IT’S CHRISTMAS TIME IN PORT O’CONNOR! Well, almost. But to help to get you into the Christmas and Holidaze feelings, do come see us and possibly see some of the following books. I can attest to the fact that reading through them will definitely get the Santa urge going; not counting the food and other decorations. My favorites are the CHRISTMAS WITH SOUTHERN LIVING books to the point that I have almost 20 years of a collection. Here we have both the 1995 issue along with the one dated 1997. The book dated 1995 starts with information on how to make a lemon leaf wreath, continues with gilded apples, and a peppermint tower; under various decorations to make, a tree skirt with felt cutouts and a woodworking project of an angel should inspire plans for next year. But the recipes in this book are my favorite including the menu from Elizabeth’s from Savannah, Georgia, that ends with a Chocolate-Pecan Torte.

But the issue of 1997 starts with satin stockings you can make to hang on your mantle and really exude elegance; goes on to feature a holiday brunch serving a Southern brunch casserole and cinnamon raisin bread pudding with ham scones and ambrosia punch. But the topper for all desserts in the stained glass holly cake, and luckily includes full instructions for how to do it.

And another book is Family Circle’s Christmas Treasury as issued in 1990 which features lots of gingerbread men, a stunning needlepoint stocking, and lists a typical Victorian Christmas dinner of nine courses plus champagne and ending with Amaretti Oranges. I’m sure that a dinner that extensive would require not only an extra cook, but several hours for the dinner party.

Some of our very favorite, and at times, prolific authors have taken to writing books all set in the Christmas season. Debbie Macomber is one who has four, some a part of a series, and others stand-alone. Call Me Mrs. Miracle is one that has become a Hallmark movie; Christmas Letters is part of the Blossom Street series; and A Cedar Cove Christmas is part of the series of Cedar Cove. And the book, When Christmas Comes reminds you of the many unintentional mixups during the Christmas period.

Thomas Kinkade, the painter, has several books all set at Christmastime; although I’ve not read these yet, I think I probably will shortly as the book covers are more than a little intriguing. The Christmas Angel, as issued in 2005, is a part of the Cape Light series, and the jacket design was executed by the author himself. And A Christmas to Remember with the sparkling trees on the book cover as accompanied by the ice skaters before a glitterly lit home incites the urge to remember the era of 1955 when doors weren’t locked and trust was normal.

Hope you all enjoy the foregoing; and Shirley and I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Blessed 2014 as our New Year to come.

We still have books for sale at the Library, thankfully, with donations from residents coming in regularly. Luckily for Shirley and me we have received a number of current books that cover a variety of subjects; even some for handcrafting special items. The monies received from these sales go to add to our DVD collection and to purchase additional books, many times those missing from a series. Do come and check them out! You won’t be disappointed.

“When an old person dies, a Library burns down” -Karin Gillespie

My neighbors Parker and Patty are always telling me how proud they are to be a part of Port O Connor, Texas. They say it is a great community and so friendly. A couple of weekends after Thanksgiving, Patty’s grandson Peter arrived to spend the weekend. He carried in a big tote bag full of things he called his ‘party project,’ and asked his Nana Patty if she would help him. Nana agreed they would start the next morning.

Peter got up early ready to work. He pulled out a cake mix and box of birthday candles and told Nana they needed to bake a birthday cake. While it was in the oven baking, Peter and Patty planned a special dinner menu. Peter explained he wanted to use the pretty dishes and they needed an extra place for the guest of honor. Patty asked who that might be and Peter told her not to worry. The surprise would be great. Peter talked to all the family telling them the birthday party dinner would begin at 6 sharp. Then Peter pulled out three boxes and asked Nana to help him wrap the presents and no opening the boxes. When the table was set, the cake decorated, the presents wrapped, the special dinner cooked and it was almost time, Peter washed his hands and face, combed his hair and came into the kitchen excited to begin the party.

Every member took their usual place at the table except the guest chair next to Peter stayed empty. Papaw asked Peter where the guest of honor was and Peter asked Papaw to say grace and pass the food. Nana wanted to wait for the guest but Peter insisted, so with clasped hands the family said grace and passed the bowls and platters around the table. Peter carefully placed a small amount of each dish on the plate for the guest of honor. When everyone was served, Peter started to eat. Again the others asked if they should not wait for the guest, but Peter was adamant.

