Inside the Moon

Beach Clean-up A2 Business Briefs A3 Fishing for Smiles A5 On the Rocks A11 New Island Restauant A14 Issue 871 The 27° 37' 0.5952'' N | 97° 13' 21.4068'' W Photo by Debbie Noble Island Free

The voiceMoon of The Island since 1996 December 24, 2020 Weekly www.islandmoon.com FREE Around The Hornets Island A Very Mazoch Family Christmas Advance to By Dale Rankin The Island Christmas this year is Third Round of a good time to stop and smell the beach. While much of the country UIL Playoffs slogs its way through a winter storm and a pandemic our holiday looks to 4 p.m., Saturday be one for launching the fleet. Last weekend the Intracoastal Waterway December 26 in San looked like the Spanish Armada was rolling in as the weather had Antonio Island boaters out to enjoy a day on The Flour Bluff Hornets will play the water. The Star of Bethlehem the Victoria West Warriors in the was difficult to make out Monday 3rd round of the UIL State Football evening through the Island cloud Playoffs on Saturday, December 26. cover but somehow just knowing it The Hornets advanced to the third was up there was comforting in an round of the playoffs after wins in otherwise tough year. the First Round over the Brownsville As we began putting together our Pace Vikings and the second round Year in Review issue for next week over the Southside Cardinals 31-21 in the Area Round. it quickly became clear that 2020 The Christmas light show by the Mazoch family at the west end of Whitecap Boulevard is an Island was a year like no other on our little tradition and continues to draw crowds each night. The will play in the 3rd Round of sandbar. As much of the state locked the 5A Division 1 Regional Semifinal down the beach became the state’s Playoffs at 4 p.m. at Alamo Stadium backyard as a place to recreate while in and tickets can be socially distancing and in the process purchased online. For questions our real estate market got sampling Pier to be Rebuilt! about online tickets, contact Mrs. from a customer base that we would Weaver at (361) 694 – 9276. A Clear likely not have seen. The offshoot Bag Policy and COVID Restrictions has been a robust demand for Island County Commissioners identify funding source will be enforced at the game which housing as large portions of the will be broadcast live on 1230 AM workforce began working from home and 95.1 FM. and what better place to do it than without tax hike Alamo Stadium is located adjacent to here? It looks like 2021 is going to be By Dale Rankin a good year for us. Trinity University on the McAllister Bob Hall Pier will be torn down due Freeway just north of downtown San New City Council to damage from Hurricane Hanna Antonio. but can be rebuilt with savings from The election is over and the new a refinancing of county bond debt Corpus Christi City Council is set after a vote from the Nueces County to take office on Tuesday, January Commissioners Court in a specially 12. The ceremony is set for council called meeting on Friday. chambers but the building is closed to the general public. The ceremony The five-member commission was can be viewed on the city website. presented with the options of using the existing concrete pilings to • The new council members are: rebuild the pier, which consultants Paulette Guajardo – Mayor; Michael from the Jacobs Engineering Group, Hunter - At-Large; John Martinez - Inc. said would cost $9 million and Bob Hall Pier before the storm. At-Large; Mike Pusley - At-Large; extend the life of the pier by about Billy Lerma - District 1; Ben Molina thirty years, or to tear down the - District 2; Roland Barrera - District existing structure and rebuild from 3; Greg Smith - District 4 the ground up at a cost of $19 million. The Swearing In begins at 10:00 The commissioners unanimously a.m. the Swearing At begins at 10:01 chose the second option which could a.m. extend the pier’s life beyond seventy- five years. Water restrictions Funding for the repair or There is also a press conference reconstruction of the pier hit a snag scheduled for 10 a.m., Monday, when officials from the Federal December 28, at the O.N. Steven’s Emergency Management Agency After the storm. Photos by Laurie Lyng. Water Treatment Plant on Leopard (FEMA) told county officials in leaving the question of how to pay That question of where to find local Street. We know that many of our October that the total amount of for the repair of the pier unknown. funds in lieu of the FEMA money was readers will be disappointed that the damage from Hurricane Hanna in Island artist Jennifer Seymour FEMA funding is approved would answered at the Friday meeting when public will not be allowed to attend fourteen counties that border (pictured center with son Pace) pay for 75 percent of the repair cost financial consultant Noe Hinojosa since it will mean they will miss the the Gulf of Mexico did not meet the created her annual beach with the remaining 25% coming from chance to see the water treatment $38 million minimum funding level snowman sculpture this week. local sources. plant first hand. But generally to qualify for hurricane relief funding Bob Hall cont. on A5 speaking when a press conference is called at a Water Treatment Plant the news is not going to be good and A little Island history this is not likely to be an exception. It was announced at the city council meeting last week that the capacity of 2004: The Year We Had a White Christmas on The Island the city’s water supply was teetering on the brink of the level where rationing kicks in and the message at By Dale Rankin the Monday gathering is likely to be This week we continue our that we are entering Stage 1 Drought photo essay of the Island’s White Restrictions. It may be a long dry Christmas. The year was 2004 and summer folks. was a Christmas to remember. Dog Park It started when snow first began falling on cue on Christmas Eve when awoke from a long winter’s nap on Christmas morning we looked out on a beautiful blanket of three inches of white covering their Island. The last time Corpus Christi or the Coastal Bend received similar 24 hour snowfall totals was in February 1895 when a snow Work on the Riley P. Dog Park is event the snow totals were nearly moving forward. The fill dirt has double (10-20 inches) those of the arrived and the fence is next. So as we 2004; but it was not on Christmas ramp up for a spring 2021 opening we Eve. are preparing our readers with some pointers. While it's unlikely we will The pictures tell the story. have snow in the dog park this year – or any year for that matter- just in case be sure to follow the rule stated here. It’s just good public policy. Have a great Christmas everybody and get ready for a great 2021. In the meantime say hello if you see us Snow blankets the Marlin sculpture. More photos on page A4. Around The Island. December 24, 2020 Island Moon A 2 Seashore Happenings Sip-n-Shop

Deborah Nichols of the Padre Island Art Gallery hosted a Holiday Sip & Shop on Friday, December 18th. The event featured many Island artists creating their work on site as well as complimentary wine and snacks. The gallery is located at 14617 S.P.I.D. Photos by Debbie Noble. Santa Cleans Up

Padre Island residents took their love for the Island and their Christmas spirit to the beach this past weekend to rid the beach of as much garbage as they could. Photos by Debbie Noble TRY OUR New To-Go Stati Free Delivery on Padre Island or in Flour Bluff Alcohol to-go also available Call to order (361) 949-6744 Doc’s gift cards are now on sale. They make great Christmas gifts for family Seashore students had fun dressing up for Pajama Day, Holiday Headwear Day, and or staff ! Sweater Day. December 24, 2020 Island Moon A 3 Moon Monkeys Bob Hall Pier Mike Ellis, Founder It was always my Understanding that Bob Hall pier was designed to be taken apart partially Did Ya Hear? before a storm. There is a tool and a forklift that three men can take apart the floor and stack By Mary Craft it up at the end of the pier, that wasn't done, that's why the pier was destroyed. Why is this never mention or is it just a failure of the parks Business Briefs department and no one wants to talk about it. A Sherwin Williams store is being built where the Hunan Restaurant was in the Now it's gonna cost the taxpayers millions of Bluff at Waldron Road. dollars. Guajillo’s - Shortcut to Mexico Restaurant will be opening in the Padre Mail Plus Scott Nichols possibly in January. Carlos Barajas and his brother opened their restaurant in San Antonio 22 years ago. Carlos says he has no competition in this area since there are Editor’s note: The walking surface of the pier is no authentic Mexican restaurants. He describes the difference “We cook with water, Distribution designed with cement rectangles that fit on top Pete Alsop vegetables and spices. No lard, no grease, no oil, no starch, no flour, no junk. I have of the frame of the structure. Those rectangles so many customers hooked on our food.” Island Delivery were placed there so that high waves and rising Irie’s Island Food in Port A will be opening Coldwell Banker surf could move them without damaging the structure; that is in fact what happened during soon at their new larger location on 200 W. Advertising Hurricane Hanna as several were moved during Avenue G. Jan Park Rankin the storm. Costa Sur will be serving a pop up Sunday Classifieds However, to remove all of the rectangles would brunch on December 27th 11 am - 4 pm. Arlene Ritley have taken an estimated five days and likely The entrees will include salmon cado toast, Production Manager would not have prevented the damage to the cluckin’ frito steak, ceviche fusion and bisquits & gravy. The drinks will include Abigail Bair “T” structure of the pier according to a member of the team hired to access the damage to the mimosas, champagne mules and breakfast Contributing Writers pier after the storm since the waves washed shots. Joey Farah over the top of the pier and washed away eight Irie's Island Food. The Rasheeds’ gift to the Island has an Andy Purvis feet of sand from the gulf floor around the pier ETA of Wednesday, January 6th. Try to hold Mary Craft leaving the piling exposed. off as much of your grocery list as you can Emily Gaines the next two weeks so we can help jumpstart their Jay Gardner Another take on business. Pastor Kris Bair The game room next to Spanky’s Liquor with Todd Hunter Bob Hall Pier the blackened windows was open for a couple of Dotson Lewis weeks until police showed up and shut them down. Dr. Tom Dorrell This opinion will likely be taken as heresy, but Island Joes Coffee has a Christmas drink called Ronnie Narmour we need to challenge the assumption that the Bob “Sleigh Ride” that is warm espresso based drink Brent Rourk Hall Pier is a necessity. It is a landmark, a fine with hints of cherry, chocolate and nutmeg. They Photographers destination for residents and visitors alike, and will have a Christmas Eve Candlelight Service 5 a feature I appreciate. It previously generated - 6 pm. Miles Merwin (Emeritus) $650,000 in annual revenue, more than half of Debbie Noble The Jam Band will be playing at the Pelican which came from a restaurant, which seems Irie's mural by Cam Walls Art. Lounge Christmas night at 9:30 pm. Jan Rankin surprisingly low and certainly not guaranteed Mary Craft for the long-term. Replacement cost for the The Riptide Band will be featured at the Back pier is estimated to be around $19 million, but Porch in Port A on Saturday, December 26th. Ronnie Narmour does anyone believe the actual cost to taxpayers Office Security/Spillage Control (Emeritus) will be anywhere near that? (Think $25 million, Hardknock’s Sports Grill on the which is one-fourth of Nueces County's annual Island is now hiring. budget.) Can you afford to invest one-fourth of Ty Dietz will be entertaining the folks your annual income on something that pays you at The Slip on Saturday, December 26th. less than a three percent return and might be destroyed in the next bad storm? Pie will be open Christmas If rebuilt, will the county insure the pier against Eve until 7 pm. Pade Pizzeria, yet another catastrophic loss, or is an ocean pier Scuttlebutt’s, Doc’s Seafood and uninsurable? This seems to be a perfect time Surfside Sandwich will be closed for county officials to find a private company Christmas Eve. Angry Marlin is closed which, if this is a financially viable project, until Tuesday, December 29th. Black Riley P. Dog might build and operate a new pier and share Sheep Bistro is closed until Monday, a portion of a potentially improved revenue December 28th. Snoopy’s and Marker stream with Nueces County and the Nueces 37 will be open Christmas Eve 11 am - Publisher County Coastal Parks. If no private option 2 pm. All will be closed Christmas Day. Dale Rankin emerges, then we can know that a shiny new Coastal Pet Supply will be having a grand reopening at their new location near About the Island Moon pier is not a financially viable project. Tell the Mail N More on Saturday, January 2nd. They are moving from their location near The Island Moon is published every Thursday, Dale beach-closing bureaucrats that public money Spanky’s Liquor. Rankin, Editor / Publisher. should not be spent on a non-essential (and Total circulation is 10,000 copies. Distribution includes obviously temporary) fishing pier just because delivery to 4,000 Island homes, free distribution of 3,000 copies in over 50 Padre Island businesses and condos, it was built there before. as well as 600 copies distributed in Flour Bluff, 1,400 copies on Mustang Island and Port Aransas businesses. Tom Cullinan News articles, photos, display ads, classified ads, Editor’s note: County officials said during payments, etc. may be left at the Moon Office. a specially-called meeting concerning the pier last Friday that no private insurance is The Island Moon Newspaper available for Bob Hall Pier. 14646 Compass, Suite 3 Corpus Christi, TX 78418 Bollards Good morning 361-949-7700 It's time again for us to decorate the bollards. [email protected] Sunday 12/27/20 at 1:00 we will begin our Facebook: The Island Moon Newspaper instillation at the pier and work our way toward the jetty. I am hoping we will complete this project about 3:00 and they will stay up till March. We are pleased to be celebrating five years of Where to Find The decorating the bollards with this instillation. It all began when Glenn and I were traveling Island Moon in France and stumbled on an entire street in Avignon France decorated with "Yarn Bombs". All the trees, bike racks, fences, and road Port North signs were covered in brightly colored yarn. Coastal Pet Supply reopens January 2nd. Aransas Padre I immediately thought of Port A and the plan Gulf Stream RV began. All Stripes Stores Pioneer RV When we returned home, we were living in to getting his driver's license. Could go on Black Sheep/ Iowa at the time, I called my friend Lorraine about all our hand washing, mask wearing and Port A. Art Center Stripes on 1A Barrel Care and asked her to measure the bollards. social distancing routines but don't want to bore The merriest of Christmas wishes to all of you My Coastal Home Meanwhile I researched "Yarn Bombing" and everyone. and a welcoming sigh of relief to the end of this CVS discovered it began in Austin when a customer ragged old year and the beginning of hopefully Wishing you and yours a Very Merry WB Liquor Store Dollar General complained to a gallery owner that the door a more healthy and Happy New Year, 2021. handle was cold. The owner decorated the Christmas. We sincerely hope 2021 brings you Island Wine Room Doc’s Restaurant The Port Aransas Art Center is, once again, handle with yarn and Yarn Bombing began. health and happiness. doing one of the things it was intended to do, Kody’s Snoopy’s Pier Robert Southard Our first year Scott Cross gave is permission and that is being able to present a full and Coffee Waves Isle Mail N More to decorate the bollards on Nueces County wonderful array of workshops and classes for property. We began with 82 and have grown in Moby Dicks Island Italian All I Want For Christmas you. Our drop-in classes are back in full swing the last 4 years to 151 in 2019. I am delighted and we would love for you to take advantage of IGA Dear Dale, Brooklyn Pie Co. to have others join in the creation of the Bollard them and all of the other offerings that you see Treasure Island Buddies. Barb Johnson from Oklahoma has I know that you prefer for Letters to the in this newsletter. Ace Hardware contributed 18, Carol Gutchall from Editor to be signed by a real person, but I San Juan’s Restaurant Debra, our Gallery Coordinator and Sylvia, our has added three, Candy Tidmore form Corpus hope you will consider this one with its joke Texas Star (Shell) Office Manager have been doing their very best Wash Tub Christi added three BethAnn Gerring from signature. Otherwise, my impotent rage about to make the Port Aransas Art Center a lively and Spanky's Atlanta added several each year, Kathy Emde the endless high tide of dog poop is just an Woody’s Sports special place to come to and enjoy! We are Scuttlebutt’s from Iowa and Andrea Oestman from Nevada enraged rant against the thoughtlessness of my Center just wrapping up our Student Art Show which Restaurant also contributed several. Locals have also Island neighbors and visitors. Thanks for your we present every December. It will be taken Back Porch Bar added to the fun Jane Gillette not only created consideration. Subway down soon so if you haven’t seen it, please an Iowa team buddy she also painted several Shorty’s Place "All I Want For Christmas..... stop by. The artwork of these young people is water color images of them. We also have Island Tire astounding. Fisherman’s Wharf several anonymous ones that appear each year. .... is for people to pick up their dog's waste Padre Pizzeria [Not sure what the style guide is for the Moon: One of these days, hopefully sooner than later, Gratitude The bollard buddies have a Facebook page would also accept: "pick up after their dogs/ we can again have our First Friday Receptions And all Moon yarnbombinginporta, there is an unemployed The Gaff pick up their dog's poop/pick up their dog s**t]. and we are looking forward to being able to do retail advertisers bollard buddy album with over 200 photos of Trinity By the Sea At least at the beautiful seashore, if nowhere this. Until then, please come and visit and see their adventures over the summer. They have Episcopal WB Liquor else. Not sure if Islanders, Winter Texans, the beautiful artwork in our galleries. You will been featured in Island Moon, had a front page and tourists are in a competition to turn this fall in love with the gallery and perhaps buy a feature in the Caller Times, been covered by wonderful place into a garbage dump, but that special piece of artwork. Flour Bluff KIII TV's Bill Churchwell and Kris TV's Sonya is a race nobody wins. Except me, because H.E.B. Elena. there sure is plenty of coal substitute to stuff the In the meantime, come join us as a volunteer in whatever capacity you would like. It takes a If you have any questions please contact me stockings of every bad girl and boy this week. Ethyl Everly lot of people working to keep the Art Center’s Diana Vondra, 515 505 0166. Senior Center Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a cleaner momentum and we would love to have you Smiles, New Year, Stripes on Flour as a part of it all. If you can’t volunteer, then Diana The Island Krampus donations of talent and/or dollars are greatly Bluff & SPID appreciated. Thank you all for everything you (Name withheld by request) do for the Port Aransas Art Center! 2020 Karen Winship Ridout 2020 will definitely be a year to remember for most of us. Thankfully, all our family made President, on behalf of the Art Center Board it through without catching Covid. Hopefully of Directors we can keep away from it next year too. Our big news is that our 20 year old granddaughter, K.C. got engaged with wedding planned for next June. Our 15 year old grandson, Robert Send letters and photos to editor@ has grown like a weed and is looking forward

