The first meeting of 2014 by the very active Bunco group was held Tuesday evening, January 7th at 7:00 p.m. in the Community Center. Hosted by Diane Cooley and Sally Ragusin, these two innovative women had set as a theme with decorations for this event a New Year’s Celebration with hats, whistles and even necklaces in a Winter Wonderland. Refreshments included fingerfood, gumbo and a dessert of varying cookies. Diane Cooley celebrated as the winner of most games; Paula Henserling won the most buncos and Babs Keitt left with the booby prize. And the hostesses for February 4th will be Annette Leach and Pat Ekstrom and those two have lively imaginations. For further information concerning this fun group, contact Shirley Gordon at our Library.

It seems just last week that construction of the townhome condominiums on Commerce and 15th Streets started with the setting of footings, and now showers are being installed. That group of construction workers seem to be totally dedicated to getting the job done on time.

The Second Annual Lions Art & Crafts Festival is set for Saturday, March 8, 2014, in the Pavilion and outside of the Community Center. The Festival has attracted many artisans of various talents: a painter who specializes in waterbased scenes; a collector of local photographs; a jewelry crafter as well as another who makes very unusual purses. There will also be a bake sale and a raffle of some very unusual items. Do plan to arrive early to be sure and get the best selection.

A very gracious lady will be celebrating her 97th Birthday early next month. If you all have the time to stop and see her at one of the Senior Luncheons on Tuesdays, do say hello to Mrs. Grace Stone, Susan Onishi’s mother. And I’m trying to claim her to be mine too!

It seems as us women were just occupied with Christmas and the many activities that occur at that time, but here towards the end of January, we start our Spring Cleaning, an activity that consumes a lot of time and energy. And, coming on Saturday, April 5th is the Semi-Annual Garage & Bake Sale as staged by the Women of the POC Service Club. If you’ve ever been to one of our Garage Sales, you were undoubtedly amazed at the many items we had collected for the Sale. And so, now we are gratefully accepting items in good condition at this time of furniture and kitchen equipment, dishes and bedding, books and art work, toys and bicycles, clothing and shoes. Items will be stored in the County Barn, adjacent to the Library and the JP’s office on 6th. If you need to make arrangements for dropping off these items, please contact Debbie Busby, the Chairman of this event, 512 914-9521 or Janet Johnson, President, 983-4737.

I don’t normally speak of this type of advertisements, but POC Liquor Store has a case of Concannon Pinot Noir, 2011. This is an incredible soft red wine with lots of zing, and I heartily recommend it for a very special dinner. Guys, pay attention; Valentine’s Day is coming. 2011 was a very good year for California reds; 2010 a little better; but this wine from this particular winery is a WINNER!

It’s Monday, January 6th as I write this, and the temperature is hanging around 31 degrees plus a wind chill factor of 18; I don’t want to know what else. Have just finished walking my dog early this morning, and BRRRR! I know, I’m a wimp! Just went back to the Farmer’s Almanac that predicted a cold winter for us; and they were sure right! And, my car popped up with this warning about driving on icy roads at 31 degrees. Funny; I remember shoveling snow on Easter Sunday when I lived back East and I was still warm. Guess it’s the age that gets to you as my feet are like ice cubes! Oh, well, later in the week, we’ll be back to our normal weather here of 50’s or even 60’s!

I welcome any correspondence from any organization re their happenings or information to add to this column. Also welcome any remarks, good or bad, from our readers.

kubeckasue@yahoo.com
361 798-0560

Melissa Mullins, Environmental Biologist from the Center for Reservoir and Aquatic Systems Research, Baylor University, will present an informative program concerning pharmaceuticals and personal care products in the environment in Seadrift on February 8.

The program will be held at the Calhoun County Library, Seadrift Branch, 502 S. 4th Street on Saturday, February 8 from 12:30 p.m. until 3:30 p.m.

Seating is limited, so please RSVP to: brigidberger@comcast.net or 713-825-1929 by February 6.

Sponsored by the Port O’Connor Lions Club

Mark your calendar for this fun filled event offering hand made and excellent quality items for your shopping pleasure. There is something for everyone: Saturday, March 8th, 2014; The Port O’Connor Community Center Pavilion; Open to Public 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

There will be plenty of Art items and Artists, crafts, specially handcrafted wooden vases, handmade knives, handcrafted crosses, handmade jewelry, leathercraft, handcrafted clocks, nautical items, neat hummingbird feeders, handcrafted lights, oil on canvas, framed prints, cedar wooden frames, wooden sailboats, handcrafted plates, pillows, grocery bag purses (you can’t tell they are made from grocery bags), custom furniture, wooden lawn art, etc. The list is too long to mention all the items, and growing with each vendor signing up with us. This is one event you don’t want to miss.

Booth spaces under the Pavilion are completely reserved. But for vendors – spaces outside the Pavilion are still available. Bring your own equipment and an approximate 15’x15’ space is $20. If you need more room, we can accommodate you.

VENDORS, DON’T DELAY – Get your reservation for an outside booth today and join us for the fun. SHOPPERS, have your purse handy, slip on your comfortable shoes and get ready to enjoy shopping! We’ll see you soon!

We’ll be accepting donations for the Lions Clubs’ “White Cane Day” for those who would like to donate to the Lions Club Eye Bank of Texas to help others with cornea transplants, eye problems and the ultimate gift of sight. Make a donation and receive a White Cane Pin. Also, we will accept donations of your used eyeglasses to send for refurbishment and to be given to those who need them. So please bring and donate your old eyeglasses.

Members of the Port O’Connor Lions Club are working hard to make this an enjoyable event for everyone. For reservations and additional information: Please phone Joyce Jordan, President, Port O’Connor Lions Club at Cell #361-655-7999 or #361-983-2500.

These popular cooking demonstrations continue in 2014 with more guest cooks showcasing local seafood and other fare. Classes will be held at the Fairgrounds in the Bauer Exhibit Building. Topics are in the process of being chosen and confirmed.

If you are interested in being a cook or educational presenter, contact Rhonda Cummins at rcummins@tamu.edu

January 20th — 6 pm: Sister Josephine returns with Karen Lyssy to teach us how to make our own eggrolls in preparation for Lunar New Year.

February 20th — 6 pm: Oyster stew will be prepared by Gary Cunningham and we will learn about the business side of the oyster industry.

March 17th — 6 pm: Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with Ralph Cormier’s special creole Jambalaya.

It’s all about safe and sustainable seafood. All are welcomed to participate.