This beautiful Roseate Spoonbill was captured by Diane Nunley, Chester Island volunteer, as the bird flew over with nesting materials. This bird is in full breading plumage. Photo by Diane D. Nunley

On May 24, 2013, Warden Tim Wilkinson headed out with two boats and fourteen volunteers to count the nesting birds on Chester Island (previously known as Sundown Island). Chester Island is one of thirty-three coastal sanctuaries supported by Texas Audubon. These island sanctuaries are home to twenty-plus species of waterbirds that nest along the coast.

The Chester Island count this year was remarkable! Except for the haunting erosion issues, the island was in really good shape this year because the Port O’Connor area received drought-quenching rain. Brown Pelican nesting pairs nearly doubled in 2013 (3,375) from last year’s count (1,702). It was a banner year for the Brown Pelican. They were just everywhere—in the trees, on the ground, and in the center, and along the edges of the island.

On the day of the count there were pelican chicks of all ages from just hatched to fledglings. Most of the pelican nests observed had two or three chicks. While Reddish Egret and Black Skimmer species’ numbers dropped, the Roseate Spoonbill, White Ibis, and Snowy Egret breeding pairs increased dramatically. Overall, the grand total for all species exceeded last year’s count by more than three thousand nesting pair.

Even though census counters try to count species at the same time of year, dramatic differences in the numbers may occur. These changes may be caused by timing differences when species begin nesting, predators, available food, weather (here and elsewhere if the species is migratory), or species site selection preference. The results from year-to-year may not be as significant as the changes over a longer period of time. A list of the census results can be viewed at chesterisland.org.

The wardens of the Texas coastal sanctuaries must rely on help from support organizations and volunteers to complete the census. Tim Wilkinson, Warden of Chester Island and the following volunteers completed the 2013 census: Amanda Hackney (Texas Audubon), Brent Ortego (Texas Parks & Wildlife), Donna Anderson (US Fish & Wildlife Services), Bill Ward (The Nature Conservancy), Owen Fitzsimmons (Coastal Bend Bays & Estuaries Program), and volunteers, Dora Ann Baass, Diane Nunley, Marcy Spears, Ruth Dederich, and Brown Pelican Tracking Project members: Juliet Lamb, Dgsaivre Stève, Elizabeth Ford, and Yvan Satge. The group divided the island into six sections to make the count easier and quicker.

Visit the Chester Island website (chesterisland.org) to view more results and photos of the birds! If you would like to volunteer, contact Warden Tim Wilkinson at twsword1@gmail.com. For more information about the Coastal Stewardship Program go to: tx.audubon.org/coastal-stewardship-program.

Census Counters on Chester Island From top to bottom and left to right: Yvan Satge, Adaman, (the Labradoodle) and Diane Nunley; Amanda Hackney, Donna Anderson; Dgsaivre Stève, Elizabeth Ford, Owen Fitzsimmons, Brent Ortego, Dora Ann Baass, Bill Ward, Ruth Dederich Juliet Lamb; left of stairway: Marcy Spears, Warden Tim Wilkinson holding Luci, the Labradoodle. Photo credit: Peggy Wilkinson

Pat Ragusin

He was looking for the “spirit of the tree” says Pat Ragusin, a Port O’Connor fishing/hunting guide, when he cut into the charred black, 75+ foot tall, old Loblolly pine trunk. He salvaged the old tree from a once heavily wooded Loblolly pine and oak forest that burned in the Sept.2011 fires in Pine Gap, a group of ranches near Delhi in southeast Caldwell County, about 3 miles from the Bastrop County line. The Pine Gap fire occurred simultaneously with the more widely publicized Bastrop County fires that burned an even larger area, devastated Bastrop State Park and burned several thousand homes.

The sculpture was a first of its type for Ragusin, sometimes referred to as “Captain Pic” of Salty Dog Outfitters in Port O’Connor. His usual work day is spent out in the bay on his fishing boat guiding tourist and guests to some of the best fishing spots in Matagorda Bay or hunting for ducks and geese in the marshy fields of Calhoun County. He was on a weekend visit to the ranch of Troy M. Hart, whose home was one of those burned in the 2011 fire when he carved the wood sculpture. It was the sight of those thousands of tall, bare- limbed and charred black skeletal timbers and broken tree trunks that inspired him to try his hand at carving the “wood spirit”. His choice of trees was based on sentiment because it had once held a long rope swing that Ragusins’ wife, April, had swung on as a child.