Letters to Ed cont. on A4 islandmoon.com December 24, 2020 Island Moon A 4 History cont. from A1 Bob Hall cont. from A1 told the commissioners that due to current low interest rates $106 million of the county’s current $143 million in outstanding bond debt can be refinanced saving the county $23 million which can be used to rebuild the pier without an increase in taxes. Hinojosa told the commission that as much as $25.3 million could be available for the county’s Capital Improvement Budget in 2021 through the refinancing which is sufficient to pay for the demolition of the damage pier structure and for its rebuilding. While the possibility of FEMA funding is still an open question, which Nueces County Judge Barbara Canales said she will continue to pursue, the refinancing plan clears the way for a plan to rebuild the pier with the commissions on Friday voting to issue a Request For Proposals to hire an outside firm to begin work on design Riley P. Dog does snow. and reconstruction of a new pier. Sidney Faas, from Jacobs Engineering which was hired to study the condition of the pier after the storm, said the structure where Mikel May’s Beachside Bar & Grill is located is sound and can be used as part of the new pier structure. However, the entrance to the restaurant and its kitchen are located on the portion of the pier which is damaged beyond use and must be torn down. Mikel May’s owners May Nardone presented the commissioners with a drawing which would allow for the restaurant to be housed in a single contiguous structure and includes an enclosed dining area with a second floor event space. According to numbers presented Friday Nueces County, through the Nueces County Coastal Parks Board, receives $200,000 annually from admission receipts at the pier and, a number which is expected to increase to $800,000 per year by the end of the anticipated life of the new pier in “75 to 100 years.” The county also received a revenue split with Mikel May’s under a five-year contract which currently has three years remaining. Nardone said the business employs 70 people. Faas showed drawings of a possible design for a new pier which features a “D” shaped public area at the outer end of the pier to replace the “T” shaped structure which was destroyed by Hurricane Hanna. The possible plan, which was only conceptual, also included a raising of the elevation of the new pier and pedestrian areas along the main structure. Waves overtopped the pier during the storm causing it to sway and the supporting concrete to crack, Faas said. Raising the elevation would prevent that. “The beauty of this plan is that by refinancing we can create a resource that will produce revenue and eventually pay for itself,” Canales said. The $25 million figure includes the cost of removing underwater debris from the pier in the aftermath of the storm as well as the cost of demolition, $2.4 million. The goal, commissioners said, is to have the new pier up and running by summer 2023.

Fully Guided • All Tackle Provided (361)442-8145

Send Letters and Photos to editor@islandmoon. com and follow us on Facebook: The Island Moon Newspaper View us online at: islandmoon.com

Since 1991 www.atlantis-poolservice.com They’re BACKKKKKKK Our Warm, crispy, delicious, hand crafted paninis Atlantis are back on the menu. Pool and Spa Choose from: Quality you can swim in! • Fig Jam, Brie, Prosciutto (361) 563-7665 or (361) 949-8899 • Sicilian Slammer RESIDENTIAL & COMMERICAL • Caprese Weekly Pool & Spa Maintenance * Repairs & Renovations • Smoked Salmon & Cream Cheese Island Resident Served with chips & a pickle Shouldn’t you be saying, “It’s time to relax. My pool is ready.” Call Atlantis For All Your Pool Needs 14254 S Padre Island Drive Ste 101 | 361-589-4130 December 24, 2020 Island Moon A 5

Tides of the Week Stuff I Heard on the Island By Dale Rankin Tides for Bob Hall Pier December24- December 31 Day High Tide Height Sunrise Moon Time Moon So there I was standing in Times Square the window. The taxi horns, screaming sirens, /Low Time in Feet Sunset Visible 2:30 in the a.m. of December 27, 1979. I had and blast from downshifting Harley’s bounded Th 24 Low 5:24 AM 0.1 7:17 AM Set 2:23 AM 66 driven from Seminole, Oklahoma to through the canyons making sleep seem like the day after Christmas and caught a flight wasted time. By early afternoon I had shined 24 High 1:57 PM 1.1 5:41 PM Rise 2:09 PM to La Guardia arriving sometime just before my first tour of an art museum to catch a taxi 24 Low 6:42 PM 0.9 midnight and heading to the Empire Hotel on to Harlem. No one would go with me and the West 63rdh Street across the street from Lincoln taxi driver said he would drive me there but 24 High 9:17 PM 1.0 Center. The Empire opened in the 1940s and he would not drop me off; I had to come back F 25 Low 5:50 AM -0.1 7:17 AM Set 3:15 AM 75 wasn’t exactly a dump but it wasn’t exactly with him. He stopped for a traffic light at the 25 High 2:52 PM 1.3 5:42 PM Rise 2:40 PM not a dump either. The good news was it was corner of 125th Street and Lenox Avenue – now near the subway and no sooner had I dropped renamed as Malcolm X Boulevard – and I tossed Sa 26 Low 6:18 AM -0.3 7:18 AM Set 4:08 AM 82 my bags in the tiny room than I jumped on the a ten dollar bill in the front seat and jumped out. 26 High 3:35 PM 1.4 5:42 PM Rise 3:15 PM Broadway local and headed for Times Square. It The problem in Harlem then was junkies and was exactly as advertised; dirty, squalid, full of my cousin had told me to carry a ten dollar bill Su 27 Low 6:48 AM -0.4 7:18 AM Set 5:03 AM 89 adult movie houses and street dealers. Nobody in my shirt pocket and when a junkie wouldn’t 27 High 4:13 PM 1.5 5:43 PM Rise 3:54 PM knew me and nobody cared to. I felt at home. I leave me alone throw it on the ground and avoid M 28 Low 7:19 AM -0.6 7:18 AM Set 5:59 AM 94 was anonymous. eye contact and keep walking – a method I got to test rather quickly and found that it worked I was there by pure luck. My roommate at 28 High 4:51 PM 1.6 5:43 PM Rise 4:38 PM fine. I made my way to the Apollo Theatre Southwest Texas State University told me only to find it out of business so I kept walking Tu 29 Low 7:52 AM -0.7 7:19 AM Set 6:55 AM 98 about a program the Art Department had where south through Columbia University then south twenty-five students each year traveled to New 29 High 5:27 PM 1.7 5:44 PM Rise 5:28 PM from 110th Street through Central Park where York to tour the art museums and art students the homeless population was exceeded only by W 30 Low 8:27 AM -0.7 7:19 AM Set 7:50 AM 99 being generally lacking in travel funds there the drug dealers plying their wares. I wasn’t in 30 High 6:03 PM 1.7 5:45 PM Rise 6:23 PM were usually a couple of empty spots that could South Texas anymore. Th 31 Low 9:03 AM -0.7 7:19 AM Set 8:41 AM be had for $375 that included air fare and two weeks and three weekends at the Empire. In the Over the next two weeks I saw Sweeny Todd The party of twenty-five there were eight males, all Demon Barber of Fleet Street which completely of whom immediately came out of the closet as confused me, The Elephant Man (fell asleep), soon as we were wheels down at La Guardia, and may have been the only heterosexual in fifteen female art students, and myself and New York to see Bette! Divine Madness during its thirty-day run. I saw Illya Kuryakin reading the New York Post on the subway but didn’t disturb him because he might have been working undercover for U.N.C.L.E. I went to the top of the Great Western Building and saw ripples in the toilet water as the building swayed in the January breeze, I got kicked out of the Windows on the World on top of the World Trade Center for wearing jeans, my cousin got me into Studio 54 (dress down) where I couldn’t afford the drinks, I saw Andy Warhol’s portrait exhibit at the Whitney that featured Truman Capote, Mao Zedong, Mick Jagger, fellow Journalism major Mike Davis. When we Golda Meir, Yves St. Laurent and Brooke hit town everyone went to sleep but myself and Hayward and Liza Minnelli. Davis who turned out to be a bit of a New York I spent a day at the United Nations with one City Fraidy Cat and refused to explore the wilds of those clunky earpieces draped over my ear of Time Square at 2:30 in the a.m. with me. His to hear translations in seven languages, took the loss. wrong train and ended up in Queens - twice, …skyscrapers and I finally rode across the Staten Island Ferry everything just like I pictured it because I couldn’t talk my way out of it and even visited the Museum of Modern Art. But With an audio track of Billy Joel “Only the my preferred itinerary was of a more bohemian Good Die Young,” and the Stones “some Puerto nature. I returned to CBGBs most nights and City Update Rican girls that's just dyin' to meet you” playing found my way to the Lone Star Café at Fifth By Greg Smith, City Council Member District 4 in my head I strode down Broadway and up Avenue and 13th Street where I heard Johnny Seventh Avenue like I was born to it. I walked Paycheck do a song about cutting off a guy’s ear into the lobby of the McAlpin House at 34th and spitting in it. and Broadway somewhere after 3 a.m. where Tuesday was the last Council The last item was a resolution protesting a On New Year’s Eve we rang in the new decade meeting for the current Council. Four items 5% windstorm rate increase by TWIA. The my cousin lived and by 4 a.m. we had already hit Max’s Kansas City and were in CBGBs at the Heat Club in Soho to see the Plasmatics were discussed and three acted on Tuesday. impact would be about five million dollars in where Wendy O. Williams came on stage additional premiums for Nueces County rate- smashing into a room packed full of angry First we were briefed on our lake levels. They wearing nothing but a few strips of electrical payers. In the last ten years TWIA has paid out punks who saw my Cadillac Bar Nuevo Laredo are at 40.1 percent of capacity with stage one tape in strategic spots and at midnight someone about $320 million in claims for the County and tee-shirt and were using water rationing to go into effect at 40 percent. has collect close to $800 million in premiums. me for a punching bag. The current outlook from the Weather Service Representative Todd Hunter briefed the Council It was glorious. Exactly is dry conditions for the next three months. At on his work to resend the increase which is due why I had come to the current evaporation and consumption rates we to go into effect in April. Big Apple. should be in phase one rationing this month. Phase one limits watering to once a week. With the new Council term beginning in My goals for the trip January I am going to ask that the Short Term were simple. Forget Second we canvassed (certified) the vote for Rental issue be brought before Council for the Statue of Liberty, the City election. There will be three new deliberation. The Island has been ground zero forget the Empire State Council members; Mike Pusley and John for STR’s and the Island’s discussions have Building. My bucket Martinez at large and Billy Lerma representing brought focus on the subject and the need to list was short and with District One which is from Downtown to address the complications that have resulted CBGBs and Max’s out Calallen. Mike has represented Precinct One as from STR’s. of the way seeing John County Commissioner and Billy has served on Lennon and Greenwich the Tuloso Midway School District for twenty- On the Covid front hospitalizations were Village and the Bitter five years, both bringing experience as elected up to 139 Tuesday as compared to 114 the End, Harlem and the officials in other capacities. John is an Attorney prior week. There are almost 5,000 doses of Apollo Theatre, and for the Hilliard Law Firm, prior to that he was the Pfizer vaccine available for Health Care United Nations were all the Judge for the County Court At-Law #3 for Workers locally and we expect to receive 600 the plans I had. I would Times Square five years and is an old surfer. doses of the Moderna product for our first leave the rest to chance. fired of a shotgun and a guy I remember as responders this week. The Mayor reiterated The third item was approval of a new pier for seven feet tall with a purple Mohawk took out that there is no plan for mandatory vaccinations Sunup the next morning found me in front Cole Park. The old pier was built in 1972 and a chainsaw and cut down the ball over and all vaccinations will be voluntary to clarify of the Dakota at 72nd Street and Central Park had to be closed due to structural problems in the dance floor then laid waste to a Jaguar they citizens concerns. West where I was told Lennon came and went. 2018. Completion date is for the summer of There was a crowd of about a dozen armed with had on stage. Me and two of the female art 2021 but that may be aggressive. Merry Christmas to all and a very happy 2021 Beatles records for him to sign but no sign of students got on the express train going north New Year Lennon. After several attempts I was standing and overshot our 60th Street stop and ended there on the sidewalk as he came out in a white up in Harlem sometime after four a.m. where Bentley limo and rolled down the window to we bribed our way out with ten dollar bills but sign albums; somehow I always pictured rock couldn’t find a cab on New Year’s so we ended stars living in dirty basements. It was at that up walking forty blocks in the freezing cold same spot less than year later that he was shot back to the Empire Hotel. to death. New York. New York City…skyscrapers and On to Harlem everything just like I pictured it. That was forty years ago this week. It was all in I found it difficult to sleep in New York with the front of me then. rattle and hum of the street coming in through Fishing for Smiles

