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HER Honoring, Empowering and Raising UpWomen of the Coastal Bend

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10. 26 VOLUME 13

•

ISSUE 10

CONTENTS T H E WO M E N ' S I S S U E

UP FRONT

CUISINE

14 Person of Interest

58 Farm to Table

In conversation with the sensory tool developer whose neurodivergent family inspired a business idea

A one-pot dish to welcome the fall season

18 Giving Back How the women of Junior League Corpus Christi are making a difference

62 The Dish

20 Social Hour People and events in the Coastal Bend

HER 2 026

The annual Women’s Issue honors community leaders trailblazing a path for others. They have each dedicated time, energy and resources to enact change in the Coastal Bend. We humbly present to you The Bend’s 2026 HER honorees. Pictured above: Arlene Medrano, Catalyst.

6 The Bend

Drifter’s Deli serves a casual vibe and scratch-made sandwiches in Port Aransas

22 Be Well

65 Table Talk

Yoga and Pilates studios are taking their classes outside

Local food and drink highlights

25 Trend Report

61 5 Best Five mobile concepts giving local coffee lovers more ways to get their caffeine fix

66 Good Taste

Natalie Werkhoven shares her current beauty and wellness obsessions

Inside Brickell, Southside’s new cocktailsushi-cigar lounge built for lingering

HOME & GARDEN

AROUND THE BEND

30 Open House

68 Arts & Culture

A 45-year portrait of a family home, shaped by the people within

As the Rockport Film Festival turns 20, a youthbased initiative imbues it with local fervor

70 Discovery This semiannual market celebrates the people and food of the Coastal Bend

74 Looking Back How the women of the La Retama Club built the foundation of the Corpus Christi Public Libraries

34 Gardening How to grow sorrel in your Coastal Bend garden

ON THE COVER Catherine Tobin Hilliard, HER 2026 Humanitarian. Photography by Shoocha Photography

Volume 13 / Issue 10, The Bend (periodicals 25150) is published monthly, 12 times a year, by Bend Holdings Sub, LLC, 813 Buford St., Ste B, Corpus Christi, Texas 78404. Periodical postage paid at Corpus Christi, TX and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Bend Magazine, P.O. Box 3065, Williamsport, PA 17701.

PHOTO BY SHOOCHA PHOTOGRAPHY

FEATURE

thebendmag.com 7

OCTOBER 2026

PUBLISHER

Chris Knapick

chris@thebendmag.com EDITOR IN CHIEF

Kylie Cooper

kylie@thebendmag.com

•

VOLUME 13

•

ISSUE 10

PRESIDENT

D I G I TA L M E D I A C O O R D I N AT O R

Jordan Regas

Evelyn Martinez

jordan@hilltopmediagroup.com

evelyn@thebendmag.com

VICE PRESIDENT

Kaley Regas

COPY EDITOR

Steve Gill

kaley@hilltopmediagroup.com

PHOTOGRAPHY ART DIRECTOR

Jarred Schuetze jarred@thebendmag.com

Noah Hall Jessica Gaertner Jason Page Shoocha Photography

A C C O U N T S R E C E I VA B L E

Emily Thomas

accounting@thebendmag.com P RO D U C T IO N M A N AG E R

D I G I TA L D I R E C T O R

Alexa Rodriguez alexa@thebendmag.com

AC C O U N T E X E C U T I V E

Kent Cooper

kent@thebendmag.com AC C O U N T E X E C U T I V E

Chris Aldrich

chris.aldrich@thebendmag.com AC C O U N T E X E C U T I V E

Eric Graham

eric@thebendmag.com

Luis Arjona Jacqueline Gonzalez Kirby Conda

production@thebendmag.com

CONTRIBUTORS

Jillian Becquet Justin Butts Kayla Butts Ava Coronado Evelyn Martinez Vanessa Perez Mark Travis Natalie Werkhoven Leila Ydrogo

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Get in Touch SUBMISSIONS

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Your views and opinions are welcome. To submit story ideas and letters to the editor include your full name and contact information in an email to kylie@thebendmag.com.

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kent@thebendmag.com chris.aldrich@thebendmag.com eric@thebendmag.com

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without express written consent. Editorial or advertising does not constitute advice, but is rather considered informative. The Bend is not responsible for the care of and/or return of unsolicited materials. The Bend reserves the right to refuse advertising deemed detrimental to the community's best interest or in questionable taste. Expressed opinions are those of the

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INTRODUCING

The Purpose & Impact Awards Honoring the individuals, nonprofits and companies who are making significant contributions to the greater social good of our region. Nominations are open until October 16 WINNERS WILL BE ANNOUNCED IN THE FEBRUARY 2027 ISSUE OF THE BEND

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EDITOR’S LETTER

photography by S HOOCHA PHOTOG RAPHY

Lessons Learned, Wisdom Shared This month marks the 10th Women’s Issue I’ve had the honor of helping to put together. I’ll never forget that first year: I was fresh out of college, and it was my first longform feature and major photoshoot I’d ever been a part of. Aside from the magnitude of scale, what will always stick with me from that first year—and each year following—are the conversations with the women. It’s quite a memorable and meaningful experience for a young woman just starting her career to have access to the type of vulnerability and candor that comes from interviews with female professionals at the top of their games. This reason is twofold: access, of course, but I think more than that, it’s because of a space, a platform, conducive to this type of conversation that allows for a truly honest exchange. That’s partially why sharing the HER honorees’ stories with you is so important. It extends that access beyond the interview, allowing all of us to learn from the experiences, perspectives and lessons these women are willing to share. This year, I and feature writers Kirby Conda, Evelyn Martinez and Vanessa Perez had the distinct privilege of sitting down with the HER honorees to ultimately share their stories with you all. As you read these women’s profiles, you’ll find yourself tracing the winding roads that led them to where they are today and how their work

is driving meaningful change and growth in the Coastal Bend. However, regardless of your gender, phase of life or professional role, there are great lessons to be learned from each of the women featured. Sharon Bailey Murphy, with her insanely infectious smile, reminds us that resilience in the face of adversity might feel impossible, but is crucial. The wickedly fashionable Alexa Gignac emphasizes the need to pivot when things aren’t working. Catherine Tobin Hilliard, whose presence is both warm and fierce, champions the idea that a simple opportunity can change everything, and that creating space for opportunities for others is essential to our future. Arlene Medrano, the current powerhouse behind downtown Corpus Christi’s growth and development, stresses that your background and circumstances don’t have to define you; instead, they can inform and fuel you. The lessons continue. The effortlessly cool Sara Morgan points out that leadership steered by accountability, not ego, makes for a better outcome for all. Teri Moffitt Cardenas, with her firecracker energy, reminds us that you don’t have to change who you are to be successful. And Dr. Crystal Garza, whose presence puts you at ease, points out that courage doesn’t mean you never question yourself; rather, it means the decision to do something meaningful outweighs the fear that you might not be ready or good enough. See what I mean? Whether it’s simply reading their stories in this issue or having the pleasure of knowing any of these women and having a conversation with them, a wealth of knowledge and inspiration will be imparted to you. To celebrate this year’s HER honorees, I hope you’ll join us at the Performing Arts Center on Oct. 22 as we spotlight the incredible individuals featured in this issue and the work they do in our community. With past honorees present and remarks from 2023 HER Woman of the Year, Dr. Kelly Miller, it is sure to be an inspiring evening. You can find event details and tickets on our website, thebendmag.com. Ten Women’s Issues later, I’m still grateful for the opportunity to sit across from women like these and listen. My hope is that, through these pages, you’ll come away from their stories with a lesson or two of your own.

KY LIE COOPER , EDITOR IN CHIEF kylie@thebendmag.com

VOL. XIII 10.26 THRE E HIGHLIGHT S

POI: JENNA HICKMAN I never tire of hearing an entrepreneur’s “why.” It’s typically rather personal, and that is certainly the case for this month’s Person of Interest, Jenna Hickman. Trying to create the perfect sensory tools for her neurodivergent children, she unlocked a new passion and career. Pg. 16

STACKED AND LOADED Nothing hits the spot quite like a stacked sandwich. I have yet to try Drifter’s Deli myself, but word on the street is that it’s serving up some of the best sandwiches in the Coastal Bend, and from what I can see in this month’s “The Dish” article, I don’t doubt it. Pg. 62

LADIES OF LA RETAMA Learning a new piece of local history is s a highlight of each Bend issue. In this month’s column, Jillian Becquet shares how a group of women are responsible for the foundation of the Corpus Christi Public Libraries, and I can’t stop sharing that fact with others. Pg.74 thebendmag.com 11

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10. 26

UP FRONT POI 14

G I V I N G B AC K 1 8

SOCIAL HOUR 20

BE WELL 22

T R E N D R E P O RT 2 5

photography by SHOOCHA PHOTOG RAPHY

IN CONVERSATION WITH

JENNA HICKMAN

pg 14 The sensory tool developer shares how her neurodivergent family inspired Smushberry and more

thebendmag.com 13

UP FRONT PE RSON OF IN TE RE ST

KYLIE COOPER: At what point did something you were making specifically for your kids begin to feel like it could become something bigger? JENNA HICKMAN: I started sharing videos of what I was making on social media simply because I love creating. Very quickly, people began following and messaging me, including therapists, special education professionals and neurodivergent adults. I also started receiving messages from people saying they found the videos themselves incredibly calming and soothing. But the real turning point was a video showing a huge pile of pink squishies I had made, all with different textures. It went viral, and suddenly I had hundreds of messages asking me to please open a website. My husband, Taylor, said, “I think you need to do this now.” He has been incredibly supportive of Smushberry from the beginning, which is particularly impressive, considering it ultimately brought more slime into our lives. I had already spent months experimenting, with plenty of failures along the way, so I finally thought, “Okay, let’s do this.” Within a week, Smushberry was online.

IN CONVERSATION WITH

Jenna Hickman The sensory tool developer shares how her neurodivergent family inspired Smushberry and more By Kylie Cooper

Photos by Shoocha Photography

Sensory tools have always been a part of Jenna Hickman’s life. With two neurodivergent children and being neurodivergent herself, Hickman bought various tools for her kids to use until she discovered how incredible handmade squishies were. Thanks to her art degree and experience with clay, she thought, “How hard could it be to make these myself?” Hickman’s own obsession with texture helped. Anytime she held someone else’s product, she’d go through a rolodex of possibilities in her mind. From the endless variations of ratios, texture combinations and inclusions, creating the brand Smushberry opened up a whole new sensory experience for her and her children to help regulate the nervous system and calm emotions.

