On October 13, Bob Allen celebrated his birthday at Cathy’s n Port O’Connor with friends. This was his 93rd birthday.

Bob has played an important role in Port O’Connor. Working with the Calhoun County Historical Commission, he was instrumental in having Port O’Connor Cemetery recognized by the Texas Historical Commission. Bob recorded the whole cemetery and located many missing graves.

We are up and running for a successful fall planting with corn, okra, herbs, lettuce, and even a few tomatoes and much of that is due to donors like Jason’s Irrigation from Cuero, Texas and SRS Construction. Jason’s Irrigation recently supplied the additional water source to Phase 2, and we delightfully note that the same was done for Phase 1. A big shout out for an additional donation goes to SRS Construction for the 600 cinder blocks for the new beds. The bees love the basil plants that are flowering and the butterflies are happy in the butterfly garden flowers!

Phase 2 is now complete. The eight new beds are up, running and occupied. New plot owners are: Maeghan Strahm; Terry Twomey; Kristina Lewis; Shelley and Earl McCauley; Cash McKissack; Rebecca Allen; Tripp Wiggs; Mary Travenier; Teresa Ellis; Julie Burton, and Courtney Watson. There is one bed opening in Phase 2. If you are interested, call Val Tielman. 713-202-8108.

The picnic table donated by Shanna and Kevin Lewis might remind some of us about Rick Nelson’s song lyrics in “Garden Party.” Meeting at the picnic table sounds like the perfect way to bring people together to “reminisce with friends” and “share memories,” just as Rick Nelson’s song suggests. It would be a wonderful way to celebrate our community, enjoy the fall atmosphere, and create new memories. Here’s to many smiles and special gatherings in our garden!

Wow, Alice really is a Watermelon Whisperer! Growing over 20 melons from a single plant is impressive! She must have an incredible green thumb—and some excellent watermelon-growing secrets

“No one can ever be ready for Christmas until they go to Thanksgiving!” Thanksgiving is more than an eating and football holiday. It takes a proper mindset and attitude. Only “thinking people” can be “thankful people!” Remembering and taking note of the blessings we enjoy will cause us to become thankful. We are running at such fast paces in these holiday times that most will never slow down enough to think about the great things that have come our way. We will scurry from event to event and go through the motions of “holiday joy” without experiencing the inner peace and blessing that is possible. Please, take time to think – maybe even – take time to write a list of grateful times and places before we fill our plates with Thanksgiving Dinner.

IMPORTANT NOTICE – On Sunday, November 24, the Chapel will gather for a Taco Fellowship Meal at 5:00 p.m. At 6:00 p.m., we will be having a special Dedication Service with special guest, the Reverend Doctor Susan Nordin from the great C.T. Church in Houston. When that service is concluded, we will gather around the Cross for a formal Dedication. I will be sharing the story of how the Cross has come to be, beginning ten (10) years ago. We will be honoring special people who have made the project complete. The Cross is a labor of obedience and God has blessed. Now, it stands as a beacon for both land lovers and sea goers.

The food for the Thanksgiving Food Baskets has been ordered and we are preparing to bless a number of families in our community. The Ladies Service Club has provided us with additional funds as a result of the big Rummage Sale that they sponsored last month. At their meetings, they also bring in items for our Pantry, which is also a great blessing. Our local school is collecting cans for distribution. The 4-H club is bringing in cans. People in the community are coming by and leaving sacks of food for us to pass along!  Thank you for your confidence in us and allowing us to help people who are having an especially difficult time at this Holiday Season.  We will be distributing the Thanksgiving Baskets on Tuesday, November 19, before noon. Dick’s Food Store in Seadrift is helping us greatly with the items we will be including in the boxes.

On November 17, we as a community will gather at the Catholic Church at 6:00 p.m., for a great Community Thanksgiving Service. Our own Pastor Joane will be bringing the Thanksgiving Message. The Catholic Congregation will be providing a time for fellowship following the service. We will be bringing special offerings for the expenses of the Thanksgiving and Christmas Food Baskets. We have a number of needy families who are greatly blessed through our efforts – so lets do our best, remembering that food prices have kept going up!
The Christmas Food Basket list will be starting soon after we pass the Thanksgiving boxes out. The Sign-up Deadline is Sunday, December 1. We will be distributing these boxes on December 17, before noon. With the school’s closure for Christmas Holidays, we will be including additional “Kid Friendly” foods in those boxes. Please, if you know those who are in need of food, please have them contact us as soon as possible. REMEMBER, we strive to serve NEED and never GREED!

We continue hosting Retreats at the Chapel. Our next one is scheduled for November 21 thru 23. It is the “Hungry Man” Retreat. Men will be coming here from around Texas and additionally from other states. It will be a spiritual renewal event and is organized by our own Ted Tedford. We are asking the Lord to bring special blessings to these men who come to Hunger after Righteousness!

On Wednesday, November 20, we will be hosting a special Thanksgiving Meal at 7:00 p.m., with a devotional to follow.

On Wednesday, November 27, we will gather for a time of Thanksgiving Praises, which will be shortened to allow those who are cooking Thanksgiving Dinner a little extra time.