A caravan of adults giving out red stockings and Santa hats to kids filled with fishing Send letters and photos to editor@ gear, caps and tees this week. Quite unexpected and delightful. Tom Cullinan islandmoon.com A6 Island Moon December 24, 2020 Senior Moments Controversial Christians Historical Events That Took Place By Pastor Kris Bair It’s the old controversy Freedom of religion has allowed the non- on Christmas in a very controversial Christian minority to thrive and expand, and year: should Americans substitute the word By Dotson Lewis as a democracy, we still respect that growing Special to the Island Moon “holiday” for the word “Christmas”? minority. So I don’t see why it’s a terrible thing “Oh my goodness, NO!” holler folks like for the President to write “Happy Holidays” on Dotson’s Note: Since many of you Moon dating back to May 1865. Earlier agreements Pat Robertson and James Dodson, and Bill his card, instead of “Merry Christmas.” Monkeys are history nuts, I thought some of my had restored legal and political rights to O’Reilly. favorite historical Christmas moments might be Confederate soldiers in exchange for signed In fact, saying “Happy Holidays” kind of of interest to you. Thanks to Evan Andrews for oaths of allegiance to the United States, but Catholics appear to be against it. Evangelicals defeats the purpose of using a more universal, the facts contained in this report and to my old these pardons exempted fourteen classes of are definitely against it. And lots of Protestants secular greeting. The word “holiday” used friend Bill Morgan (former SWC SWC) for the people including certain officers, government don’t like it very much. to be two words: holy day. In the Middles Ages, the Roman Catholic Church designated photos. officials and those with property valued over We are, they argue, a Christian nation—why $20,000. The Christmas pardon stood as a Christmas a “holy day,” and thus it is still a 1776: George Washington and the not be up front (and maybe even “in your “holiday.” People who use the word “holiday” final and unconditional act of forgiveness for face”) about it? Continental Army Cross the Delaware unreconstructed Southerners, which included as a substitute for the word “Christmas” are River. many former Confederate generals. They are fond of reminding us that we began not expressing less religion—in a very real as a “Christian nation,” but historically that’s way, they’re emphasizing religion. “Ho, ho, 1914: The World War I Christmas Truce. not quite true. Yes, the first white settlers were ho”—the joke’s on them! The year 1914 saw the Christmas spirit evident Christians—good Trinitarians most of them— And while we’re looking closely at words, itself in the most unlikely of places, a World who came to escape religious persecution perhaps we ought to examine the word War I battlefield. Starting on the evening of (and then proceeded blithely to persecute Christmas, which literally means “Christ’s December 24, many of the German, British other Christians like Roger Williams and the mass.” The word specifically refers to the and French troops in Belgium laid down their Quakers). Roman Catholic celebration of the mass (the arms and commenced a spontaneous holiday But by the time the colonies took steps to communion of the saints) on the Christ Mass ceasefire. The truce was reportedly instigated nationalize, they did not use the language of Day, which we’ve combined to create the by the Germans, who decorated their trenches Christianity. There’s no mention of Jesus in phrase “Christmas Day.” I suspect that most with Christmas trees and candles and started either the Declaration of Independence or the Evangelicals and Protestants might violently singing carols like “Silent Night.” British troops Constitution. Many of the founding fathers object to that reference, but the responded with their own rendition of “The were deists—believing in a God who set meaning is there nonetheless—and we use the At the end of 1776, the Revolutionary War First Noel,” and the tired combatants ventured the world in motion and then waited in the word generally, despite that meaning. looked like it might be lost for the Continental into “no man’s land”, the traitorous, bombed- distance to see what would happen—and they It’s about time we quit playing word games. forces. A series of defeats by the British out space that separated the trenches, to greet were pretty skeptical of that “other stuff,” like Let the Philistines break camp. Let the had depleted morale, and many soldiers had one another and shake hands. Pentecost experiences and resurrection. Pharisees and Sadducees go home now. deserted the Continental Army. Desperate for According to reports from the men involved, Those who weren’t deists, like Jonathan a decisive victory, on Christmas Day General the soldiers shared cigarettes and shots of Witherspoon (a Presbyterian minister and O come, all ye faithful! George Washington led 2,400 troops on a bold whiskey, and some even exchanged Christmas president of Princeton University), believed Let us go to the stable--no sign saying nighttime crossing of the icy Delaware River. presents with men they had been shooting at strongly in freedom of religion and respected “Merry Christmas” hangs there! No Ten Slipping into New Jersey, on December 26 the only hours before. Taking advantage of the the deists, even though they might not agree Commandments statue placed in front of the Continental forces launched a surprise attack on brief lull in combat, some Scottish, English and with the deists about the nature of God. They inn. Trenton, which was held by a force of German German troops even played a pick-up game of worked together to fabricate a statement of (Hessian) soldiers. soccer on the frozen battlefield. The truce was who the colonies were, why they needed But look! We will find Him wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger. General Washington’s gamble worked, many not sanctioned by the officers on either side, to secede from Great Britain, and how they of the Hessians were still disoriented from the and eventually the men were called back to would be governed together as a nation. They Alleluia! We will know it is a holy day, previous night’s holiday bender, and colonial their respective trenches to resume fighting. never intended for us to be theocratic—for indeed. Later attempts at holiday meetings were mostly our government to be a religious one. They forces defeated them with minimal bloodshed. You can join us there on Christmas Eve at 6 forbidden, but as the war dragged on the intended for us to have a deliberately secular While Washington had pulled off a surprised p.m., or for Sunday worship at 10 a.m., at the “Christmas Truce” would stand as a remarkable government where folks could practice their victory, his army was unequipped to hold the Island Presbyterian Church Facebook page, city and he was forced to re-cross the Delaware example of shared humanity and brotherhood religion with the fewest constraints possible. on the battlefield. where we livestream services and offer a Zoom that same day, this time with nearly 1,000 So I don’t buy the argument that we have link as well. Bring some bread and wine/juice Hessian prisoners, Washington would go on 1968: Apollo 8 Orbits The Moon. always been a “Christian nation.” We have to share communion with us from your home, to score successive victories at the Battles of been a nation that respects the right of people and a candle to light during Silent Night. And the Assunpink Creek and Princeton, and his to choose their religion, and (this is changing) blessings for a Merry, Merry Christmas! daring crossing of the frozen Delaware served most of us chose Christianity. That made us as a crucial rallying cry for the beleaguered a nation of Christians, not a Christian nation. Continental Army. 1814: Treaty of Ghent Ends the War Of 1812 On December 24, 1814, while many in the western world celebrated Christmas Eve, the United States and Great Britain sat down to sign a peace agreement ending the War of 1812. Negotiations had begun in Ghent, Belgium, earlier that August, the same month that British forces burned the White House and the United Apollo 8 Crew. States Capitol in Washington. After more than four months of debate, the American and British As part of 1968’s Apollo 8 mission, astronauts delegations agreed to a settlement that ended Frank Borman, Jim Lovell and William Anders the war as a draw. All conquered territories were spent the night before Christmas orbiting the relinquished, and captured soldiers and vessels moon. The operation was originally planned were returned to their own countries. to test out the lunar module, later used in the While the Treaty of Ghent ended the 32-month Apollo 11 moon landing, in Earth’s orbit. But conflict, it did not take effect in the United when work on the module fell behind schedule, States until it was ratified in February 1815. NASA ambitiously changed the mission plan For the record, one of the greatest American to a lunar voyage. Apollo 8 went on to result victories of the war, the Battle of New Orleans in a series of breakthroughs for manned space in January 1815, came more than a week after flight: the three astronauts became the first men the Treaty of Ghent had been signed. to leave Earth’s gravitational pull, the first to orbit the moon, the first to view all of Earth 1868: President Andrew Johnson Issues from space and the first to see the dark side of A Final Pardon To Confederate Soldiers. the moon. Apollo 8 is perhaps best remembered today for the broadcast the three astronauts made when Padre Island Real Estate Ticker they entered the moon’s orbit on Christmas Eve. As viewers were shown pictures of the moon November 15 – November 30 and Earth from lunar orbit, Borman, Lovell and By Cindy Molnar Anders read the opening lines of the book of Genesis from the Bible. The broadcast, which Coldwell Banker Island Realtors ended with the famous line “Merry Christmas, 15634 Cruiser Street Units A & B and God bless all of you, all of you on the Waterfront Homes Sold good Earth”, became one of the most watched 14314 Emerald Street 14910 Leeward Drive #502 television events in history. 13905 Blackbeard Drive 14721 Whitecap Blvd. #234 Dotson’s Other Note: There you are. Are there 13845 Mizzen Street 14832 Whitecap Blvd. any that you would to add? If so, please send a letter to The Editor of The Island Moon or 15809 Almeria Avenue 44 Interior Condominiums/Townhomes/ Duplexes Listed From $125,000.00- to me. Thanks for reading and commenting on 15353 Mutiny Court the articles in The Island Moon. Contact me at $460,000.00 [email protected] or call/text: 530-748-8475. 13838 Topsail Street Waterfront Condomiums/ Please note: The Weekly Veterans Round Table 13917 Blackbeard Drive Townhomes Sold Meetings will resume live on January 9, 2021 at 15209 Cartagena Court Del Mar College CED (masks required) in Room 14300 S. Padre Island Drive #233 106 and not on Zoom, on Tuesdays 9-11AM. All 15974 El Soccorro Loop 14300 S. Padre Island Drive #106 veterans, their families and anyone interested 15345 Yardarm Court 14300 Aloha Street #247 Andrew Johnson. in veterans’ activities, are invited. The Veterans Radio Round Table is on the air on KEYS AM 14229 Almeria Avenue 15225 Leeward Drive Unit A-2 1440 & 98.7 FM, 8 – 10 a.m., Saturdays. The 13722 A La Entrada Calle 14813 Leeward Drive #304 Just before the end of his term as president, next show will be December 26, 2020. Please Andrew Johnson gave former Confederate listen and call in or text. The listener/text line 30 Waterfront Homes Listed From 15417 Gun Cay Court Unit C $425,000.00 - $3,200,000.00 rebels a famous Christmas present. By way is: 361-882-5397…It’s your two hours, please 15406 Fortuna Bay Drive #2905 of Proclamation 179, on December 25, 1868, let us hear from you. Interior Lot Homes Sold Johnson issued amnesty to “all and every 55 Waterfront Condominiums/ person” who had fought against the United 13845 Flintlock Drive Townhomes/Duplexes Listed From States during the Civil War. $69,900.00-$1,290,000.00 Send letters and photos to 13930 Sea Anchor Street Johnson’s blanket pardon was actually the 14270 Bay Bean Drive Waterfront Lots fourth in a series of postwar amnesty orders [email protected] 13905 Forestay Street 15361 Isabella Court 15625 Finistere Street 41 Waterfront Lots Listed From $165,000.00-$2,000,000.00 Marine Masters 14234 Allamanda Drive Mobile Marine Service 15857 Punta Espada Loop Interior Lots Sold 13826 Longboat 15930 Punta Espada Loop We’ve been providing 15934 Punta Espada Loop Certi ed Technicians 16126 Seagrape Street quality marine repairs at 13917 Suntan Avenue 14839 Cobo De Bara Circle • Yamaha • Honda your place since 2001. 15950 Punta Espada Loop 14210 Elbow Drive • Suzuki • Mercury 13718 Eaglesnest Bay Drive 14213 Tamerisk Drive • Evinrude • Mariner Operator Owner 14002 Coquina Bay Avenue 23 Interior Lots Listed From $49,900.00- • Johnson • Volvo Jon Reynolds $129,000.000 13910 Windjammer Drive Commercial Lots 39 Interior Lot Homes Listed From 361-949-7570 361-728-1745 $284,900.00-$899,000.00 17 Commercial Lots Listed From $125,000.00-$2,200,000.00 [email protected] Interior Lot Condominiums/ Townhomes/Duplexes Sold Send letters and photos to editor@ 14919 Packery View Loop islandmoon.com 14901 Windward Drive #203 Dr. Peter Vasconcellos A7 The Island Physician NOWIsland OFFERING Moon December 24, 2020 TELEMEDICINE VISITS! Due to the COVID-19 Anecdotingly Pandemic Dr Vasconcellos is utilizing telemedicine to treat most Stay Safe Island Style acute and chronic conditions. Call to set up your virtual appointment By Dr. Peter Vasconellos personalized guidelines. In general, listen to T-Rex the Halls today. *Due to COVID -19 most insurances are your healthcare provider concerning quarantine covering telemedicine visits. Thanksgiving holiday growing duration. This is the only truly effective tool to By Abigail Bair Call to schedule an up in an Italian household appointment! slow this plague. Most will state 10-14 days of It all started a couple The Rev and I set my creation on an end (361)table 800-5917was pure chaos. Over 30 people squeezed in of months ago when my and plugged it in, while Dad looked on barely a house built for 4. Ring any bells? Well this isolation is required. The infected person may neighbor Rebecca gave me a Christmas tolerating my invasion. year Thanksgiving was muted due to Covid-19 return to work or social activity as needed after shackles. We were instructed to stay home, 7 days with a negative test. Testing repeatedly ornament. The bauble had a black lab on it with As the colorful lights popped on, the Rev said the text “Home is where the dog leaves her ball.” sample Auntie’s famous pumpkin pie via Zoom will not change the duration of viral infection. in her cheeriest G.P. mollifying voice, “Besides, and go to our respective rooms like a child The fact that this message is highly inaccurate dear, it might be the last one.” I often tell patients that in this busy world we (at least in reference to my dog Stadler, who admonished. A few did heed this advice others seem to neglect taking time to be sick. In this insists on carrying ‘emergency ballys’ with her Dad immediately perked up, “Yeah! We might did not. case, not giving yourself time to heal can cause everywhere) did not stop me from feeling bad DIE!” he said, gleefully. Tracking population mobility is done via our others around you to also fall ill. about not decorating for Christmas. If you’re looking for a cup of Christmas purchases with credit cards and cell phone Patients are continuously asking for medication I never put up anything seasonal. To me, nihilism, we Bairs have you covered. possession and use. Restaurant visits in the to prevent or cure Covid-19 infections. As of it seems like further hassle. I’m already the Coastal Bend by visitors were down by 25% December 10th, my research shows that only world’s worst gift wrapper. I couldn’t imagine when compared to 2019. Remember, however, monoclonal antibody treatment for outpatients how terrible I’d be at literally decking the halls. that restaurants are operating at reduced with mild to moderate disease and risk factors capacity. Guilt itself is a powerful weapon, but if is approved. Yes, forget dexamethasone, you add perfect timing, you have a recipe for Conversely, travel from the Coastal Bend area azithromycin, Zinc, hydroxychloroquine and uncharacteristic motivation. to other states was up 29%. I find the data on whatever you heard on Youtube or the news. travel to the Coastal Bend area somewhat Nothing else has been studied and proven The first weird thing happened when I decided dubious. I suspect but cannot confirm that travel effective for outpatient therapy. Again our the Rev needed a Christmas tree. to the area was not altered significantly by greatest tool to halt the spread is adhering to Covid concerns. I couldn’t get it out of my head. My poor social distancing and quarantine principles and mother hadn’t had a tree in several years, Another consideration was Black Friday. place the safety of your community as your largely because the G.P. and I have been Sneery Mobile phone tracking illustrated increased paramount concern. McSneeringtons about everything Christmas. mobility of Corpus Christi residents. This My professional advice is to mask up with means shopping centers and big box visits The guilt throbbed, filling my veins with hot an appropriate mask when in a high risk battling with other shoppers for unicorn deals. shame. environment. Social distancing be damned. “Fine,” I thought a little resentfully, “I’ll make No loose fitting or novelty “chin bras”. Use a her a dumb tree.” Fun facts and boring statistics aside, locally we quality mask. Avoid touching your face. Hand Poverty, however, was a problem. have seen an increase in Covid-19 cases. I see sanitizer is not preferable to soap and water to ICU admissions and deaths have been relatively wash your hands. But hand sanitizer is better I called Amber, who was willing to help. “I stable. We are seeing a predicted surge in than no hand washing at all. Avoid Christmas love your Mom!” she said, with her typical positive cases associated with the Fall and parties and large gatherings. Party Island style sparkly rainbow enthusiasm, as she dropped of Winter months. We had a lull in Covid cases just with few select friends and/or family. Be safe a Norfolk Island Potted palm. before Thanksgiving which I suspect was just and revel next year. It only takes one sick I had zero tree decorations, and zero money a lack of testing and reporting due to travelers contact to infect an entire family. Choose your to buy any, but I did have a ton of art supplies leaving our area or preparing for travel. close contacts wisely. (lack of money and excess of art supplies are Leading the way in cases are 20-29 year olds. Finally, the vaccine is coming. Everyone probably related somehow). There were little I personally have seen more 30- 50 year olds should be getting this vaccine. There is no lights leftover from when I bought lights for a on the Island testing positive this last week. As good reason to avoid this immunization for dollar – I don’t know what I was planning to noted above, ICU numbers have been stable. the average person. Yes it will have side effects use them for. I didn’t possess any ornaments, Low risk individuals have shed their quarantine and yes it may cause you to get sick with mild though. behavior and started to travel over the holiday. symptoms. It is also our best weapon to return If I told you that I hesitated before hot gluing Most are not experiencing severe illness due to to normal life on the Island and beyond. I have ornament hooks to little plastic dinosaurs, you Covid-19. already read bogus information in the form of would be right not to believe me. I glued with news stories about vaccine issues and concerns. alacrity, later spray painting the tiny Jurassic The CDC has changed some recommendations When in doubt please ask your doctor if you for quarantine duration for those that test animals gloss white. “Mom is having a stupid Dino tree should avoid receiving the vaccination. tree this year,” I muttered grimly, discovering positive. These are only suggested guidelines. Employers and schools will have adopted So let’s stay safe and be smart Island style in that I had hit my phone with paint during the I had solved my guilt over ruining many this trying time. process. “I don’t even care if it's stupid,” I Christmases for my Reverend Mother – and continued, fueling myself with the petulant rage believe me, I’m a bad seed. Once I replaced all that so lends itself to the creative process. the characters in her manger scene with toys VA To Begin COVID-19 Vaccinations Then I busted out the glitter and made a 3D star from my nieces room. She didn’t notice until for the top, reasoning that the same stars were my sister-in-law was trying to show her toddler The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will COVID-19 vaccine remains stable in regular around for the dinosaurs as for the wisemen. son the tableaux, and she said, “Wow, Kris, begin COVID-19 vaccinations this week at 128 refrigeration, VA expects to distribute it to more interesting nativity you’ve got here.” Then Mom additional sites using the Moderna and Pfizer facilities when supplies are available. I don’t know what your experience with looked at all the robots and plastic hamsters and COVID-19 vaccines. The Moderna COVID-19 vaccine was 94 Norfolk Island potted palms is, but they don’t yelled, “Abigail Jane Bair WHERE IN THE On December 18, the U.S. Food and Drug percent effective in preventing COVID-19 exactly have a pointed triangle top like regular HELL IS MY BABY JESUS?!?!?” I’ve been Administration (FDA) issued an Emergency disease based on scientific data presented at tree, so I had to hot glue a bread tie to the back happy about that one ever since. of the star and kind of crank it on there. Use Authorization of the Moderna COVID-19 FDA’s Vaccines and Related Biologics Advisory Anyway, the guilt still throbbed. vaccine, which is the second COVID-19 vaccine Committee on December 17. The vaccine is My little Christmas tree did not look that good. So, I tried to decorate to be authorized. administered in two doses, 28 days apart. The There were no ribbons or bows. my own house. I made “Having a second COVID-19 vaccine will side effects appear similar to those of other There were no brightly colored ornaments or about a billion Boba Fett enable us to reach more facilities and vaccinate vaccines and are short-lived. bubbling lights. snowflakes and some 3D more health care personnel and Veterans Thirty-seven medical centers began offering trees for ornaments and There were no candy canes, or great wads of in additional parts of the country,” said VA the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine to then tried to string lights. tinsel. Secretary Robert L. Wilkie. “We continue to eligible health care personnel and Veterans Dec Long story short, the implement our COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution 14. Additionally, VA is scheduled to receive There were, however, a whole hell of a lot of whole situation devolved Plan and are grateful to be one step closer to another allocation of the Pfizer-BioNTech T-rexes, and that made me happy right down to rapidly into me being trapped atop the back of a seeing the end of this pandemic.” COVID-19 vaccine this week. Fifteen VA my big toe. rocking chair, completely tangled, dangling an Per Centers for Disease Control and Prevention facilities plan to start administering the Pfizer- entire cat from the end of the string of lights as Amber and I delivered the decorated tree to (CDC) recommendations, VA will continue BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine after they receive the 90-inch curtain rod crashed into the back of my parents’ house that evening. Amber says to vaccinate health care personnel, as well as their allocations. my flat screen. Mom’s face lit up when she opened the door and community living center and spinal cord unit In Texas: saw her Christmas tree, but I didn’t get to see it No cats or flat screens were harmed in the residents. As vaccine supplies increase, VA’s because my face was buried in said tree. making of this Christmas, but it was a near ultimate goal is to offer COVID-19 vaccinations Kerrville (TX) VA Hospital “For someone who professes to hate Christmas, thing. to all Veterans and employees who want to be Veterans can get up-to-date information and you sure don’t act like it,” opined the G.P. And I am now convinced that (guilt be damned) vaccinated. sign up to receive regular updates on VA’s COVID-19 vaccine webpage. “Mom hasn’t had a tree in years, Dad, and it’s I should never, ever try this again. 113 VA Medical Centers (VAMCs) and all OUR FAULT for being Sneer Faces about it. Next year, I’m just going to revive old protocols outpatient clinics will receive limited Moderna It’s not FAIR!” and hide under the bed until it’s over. COVID-19 vaccine supplies this week. In Texas: Amarillo (West Amarillo) VA Health Care PENN THOMAS, P.C. Locals Record Second CD at Island Studio System CPA FIRM West Texas (Big Spring) VA Health Care ‘Having a Party’ is out now System P  T, CPA Central Texas (Temple) VA Health Care [email protected] When musician Morgan Baldridge moved to and find a way to produce music in a quality System Padre Island from Atlanta three years ago he way to meet his expectations, trying to get as Texas Valley Coastal (Harlingen) VA Health approached Islander Don Fling about making close to commercial quality as we could make. I Care System (Includes Corpus Christi) an CD of original songs to give away as a ended up building a recording studio in a spare Christmas gift. bedroom and we started recording.” El Paso VA Health Care System U O I  O “My experience was mostly in video The first project which was issued in 2019 was Sites were identified based on need for the  N. C,  S.P.I.D. production,” Flint said. “I had to shift gears   C C, TX made up of original music and called ‘My Little vaccine according to CDC’s 1a prioritization C C, TX     Everything.’ after confirming they could appropriately T : ( )  - T : ( ) - store the vaccine at -20?C. Since the Moderna When 2000 rolled around the pair went back to : ( ) -  : ( ) -  work and recorded a second CD of cover songs called ‘Having a Party’ which is now out. The project took nine months and includes mostly blues and pop songs with a ballad thrown in. Baldridge arranged the songs with Lucky Roncinske on drums and the initial recording was duplicated at Trinity Studios in Corpus Christi.