14 The Bend

COOPER: What did hearing from therapists and special education professionals mean to you? HICKMAN: Before Smushberry was a business, I left a few of my creations with a local therapist to use with clients. It wasn’t meant as marketing, so when I was asked if I had business cards they could give people, it was one of the first moments I realized these might be valuable outside my own family. As more therapists, special education professionals and ADHD and autistic adults began reaching out, it became about much more than realizing people wanted to buy something I made. This had started because I understood firsthand how significant sensory needs can be within a family. Hearing from people with similar needs who genuinely wanted what I was creating made me feel like I had stumbled into something I was supposed to be doing. It stopped feeling like a fun little business idea and started feeling, in a very real way, like a calling. COOPER: How do you develop a new Smushberry? HICKMAN: There really isn’t one way. Sometimes I see a new squishy skin or shape that I think is adorable, and then I start imagining what could go inside it. I try to give each design its own sensory element rather than having every “crunchy” squishy

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feel exactly the same. Sometimes the inspiration is completely visual—I recently created one inspired by the look of a jade facial roller, and I have several in production inspired by beautiful desserts, with animal faces added for maximum cuteness. Other times, it starts entirely with texture. I’ll have a specific type of sensory feedback I want to create and experiment until I get there, then figure out what it should look like afterward. I think that constant back-and-forth between art and sensory experience is what keeps designing them so much fun. COOPER: What does making these tools available to other families mean to you? HICKMAN: That may be the most meaningful part of the business for me. I regularly receive messages from people telling me about a particular Smushberry or texture they connected with, and I pay close attention to that feedback. If I repeatedly hear that a certain texture gives people the sensory experience they’ve been looking for, I want to understand why and create more opportunities for them to find that feeling. It’s also one reason Smushberry operates through drops rather than keeping the exact same products available all the time. I’m constantly developing new textures, combinations and designs because sensory preferences are incredibly individual, and I want there to always be something new to discover. As someone with ADHD myself, I also understand the joy of novelty! Having something that began with my own family now reaching other people with similar needs feels incredibly full-circle.

COOPER: What has owning this business taught you about sensory focus and emotion regulation? HICKMAN: Living in a predominantly neurodivergent family has taught me that something incredibly simple can sometimes make a very big difference. For us, having something tactile in our hands can give the restless part of the brain somewhere to go while the rest of the brain focuses on what actually needs our attention. I’ve also seen how certain textures can be grounding during anxiety or big emotions. There is something comforting about squeezing, manipulating and controlling something physically with your hands when everything else feels a little less controllable. And everyone’s sensory needs are different. One person may find a very soft texture calming, while someone else wants resistance, crunch or something they can really work with their hands. That’s actually become one of my favorite parts of Smushberry—creating completely different sensory experiences because there really isn’t one “perfect” texture for everyone. COOPER: What do you hope Smushberry becomes from here? HICKMAN: I hope Smushberry keeps growing without ever losing the experimentation and creativity that made me fall in love with it. I want to keep developing new textures, designing new products and exploring other kinds of sensory tools as I discover them. I’ve recently started incorporating Taba squishies, and I’m collaborating with Moonkatt Squishy on a completely different type called Frozen Butter Taba, which feels almost like clay. We’re even turning the Smushberry Kitty logo into an actual squishy you can hold in your hand, which is incredibly exciting. Ultimately, I would love to do this for the rest of my life and someday pass Smushberry down to one of my kids. I love the idea that what started as something I made for my family could eventually become a family business. Read the full interview online at thebendmag.com.

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UP FRONT GIVING BAC K

Leadership and the Junior League Building practical skills while making a difference across the Coastal Bend By Jacqueline Gonzalez

or more than 80 years, the Junior League of Corpus Christi has brought women together around a shared purpose of developing them into effective leaders while putting their skills to work in service of the community. Today, that twofold mission continues under the leadership of the organization’s president, Dr. Taylor Feldmann Kenne. Leadership development and community service are closely connected within the organization, with each helping drive the other. “At its core, the Junior League is a women’s training organization,” Kenne said. “All of the things that we do are geared toward training women to be future collaborators and contributors within their community.” Members build those skills through a combination of in-house training and field experience. Workshops cover areas such as budgeting, fundraising and marketing, while community programs give members the opportunity to put what they have learned into practice. Those opportunities take various forms, many of which culminate in cherished annual community events. The League’s major initiatives include STEM programming, the Christmas Tree Forest in partnership with the Art Museum of South Texas and Touch-A-Truck at Whataburger Field. “There are so many different aspects that go into putting an event together,” Kenne said. “There are different leadership components that you can learn at different times throughout the League and different placements for them to learn those specific skills.” Behind each event, members handle everything from promotion and fundraising to volunteer coordination and day-of logistics. Roles vary based on a member’s experience and availability, creating opportunities to develop different skills throughout her time with the League. The experience often carries beyond the organization. Junior League members are consistently represented among Leadership Corpus Christi participants and Corpus Christi’s 40 Under 40 honorees, while others 18 The Bend

Participate in Junior League's #GivingTuesday fundraising initiative on Nov. 30. Find more information online.

have gone on to establish and lead local nonprofits. The experience members gain through the League can prepare them to take on other roles across the community. That connection between leadership and service has been part of the organization for generations. “We have so many projects that we have done in town that, whether people are aware of it or not, the Junior League has had a part in,” Kenne said. Over the years, the Junior League has contributed to projects across Corpus Christi, including early support for the Texas State Aquarium, building the skate park at Cole Park, restoration work at Heritage Park and co-founding and sponsoring Bayfest in 1976. Women aged 21 and older are eligible for membership, with opportunities for continued involvement well past their active service years. The organization boasts roughly 130 sustaining members who maintain their connection to the League. Further proof that with a mission to advance women’s leadership, meaningful and lasting community changes are made.

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UP FRONT SOC IAL HOUR

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UP FRONT B E WE LL

No Studio, No Problem Roll out your mat and find your flow across the Coastal Bend with these yoga and Pilates pop-up workouts By Ava Coronado

Photo provided by Felecia Billeiter

Lulu Studio

@ L U L U S T U D I O.C C

At Lulu Studio, each pop-up class is designed to make you feel comfortable and relaxed. This month, instructor Lulu Chavez goes beyond the studio with a Floating Sound Bath, where attendees can float in the water with crystal singing bowls and experience a connection between sound and relaxation. Try a blend of yoga, acupuncture and sound healing at Zaya Yoga on Oct. 24 from 6 to 8 p.m., or unwind with movement, crystal singing bowls and spa services during Restore and Renew at Anthony’s Aveda Salon and Spa, 1-4 p.m. on Oct. 25.

oga and Pilates classes are popping up across the Coastal Bend, inviting movement enthusiasts to roll out their mats at some of the area’s favorite local hot spots. From downward dogs to Pilates pulses, this list is your guide to breaking a sweat outside the traditional environment.

Coastal Glow Club @ C OA S TA L G L OWC L U B _

Enhanced by the coastal scenery, Pilates classes are more than just a workout with the Coastal Glow Club. Attendees can find their balance through fun, feminine and community-focused movement at The Landing. Welcoming both beginners and seasoned Pilates-goers, each class offers a refreshing way to move, connect and unwind by the coast. Leave feeling restored both physically and mentally after classes every Friday at 6:45 p.m.

Divine Moon Pilates & Yoga

LŪMA

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Follow each studio on social media to stay up to date on all the latest pop-up classes and events.

LŪMA’s next pop-up comes in the form of a Coastal Cowgirl-themed Saloon Social on Oct. 7 from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Hosted at a local ranch, attendees will get in a killer workout in an elevated, chic, Western way. From beginner to advanced, all are welcome. Luma Classes are designed as a form of self-care, and this pop-up will help you reconnect with your body, build strength, improve endurance and increase mobility.

La Dolce Vita Flow @ L A D O L C E V I TA F L OW

@ D I V I N E M O O N P I L AT E S YO G A

No two Divine Moon pop-ups are exactly alike with community classes at multiple locations, blending yoga, Pilates, meditation, sound, music and community in approachable and fun ways for all learners. Hot Yoga & Cold Beer takes over Nueces Brewery every Friday at 6:30 p.m., with an ever-changing mix of movement, while Saturday’s Bubbles & Flow at BUS offers a playful community movement experience outside the traditional studio. October brings even more opportunities to move, including a free sign-up sunset Pilates, yoga and sound healing session at Gill’s Nursery on Oct. 15 and a threeday Surf & Yoga Festival Oct. 16-18. 22 The Bend

Bringing a signature Italian flair to the mat, La Dolce Vita Flow is rooted in Baptiste Power Yoga and all-levels Vinyasa. Expect a balance of energizing, strengthbuilding movement and restorative relaxation. All levels are welcome, with pop-up events announced throughout the year, allowing each class to take on a different venue, theme and energy. The next opportunities to flow are Oct. 3 and Oct. 17 at The Annex.

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UP FRONT TRE NDING

Simple Autumn Comforts

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Clean beauty, clean air and comforting essentials to fall for By Natalie Werkhoven

LET’S BE SOCIAL! @Castor_and_Glow

I love local businesses, and I’d love to hear from you. Contact me on Instagram with recommendations for your local health and beauty business or product. Sharing the Coastal Bend's beauty and wellness bests is my forte! photo by ASHLEY PET TIBONE

ctober holds memories of childhood costumes and pumpkins, the rush of a scary movie preview, spiced drinks and pastries and rich earth tones. Evening darkness arriving earlier always takes me by surprise, and though we don’t have the typical leaves changing colors here, there are always these tell-tale signs that we are in the center of fall. With this in mind, I’ve included essentials to refresh and ease you through the seasonal shift, and to embrace as our 10th month of the year kicks off the holiday season.

