Local volunteers spent Saturday morning cleaning up the Seadrift Native Habitat area and the bay front in preparation for the upcoming Seadrift Centennial Celebration on Dec. 1, 2012.

Another clean-up is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 10 from 9 am – 1 pm. Everyone is encouraged to come out and help.

Left to Right in photo: Linda Curry, Jerry Amason, Heather Walleck, Janie Waghorne, Kenny Finster, Charlene Terrell, Sabrina Williams, Joyce Amason, Bobby Lindsey, not pictured Grant Gray and Seth Bubenick

Port O’Connor Lions Club Director, Pat Turk; Lions District 2-S4 Governor Jeanie Cobb, and Lions Club President, Joyce Jordan.

The Port O’Connor Lions Club had the honor of hosting Lions District 2-S4 Governor Jeanie Cobb as guest speaker at the Wednesday, October 8th meeting held at Cathy’s Restaurant. The District Governor was very informative. She showed us a DVD entitled “In A World Of Service” from the International Lions Club and our International President, Wayne A. Madden of Auburn, Indiana who was elected President of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the 95th International Convention held in Busan, Korea last June 22nd through 26th, 2012.

Lion Jeanie Cobb spoke to us about Lions activities, leadership, membership, and service along with giving us excellent information regarding the goals of our International President. She related services being performed by Lions all over the world in order to help those in need.

On behalf of the Port O’Connor Lions Club, District Governor Jeanie Cobb was presented with a small gift and a Certificate of Appreciation.

On other news of the Club, a fundraiser was held on Friday, September 28th at the Port O’Connor Elementary School Cafeteria which included a Chili Supper and Bingo. Fundraising Chairman, Jim Butler along with his better half – Linda Butler organized the event. Thanks to their hard work and also thanks for the work of all the other members of the Club who were at the chili supper and bingo, the reports are that all participants had a good time.

Jim also auctioned off a clock that he designed. He has designed some very nice clocks including one with fishing lures. Keep up the good work, Jim. We appreciate you.

At this time we are in the process of planning an Arts & Crafts Festival to be held at the Port O’Connor Community Center Pavilion on Saturday, March 16th, 2013. If you, or if you know of anyone who would like to reserve a booth for your Spring fundraiser, please phone Joyce Jordan at cell # 361-655-7999 for details. The booths will be assigned on a “first come, first serve” basis for a nominal fee. The booths under the pavilion are limited, so get your reservation in soon. There will be two levels of fees for the assigned booths – under the pavilion including a table and two chairs or not under the pavilion for those who wish to bring their own equipment. For details, please call the number above. We are still in the planning stages but it isn’t too early for you to make your plans to reserve your spot and join us to sell your items during a Fun Spring Day.

Look for upcoming events of the Port O’Connor Lions Club which will also be posted at the bulletin board outside the U.S. Port Office in town.

For information on the Port O’Connor Lions Club, please phone Joyce Jordan, President, at cell # 361-655-7999.

Sylvia & Martin Martinez & grandson, Connor

Last summer the Victoria Advocate requested nominees’ for the crossroads top 5 first responders. I am extremely proud of our Port O’Connor Volunteer Fire Department and EMS. Everyone on the team has gone above and beyond the call of duty. But, with years of watching and working with one particular responder, I just had to send in a nomination for her as one of the Top Five. Even though she didn’t make the Top Five, she did receive an “Honorable Mention” in the magazine.

I would like to share my nomination letter sent to the Advocate on July 18, 2012.

Here’s to you Sylvia Ragusin Martinez ! Your hard work and dedication does not go unnoticed.

07-18-2012, Jessica Rodrigo/GC Top 5, Victoria Advocate:

Dear Jessica:

I am writing to nominate a very hardworking, kind and caring first responder who is a member of the Port O’Connor Volunteer Fire Department / EMS.

Port O’Connor is a small unincorporated fishing village on the Southern tip of Calhoun County. We are 25 miles from the nearest doctor’s office or hospital.

Therefore, a volunteer fire department /emergency medical service is vital to our area. We are blessed to have an outstanding volunteer department with many caring volunteers who are willing to serve their community. One of those fine people is always there to carry her load and then some.

I’ve always heard dynamite comes in small packages ,(my nominee stands about 5 ft. tall) but this sweet lady proves it time and time again. Sylvia Ragusin Martinez joined the Port O’Connor Volunteer Fire Department/ EMS in 1988. Growing up in our remote area, Sylvia recognized a need and was determined to make a difference. Sylvia is married to a wonderful man, Martin Martinez . He too is an active volunteer for the Port O’Connor VFD & EMS. The couple works very well together and make a great team. They have four grown children and they have taught them the value of public service. All four serve as volunteers in the department as well. The entire family is a great example of real public service.

Sylvia currently serves as secretary/treasurer for the department. She is EMT certified. She works tirelessly to organize fund raisers to help raise money to support these most needed services. She has great organization skills and oversees every area of the department. Her strong leadership has made sure that all State requirements for the department are met and each active volunteer remains current with their State certification. She is always there when needed and is truly an asset to the volunteer department and the entire community.

One of the most amazing things about this Port O’Connor lady is her passionate interest and dedication to her job as first responder. She displays courage, compassion and determination when working with others. She willingly sacrifices her personal life to help her community. In spite of some serious chronic health issues, she enthusiastically continues her service to her community. Sylvia is very serious about being a volunteer and will answer every emergency call regardless of the time of day or night. It always amazes me how quickly she and her team arrive at the scene after being dispatched. The only time she considers herself not on call is when she is out of town, which is very seldom. Everyone in Port O’Connor appreciates her unlimited sacrifice and service.

It is an honor and with pleasure that I respectfully nominate this well deserving lady, Sylvia Ragusin Martinez as one of the Top 5 First Responders in the Crossroads area.

Sincerely,

Nancy Pomykal
Port O’Connor, Texas

Bubba’s Smoked Meats has moved from New Braunfels to Port O’Connor (704 W. Adams Ave., Hwy 185). This well-established smoked meats and custom processing business, of 29 years, is owned and operated by husband and wife, Bubba and Kim, with their shop manager Harry.

This fully licensed and inspected business offers smoked sausages, jerky, hams, cheeses, etc. They also do custom deer and hog processing.

Please stop by on November 1st for their Open House from 9am to 9pm to meet Bubba, Kim and Harry. They will have food and beverages for you to snack on as you take a tour of the shop and learn more about what they offer.

BUBBA’S SMOKED MEATS GRAND OPENING IS NOVEMBER 2.

Chamber President Mary Jo Walker presenting plaque to Donnie Haynes, Fireworks Chairman.

The Port O’Connor Chamber awarded Donnie Haynes a plaque on October 8, 2012 for his unwavering support as the Fireworks Chairman. Currently Donnie has plans for the 2013 Fireworks to be bigger and better than ever before. So contribute now to make next year the best yet.

If you would like to help or be a part of the Fireworks committee contact Donnie Haynes or Mary Jo Walker or the chamber office. Help is always needed and you do not have to be a chamber member to be a part of the this Port O’Connor Tradition.