years of doing this job, it is rare to see anyone take off the way Becky has. She is a true gem, and we are excited to have her on board.” Mays is not only a Stellar rock star, but she is also loyal to her Coastal Bend community. Along with her fulltime job, she also sits on many boards and wears many important hats. These include:

Every business is different. We get that. That’s why we provide unique investment levels, designed to help you right where you are. Don’t just take our word for it.

Research Shows... Consumers are 63% more likely to buy from a business that is a Chamber member. Companies enjoy a 49% increase in consumer favorability rating for being a member of the Chamber.

Membership is valuable & affordable, with investment starting at less than $42 per month

Consumers are 73% more likely to be highly aware of a business if it is a member of the Chamber, and 68% more likely to think positively of its local reputation. 7/10 consumers believe that being actively involved in the Chamber is an effective strategy for enhancing a business’ reputation and for demonstrating that it uses good business practices. Source: Shapiro Group, Atlanta, GA

The United Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce is your...

PARTNER IN PROMOTION Increase your visibility, get the word out, gain access to cost-effective and often free advertising for your business.

CONNECTION BUILDER Looking for leads, networking and business showcase opportunities? You’ve come to the right place.

BUSINESS ADVOCATE We are your voice on issues that affect business and we maintain direct contact with leaders in all levels of government. When you need change, we make change happen.

United Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce 602 N Staples St., Suite 150 Corpus Christi, TX 78401 (361) 881-1800 For more information on chamber membership, contact Efrain Franco, Jr. efrain@unitedccchamber.com

VISIT US ONLINE AT UNITEDCCCHAMBER.COM I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

SPECIAL FEATURE

COASTAL CHRISTMAS

Stellar Energy Solutions partners with SMG to help families make memories and have fun this holiday season. By: BECCA TAYLOR

IT IS MY HONOR TO HELP BRING COASTAL CHRISTMAS TO CORPUS CHRISTI ONCE AGAIN.”

tellar Energy Solutions (SES) is excited to again partner with SMG to bring back Coastal Christmas to the American Bank Center! According to Mr. Tim Clark, president of SES, “Partnering with SMG again this year was a no-brainer for us. As a father of two boys, I understand the importance of making memories. The Coastal Bend is the best community, and it is my honor to help bring this to Corpus Christi once again. It is my family’s favorite holiday event – a place where families can gather together, make memories and have fun this holiday season.” Coastal Christmas 2019 will run from Friday, Dec. 20 through Tuesday, Dec. 31. You will not want to miss this event, which will include Santa on a beautifully decorated throne, ice-skating, tasty treats, a kids’ zone and so much more. There is something for people of all ages, and it is sure to be the best event of the Christmas season! With the continuous growth and potential we

I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

see for the Coastal Bend, the sky is the limit when it comes to making a difference. This year, 2019, has been a year of promise, change and growth for Stellar. With many partnerships being made and multiple sponsorships in the books, we are steadily paving the way to help our community become even better. Did you know we make house calls? The SES development team has been visiting organizations and providing an educational seminar that helps people understand their electricity bills. The presentation covers information about how to read your bill, and it helps explain the importance of using an electricity broker. Our hope is to help individuals navigate the waters of deregulation, and make the process one of understanding and not one of uncertainty. We know you have many choices when it comes to electricity providers, and we want to be there to help you pick the best one for your home or business. We are happy to come out and visit. Our team is standing by!

PHOTOS COURTESY OF STELLAR ENERGY SOLUTIONS

“

Feeling like you paid too much in taxes this year? Contact your financial advisor today to learn about investing strategies that could benefit you.

www.edwardjones.com

Elizabeth Ackman

Member SIPC

Financial Advisor FAP-1942L-A-AD

523 Elm St Portland, TX 78374-1711 361-704-6112

INSURANCE CLAIM SPECIALISTS • • • • • •

Residential Homes Commercial Buildings Apartments and Condos Churches and Schools Retail Centers Warehouses

RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL

YOUR LOCAL ROOFING FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED COMPANY

ROOFING (ALL TYPES)

• • • • •

Shingles - Composition Asphalt Metal Roofing Flat & Steep Slope Modified Bitumen Stone Covered Steel Commercial and Residential

SIDING

WINDOWS

3837 South Padre Island Drive, Corpus Christi, TX www.GalvanBuilders.com

FENCING & MORE

LICENSED & INSURED GENERAL CONTRACTOR

361-857- 4341

TRUSTWORTHY & RELIABLE PROFESSIONAL INSTALLATION

I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

FEATURE

MIND, BODY, SPIRIT Shotokan Karate: It’s great for everyone. By: JEFF GHEE, KYOSHI CCDK

What is Shotokan Karate-Do? Japanese Shotokan Karate-Do is the main style taught at CCDK. Shotokan Karate-Do

I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

is usually divided into three parts: kihon (basics), kata (forms or patterns of moves) and kumite (sparring). Techniques in kihon and kata are characterized by deep, long stances that provide stability, enable powerful movements and strengthen the legs. Shotokan is often regarded as a “hard” and “external” martial art because it is taught that way to beginners and colored belts to develop strong basic techniques and stances. Initially, strength and power are demonstrated instead of slower, more flowing motions. Those who progress to brown- and blackbelt level develop a much more fluid style, which incorporates grappling and some aikido-like techniques, which can be found in the black-belt katas. Kumite techniques mirror these stances and movements at a basic level, but progress to being more flexible with greater movement. The “Do” at the end of Karate means “the way,” which is a journey of the mind and the spirit and, ultimately, the soul. Do is an important road – a way to follow in harmony and synchronization with the vicissitudes

the universe provides, and a path along which to discover for oneself the essentials of a worthwhile life. Mission statement and vision At CCDK, it is our goal to provide the highest-quality martial arts instruction and training in a safe, productive and positive atmosphere. It is our vision to promote personal growth of mind, body and spirit for ourselves, for our members and for the community by following the basic principles of Shotokan Karate-Do. CCDK also strives to teach its students to be technically correct, physically fit and self-disciplined: Technically correct: “Technically correct is the way everything is supposed to be. Everything is important. Even little details matter; from the way you bow in class, to the way you do katas and to the way you stand at attention. Students who are trained to be technically correct focus on posture, correct breathing, preparation, correct form and footwork.” – Andrew M. (rank: fifth kyu; age: 16)

PHOTOS COURTESY OF DOWNTOWN KARATE

reat news: Corpus Christi Downtown Karate (CCDK) is celebrating its 10-year anniversary in October 2019. Ten years ago, Jeff Ghee, the head instructor and owner of CCDK, decided to open CCDK at its current location (703 N. Chaparral St., next-door to Axis Tattoo Shop). With some coaxing from former students and friends, Ghee started CCDK in October 2009. Ghee holds a seventh-degree black belt in Shotokan Karate and a sixth-degree black belt in Goju Ryu Karate. CCDK also has two other instructors who teach classes in Iai-jutsu (Sensei Mike), the study of Japanese sword, and Aikido (Sensei Hector), a style that uses the opponent’s weight and force against them. CCDK welcomes anyone young and older - all men, women, boys and girls who are truly interested in studying traditional Japanese Karate.

“

THE AIM OF THE ART OF KARATE LIES NOT IN VICTORY OR DEFEAT, BUT IN THE PERFECTION OF THE CHARACTER OF ITS PARTICIPANTS”

–G. FUNAKOSHI, FOUNDER OF SHOTOKAN KARATE-DO

Physically fit: “Physical fitness is generally achieved through exercise, correct eating habits and adequate sleep time. Physical fitness is an important part of life. Without fitness in your life, you would become unhealthy and you could become overweight. Fitness was commonly defined as the capacity to carry out the day’s activities without undue fatigue.” – Bruce J. E. (rank: fifth kyu; age: 14) Self-disciplined: “Zanchin is Karate mental focus. A Karate student has to learn to stay focused and in full control of themselves in any situation by rigorous training. Throughout all training a Karate student has to learn to put ‘mind over matter’ to use and ignore physical discomforts and distractions. Without being mentally sound, you cannot focus enough on anything to go far in many aspects of life.” – Clarissa L. (rank: sixth kyu; age: 18) The CCDK school training program combines the mental and physical disciplines necessary to improve one’s strength, flexibility, speed and mental alertness. All Karate training begins and ends with courtesy. Anyone can do it. One of the unique features of Karate training is the fact that it may be easily practiced either alone or in groups, at any time or place, by young and old and by men and women alike. Flexibility in training is provided such that those who are physically and spiritually weak can develop their body and mind so gradually and naturally that they may not even realize their own great progress.