When everyone had enjoyed their fill of roast beef, potatoes and vegetables, Peter asked Nana to bring out the pretty cake on the birthday cake platter. Nobody at the table was willing to cut the cake while the birthday guest was missing. Peter stood up from his chair and stood near the empty place and loudly began to sing, “Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you”…. “Stop!” his mother demanded. ‘Who are we singing to,” she asked Peter. With a huge smile and a voice of confidence Peter said, “Don’t worry mom, He’s here.” Then he proudly sang, “Happy Birthday dear Jesus, Happy Birthday to you.” Nana clapped for Peter’s singing and told him his birthday party for Jesus was just right. “See, I told you the special guest would be here,” Peter said.

“But wait,” his sister said. “What did you put in the boxes as birthday presents for Jesus?” Peter said he knew just what Jesus wanted for presents, and he carefully explained each gift he so lovingly wrapped.

“The first is my heart I made in my science class. I want to use it to love Jesus and people around me all the time, even when they are not very nice, cause God said that is most important. The second gift is my new pair of gloves so I can use my hands to give more help and nice things to other people. The third box was a little harder, but I finally figured it out. It is my voice. I plan to use it to tell others about how much Jesus loves them and wants to be their best friend.”

The family blew out the birthday candles, cut the cake and shared in Peter’s special celebration. “Happy Birthday to Jesus, indeed,” said Papaw as he helped with the dishes. And a little child shall lead them….

The Seadrift Lady Pirates played Cade Lady Bulldogs in Seadrift on November 18, 2013. The seventh grade score was14-32. Kellie Blevins was high scorer with 6 points and 5 rebounds. Krislyn Key scored 4 points and 3 rebounds, Rebecca Barrera scored 2 points and 2 rebounds, and Karsen Pittman scored 2 points and 4 rebounds. The eighth grade scored 7-20. Abby Morgan was high scorer with 4 points, 6 rebounds and 5 steals. Torri Mikolas scored 1 point and 3 rebounds and 3 steals, Victoria Gilliand scored 1 point making 50% of her free throws and 8 rebounds, Anna Schatleben scored 1 point making 50% of her free throws and 3 rebounds.

The Seadrift Lady Pirates played the Howell Lady Wildcats at Howell Middle School on December 2, 2013. Seventh grade won scoring 21-20. Gillian Vasquez scored two points, Kellie Blevins scored two points, Krislyn Key scored two points, Karley Gregory scored three points with one free throw. High scorers were Rebecca Barrera and Karsen Pittman with six points each. Rebecca had six rebounds and Karsen had five steals, Heather Glover added three steals. Eighth grade lost 4-14.

Torri Mikolas and Layne Blevins scored two points each. Torri had six steals. Abby Morgan had three blocked shots and six steals while Vicki Gilliand had two blocked shots. Amy Venecia had eight steals and Savannah Marek had six rebounds.

The Seadrift Lady Pirates played Stroman Lady Vipers on December 9,2013. Seventh grade won scoring 24-23. Gillian Vasquez scored one free throw point ,Heather Glover made two steals, Karsen Pittman made4 steals and 4 points, Kellie Blevins made 4 steals and 5 rebounds, Rebecca Barrera got 6 rebounds, six points and one free throw point,Krislyn Key was high scorer with 6 rebounds and 10 points. Eighth grade battled hard but were defeated by one point 16-17. Layne Blevins scored 2 points, Kayla Williamson had 2 rebounds, Savannah Marek 3 rebounds, Victoria Gilliand had 5 rebounds, Amy Venecia had 7 rebounds and 2 steals, Torri Mikolas had 6 steals,made 4 points and 1 free throw point. Abby Morgan was high scorer with 8 points, 1 free throw point, 4 rebounds, and 3 steals.

The Seadrift Lady Pirates played Patti Welder Lady Panthers on December 16, 2013. Seventh grade won scoring 22-10. Heather Glover made 2 points and 1 block, Kellie Blevins made 2 points and 6 rebounds, Rebecca Barrera got 4 rebounds and 1 block, Krislyn Key 8 points and 3 rebounds. High scorer was Karsen Pittman with 10 points and 2 rebounds. Eighth grade suffered a loss with a score of 6-18.

