Out of Control by Erny McDonough

Archived in the category: Featured Writers, General Info
Posted by Joyce Rhyne on 17 Aug 23 - Comments Off on Out of Control by Erny McDonough

How often do we feel that situations are out of our control? Circumstances collide and leave us afraid that life is getting out of control! We often struggle with the feeling of lack and fight the feelings of helplessness and panic. The idea that we are “in control” is more an illusion than a fact! The truth is that at some point and at many times, we are not in control. If we ever were! One of our family members was driving toward the 1289 junction when they hit a patch of slick road and spun their truck around twice in the middle of the road and ended up backed in the ditch headed the opposite direction! Everything appeared to be fine, but the danger of hydroplaning was real! We can never control other people, their actions, or their reactions. Yet much of our frustration results from the vain attempt to do just that!

Uncomfortable as it is, we all struggle even to exercise some regiment of constant control over ourselves. We all know that we are often unable to control even the tongue, the smaller member of the body. With the tongue out of control, our behavior and entire life get out of balance quickly!
When things begin spinning out of control, what do we do? We often tighten our grip, which often takes us into a skid, which is “totally out of control”! We simply try harder to put it all back together again the way it was and often the personal cost is greater than we can afford.
A friend told me about one of his grandsons who was playing in the front yard with a large cardboard box. He was attempting to build a fort, as little boys with vivid imaginations seem to want to do. He gathered some other “building materials” that he would need. additional pieces of cardboard and a large towel for its roof. He began assembling each piece carefully as his mind envisioned it. There was one problem. It was a windy day, and his fort could not withstand the occasional and sudden gust of wind. Patiently, he would regather his supplies and reconstruct his building only to see it blown apart by another gust. This grandfather waited, hoping the lad would solicit advice or assistance. Would he become frustrated? Try harder to secure his fort against the winds? Become angry? Think of himself as a failure?

Without a word of complaint, the boy disappeared into the house, emerging a few minutes later with a frisbee in hand. “Grandpa, would you like to play frisbee with me?” What an excellent example! He stopped trying to control what he could not control, and the boy chose a way to work with his circumstances!

Happiness and success are not really about control, but it is always a choice! Remember the Biblical character of Hagar? Hagar was the servant girl of Sarah, Abraham’s wife. Hagar was a slave, owned by another and having no options except to do as she was told. Hagar enjoyed no control in the matters that directly affected her daily life. She knew few, if any, choices as a slave to Sarah.

At Sarah’s direction, Hagar bore a child, Ishmael, to Abraham. Sarah raised him in a vain attempt to accomplish the promise God had made many years earlier. After thirteen years, Isaac, the son God had promised, was born, and Ishmael and Hagar were no longer needed or wanted by Sarah. Possibly in jealousy or as a painful reminder of a foolish moment, at Sarah’s insistence, Hagar and Ishmael were sent away. Hagar had no control previously, nor did she now! Soon their provisions were exhausted, and the helpless mother laid her young teen son in the shade of a bush and went far enough away that she could not feel the greater pain of her son’s cries of hunger and thirst. Hagar did not control the circumstances that put them there, nor could she change them. But God!

God, Who is always in control, heard the lad’s cries that Hagar could not bear to hear, and sent an angel to bring a promise from God of a future and a hope, and showed them God’s provisions for their immediate needs! Now, Hagar faced a choice that she could make, in the middle of a desperate situation that she could not control. Would she trust God even when she did not understand? Would she accept God’s answer, when she did not have any answers of her own?

How often do we feel like Hagar! Circumstances have occurred that we would not have chosen. Others have made decisions without our counsel or consent that complicate our lives and confuse our limited options. Jesus told the story about two men who built their homes. Neither of them could control the elements that could threaten them, but they chose the foundations upon which they built. One chose a solid rock; the other chose unstable sand. When the storm came (not, if one came – they will surely come!) that they did not choose and could not control, one had chosen wisely and the other foolishly. Jesus said that the man who built on a rock for a solid foundation is like a man who hears the Words of the Lord and obeys them!

When we “lose control,” and we surely will, we need to make sure we choose to trust in Jesus and depend upon His Word. He is the only one who truly knows the future and can fully be trusted!

Kid’s Corner

Archived in the category: General
Posted by Joyce Rhyne on 17 Aug 23 - Comments Off on Kid’s Corner

Cooper
Cooper Rodriquez
“Aspiring”

Cooper Rodriquez has a dream of one day becoming an electrical engineer. In the meantime, he will be a freshman at CHS and still has a way to go before his dream becomes a reality. Cooper’s parents, David, and Rebecca are very supportive and are there to encourage their son every step of the way.
David and Rebecca have been great role models for their son because of their involvement with the local church and the community. They are members of Seadrift’s St. Patrick Catholic Church, are involved with the Scouts, and the 4H.