Beaches need cleaning, even at Christmas. Photo by Debbie Noble.

Send letters and photos to editor@ Lucky Roncinske on drums. islandmoon.com A8 Island Moon December 24, 2020 SPORTS Sports Talk Special to The Island Moon The Football Helmet & Dem Bums

Concussions By Andy Purvis By Dotson Lewis I miss baseball. including three home runs by , Dotson’s Note: In this report, I decided to and to educate athletes, On Wednesday October 5, 1955, Shirley and ’s second. finish the helmet history report and then use the parents, and others Povich wrote in the Washington Post, “Please Yankees’ Gil Mcdougald hit a , in a rest of my space this week to brief you Moon about how to prevent, don’t interrupt because you haven’t heard this losing effort. The Dodgers won 8-5. The Series Monkeys on the very important subject of sports recognize, and respond one before. Brooklyn Dodgers, champions of was now tied two games each. concussions. Thanks to Bill Morgan (former to concussions. In talking the baseball world. Honest!” Sunday, October 2, 1955, 36,796 paid to see SWC SID) and the many helmet manufactures athletes, it should be their beloved Dodgers beat the powerful New and concussion experts I have met, over the emphasized that this issue By 1955, the Brooklyn Dodgers had won seven National League pennants in the last 70 years York Yankees for the third time in three games, past 70 odd years, for the facts contained in this should be taken seriously 5-3. Bob Grim of the Yanks faced . report and to Bill Morgan for the photos. and they are expected to of their team history, but did not have a Championship. Their nemesis had been Even two late home runs by Yankees’ Yogi do so as well. Regular Berra and Bob Cerv were not enough to offset Football Helmets History Part II team meetings should be devoted to this topic. the cross-town “Bronx Bombers” known as the New York Yankees. These two teams had met home runs by Sandy Amoros and two by Duke Here are some items that should be discussed each other five times in the last nine seasons. Snider. The Yanks would head back home, with all participants: The Yanks had beaten the Dodgers in the Fall down three games to two. • “Every bump, blow, or jolt to the head or Classics of 1941, 1947, 1949, 1952, and 1953. Monday, October 3, 1955, 64,022 showed up body can potentially cause a concussion.” Sixty years ago this October, baseball history at Yankee Stadium to root their team on. Karl would be on Brooklyn’s side in 1955. Skipper Spooner took the hill for the Dodgers, as Casey • “Playing injured does not show courage or was in the second year of his Stengel sent out the best they had, Whitey Ford. strength. Do not play through symptoms Hall-of-Fame managing career for the Dodgers. The “Chairman of the Board” would hold serve of concussion. You can increase your Catcher Roy Campanella had won the National and go the distance in a 5-1 victory for the chances of having a repeat concussion and League MVP Award, just barely beating Yankees, tying the series again at three games more serious long-term problems.” out teammate centerfielder, Duke Snider. each. Yanks’ Bill Skowron would launch a • “Tell coaching staff right away if you Brooklyn’s , Gil Hodges, had hit massive drive into the right field seats for his Sources are unsure as to who first designed air receive a bump, blow, or jolt to the head 27 home runs, while and Pee first and only home run of the Series. Wee Reese played great despite their age, at 36. bladders for football helmets but Dr. Richard or body and have signs and symptoms of Walter Alston sent “wonder boy” Johnny Schneider of the University of Michigan concussion or just don’t ‘feel right.’” Podres to the hill again, but this time against Hospital is reported to have believed that air was • “Signs and symptoms of concussion can Tommy Byrne. Game Seven was played on the most effective way to protect against blunt appear right away or may not be noticed Tuesday, October 4, 1955. The game was force. With this theory in mind, he invented for days or weeks after the injury. Tell your scoreless until the 4th inning when Hodges an inflatable bladder for use inside a football coach if you think you have a concussion hit a single, driving in Campanella. In the helmet. The Michigan Wolverines Football or if you think a teammate has one.” sixth inning, Reese singled; Snider beat out an team used a prototype and Schutt Sports hired bunt, back to the pitcher. Campanella Schnieder and started mass-producing the Communicating Effectively then moved both runners to the next base with AirTm Helmet in the early 1970s. • “You can get a concussion even if you are a bunt of his own. Stengel called timeout and Many veteran players still preferred the old not ‘knocked out.’” replaced Byrne with Bob Grim. Things didn’t work out for Stengel and the Yanks, as Hodges web suspended Riddell TK-2 because it was • “Concussions can happen during drills, Duke Snider generally lighter and more breathable. Interior hit a sacrifice fly ball to deep right field, scoring practices, and games. Injuries that happen Wednesday, September 28, 1955, Game One Reese. The score now stood Brooklyn 2, the helmet pads were then developed that were during practice should be taken just as lighter and did not need to be filled with air opened at the “House That Ruth Built.” The Yankees 0. Podres did the rest, scattering eight seriously as those that happen during spectacle known nationwide as the “Subway hits as the defense behind him was terrific. or fluid by both the Schutt and Riddell sports competition.” companies. And because of safety they were Series” started out with a 6-5 win for the The Yankees put two runners on in the bottom soon preferred by players at all positions. • “Tell your coach if you have ever had a Yankees, despite Brooklyn’s Jackie Robinson half of the sixth inning. Berra sliced a hard- concussion.” stealing home. In New York they called this In late 1976, because of concern for safety, line drive down the leftfield line. Between series “The Big Show.” Yanks’ Joe Collins innings, backup , Sandy Amoros, four point chin straps were required in college • “If you think you have a concussion, don’t hit two home runs and rookie catcher, Elston ball. These kept the helmet firmly in place. hide it, report it. Take time to recover. It’s had been placed in leftfield for . Howard, added one himself. In front of 63,869, Left-handed Amoros made an incredible catch better to miss one game than the whole Whitey Ford got the win over , Space age rigid polycarbonate alloy plastic season.” while running head first toward the bleachers. helmets and vinyl-coated steel alloy face masks even though and Duke Snider both Gilliam, being right-handed, would have had became standards in the 1980s and 1990s. Talking with Parents Send a copy of the hit home runs for the Dodgers. to catch that drive backhanded. Most think concussion policy and action plan to each Thursday, September 29, 1955, Game Two he would not have made that catch. Amoros In 2002, Riddell released a new more spherical athlete’s family during the preseason, along with design for the helmet called the Revolution (or would find lefty, Tommy Byrne, on the hill for then wheeled and threw the ball into Reese Revo) and it is currently the most widely used New York. Dodger pitcher, Billy Loes, was no who relayed the ball to Hodges at first base to helmet in the NFL. The Schutt counterpart match for the Yankees. Byrne held the Dodgers double up Gil McDougald and stop the Yankees is called the DNA Pro Adult Helmet. A study to two runs as the Yankees won Game Two, 4-2, rally. There were no home runs and the final released by the University of Pittsburgh Medical before 64,707 fans. It appeared that history score stood at Brooklyn 2, New York 0. Johnny Center shows that the Riddell Revolution, would repeat itself as both teams moved to Podres won the very first MVP Award given out and others like it, reduce the incidences of Ebbets Field, located in the Flatbush section of during a World Series. I would have voted for concussion by 31%. Brooklyn. There were no home runs hit and no Duke Snider, who hit four home runs, while need for travel time. driving in seven. Subsequently, a Senate Commerce Committee meeting, heard testimony from Jeffrey Lefthander would be called on The Brooklyn Dodgers had done the Kutcher, an associate professor of neurology by Alston to face the Yanks on Friday, September impossible. Two years later, in 1957, the Los at the University of Michigan and chair of the the “Heads Up” fact sheet for parents. Parents 30, 1955, in Game Three. Podres’ record was Angeles Dodgers would call Los Angeles, American Academy of Neurology's sports should sign the concussion policy statement 9-10 for the season, but he was unafraid of the California, home. Dem Bums were no more. neurology section that "there is no significant at the beginning of each sports season and be Bombers. Bob Turley, winner of 17 games that I was reminded of this story when we lost Don data" in the UPMC study for Riddell to make the informed that if an athlete has a concussion s/ season, started for the Yankees. Podres went the Newcombe. distance, all nine innings, giving up only three claim that the helmet reduced concussions by he will be kept out of play until a health care Andy Purvis is a local author and radio runs to the Yankees on his 23rd birthday, and the 31%. Later Mary K. Engle, the FTC's associate professional, experienced in evaluating for personality. Please visit www.purvisbooks. Dodgers won Game Three, 8-3. Both Mickey director for advertising practices wrote that the concussion, says the student is symptom-free com for all the latest info on his books or to Mantle and Roy Campanella hit home runs for agency had concluded the UPMC study "did not and it’s OK to return to play. Here are some listen to the new radio podcast. Andy’s books their teams. prove that Revolution varsity football helmets things to be discussed with your athletes’ are available online and can be found in the reduce concussions or the risk of concussions parents: Yankees’ manager, Casey Stengel, called local Barnes & Noble bookstore. Andy can be by 35%". Riddell has since discontinued use • “Your safety is the first priority. Every on Don Larsen to pitch on Saturday, October contacted at [email protected]. Also of the 31% claim. Later, Riddell released concussion should be taken seriously.” 1, 1955, Game Four at Ebbets Field. Alston listen to sports talk radio on Dennis & Andy’s the Revolution Speed helmet. Other notable countered with pitcher, , as 36,242 Q & A Session from 6-8 PM on Sportsradiocc. Football helmets include the Riddell Speedflex • “Let teens know that it’s not smart to play settled in for an important game. Brooklyn com 1230 AM, 95.1 and 96.1 FM. The home of Helmet, The Schutt F7, and The Vicis Pro V1. injured. Don’t let a teen convince you that surprised the Yanks by pounding out 14 hits, the Astros. s/he is ‘just fine.’” Concussion Prevention • “We know you care about teen’s health. It’s important to raise awareness about That is why it is so important that you concussion throughout the school community talk with all about the potential dangers of concussion and to how to prevent it.” Catch of the Week • “Learn about and watch for any signs and symptoms of concussion if a teen has a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body. Signs and symptoms can appear right away or may not be noticed for days after the injury.” • “Help look for signs of concussion. Be aware of symptoms and the action plan for Todays Helmets all practices and games.” • “Alert a coach to any known or suspected concussion. To help prevent the possibility of long-term problems, don’t let a participant return to play until a health care professional, experienced in evaluating for concussion, says she/he is symptom-free and it’s OK to return to play.” Dotson’s Other Note: Hope the foregoing helps you understand the concerns that we have regarding concussions at all levels of sports. Suggestions and/or comments, please call, text and/or email me. Email: [email protected] Mobile: 530-748-8475 -30- Have Fun and hang in there

Send Letters and Photos to [email protected] and follow us on Facebook: The Island Moon Newspaper

A Christmas tree made of fishing poles may not be a big fish, but hopefully it will catch a few.