THE ESSENTIALS

SOSHE WATERPROOF PRECISION LINER IN BURGUNDY BROWN (LOVESICK) Credo Beauty, credobeauty.com

A precision liner with an ultrafine 1.5MM tip delivers a beautiful burgundy brown for a perfect autumn hue. I love how it makes any eye color pop! Though brown eyes are incredibly versatile and can handle most colors, this shade coordinates beautifully with the variety of pigments that illuminate brown eyes. For green eyes,

the shade is a direct contrast on the color wheel, which creates a vibrant frame for the irises. Burgundy hits a soft, sophisticated sweet spot when used on the outer lash line or along the waterline. The liner is long-lasting, smudge-proof, clean formulation and endlessly refillable. HUG IN A MUG COFFEE WAVES 5738 Alameda St., Corpus Christi 10309 S. Padre Island Drive Ste. F, Flour Bluff 1007 TX-361, Port Aransas

As the afternoons are becoming evenings earlier and earlier and autumn has eased in, it’s not pumpkin spice that I long for; it is the spiced and creamy warmth of a chai tea latte from Coffee Waves. A Hug in a Mug combines aromatic chai with coconut syrup and soy milk, although I substitute

PURE ROSE MIST Pure Rose, drinkpurerose.com

Just a few pumps of organic Bulgarian rose water spritzed on the face unlock a multi-sensory benefit, as the rose terpenes offer an aromatic, mood-lifting calm while hydrating and toning dry skin. It’s the first thing I reach for after I wash my face, morning and night. Clean and fragrance-free, Pure Rose Mist elevates my selfcare ritual and stands apart from synthetic flower waters. The nectar delivers a direct dose of raw, skin-loving ingredients, retaining essential rose oil during steam distillation to nourish without feeling heavy. When followed by a moisturizer, it acts as a humectant magnet, locking moisture in. It also can be misted over makeup for a refreshing natural glow.

Snake Plants Gill Garden Center + Landscape Co, 2810 Airline Road, Corpus Christi Turner’s Gardenland, 6503 S. Padre Island Drive, Corpus Christi Did you know that snake plants (Sansevieria) make a massive difference in a sleeping space? Most houseplants follow daytime photosynthesis: absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen while the sun is out, and reversing the process and releasing carbon dioxide at night. Snake plants stay tightly closed during the day to preserve their water, and at night, they take carbon dioxide in and

pump oxygen out, making them a perfect bedtime plant companion to support deeper sleep. We have a snake plant in each bedroom of our home to keep our slumber spaces full of oxygen-rich air. In addition to being proven in NASA’s Clean Air Study as quiet, filterless air purifiers, snake plants add a beautiful vertical pop of green to your bedroom aesthetic. thebendmag.com 25

26 The Bend

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HOME & GARDEN O P E N H O U S E 3 0 GA R D E N I N G 3 4

SATURDAY MORNINGS WITH THE KIELS

pg 30

photography by JASON PAGE

A 45-year portrait of a family home, shaped by the people who stay and build within it

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HOME & GARDEN OPE N HOU SE

Saturday Mornings with the Kiels A 45-year portrait of a family home, shaped by the people who stay and build within it By Luis Arjona

Photos by Jason Page

hen the kids were in high school, we had a fire pit in the middle. When they were little, Greg would go get donuts every single Saturday. Everybody in the neighborhood would go get Gates donuts,” said Martha Kiel. The Kiel residence is built around gathering, not as a design element, but as a foundation of its rhythm over the past 45 years. Built in 1948, the home is timeless. The Kiels moved in back in 1981 with a 1-year-old daughter. 45 years have since passed—roughly 2,347 Saturdays. The kids grew up, and grandchildren came. A lot has changed, but the neighborhood still knew where to find them. The home has seen generations of the Kiel family, and the furniture carries their family history. The house has several pieces passed down. The dining table is from the 1800s, and belonged to Martha Kiel’s greatgrandmother. Kiel eats there now, as did her daughter and grandchildren. “Ages well, doesn’t it?” she said, as she ran her hands across the wood. History lives in the details they care for. Even the chairs are in their “third, fourth life,” recovered and re-recovered, still holding the family through gatherings. In her mother’s desk, Kiel holds office supplies, documents and memories. “I would take this with me if I had a fire. Just because of the memories,” she said as she pointed to the antique piece. This distinction matters; the desk’s sentimental value is what carries the weight. 30 The Bend

The Kiels' backyard is a banana tree oasis to provide shade for their next outdoor meal.

But the home is not static. It’s an extension of change over decades, with renovations occurring about every five years. Flooring is changed, walls are painted, wallpaper is removed and walls are opened up. Her son, who had worked for interior designer Susan Castor in high school, could see it. “I want to change this, because you all never sit in here,” he had said. Now, the open floor plan lets them watch the whole house at once, with kids in one room and entertaining happening in another. This space is central, and it’s where they gather. Moving through the home spotlights Kiel’s taste in art. On the mantel hangs a castle painting she bought at 21. A gift from her father: $500 in cash for her birthday, and she spent it at a Dallas gallery. It reminds her of England, where her mother’s family originated. An abstract wheat field painting by

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32 The Bend

THE DINING ROOM TABLE WAS MARTHA’S GREAT-GRANDMOTHER'S AND HAS SURVIVED SINCE THE 1800S.

GREG’S COZY CORNER IN HIS OFFICE IS DECORATED WITH SURF MEMORABILIA AND HIS MENTION IN A HOUSTON NEWSPAPER RIDING STORM WAVES.

her daughter-in-law, Abby Kiel, hangs nearby. Pieces from travels to Costa Rica, paintings from cousins; throughout the entirety of the home are objects gathered over decades from antique stores and collections. “I call it decorating by accident; you just put what you have,” Kiel said. While we talked, she moved through the modernized kitchen, pulling cookies from the oven and offering plates of snacks. It was habitual, the way she moved between conversation and hospitality. However, the house carries more than her taste. Around the corner is Greg Kiel’s office. His corner of the home is a sanctuary with relics of Coastal Bend surf culture. The walls are lined with his surfing memorabilia, art and a photograph of Greg atop hurricane swells, published in the Houston Chronicle under the headline “Surf Rider of the Storm.”

Their son Travis and his construction company built the backyard fence. Banana trees and an assortment of native plants decorate the landscape; the Kiels keep them alive by relying on rainwater. Compliments from neighbors walking by shower their pristine yard. The patio is set up for a meal. An evolution from the fire pit, from Saturday morning donuts, from the dining room that opened because their son could see potential. Everything in this house carries the hand that built it. The fence Travis built. The desk from her mother. The table from the 1800s, still in use. The lawn is part of their routine. The art from a father’s gift, from travels, from family. The meals are still happening 45 years later; that’s what weight looks like.

thebendmag.com 33

HOME & GARDEN GARDE NING

NOW GROWING

Sorrel Old World flavors for the Coastal Bend kitchen By Justin Butts

STOCK

ne of the joys of keeping your own garden is growing flavors for the kitchen you can’t find anywhere else. Sorrel is a rare delight in the Coastal Bend that is perfect for a fall garden. Sorrel (Rumex acetosa) is an ancient perennial herb that resembles spinach and other salad greens. Its lemony flavor and high acidity make it unique. A common plant in the Old World, from Egypt to Greece to Rome, sorrel became especially popular in France, where it remains a hallmark of French cuisine in many soups and fish dishes. Long before lemons and other citrus fruits entered global trade, it gave home cooks a highly acidic, lemony flavor for salads and other dishes. Sorrel is a cool-weather plant in the Coastal Bend. Plant it in October by seed or transplant. The plant matures in six to eight weeks as winter days grow shorter. This cool weather maximizes sorrel’s bright flavor and creates delicious, crisp green leaves. Harvest through the cool season, then replace it with a heat-loving plant when spring arrives. It also makes an ideal potted plant. Keep some on the patio or in a kitchen window with plenty of sunshine—at least eight hours per day. Give potted sorrel afternoon shade on warm days to prevent plant stress and wilting, and keep the soil healthy and moist.

GARDENER'S NOTES

G R OW I N G U P

PROFILING

F U N FA C T S

Spacing, 12”. Height, 12” to 18”. Flowers can grow to 36”. Plant in full sun with partial afternoon shade. Plant by seed or transplant when soil temperature falls to 70 degrees (mid-October). Sorrel needs rich, well-drained soil. When planting, add several inches of compost, 1/2 cup pastured poultry manure and 1/2 cup native wood ash per plant. Water regularly until established, then twice weekly. Mulch with native leaves to keep soil cool in warm fall weather.

Harvest leaves when young and tender. Young leaves have a mild, acidic flavor and are delicious raw in salads. Older leaves develop a more intense flavor and become tough; cook them. Harvest often, taking up to one-third of the plant at a time, to stimulate new growth. Flowers emerge quickly in the March heat. Cut flower stalks often to encourage leaf production. By April, sorrel bolts and the leaves become too bitter to eat.

Sorrel’s lemony flavor comes from its high oxalic acid content. In medieval Europe, this acidity also made it a useful stain remover. Boiled-down sorrel could even remove ink stains from clothing, while preparations were used to polish silver. Sorrel was also used extensively in medieval medicine to treat boils, sores and digestive illnesses. Limit your consumption if you have been advised to restrict oxalates in your diet.