Cooper recently was inducted into the Order of the Arrow and is on his way to becoming an Eagle Scout. At 4H he enjoys the rifle club, archery, shotgun, kayaking, outdoor sports, fishing, and photography. He has completed the boater safety course and the hunter’s education course.
In his free time Cooper enjoys hanging out with his friends swimming, playing football or basketball, and playing video games.

Cooper has a sister, Tasha who is married to Travis Hammer. He also has two nephews Rion and Camden, and a niece named Sadie. His grandparents are Dianne and Jerry Maples of Seadrift. He has one dog named Beasley.

Condolences – William “Billy” Anthony Ragusin

Archived in the category: General, Obituaries
Posted by Joyce Rhyne on 17 Aug 23 - Comments Off on Condolences – William “Billy” Anthony Ragusin

Billy-Ragusin
William “Billy” Anthony Ragusin, 83, of Port O’Connor, Texas peacefully passed away to our Lord on July 15, 2023 surrounded by family. He was born in Port O’Connor on February 24, 1940 to Tony and Elvira Ragusin.
He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter Freda Lee Ragusin Howard, sisters Rose Marie Ragusin, and Josephine Whitley (Clinton Ray).
Billy was a lifelong resident of Port O’Connor. He started working as teen for Clark’s Seafood which proved a great work ethic, and lifelong friendships with Kenneth Clark and Henry Anderson. He was so young when he started working for Clark’s at the ripe old age of ten, that he had to stand on a basket to reach the shrimp heading table. When he was 13, he asked for full-time work to help support his mother and nine brothers and sisters. He remained a cornerstone of Clark’s for many years, even past retirement. He was also known as a legendary flounderman, who supplied an endless supply of fish to the local restaurants. You could often find him at Stryker’s Café, then later Cathy’s having coffee throughout any day with many of his fisherman friends. Billy also supported his family when he bought and operated several shrimp boats including the Honey O, the Willie Ragusin, and the Ava Maria. Billy, also a great carpenter, remodeled and built at least five homes in Port O’Connor for his family.
He shared his passion for fishing and floundering with many throughout the years. Often times after floundering all night, he enjoyed a breakfast of fried whole flounder, refried beans and a stack of homemade tortillas prepared by his wife Margaret. Port O’Connor has remained the gathering hub of Billy’s family now and throughout the years. Although he spent a lot of time fishing and working, you would see his biggest and happiest smile while spending time with his grandchildren.
Billy is survived by his wife Margaret Rubio Ragusin of 63 years; son William “Willie” Anthony Ragusin, Jr., daughter-in-law Dawn Ragusin, grandchildren William Anthony Ragusin, III, Taylor Lee Ragusin, Julissa Lee Lopez (Gabriel), Gary Stan Crone, Jr. (Tiffany); great grandchildren Lyric and Luna Lopez, and Paxon Crone; siblings Robert J. Ragusin (Rosalinda) Mesquite, TX, Mary Helen Holland (Frankie) San Antonio, Catherine A. Le Francis (Donald) Everett, WA, Samuel Ragusin Victoria, TX, Irene Silguero (Ildelfonso) Charlotte, NC, Raymond C. Ragusin (Sharon) Matthews, NC, Richard Lee Ragusin (Ofelia) Port Lavaca, Sylvia Ragusin Port O’Connor; brothers and sisters-in-law Johhny Rubio (Mary Helen), Bel Alvarado (Raul), Louis Rubio (Amele), Annie Reyes (Ruben), Mary Anzaldua (Eloy), and numerous nieces and nephews.
Reverend JC Alderete officiated a graveside service at Port O’Connor Cemetery on Thursday July 20, 2023. A reception meal followed at the Port O’Connor Community Center main hall.
Honorary Pall Bearers: Henry Anderson, Will Ragusin, Taylor Ragusin, Paxon Crone, Calvin Ragusin, Jerome Preslar, Joey Lane, Ruben Reyes, Bobby Ragusin, Ricky Ragusin, Sammy Ragusin, and Raymond Ragusin.
Pall Bearers: Gary Crone Jr, Patrick Ragusin, Chris Harper, Gerald Partida, Robert Bernal, and Chris Alvarado.