ORDER ONLINE WALK NEW! WBLIQUORS.COM & PICK-UP IN HOME DELIVERY Send letters and photos to editor@ Prices valid through December 31, 2020. 3237 S. Alameda ORDER14457 ONLINE S. Padre Island Dr. Suite 105 6181 Saratoga Blvd. & PICK-UP In the event of an error, store price prevails. (361) 852-0499 (361) 949-0080 Suite 103 Please drink responsibly. (361) 985-0630 DRIVE THRU AVAILABLE AT THESE LOCATIONS! islandmoon.com ORDER ONLINE & PICK-UP A9 Island Moon December 24, 2020

I went undercover as Santa at Sammy Hagar’s Cabo Wabo in Cabo San Lucas in search of (Austin) Mayor Adler tomes avail…I am met with a lot of, “You Missed Him!!”

Send letters and photos to [email protected]

The Silva family took a big risk to experience a once in a lifetime trip to Disney World WATERFRONT LOT while everything was cheaper and crowds were small. We remembered to take an Island •Build income Moon and made it home unscathed by the virus. producing property Wish we had remembered to bring it into the park and taken a pic there, but at least •80’x120’ (NCAD) the girls have their ears on. I also wanted to send the pic of dad (Tom Cullinan) with •Multi-family(NCAD) the Moon- laying down with his feet up after 16,000+ steps in two days- but it was not $179,000 Contact POA for approved for publication. Ha! • Hope you are happy and healthy! Thanks for everything. Merry Christmas and a toast 15337 Cruiser building guidelines to better days in 2021. Karen and Noe

Causeway Climate Controlled Storage Starting at $39.00 No loNG lease aGreemeNt! New Construction • Additions • Kitchens • Bathrooms • 3D Renderings Climate CoNtrol COASTAL BEND’S TOP-RATED oN site maNaGer

opeN 7 Days Waldron Road CONTRACTOR eleCtroNiC Gate aCCess HEB Call today to learn how the “Innovo Process”

ViDeo surVeillaNCe Flour Bluff Dr. can take your dreams from concepts to com- HouseHolD & CommerCial Flour Bluff pletion. Hundreds of satisfied customers in the

moViNG supplies aVailable Laguna Shores Coastal Bend. Storage iS our buSineSS! INNOVO CONSTRUCTION offiCe Hours: m-f 8:30-6:00 sat 8:30-5:30 Island Owned 361-589-9877

(361) 937-8673 10514 S.P.i.d. INNOVO • CREATE. INNOVATE. RENEW | VISIT US AT INNOVORESIDENTIAL.COM

We Treat Your Pets LIKE FAMILY! New Owners & New Vets Island Animal Clinic Bill McGehee, DVM & Associates

• Medicine • Surgery • Diagnostics • Boarding • Pharmacy • Radiology • Pet Grooming & More!

Mon-Fri by Appointment 319 Beach St. next to The Crazy Cajun Restaurant NOW OPEN 361-749-4134 A10 Island Moon December 24, 2020

Sale Pending! Steve’s Homes

15137 Aquarius 3 bedroom, 2 15945 San Felipe Your stay- 13833 Jolly Roger Well main- bath waterfront on beautifully cation begins here with this tained 3/2/2 waterfront w/1,947 sq. landscaped lot with over 66’ of 4/4.5/3 waterfront with pool & hot ft. Deck, dock and boat lift. Granite docking area and a pool sized lot, tub. 3,240 sq. ft. Open floor plan, counters throughout, open concept. $359,900. Call Cindy 361-549- outdoor kitchen, custom built $444,995. Will Flaherty 361-944 Let Steve’s Homes build your Custom Dream Home 5557. cabinets, and more! Call Terry -0995. 549-7703. on your lot or one of his prime lots located on Hawksnest Bay Drive, Eaglesnest Bay Drive, Punta Espada Loop or El Soccorro Loop.

Location, Location, Location! 10/37 Catamaran Wonderful 15537 Cruiser Great waterfront First floor Puente Vista 2/2. Turn- waterfront lot with a great central lot for multi-family development. key, fully furnished. 897 sq. ft. location. Short boat ride to the Close to schools, beach, and res- $205,000. Call Charlie 443- Intracoastal waterway, short car taurants. $175,900. Call Charlie 2499, Randy 765-9914, or Terry ride to the beach. $179,900. Call 361-443-2499 or Terry 549-7703. Call Cindy Molnar 549-5557 549-7703. Charlie 443-2499.

La Concha Estates Beachfront Anchor Resort #124 Fully fur- Community is one of a kind home- nished efficiency with new applianc- stead sanctuary. Lot 45, China es and furniture. Completely updat- Beach Dr. is excellently located. ed too! Indoor heated pool. $95,000. Dorothy 361-563-8486. $125,000. Call Kellye Pena 361- 522-0292.

Puente Vista #209 The views 15822 Cozumel Don’t miss out 13525 Queen Johanna 4/3.5/3 Spinnaker Condo #211 There is Lots 6A & 7A/17 SPID Two S. just don’t get any better than this on this spacious home w/3-4 bed- waterfront dream home with 2 liv- nothing to do here. Completely Padre Island Dr. lots giving you 100 3/2/1 unit! 1,151 sq. ft. Stay and rooms, large cabinet lined kitch- ing, 2 boat lifts, 3 level deck, 3 car remodeled unit with granite, new feet of frontage by 300 deep. Great play or rent it out! $275,000. en, 2 dining areas, covered patio garage and fabulous waterviews, cabinets, tiled shower & more! place to start a business. 50x300 Call Randy 765-9914, Charlie and hot tub. $349,900. Call Cin- $840,000. Call Cindy Molnar 361 Deeded boat slip. $214,900. Call each. $400,000. Call Charlie 443- 443-2499 or Terry 549-7703. dy Molnar 361-549-5557. -549-5557. Charlie 443-2499. 2499 or Randy 765-9914.

New Homes Available by Steve’s Homes

Our services include:  �oordina�ng �e�airs � Maintenan�e  Tenant Qualifying  Professional Itemized Monthly Statements  �olle��ons of �ents  Mar�e�ng/�d�er�sing 15834 Cozumel 15966 Punta Espada 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, 3 car garage 4 beds, 3.5 baths, 3 car garage Looking for Long Term Rental Property? $449,900 $424,900 Below are some of our available rentals:

15426 Grass Cay F 3748 Santa Fe 14721 Whitecap #354 3/2 furn. $1650 1/1 $1150 2/2 furn. $1500

15326 Cruiser B 2017 Waldron 13846 Mizzen 3/2/2 $2000 1/1 $900 3/2/2 $2500

14117 Palo Seco 15806 Gypsy 13574 Camino De Plata 4362 Delano 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, 3 car garage 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, 2 car garage 3/2.5/2 $2950 3/2 $1400 $435,000 $399,900

Call Cindy Molnar 549-5557

Anchor Resort #136 Fully fur- Pirate’s Crossing A-6 Turn key, 6/3 Cayo Gorda Fantastic wa- nished, updated beautiful condo. fully furnished artist’s unit, second terfront location on a nice wide Convenient location, indoor and story 1/1, short & long term rentals canal. Easy out to ICW & ski ca- outdoor pool, canal. $104,500. on Lake Padre, with pool and 2 nals. Build your dream home Call Kellye Pena 361-522-0292. minute walk to beach! $179,900. here. $279,900. Call Charlie Will Flaherty 361-944-0995. 443-2499 or Terry 549-7703.

December 24, 2020 Island Moon A11 The Island Outdoors On the Rocks Backwater Adventures By Jay Gardner By Joey Farah For the birds holidaze (besides a bonus Festivus holiday), Farah’s Fishing Adventures is that it’s oyster season. Oysters during the Roadkill Willie and I were Christmas break have been a tradition with hanging on my porch (aka The Vortex) the other The star of Christmas has been lingering above dragging the weight along the bottom creating some folks for many, many years, and it’s day waiting on crew to show up and head to us the last few weeks as we get closer to the a dust trail. The pompano would follow the gaining popularity. This is a double-edged the cabin, and we had a surprise visitor at the holiday. All the while our world has been in a trails thinking they were from sand fleas and sword; I’m glad that oysters are becoming more hummingbird feeder, a rufous hummingbird. warp of unrest with worldly things. Funny how group up together in front of him. Well Alex popular, because the issue of overharvesting is She was a juvenile but had the unmistakable when you leave the dock, that all melts away has been slamming those pompano alongside getting more attention. According to our friend patches on her chin and different flight pattern. and you can forget about what you see on with his little boy Logan for weeks! Dr. Jenni at HRI, nearly 2/3rds of the historical I had suspected that I have briefly seen a couple the television. This Christmas take a step out oyster reefs along the Texas coast are gone. Trout fishing come through the past few weeks that looked your back door and go spend some time in the Not impaired or in trouble, they are GONE. suspiciously like a rufous, and this time we got outdoors we have some of the best hunting and Our trout fishing has continued to be off As you loyal readers know, there have been a good look. So, maybe the Indian summer fishing on the planet. the hook! Limits most every trip all on soft many groups involved with oyster restoration, is still lurking around with a few late season plastics. Lots of trout of all sizes in the ICW and our Habitat Committee for CCA partnered surprises for us. and in the deeper flats of 3-5 feet of water. Our with TPWD and restored an additional 27 acres best colors have changed in the last week to There are lots of great birds down here right of oyster reef in Sabine Lake over the past few whites and chartreuse variations. Change your now with winter migration going on. I’ve been weeks. Good stuff maynard. presentation between probing the bottom to writing about the butterbutts (yellow rumped Lowest of the low slow swim just above the bottom according to warblers), but there are the usual suspects the fish’s range of excitement. including lots of blue gray gnatcatchers, If you haven’t been out in the Laguna lately, lesser goldfinches, pine siskins, ruby crowned the tides are the lowest of the low for all year. Reds kinglets, and many more great species. There Packery Channel tide station (tidesandcurrents. Reds have been everywhere when the tides is a troupe of green jays running around the noaa.gov) is showing low tide right about at are low after those cold fronts then as soon as neighborhood, and I’m surprised that they have 0.0 feet. Now, that doesn’t mean that there’s the water comes up they scatter. I was picking become local fixtures. Their daily patterns are NO water out there, but it’s really low. In the up decoys the other night and watched small like clockwork; they move from the thickest spring and fall, tides will run about +.8 to +1.0 grass shrimp all over in the flats that where brush around, working through the yards from foot, and with the bull tides, will run +1.5 feet. only a few inches deep. Those big reds are northwest to southeast in the morning, and then An extra foot and a half of water over the flats sliding around eating them up. Remember reverse in the evening. They cover a couple of means the difference between clearing the tops that in shallow water redfish are so sensitive to neighborhoods in their trips, and you can hear of the grass to actually running aground in the vibration that they can feel a shrimp pop, or a them coming from a half mile away. middle of nowhere. This time of year we see crab crackle from ten feet away. This is why For those of you not familiar with green jays, more and more folks run aground. Y’all be so many times anglers cannot get close to them or other bird calls, you can get the Audubon careful out there running those new skiffs that out in the shallows during slack wind situations. app, and que up their calls for a minute or two. Santa Claus leaves you under the tree; those are Pick the windy days to drift the shallows for I must imagine that places like Packery Channel expensive toys to break right out of the box. redfish when you can drift at a fast pace and Park, the Audubon area, and other areas may be Well folks, I’m going to head out and go surprise those reds with a gold spoon, shallow supporting troupe movements of green jays as fishing with the Rockstars, Ty Dietz and Matt running plastic, or even live shrimp under a they expand their range. There are also a lot Hole before the weather dusts out for tomorrow popping cork. I am running late to turn in my of raptors and hawks moving around, and more with this cold front we’re about to get. You have Ms. Summer shows us one of her many homework here, spent a few too many minutes piping plovers on the beach than I have seen in to pick your days as we get into winter and make trout she caught this week on soft plastic at the boat ramp talking to Jay! I hope all of our a long time. If you find yourself with a bit of hay while the sun is shining. Y’all have a great lures in the Upper Laguna Madre on Doa Island Family enjoy a wonderful holiday, we time, get the binos out and get out for a bit. Christmas, drop me a line at tarponchaser@ 3” cal shads in gold and glow color. are truly blessed to be along the ocean. Follow all our hookups on Facebook at Joey Farah’s Oyster season mail.com and we’ll see you next week On the Rocks. Backwater Fishing! Get wet. One of the many things we all love about the

Mike grew up here around the Island surfing and enjoying the outdoors. He came back Butterflies and hummingbirds are still around. Photo by Bob Reed. this week for a little redfish action!

Run to the beach When the surf goes flat run to the beach!! Pompano, redfish, sand trout, and whiting are thick in the first two guts at high tide after those cold fronts that flatten out the surf. The best way to catch them is with a small hook with peeled shrimp, squid, or fish bites. My friend Alex Murphy had an uncle that was a commercial pompano fisherman in Florida. He tells a story that his uncle would cast in a pattern slowly

Now Featuring... Live Music & Karaoke Friday and Saturday Fully Guided • All Tackle Provided Nig h ts! (361)442-8145 13313 S Padre Island Dr.