34 The Bend

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36 The Bend

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38 The Bend

MAKEUP BY EVANGELYN REYES, DUST MY FACE HAIR BY HECTOR PEREZ JR., DESIGN CONCEPTS STYLING BY ALEXA GIGNAC, JULIAN GOLD - CORPUS CHRISTI WRITTEN EVELYN

BY KIRBY MARTINEZ

CONDA, KYLIE AND VANESSA

COOPER, PEREZ

HONORING, EMPOWERING AND RAISING UP WOMEN OF THE COASTAL BEND Portraits by Shoocha Photography

thebendmag.com 39

40 The Bend

Community Visionary

SHARON BAILEY MURPHY O

n bright South Texas mornings, Sharon Bailey Murphy begins her workday with a quiet ritual. She plays soft gospel music (or sometimes Earth, Wind & Fire) and takes a moment to acknowledge her blessings. From her office window inside the old Port Harbormaster building, the bay glistens, serving as a daily reminder of the air and water she works to protect. As Executive Director of the Coastal Bend Air Quality Partnership, Bailey Murphy leads one of the region’s most complex and emotionally charged collaborations. She spends her days guiding municipalities, industry leaders, environmental agencies and residents toward a shared goal of keeping the Coastal Bend’s air clean for the people who call it home. Her job requires technical expertise and a level head in conversations that sit at the tricky intersection of industry and advocacy. Yet she continues to lead with the same devotion she carries in her everyday life, a leadership rooted in scripture and shaped by a deep‑rooted calling to protect others. “Whether or not I’m doing it professionally, I’m going to be Sharon, the ambassador for Christ,” she said. “He’s put me in a place where I can open doors for people.” From a young age, Bailey Murphy knew her time on Earth served a greater purpose. One of the oldest of her mother’s five children, she remembers growing up in the Hillcrest projects as a childhood defined by self‑determination and church on Sundays. While other children played outside, she and her siblings cooked dinner, finished homework and stayed indoors. They raised themselves while their mother Bernice served as a domestic worker for those living on Ocean Drive. Once a Black Debutante, Princess of Victoria, Bernice raised her children and put herself through nursing school alone—all without ever losing her faith. “It was a long time before I realized how young she must have been,” Bailey Murphy reflected. “I’m grateful that my mom knew Jesus and made us go to Sunday school. I could have been a product of the projects. We all could have.” Her mother’s courage became her blueprint: Protect your people, stay rooted in faith and keep moving forward. But she veered off that path when, after a lifetime of sheltered living, she moved to “Chocolate City,” Washington, D.C., at the height of ’80s decadence. For the first time, she witnessed a level of Black excellence she hadn’t known existed—but the distractions of the disco era soon got the best of her. One night, standing on a dance floor under strobe lights, she felt a sudden clarity. Things had gone too far, and it was time to go home. Returning to Corpus Christi defeated and disappointed, she started the difficult task of forging her way back. In the meantime, God had one more trial for her.

WRITTEN BY EVELYN MARTINEZ

In 1986, fresh into her first marriage and six months pregnant, her water broke. She spent two weeks in the hospital and went home empty‑handed. Her first baby, Michaiah Christian, didn’t make it. “My God, that was the worst thing I ever went through,” she said. “I remember saying ‘God, I don’t know what you could want to teach me by taking my baby. I can’t go any further with you until you talk to me and tell me this is okay.’ That’s when He gave me Isaiah 54.” The passage promised restoration and a life of fruitful blessings. More children came in the form of her healthy daughter Stephanie and what she calls her “work children,” those she mentors and guides through their professional careers. When her marriage ended soon after, she rebuilt again, returning to school and stepping into the field that would change her life. Resilience, kindness and faith became the defining characteristics of her leadership. She began in environmental health at a “mom and pop” chemical supply company, where she first learned the technical language of environmental protection. She went on to spend 13 years with the City of Corpus Christi overseeing environmental affairs, sustainability initiatives and compliance. Finding herself in a good groove, she dug her roots deeper and joined the regional air‑quality group, now the Coastal Bend Air Quality Partnership, working unpaid overtime to help shape early initiatives, build community relationships and guide its transition into the successful nonprofit it is today. During her time with the City, she earned financial assistance that allowed her to finally pursue her master’s degree through online courses completed between 2019 and 2021. During that year and a half of quarantine, she continued her work from home, studied for her MPA and fell head over heels for her now-husband, Dr. Rich Murphy. Meeting on a dating site, they spent four months together before marrying in August 2019—a loving marriage Bailey Murphy felt long overdue. “Cherish is a different word from love,” she said. “Rich cherishes me. He feeds my mind, my will, my emotions and my intellect. When I was young, I read romance comic books and romance novels. Real love really is nothing like that. It’s better. It’s comfortable.” As the Partnership’s first executive director, Bailey Murphy continues to lead regional emissions‑reduction efforts and represent the Coastal Bend at state and national levels. Her footprints, guided by Christ, have led her through hardship and into purpose. Today, they lead her to a mission that feels as scientific as it is sacred: caring for the Coastal Bend by caring for its air and people.

41 thebendmag.com 41

Rising Star

ALEXA GIGNAC W

ith her signature nail color — a specific deep navy she’s been getting from the same nail salon for as long as she can remember — perfectly placed jewelry adorning each finger and wrist and a presence that immediately makes you feel as though you’ve been friends for years, Alexa Gignac is distinctly herself. In many ways, she always has been. As a little girl, Gignac cut up her Barbie clothes to create new looks and altered her school uniform to better fit her personal style. The costumes, makeup and production of theater classes appealed to her just as much as performing. And, with numerous family members in creative fields and an aunt who was a seamstress, Gignac jokes that fashion and creativity might just be in her blood. Looking back, the connective thread is almost too obvious, and today, it shows itself on a larger scale, and often, for other people. By 19, Gignac knew she wanted a career in fashion, and got a job at one of the Coastal Bend’s only high-end retailers, Julian Gold. She was hooked on putting together the perfect ensemble for clients, but she knew she could do more. After a brief stint at local boutique Coastal Closet, she rejoined the Julian Gold team as the store director’s assistant and, in February 2020, stepped into the store director’s position. She had to go from co-worker to leader among a team that, in many cases, had known her since she first walked onto the sales floor at 19. “You learn, and you evolve alongside your teammates and you make one another better,” she said. Gignac finally got the job she’d been working toward, but at quite possibly the worst time for retail: the pandemic. In a swift act of creative genius, she began curating full wardrobes in the window displays for people to drive up, browse and shop; and even began making home deliveries to meet clients’ needs. That effort underscores something Gignac has come to understand as essential to the business: relationships. Clothes can be ordered online, but the trust built between stylist and client—and the experience that comes with it—is harder to replicate. Throughout her now six and a half years as store director, she is proud to have led efforts to expand the location’s contemporary department, broaden both the clientele and online audience, diversify price points and ensure the store stays involved in the community. The latter of which she logs countless hours for. The annual Cattle Baron’s Couture for a Cure Style Show benefiting the American Cancer Society is a great example. Along with then Julian Gold employees Jen Butler and Kari Morrison, Gignac helped bring the event to the Coastal Bend. Ten years ago, it began modestly with just a few models walking around a backyard pool. By contrast, 2026’s sold-out show featured over 20 models displaying multiple looks, salsa dancers on the runway and a crowd of more than 400 attendees — ultimately raising $151,040 for ACS. From styling the entire show to helping with logistics, marketing and securing sponsorships, Gignac’s

WRITTEN BY KYLIE COOPER

42 The Bend

expertise in putting on a production, in all its glitz and glamour, is on full display at this event. Come 2027, though she’ll still have her styling duties all over the Style Show, Gignac will step into a larger role as a co-chair of the Cattle Baron’s Ball. The annual Charity League Styleshow & Luncheon is another way in which Gignac lends her talents to philanthropic efforts. Events like this and Couture for a Cure are the results of months of meetings, research, fittings and logistics— all ultimately in service of raising funds and awareness for important needs in the community. In a career that has already come a long way, deciding what she is most proud of proves difficult. “It’s hard for me to think about what I am most proud of, and I think that’s because I’m just not done,” she shared. “I know I have so much more to give, so much more to do.” As a seven-time winner of The Local’s List Personal Stylist/Shopper category, the creative mind behind countless charity-related fashion shows and a stylist for various editorials and marketing shoots, it’s fair to say Gignac is responsible for helping to elevate the Coastal Bend’s style. To understand why she’s so good at it, though, you have to look beyond the clothes. She traces her mindset that fashion is more than just clothing or accessorizing in part to her mother, from whom she also inherited her work ethic. Growing up, she watched her mother get dressed and put her makeup on every day. It didn’t matter if she was going to work, the grocery store or nowhere at all—getting ready was something she did for herself. That understanding now informs the way Gignac dresses other women. The reason so many trust her implicitly might have something to do with Gignac’s own vulnerability. “If I am being totally honest, I am very insecure, and I think recognizing that in myself allows me to recognize it in others,” Gignac said. “As women, we are constantly told what we should look like, and in my job, I often hear women talk about the things they don’t like about themselves. So, when they’re in my fitting room, I relate to how they’re feeling, but I try to get them to focus on the features they do like about themselves. If something isn’t working, we pivot. It’s never, ‘Oh, that didn’t work.’ It’s always, ‘We can do better.’ ‘We can always find something better.’ And then, when they put on an outfit they love, everything changes. They literally light up, and that’s my favorite thing.” Acting almost as a tagline to her life, the phrase “We can do better” echoes in all that Gignac does. It describes her styling philosophy, her approach to leadership, her career and how she advocates for the causes she is passionate about. This can be better; let me figure out how. And while Gignac has plenty of time to determine what “better” looks like next, what she ultimately hopes people will remember about her has nothing to do with what she wore. “That I made them feel good,” she said earnestly. “That would truly bring me joy, knowing that ultimately, I made people feel good about themselves.”

