The Port O’Connor Lions Club held its annual Christmas Party on Monday, December 3rd hosted by Grady Jean and Kenneth Clark and Kathy Yearwood. The Club is grateful for all the work and gracious hospitality they exhibited. As usual, the party was an excellent success with those in attendance. Just ask a member about the unusual item in the “Gift Exchange” game. That was lots of fun also.

We are proud to announce and welcome a new member to the Club – Diane Cooley who will be honored by Carol Haverfield, Membership Chairman, at the next meeting to be held on Wednesday, January 9th, 2013 at Cathy’s Restaurant. She is sponsored by Grady Jean Clark.

Don’t forget the Arts & Crafts Festival to be held on Saturday, March 16th, 2013 at the Port O’Connor Community Center Pavilion. We are proud to have several members with expertise who are on the planning committee and have been involved with this type of activity for many years. The POC Lions Club is currently seeking Vendors who would like to reserve a booth or two to sell items along with some Food Vendors. The items don’t have to be totally hand made – just good quality products. Reservations are coming in, so make your reservation soon as time is running out and you will not want to miss this opportunity. The booth prices start at $20. outside the Pavilion and $25.00 under the Pavilion. The number of booths under the Pavilion is limited. Please check details listed in another article elsewhere in this issue of The Dolphin Talk.

For those who would like additional information on the Arts & Crafts Festival or the POC Lions Club, please contact Joyce Jordan, President, for details at cell # 361-655-7999.

The Port O’Connor Lions Club wishes everyone a Very Safe and Merry Christmas and Wonderfully Happy New Year!!

Today’s statistics show that teens with only one parent are 25 times more likely to commit suicide, 10-15 times more likely to get involved with drugs and/or gang activity, and 17 times more likely to become violent and become involved with the criminal justice system by the age of 13.

As for me, I am a part of today’s statistics. Right now, as you are reading this article, I am sitting in the female unit of the Texas Juvenile Justice Department (T.Y.C.) This was a result of my poor choices if life when I was 13 years old.

I am now 16 years old, graduated from high school, and a certified welder!

Never did anyone in Port O’Connor think that I would have been a certified welder, let alone a high school graduate. I was going to be the girl who was 16 with two kids and another on the way, dropping out of high school to take care of a family by myself, OR the girl you hear about in the evening news who was just found dead in a ratty old hotel room with a needle stuck in her arm.

But once I came to TJJD/TYC, my life got turned upside down! I went from being one of the worst teenage drug addicts to making straight A’s in all my classes, working a program for drug treatment, and finding a trade that I’m not only good at, but have a true passion for!

And of all people, if I could do this, anybody can. It just takes the want, will, and determination to finally achieve your goals. As for me, I would not have got as far as I am today if I wouldn’t have come to TJJD/TYC.

But places like this are not where anyone wants to be! It’s cold, very far from family and friends, and the worst part is…it’s out in the middle of nowhere next to a bunch of open fields and pastures. So there is no real connection to the outside world other than getting mail and visits from people we love and care about.

Sounds real “fun”, doesn’t it? Sounds real “cool” to be locked up with no way out?

Now it’s up to you to make that choice and look at where it has gotten me in life: Nowhere but in a cell with cement shelves and metal mirrors.

The choice is yours. I just hope you can make the right one before it’s too late and end up like me, sitting in jail for the second year in a row, missing all the holidays where families are meant to be together, not separated.

Just keep in mind…

The choice is yours!

Local incarcerated youth,
Dallas Fowler

The Port O’Connor School students sang for the guests at the Seniors Luncheon. Pictured above are soloists Ally Luna, Brinley Walters, Brooklyn Redmond, and Kinley Lowery, along with Sam Thumann, holding the school’s mascot, Daphne. -Photo by Sue Kubecka

The 32nd Christmas Luncheon for our Senior Residents (those of at least 50 years Young) and other members of our area as hosted and prepared by the POC Community Service Club members, was held on Friday, December 7, 2012 at the Community Center. And this Luncheon should really take its place in history as it promised to be a very delightful experience that was thoroughly enjoyed by all.

Entering the driveways of the Community Center, one saw not just the large standing sign denoting that this was the place for the Luncheon, but the exterior ropes around the dolphins’ statue covered with greenery and decorated with red bows. When most of the guests arrived at 10:30 a.m., they were greeted not only by POC’s very special lady, Agnes Valigura, but a lighted Snowman of a very large size commanding the entry. Staged in an extremely artistic manner is the Nativity scene that has been brought to the forefront of the entry on the old table formed of hatch-covers from a shrimp boat. Club members under the direction and artistic talent of Janet Johnson (the current President of the POC Service Club) designed and made the statues forming this Creche and enlisted the aid of a very talented husband who constructed the wooden manger. As the theme this year in decorating the Hall and trees featured Snowmen, and Angels, Santas and Teddy Bears (if we were able to appropriate those hiding in the toy chest of a grandchild), and a few red birds lurking on the trees, a multi-group of images greeted the guests in entering the Hall.