NEW YORK STYLE Cleaning Service TuffSanitize your home!Stuff • Routine Check-ups • Cosmetic Dentistry & • Root Canal Therapy • Extractions • Implant Treatment • Crown & Bridge Call Rhonda • Dentures Free whitening for • Teeth Whitening HOME OF THE 361-222-8995 qualifed patients GIANT 361-867-1800 SLICE

PADRE ISLAND SOUTHSIDE 15326 S. Padre Island #106 6181 Saratoga Blvd. #107A Corpus Christi, TX 78418 Corpus Christi, TX 78414 361.949.1100 www.brooklynpie.com December 24, 2020 Island Moon A12 Police Blotter Free Daily Printable Crossword Puzzles Moon Crosswordhttps://www.onlinecrosswords.net/printable-daily-crosswords-1.php December 16 - December 22 Free Printable CrosswordCrossword Puzzle #1 Solution on classifieds page Find the solution at This is the Daily Crossword Puzzle #1 for Dec 22, 2020 https://onlinecrosswords.net/2045 Traffic Across 1. Bit of baby talk 5. Be an accomplice 9. Much teen talk 14. In a dead heat 15. Cold War force 16. Tinker Bell, e.g. 17. Cooped (up) 18. Green guarder 19. Incompetent 20. Secretive contradiction A group of beachgoers narrowly missed 23. Shark's need injury Monday night when a driver with a 24. Bullet in the deck medical condition crashed into the south end 25. It has 120 seats in Israel of the Michael J. Ellis Seawall. The driver was transported but his injuries were not 29. Contract contents believed to be life threatening. 31. F.D.R.'s fireside talk 53 Traffic stops 33. Smelter stock 34. Campaign topic Topgallant/Binnacle 11 a.m. December 18 36. Be plentiful Parking Violation 39. Access contradiction 16100 block Pionciana 7 p.m. December 42. The Great White North 17 Crash 43. Bench-clearing incident 14200 block Cabo Blanco 11 a.m. December 17 Parking Violation 44. Windy City hrs. 45. Striking end 14200 block Allamanda 3 a.m. December 17 Parking Violation 47. Atrium locale 51. Place for loafers 11000 block Gulf Beach Midnight December 18 Fire 54. Driver's aid 56. Classic opener? SH 361/Front Side Dr. 11 p.m. December Down 19 Crash 57. Meaty contradiction 60. Prop for Rogers 1. Characterize 21. Offered fresh 42. Dosage units (Abbr.) 15200 block Leeward 10 p.m. December comments? 63. Bill producer 2. Madison, for one 46. Free from liability 21 Crash 22. Undamaged 64. Outback runners 3. Former Stapleton Airport 48. Ox or fox 8100 block SH 361 December 21 Crash site 26. Aretha's genre 65. B.B. King's genre 49. Chew out 4. In a negative camp 27. Coastal flier Disturbance 66. Walk back and forth 50. Like some salads 5. Shenanigan 28. Sitcom newsman 14500 block SPID 10 p.m. December 18 67. Like some furs 52. He played Pa Clampett 6. Family reunion activity Baxter 53. Give a leg up 14500 block 3 a.m. December 18 Noise 68. Used up 7. List ender 30. Oscar winner Sorvino Ordinance Violation 69. Black Forest sight 55. Helena's rival 8. Sunflower State capital 32. "Steppenwolf" writer 58. Pinocchio, for one 14400 block Commodores 3 a.m. 70. Inuit's transport 35. Quickly apply December 17 Noise Ordinance Violation 9. Backbone 59. NBA threesome 10. Tiger's milieu, 37. Suffuses 60. There are 2.2 in a kg. 14300 block SPID Midnight December 16 informally 38. Bassoon relative Web Sudoku - Billions of Free Sudoku Puzzles to Play Online61. Swiss eminence http://nine.websudoku.com/ Bonasse/Whitecap 2 p.m. December 18 11. Tool linked to Lizzie 39. Household chore 62. Johnny's boy Possession of Marijuana Borden 40. Passionate about 13500 block Queen Johanna Noon 12. Tuck's partner 41. Five to ten, say December 16 13. Pick up 14900 block Whitecap 6 p.m. December 21 Crash Crimes against Person 14500 block Cabana East 10 p.m. Sudoku December 17 Assault with Injury 13900 block Ketch Noon December 18 Sudoku answers are not available. Assault/Choking/Unconsciousness Island Obituary Play at your own risk! 14900 block Topgallant Noon December 18 Assault Going Easy On You... Medium Puzzle 3,298,266,413 15300 block SPID 8 p.m. December 21 Abduction (Note: A Police Department spokesman said officers made the scene and Web Sudoku - Billions of Free Sudoku Puzzles to Play Online http://grid.websudoku.com/ determined that no abduction nor criminal offense occurred.) 1 of 1 12/22/2020, 1:21 PM Crimes against Property 14300 block SPID 6 p.m. December 18 Theft of Service 14400 block Cabana East 6 p.m. December 17 Burglary 15400 block Palmira 5 p.m. December 17 Theft under $2500 15500 block Cruiser 2 a.m. December 17 Burglary 15500 block Cruiser 2 a.m. December 17 Burglary Knuckle-CrackerHard Puzzle 1,506,586,126 © Web Sudoku 2020 - www.websudoku.com 15600 block Cruiser 2 p.m. December 16 ISLAND’S EDGE Fraudulent use of Identifying Information Michael Secich 15500 block Palmira 9 a.m. December 16 Web Sudoku - Billions of Free Sudoku Puzzles to Play Online http://nine.websudoku.com/ Port Aransas lost a great man this week. Criminal Mischief S  f Her Michael Secich, former KPAB Chair and 13900 block Primavera 10 a.m. December Come get your long-time volunteer passed away December 21 Theft of Services 19, 2020. Mike moved to Port Aransas 14400 block Compass 5 p.m. December 21 Dyson Holiday with his wife Darlene in 2005. They were Burglary both dedicated to the organization1 of 1 through 12/22/2020, 1:19 PM Pro Blow Out years of volunteer work with the Adopt- 14500 block SPID 4 p.m. December 21 A-Beach, Plant Swap and Dunk Your Shoplifting Junk programs. Mike volunteered and Suspicious Person participated in countless other community events and organizations. His friendly 13300 block SPID 4 p.m. December 17 $35 demeanor, sense of humor, and hard work Tesoro/Whitecap 7 p.m. December 18 Text Roni ethic will be missed. We will keep his spirit and his family in our thoughts and prayers 14000 block Bounty 3 p.m. December 17 To Book Your through this holiday season. The above photo is of Mike at the 50th Annual Keep Mind-Numbing Frustration 13700 block Cayo Gorda 3 p.m. December © WebEvil Sudoku Puzzle 2020 5,307,675,358 - www.websudoku.com 16 Luxury Appointment Texas Beautiful Conference 14200 block Bay Bean Noon December 18 15033 S Padre Island Dr Web Sudoku - Billions of Free Sudoku Puzzles to Play Online http://grid.websudoku.com/ 15500 block Palmira 4 p.m. December 16 361.244.5748 Aruba/Leeward Midnight December 19 Leeward/Aruba 11 p.m. December 18 SPID/Aquarius 9 a.m. December 21 Trust 1 of 1 12/22/2020, 1:20 PM Windward/Whitecap 7 a.m. December 21 Windward/Whitecap 7 a.m. December 21 Padre Island and Port Aransas’ Oldest Island Based Pest Control Company.

On Padre Island Since 1994. The Pest Control Professionals Brain-Buster Evil Puzzle 4,410,849,037 Locally Owned by Island Resident OVER 30 YEAR EXPERIENCE © Web Sudoku 2020 - www.websudoku.com Bill Schroeder 15481 SPID Just past Whitecap on Right 949-0208 Residential and Commercial Services 1 of 1 12/22/2020, 1:20 PM Termite * Ants * Rodent * Critter * Roaches * Spiders * Fleas

Fully Guided • All Tackle Provided Send letters and photos to editor@ (361)442-8145 islandmoon.com

