The past two meetings of the POC Service Club have been solely involved with the upcoming Bi-Annual Garage and Bake Sale, which is scheduled for Saturday, April 5, 2014. Held once again at the Pavilion building of the Community Center, and starting at 8:00 a.m. that morning, a mammoth turnout is anticipated. If only the weather really cooperates.
Under the Chairmanship of Peggy Elliott, and ably assisted by Debbie Busby, Kay Middleton, Linda Orrick and Marie Hawes, various duties are being assigned to the working members. And Ginnie Lichac, Chairman of the Bake Sale, has reminded members to be certain to deliver their delicious items prior to the 8:00 a.m. opening. Ginnie will be assisted once again by Helen Hardcastle and Pat Turk in pricing and labeling the many cakes and cookies on display for sale.
A new member of Club, Iris Shuh, presented additional information to Club members concerning ways of rating applications for scholarships as based on merit. This will be extremely helpful for selecting the winner of the new Scholarship that the Club has decided to fund in honor of Agnes Valigura, and that scholarship will be a one-time only award in the amount of $1,000. More information will be available at a later date for high school graduating students from Port O’Connor who wish to apply. This one-time only scholarship is in addition to the other scholarships awarded annually by the Service Club to a graduating senior from Port O’Connor and our School.
There’s an empty place now at the Officers’ Table of the POC Service Club. This is the left- side area where Agnes Valigura has sat for many years in her role as Parliamentarian. Each morning during the meeting she would be there taking role, and often, I and many others present, were the recipients of that beautiful smile which would then catch our eyes. When she spoke in relation to a discussion, one almost had to strain to hear that softly spoken voice with just a trace of a very charming accent as she made her point.
This lady, though somewhat physically limited, had an indomitable spirit that conquered her lack of mobility. She was an active member of the Service Club, never missing an event, and to see her at the Garage Sales pricing items was a joy. She constantly baked for the various Bake Sales the Club has had in the past; her pecan pies were fought over and the winning purchaser often spent over $50.00 for that luscious dessert.
Agnes unconsciously taught us all a lesson; that despite hardships you continue to strive and then prevail; something she emphatically did. Port O’Connor has not just lost a remarkable lady with her death last month, but an Icon for us all to admire and emulate. We miss her now and in the future.
The next meeting of the POC Service Club is scheduled for Thursday, April 3, 2014, and we welcome all interested women in this area who desire to be a part of the continuing change for the betterment in our Community. As that meeting will be two days before our Bi-Annual Garage and Bake Sale, why not plan to attend the meeting and get involved in the Garage Sale? Contact Membership Chairman, Shirley Gordon at the Library, 983-4365, or our President, Janet Johnson, 983-4737 for more information. See you there!