CCDK Classes and Schedules All prospective students receive two free introductory classes. Individual one-onone classes, as well as special group and family classes, are available. Class schedules: Tiny Tiger Karate Kids ages 4 to 5 Mondays and Wednesdays 5:30 to 6 p.m. Kids Beginner Karate Youth ages 6 to 14 Mondays and Wednesdays 6 to 7 p.m. Adult Beginner Karate Individuals 15 and older Tuesdays 6 to 7:30 p.m. and Thursdays 6 to 7 p.m. Weapons Class Fridays 5:30 to 6 p.m. No previous martial arts experience necessary; all styles welcome. Aikido Class Fridays 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. No previous martial arts experience necessary; all styles welcome. Iaido Class (Traditional Japanese Sword) Mondays 7 to 8:30 p.m. and Thursdays 7 to 8:30 p.m. No previous martial arts experience necessary; all styles welcome.

Corpus Christi Downtown Karate is located at 703 N. Chaparral in Corpus Christi, Texas (next to Axis Tattoo). To learn more, call 361-537-3004 or visit ccdk.weebly.com.

I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

FEATURE

HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS

Make your holiday season merry and bright at La Palmera.

he holidays are here once again, and La Palmera is ready to make your season merry and bright. The holiday shopping season officially kicks off with the arrival of Santa Claus, scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 9. The fun begins Saturday afternoon with arts and crafts, face painting, live entertainment and more throughout the mall, as well as Santa’s Magical Illuminated Parade, presented by Apollo Towing, stepping off that evening at 6:30 p.m. The fun continues throughout the evening with entertainment, activities and, of course, photos with Santa. With a route spanning the length of the mall, the community parade, honoring and featuring first responders, also includes community groups, schools, marching bands and Santa. The fun continues throughout the evening with entertainment, activities and Santa, who will then be in Center Court meeting boys and girls and posing for photos during mall hours through Dec. 24. Guests will also find a number of other La Palmera holiday traditions throughout the season. The popular “Pet Night with Santa” returns for six nights beginning in November. Guests may bring their favorite dog or cat Tuesday and Wednesday evenings, Nov. 19 to 20, Nov. 26 to 27 and Dec. 3 to 4 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. A different local animal organization will also be on-hand each evening. Only dogs and cats are permitted, and all animals must remain on a leash or in a carrier at all times. La Palmera will host a special Breakfast with Santa on Tuesday, Dec. 3, from 10 a.m. to noon in Center Court as part of the monthly Tide Turners Kids Club event. Designed for kids 5 and under, this free event includes arts and crafts, story time, refreshments and more.

Shoppers can take advantage of La Palmera’s charity gift-wrapping service every Friday through Sunday beginning Nov. 29 and the entire week before Christmas. The gift-wrapping station is located on the Main Level near Concierge, where volunteers from local charities will provide their wrapping services for donations each day from noon to 6 p.m. Scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 24, Dec. 1 and Dec. 8 from 9 to 11 a.m., is Santa Cares. The event provides some quiet one-on-one time for special-needs children to have photos taken with Santa before the mall opens. There will be no fountain, no background music and no crowds, providing a sensory-friendly environment and extra time for those who may have developmental or physical challenges. Santa Cares is provided in partnership with Autism Speaks and Cherry Hill Programs, which oversees photo programs at La Palmera. Go to lapalmera.com for more information and to reserve a time. And while the holidays mean beloved traditions at La Palmera, they also mean the start of the biggest shopping season of the year. Guests will find popular stores such as H&M, Michael Kors, francesca’s, Kendra Scott, MAC, Torrid and Buckle, as well as seasonal favorites including Hickory Farms and Calendar Club. This year, shoppers will also find new options for holiday shopping including the recently opened women’s clothier, Windsor. Located adjacent to Gordon’s Jewelers just off Center Court, the 4,000-square-foot store features fashionable women’s clothing from casual to formal, including tops, jeans, jackets and dresses, lingerie, accessories, footwear and even high-end cocktail and formal wear for special occasions. Pop culture retailer BoxLunch is also open.

This is the first Coastal Bend location for the specialty retailer offering a curated collection of pop culture-themed products including apparel, accessories, home goods, gift and novelty merchandise and collectibles. And just as the name implies, with every $10 spent, BoxLunch helps provide a meal secured by Feeding America on behalf of local member food banks. To date, BoxLunch has donated more than 40 million meals. “We’re very excited to continue offering new retail options to our shoppers,” said Fred Walters, vice president and general manager of La Palmera. “This year alone, we have added Torrid, Windsor and BoxLunch. We also announced Razzoo’s Cajun Kitchen this year, which will be located adjacent to JCPenney off Staples Street in the corner of the mall’s southeast parking area. It’s scheduled to open in 2020, as is the new Home2 Suites by Hilton, which is currently under construction adjacent to La Palmera near Dillard’s.” For those who can’t decide what gifts to buy, a La Palmera gift card is the perfect choice. Available at Concierge in denominations from $10 to $500, the cards are good at most La Palmera stores and food locations. Guests working up an appetite will find plenty of options, including quick snack and beverage locations throughout the mall, a variety of tasty options in the 600-seat La Palmera Cafés food court, as well as full-service dining at Dave & Buster’s, P.F. Chang’s China Bistro, Grimaldi’s Pizzeria, LongHorn Steakhouse and Chili’s Grill and Bar.

La Palmera events, including times and dates, are subject to change. For more information on La Palmera, go online to www.lapalmera.com, follow us on Facebook or call 361-991-3755.

I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

NEW AFRICA/STOCK.ADOBE.COM

By: SARONA WINFREY

14330 SPID | North Padre Island, TX 78418 361-949-2266 Open: Tuesday-Saturday 10-6 PM 1812 State Hwy 361 | Suite A | Port Aransas, TX 78373 361-749-2266 Open: Monday-Saturday 10-6 PM, Sunday 12-5 PM 615 Business Hwy 35 | South Rockport, TX 78382 361-729-2266 Open: Tuesday-Saturday 10-6 PM NEW LOCATION 5017 Saratoga | Corpus Christi, TX 78413 361-692-2177 Open: Tuesday -Saturday 10-6 PM

CUSTOM DESIGNED FURNITURE, ACCESSORIES & INTERIOR DESIGN

w w w.myc o a st a l h o m e tx .c om

I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

COVER STORY

Taking a

STAND for NUECES COUNTY

May the countyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first female judge please rise. By: Jacqueline Gonzalez Photos by: TWINS Media and Debbie Noble

I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

or the first time in history, the Nueces County judge seat is held by a Latina and native Corpus Christi resident. In 2018, Judge Barbara Canales won a tight race to become Nueces County judge, a seat once held by Lloyd Neal, earning her the position that signals to everyone that Nueces County reflects the democracy that she loves to uphold. A natural leader, she was the W.B. Ray High School Class of 1984 valedictorian and class president before going to earn a bachelor’s degree in petroleum engineering from the University of Texas in 1989 and a juris doctorate degree from the University of Houston’s school of law in 1992. In 1996, she returned to Corpus Christi and became involved in many organizations, nonprofits and community work, which led her to be selected for the role of Port commissioner. After six years in this role, she became interested in the role of Nueces County judge and ran for office in 2018, leading to her victory one year later. It takes a compassionate, open-minded individual to succeed in this role, and Judge Canales encompasses the heart and soul necessary for success. Every experience, both positive and negative, has given her the opportunity to see the world differently and helped her to be a better manager of people. Although she’s proud of being the first female and the first Latina in office, what she’s truly proud of is the manner in which she was elected – by bringing people together – and she has set her goals to administer and do her job in the same manner. Judge Canales loves to move at a fast pace, and these first 10 months in office have not fallen short of busy.