© Web Sudoku 2020 - www.websudoku.com

1 of 1 12/22/2020, 1:21 PM December 24, 2020 Island Moon A 13

Full Transparency and Disclosure More Ways of Giving Back During PIPOA News by Marvin Jones, President the Holiday Season By Todd Hunter, District 32 As always, let me have No Wake Signs- The PIPOA has two With the holiday season upon The Ronald McDonald House Charities in your thoughts. You can remaining No Wake Signs to give away to us, it is important to remember there are many our area is another great charity that provides reach me at marvin@ members that will post them in a conspicuous Coastal Bend residents that may need a helping comfort and support for families with sick or pipoa.net or call at 469- place on their decks or docks. Please call the hand this winter. In this week’s column, I would critically injured children in many different 231-3485. You can also PIPOA office to make arrangements at 361- like to continue that discussion by sharing a ways. From donating clothes items to catering call the PIPOA office with 949-7025. few simple ways you can make a significant meals, there are several ways to get involved any questions you have at 361-949-7025. Short-Term Rentals- There is no new news impact in the life of someone less fortunate this as outlined on their website. Some programs 2021 Board of Directors Election- The from the City or the Island Strategic Action year. I have outlined some of the many giving include Pop Tabs, Share-A-Night, Share-A- following persons have registered to run for Committee (ISAC). Members must stay opportunities available at Coastal Bend charities Meal, Sleeves for Support, and a few more. the three seats up for election. Drew Diggins, vigilant and be prepared to voice your opinion and they serve the Port Aransas and Corpus Due to the COVID-19 situation, no visitors are Ken Hughes, Jim McFadden, Vicki Marsden if a City-wide committee is formed or if the Christi areas. allowed into the Ronald McDonald House, but McGinley, Ray Singleton, Dennis Sprout, and City Council takes up the matter. In South Texas, we face high winds and you can help by catering meals to be delivered Frank Stover. Seven members are seeking humidity that can be particularly grueling during from a restaurant. Also, volunteer shifts have three seats. Holiday Hours at the PIPOA Office- The been temporarily suspended but you can donate PIPOA office will be closed on Thursday, the winter months, and making donations of such items as coats and blankets are especially items at yellow donation boxes throughout Bulkheads- The Bulkheads are being December 24, and Friday, December 25. the Coastal Bend. A few item to donate to the repaired on average one or two a week. The The office will also be closed on Thursday, important this time of year. As mentioned above, donating new or gently used coats, donation boxes are brand new games, small engineer is studying the Cuttysark repair. December 31, and Friday, January 1. The toys, books or crafts, and clothing. To learn Furthermore, we are researching the most PIPOA Staff wishes all the members a very blankets, and other cold weather items is a way to help others stay warm this winter. Goodwill more about the Ronald McDonald House cost-effective methods to make repairs. The Happy Holiday and Happy and Healthy New Charities, especially in these difficult times, repairs will not begin until after the holidays. Year! is a great organization that can help with these types of donations. Goodwill also accepts please visit their website at: https://rmhcofcc. clothing, shoes, belts, small household items, org/ or you can reach them by phone at 361- furniture, computers, and computer accessories. 854-4073. Your Chance to At Goodwill locations social distancing and Whether it is through donating goods, City Holiday mask mandates are being followed. You can find contributing financially or volunteering your a donation location in your area by contacting time, it is my hope that together we can find a Make a Difference Schedule for them by phone at 361-884-4068 or visiting way to make this holiday season a bit brighter The City of Corpus Christi has numerous the local Goodwill website here: http://www. for those in need. boards, commissions and committees which goodwillsouthtexas.com/ . Christmas and New If you have questions regarding any of the strive to reflect the diverse interests and abilities With a diverse range of assistance programs of our citizens. Due to the November 3, 2020 information mentioned in this week’s article, that include Emergency Aid, Rural Outreach, please do not hesitate to call my Capitol or election, the City Council is postponing board Year’s Immigration & Refugee Services, Ministry appointments beginning 30 days before the District Office. As always, my offices are Most City of Corpus Christi offices including & Life Enrichment for the Disabled, and the available at any time to assist with questions, election and extending until the new Council libraries, Animal Care Services and Municipal Mother Teresa Shelter, Inc., among others, the is sworn in. The City is still seeking a pool of concerns or comments (Capitol Office, 512- Court will be closed Friday, December 25, and Catholic Charities offers a number of donation 463-0672; District Office, 361-949-4603). applicants to fill vacant positions as soon as Friday, January 1, 2021. Here’s a complete list opportunities. Although the Catholic Charities’ possible after the new Council is seated. of City office closings and schedules: building is closed during the COVID-19 - State Representative Todd Hunter, District 32 The City Secretary’s Office is currently Garbage Pickup situation, they continue to serve our community. Rep. Hunter represents Nueces County (Part). seeking applications for the following You can find out more about these services and He can be contacted at todd.hunter@house. Garbage & Recycling Collection will be the how to get involved by visiting their website at texas.gov or at 512-463-0672. • Island Strategic Action Committee Saturday after the holiday, if your scheduled http://catholiccharities-cc.org/ or calling 361- • Civil Service Board collection day is Friday. 884-0651. • Civil Service Commission • Collection will be Saturday, December 26 and Saturday, January 2, 2021 instead of Friday, • Committee for Persons with Disabilities Holiday Fun in Rockport December 25 and Friday, January 1, 2021. • Construction Trade Advisory & Appeals • Garbage and recycling will be collected as Board Stay safe, Stay healthy, Stay socially distanced normal for Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and • Corpus Christi Commission on Children Thursday the weeks of Christmas and New The year 2020 brought us a pandemic that places include the Connie Hagar Cottage & Youth Year’s. nobody could have ever imagined. Covid19 has Sanctuary, Ivy Lane, Linda S. Castro Nature • Port of Corpus Christi Authority of Nueces Brush & Bulky items: changed all of our lives. The world changed Sanctuary, Tule Marsh East, and Rattlesnake County, TX seemingly overnight. People were confined to Point Road. No collection Friday, December 25 or Friday, • Reinvestment Zone No. 4 Board their homes to stay healthy. But people can’t January 1, 2021. stay locked inside forever, so what can one do to Hike/Bike • Senior Corps Advisory Committee Landfill: stay healthy and still be safe? Get outside! With Those who love the great outdoors will find • Sister City Committee a profusion of natural resources, Rockport- plenty of places to get out and bike no matter The J.C. Elliott Collection Center will be Fulton is the place to do just that. The mild their skill level. Tule Creek Hike and Bike Trail, If you know of anyone interested in serving on CLOSED Friday, December 25 and Friday, coastal weather makes any time of year easy to Memorial Park, water street, and Goose Island a City board, commission or committee, please January 1, 2021. enjoy an abundance of outdoor activities. Big Tree Route are just a few. direct them to the City of Corpus Christi’s website at http://serve.cctexas.com. For Golf Rockport Beach Boating/Kayaking assistance, please call Norma Duran at (361) • Lozano Golf Center and Oso Golf Course: The secret gem on the Texas Coast is a mile- There are plenty of places to get in the water 826-3105 or via e-mail at NormaD2@cctexas. long pampered and palapa sprinkled beach. in the Rockport-Fulton area. Public boat ramps com. OPEN Christmas Eve This beach proudly flies the “Blue Wave” and piers include Cove Harbor, Fulton Harbor o CLOSED Christmas Day (NEW POLICY: All individuals considered Flag, signifying it as nationally certified by and Rockport Harbor, while Little Bay North for appointment by the City Council to a o OPEN New Year’s Day the Washington D.C. Clean Beaches Council. and South, Airport Road and Howard Murph board, commission or committee must have Rockport Beach was recently named the No.1 Park are just a few of the places perfect for an application on file in the Office of the City Senior Centers Beach on the Texas Coast by USA Today kayaking. Aransas Pathways has sixteen Secretary not later than the 14TH calendar day o CLOSED Christmas Day and New Year’s readers. It offers private, covered picnic kayak launch areas for a printable map go to before the date appointments are considered by Day cabanas, each with a BBQ grill; three beach Aransaspathways.com City Council.) playground areas; two sand volleyball courts; four public boat launches; a fish cleaning stand; Coastal Gardens a bathhouse; a walking trail; a bird sanctuary; A well-kept secret that is slowly being an 800’ fishing pier; and plenty of boating and discovered are the amazing Texas A&M Agri- Port Aransas New fishing space. There are also two indoor, well Life Extension Gardens that ate kept by the equipped waterfront venues and a large outdoor Master Gardeners. The gardens are open for Year’s Eve Drive-in shelter available for rent. viewing and strolling during the open hours of Goose Island State Park and the Agri-Life Center. Everything from native to exotic plants can be seen. A great way to take a Fireworks The Big Tree mental break in the open air. The City of Port Just minutes north of Rockport-Fulton in Aransas will historic Lamar, Goose Island State Park, Aransas Pathways have a drive-in 321.4 acres, surrounded by the St. Charles and A favorite with visitors and locals alike are fireworks display Aransas Bays, is located north of Rockport in the Aransas Pathways sites. These sites include on Thursday, Aransas County. The earliest park facilities outdoor activities, from kayaking to hiking, Dec. 31, at 7 were constructed by the Civilian Conservation biking, birding and more along with historical p.m. at Roberts Corp in the early 1930s. Although located on markers and a not to be missed History Center Point Park. The Aransas Bay, there is no swimming area at this with local plants and herb garden in back. Park will close park. The shoreline is comprised of concrete Reach them by visiting Aransaspathways.com. to all pedestrian bulkhead, oyster shell, mud flat, and marsh traffic from 5-8 grass. The main recreational activities are Golfing/ Golf Cart Rentals p.m. and specatators can watch from their camping, excellent birding, and fishing. Other Looking for some time on the green? Tee off vehicle, from a boat outside the safety zone, activities include picnicking, boating (motors at premier golf clubs for a fun and challenging take a Pirate or Dolphin Cruise from local allowed), nature study, wildlife observation, round. Want to rent a cart to just cruise around? waterfront restaurants. The display is courtesy geocache, and photography. Guided nature It is a favorite pastime for our visitors. Stop by of the Chamber of Commerce and many other hikes are held year round. Guided birding tours the Rockport-Fulton Visitors Center for a full businesses in town are held from January through April. And, don’t list of courses and golf cart rental companies. miss a visit to the Big Tree just minutes from Goose Island at 1622 12th Street, it is estimated Disc Golf and Sports Complex to be over 1,000 years old and was a meeting Memorial Park has a newly designed Disc golf spot for local native tribes. course intertwining among the oak trees. The Aransas National Wildlife Refuge course is designed to be enjoyed by people of all ages, gender, and economic status, making Voted the No. 1 birding spot and No. 5 National it a great lifetime fitness activity. Memorial Wildlife Refuge in the nation for USA TODAY Park is located at 1601 FM 2165 (Pearl St.) in Readers’ Choice, this site is the place to go for Rockport. You will also discover a dog park, watching the more than 400 species of birds, outdoor fitness complex and other Consisting especially the endangered whooping cranes in of more than 100 acres, the Park includes the winter. These birds stand five feet tall with 1.65 miles of Hike and Bike trails and a 3/4- a seven-foot wingspan. Other wildlife can be mile Nature trail with interpretive signs, and found here as well, such as turtles, Alligators, rest benches. Soccer fields, basketball courts, Wild pigs, blue crab, butterflies to name a few, baseball/softball fields, off leash Dog Park, all in addition to the beautiful scenery. Located playscapes and fitness stations, birding sites just a short drive from Rockport-Fulton at 1 and picnic facilities to serve a wide variety of Wildlife Cir. Austwell. interests throughout the year. Boat Cruises: Whooping Crane/ Dolphin Fishing /Sunset From beginners to experts, anglers of all skill Bring a camera and look for whooping cranes levels and ages will enjoy the abundance of as they nest November through March on this opportunities to cast a line and reel in the big popular sightseeing tour, which is fun for both one. A few of the local favorite spots include the the young and young at heart. In the summer, Fulton Pier, Rockport Beach Park Piers and Boat dolphin and sunset cruises are also available, Ramp and South Jetty Pier, as well as Copano while other types of wildlife, such as alligators, Causeway launch site. Contact the Aransas pelicans and more, can be seen throughout the Navigation district for more information year. The Summer months are a great time to view the beautiful sunset over the bay or watch Harbors dolphins as they plunge in and out of the bay. Life on the coast wouldn’t be complete without harbors and the picturesque views they bring. Birdwatching The Rockport, Fulton and Cove harbors are perfect for setting sail, enjoying the fresh air Santa’s helpful elves cleaned Island beaches this week.Photo by Debbie Noble. With 10 birding sites on the Great Texas Birding Trail, this area is perfect for spotting or just soaking up the warm Texas sunshine. flocks. Hundreds of birds can be seen in just one We have unique opportunities to catch both day, such as mottled duck, snowy egret, sandhill the sunrise and sunset as Rockport-Fulton is Send letters and photos to editor@ crane and little blue heron. Favorite birding located on a peninsula with Aransas Bay to the east and Copano Bay on the west. islandmoon.com December 24, 2020 Island Moon A 14 The Barnacle Line Nature Notes By Del Smith Pied-billed Grebes Here’s one from 18 years ago for Christmas lights. My compadre and I did back when I was so young!!! accept that gauntlet challenge. However we did By Sarah Belles wait a little while to start ours. Holding to the Well here it is the year 2002. Somehow I In small ponds, lakes around. Although grebe chicks are usually concept that a certain amount of time should managed to survive another year and all of the and marshy areas, ready to swim the day after they hatch, parents pass after Thanksgiving before stringing up the holiday’s trappings. Surviving the holidays was Pied-billed Grebes are often carry the chicks on their backs for the first ole Christmas lights. the easy part, in view of the way my mind works. a relatively common week or so and will even dive underwater with It is the hanging of another calendar for a brand I mean, after all, let us not get really overboard sight. A rather solitary them tucked under their wings! new year that always comes as a surprise to me. about this! species, Pied-billed One of the most amazing things about these Grebes are not usually I guess that surprise stems from the fact that So the war began. One’s side string of lights birds is that they can control their buoyancy by seen in large flocks and trapping water between their feathers. They can as a youth I always perceived that to actually was almost immediately answered by the are often observed alone be alive after the year two thousand would be, other with two. A particularly nifty deco idea submerge and emerge from the water just like or in small groups. These birds are fairly shy a submarine, which makes for a sneaky escape somehow, valueless. I mean, after all, I would would then be overcome by an even greater, (as and frequently dive down in the water without be so old!! I would be, as that 1950’s kid saw thought by the creator), nifty deco idea. ----- from predators. It also is a major part of their a trace, eventually popping up in a completely foraging technique, allowing them to easily it, just too stove-up, slow and unable to do Folks it was getting bad. So bad that I observed different spot. the things that he could with his early teens these two guys, over there, out in some ‘muck catch small aquatic creatures. exuberance. He could not fathom him looking and blood and beer’ weather of a Blue Norther With their relatively drab coloration and often Since Pied-billed Grebes eat a lot of fish and and acting like all of the fifties-plus people stringing up even more stuff! ------Of course reserved behavior, they can be pretty easy to crustaceans, they also periodically consume soft around him. ----- Yuuck!!! I did also!!! --- However I strung up the last two overlook. However, if you take a closer look contour feathers from their body. These form a available sets of lights on the inside, (‘BABY at the behavior and life history of Pied-billed Now I am sure that I was not alone in this strainer to hold fish bones and other harmful IT’S COLD OUTSIDE’), so that they would Grebes, you’ll see that there is much more than concept. I can easily imagine that every youth, shine out over the ICW. Not long after that meets the eye. through out the ages, has had something of the war reached a stalemate, largely due to the this nature cross their minds. I have and, most These small waterfowl may share some fact that both sides ran out of plug-ins’ and assuredly, will continue to, see in the eyes of the characteristics with ducks, but they are actually extension cords. youth around me that silent statement, that says, not related. If you take a look at the feet of “Please never-ever let me look and act like that Both sides firmly maintain that they were the grebes and compare them to those of ducks, wrinkled, slow, smelly old man. ----- I’d rather hands-down winner of the BATTLE OF THE you’ll see that grebes have peculiar lobe-shaped die first!!!!”. BULBS. ----- I guess we will have to accept toes, while ducks have webbed feet. you dear readers assessment of the situation, I suppose the argument could be made that, Pied-billed Grebes are mostly brown in color, should you have observed the ‘good cheer’ as as a benchmark, the final awareness of that with darker upperparts and lighter underparts. you drove over the bridge. statement being false is our passage, at long In the breeding season, the neck and crown last, into adulthood. Although, times I have For New Year’s Eve it was my normal; stay-at- feathers darken, and the throat turns black. The wondered whether or not I ever will get ---- home-and-feast observance. You guys can have black band around the bill that gives the bird A Pied-billed Grebe swimming at Anahuac its name is only present during the breeding ‘there’. your black-eyed peas on the first, for good luck, National Wildlife Refuge. Photo by Sarah if you want. Me, --- I’ll stay with my survived- season, so it’s best not to rely on its presence for In any case, I survived another year. Marking it Belles. another-year-good-luck-charm, of cheese, identification. Juvenile Pied-billed Grebes have as a little larger celebration of the daily, “Life is a striped pattern on their faces that eventually crackers, black olives, smoked oysters, caviar materials until they can be chemically digested good, ---- I woke up this morning!”. disappears when they reach maturity. and a glass of blood-red vino. All done on the or formed into pellets that are later regurgitated. As to the holidays, I did my standard observance last night of the year. The call of a Pied-billed Grebe is fairly loud and held the feed for the ‘Lost and Lonely’. Pied-billed Grebes are capable of flight, but Lucky? ------Must have worked, as I got and variable, consisting of a series of gulping This is usually about the extent of my Christmas must take off from the water while running and signed on as a deck hand for a boat-delivery noises that sound like “kuk-kuk-kuk,” along celebration, being the old curmudgeon that I am flapping as if they are on a runway. Although down to smaller latitudes than here. So by the with some coos and whoops. Like other grebes, and not particularly religious. After all I have Northern populations do migrate south for the time you are reading this, (or soon after), I’ll Pied-billed Grebes have interesting courtship always thought that --- that was the whole idea winter, you will rarely see a grebe in flight since be on a palm-studded Cayman beach, sipping displays that are a combination of pirouetting, for the thing. But in any case I do stand behind they travel at night. Southern populations of a tall-cold-one, wondering how you guys are head jerking, duetting and swimming. what everybody else believes and will help Pied-billed Grebes are commonly residential, surviving the cold, frozen North. them in their observances. Female and male grebes share the so you can find them year-round in most parts Have a GOOD year. --- I’ll se ya when I get responsibilities of nest building and raising of Texas. If you haven’t already, I hope you get This year was a little different, however, as the back. chicks. A typical nest is a floating mat made the chance to see a Pied-billed Grebe sometime neighbors threw down a decorating challenge of dead aquatic plant material and is anchored and have a newfound appreciation for this to nearby vegetation to keep it from floating remarkable group of birds. ‘Guajillos’ Restaurant Coming to The Island Family-Owned Mexican Cuisine By Brent Rourk “The moment you take your first bite, you’ll refers to as a concrete know. The taste! Fasten your seatbelts,” said jungle. Coupled with Carlos Barajas sitting at my dining room table that difficulty, the beneath a large wall-mounted quilt named ‘In German private school the Heat of a New Love’. The coincidence was Carlos attended was not without notice. The quilt contains hundreds too demanding, so he of light colored green chilis in the background. dropped out of school Carlos, co-owner of the immensely popular in 8th grade. 20-year-old restaurant Guajillos (a type of chili) in San Antonio, began to share his story As a boy Carlos and his brother Dianko spent and the story of Guajillos and what makes it so time cooking but also frequently sampled the special. Islanders will want to take note because varied and tasty street fare prevalent in Mexico by January he will be opening another fabulous City. Carlos became an experienced veteran Guajillos on our sandbar. street vendor fan regularly sampling juarades, tacos, tlacoyos, and more. It was apparent to Where Do the Recipes Come From? Barajas’s mother that Carlos was headed in a dangerous direction, swaying her to bring him The name Guajillos to the United States in 1979. Soon after arriving, is a type of tasty chili she enlisted Carlos, admittedly in a tailspin, into and because Carlos the United States Army when he was 17 years depends so much on old. As tends to be the case with many troubled native chilis to create Pelican Party photo by Rickie Roncinske. enlistees, the military ‘straightened him out’, the amazing flavors providing him with a fine 20-year career, first characteristic of all of as a combat engineer and then as a veterinary his dishes, he and his co-owner brother Dianko technician. Barajas changed the name of their ‘mom and pop’ restaurant many years ago from ‘Taco But the thoughts of opening a restaurant Inn’ to the more descriptive ‘Guajillos’. The began to intrigue Carlos, so six months prior name stuck and Guajillos Restaurant has been a to retiring from the Army, Carlos and Dianko time-tested, top-rated, mainstay and destination started their first restaurant with only a 24 Hour restaurant in San Antonio. One taste and you’ll $15,000 initial investment. Not too long after know why. opening the restaurant, his two older children Emergency Service began to work there, to learn about operating He uses a variety of Mexican chilis (anchor, restaurants, and to prepare the savory secrets cascabel, mulatto, morita, and guajillo to name that have attracted repeat clients for 20 years. drop a few) to add unique flavors and varying They moved Guajillos to its present location at Carpet Cleaning Tile & Wood Cleaning levels of heat to his array of authentic dishes 1001 NW Loop 410 in Castle Hills where for and sauces, while using virtually no cooking 20 years it has remained a landmark restaurant. Air Duct Cleaning Fire & Water Damage oil or ‘grease’ in his recipes. The chilis are primarily from Mexico and the Mexican recipes Upholstery Cleaning Restoration are perhaps “hundreds of years old”. “My family’s household maid Julia prepared many of these authentic Mexican dishes when Call for our Daily Specials we lived in Mexico City. Many of her savory plates, including Tortilla Soup, I suspect were 361-993-9300 prepared from ancient, time tested, authentic Mexican and Indigenous recipes,” declared book online at www.servicemaster-tx.com Carlos after reflecting about her amazing cooking. “We [Guajillos] typically offer Birria (lamb Where and When soup), Posole (red or green), mole (green and Barajas has targeted January or sooner as his brown), chicken finga with chipotle sauce, opening date, depending on when he receives Chochinita Pibil with cactus salad and rice permits. Guajillos will open where Padre and beans. We offer many other popular soups Island Mail Plus was previously located. The and dishes featuring chicken, pork, and beef. restaurant will house between 20 and 30 seats Tortilla Soup is the mother of all soups, and ours and will offer very quick ‘to go’ service for is made from a chili those with limited lunch times. Their plan is broth recipe from to also provide delivery at a future date. Carlos Oaxaca, Mexico”, contends that lunch will be quick, dine in or added Barajas. carry out. They use real plates and bowls, offer A Brief History of fountain drinks, and are pursuing their beer and Carlos Barajas alcohol license. How does an You will no doubt meet Carlos’s wife Alanna Austrian born toddler and his young daughter Edda at Guajillos. It is end up owning a possible from time to time that you might also Mexican Restaurant meet his brother Dianko as well as his adult * Delivery in San Antonio and children Carlos and Michelle who together run Carlos Barajas is now North Padre Guajillos in San Antonio. * Carryout usually all smiles Island? As all stories For those wondering about cost, Carlos is still * Curbside especially about go, Carlos has had an calculating prices based on local fresh food authentic Mexican interesting past. He costs and other expenses, but he did offer after * Wine Wed. Half Price cooking. was born in Austria, a moment of reflection a basic price guide. “A but as an infant bowl of soup and a super tasty meal will be very emigrated with his reasonably priced. Absolutely. I think customers * Monday Night family to Mexico where he spent the following will find an incredible lunch, including soup 16 years. His father was a noted concert pianist for under $10 and an amazing dinner for under Football Specials who pursued his craft in Mexico City. It was $15,” he claimed affirmatively. Lasagna Lunch in Mexico where Carlos developed a taste 14493 S.P.I.D Suite C for savory Mexican food and chilis. But life To view his menu in San Antonio go to www. threw more curve balls his way in the form of guajillos.sanantonio or www.guajillos.ocm padrepizzeria.com Special $5.99 a ‘rough and tumble’ neighborhood that Carlos 949.0787 Mon – Thurs 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. December 24, 2020 Island Moon A 15 Moon Classifieds #871 Here’s how to place a Services Services Services Game Lease Classified Ad Computer Repair Power Washing (Contd) Lawn Care (Contd) Leasing 550 Acre Ranch Scott’s Computer Repair MORGAN Cutting Crew Lawn For two deer hunters during deer To place an ad you can call me at hunting season only PC/Mac Repair Networking LAWN CARE & POWER WASHING 361-834-1382 or Maintenance La Mangana & Hein Rd. Laredo Texas Home Security Camera Installation Mow Weedeat Blow Roundup Email your ads to: We Can Help In Fall Cleaning Call Mr. Martinez [email protected] Cable TV & Internet Wiring Driveways Sidewalks Porches Let Us Help Get Your Yard In Shape Fences Decks Roofs 956-237-6135 No texts please Fast 24 Hour Turn-Around We Specialize In Using Home or Business Matt Morgan Professional Lawn Equipment Real Estate Costs start at $12 for 25 words, 361-402-3047 BEACH FRONT LOT Free Pick Up and Delivery ● Mowing, Trimming 20 cents a word after that per issue. [email protected] ON MUSTANG ISLAND Call 949-4604 or 425-5627 ● Edging, & Tree Pruning For a small additional charge, your Offered at $299,000. Quiet cul-de-sac Specialty Rug Cleaning ● 4wd Tractor ad can be centered, made larger or Cleaning Service location in prestigious La Concha pictures or clip art can be added. SPECIALTY RUG CLEANING & REPAIR ● Large or Small Lots DUST ANGELS Persian – Oriental – Area Rugs Estates. Views of the Gulf of Mexico Ads with payment can be taken to CLEANING & MORE ● Pressure Washing and the sand dunes. Build your our office at: Cleaning, repair Driveways, Decks, Homes We are a professional cleaning company vacation home now while interest rates 14646 Compass St., Suite 3 Remove smells to service your every need! ● Deck Repair are low!! Beach walkover and lovely Deadline for classified ads is no later Persian rugs done by hand We offer full service from vacation We can repair garage doors neighborhood of upscale properties. than NOON on Tuesday Appraise – Buy/Sell rentals to residential and commercial Over 24 years of experience Long term rentals are permitted. Don't PAYMENT MUST BE RECEIVED 361-991-9999 Free Estimates – Insured cleaning, construction cleans lawn Tree Trimming wait, property is selling quickly. BEFORE PUBLICATION service, power washing and We take pride in our work! Larry Villman, Realtor We accept maintenance needs. We are also Call Robert 361-800-3535 Beach House Realty American Express, Visa, offering holiday help with hanging lights 361-385-6081 for more information MasterCard Home Maintenance & decorating. PORT ARANSAS IN TOWN LOT Legal & Business Notices • 12 years on the Island Foundation Repair In shore front community of Safe Do you need to place a legal or business • Keeping the personal touch! We Raise Sunken Concrete Harbor. Cul-de-sac location, fenced on notice? You’ll find that our rates for running Call us today! Free estimates STREEM COMPANY three sides, huge lot that can your notice cost less than many other 361-226-3832 FOUNDATION REPAIR accommodate large home, duplex, publication in Nueces County. 361-429-0007 Polyurethane Foam Injection Leveling triplex etc. Zoned for single family or Call Arlene @ 361-834-1382 “Service With A Higher Purpose” Jobs Completed In One Day multiple family use. No HOA costs. 361-906-1468 The Island Moon Weekly Electrical Survey available. Don't let this get for more information COMMERCIAL CUTTERS Painters away. Interest rates are low -- offered at 361 ELECTRIC Tree Trimming & Stump Grinding Al's Painting $274,900 The Island Newspaper since 1996 Residential & Commercial Interior & Exterior Painting Gail Spinn, Beach House Realty Service Calls Services Sheetrock repairs 361-332-1021 For Sale Licensed & Insured Fully Insured – Free Estimates Over 20 years experience WOW LOOK AT THIS PRICE ELECTRIC WHEELCHAIR SCOOTER Island Resident 361-446-3980 $99,000 for a nice lot on Mustang Used 1 time. Paid $1,200, Asking $800. Small jobs welcome 361-903-2111 Free Estimates Island in the beachfront community of Non negotiable. Cash only. Has instruction Islandscape Maintenance La Concha Estates. Now is a great time booklet included. Must pick up from North Pool & Spa Services 361- 563-0680 to obtain reasonable financing. Build Island location ATLANTIS POOL AND SPA SERVICE Roofing your beach home and come and enjoy If interested please text: Weekly Pool Maintenance – Repairs ROOFING PROS! the shore. Call: 913-406-3716 Renovations - Chemicals – Supplies Residential – Commercial Custom Home Exteriors, Inc. Larry Villman, Realtor Services 25 Years Experience – Insured * Lawn Maintenance * Power Washing Tom Sheehan 361-949-2100 Beach House Realty Air Conditioning & Heating Free Delivery! Free Estimates! * Palm Trimming * Fall Cutback Engineer Inspected/Windstorm Certified 361-385-6081 for more information ACH Diagnostics Island Resident Owned * Lot Mowing * Decks Quality “Owens Corning” Shingles Al-Anon & AA Meetings Air Conditioning & Heating Service Call 361-949-8899 * Installation Island Homeowner Is alcohol causing a problem Service – Sales – Installation Wade In The Water Pool Services FREE ESTIMATES Roofing Padre Island in your family? Basic Service Call $49 Cleaning • Repairs • Builds 361-949-2773 Since 1985! Try Al-Anon Don’t forget about your heating system Remodels • Hot Tubs • Warranty Station Lawn Care Wolfe Construction, Inc. Al-Anon meets at 7:00 pm Sundays at Fall is around the corner Don’t go OTB for pool & spa chemicals! PRO MOW  Insurance Restoration Padre Island Baptist Church Fall checks are $49 also 15715 SPID #101 Specialists Friends and families of problem NEED A NEW SYSTEM? Monday-Friday 9am-5pm SERVICES  Roofing drinkers find understanding and support Consider the following options: FREE WATER TESTING At Al-Anon Meetings 361-800-2583  Residential & Commercial 10 year parts and labor warranty Locally owned and operated since 2010 Bryan Wolfe An Al-Anon group meets each Coil corrosion protection Call 361-658-8581 Complete Lawn 361-949-1180 Thursday at 7:00 PM at Wi-Fi thermostats Power Washing Maintenance 15809 El Soccorro Loop St Andrew by the Sea Ultra violet light 14238 Encantada Ave. ISLANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE Tree Trimming Corpus Christi TX 78418 TX TACLB 023885E We Power Wash ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS 361-816-4924 Fall Cleanup A+ ROOFING & REMODELING MEETINGS Houses, Driveways, Fences, Decks & AC – Electrical – Fencing Appliance Repair Sidewalks Follow us on The Sunset 7 AA Meetings are held on Foundation Repair Monday, Wednesday & Friday at 7 PM Call us now to schedule an estimate Facebook Painting – Plumbing 361-949-2773 at : “New to the Area, Residential & Commercial The Presbyterian Church 361-438-4095 Not to Lawncare” On the Island Stucco Repair 14030 Fortuna Bay Dr. In addition on Sunday AA Meetings GOT CRACKS? CALL THE STUCCO PROS are held at 8 AM at -N- House Appliance Repair The Pavillon on the Boardwalk Most major brands & appliances AT 361-949-2100 Near Padre Bali Also offering complete dryer vent clean outs Mention this ad for discount on repairs 361-960-0911