As people walked into the interior of the Community Center, they found a huge lighted tree displaying all sorts of Christmassy decorations and many stunningly wrapped packages beneath it. Nearby tables were covered with icy blue cloths and had various types and sizes of Snowmen traveling down the center to sustain the image of a wintry scene. And this image was aided by groups of Santas as well as a few well placed Angels that dominated several tables. Additionally, there were red birds placed along the centers of the tables with a few slightly “stolen” Teddy Bears to add to the yester-year enjoyment. And one table was covered with images of gingerbread figures as well as a large house that was placed by a member. In one corner of the large room was a huge Santa puzzle that had been created by a former member and her husband; this puzzle adds to the memories of our Luncheons as it is now displayed in her memory.

And then entertainment began with the arrival of the Elementary School children who came to sing many holiday songs and caused each of us to watch them and listen with moist eyes; perhaps remembering an occasion with our children, or now, with our grandchildren. This was quite an experience reliving some of those very special moments in our lives. Adding to the enjoyment of the music were several solos sung by some new classmates; but seeing “Daphne”, the four-legged mascot as held by one student just about brought down the house!

Following the departure of the children and before the arrival of all the delicious smelling food, Janet Johnson, President, announced the recipients of our Citizens of the Year. To no one’s great surprise, Agnes Valigura, our very, very special lady and a member of the Service Club for many years, received this award. The next was Andy Westling, the “handy-dandy” husband of a member who has made himself indispensable at our Garage Sales and other happenings requiring those manly skills. But the most important (and fun award according to the members of the Committee) was to totally surprise Janet with Citizen of the Year. Watching her face as many of the accolades were spoken before she finally realized that SHE was the recipient was a total delight! And as I was one of the members of the Committee, I really enjoyed it!

Following these awards, Father Oliver, the new pastor of St. Joseph’s Church, was present to give the blessing of the food and the membership of the Service Club for their work in bringing about this Luncheon. And then it was time to eat!

Soon the food arrived with its welcoming aroma floating out from the kitchen, which caused looks of amazement on the faces of our guests as they noticed pan after pan of sliced meats and large bowls and pans of other foods being placed on the center serving table. Taking a tray from the front of the table and proceeding down it, a guest soon found a tasty display of ham and brisket; mashed sweet potatoes, white potatoes and Cajun yams; green bean and corn casseroles; delicious rolls and butter; coleslaw, and at the end of the long table, a huge bowl of fruit, which at times perplexed the guest looking at his now-filled plate. Where to put all that wonderful food? Returning to their seats, they were then greeted with various beverages and a little later, the dessert trays were wheeled in with choices of many pies, puddings and chocolate cheesecakes. If anyone left that afternoon not feeling totally replete, well, no sympathy from me.

And following the completion or almost of a person’s food, was the drawing for the many gifts as were bunched around the big tree. Calling out the numbers on the raffle tickets was Joyce Jordan, the head of the Decorating Committee, and she became totally amazed at the amount of presents available. And various members then displayed their talents as “Santa’s Elves” in awarding these gifts to the guests.

Following cleanup duties in the kitchen, each member then turned to another and wished her a Happy and Joyful Christmas with the additional words, “See you in January — 2013!” And the next meeting of this incredible organization will be Thursday, January 3, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. in the Community Center. We welcome the presence of women who would like to engage with us in the often necessary service to our community. Contact Janet Johnson, 983-4737 or Shirley Gordon, Membership Chairman, at the Library!

Seniors Luncheon guests enjoyed the music by the school kids (who were situated on both sides of the room). -Photo by Sue Kubecka

Greetings, Editor and fellow readers,

After four and a half decades it looks like we are leaving the ranks of Port O’Connor property owners. The house which my uncle and I built and to which my mother retired to until her death in 2002 will likely be going up for sale soon. I more or less grew up here. I remember sitting on the porch and watching the flash of B-52 practice bombs on Wednesday nights over Matagorda island. I remember the grass fires and volunteer fire department sirens that seemed to be a part of every July Fourth weekend. I remember going to see second run movies at the Jameson Theater on Saturday nights with hoards of hollering kids dropped off so mom and dad could have a couple of hours of weekend relaxation to themselves. I remember wading out to the bay jetty to fish off the rocks before the rocks reached the shore (caught a lot of specs and reds there, but caught even more hardheads).

I remember Mom buying a capon from “Boots” the butcher in the back of the grocery store. It was delicious. I remember the smell of the water from Day’s water well service. It wasn’t delicious. All of us have a place that is the center of their world and for me for years it was this little house on Polk street in Port O’Connor.

I hope that the new owners will make memories just as wonderful as those I will take with me when we head out on Adams for the last time.

Jay Jennings

Editor’s Note: Jay Jennings’ mother, Margaret Jennings, was the founder of Dolphin Talk.

Capt. Rasmussen

Hello Joyce. I found your name and email on the DOLPHIN TALK Port O’Connor/Seadrift News as I was looking up some information about my great grandfather. I’m hoping that you might be able to help me find some information about him from that area including Port Lavaca where he had a family home which stood up until the 1980’s.