I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

Although she loves to take on multiple projects (and the flexibility and similarities of all 254 counties allow them to work together for the betterment of the community), the county government has processes and rules that have to be respected and followed. The county government is only allowed to do that which is expressly given to them, so a statute must be followed for allowance to hold such power. She would love to take on the many desires of her constituents, but each entity has its own domain and must be respected. Not one to back down from an obstacle, her goal is to collaborate with the cities, ports, the RTA and other governmental entities to work together seamlessly despite their different rules. Judge Canales doesn’t focus on problems; instead, she focuses on solutions. The quote, “in order to solve a problem, you have to focus on the solution,” speaks volumes for her method of managing her role. She views the past as a benchmark in history and as a way to gain experience, rather than as a measure of wrongdoing. Although there may be other governing styles that she would like to emulate in Nueces County, she understands the importance of creating a unique history for our county. Judge Canales is breaking barriers each day by fulfilling her duties with

BOARDS AND COMMITTEES:

DISTINGUISHED HONORS:

• • • • • • • •

Ready or Not Foundation, President Education is our Freedom Scholarship Foundation Dr. Hector Garcia Memorial Foundation Corpus Christi Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Eagleford Shale Consortium Committee Robstown Economic Development Corporation EFCREO Texas A&M University Kingsville South Texas Institute of the Arts Development Committee

LULAC Council No. 1 Community Leadership Award NAACP Humanitarian Award Las Estrellas Award from the Hispanic Women’s Network of Texas Girl Scouts of Corpus Christi Hall of Honor Award University of Texas at Austin Distinguished Young Engineer Award Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, President’s Award Philanthropist of the Year from the Nueces County Democratic Party Y Women in Careers Award for Law

I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

intelligence and compassion. Her deep compassion for people and their welfare fuels her to strive for a quality of excellence in services provided, such as community centers, veterans, social, coastal parks and inland park services, to different groups of people. In addition, she is proud to have accomplished a lower tax rate with the current budget cycle, which resulted in an expansion to a more livable wage and an enhanced health plan without the need to raise premiums for county employees. Most importantly, she is proud of the difference she has made with her administration by creating a capital improvement plan to set out the goals for the next five years. There is no precedent for this accomplishment, and it includes future projects, a projected time frame to complete said projects and financial resources. From a community standpoint, she is addressing the behavioral health initiative by â&#x20AC;&#x153;moving the needle for our community in record time with a plan to assess the county for strengths and weaknesses, move forward with an action plan and marry it to a funding source.â&#x20AC;? This not only saves the taxpayer money, it is also the humanitarian thing to do, which is at the heart of her focus. She is also breaking barriers by being an inspiration for little girls and young women in Nueces County. Having a female in this prestigious role and directing traffic is important for these girls

I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

and expands their goals for the future. Although Judge Canales is an inspiration for them, she states, “they inspire me when they look at me in awe; it’s them I’m getting the energy from.” During her tenure, she hopes to transform Nueces County into the next economic powerhouse in the state of Texas. She works tirelessly to assure that our county’s assets are strategically evaluated, thoroughly developed, and properly managed so that our county will attract new businesses, invite greater investment, and thus realize its full potential. She believes that attracting successful, new business to our community will grow the tax-base and will be a sustainable long-term model for increased revenues to Nueces County. Judge Canales is excited to bring a modern view of Nueces County not only through economic growth, but also through great housing and urban centers and a beautiful coast. She looks forward to placing a real concentration of the rural areas that are the backbone of America, such as agriculture and all of the interesting new ways that farmers are lending themselves to the STEM technology to create food of the future. Judge Canales has an unrivaled passion for our community and considers herself the “luckiest judge who has it all.” She is able to do a wide variety of agenda items because she views them as developing a whole quality of place. “Your quality of life is one thing, but your quality of place, where you live that life, is different,” she said. “I need all of those things to work as components and subsets of one another in order to have our youth want to stick around for many more years.” Her first year has been a dream, and she looks forward to the long, 18-hour days, as they are “worth every second.” She wants to look back on her tenure and see that she was “on the field for both offense and defense while helping to create this team.” As a community, we are in good hands and look forward to a promising future with Judge Canales at the helm.

“

IN ORDER TO

SOLVE

A PROBLEM, YOU HAVE TO

FOCUS

ON THE SOLUTION.”

To learn more, visit the Nueces County website: www.nuecesco.com.

I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

PROFILE

AMMO & ACCESSORIES GUNS & GLAMOUR BOUTIQUE combines firearms and fashion for a singular shopping experience. By: Kathleen Naderer Photos by: TWINS Media

I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

he brainchild of husband-and-wife duo, Andy and Melissa Joslin, Guns & Glamour Boutique in Alice, Texas, is a dream come true for the couple. A unique concept born from the desire to create a shopping experience that both husbands and wives would enjoy, this store carries a hand-picked selection of high-quality clothing and fashion accessories for both men and women alongside a collection of firearms and sporting equipment. This uncommon store began with a small line of boutique items and a single wall of sporting goods back in 2015. Four years later, their business is a thriving, vibrant boutique that fills three suites and operates a website that ships beautiful and one-of-a-kind items across Texas, as well as to other states including Oklahoma, Wyoming and Louisiana. And plans for even more growth are on the horizon, including an indoor/outdoor, multifaceted shooting range and a possible new location opening in the Coastal Bend. Andy and Melissa first met in Floresville. He was a police officer, the commander of a narcotics unit, and she was a local business owner. They were drawn together through their involvement in civic organizations and a mutual love of the outdoors. Their favorite pastimes include shooting sports, hunting and fishing. The two became best friends and remained extremely involved in their Floresville community. Andy became the city manager for the City of Floresville, and Melissa served as the chamber of commerce president and as president of the Floresville Event Center Board of Directors. When Andy retired from the City of Floresville, the couple married and moved to his hometown of Alice. He was happy to be surrounded by his family and loved ones again, and Melissa, who had never moved far from home before, was excited to embark on a new journey with him. Retirement didn’t mean settling down into monotony for them, however. Andy, who has more than 25 years of experience in municipal government, as well as a strong financial background, ended up becoming city manager for the City of Alice. With Melissa’s support, he worked to improve the city’s financial deficit and implement new policy. Even after retiring for a second time, both Andy and Melissa continue to support the local civic organizations in Alice and throughout Jim Wells County. Melissa was not idle, either. She had been learning the ropes of running a business since her first job at age 16 and has plenty of business management experience under her belt. The inspiration behind Guns & Glamour Boutique came from a discussion between Melissa, Andy and his late brother, William, as they sat around the kitchen table brainstorming ways they could make a living working for themselves rather than other people. They wanted to create a business which husbands and wives could visit together, without either partner becoming bored while waiting for the other to finish their shopping. “Guns & Glamour’s original business plan was handwritten on the back of a napkin and later wrapped around a cold beverage to seal the deal,” Andy recalled. “All business meetings are still conducted this way.” 

I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

“

GUNS & GLAMOUR’S ORIGINAL BUSINESS PLAN WAS HANDWRITTEN ON THE BACK OF A NAPKIN AND LATER WRAPPED AROUND A COLD BEVERAGE TO SEAL THE DEAL”

I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

While many women in the Coastal Bend share Melissa’s interest in firearms and outdoor sports and quickly embraced the concept of the store, Andy did note that when they first opened, some men were reluctant to come into a store with “boutique” in the name. “We still get a few who will send a friend in to make sure we stock and sell firearms,” he said. “But for the guys who frequent our store, it’s easy for them to answer their cell phone with ‘I’m buying a gun at Guns & Glamour,’ quickly followed by, ‘Yes, I’ll buy you something, too.’” This unique store has become a popular destination for many in the Coastal Bend. No matter your interest, there is something for the whole family to enjoy. Andy and Melissa collaborate with the Guns & Glamour staff to select and promote different items appropriate for the season and upcoming events. The Guns & Glamour Boutique website and

I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

Facebook page regularly update with new and featured items. Men’s and women’s clothing is stocked in sizes XS to 3XL, and they carry many quality name brands like Pescador, Reel Wicked, Saltwater Sassy, B tuff and Habit River Shirt. They even stock and support Brushmade, a locally owned clothing company. Other popular items include Yellowbox shoes, Bling jewelry and a wide array of caps such as Hooey, Oilfield Trash, Reel Wicked, Pescador and Sniper Pig. “Everyone leaves with a smile on their face,” Melissa said. “We know how to take care of our customers.” Staying upbeat and motivated is an important aspect of their business. Fortunately, Andy and Melissa have each other, their families and their staff to help keep their store running glamorously. For Andy and Melissa, the best part of working together to create Guns & Glamour is seeing their vision become a reality. They are always ready to encourage and support one another, not just in business, but in their daily lives.