The old pine had caught fire at the base of the tree. When it fell it left a 4 ft wide crater like hole several feet deep into the soil. Ragusin said the normally soft wood had apparently been hardened by the heat from the fire. He pounded a hammer down on the wood that rang like a rock to prove his point and it didn’t leave a dent.

Although recovery of the forests and land around Pine Gap will take many years, some residents have begun rebuilding their homes. One land owner said the “Wood Spirit” represents past memories and the spirit of the people in Delhi who have been through the fire and are stronger for it.

April 3: Seadrift Volunteer Fire Dept. dispatched to assist Port O’Connor VFD with a fire alarm in Port O’Connor, cancelled while en-route.

April 6: Seadrift VFD and Port Lavaca FD responded to a grass fire off of Hwy 35 South near the Victoria Barge Canal.

April 17: Seadrift VFD responded to East Austin Street in Seadrift for an electrical fire.

April 20: Seadrift VFD and Port Lavaca FD responded to a grass fire off of the Old Seadrift Hwy.

April 24: Seadrift VFD responded to a fire in a carport off of St. Louis Ave. in Seadrift.

April 28: Seadrift VFD responded to a power pole fire off of Sgt Rodney Taylor Ave.

May 7: Seadrift VFD and Port Lavaca FD responded to a two-vehicle accident at the Hwy 185 and Hwy 35 intersection.

May 9: Seadrift VFD & Port O’Connor VFD responded to a RV on fire off of Hwy 185 in Seadrift, Port Lavaca FD also responded.

May 9: Seadrift VFD and Port Lavaca FD responded to a one-vehicle accident on Hwy 185 north of Ineos Nitriles.

May 10: Seadrift VFD and Port Lavaca FD responded to a one-vehicle accident on Hwy 185 near Ineos Nitriles.

May 28: Seadrift VFD and Port Lavaca FD responded to a fire alarm in a residence off of Roemerville Road.

May 29: Seadrift VFD responded to a smoke alarm in a residence at Swan Point.

May 30:Seadrift VFD and Port Lavaca FD responded to a two-vehicle accident on Hwy 238 near the Old Seadrift Hwy.

Benefiting The Port O’Connor Volunteer Fire Department

On Saturday, July 6, The Firemans 4 Race, benefiting the POC Volunteer Fire Department will be held at the Sanctuary Marina.

“Why Port O’Connor ?,” you might ask.

There are many reasons that the Port O’Connor VFD was chosen for this benefit.

First, only one VFD services Port O’Connor, while assisting Seadrift, and everything in between. For example, last summer the department worked hard battling massive grass and brush fires spread by gulf winds all throughout the area.

However, the department isn’t only busy battling natural disasters. They also work hard every single weekend when Port O’Connor’s weekday population of 1,200 quadruples as bay and offshore fishermen, duck hunters, beach goers, and recreation enthusiasts all make their way into the area. As you can imagine, the number of calls to the VFD increases immensely on weekends, be it fires, auto accidents or providing physical aid, these same farmers, fishing guides, welders, cooks, waiters, teachers and parents who have already been working all week now answer these calls. They do their best to help the Port O’Connor community and deserve to have the most effective equipment and supplies. The goal of this benefit is a way to give some support back to those residents who are helping ensure the safety and well being of the Port O’Connor community.

The race will consist of a four mile course for runners as well as a two mile course for walkers. The event is open to all ages. There will be BBQ for all participants. Awards will be given to runners Male and Female, 1st through 3rd Place in 10 year age groups and to the person dressed Most Patriotic, so wear your RED, WHITE and BLUE! Come out and support those who support you!

You can register online at www.active.com or registration forms are available at www.firemans4race.com, the POC VFD and DeTar Health Center in Victoria, Texas. For additional information or ways to be part of the event you can email, info@firemans4race.com.