MAKEUP BY FRANK REYNA, FRANK PRO GLAM HAIR BY EVANA SILVA, FORUM MODERN BEAUTY STUDIO

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44 The Bend

Humanitarian

CATHERINE TOBIN HILLIARD W

hen asked which of her many titles feels most like her, Catherine Tobin Hilliard doesn’t hesitate: “Mom.” The answer arrives before attorney. Before community leader. Before philanthropist, board chair, mentor, business owner or civic advocate. It is immediate, emotional and deeply revealing. In fact, the question brings tears to her eyes as she talks about her children, including a daughter away at college, a high school junior who is captain of the cheerleading team and a 10-year-old son who still lets her pick him up from school. For a woman whose public life has been defined by leadership and service, her greatest sense of identity remains rooted firmly at home. That grounding helps explain why Hilliard approaches service differently than many. Recognition and visibility don’t fuel her humanitarian work. Rather, a proud sense of gratitude toward the people who have helped shape her life, paired with a conviction that success carries an obligation to create opportunities for others, pushes her forward. Growing up in San Diego, Texas, a town of roughly 5,000 people, Hilliard experienced the power of community firsthand. Her mom and dad were teenage sweethearts who became parents while still pursuing their own education. With the support of grandparents, neighbors and extended family, they persevered, earning college degrees while raising two young children. In Hilliard’s telling, it truly took a village. “My grandparents were really front and center in raising us,” she recalled. “It was all because of the village that surrounded us.” Today, when she reflects on the trajectory of her life, she often returns to a simple observation that statistically, she should not be where she is. The opportunities she received, the people who believed in her and the doors that opened at critical moments created a pathway she never takes for granted. That awareness fuels her commitment to giving back. While many know Hilliard for her accomplishments in law, her path to the profession was hardly predetermined. A firstgeneration attorney, she discovered law almost by accident after a district court judge in nearby Alice allowed her to spend summers observing courtroom proceedings. “He said, ‘Just go sit in the back of the courtroom,’” she remembered. “After a couple of years of that, I thought, ‘If they can do it, I think I can too.’” A simple opportunity changed everything. After graduating from law school in 1999, Hilliard returned to South Texas determined to build a career close to home. Armed with printed resumes and little more than determination, she walked into the largest law firm in Corpus Christi and asked to meet one of the named partners. He agreed to see her on the spot, and, after a lengthy conversation, she was offered a job. Ten years later, she became the firm’s first female Hispanic partner and only the second woman partner in its history. It remains one of the accomplishments of which she is most proud—not because of the title itself, but for what is represented: persistence, hard work and the willingness to knock on a door

WRITTEN BY KIRBY CONDA

even when no invitation had been extended. That philosophy continues to define the way she serves her community. Over the years, Hilliard has dedicated her time and leadership to numerous organizations spanning education, the arts, economic development and community advancement. She has served as Chair of the Texas State Aquarium Board of Trustees, as a Commissioner for the Port of Corpus Christi and in leadership roles across a wide range of civic initiatives throughout the region. Yet, she resists the notion of service as a passive endeavor. “I don’t like to just say yes to a board and give my name and then never show up,” she shared. “I’ll write you a check all day long, but you don’t have to put me on your board if I’m not going to work.” This perspective captures the essence of her humanitarian spirit. For Hilliard, philanthropy can’t just be about giving resources; she wants to show up. She is particularly drawn to causes involving children, animals and accessibility. Much of her advocacy centers around creating opportunities for young people who may not otherwise have access to educational, artistic or professional experiences. Whether advocating for broader access to events at the Hilliard Center, supporting education initiatives or mentoring the next generation of legal professionals, her focus remains remarkably consistent on removing barriers and expanding possibilities. That commitment can be seen in the internship program she recently helped reimagine at her law firm. Originally, the program created a summer opportunity for employees’ children, and evolved into an immersive experience that exposed students to courts, mediators, legal specialties and community institutions. Her hope for the program mirrors her initial courtroom experience: If one student’s participation resonates deeply enough to alter their future, then it is worth it. “If I influenced one of you to go to law school and become a lawyer, then I will have succeeded,” she tells the students. It is this thread, the belief that one opportunity can change a life, that connects every chapter of Hilliard’s story. Despite her professional success, she remains deeply connected to her roots. Perhaps that is what makes her such an influential leader. She has never forgotten where she came from. Achievement is often celebrated as an individual accomplishment, but Hilliard looks at success differently. She sees it as a collective; it’s built by family, strengthened by community and made possible by mentors and teachers and grandparents and judges who offer encouragement at exactly the right moment. The Humanitarian HER honor is especially fitting for Hilliard, as her life and work are proof that humanitarianism need not be measured in grand gestures. Sometimes it’s as simple as mentoring a student. It can look like advocating for greater access or helping create opportunities for people who remind you of where you came from. And sometimes, it simply means showing up. For her family, her community and the next generation.

45 thebendmag.com 45

Catalyst

ARLENE MEDRANO I

nside the Downtown Management District’s newest office space, Arlene Medrano settles in for another day of unglamorous, gritty administrative work. On midsummer afternoons, her days unfold through staff meetings and conversations with her diverse group of stakeholders. Outside her window, murals add life to street dead ends, pink benches dot the clean sidewalks and the nebula of Peoples Street’s thriving small businesses waits for her at the end of the block. Since the most recent boom of activity within the organization back in 2015, the downtown of her childhood pales in comparison to the view now outside her windowsill. In the almost year since her official swearing-in as the DMD’s executive director, Medrano took the organizational era of her predecessor into a new chapter, reaping what she sowed and taking action to replant the seeds of future success. Ripe with ideas and determined as ever, Medrano’s hyperlocal approach, shaped by her own roots in the city, serves as her biggest driving force—as do the memories she holds of the same block she now admires. “Downtown was not a place that was safe to come with a family,” she said. “In partnership with good-paying jobs [and] a good education, Corpus Christi is becoming a place that you don’t have to leave to make money, to be happy or to live a vibrant, thriving life. What I see is the future in the eyes and perspective of my children.” Raised by two generations of single mothers—her mother and grandmother—Medrano’s understanding of nurturing environments directly informs her dedication to both her family and her city. As she and her two older sisters watched the women in their lives work tirelessly from an early age, all three girls learned what it meant to hustle. When Medrano’s oldest sister became the first in their family to go to college, there was no question: The rest would go, too. Outside the usual childhood tantrums, all three girls stayed motivated. Whether genetic, intrinsic or learned, they stayed on top of their schooling and chores and never gave their matriarchs a hard time. Focus came easy, partially because they all knew there weren’t many other options. In addition to her steadfast sisters, she befriended girls her age facing the same hardships that come with the label of low income: single-parent households, drug and alcohol abuse in the family, gender-based violence. Yet all of these girls remained equally determined to dig themselves out of the trenches. “Sometimes it feels like a rags-to-riches scenario,” she said. “But I don’t feel special, because that was the case for my entire group of friends. It was never an option to fail.” Her fear of failure soon turned into fuel as her career in municipal government and public administration steadily built up her tenacity. Previous Director Alyssa Barrera Mason cited Medrano’s ability to face challenges head-on and her commitment to seeing things through as crucial to her success in her current role.

WRITTEN BY EVELYN MARTINEZ

46 The Bend

“You have to do what you say you’re going to do, or else you can’t be trusted,” Barrera Mason said. Having grown in their careers together—Medrano working parallel to or as a direct successor to Barrera Mason’s own job titles—the two refined the DMD into the well‑oiled machine it is today. At Barrera Mason’s request, Medrano served a brief stint as interim executive director, and when the position requested final nominations, the recent Houstonian felt more than comfortable leaving what felt like a career-defining project in Medrano’s hands. “The [organizational structure] we had built [was] so sophisticated and so complicated,” she said. “[Arlene] was there at Ground Zero. When it came time for the search for a finalist, that’s where she was actually able and willing to throw her hat in the ring. By then she had realized that she really loved it, too.” A self-described workaholic and textbook Capricorn, Medrano stepped into a role requiring a multifaceted wrangler to manage five distinctive focus areas—and her life in the city more than prepared her. Safety and placemaking draw directly from her memories of high crime and boarded‑up windows downtown. Her economic development skills come from years in city administration; her promotional instincts from her leadership roles; and her staffing expertise from years spent both guiding others and being guided herself. Across the many facets of her job, one thing brings her joy across the board: serving the public. “[Growing up] the H-E-B Day of Giving [volunteering event] always fell on my birthday, and that’s where I always wanted to be,” she remembered. “If I can provide a service and pass it forward, of course I will. I would love to be the person who makes a positive impact on somebody. Everyone needs that one person to believe in them.” Whether through the passion and dedication she has for her work downtown, the mentorship she offers young women through organizations like South Texas Women Leading Government or the lessons she now imparts to her children, Medrano’s mission of service continues to define her life. That devotion to service and constant improvement leaves little room for traditional downtime, so her version of rest looks different than most. If her career and her family serve as pillars of purpose, tennis serves as one of restoration—the place she returns to when she needs grounding, release and joy. The sport’s discipline kept her focused growing up, its coaches became her first role models and its community eventually led her to her husband during a doubles game. Even now, as her children get older, she finds ways to weave tennis back into their lives, carving out moments of play and practice amid the demands of leadership. Above all else, she finds herself drawn back to the newly accessible, always bustling, beautifully adorned Downtown Corpus Christi.

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48 The Bend

Legacy

SARA MORGAN T

here is a common misconception that legacy is built through grand gestures, singular achievements or moments of public recognition. In reality, legacy is often quieter; built person by person, year by year, through the steady commitment to making a place better than you found it. Few people embody that truth more fully than Sara Morgan, director of the Art Museum of South Texas. For decades, Morgan has helped shape the cultural fabric of the Coastal Bend, transforming the museum into a welcoming space where creativity, learning and community thrive. Her influence shows up not only in exhibitions and programs, but in a new generation of residents who now see the museum as a place that belongs to them. Ask Morgan what fills her with the greatest sense of pride, however, and she does not begin with her career. “My daughters,” she said without pause. The answer reveals the perspective that has guided her as both a mother and a leader. Raising strong, independent women has been one of her life’s greatest joys. She admires their individuality, their willingness to forge their own paths and the lessons she learned by allowing them the freedom to become fully themselves. Her family is also a source of joy in another important way: Morgan speaks warmly about her stepson, John Michael, who has been a significant part of her life. Just as she worked to raise her daughters to be independent women, she sought to show him how to value, respect and love independent women. Watching all of her children grow into themselves remains incredibly rewarding. The values that shaped her family life have also shaped her leadership. In her office sits a favorite photograph of a former employee’s infant daughter. In the image, Morgan is holding the baby while conducting a meeting. To her, the photograph captures everything she believes about women, work and leadership. “We take care of each other. We support each other. We keep showing up and doing the work, even when we have a child in our arms,” Morgan said. “We lead, we solve problems, we create and we get major stuff done.” Motherhood and ambition have never been opposing forces for Morgan. “Having children doesn’t make us any less ambitious or capable. If anything, it teaches us how much we can actually carry.” Though she has guided significant growth during her tenure at the museum, Morgan is quick to credit her team, board members, donors and community partners. Leadership, she believes, is less about claiming success and more about accepting responsibility when things go wrong. “If something didn’t work, there was something I wasn’t able to provide,” she reflected. This perspective is rooted not in ego, but in accountability. Morgan’s connection to the museum stretches back much further than her current role as director. As a young woman, a