“

EVERYONE LEAVES WITH A SMILE ON THEIR FACE. WE KNOW HOW TO TAKE CARE OF OUR CUSTOMERS”

Visit the Guns & Glamour Boutique storefront at 1801 E. Main, Suites C, D and E, in Alice, Texas, or go to www.gunsandglamour.com for unique items and gifts.

I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

PROFILE

“We’re not the kind of shop that gives people what they want; we give people what they need,” explains Shawn, owner of DBS Graphics. For Shawn, the creation is not only found in the technology, but within his inner creative wiring that initiates the design process. A true creative, Shawn integrates Apple products, a high-definition printer and a variety of tools to achieve quality applications.

DESIGN BY

SHAWN DBS Graphics heightens the caliber of design in the Coastal Bend. By: Jessica Dusek Photos by: TWINS Media

I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

“

WE’RE NOT THE KIND OF SHOP THAT GIVES PEOPLE WHAT THEY WANT; WE GIVE PEOPLE WHAT THEY NEED,”

I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

erfecting his operational process, the design and application processes have become seamless in his shop. The mathematical layout behind the final product helps Shawn utilize various forms of technology to deliver high-quality final pieces for his clients. “It’s like a giant jigsaw puzzle,” he describes of the fun challenge. While working with clients, he interviews them, listening to their description of what they need for their project. If they can describe it ever so slightly, Shawn can design it. Opening his design business in 2016, Shawn’s specialty stemmed from management and graphic design – thus, it made sense to bring his expertise to Corpus Christi and open his own design space. Shawn and his team work with a variety of pieces to complement both personal and professional needs. His work can be found on vehicles, banners, food trucks and trailers, as well as in graphics on business buildings. He’s had orders for wrapping external buildings in a brick-type decal, and he has done the inside one client's home to reflect a lifelike experience in the football stands of his client’s favorite team. His onsite staff includes four installers, including his son, Seth. The only shop in town with a vehicle lift, he’s designed and applied graphics for local law enforcement agencies, including Refugio, Alice, Three Rivers, Jim Wells County and Port of Corpus Christi PD and CCISD. He has clients driving from all over the country so that he and his team to work on their projects in Corpus Christi. Shawn has designed sea creatures, an epic hellcat on a muscle car and tremendous commemoration scenes for U.S. war veterans. An Army veteran himself, Shawn uses his talents to create scenes that capture the heart and bravery of other veterans.

Background With an extensive background in graphics, Shawn managed a graphics design studio prior to opening his own business. He enjoys the thrill of partnering with his clients to create something

I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

unique to help present their brand or develop a design idea to life – and he doesn't think twice about the risk. He lets his artistic passion drive the end results. In his teens during the 1980s, Shawn freehanded at Ocean Originals. His acute attention to detail and speed landed him the position with Bosch in Chicago, which helped mold his entrepreneurial spark. Completing his exams in a third of the expected time, he worked his way up as a senior designer. Developing catalogs and marketing graphics and packaging, he contributed to products found on the shelves of Home Depot, Lowe’s, Bed Bath and Beyond, Pep Zone, Auto Zone and O’Reilly Auto Parts. After 13 years in Chicago, Shawn came back to his hometown of Corpus Christi. His love of cars (growing up working on hot rods) connected him back to creating a business where he could do vehicle wraps and unique graphics for personal and business use. Inspired to bring a higher caliber, he recalls a former colleague quote describing his designs: “Shawn’s designs aren’t Corpus Christi quality. Shawn’s designs are New York quality.” The intensive process of applying decals causes Shawn and his team to work and think efficiently. Dismantling parts of the vehicle, it is important to Shawn to revere blended seams and produce a quality finish. It can take some extra time to prep; however, DBS carries the reputation of higher quality – in half the time of other shops.

Technology tools Accompanied by technology throughout his whole workspace, Shawn has four to six 52-inch, large-screen monitors working in synchronization at any given time. Using technology as long as he can remember, he reads full manuals and applies advanced applications in Adobe, having taught classes in Photoshop applications in previous years. Here, he brings designs to a third, fourth and fifth dimensional level. With the help of his Roland Printer, he can do one side of one car with his 60-inch printer. The water-based printer is “state-of-the-art” – which he says is an under-

I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

statement of its capabilities. Applications also include brick and asphalt. He refers to his tag line: “If vinyl can stick to it, I can wrap it.” Working on personal and company vehicles for clients, the detail and precision not only comes from the integrity of the graphic design, but also is demonstrated in the decal color, tone texture, color and flow. His ability to wrap a vehicle in a chrome or metallic covering looks impeccable. Shawn refers to an example of an Electric Blue Chrome Corvette he recently completed. Discussing colors elements, color, design and the purpose of what they wanted to accomplish, Shawn designs an array of marketing tools for his clients. “Logos need to be built correctly,” he describes of the variations in the foundation of the graphic arts. Explaining the difference between Vector graphics (Adobe-mathematical) and raster graphics (pixels), there is a great deal of precision involved. Shawn’s goal: to create impact on a larger scale. A fast thinker and worker, he works with his screen monitors, printer and materials to advance the client’s experience. He goes the extra mile to exceed the initial design vision. He and his team continue to ensure presentation is done in alignment with their high caliber and quality of work.

To learn more about DBS Graphics and their projects, please visit www.dbsgraphicsllc.com.

I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

ADVOCACY IN ACTION A delegation of Corpus Christi community and business leaders advocates for our community at the annual CB to DC Advocacy Trip. SPECIAL TO INSPIRE COASTAL BEND

he mission of the United Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce is “to advance economic prosperity for all business while preserving the region’s diverse cultures.” Advocacy is at the heart of what matters to our members and the regional economy. As membership numbers increase, so does our ability to impact legislation and influence change. The chamber seeks out and initiates strategic opportunities to promote economic growth and prosperity for the Coastal Bend. This includes monitoring legislation that may affect our military installations, movement to alter our insurance premiums, endeavors that will impact our business community and any additional legislative efforts that may negatively impact business. A key piece of the chamber’s continuous advocacy efforts is the annual CB to DC Advocacy Trip. The 2019 trip took place from Sept. 9 to 11 when a group of 48 local community and business leaders made the trip to Washington, D.C., to advocate for local and regional issues important to the Coastal Bend business community. The trip provides the vital opportunity for us to show up in numbers and attend meetings with legislators and policy officials to express the needs of our region.

I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

Many chamber members recognize the importance of this opportunity to sit down with legislators and key officials in the administration and express the priorities of our region with a unified voice. One of those member-businesses is Turner|Ramirez Architects, a full-service architecture, planning and design firm. “CB to DC is a critically important part of what the United Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce does on behalf of our community,” said Philip Ramirez, president of Turner|Ramirez Architects and current chairman of the United Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce. “The purpose of the trip is to educate elected officials on the issues important to the Coastal Bend, and to advocate on behalf of the business community.” Throughout the duration of CB to DC, the participating delegation focused on the priorities listed on the United Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce’s federal legislative agenda. To view the complete agenda, visit unitedccchamber.com/public-policy. Want to learn more about what participating in this advocacy trip looks like? Here is an outline and recap of CB to DC 2019, provided by Triston Crossland, program & policy specialist for the United Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce and one of the 48 members of this year’s Coastal Bend delegation. This year’s CB to DC Trip was a massive success. Our delegation flew into Washington on Monday, Sept. 9. Our first official event was a reception hosted by Cheniere. We met at their Washington headquarters,