– Allison Wiatrek

Caitlin Renea Carter

Caitlin Renea Carter graduated # 11 in her class of 228 students as a “Texas Scholar” and was awarded the Presidential Award for Educational Excellence and the UIL Scholar Award for Exemplary Achievement in Academics and Extra-Curricular Activities. Caitlin was a Member of the National Honor Society in Jr. High and High School. NHS students are required to serve their community as tutors to fellow students, and also donate their time to their community by assisting in programs such as Warrior’s Weekend and the 5K run in POC. Caitlin participated in an array of sports from Volleyball, Track to Golf from Jr. High through High School. Caitlin served as the Calhoun County & District Representative for Stu-Co (Student Council) and attended both district and state Stu-Co conventions where she and other members helped set forth goals for student council organizations throughout Texas, whose organization raised over 20 Million Dollars statewide in 2012. Caitlin served as Vice President, and then President of the Young Republican’s and registered students to vote in the 2012 Presidential election. Caitlin was also a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. She participated in Rotary International’s Leadership Camp at Lake Zepyhr in Mathis her Jr. year and returned her Sr. year as a Counselor. Caitlin participated in the GT/AP Program at CHS and also in the Dual Credit Program offered at CHS through Victoria College. She graduated with 24 college credits, many of which she will be able to transfer to Texas A & M University in College Station where she has been accepted in the Geo-Sciences Program. There she will pursue a degree in Engineering, Majoring in Geology.

Colton M. Hummel

Colton, son of Cale and Lynenette Hummel of Port O’Connor, was active in FFA throughout his high school years. Formerly a junior member of the Port O’Connor Volunteer Fire Department, he is now an active member. Colton is looking forward to starting college in the fall with ambitions to become a game warden.

Dakota G. Smith

Active in FHA, Dakota was the recipient of an FFA Mechanic Award. The son of Russel and Lisa Smith of Port O’Connor, Dakota has joined the United States Army and will be leaving for boot camp in July.

Jacob Hernandez

Jacob is the son of Sabrina Bell and grandson of L’Roy and Liz Bell of Port O’Connor. He plans to continue working at L.L. Painting until he decides what career path he wants to pursue.

Chase D. Hummel

Chase is the son of Cale and Lynenette Hummel of Port O’Connor. He was active in FFA throughout his high school years. Formerly a junior member of the Port O’Connor Volunteer Fire Department, he is now an active member. Chase is seeking a poistion in the Fire Academy and would one day like be a Fire Marshall.

Lia Renae Flores

Congratulations go out to Lia Renae Flores, daughter of Art and JoAnn Garcia of Corpus Christi, and granddaughter of Joseph and Elida Ragusin of Port O’Connor, for graduating from West Oso High School in Corpus Christi, Texas.

Lia attended Calallen High School as an underclassman, but decided to transfer to West Oso, where her mother is the District Registered Nurse, and graduate early. She completed her coursework in January of this year, but will walked the stage with her peers on Saturday, June 8, 2013.

Lia plans to attend Blinn college and later transfer to Texas A&M University-College Station to complete her studies.
Her family is extremely proud of all that she has accomplished in her three years of high school and hope she is just as successful at the university level.

Crystal Mapp

Crystal Mapp graduated from Texas A&M University on May 10, 2013 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies (Emphasis- Middle Grades Math and Science.) She will begin her teaching career in the fall as a 7th Grade Math Teacher at College Station Middle School in College Station where she and her son, Christopher Mapp will reside. She plans to begin a Masters Degree program at Texas A&M, after her first year of teaching, in School Counseling.

Crystal is deeply grateful to her parents (Chris and Debra Mapp of Port O’Connor), son, family, and friends for their support while getting her degree!

Hali R. Phillips

Hali Phillips, granddaughter of Jerry and Carole Salley of Port O’Connor, graduated from Calhoun High School June 7, 2013. Hali is graduating with honors and as a Texas Scholar. She will attend Victoria College and eventually pursue a career in radiology.
We are very proud of her!

Holly L. Quinn

Holly, daughter of Allan and Terri Quinn of Port O’Connor, graduated from Victoria College in May 2013 with her Associates in Nursing. She received her nursing pin free for her Community Service hours.

Holly received an award for community service in events such as Habitat for Humanity, Relay for Life, local food shelters; Adopt A Pet, and many more. Holly was an officer in SNA (Student Nurses Association) all four semesters of the nursing program, serving as Vice President the last semester.

Holly is currently working on her Bachelors in Nursing at the University of Houston Victoria Campus.

Trevor Finster

Trevor Finster recently graduated from Victoria College with an Associate of Arts and an Associate of Science. He plans to attend University of Houston Victoria to obtain a Bachelor of Business Administration. Trevor plans on then continuing coursework in ministry. He is currently employed by Lutherhill Ministries in LaGrange, Texas where he is on the leadership team responsible for the traveling teams this summer.

Trevor’s parents are Kenny and Dwana Finster of Seadrift.