One of Santa’s elves hands off toys to Brian Redding as a line of volunteers helps unload all the toys brought to Port O’Connor by the Toy Run. -Photo courtesy PortOConnor.com

Around 2:00 p.m., the afternoon of December 1st, twenty-five boats laden with toys docked in Port O’Connor, completing the 10th annual Toy Run benefitting children of our area. Months before the event, these Houston-area boaters begin preparing for it, enlisting donors and putting on fund-raisers. The Toy Run is not their only charitable endeavor, but it is the one into which they put the most effort.

Come rain or shine, they gather at Freeport to make the 72-mile trip to Port O’Connor. Sometimes a boat or two will have to drop out due to engine trouble or really bad weather conditions, but most make it through to be greeted by a host of local volunteers waiting for them at The Inn at Clark’s dock. This year there were more local volunteers than ever and more toys than ever to unload.

Many boats had their bows loaded with bicycles – 92 in all. There were toys of all kinds and for all ages – enough for more than 1,500 children to be delighted on Christmas morning. In addition to the primary recipients of the Toy Run, Port O’Connor’s Adopt-An-Angel program, toys were distributed through schools and organizations in Port Lavaca, Seadrift, Bloomington, Placedo, Edna and Victoria.

Boaters interested in being a part of next year’s Toy Run can contact founder Jerry Karnes (281-558-4696) who said of this year’s Toy Run, “We had a blast and look forward to next year already.”

-Joyce Rhyne

Santas and Elves arrive with boats full of toys and bicycles.

Many Volunteers were on hand to unload the toys.

Bethany Bromonski purchased these bicycles with the prize money she won in an art contest. Bethany was a part of the Toy Run group. -Photo courtesy of PortOConnor.com

Marie Hawes, Bob Allen and Tom Ekstrom loading one of the trailers with toys.

A big Thank You goes out to everyone who helped with the Toy Run for our Adopt-An Angel Program.

A special thanks goes out to the family of Mr. and Mrs. Krause for their donation towards the needs of the Program. As a new family to Port O’Connor – Welcome!

The Service Club has once more stepped up to the plate with a donation for our out-of-pocket expenses.

Thank you,

Adopt-An-Angel Group

“It’s not how much we give but how much love we put into giving.” – Mother Teresa

“Some people give time, some money, some their skills and connections, some literally give their life’s blood.
But everyone has something to give.” -Barbara Bush

“For it is giving that we receive.”- St. Francis of Assisi

Janet Johnson, Agnes Valigura and Andy Westling

Two long-time Port O’Connor Service Club members and one “honorary member” were honored at the Service Club’s yearly Seniors’ Christmas Luncheon on December 7.

Agnes Valigura, a native of Port O’Connor who recently celebrated her 90th birthday, was recognized for her many years of community service. Agnes is a charter member of the Club and serves on its Historical Committee. She has also served in the Port O’Connor Chamber of Commerce since the 1960’s, holding the office of Secretary-Treasure for 16 years. Agnes served as Postmaster of Port O’Connor from 1980 until 1994. In 2007, Agnes was recognized as “Citizen of the Year” at Port O’Connor Baptist Church’s annual Sweetheart Banquet.

A relative new-comer to the Club is Andy Westling, husband of Club member June Westling. He says he would be a member if the Club allowed men to join. Even so, he has made himself available to the Club for anything requiring “man power” like loading, unloading, and setting up the Club’s semi-annual garage sales. Additionally, he has been able to clean and repair and price donated fishing equipment for the sales.

Andy is retired from the commercial construction business and he and his wife June, a former realtor with Russell Cain Realty, have made their home in Port O’Connor since 2010. Andy is an avid fisherman, sometimes going fishing twice a day. He spends some of his time repairing rods and reels and hand-tying flys. He and June enjoy fly fishing at lakes around the state.

When not helping out at the Service Club, Andy uses his knowledge and experience in construction to help his neighbors with their electrical, plumbing, and other handy-man type projects. His neighborly concern has even resulted in one man being rescued before succumbing to a diabetic coma.

Last to be recognized, and a surprise to the Club’s President, was the President, herself: Janet Johnson. Janet has been the Service Club President for the last four years, and has been a member almost since its inception.