WRITTEN BY KIRBY CONDA

friend’s mother introduced her to the museum. The experience sparked a love of art that later led her to study art history. After working in galleries and museums in Los Angeles and Houston, she returned to Corpus Christi and eventually joined the very institution that first inspired her. “You are not going to believe this,” she said she would tell her younger self. “I became the director of the Art Museum of South Texas.” Morgan looks at the museum as a doorway to new ideas, perspectives and possibilities. That belief has fueled one of the defining priorities of her leadership: accessibility. She understands that many people did not grow up visiting museums and may see cultural institutions as intimidating or exclusive. Rather than accepting those barriers, she has spent years working to remove them through free admission initiatives, community events, outreach programs and expanded access opportunities. Her goal is simply to get people through the front door. “If I can get you in the front door for the first time,” she explained, “then it’s our responsibility to make sure that you have a positive experience.” When the museum launched programs designed to remove financial barriers, participation exceeded expectations. For Morgan, it confirmed what she already believed: The desire to engage with art was always there; sometimes people simply need an invitation. She has also been intentional about cultivating younger audiences and ensuring the museum remains relevant to future generations. Community building, she believes, is never finished. Each generation needs its own invitation and its own connection to the institution. Relationships are ultimately at the center of everything she does. While Morgan’s professional accomplishments are substantial, those who know her best often point to something less measurable: the environment she creates. One where people feel welcomed, supported and trusted. A place where it is safe to try, fail, learn and begin again. Today, Morgan measures success differently than she once did. She finds comfort in knowing she is supported by a remarkable team, engaged trustees, loyal donors and a loving family. Confidence, she has learned, is not about having all the answers; rather, it comes from trusting the people around you. Her vision of a fulfilling life is refreshingly uncomplicated: a few good friends, meaningful work, family close by, opportunities to travel, good food and the freedom to keep moving forward. After decades of service to the Coastal Bend, Morgan has built something larger than herself. The museum she helped shape will continue to welcome new generations, guided by the values of curiosity, accessibility and community that define her legacy. Her influence lives not only in those she has inspired, but in the countless visitors yet to walk through the facility’s doors and discover a sense of wonder, connection and possibility.

49 thebendmag.com 49

Industry Leader

TERI MOFFITT CARDENAS I

n communities throughout the Coastal Bend, ready access to care is one of the leading determinants of health across one’s lifespan. Since 2021, Teri Moffitt Cardenas has served as CEO for Physicians Premier, striving toward its mission to provide the most efficient, compassionate and patient-centered emergency care. A servant and advocate in the healthcare industry for over 30 years, Cardenas has made a career of listening to the needs of patients, practicing physicians and other healthcare professionals, and the community overall. Growing up in the Memorial area of Houston, she recalls the thread of ambition among her peers, as well as what her parents instilled in her. Her father worked in the finance sector as an entrepreneur while her mother worked reception for bigname accounting firms. Her earliest work experience in high school looked like painstaking, manual entry of general ledgers and accounts receivable at her dad’s office. “My father had a lot of impact on me,” Cardenas said. “It was good for me from that perspective, being responsible and accountable. It gave me a really sound foundation to go into the jobs I went into.” Her own ambitions led her to earn a bachelor’s degree of science in communications from The University of Texas at Austin in 1988. After fighting through the economic downturn of the late ’80s, she accepted a fundraising and development position with March of Dimes, where she came to learn more about the power of networking and resource allocation. Cardenas credits being young and unintimidated by the concept of “no” as enabling her to ask for more from those who had resources to share. “Maybe part of it was that I was young and didn’t know better, but I thought, ‘I’m ready to do it, I’m gonna do it!’” she recalled. “I would go through the list of [donors], and I’d go, ‘Why are they only giving us $2,000? Why don’t we ask for $50,000?’” It was through this spirit of optimism and opportunism that Cardenas found her knack for developing relationships. She found herself hosting events with Houston’s CEOs and raising millions for her foundation, as well as garnering professional connections she maintains today. Shifting from the role of asking to giving, she moved into leadership in healthcare administration, starting with Houston hospital systems and later to a vice president position with Baptist Health System in San Antonio. A capable leader, she faced new hardships in the healthcare sector, including securing limited funds for hospitals as a whole. Despite competing for funds among institutions, Cardenas emphasized it was always important to her to keep good relationships with her counterparts in other systems, something that proved a key factor of success throughout her career.

WRITTEN BY VANESSA PEREZ

50 The Bend

Cardenas went on to earn her MBA in healthcare management from Marylhurst University in 2010. After accepting a position as executive director of business development with Christus Spohn, she moved to the Coastal Bend and continued doing what she does best: making connections and becoming an active community member. When she was invited to interview with Physicians Premier in 2021, she did so under the impression it was for a business development role. Only after the intensive first round of interviews did the hiring panel of active board members and physicians inform her that she was a candidate for Chief Executive Officer. Cardenas recalls explaining to the panel that she felt unqualified for the job. In this moment of self-doubt, she called a meeting with her closest girlfriends—many of whom held high-power positions in their own fields—who reassured her of her talents and value, reflecting her own worth back to her as only trusted friends and colleagues can. Cardenas persevered through the arduous interview process and went on to take up the mantle as CEO with a strong sense of duty. “I took [the position of CEO] with a lot of thoughtful consideration of how I wanted to approach it,” she said. “I felt the need to ensure that our patients get to feel that vision and mission all the time. We do that with the highest quality, with terrific people, with upkept facilities and our core values.” As a healthcare industry leader and advocate in the Coastal Bend, Cardenas has used her position and expansive network to champion the cause of bringing quality healthcare and retaining practitioners within the community. In an industry riddled with burnout, she extends the values of the organizational mission to the professionals who make it possible. “I’ve always been a supporter of working in environments where organizations want to give back,” she said. “It’s important to care for people where they’re at. If you want to have the kind of organization that does care about excellence, you really have to be committed to your people and knowing that they’re humans. How do we help people through tough times? How do we help people when they say ‘I need a break’? We have to give some humanity—we have to care.” In addition to her husband Luis, two large Labrador puppies and drives home over the JFK Causeway, being “Teri” all the time is integral to keeping work and life in balance. “I’m very present and visible in this company, but there’s a balance to that,” she explained. “I think for me, it has to be authentic and natural. If I am not this [myself] 24/7, I don’t think I’d be able to be successful. I am really true to my belief system.”

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52 The Bend

Medical Hero

DR. CRYSTAL GARZA T

hrough the ebbs and flows of life, Dr. Crystal Garza finds that her “why” constantly evolves, taking on new shapes from its past iterations. In the wake of the recent loss of her father, Garza began the process of sorting through old photos and pieces of life, eventually stumbling upon her original personal statement for medical school. Reading her own words from 21 years ago, she felt how her father’s determination and sense of perseverance shaped the physician and person she would become. She strives to wear many hats— mother, wife, daughter, sister, doctor, friend—and through her devotion to wearing them all with compassion and strength, she finds her stride. Garza’s call to medicine came at a young age, in the form of a third-grade school project requiring drawing different organ systems of the human body. “I remember being fascinated by how everything worked together and immediately wanting to understand more,” she said. “Even then, I wanted to become a physician.” After completing a degree in biology at The University of Texas Pan-American, Garza followed her calling to medical school at the University of Texas Medical Branch, graduating with her MD in 2010. A South Texas native, she draws on her familiarity with the challenges communities in this region face around determinants of health. Watching her father and grandmother navigate the healthcare system inspired Garza’s patient-centered, humanistic approach to care over her 16 years in the field. As medical director for outpatient care at WellMed in Corpus Christi, she leads over 50 clinicians and staff across 14 clinics, caring for the most vulnerable patients when illness requires a hospital stay. One of the greatest challenges facing those in the healthcare industry is ensuring continuity of care for patients as they navigate different systems on their way to wellness. For Garza, too often being a patient in the hospital system can boil down to the details of a chart, while the key to getting and staying healthy lies in empowering patients to be active, educated partners in their own care. “Many of the patients we care for are older adults who have spent their lives working, raising families and contributing to their communities,” she said of working in the Coastal Bend. “They come to us with their medical conditions, but they are humans facing financial concerns, transportation barriers, caregiver challenges, loneliness and limited resources. That has profoundly influenced the way I think and care for my patients. I always try to connect it to the people behind the chart, behind the diagnosis, behind the metric.”

WRITTEN BY VANESSA PEREZ

While the pressure to perform weighs heavily when lives are at stake, the focus on providing quality, compassionate care grounds Garza’s practice both as a physician and as a team leader. “There have been many times throughout my career when I have stepped into spaces that required me to grow,” she said of learning the balance in becoming a physician and moving into healthcare leadership. “I don’t think courage means you never question yourself; I think it means deciding to do something meaningful outweighs the fear that you may not be ready.” In addition to the full-time duties of leading a clinic collective and still practicing bedside with patients, Garza’s desire to better her approach to the job hasn’t diminished. Outside her clinical duties, she is nearing completion of a master’s degree in hospital administration, and serves as vice president on the executive board of the Nueces County Medical Society. Her aspirations continue to grow as she deepens her roots as a physician and healthcare leader. “I have a passion to create a facility, or home for patients who are in the ‘in-between’—those who may be alone, or need a support system, and suffer from a life-limiting illness [like] dementia,” she said of her vision, inspired by her father’s battle with the disease. “I want to meet that need by creating a space [or] facility where they can come, live and feel unafraid of the next step in their journey.” As a woman in healthcare leadership, she has found strength in striking the balance among her many traits—making room for ambition and compassion, strength and tenderness. “First, believe that you belong in the room, even before you feel completely ready for the room,” Garza said, offering encouraging advice to women in or entering the field. “You can lead decisively and still care about people, pursue a challenging career and remain deeply devoted to your family. Most importantly, surround yourself with people who support and believe in you.” Amid everything, Garza keeps family and faith as the focal points of her life and works to instill in her children the same core beliefs her parents passed on to her: Treat people with compassion and integrity. Although her “why” evolves with every new chapter and season of life, finding her way back to grounding and purpose often involves going back to basics. “The Coastal Bend has given me the privilege of caring for people in a community where relationships, family and taking care of one another truly matter,” Garza said. “What has sustained me throughout my career is the desire to serve—to help people who need guidance, advocacy, compassion, and someone willing to walk alongside them through their own medical journeys.”