Words from Billy’s Pall Bearers

Robert Bernal:
For me like many other friends and family, Uncle Billy has been an anchor of support when we’ve needed a boost, his words of encouragement and wisdom have brought confidence and clarity so we could have the courage to evolve in our own careers, families, and lives. Even in the end Uncle Billy thought of those he loved more than himself. He was absolutely a mentor of faith and family that I will continue to attempt to model my life after.

Chris Harper:
The thing that sticks with me most about Poppo was his work ethic and his extensive wardrobe, both of which he passed down to his son Willie.

Chris Alvarado:
Uncle Billy Master Fisherman; some of my best memories were fishing with Uncle Billy.Master Mariner; no one knew the water like Uncle Billy. He always let me drive his boats.

Master Carpenter; he built many houses he called home for his loved ones.

He enjoyed everyone’s company with family fish-fries and holiday gatherings.

He was a Legend of his time. He was the Anchor for our family to keep coming to POC. He’ll be forever missed. Ragusin 2023

Gary Crone Jr. “Noony”
It is almost impossible to put into words how great of a man Poppo was. He showed and taught me so many things: fishing, backing up a trailer, driving a boat, casting a net, and of course the golden rule of carpentry- Measure twice, cut once! But best of all, Poppo taught me the importance of family. How to love, respect and provide.
My grandpa, the best flounderman that ever fished these waters, known to many as Billy Ragusin, Father, Uncle, Brother, Grandfather, Great Grandfather….will always be Poppo to me.

Gerald Partida
Growing up in Port Lavaca comes hand-in-hand with Port O Connor.

When I first moved to La Porte TX/Houston area the people I met would always talk about deep-sea fishing .. going out to the Gulf, fishing around the Galveston bays.

Well, the first thing that popped into my mind was my first Gulf experienced at the age of 7 with Uncle Billy on one of his boats, the smell ,, color,, and sound of the waters,, along with the beautiful blue skies.

And I always remember Uncle Billy the captain of his boats, navigating without technology, he was a natural and really good at it, him always knowing exactly where he’s at.

Taking us here ,, taking us over there and us always just enjoying the beautiful views.

I feel like I’ve been blessed to have experienced the waters many times over the years starting out at an early age thanks to my Uncle Billy.

There’s way too many memories to talk about, but this one was one of the first that I cherish the most and is very special to me,, Along with one of his first model boats that he made for me, which I have in my living room on display till this day.

I love and miss you Uncle Billy and thank you again for all the wonderful cherished family memories.

Love Always,
Your nephew, Gerald Jay

Tribute to Uncle Billy
By Patrick Ragusin “Pickle”

Someone once said, “Give a man a fish, you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.” It takes a very special man to be able to do both.

Uncle Billy was a family man with a large family. He probably taught most of the people here (at Billy’s service) how to fish. Whether it be providing you with seafood or inviting you to sit and eat at Aunt Margaret’s kitchen table, or taking family and friends fishing, teaching the age-old technique of “dead shrimp on bottom,” he always seemed willing. But what really sticks in my head and I was most impressed by was his ability to run his boat in the dark for what seemed like hours, shut it down, grab a gig, and be floundering in seconds. He was a craftsman who mastered his craft. No one gigged more flounder than Uncle Billy!

In the last 25 years I was lucky enough to spend time with Uncle Billy at the bait house, often covering for him as he went to get coffee. I spent a lot of time picking his brain on where he saw redfish the night before or how to build something.

After a fishing trip, I would throw my fish on the cleaning table, sometimes filling it up. I would wait for him to come around the corner in his shrimp boots and his blue shirt, look at my fish and say, “Is that all you caught?” with a smile. I soon learned that was the approval I was looking for. Now if I threw a flounder on the table, he would say, “I don’t gig your redfish, you shouldn’t be catching my flounder,” always, with a smile.

He was known coast-wide. People I’ve met from up and down the coast would ask me if I was related to him. Commercial fishermen, recreational fishermen, and anyone who bought shrimp, oyster, or fish in Port O’Connor. They would ask how he was doing and tell me how much respect they had for him. I will always remember him as a local legend. I was blessed to have him in my life.

Words from Bobby Ragusin:

Billy Ragsuin was my brother, was a lifelong resident of POC, never wanted to leave. Worked hard for Clark’s fish house for many years. Started when he was 14 years old. He was a true flounderman. Gigged more fish than anyone. People learned from him how to gig fish. Never liked parties. He was happy being at the fish house. Had to be by the sea. I will miss my brother. He was a good man. Everybody knew Billy. And for Margaret his wife who always stood by his side through good times and bad.