Layne Blevins made one rebound, Kayla Williamson had 3 rebounds, Savannah Marek 3 rebounds and 3 blocks, Amy Venecia had 1 block, Anna Sachtleben had 1 rebound, Abbi Luna had 2 points, 3 rebounds,1steal, and 1 block. Abby Morgan was high scorer with 4points, 1 rebound, and 3 blocks.

The 19th. Annual Sweethart Banquet sponsored by Port O’Connor First Baptist Church will be Thursday, February 13, 2014 at the Port O’Connor Community Center.  Enjoy a delicious charcoal broiled steak dinner with all the trimmings for $8.00.  Entertainment will be by Port O’Connor’s own “Danny Bourg and the Classics”.

The Community Center will be gloriously decorated and many door prizes will be awarded.  All couples married over 50 years will be recognized and the couple married the longest time and the couple married the shortest time will receive a gift.
Port O’Connor’s “Citizen of the Year” will receive a beautiful plaque. Everyone will enjoy singing together “Let Me Call You Sweetheart”.

This night of entertainment and a steak dinner promises to be the outstanding 2014 lead-off event of the year in Port O’Connor.

Tickets are available now from Pat Ekstrom 983-2030, Brenda Smith 983-2272, Debbie Michalek 648-7075, Evelyn Lewis 983-4216, Pat Turk 983-4343, Mary Nell Mc Gee, 983-2837, and Doyle Adams 983-4866.  Purchase your tickets early as only a limited number may be sold.                             

-Doyle Adams

“The Port O’Connor Chamber December meeting and Christmas Party was a huge success,” stated Joanie Morgan, party chairperson, “despite the rainy cold weather.” We have many people and businesses to thank that made this party a success. A Big Thank You goes to Sanctuary at Costa Grande for allowing the Chamber to use the Clubhouse for this event. It is a beautiful facility but Joanie and her elves (Kathy, Jane, Gary, Kirk, Larry, Sylvia and Donna) decorated and made it a Christmas paradise Port O’Connor style.

President Mary Jo Walker called the meeting to order and chamber members voted on new directors that will serve a two year term. New Chamber directors are Darla Parker, Carolyn Garrison, Donnie Klesel, Donnie Haynes and Donna Vouchard. Out-going directors are Patti Elkins and Linda Bonar who were recognized for their service to the Chamber for 2012 and 2013. Also recognized, but not in attendance, was Joyce Rhyne of the Dolphin Talk for her long time support of the Chamber and their events.

Then the party began with a table filled with food featuring Bill Pyle’s famous Seafood Gumbo, Special Beans from Hurricane Junction, Macaroni Salad from Cathy’s, Rice from Josie’s, Sandwiches from Subway, Banana Pudding Cups from Sylvia’s Salon, Crabby Cheese Toast from Beacon 44 Seafood Market, Beautiful, tasty cookies from Speedy Stop, Wassail from the Treasure Chest and Cake from Capt. G’s. In addition, there was food prepared by Kathy Wheeler, Jane Madden, Donna Pyle, Joanie Morgan, and Sylvia Rodriguez. You didn’t go away hungry. Everyone was happy with Iced Tea, Sangria and hot Wassail to drink.

The three piece band from Victoria that sang wonderfully from Christmas Carols to Country to special requests. This was enjoyed by all. There was even a little dancing.

Brandiee Vickery was the photographer for the evening. The Chamber had a prop box and you could get your picture taken, dress up or not. The Scott Wheat Family photo and Donnie & Julia Klesel in Sombreros were just some of the great pictures taken and we can hardly wait to receive the CD of the party. So, if you missed, make sure you plan on 2014.

Anyone can join the Chamber, however you don’t have to be a member to join us in any of our projects or gatherings. Chamber membership dues are $25 per individual, $35 per couple; $65 per business listing and $50 for business web link:
www.portoconnorchamber.org or check us out on Facebook at Port O’Connor, Texas Chamber of Commerce.