Janet has been a fixture in the Port O’Connor community since moving here from Lake Charles, Louisiana in 1957. Anyone who has ever visited Port O’Connor has most likely met her, because she has worked at many business places though the years. For many years she was employed at The Fishing Center, and was heard on Houston and San Antonio radio stations daily giving the Port O’Connor fishing report.

She was employed at Coastal Real Estate, and in the 1980’s, at “Outsiders” owned by Ronnie and Mary Ann Claiborne, in the old theater building, selling wade fishing belts, art and pottery. She also worked at the old Alvin’s Liquor Store and is now employed at POC Liquor Store.

In earlier years, Janet helped with her husband Lewis’ guide service. She and Lewis, who passed away two years ago, were married in 1960. Together they raised five children and she is now raising a great-granddaughter, Hailey. With all her children having attended Port O’Connor School, Janet was very involved with the PTA and has often served as a “room mother” in the school.

Many might remember Janet from her ceramics business, J&J Ceramics, which specialized in various types of Santa Clauses, that were sold all over the country. Her shop was a place for friends to gather and socialize while helping to paint the ceramic pieces. Those attending the Christmas Luncheon saw many of her ceramic pieces, including the Nativity Scene, displayed.

Although being responsible for the care of ailing family members and growing children, Janet seems to be one of those “super moms” you hear about, mixing family and work, and still being involved in community service. One of her most outstanding community achievements was her involvement in the building of Port O’Connor’s Community Center. She currently serves as the Secretary-Treasurer of the Community Center Association.

The Dolphin congratulates Agnes, Andy, and Janet for their achievements and their personal involvement in our community. It’s folks like you who make Port O’Connor such a great place to live!

A Century Celebration

One hundred historical years of shrimping, crabbing and fishing were all celebrated on December 1, 2012 in Seadrift. While the day of celebration has come and gone; it shall be documented as one of the most important on Seadrift’s timeline.

“It was a good day for Seadrift,” said Joyce Amason, president of the Seadrift Centennial committee. “The community came together as a family – it felt like a family reunion.”

Celebrating the centennial was not simply a day event, there were a multitude of tasks leading up to the day; preparing the town for the big day. The community truly came together to clean-up, restore and improve Seadrift. After all, we all need a little maintenance after one hundred years. Kathy Sayre restored two murals and Robert Avery’s mural which is proudly displayed on City Hall has received nothing but compliments – just to name a few.

“The community support to make Seadrift feel welcome and celebrated was incredible. Because it wasn’t a little birthday, it was a big birthday,” expressed Janie Waghorne, who has been apart of the entire process. She is a centennial committee member and the Fisherman’s Legacy Project.

The connection in the community was very great and I find that no matter one’s age, gender or if you’ve lived here all your life or just moved here – Seadrift’s history is a conversation starter. I greatly enjoy learning about our coastal community; it has much to teach us. Even greater is the power it has to bring us together.

“As with any event, it takes a lot of planning over a long period of time and I am proud of all committee members for doing such a great job,” said Nan Burnet, president of the Seadrift Chamber of Commerce. “My favorite part of the event was being involved with Janie Waghorne and Laurie Weaver in the re-print of Seadrift Memories. The revival of pleasant memories of a town and it’s people; the book was originally created and published in l986. I had the pleasure of re-typing this history and really enjoyed reading about and becoming familiar with the old families here in Seadrift. It was an enjoyable endeavor.”

Much like Nan, I share the same sentiment. Researching about the original families and learning about the past century is compelling. Finding out how the pieces of the puzzle fit is rewarding and one begins to feel apart of its history.

The centennial event had something for everyone to enjoy and ended with a bang, literally. The fireworks display were magnificent. If you missed the event, you can still celebrate on December 27th which is the actual date of when Seadrift, Texas was incorporated. On that Friday evening, one hundred years ago, the first City Council meeting was held. W.G. Stewart; Mayor, Geo L. Rhea; Secretary, J.H. McIntire, D.D. Brian, R.A. Armstrong Jr., and J.L. Knight were in attendance. The meeting is documented along with each since that evening in the old minute book which is kept at City Hall.

As I reminisced, my mind wandered to a headline which I think pretty much describes Seadrift to a T: “Located on the beautiful San Antonio Bay, the home of fish and oysters. Where the balmy breezes blow and life is like a summer dream.”