thebendmag.com 53

Celebration

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OCTOBER 22, 2026 PERFORMING ARTS CENTER 6300 Ocean Drive#Bldg. 5723, Corpus Christi, TX 78412 JOIN US AS WE CELEBRATE THE HER CLASS OF 2026 AND THE R E M A R K A B L E W O M E N M A K I N G A N I M PAC T AC R O SS T H E C OASTA L B E N D. TO LEARN MORE ABOUT SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES OR TO PURCHASE TICKETS, VISIT THEBENDMAG.COM 54 The Bend

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56 The Bend

10. 26

CUISINE FA R M T O TA B L E 5 8

5 B E ST 6 1

T H E D I S H 62

TA B L E TA L K 6 5

G O O D TA ST E 6 6

INHALE THE DAY, EXHALE THE NIGHT

pg 66

photography by NOAH HALL

Inside Brickell, Southside’s new cocktail-sushi-cigar lounge built for lingering

thebendmag.com 57

CUISINE FARM TO TAB LE

Bowl of Comfort A one-pot dish to welcome the fall season By Kayla Butts MS, RDN, LD

round this time each year, my family fights off autumnal burnout. Gloomy mornings and shorter days make the projects, deadlines and after-school activities feel heavy. We lean on comfort food to get us through our October slump, and a few dishes do the trick. Lentils have a long history of warming bellies. As one of the oldest cultivated crops, these legumes are a well-

RECIPE

Lentil and Sweet Potato Stew Serves 4 PREP TIME: 15 minutes COOK TIME: 40 minutes INGREDIENTS:

2 tablespoons olive oil 1 medium onion, chopped 3 cloves garlic, minced 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated 1 tablespoon fresh turmeric, grated 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon curry powder 1 teaspoon garam masala 3/4 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper 32 oz vegetable broth 1 14.5-oz can diced tomatoes 12 oz red lentils, rinsed 12 oz sweet potatoes (about 1 large or 2 small potatoes 4 cups chopped kale 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped Optional: coconut milk and white rice or naan for serving DIRECTIONS:

Heat olive oil in a 6-quart stockpot over medium heat. Sauté the onion for 4 minutes, then add the garlic, ginger, turmeric and other spices, and cook, stirring frequently, for an additional 60 seconds. Pour in vegetable broth, tomatoes, lentils and sweet potatoes, stirring to release any bits at the bottom of the pan. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cover with a lid. Cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in kale and cook another 2-3 minutes, until wilted but still bright green. Before serving, top with cilantro and coconut milk (if using). 58 The Bend

Photos by Jessica Gaertner

established, inexpensive nutritional powerhouse. Sweet potatoes and kale add vitamins essential for an immune boost, making this dish a perfect prophylactic for flu season. Finally, we add layers of flavor with warming spices like ginger, turmeric and curry. For a nourishing one-pot meal that feels like a warm hug, look no further than lentil and sweet potato stew.

thebendmag.com 59

T HE COASTA L BEND’S LOCA L LIFESTYL E AU THO RITY S U B S C R I B E T O D AY TO GET T H E BEN D M AGA Z I N E ST RA I GH T T O YO U R M A I L B OX

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60 The Bend

CUISINE 5 B E ST

5 BEST

Coffee Pop-Ups Five mobile concepts giving local coffee lovers more ways to get their caffeine fix By Jacqueline Gonzalez Photo provided by The Brewery

THE BREWERY

orpus Christi’s coffee scene goes beyond traditional coffee shops, with local pop-ups serving creative drinks from mobile carts, buses and trailers across the city. From themed drinks and coffee flights to house-made syrups and specialty lattes, here are five local coffee pop-ups worth seeking out.

Jireh’s Coffee House @J I R E H S.C O F F E E

Coffee and community come together with Jireh’s Coffee House, a coffee popup centered on creating a welcoming space no matter where it’s serving. Based in Annaville, Jireh’s sets up at events like ArtWalk, serving specialty coffee and ceremonial-grade matcha. Its drinks feature syrups made in-house without dyes or preservatives, adding a thoughtful touch to every order. Must-Try: Banana Brûlée

Cafesito Babe @CAFESITOBABE

Colorful, playful and inspired by familiar flavors, Latinaowned Cafesito Babe serves cafesitos and refreshers packed with personality. Find the popup at local markets, boutiques, nail salons, brunch events and other businesses, with preorders and private events also available. Its customizable Cafesito Babe Flight lets you choose four mini cafesitos for your own flavor lineup, making it an easy way to sample more of the menu in one stop. Must-Try: Fruity Pebbles Cafesito or Fresas con Crema Cafesito

The Brewery

@ __ T H E B R E W E RY __

Whimsical, nostalgic and always changing, The Brewery is a mobile coffee cart that brings a little extra fun to the coffee experience. Find it popping up at local businesses or book the cart for weddings, corporate gatherings and special events. Creative menus inspired by movies and seasons, along with housemade syrups, mean there’s always something different to try. Must-Try: The Salty Cowgirl

Elizabeth’s Lattes & Co.

@ E L I Z A B ET H S L AT T E S

Unconventional lattes are the specialty at Elizabeth’s Lattes & Co., a mobile latte cart and bus known for its cloud-like soft tops. Find Elizabeth’s at ArtWalk and other pop-ups, or catch the Latte Club on weekends, when the bus rolls out updated menus and new mini flights. Rotating seasonal offerings keep the menu fresh between pop-ups. Must-Try: Mini customizable flights at the Weekend Latte Club

The Coastal Press @ T H E C OA S TA L P R E S S S

“Coffee By the Coast” sets the tone at The Coastal Press, a mobile coffee trailer serving specialty drinks around Corpus Christi. You can regularly find the truck at the Grow Local Farmers’ Market, Padre Island Farmers’ Market and the Southside Farmers’ Market. The menu includes specialty lattes like The Sand Bar and White Cap, plus sugar-free options, and the trailer is also available for private events. Must-Try: S’mores Iced Coffee thebendmag.com 61

CUISINE THE DISH

Stacked and Loaded Drifter’s Deli serves a casual vibe and scratch-made sandwiches in Port Aransas By Leila Ydrogo

Photos by Noah Hall

perfect day in Port Aransas tends to be one without much of a schedule: a boat ride through the Gulf, a cold drink on a patio or an extended lunch break. At Drifter’s Deli, owner Clinton Mynier has built a sandwich shop around that same easygoing rhythm. “There’s a certain peace and simplicity to living and working on the coast,” Mynier said. “Port Aransas is a very welcoming community and receptive to new business ideas, [especially food].” After spending about two decades working in restaurants and moving to Port Aransas for a change, the idea clicked when the waterfront location across from his previous job became available. With the support of his sister, who helped conceptualize the restaurant and design the interior, the concept filled a gap Mynier had noticed in the island’s daytime dining scene. He had already been experimenting with baking bread, so sandwiches were a natural fit. “Sandwiches have been a staple in everyone’s life at some point. Everyone has a favorite,” he said. “It’s a food that can be super basic and satisfying, even nostalgic, while also having potential to be experimental and complex.” 62 The Bend

Keep an eye out for Drifter's limited-release bottled sauces available for purchase.

At Drifter’s, the foundation is scratchmade food, starting with fresh-baked bread and extending to house-made aiolis, condiments, sauces and rotating specials. The menu ranges from classics such as grilled cheese and BLTs to bolder combinations named after his siblings. The Therese, which is a top seller, is piled with turkey, bacon, spinach, tomato, banana peppers, cream cheese and garlic aioli. Or the Thomas, similar to an Italian, is layered with ham, salami and pepperoni, plus fresh mozzarella, onions, banana peppers, tomato and lettuce drizzled with red wine vinaigrette. “We’re just super dedicated to the scratch process and being fresh and affordable,” Mynier said. Now past its first year of business, Drifter’s has built a following among

locals while gradually drawing more visitors. Mynier continues to experiment, from rotating desserts and homemade ice cream— including flavors such as avocado coconut and raspberry goat cheese—to bottled hot sauces, plus catering for fishing charters and private events. Inside, the atmosphere is an intentionally bohemian bistro with a more intimate feel, while from the patio, the marina view takes center stage. That balance is what gives Drifter’s that distinct Port Aransas feel. In a town that was built around coasting out on the water and seeing where the day takes you, Drifter’s Deli may have found the perfect recipe; come hungry and settle in.

CONTACT 154 W. Cotter Ave. | @driftersdeliporta

The Sterling comes with ham, salami, cheddar, romaine lettuce, red onions, tomatoes and mustard on French bread.

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thebendmag.com 63

CUISINE GOOD TASTE

Inhale the Day, Exhale the Night Inside Brickell, Southside’s new cocktail-sushi-cigar lounge built for lingering By Luis Arjona

Photos by Noah Hall

riving up to Brickell on a Saturday night, you’ll notice the parking lot is already filled to the brim. A large bow tie logo and “Brickell” signage greet guests at the door. An ornate reception room opens into a narrow hallway, ending in a full-length mirror. With each step, the bass of house and Latin music grows louder. Beside the mirror hangs a red curtain; behind it, the cocktail lounge reveals itself in white marble, gold and dark navy. There is a starburst chandelier overhead and a central bar crowned by tiers of glowing liquor bottles at the center. Brickell is alive. Couples and small groups are dressed for a night out with drinks in hand. The bass from the DJ booth cuts through conversation, carrying the energy late into the evening. However, the cocktail lounge is half the experience. Across the room is the door to the cigar lounge. Black walls, low light, leather seating and a mural of men in suits watch over the room. Two lounges, joined by one name in brass letters. “We wanted somewhere you could come for a date at 7 p.m., have sushi and cocktails, stay for another drink, and then move into the 64 The Bend

Membership pricing and information for Brickell's cigar lounge are available on-site.

cigar lounge and finish the night without ever needing to go somewhere else,” said owner Kimberly Garcia. She wanted to give Corpus Christi a proper lounge—something she’d found in spots like the Fontainebleau and STK in Las Vegas: the color palette, the ambiance, a DJ pulling the room together on weekend nights. This is Brickell’s ethos—two distinct environments designed to become the entire night. The cocktail side is built for date night or a girls’ night out. This room is full of people dressed to be seen. The cigar side is more relaxed and comfortable for a nightcap after work or meeting with business clients. “You can have a completely different experience just by walking through a door,” Garcia shared.