Our November calendar is full, but we are grateful for God’s blessings! The Chapel is an interdenominational congregation who  teaches the authority of the Bible and the blessings that follow those who allow the Scriptures to guide their daily lives. We gather each Sunday at 10:00 a.m. for Bible Class; 11:00 a.m. for Morning Service; and 6:00 p.m. for Evening Service. We meet each Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. for a time of fellowship followed by a time in Scripture. One will always find a warm welcome at the Chapel, and all are urged to, “Come, Grow With Us!”

“Beacon of Light…Anchor of the Community”
Library News:
POC Library Hours: Phone Number: 361-983-4365
Sunday – Monday: Closed
Tuesday – Friday: 10:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
*Note special closures and holidays: November 27th at 1:00 p.m. -December 3rd

Winter often brings a sense of closure, prompting many of us to slow down, rejuvenate, and express our gratitude through gifts and recognition. If you share this sentiment and wish to acknowledge the efforts of our dedicated library team, please stop by to thank them for their steadfast commitment to public service. Whether they’re offering reference assistance, recommending books, maintaining collections, or collaborating with other county departments, their dedication and passion for supporting our community are truly commendable.

THANK YOU to Our November Donors

• A huge thank you to Cathy’s Restaurant and Cathy Holder Osborn for their generous donation of FOUR gift certificates to their delicious restaurant.
• Loteria hosted by Mary Ann and Margaret Claiborne, Sylvia Ragusin and Rebecca Allen.
• Thank you to Mary Jo Walker and Beacon 44 Seafood Market for their generous donation of another gift certificate to their delicious market!
• Cindy Hanson for her dedication to the flower beds at the Port O’Connor Library Branch. Her hard work has beautifully transformed the front of the library, making it a warm and inviting space for all.
• A huge thank you to Linda Orrick for making and donating this beautiful quilt to the Port O’Connor Library! It will be hanging in the Multipurpose Room for all to enjoy!

Wednesdays:
• 8:00-9:00 AM – Coffee & Conversation
• 9:30–10:30 AM – Bingo – The fun follows the 8 AM coffee event every Wednesday! Many thanks to our generous sponsors.
• Note: LOTERIA (Mexican Bingo) to follow bingo.
• 1:00-3:30 PM – Mah Jongg
Thursdays: 1:00-3:30 PM – Bridge

Friends of the POC Library: Friends of the Library play a crucial role in enhancing the impact of libraries in several ways. They are important because they expand a library’s ability to serve its community by providing additional resources and support. Friends groups contribute through financial donations, volunteering, and organizing programs, which help libraries enhance their services and reach.

Giving Tuesday on December 3rd offers a perfect opportunity to support the many impactful organizations in Port O’Connor. It’s a day dedicated to generosity and community spirit, where even the smallest donation or act of kindness can contribute to a greater collective impact. Supporting causes strengthens our local community, builds connections, and spreads compassion—together, we can make a real difference!

• You may make your tax deductible contribution to the friends of the Port O’Connor library at www.friendsofportoconnorlibrary.org or by mailing to PO Box 497, Port O’Connor TX 77982.

Super Saturday Children’s Program
Please note that the 2024-2025 Children’s Program Dates fall on the second Saturday of each month. Mark your calendars for fun at the library! Hopefully, we will see you at the Christmas Party on December 14th.
November’s Children Program was an outdoor event held at the Port O’Connor Community Center Pavilion. Folks had an opportunity to have a positive interaction with police, fire, EMS, and dispatch when so many times, their first interaction is for something stressful. Participants were able to visit a variety of tables, preview the emergency vehicles and receive some surprises. A short presentation about the 9-1-1 communication process and what happens during an emergency was held. The public was invited to ask questions with a First Responders Panel.

The event was dedicated to honoring our local heroes, allowing children to meet first responders from various organizations, including the Department of Public Safety, POC Volunteer Fire Department, US Coast Guard, Port Lavaca Police Department, Calhoun County Dispatch, CCISD Police Chief, Calhoun County EMS, Wildlife Fisheries, Game Wardens, and many more. Our community appreciates you and is so thankful for the time spent with the community.

The Friends also thank our local Speedy Stop for donating hot dogs, buns, chips, drinks and condiments. This event was a wonderful opportunity for the community to connect with those who serve and protect us!

Adult Programs:
A Night of Poetry was a truly special gathering! The combination of Johnny Cash’s Ragged Old Flag and an original poem celebrating the community created a warm and memorable atmosphere. What a lovely way for everyone to come together and share their voices!

Submitted by Darla Miles
Friends of the Port O’ Connor Library, Publicity Committee/Historian
www.friendsofportoconnorlibrary.org
Facebook Page: Friends of the Port O’Connor Library, Inc.

The food for the Thanksgiving Food Baskets has been ordered and we are preparing to bless a number of families in our community. The Ladies Service Club has provided us with additional funds as a result of the big Rummage Sale that they sponsored last month. At their meetings, they also bring in items for our Pantry, which is also a great blessing. Our local school is collecting cans for distribution. The 4-H club is bringing in cans. People in the community are coming by and leaving sacks of food for us to pass along! Thank you for your confidence in us and allowing us to help people who are having an especially difficult time at this Holiday Season. We will be distributing the Thanksgiving Baskets on Tuesday, November 19, before noon. Dick’s Food Store in Seadrift is helping us greatly with the items we will be including in the boxes.

We will be taking a special offering at the Community Thanksgiving Service on Sunday, November 17 at 6:00 p.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Please give as generously as you can to help stock these baskets. And, we hope to see you there!
POC Benovelence Fund