One could read this headline on Seadrift Success’s masthead. It  was the local newspaper in the early 1900s of which Geo L. Rhea was the editor. The paper was published every Saturday and entered as second-class matter September 16, 1911 at the post office in Seadrift, Texas, under the act of March, 1879.

The book, Seadrift Memories, Centennial T-shirts, postcards and the DVD which was produced by the Fisherman’s Legacy Project are all still available for purchase at City Hall. When I was younger I was largely into stamp collecting so when Janie explained to me about the centennial cancellation stamp – I had to have one. Ok, maybe more than one. The public may still purchase a postcard and have the stamp put on it which is an idea I have yet to see at other events.

It was indeed a great way to finish out the year. I hope you have a wonderful holiday season and enjoy time with family. Till next year.

The Toy Run boat, Just One More, captained by Jason Fry, was judged “Best Medium Pleasure Boat” in the Christmas Boat Parade. -Photo by Mike Hessong

Led by Santa’s sleigh and reindeer flying above the Coast Guard vessel, a parade of 26 lighted boats cruised down the Intracoastal Canal to the delight of onlookers both young and old on the perfect night of December 1st.

“I’m very pleased with the turn-out,” said Bill Tigrett, parade chairman. “We appreciate everyone who makes the considerable effort involved in a successful boat parade. Special thanks to the Toy Run boaters who decorate and participate after a long day on the water bringing toys to our children.”

Judges had a difficult time choosing the winners, but finally settled on: Best Overall: Doug Walker’s shrimp boat, Krystna Jo, with it’s “Margaritaville” theme; Best Commercial: Matagorda Pilot’s very colorful 43’ vessel; Best Large Pleasure Boat: Frank and Shari Gerking’s pink houseboat; Best Medium Pleasure Boat: Jason Fry’s 25’ Hydra Sport, Just One More; Best Small Pleasure Boat: Scott Wheat’s 24’ El Pescador, Miss Shelby; Most Unique: The Van Ostrand’s 26’ Regulator, Don’t Panic, with Santa hooking a shark; Most Spirited: Brett Nicholas’ 29’ Fountain; Distinguished Service Award: U.S. Coast Guard.

The Christmas Lighted Boat Parade is an annual event of the Port O’Connor Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber wishes to thank everyone who participated, and a special thanks to Kenneth and Grady Jean Clark for allowing their waterfront deck to be used again this year as a viewing platform for the judges.

Judges were Kenny and Dwana Finster, Joyce Jordan, Joyce Rhyne, Tania and Mac French, Holly Dyes, and Leah Griffin.

Best Overall - Doug Walker

Best Overall: Shrimpboat Krystna Jo Carolyn Kohuteka, Doug & Mary Jo Walker, Bernice & Jack Shell Not shown: Terry & Jason Shell & children, Stella Guitterez

Distinguished Service Award - U.S. Coast Guard

Coast Guard Crew

Best Commercial - Matagorda Pilots

Best Commercial: Matagorda Pilots Anthony Stringo, Cody Lynch Not pictured: David Adrian, Larry Robinson, Steve Gibson

Best Large Pleasure Boat - Frank Gerking

Best Large Pleasure Boat: the Gerking’s Pink Houseboat Frank Gerking, Kylie Gray, and Shari Gerking

Most Unique - Will Van Ostrand

Most Unique: the Van Ostrand’s “Don’t Panic” Will, Brandon, and Scott Van Ostrand, Tiffany Moore, Cass Coroiescu

Best Medium Pleasure Boat: “Just One More” Andrew Tatton, Stephanie May, Charles Tatton, Wendy & Jason Fry

Best Small Pleasure Boat: Scott Wheat’s “Miss Shelby” Scott & Kelly Wheat, Margaret Claiborne, Kathleen Cantu, Chuck Klein

Most Spirited: Brett Nicholas’ 29’ Fountain Brett Nicholas, Sarah Griffith, Amy Nicholas

Sorry, no Parade photos of Best Small Pleasure Boat – Scott Wheat and Most Spirited – Brett Nicholas

Boat Parade Photos Courtesy of Mike Hessong
Crew Photos by Bill Tigrett

2012 Lighted Boat Parade presented by Port O’Connor Chamber of Commerce
Thanks for your participation!