Bobby Ragusin

Thanks from Billy’s Siblings:

The siblings of Billy Ragusin would like to thank everyone that said prayers, brought food, sent flowers, and just showed to say goodbye. Whether you kept him in your thoughts and prayers or sent a lovely arrangement or helped out in any other way, your love and kindness brought us great comfort. Your love has given us strength! Thank you for your kindness during our deepest sadness!

Billy was an exceptional man. He was kind and generous. Always thought of others before himself. We love you Billy and you are gonna be deeply missed!!

THANK YOU FROM:
Bobby, Mary, Katie, Sammy, Irene, Raymond,
Ricky, and Sylvia

Thanks from the Family:

We would like to express our sincere thank you for the outpouring of kind words of love and support, food, cards, and helping us get through a really tough time as we take heart in knowing our loved one is now with the Lord our Father in heaven.
May God Bless you all.
-The Billy Ragusin Family

Thoughts from the Pastor Pastor Jack Cochran, Seadrift United Methodist Church

Archived in the category: Featured Writers, General
Posted by Joyce Rhyne on 17 Aug 23 - Comments Off on Thoughts from the Pastor Pastor Jack Cochran, Seadrift United Methodist Church

Ephesians 4: 32 says, “Be kind, compassionate, and forgiving to each other, in the same way God forgave you in Christ.”

In this modern age, it feels like everything is broadcast online. It’s difficult to pinpoint where it began- was it the numerous silly reality shows? Was it the early Youtube videos of people dancing for fun on camera? Now, videos of people pranking others in increasingly rude ways are constantly trending online. Perhaps worse than these are the videos of people snapping in public. And no, I don’t mean the fun jazzy kind.

I think we’ve all seen videos of people losing their cool in public. They’re very often in retail stores, or restaurants, and often directed at people simply trying to do their jobs. It feels like there’s always at least one making the rounds at any given point in time. Rarely is there ever context- was it a mental breakdown? Was it entitlement? Did the employee perhaps provoke the person?

Regardless of context, something is missing throughout the situation: kindness.

Kindness goes a long way in defusing a situation. Compassion gives us a greater, more empathetic understanding of the struggles our fellow humans face. Whether you’re a retail worker or a raging shopper, kindness needs to be our default reaction once again. You may never see that person again, and you never know what they’re going through. If we all approached each other with a kind heart, an empathetic mind, and a compassionate soul, we could avoid these situations completely. Make every encounter with someone the best that you can- it’s exactly what God asks of us.

What’s Up?

Archived in the category: General, What's Up
Posted by Joyce Rhyne on 17 Aug 23 - Comments Off on What’s Up?

Weekly Events:
Wednesdays:
8:00 am-9:00 am Coffee & Conversation at POC Library
Wednesdays: 4:39 pm Boy Scouts meet at Scout Hall in Seadrift
Thursdays: POC Bridge at Library 1:00-3:00 pm
Saturdays: 7:00 pm Friends of Bill W at First Baptist Church POC
Wed., Aug. 23 Team Kids
5:30 pm First Baptist Church, Port O’Connor
Sat., Aug. 26 SD Market Days
8:00-Noon Train Depot
Sat., Aug. 26 Community Service
6:00 pm Seadrift Bayfront Pavilion
Tues., Sept. 5 Democratic Club
6:00 p.m. Calhoun County Library, Port Lavaca
Tues., Sept. 5 Bunco
6:30 pm Port O’Connor Community Center
Thurs., Sept. 7 POC Service Club
10:00 am POC Community Center
Sat., Sept. 9 Farmers Market
8:00-Noon King Fisher Beach, Port O’Connor
Mon., Sept. 11 Republican Club Meeting
6:00 pm Drifter’s Hall, Port Lavaca
Tues., Sept. 12 Hooked on Books
alanehaardt@yahoo.com
Tues., Sept. 19   Seadrift Chamber of Commerce
6:00 pm Train Depot
Thurs., Sept.21   Port O’Connor Service Club
10:00 am   POC Community Center
Sat. Sept. 24 Adopt A Beach
texasadoptabeach.org
Tues., Sept. 26   Annual Shorelines Cleanup – Seadrift
www.SABayPartnership.org/shorelines-cleanup
Sat., Sept. 30 Annual Shorelines Cleanup – Port O’Connor
www.SABayPartnership.org/shorelines-cleanup
Sat., Sept. 30     Fall Mega Garage Sale
8:00 am – 2:00 pm   POC Community Center Pavilion
Oct. 6-8   Boat and Fishing Show

Untitled Document