where trip participants were able to talk about the full day we had ahead of us on Tuesday while enjoying a lovely display of food and refreshments. On Tuesday, we had the opportunity to take a group photograph with Congressman Cloud outside of the Capitol building. Afterwards, we made the short walk over to the Library of Congress, where Congressman Cloud arranged for us to meet in a beautiful room overlooking the Capitol. There we had the honor of hearing directly from eight congressmen, as well as Sen. John Cornyn and the staff of Sen. Ted Cruz. The members included: Congressman Michael Cloud (TX-27), Congressman Brian Babin (TX-36), Congressman Pete Olson (TX-22), Congressman Filemon Vela (TX-34), Congressman Dan Crenshaw (TX-02), Congressman Garret Graves (LA-06), Congressman Chip Roy (TX-21) and Congressman Andy Biggs (AZ-05). This group took turns addressing some of the most important issues affecting our community, such as the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), our military facilities, Port issues, border security and the financial sector. Along with these members, we had Paul Teller, special assistant to the president, join us, as well as Dave Davis, chief of staff to Congressman Kevin Brady (TX08), to further elaborate on the current state of USMCA negotiations and what we could expect moving forward. After these meetings, we hosted our First Annual Texas Delegation Reception, which was a success far beyond our expectations. Those in attendance included countless staff from many Texas congressional offices, varying from chiefs of staff to communications directors to legislative assistants. On Capitol Hill, it’s no secret as to how difficult it is to get members of congress to attend receptions. South Texans must really know how to put on an event because we had the privilege of hosting multiple members at our reception, including Congressman Cloud, Congressman Vela and Congressman Cuellar, Congressman Weber and Congressman Babin. The next morning, we had the privilege of hearing from staff of the Canadian Embassy

PHOTOS COURTESY OF UNITED CORPUS CHRISTI CHAMBER

UNITED CORPUS CHRISTI CHAMBER

ADVOCACY IS AT THE HEART OF WHAT MATTERS TO OUR MEMBERS AND THE REGIONAL ECONOMY.

as to what they are doing to ensure the USMCA agreement is signed into law here in the United States. Overall, we were able to deliver a message to our representatives and others about the importance of the Coastal Bend community. Over 40 individuals from our area made the trip all the way to Washington to meet with countless members and echo the sentiments we feel every single day down here. None of this is possible without the strong support we receive from our members every day. With your help, we will continue to remind Washington of Corpus Christi’s important role in our country.

For additional information regarding the 2019 CB to DC Advocacy Trip and the United Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce’s efforts to advance economic prosperity for businesses in the Coastal Bend, visit us online at www.unitedccchamber.com or contact Ginny Cross, vice president of government & community relations, at 361-881-1800 or ginny@unitedccchamber.com.

I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

Local Eats

I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

Passionately Pizza Meet the woman behind Padre Islandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best-kept secret: Padre Pizzeria. By: Jessica Dusek Photos by: Taylor Cravey Photography

I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

ach morning at 8 a.m. sharp, Padre Pizzeria Owner Lorena Schmitt and her employees prepare Padre Pizzeria’s specialty pizza dough for the day. Located on North Padre Island near White Cap Beach, the pizzeria has served Corpus Christi and island locals over the past 23 years. The pizzeria offers fresh ingredients with their white- and red-sauce, focaccia-style specialty pizzas. Drawing crowds throughout the week, the local eatery continues to leave a memorable mark on the taste buds of new and longtime patrons alike. “The pepperoni rolls – people love those,” Schmitt notes of their menu favorites. Carefully wrapped calzones and unique pizza flavor combinations such as The Kitchen Sink and Thai Pizza continue to attract enthusiastic customers. Extending their menu options, Padre Pizzeria also offers lasagna, salads and gluten-free crust for vegetable lovers. “We now have a cauliflower crust,” Schmitt explains. “People love it!” Making it a point to support local, Schmitt carries local Texas beers including Lorelei, Lazy Beach and Nueces Brewing Company. They also plan to expand their local wine selections this year. With customers traveling internationally to revisit the pizzeria, patrons actively ask Schmitt and her staff to expand the business into neighboring cities such as San Antonio. She continues to manage her operation with tradition and sincerity out of their original location. She also finds ways to utilize her pizza kitchen to give back to the Corpus Christi and North Padre Island communities. “I come from a family of business owners,” Schmitt explains of her passion being a local business owner. With a servant’s heart, this has been a guiding force behind the success of her restaurant and contributing as an extension in her community. Growing up in Venezuela, both Schmitt’s father and grandfather had been entrepreneurs. As she watched her family members own and run their own businesses, she was inspired her to pursue entrepreneurship. As her desire to manage a business of her own grew, she worked hard in the restaurant industry.

I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

I love cooking, and I love people.”

After learning the pizza business, she came across a tremendous opportunity. In 2004, she and her business partner purchased Padre Pizzeria. Later, in 2009, she gained full ownership. Although the road ahead as sole owner would be challenging, she worked seven days a week to keep the business running. The well-regarded reputation and unique pizza choices came with an established and more-than satisfied clientele. As a business owner, Schmitt was faced with making decisions for the health of her team, as well as her business. She soon found that being overworked was no longer a viable option. It was essential to restore work-life balance to the environment for her and her staff. In 2012, she decided to close her business on Sundays. Understanding the spiritual purpose of restoration behind her decision, she knew it was the right thing to do. She received an endearing letter (almost in the form of a petition) from her dedicated patrons with several signatures, asking

for her to reconsider and remain open on Sundays. The thoughtfulness was touching for Schmitt, and clearly the pizza made that much of an impact! Yet, over the years, her loyal customers have adapted, and now visit on Fridays and Saturdays instead. “I love cooking, and I love people,” Schmitt says enthusiastically. Working and owning her business fulltime as a single mom, she endured the demands of entrepreneurship simultaneously with parenthood. Yet, her dedicated staff and loyal clients fueled her determination to become a successful business owner. She also found ways to utilize her business and demonstrate compassion around the holidays for Corpus Christi’s homeless population. It was something that came naturally, gathering people to serve food and make a difference in the community. Each Thanksgiving, she and a group of volunteers prepare food in her pizza kitchen to serve meals to those in need. “I have a heart for the homeless,” she says compassionately. A growing

I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

tradition over the past 10 years, “We usually go to city hall and bring tables,” she explains. As they have set up and served throughout the years, Schmitt has been a strong part of the heart-filled movement, serving others in Corpus Christi over the holidays. “Others (organizations) have been contributing more and more each year, which is lovely,” she says. “I love it!” Also finding time to do a school lunch program, she and her staff prepare meals for students every Friday, offering a meal choice of pizza or hamburgers. “We have two pizza ovens and one convection oven,” she describes of her facility. Usually packed with customers on the weekends, the pizzeria is always full with beach-goers and pizza lovers, making their way to their longtime favorite pizza spot. Schmitt’s son, now 18, helps his mom and works in her pizzeria while finishing high school. As he helps contribute ideas to the business, she notes she has been “blessed” with his help, quality employees and a supportive family. As Padre Pizzeria continues to thrive, they have added some aesthetic upgrades. Their newly remodeled bar provides a nice ambiance for customers to enjoy a glass of wine or beer with their pizza. The upscale atmosphere complements the focaccia-style pizza and Italian favorites listed on their menu. “It’s undeniable that is the best pizzeria,” Schmitt says with a smile.

I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

As Padre Pizzeria CONTINUES TO THRIVE,

they have added some aesthetic upgrades. Their NEWLY REMODELED BAR

provides a nice ambiance for customers to ENJOY A GLASS OF WINE OR BEER with

their pizza.

To learn more about Padre Pizzeria, please visit www.padrepizzeria.com.