Ventilation in the cigar lounge was treated as a design priority from the start. When visited during the day, the atmosphere hardly carried a trace of smoke. The ventilation system, staff explained, is designed to clear the smoke out. “We never wanted someone eating sushi on the cocktail side to feel like they’re sitting inside a cigar lounge,” Garcia said. The menu’s construction is as intentional as the design of each space. The cocktail list is lined with the classics; the owner recommends a Gold Fashioned for guests who want something familiar done well, and an Oro Paloma for those who don’t drink whiskey. The menu includes a “Smoke and Barrel” list that matches specific cigars to specific pours. A Macallan 12 alongside an Arturo Fuente Don Carlos, for example, is a combination whose flavor profiles complement one another nicely. General manager Thomas “TJ” Salazar built his reputation over 11 years behind the bar at the Omni and Republic of Texas, work that earned him Visit Corpus Christi’s 2025 Mixologist of the Year and The Bend’s Local’s List winner for Best Mixologist this year. He talks about

Ask for the "Smoke and Barrel" menu to perfectly pair cocktail and cigar flavors.

the move the way people talk about leaving something they loved for something bigger: “I went from creating experiences one cocktail at a time to having the opportunity to help create the entire experience,” Salazar said. Leaving through the cigar lounge, you step back out into a parking lot that is still full. On the door, a final message reads: “Inhale the day. Exhale the night.”

CONTACT 5902 Yorktown Blvd., Ste. B100 361.442.5310 | @brickellcc thebendmag.com 65

HER

family.

HER

community.

HER

calling.

HER impact. Congratulations, Catherine. Your leadership, compassion, and unwavering dedication make a difference in so many lives. We are grateful to celebrate you and all that you do.

With love, Bob & the kids, 66 The and Bend your entire Hilliard Law Family

BOB & CATHERINE HILLIARD

10. 26

AROUND THE B END A RT S & C U LT U R E 6 8

D I S C OV E RY 70

L O O K I N G B AC K 74

GOOD FOOD, GOOD STEWARDSHIP

pg 70

photo provided by PORT ARANSAS FARMERS MARKET

This semiannual market celebrates the people and food of the Coastal Bend

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AROUND THE B END ART S & C ULT URE

The Young Filmmakers of Tomorrow As the Rockport Film Festival turns 20, a youth-based initiative imbues it with local fervor By Mark Travis

Film Stills Provided by Griffyn.Co Productions

rmed with a bag full of cash and a dubious explanation for it, a young woman’s night spirals into delirium as cracks in her facade reveal a reality she has been running from. No, this isn’t the logline for the latest Martin Scorsese thriller or the next Steven Soderbergh caper, but rather the synopsis of a film called Two Truths which will premiere on the final day of the 20th annual Rockport Film Festival, running Oct. 30-Nov. 1. And its cast and crew will have the unique distinction of walking a red carpet before they have walked the stage at their high school graduation. For the past two decades, the Rockport Center for the Arts has showcased independent films from across the Coastal Bend and far beyond with its annual film festival. This year will also mark the 10th submission from its Young Filmmakers of Tomorrow program, an initiative that was created to give local high school students a chance to bring their imaginations to life while gaining hands-on experience with the filmmaking process. The program comprises students from Rockport-Fulton High School who are interested in acting, directing or any other aspect of film production. “We have a strong passion for youth education and youth development in our community,” Kathleen Clark Barrera, the Deputy Director at the Rockport Center for the Arts (RCA), said. “We wanted 68 The Bend

Film stills above spotlight Two Truths characters Eliza, Ben and Illiana.

to provide the high school students with a creative outlet to start a dialogue and express themselves.” In 2024, the RCA asked Matthew Thornton, a director who operates production company Griffyn.Co Productions out of Austin, to be the program’s mentor. Thornton, who was born in Corpus Christi, had established a relationship with the RCA’s staff while making a documentary on the renowned local sculptor Kent Ullberg (the film, Ullberg: Wind in the Sails, won Best Documentary Feature at the 2024 festival). He saw it as an excellent opportunity to grow upon the burgeoning passion in a community that is establishing itself as the preeminent home for independent film in South Texas. “The community there have been wonderful patrons of the arts,” Thornton said. “To see them getting into the schools

and giving kids the opportunity to make something, it is special. The biggest value isn’t even the final product, necessarily, it’s that the kids learn that they can do a lot with a little.” Throughout a few pre-production meetings, the students hammer out the details of the story, go over the script and decide upon the desired mise-en-scène. Then they get a crash course in handling professional equipment, from high-end cameras to specialized audio devices. Thornton helps the group find the balance between the abundance of adolescent ingenuity and the practical matter of finding ways to commit their ideas to film. “Teaching them different zooming and framing techniques, the difficulty of recording good sound and how to use cinematography as a storytelling device,” Thornton said, “those are the big parts of it.” Although Thornton presides over the entire production, occasionally he shares the director’s chair with an ambitious auteur. Maxwell Lubinski, a junior at Rockport-Fulton High School, was the student director on Two Truths and dreams of bringing his stories to a global audience one day. “I write a lot of stories for myself, especially comics with illustrations,” he said. Working alongside Thornton gave him invaluable experience leading the moviemaking process. “After seeing everything that goes into it, I definitely have a

Two Truths will screen during the Local Love segment of this year’s festival on Nov. 1.

better understanding of what makes for an adaptable idea.” Two Truths will screen during the Local Love segment of this year’s festival on Sunday, Nov. 1. Admission is free on the final day of the festival and attendees will be treated to a brunch put on by Rockport’s Rotary Club. After the showing, the students involved in the production will participate in a Q&A session where they will share their favorite memories from making the film. “I’m nervous to see it on the big screen,” Lubinski said. “But I know that everyone did a great job. It was fun to work with other people and create a story together.”

CONTACT rockportartcenter.com | 361.729.5519 thebendmag.com 69

AROUND THE B END DISCOVE RY

Good Food, Good Stewardship This semiannual market celebrates the people and food of the Coastal Bend By Ava Coronado

Photos provided by Port Aransas Farmers Market

ust one turn off the ferry is a place where fresh foods move from field and water to the table, creating deeper connections among the people who eat them, the coastal community that produces them and the environment that sustains them. The Port Aransas Farmers Market offers an exchange that supports health, sustainability, farms, families and small businesses. On Nov. 8, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., rain or shine, residents and visitors have the opportunity to purchase in-season local, nutrient-dense foods while supporting the market’s mission of connecting the Coastal Bend’s food to our people. The market is held twice a year to align with agricultural rhythms and growing seasons in South Texas. Unlike the rigid weekly timetable of typical farmers markets, its schedule highlights different products by following each item’s distinct seasonal cycle. Partnering with five dozen local farmers, bakers and artisans allows for a seasonal selection of fresh vegetables, meat, seafood, baked goods and more. “We want someone to be able to purchase food directly from a farmer and then walk a few steps to learn about soil health, coastal conservation, water quality, sustainable fisheries or another issue

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The Port Aransas Farmers Market provides complimentary booth space to local school and educational organizations, creating opportunities for students.

connected to how food is grown or produced,” founder and organizer Nikki Farese said. “In that way, the market becomes a living representation of something we hope visitors carry home with them: Our daily choices are deeply interconnected, and the small decisions we make about what we buy and whom we support can have a lasting impact on both human and environmental health.” The market brings together regional regenerative farmers, ranchers, fishermen, oyster farmers and artisans. Vendors include Edelen Farm, The Srubar Cottage, Texas Clear Water Oysters, Peggy Ann Shrimp, Ruff Gardens, Riley Family Farm, Twining Tree Farm, W Star Ranch Bakery, Coastal Bend Mushrooms and Sherry’s Jams and Jellys. Additional vendors

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include artisans, wellness vendors and local businesses such as Foster Family Fine Art, Angeluz Jewelry Design, Island Wellness and Nutrition, Saltwater Gypsies and Aloha Acai. A desire to build local relationships and find nutrientdense food for her family led Farese to connect with farmers, fishermen and food producers throughout the Coastal Bend. By partnering those producers with friends and neighbors in Port Aransas, she helped create enough demand to make regular deliveries worthwhile. The experience revealed a gap between the local food available throughout the region and residents’ awareness of how to access it. “I wanted to build on what I love most about Port Aransas; a community where wellness, connection and stewardship are woven into everyday life,” Farese added. “I hoped the market could become something the island could be proud of: not simply another place to sell products, but a gathering that strengthens relationships between the people who grow, raise, harvest, make, protect and eat our food.”

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CONTACT portafarmersmarket.com |

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AROUND THE B END LOOKING BAC K

Ladies of La Retama Women of the La Retama Club built the foundation of the Corpus Christi Public Libraries By Jillian Becquet

Photo provided by Library of Congress,

Prints & Photographs Division, FSA/OWI Collection, LC-USF34-034510-D.

merican cities have had lending libraries since the days of Benjamin Franklin, but for over 50 years after its charter, Corpus Christi did not have one. It took the concerted efforts of a group of young ladies, including Miss Mary Carroll—later to become the only female superintendent of CCISD, 1922-33. The only women’s club in the town of about 5,000 people, the Monday Study Club, founded another club for unmarried women to socialize and learn. They named their club La Retama, and had high ambitions for the future of learning in Corpus Christi. They hoped that by starting a lending library they could make a lasting difference for their city. And that they did. The women raised funds, collected donated books, rented a room in the Hatch & Robinson building (the now-tiled building located adjacent to La Retama Park) and opened the doors to the public in December 1909. The women of the La Retama Club staffed the library three days a week until they hired a librarian in 1914. Through major disasters—a fire and the hurricanes of 1916 and 1919— the La Retama Club kept the library not only open, but growing. This dedication was recognized by the city and in 1927, the City of Corpus Christi assumed operations of the library. The library received its sixth location, now La Retama Park, in 1955—and the name remains on the downtown branch in honor of the ladies of La Retama. The plaque is unveiled at the opening of the La Retama Library at 505 Mesquite St. in March 1955.

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