They’re BACKKKKKKK Our Warm, crispy, delicious, hand crafted paninis are back on the menu. Choose from: • Fig Jam, Brie, Prosciutto Artists demonstrated their crafting skills at Island Art Gallery’s • Sicilian Slammer Sip-n-Shop event last week. Photos by Debbie Noble. • Caprese • Smoked Salmon & Cream Cheese Crossword Solution Served with chips & a pickle 14254 S Padre Island Drive Ste 101 | 361-589-4130

10% Discount for Island Homes!

AIR CONDITIONING SINCE 1986 Prompt Professional 24 Hour Service No Overtime Charges • All Makes and Models • Commercial & Residential • 10 Year Part & Labor Warranties on ALL New Equipment • Financing available (361) 949-9545 Serving Padre Island & Flour Bluff Since 1986 TACLB013184C December 24, 2020 Island Moon A16

Three Chords and the Truth DO NOT MISS LIST Coming this weekend… By Ronnie Narmour I considered writing a “year’s end” column to highlight the remarkable moments of 2020 but Christmas is coming this weekend, you may [email protected] I honestly don’t have the stamina right now to have heard. I got an email from Father James Just to state the try and dig out those fleeting moments. It’s been Derkits over at Trinity by the Sea saying they will have a “beach bon fire” on Christmas Eve at obvious… a lousy year, to say the least. I guess we’re all lucky just to breathe. I’ll never take little things 4 PM near the pier instead of their usual yearly Just to state the obvious, we can finally see pageant. It’ll be a fun and safe sing along. On like sucking air for granted again. Folks, tell th a light at the end of the tunnel. Two COVID the people that you love, that you love them, Thursday the 24 , Casey Lane at the House vaccines are now being distributed thoughout everyday. It really makes a huge difference. of Rock in town will have their annual Tamale the country and into the arms of millions of Dinner to usher in the holiday in properly. On And somehow have a Merry Christmas… let’s th Americans. Could this truly be the beginning make that a “safe” Christmas instead. “Merry” Saturday the 26 , is John Amundsen and the of the end to this nightmare? Some people are might be asking for too much right now. And as Padrinos will play in Cinnamon Shore, the eager to take the vaccine and some reluctant. far as a “Happy New Year” goes, I’d settled for oldies/rockabilly band Riptide will play the My Mermaid Gal and I plan to volunteer for just a little less doom and gloom. We’ve become Back Porch, Ty Dietz will play The Slip on Padre another clinical trial for the Merck vaccine numb to daily skyrocketing deaths and suffering Island, Americana stud William Clark Green is through the local company, Crossroads and indifferent to our neighbor’s needs. It’s time at Brewster Downtown, Matt Hole is at Rockit’s Research. They plan to start this study in to get back, yall. 2020 is just about done and I John Amundsen will play at Cinnamon and Wings Over Society is at the HoR. Please February. But in the meantime, enter the can only think, “good riddance”. Shore on Saturday.. be safe out there and have a great holiday. Peace. holidays and family gatherings not to mention ♫♪♫ And, that’s the truth ♫♪♫ travel plans. Health experts are warning us not On the local front… did and nailed it. Eric really rocks that 12 string to travel, to stay home and not let our collective and his genre of soft rock (Eagles, America, You are probably aware that we are currently in guard down yet. Somehow, I don’t see that CSNY, Jackson Browne, etc) really does hit the throes of our yearly “Winter Texan Season” happening. It’s the old, “it won’t happen to me” the spot. here on our little sandbar. The average age of island residents is somewhere in the 60’s right now and out of state license plates are becoming the norm. That could only mean one thing… it’s time to race power tools! I want to thank the Gaff proprietor, Kip Shannon, for serving us up a little bit of normalcy last week. Kip was Live Music Tonight

Wednesday, December 23 Jerry Ward @ Doc’s Billy Snipes @ Doc’s Billy Snipes @ Ruben Limas @ Island Scuttlebutt’s Italian Ruben Limas @ Olivia Whitehurst @ Blackbeard’s Scuttlebutt’s Ty Dietz @ Vernon’s The Chainlinks @ The Bus Open Jam @ Executive Jam Band @ Legends Surf Club RIPTIDE DEC. 26 Friday, January 1 Thursday, December 24 Jerry Ward @ Doc’s Billy Snipes @ Doc’s MERRY CHRISTMAS Stevie Start @ Island Ruben Limas @ Island Italian Italian HAPPY NEW YEAR Matt Hole @ Executive Annual Tamale Dinner @ Surf Club House of Rock Ruben Limas @ Magnus played the Back Porch last CLOSED CHRISTMAS DAY Blackbeard’s Our merry merry little golf cart, Saturday. Christmas, Dec. 25 132 W. Cotter St. Port A Jam Band @ Pelican Saturday, January 2 Lounge Hall of Fame able to pull off an “invitational” belt sander race Billy Snipes @ Doc’s Performances (Willie and do it safely. The Gaff’s belt sander races Ruben Limas @ Island Nelson, Buddy Guy, Los are one of the biggest events on the island and Italian Lobos, Bonnie Raitt, usually draw big crowds. This race last week Rosanne Cash & Kris Kristofferson) @ Austin wasn’t openly advertised and there was plenty Saturday, December 26 Riptide @ Back Porch City Limits on PBS of room in the back yard to social distance and Brian Winfrey @ Island have a little fun too. I guess there were about John Amundsen & the Padrinos @ Cinnamon Treasure Island Italian 20 racers on hand. And the vibe was… normal Shore Sierra Dawn @ The Port A Parks and Rec folks did an and safe. And it felt right. As the fear of COVID Ty Dietz @ The Slip MERRY Scuttlebutt’s KISS Alike @ Brewster excellent job this year.. slides into the future, we’ll be seeing more and Gann Band @ Doc’s more “normal” events. Thanks Kip. We all Matt Hole @ Rockit’s CHRISTMAS AND Street Downtown needed that. Brian Winfrey @ Island syndrome. My reply is you are either intrepid or Italian HAPPY NEW Sunday, January 3 oblivious. Since me and my mermaid both took Scattered shots… Sierra Dawn @ Billy Snipes @ Doc’s the monoclonal antibody infusions, we have a YEAR! John Eric @ Scuttlebutt’s We finally dug out some Christmas lights and Scuttlebutt’s brief reprieve and supposedly are immune to Wings Over Society @ 315 N. Alister (361) 416-1020 Frannie gave us some battery powered ones COVID for a little while. I don’t trust nothing House of Rock treasureislandporta Monday, January 4 anymore and we aren’t taking any chances. I to hang on our little golf cart. It’s been fun William Clark Green Stevie Start @ Doc’s running around town in full Christmas regalia. @ Brewster Street Darren McGill @ know contracting the virus twice is rare but it Scuttlebutt’s would be just our luck. For sure, this has been a The city put up new Christmas decorations up Downtown tough Christmas for many but we MUST hang and down Alister and the Port A Parks and Rec Mike Guerra @ D’Canters folks have done an excellent job of decorating Tuesday, January 5 on just a bit longer. It will take a while to get Stevie Start @ Doc’s the community center and Roberts Point Park. Sunday, December 27 everyone vaccinated and for herd immunity to Mike Perez @ Scuttlebutt’s Thanks to Coleen Simpson, Pam Greene and Billy Snipes @ Doc’s take hold. And in the meantime, we hear that John Eric @ Scuttlebutt’s the virus has mutated in England to become Ken Yarbrough for their great seasonal effort. Wednesday, January 6 even more contagious. Hoy hoy. The politicos In fact, I think all of Port A deserves an attaboy Monday, December 28 Jerry Ward @ Doc’s have been debating a bill all week deciding for this year’s Christmas decorations. Most Stevie Start @ Doc’s Billy Snipes @ Scuttlebutt’s how much relief money to give us. Right now everyone made the effort this year and the town Darren McGill @ looks great. I only made it out once last weekend Scuttlebutt’s Ruben Limas @ it’s somewhere between $600 and $2000 for Blackbeard’s each person. I sure hope they decide quickly. to catch the first set of Eric Magnusson’s show Tuesday, December 29 PORT ARANSAS’ Ty Dietz @ Vernon’s Stevie Start @ Doc’s Open Jam @ Executive Mike Perez @ OLDEST AND Surf Club Scuttlebutt’s FRIENDLIEST Thursday, January 7 Wednesday, December 30 Billy Snipes @ Doc’s Jerry Ward @ Doc’s OPEN Till 11pm • 823 Tarpon St. Port A. Ruben Limas @ Island Billy Snipes @ Italian Scuttlebutt’s Ruben Limas @ Friday, January 8 Blackbeard’s Spazmatics @ Brewster Ty Dietz @ Vernon’s Street Downtown Open Jam @ Executive Ruben Limas @ Surf Club Blackbeard’s

New Years Eve, Dec. 31 Saturday, January 9 Jim Dugan @ Gaff Brian Winfrey @ Island Timeline- Journey Tribute Italian @ Brewster Street Riptide will play the Back Porch on Downtown Saturday Diamond’s Edge @ Rockit’s at the Back Porch. Eric had enlisted the support of drummer Antone Perez and a bass player, Kip Shannon was back in the saddle at his Dwight, that I didn’t know. I was determined to Invitational Belt Sander Races at the Gaff stick around long enough to hear Eric sing the last week. great Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah”, which he

Mike’s Barbershop

Laid back, slow n’ easy...

DA I Q U I R I S BEER & WINE BAIT & ICE

BEER HUT GOLF CART RENTALS (361)244-8654 The Gaff Cold Beer Open Daily at 11 am Hot Pizza