I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

TRAVEL

When you fly with your hometown airport, the Big Apple is closer than you think.

iving in the Coastal Bend offers us a serene break from the hustle and bustle of big city life. Things move slower in Corpus Christi, and that’s just how we like it. However, many Corpus Christians have loaded up the car and headed to the “big city” to experience the attractions, shopping, restaurants and glitz. This too is one of the nice things about our home: The big city is just far enough away, but not too far. Houston is a four-hour drive, Dallas is seven hours away and New Orleans is a few more miles away than that. Wouldn’t it be nice if some of the nation’s best cities were closer? The Metroplex is great, but what if New York were also seven hours away, door-to-door? Well, in a way it is. Let’s see what we can do in a long weekend in the Big Apple, departing from Corpus Christi. Corpus Christi to New York/Newark via Houston • • •

Depart Corpus Christi Saturday 7 a.m; arrive Newark 2:30 p.m. (plus 1 hour to Eastern Time) Saturday Depart Newark Monday 5:45 p.m.; arrive Corpus Christi 10:30 p.m. (minus 1 hour to Central time) Monday United Airlines: $345 per person; total travel time 6 hours each way

Your flight from Corpus Christi International Airport (CCIA) departs at 7 a.m. If you were in any other big city, your alarm would sound at 3 a.m. and you’d leave by 4 a.m. to beat the traffic and get through security. Not for you, though! Since CCIA is a regional airport, security lines are far shorter, and with the airport’s location within 30 minutes of most residents, the drive is negligible. For the author, a 7 a.m. flight means a 5 a.m. wake up, out the door by 5:45, sliding into a convenient parking spot at the airport by 6:15 a.m. and in seat and ready for adventure by 6:30. Flight time to Houston is a quick 38 minutes, and it’s a 20-minute walk to your next gate. Flight 557 departs at 8:45, and you’re at the gate, bagel and coffee in hand, with 20 minutes to spare. Just three short hours ago, you were walking out your front door, and now you’re at a departing gate to New York. You couldn’t do that if you lived in Houston or Dallas, as you’d have to allow hours just for traffic and airport security. After a quick three-hour-and-15-minute flight, you’ve arrived in Newark, and the trains to the city are a quick walk from the C Terminal. Thirty minutes later, you’re standing in Penn Station, and New York is at your feet. What’s first? Have a quick early dinner in Little Italy? Head to Times

Square to get cheap tickets for a show? Or go to Central Park and take in all the beautiful foliage and museums? All are quick, easy and cheap, thanks to New York’s fantastic subway system. From Penn Station, you can go anywhere in minutes. Thanks to your intrepid use of one of the many hotel discount websites, your hotel in Times Square is a bargain at $180 a night, and is close to everything you could possibly want in the city that never sleeps. After a quick bite at Haru Sushi on 43rd Street, you’re ready for a quick walk up to Rockefeller Center to get the best views in the city and a street-lit walk back to your hotel. Day 1 was a great day. On Sunday, you’re ready to hit the museums and other attractions uptown via a quick subway ride on the Blue Line. The Museum of Natural History at 81st Street is also a great gateway to Central Park, and the 79th Street Transverse will take you past the Conservancy, the Shakespeare Garden and Belvedere Castle on your way to the Museum of Modern Art on 5th Avenue. When you’re done getting cultured, walk a couple of blocks to Park Avenue and hop on the Green Line

By: JON REILY

to Grand Central Station. Choose from 20 restaurants in the dining concourse, including the century-old Grand Central Oyster Bar, before taking the shuttle back to Times Square and some wellearned rest at your hotel. It’s Monday morning and time to catch the ferry to the Statue of Liberty. A quick ride down the Red Line to South Ferry and walk across Battery Park gets you to the boat, from which you’ll marvel at some of the best water views of the city on your way to soak up history at Ellis and Liberty Island. Once you’re back on land, take a quick walk to Wall Street and see the Charging Bull and New York Stock Exchange. Then hop on the Yellow Line to Cortlandt Street, the World Trade Center and the 9/11 Memorial. Alas, it’s time to go, so a short trip back to your hotel to collect your things and the reverse trip back to Newark has you on the plane before you know it. After a quick transfer in Houston, you’re back at CCIA and resting in your own bed by 11 p.m. and ready to head to work on Tuesday. Where can your hometown airport take you?

JON REILY is a member of the airport board who travels frequently on business and always starts his trips at CCIA. For more information, you may contact him at jon@jonreily.com.

I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

CGIHEART/STOCK.ADOBE.COM

DIARY OF A FREQUENT CCIA TRAVELER

Get tHe moSt VALue out oF YouR inSuRAnCe CoVeRAGe  Auto

 Home

 BuSineSS

Smart choices last a lifetime. Kimberly Harrington Your Local Agent 5933 PAtton St Ste B CoRPuS CHRiSti, tX 78414 KHARRINGTON1@FARMERSAGENT.COM https://agents.farmers.com/kharrington1

Call me today! 361.906.1616

Insurance underwritten by Farmers Insurance Exchange and other affiliated insurance companies. Life insurance is issued by Farmers New World Life Insurance Company, 3120 139th Ave. SE, Ste. 300, Bellevue, WA 98005. Each insurer has sole financial responsibility for its own insurance. Visit farmers.com for a complete list of companies. Not all insurers are authorized in all states. Not all products, coverages, and discounts are available in all states. See agent for details.

I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

TASTE

Seasonal Classic Caramel figgy pudding

By: MANDY ASHCRAFT / Photo by: DUSTIN ASHCRAFT

We’re all familiar with the Fig Newton, but this holiday season, it’s time to enjoy figs beyond the snack cookie, in a classic seasonal way. “Pudding” is used in the British sense of the word, which just means “dessert,” so what you actually have here is four delicious little cakes! Recipe serves 4. Ingredients: 1 cup dried figs, chopped coarsely 1 cup dried pitted dates, chopped coarsely 2 cups water 1 stick butter or margarine 2 eggs 1 cup sugar 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 1/2 cups flour 3 ounces chocolate chips Store-bought caramel topping Whipped cream Fresh figs

Instructions: 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease 4 standard ramekins and set aside.

Add baking powder, baking soda and flour.

Fold in pureed date, fig and chocolate mixture.

Divide mixture between greased ramekins. Bake at 350 for 18 to 20 minutes or until cooked through. Test the center with a toothpick.

Serve warm; overturn pudding from ramekins onto dessert plates, drizzle with caramel and top with whipped cream and fresh figs.

Bring water, dried figs and dates to a boil over medium heat. Alternatively, the figs and dates can be soaked overnight in the 2 cups of water.

Puree figs and dates in a food processor until smooth. Add chocolate chips and puree again.

Add butter or margarine to the bowl of a stand mixer or to a mixing bowl. Add sugar and mix well. Add eggs one at a time.

For more information, visit www.mandyashcraft.com

I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

Specializing in Commercial Builtto-Suit as well as Residential, Electrical, Site Work, and Civil Construction

FULL-SERVICE GENERAL CONTRACTOR AND CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT

361-883-3766

Quality Results Start With Us

• General Construction • Lawn & Garden • Power Generators • Pumps & Accessories • Facility Cleaning & Maintenance • Forklifts

At Gourley Contracting, We Don’t Just Build, We Build Relationships. Highly-skilled and Experienced

www.GourleyContractorsLLC.com

7314 S.P.I.D., Corpus Christi

361-654-4422

Family Owned & Operated Tool Rental & Sales Since 1982

Authorized STIHL Dealer

Financing

Customer Service

Brian Butler

I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

NONPROFIT

ENVIRONMENTAL HEROES

Coastal Bend Bays Foundation honors those who are dedicating to preserving our natural environment. By: KATHRYN TUNNELL The natural beauty of the Coastal Bend attracts people for many reasons. For some it’s the promise of the sun rising over the ocean each day, the freedom of a boat ride or fresh seafood on a dinner plate. But for others, it’s more than an attraction – it gives purpose. The Conservation & Environmental Stewardship Awards Program

strives to recognize and honor those outstanding people who have found purpose in its beauty – those who have dedicated themselves to protecting and preserving our natural environment so we all may enjoy its bounties. The Coastal Bend Bays Foundation is proud to announce the following 2019 Conservation & Environmental Stewardship Awards winners.

LEGACY AWARD:

PRESIDENT’S AWARD:

John Wesley “Wes” Tunnell Jr.

Hans, Pat and Hal Suter

David Sikes

Wes was a beloved professor of biology at Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi (TAMUCC) and endowed chair of biodiversity and conservation science at the Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies. An accomplished marine ecologist and biologist, Wes was a true academic inspiration and mentor to thousands of students, he established the Center for Coastal Studies at TAMUCC and he was the heart and soul of the Harte Research Institute. He was passionate about science with an unrivaled work ethic, from the academic programs he built to the countless lives he influenced. Wes’ contributions to the scientific community will be felt for generations to come.