My great grandfather, Andrew A. Rasmussen, was the Captain of the Saluria Lifesaving Station (1885-1889) and built a home in Port O’Connor in 1911.

I visited Port O’Connor a few years ago and found my great grandfather’s home with the historical marker. I understood at that time that an attorney from Houston had bought the home and was remodeling it. Above the home was a “lookout tower” so that Capt. Rasmussen could go up and look out towards the sea. This is the home where he and his wife, Theresa Amelia Smith Rasmussen, raised six children. Theresa died in 1930 at that home.

If you or someone knows anything about Capt. Rasmussen or have any articles of information about him, please let me know. This would mean so much to me.

Thank you,

Roxanne Craig

Anyone who has information to share about Capt. Rasmussen, please contact Dolphin Talk.

A Note of Thanks to All Our Customers:

Thank you for keeping it local and helping us keep our doors open. We are here for you and will do our best to carry your preferences. Have a happy and safe holiday!

POC Liquor Store Crew

Thank You

Thank you for your thoughtfulness in sending lovely flowers, generous donations and food in honor of our mother, Dorothy Ramos. We are so grateful for your helping hand in our time of need. Thanks especially to my Uncle George, Aunt Esther Zarate, and Larry and Melinda Morales for the Benefit Dinner.

This has been a very difficult time for my dad (Joe) and all of the family, so I thank you again. This means so much to us.

May God Bless All,

Children & Family of Dorothy Ramos

Thanks from the POC Chamber of Commerce

Once again this years Chamber of Commerce Christmas Party was awesome. Held on Monday night at 6:30, we began with a short meeting and election of five new directors for 2013.

We had the “Taste of POC” once again – hosted by our local eateries – they came through with a large selection of food for those that attended to feast on! We would like to send out a HUGE THANK YOU to-Speedy Stop, Art’s BBQ, Cathy’s, Hurricane Junction, Beacon 44 Seafood Market, Josies, Jocelynn’s, Mama’s Pizza, Donna Pyle, and also to Twice the Ice for donating the ice for our party. We also had a dessert table that was loaded with some tasty treats – a large array of pies, pralines, cookies, cakes and more.

We also had two door prize baskets compiled of items donated by more local businesses:

Thanks to POC Rods, POC Hardware, First National Bank, POC Liquor, Beacon 44 RV Park, Beverly Clifton with Scentsy, and Speedy Stop for the donations for the gift baskets for our door prizes. Winners were Agnes Valigura and John Hribak.

Thanks to all that attended this annual event.

Mary Jo Walker, President, POC Chamber of Commerce

The Cow and the Ice Cream

“We are worried about ‘the cow’ when it is all about the ‘Ice Cream. ‘The most eye-opening civics lesson I ever had was while teaching 3rd grade. The last Presidential election was heating up and some of the children showed an interest. I decided we would have an election for a class president. We would choose our nominees. They would make a campaign speech and the class would vote. To simplify the process, candidates were nominated by other class members. We discussed what kinds of characteristics these students should have. We got many nominations and from those, Jamie and Olivia were picked to run for the top spot.

The class had done a great job in their selections. Both candidates were good kids. I thought Jamie might have an advantage because he got lots of parental support. I had never seen Olivia’s mother.

The day arrived when they were to make their speeches. Jamie went first. He had specific ideas about how to make our class a better place. He ended by promising to do his very best. Everyone applauded and he sat down.

Now it was Olivia’s turn to speak. Her speech was concise. She said, “If you will vote for me, I will give you ice cream.” She sat down.

The class went wild. “Yes! Yes! We want ice cream.”

She surely would say more. She did not have to.

A discussion followed. How did she plan to pay for the ice cream? She wasn’t sure. But no one pursued that question. They took her at her word. Would her parents buy it or would the class pay for it…She didn’t know. The class really didn’t care. All they were thinking about was ice cream…

Jamie was forgotten. Olivia won by a landslide.

Every time Barack Obama opened his mouth he offered ice cream and 51.4 % of the people reacted like nine year old’s.

They want ice cream.

The other 48.6% percent know they’re going to have to feed the cow and clean up the mess.”

Remember, the government cannot give anything to anyone that they have not first taken away from someone else.

Did you vote for the ice cream?

Submitted by a local mom who did not vote for the ice cream.

The Dolphin welcomes letters from our readers on any subject that is of general interest to our audience. Letters should be 300 words or less (with exceptions at the Dolphin’s discretion). Letters reflect the opinion of the writer, and not that of Dolphin Talk staff, and we retain the right to determine suitability for publication. It is the policy of this newspaper to promote area interests: therefore, complaints against local businesses should be directed elsewhere. Letters must be signed and include day and evening phone numbers, which will not be published. Your name will be withheld upon request, but anonymous material will not be considered for publication.

Letters to the Dolphin:
Dolphin Talk, PO Box 777,
Port O’Connor, TX 77982
dolphin1@tisd.net