Hans, Pat and their son, Hal, dedicated their lives to speaking up for the protection of the environment. Hans and Pat, both chemists, were pioneer environmentalist in the Coastal Bend in the 1960s, and were instrumental in protecting Oso Creek from industrial development and Corpus Christi Bay from effluent discharges. As a family, they were heavily involved in the Coastal Bend Sierra Club, Coastal Bend Audubon Society, Coastal Bend Bays Foundation and the Corpus Christi Botanical Society. The Suter family has set the bar high for present-day and future environmentalists.

David has been promoting public awareness of conservation issues as a writer and photographer in the Coastal Bend for over 20 years. As the past president, chairman and board member for the Texas Outdoor Writers Association, and member of the Outdoor Writers Association of America, he is an ambassador of wildlife and an advocate for sensible conservation. Driven by encouraging children and adults to participate in outdoor activities that inspire environmental stewardship, David’s columns celebrate our natural resources and highlight those who enjoy and protect them.

For more information, visit www.cbbep.org.

THE PROGRAM RECOGNIZES OUTSTANDING PEOPLE WHO ARE DEDICATED TO PROTECTING OUR NATURAL ENVIRONMENT.

I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

COASTAL STEWARD VOLUNTEER: Cliff Schlabach, Surfrider Foundation, Texas Coastal Bend Chapter (TXCBC) As the chair for the Surfrider Foundation TXCBC since its inception, Cliff has been a driving force for the protection of our oceans, beaches and waves for over 20 years. He truly believes in leaving the earth in a better state than we found it, and he gives of his time to ensure that our beaches are safe and accessible for all to enjoy.

EDUCATION K-12: Janice Ainbinder, Flour Bluff Intermediate School As a science teacher at Flour Bluff Intermediate School, Janice is always engaged in learning new teaching techniques, researching her observations about nature and sharing her discoveries with students and colleagues. She is a master naturalist who engages her students beyond the classroom in Flour Bluff Nature Garden or at the Flour Bluff Wetlands, and who volunteers with numerous community programs that enhance our environmental community and its citizens.

COASTAL COMMUNITY: Chuck Naiser & FlatsWorthy Community As the founder of FlatsWorthy Inc., a nonprofit organization focused on conservation and the fishing community, Chuck works tirelessly to promote responsible behavior of anglers and fishermen stakeholders in South Texas. Driven by his appreciation of the relationship between coastal ecosystem conservation and the well-being of the fishing and guiding community, Chuck and the Flatsworthy community inspire those young and old to engage in sustainable behavior in our coastal habitats.

COASTAL STEWARD PROFESSIONAL: Colleen Simpson, City of Port Aransas, Director of Parks & Recreation Colleen has been working in environmental education and stewardship in the Coastal Bend for almost 10 years. As the parks and recreation director for the City of Port Aransas, she prioritizes conservation of natural resources, she was instrumental in Port Aransas’ skip the plastic movement and she is working to make Port Aransas a premiere Bird City in the state of Texas.

BUSINESS: Transformation Scuba, Dr. Mark McNamara As a local scuba instructor, Mark teaches people to explore the aquatic world with a focus on conservation. After witnessing the impact marine debris can have on the ecosystem from below the waterline, Mark founded Transformation Scuba and Dive Against Debris, an underwater debris survey event to spread awareness about marine debris, especially ghost fishing gear. His slogan, “Transform Yourself – Transform Your Ocean,” embodies his spirit of teaching divers to love and protect our imperiled ocean planet.

NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION: INDUSTRY WINNER: LyondellBassell LyondellBasell has been a key leader in supporting environmental projects in the Coastal Bend. For Global Care Day they hosted trash clean ups on San Jose Island and Port Aransas, as well as designed and built large structures to help in the rehabilitation of raptors at the Amos Rehabilitation Keep at the University of Texas Marine Science Institute. Their investment of time and resources has been a tremendous asset to our environmental community.

Toby Globy Inc., Humberto Almaraz With a passion and dedication to teach children and their families the critical need of water conservation and environmental stewardship, Humberto founded Toby Globy Inc. in 1991. The program features Toby Globy, the program’s earth-loving mascot that teaches simple environmental and ecological awareness and solutions to students in pre-K through second grade.

I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

NONPROFIT

CHAMPIONS FOR CHILDREN

CASA advocates fight for the futures of foster children in the Coastal Bend.

hen CASA Advocate Ron accepted a case with two boys, ages 10 and 13, the case was already three years old. The youngest boy, Joey, was in a treatment center in the Houston area. The oldest boy was with a family friend locally and doing well, but Joey, removed at age 8, was not. Joey‘s father died before he was born, and his mother became involved with the wrong men, leading to allegations of domestic violence, physical abuse and drug use. Joey did not understand why he was in foster care and his brother was living with friends. His behavior began to deteriorate. When Ron took the case, Joey was in his second treatment center after a failed return home. At only 10 years old, everyone had given up on Joey and was expecting him to age out of foster care. Joey was in crisis. He had special needs and limited social skills. Ron visited Joey and worked on connecting with him by doing simple things like driving remote-control vehicles, shooting baskets and shopping. Slowly, Joey began to open up and trust Ron. CASA suggested a family meeting. This meeting was life-changing for Joey. The family including Joey’s mother and her new paramour, who expressed their desire to have Joey return home. Ron began to evaluate this possibility. Ron developed a graph detailing Joey’s time in care, his moves between treatment centers and behavior hospitals and, most importantly, the fact that his behavior had gotten worse instead of better. Clearly, the foster care system was not helping Joey. Ron began working on alternatives and convincing the team that Joey was not responsible for his behaviors and deserved to be with family. Ron worked with the family extensively. Mother and her new paramour had a home and a small business and were doing well. After several meetings, Ron began advocating strongly for Joey to go home. Joey was finally reunited with his family. It was a joyous occasion,

but there was much work ahead. He did not recover from four-and-a-half years in a treatment center overnight. Joey was guarded and did not trust easily, but his family worked hard and quickly gained Joey’s trust and respect. Joey’s story has a happy ending because his CASA would not give up. Ron dedicated twoand-a-half years to Joey. Ron’s persistence paid off. Joey got what he deserved: a forever home with his family. Since 1992, when CASA of the Coastal Bend was first appointed to a case of a child in foster care, there have been hundreds of local advocates, like Ron, who have helped thousands of children from our community, like Joey. Unfortunately, with the overwhelming number of children entering foster care, last year, over 700 foster children from the Coastal Bend did not have a CASA to be their voice. CASAs are vital volunteer advocates who champion for the needs of foster children and work toward their successful, permanent placement in caring, loving and stable forever homes. Please consider sharing opportunities for CASA to give presentations to your faith group, workplace, civic groups, homeowners’ association and/or group of friends. You can also invite others to attend a 45-minute, non-committal information session, held at the CASA office (2602 Prescott) every Wednesday at 12 p.m. Challenge your coworkers and invite your clients to share the spirit of giving with foster youth by hosting a toy drive at your office during November and December. Your organization’s generosity will be shared with the community through radio, social media and the CASA website. SAMES Ford is hosting the Fifth Annual Santa Cause Toy Drive for CASA on Dec. 14 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. CASA representatives will be onsite, along with businesses offering giveaways. Live interviews will be offered to business representatives who deliver donations during the event.

For more information, contact Diana at 361-884-2272 or diana@coastalbendcasa.org. You can also visit our Facebook page (@coastalbendcasa).

I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

PHOTO COURTESY OF CASA

By: SAMANTHA KOEPP- STEMPLINGER

TWINS Media

Professional Photography & Videography

Weddings | Events | Editorial Commercial | Headshots

361.425.6334 www.twinsmedia.info

@twinsmedia.tx

I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

NONPROFIT

COME PLAY!

Experience the magic at the Harbor Playhouse. SPECIAL TO INSPIRE COASTAL BEND

he Harbor Playhouse is an irreplaceable community resource that has helped preserve and enrich the artistic and cultural heritage of the Coastal Bend for 94 years through high-quality and affordably priced theatrical productions and educational programming. The Playhouse is passionate about making dazzling live theatre available to all members of the community. We provide a year-round schedule of classic and contemporary musicals and plays, as well as educational opportunities, produced by and for the community. Through cultural programming, the Playhouse fosters an appreciation for theatre as an art form and encourages leadership beyond the stage. Ultimately, the Playhouse strives to cultivate the next generation of active, passionate citizens and art advocates. We are excited to close out our 2019 season with a popular community favorite, “A Christmas Carol,” directed by Diana Van Horn. This songfilled adaptation of Dickens’ classic tale reawakens the true spirit of Christmas in a heart-stirring “Carol” of profound beauty and redemption. This timeless classic is a spectacular musical, which tells the tale of Ebenezer Scrooge as he goes through a series of strange events after being warned by his former business partner, Jacob

Marley, to change his ways. This brilliant musical follows Scrooge on Christmas Eve, as he is visited by the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future, which leads him to ultimately discover the true spirit of Christmas. Over the years, “A Christmas Carol” has been a family favorite and a tradition to attend in the Coastal Bend. With a masterful production team and an outstanding cast, this year’s play will be sure to celebrate the holiday spirit. “A Christmas Carol” will be showing at the Harbor Playhouse from Nov. 15 through Dec. 15. Tickets start at just $10. Military, student, senior and group discounts are also available. As the New Year is fast approaching, be sure to stop by the Harbor Playhouse and grab season tickets for the 2020 lineup. These make great stocking stuffers! The 2020 year is already gearing up to be just as exciting as the 2019 season. The Playhouse proudly serves as an anchor of the Sports, Entertainment and Arts (SEA) District in downtown Corpus Christi. The 2020 season includes eight exciting productions. We will kick off the 2020 season with “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” on Jan. 17, 2020. As a nonprofit 501(c)(3), the Harbor Playhouse is always looking for sponsors. Come join the magic that happens at Harbor Playhouse. Come play!

2020 Season Lineup:

“The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” “Pirates and Petticoats: Melodrama” “We Will Rock You” “The Producers” “The Wizard of Oz” “Cannibal! The Musical” “Elf”

For more information, please visit www.harborplayhouse.com.

I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

THE PLAYHOUSE IS PASSIONATE ABOUT MAKING DAZZLING LIVE THEATRE AVAILABLE TO ALL MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY.

1001 Louisiana Ave. , Suite 202 Corpus Christi, TX 78404

(361) 739-6076

amazingchildmusicstudio.com

Amazing Child Music and Enrichment Studio

Waynette Jarrell, OTR / Owner and Director

ELISA G CREATIVE G R A P H I C

D E S I G N

“GRAPHIC DESIGN IS THE BASIS FOR BUILDING AN IMAGE THROUGH YOUR BODY OF WORK.” K elisagiordano.com @ thatgirl@elisagiordano.com de 210.716.5320 I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

COASTAL BEND

Holiday Gifts that Inspire

IV NUTRITION

By: 361 Wellness

TRSAKAOE/STOCK.ADOBE.COM

What is better than giving the body the gift of complete vitality, energy and optimal performance? The signature IV therapies and vitamin injections perfectly balance the body and mind for overall well-being. This experienced and highly qualified medical team of physicians and nurses are prepared to customize a drip treatment that will meet all of your wellness needs. IV Nutrition Therapy starts at $89. Available at 361 Wellness (6625 Wooldridge Road, Ste. 301, in Corpus Christi), or call 361-986-3691.

ORNAMENTS

From: Alexis Hunter Interiors Want to be a huge hit at your ornament exchange or holiday party? The JingleNog line of designer European glass ornaments at Alexis Hunter Interiors is not only gorgeous – it’s timeless. Each of these classic creations has a name and story unique to itself. You can fill a sleigh full of gifts and home décor from this fabulous showroom, plus you can hire Alexis to turn your home into your own winter wonderland. JingleNog ornaments start at $55. Available at Alexis Hunter Interiors at Lamar Park (3820 South Alameda, in Corpus Christi), or hire Alexis for your interior design. Visit www.alexishunterinteriors.com.

I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

POCKET SAINTS WITH PRAYERS From: The Rustic Chic Boutique

These unique, handcrafted retablos represent blessings and protection with patronages and prayers addressing all aspects of our spirit and lives. They are collectibles that are sure to please even the most difficult to buy for. You are bound to find that token of faith and hope for that special someone to hold on to or display. These items retail exclusively in the Coastal Bend at The Rustic Chic Boutique, where you can find a unique assortment of Texas chic, modern trends and Mexican artisan apparel and accessories. The Pocket Saints with Prayers collectibles start at $7.95. Available at The Rustic Chic Boutique (1117 Airline Road in Corpus Christi), or follow on Instagram (@therusticchicboutiquecc).

MEDSPA SERVICE

From: Coastal Spa MD No Sweat No Stress miraDry is a revolutionary non-invasive, FDAcleared treatment to permanently reduce underarm sweat, odor and hair all at once with minimal downtime. This revolutionary technology is exclusively provided to the Coastal Bend area by this superb group of board-certified physicians, nurses and aestheticians. Clients will enjoy a tranquil atmosphere upon every visit and the highest level of quality care at this full

I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

service med spa. Gift certificates for miraDry are available for $200 OFF through the holidays. Available at Coastal Spa MD at Crossroads Shopping Village (5830 McArdle Road, Building 2, in Corpus Christi), or call for your appointment: 361-336-6464.

STROLLER/TRICYCLE

From: Goo Goo Boujee Children’s Boutique Designed in collaboration with Bentley Motors and your child’s needs in mind, the Bentley Trike six-in-one stroller/tricycle is the perfect combination of elegance and function. A classic ride suitable for ages 7 months to 5 years old, this masterpiece will last your child for years to come. You will be thrilled to discover this item along with a variety of other unique and one-ofa-kind products at the new, up-and-coming children’s boutique, Goo Goo Boujee. Treat your precious ones to an array of luxurious gifts and apparel that defies the standard of cuteness. The Bentley Trike is available in seven colors and starts at $450. Available at Goo Goo Boujee Children’s Boutique (5522 Everhart Road, Ste. D, in Corpus Christi) or www.googooboujee.com. Follow on Facebook or Instagram (@googooboujee).

EARRINGS

From: MH Designz The way to a woman’s heart is through her earrings! That will be 100 percent true when she opens this pair of 2019 Designer Excellence Award-winning beauties. Mirna Hinojosa knew what she was doing when she chose to carry these at her high-end jewelry boutique donning the most exquisite and unique jewelry from top designers around the globe. Hinojosa is also a designer and will be launching her own jewelry line in collaboration with the very talented Mexican jewelry designer, Daniel Espinosa. You are bound to make your favorite gal light up with a gift from MH Designz, or stop in to treat yourself to the most fashionable and festive holiday party apparel and accessories. Deepa Gurnani earrings retail at $450. Available at MH Designz (3720 South Alameda in Corpus Christi), or follow on Instagram (@ mh_designz).

I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

CANDLES

From: Jewels Clothing & Accessories The Volcano scented candle by Capri Blue is the perfect blend of citrus and sugar notes that will fill any space with energy and excitement this holiday season! This fragrance is simply unforgettable, as is the entire Capri Blue line of delicious candles on the shelves of Jewels Clothing & Accessories. While you’re there, you will also find the most fabulous modern trends in clothing, accessories, handbags, shoes and more. Needing a special gift for the gals on your list or looking for some swanky threads to turn some heads at your holiday gatherings? Jewels is ready to dress you up! Volcano scented candle by Capri Blue retails at $34. Available at Jewels Clothing & Accessories at Crossroads Shopping Village (5830 McArdle Road, No. 9, in Corpus Christi) or www.shopjewelscctx. com. Follow on Instagram (@jewelscctx).

FACEWASH

From: Archer Soapworks & Apothecary Tea tree, lavender and rosemary – oh my! This natural and foaming facewash cuts back the oil without drying the skin, and it’s great for those areas that are both sensitive and problematic. The oils that were added mimic the ones our bodies produce naturally, so it can stop overproducing oils for the face. The raw honey in it moisturizes, and the tea tree oil is known for its antibacterial and pore-blocking abilities. Whether you grab up as a stocking stuffer or throw in with a bundle of their other remarkable skin care products to put under the tree, this is a sure win! Archer Soapworks will also customize formulas to meet the skincare needs of you or that special someone. The Luminous Foaming Facewash retails at $15. Available at Archer Soapworks & Apothecary at 6 Points (1702 South Alameda in Corpus Christi) or www.archersoapworks.com.

I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M