Memorial Day weekend 2012 turned out to be a fantastic time in Port O’Connor. In addition to fishing and playing on the beach, the annual events: Kids Fishing Contest, Kite Contest, and POCSA Cook-Off were enjoyed by many.

The Chamber of Commerce appreciates Valerie Nelson for taking charge of the fishing tournament on short notice, and also Rebecca Gregory, Mary Jo Walker and Jimmy and Barbara Crouch, who made the tournament possible. The Kite Contest had a great turn out and with a good breeze for the flying. Thanks to James and Shirley Harper and Ronnie Ragusin for handling the kite event for us. The Chamber appreciates the work of all these volunteers!

The POCSA BB-Q Cook-off was a blast as usual, with the judges having a hard time picking the winners.

Chamber news:

We recognize Double H Guide Service for their renewed membership. And many thanks to the Richards family for their donation to the 4th of July Fireworks.

The Chamber’s June meeting will be held on June 11th at 6:30 p.m. in the back room of the POC Community Center. You’re welcome to join us!

-LaJune Pitonyak

Kite Flying Contestants

The Chamber of Commerce Kite Flying Contest had a great turnout this year. Every year since the event restarted it has grown. Mother nature was on our side again this year and she provided a wonderful environment for flying just about any kind of kite. Even the smallest flyers were able to fly their kites and enjoy the fun along with the more experienced flyers.

We would like to thank everyone for coming out to fly their kites. There were all ages represented this year, as well as a variety of different kites from the smallest little butterfly kite to the oh so grand trick kites that always give a great performance. A good time was had by all. This year all the participants received recognition for just coming out and flying their kites. Trophies were given for first and second place in several different categories.

Shirley and James Harper and Roni Ragusin came out again and ran the contest and had a great time watching all the wonderful kites and enthusiastic flyers enjoy the day and have fun with their families.

A special thanks to The Chamber for providing the trophies and mugs to give away to the participants. Also to Shirley’s Small Fries Daycare for providing the drinking water, which was much needed.

-Roni Ragusi

“It’s 5 O’Clock Somewhere” Judged Best Brisket and Best Ribs at POCSA BB-Q Cook-Off

On May 26, 2012 the Port O’ Connor Sports Association held their annual BB-Q Cook-Off at Kingfisher Beach. We always have a great time hosting this event!

Eleven teams participated, a few new faces, but mostly patrons! We would like to THANK EVERYONE who came out to support us by either participating in the Cook-Off or purchasing some delicious chopped BB-Q sandwiches!

The Sports Association would like to give a special thanks to Josie’s Mexican Food and Cantina for donating the briskets we used for our BB-Q sandwiches!

-Amy Gosnell

“Tippin T Cookers” Judged Best Chicken, 2nd Ribs & 2nd Chili

“Wired Up” 1st in Chili and 3rd in Gumbo

“Smokin’ Nuts” Judged 1st Beans & 2nd Chicken

“Grand Slam Cookers” 1st in Gumbo, 2nd Brisket, and 3rd in Beans

“Band Aid Crew” 2nd Beans, 3rd Chili, 3rd Brisket, and 3rd Ribs

“Smell My Pitts” 2nd Gumbo & 3rd Chicken in the POSCA BB-Q Cook-off

The judges at the May 26th POCSA BB-Q Cook-off had a difficult job choosing their favorite brisket, ribs, chicken, chili, gumbo, and beans.

Mr. & Mrs. Christopher Aleman

Christopher Aleman and Christina Flores were united in marriage on Saturday June 2, 2012.

This Port Lavaca couple traveled to Port O’Connor to be married by the Hon. Nancy Pomykal, Precinct 5 Justice of the Peace. They chose the Warrior’s Weekend sand sculpture as a back drop for the ceremony. The groom has served in the United States Coast Guard and felt the sculpture honoring the military would be an appropriate venue for their vows and his bride gladly agreed.

Immediately following the ceremony, the newlyweds and their families enjoyed a special luncheon at Cathy’s restaurant in Port O’Connor.

Congratulations, Chris and Christina! Thanks for choosing Port O’Connor for your special event.

It is time for another blood drive here in our great town. Our next blood drive will be June 18, 2012 from 1:30 to 4:30 at the Port O’Connor Fire Station. We have run out of any donations for our community. We have been very fortunate having back up donations to share with those of our community who need blood. Now, not only is the Blood Bank in desperate need of blood, but we do not have any left to use for anyone here in town if a need comes up.

Please mark your calendar for this upcoming date. Please donate and give the Gift of Life. You never know when someone you love may need it.

Remember to eat a good breakfast; do not drink much caffeine, and come roll up your sleeve to give the Gift of Life.

Thank you,

Lynn Rhodes, 361-655-2084

The Calhoun County employees will be having a blood drive on Tuesday, June 12 from 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The Bloodmobile will be at the Live Oak Street parking lot.

The drive will be a replacement drive for Kaitlin Staloch.

Anyone who wishes to donate can call Susan Riley at 553-4600 to schedule. Anyone who presents to donate will receive a T-shirt.

Thank you,

Susan Riley

June 14, 2012 marks World Blood Donor Day, a day where nations across the globe celebrate the lifesaving gift of blood. The South Texas Blood and Tissue Center encourages all eligible community members to donate that week to participate in this global celebration.

Every day volunteer blood donors help save lives in their community, but regular blood donors are still needed as the blood supply is tenuous, especially during the summer months.

Anyone 16 years old weighing 120 (with a parental consent form) or at least 17 years old and weighing 110 pounds, and in good general health may donate blood and can make an appointment online by visiting southtexasblood.org .

Another local blood drive upcoming is:

Memorial Medical Center Volunteers and Community

Wednesday, June 13

2:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

815 N. Virginia Street in Port Lavaca

Although a memorable and enjoyable Memorial Day Weekend has just passed, the Port O’Connor Chamber of Commerce is not resting on its laurels, but is busily preparing for the next big event: the 4th of July Fireworks Show.

This event, the biggest of the year and one of Port O’Connor’s oldest traditions, will be held on Saturday, July 7, around dusk at the King Fisher Front Beach Park. And as always, all are welcome to come and enjoy this spectacular fireworks show at absolutely NO charge.

However, at a cost of nearly $20,000, this event could not be held without the support of friends and residents of Port O’Connor and donations from local businesses.

Fund raising letters are in the mail, and Bill Tigrett, Chamber Fundraiser Coordinator, is also currently soliciting support from businesses in the area.

Your support, in any amount, will go a long way to help bring about this grand celebration of our country’s freedom. Please consider sending a contribution to:

POC Chamber – Fireworks
P.O. Box 701
Port O’Connor, TX 77982

We hope to see you there Saturday, July 7th, for the 4th of July Fireworks Show!

-Port O’Connor Chamber of Commerce

Thank you, Speedy Stop! Corporate Sponsor of this year’s 4th of July Fireworks Celebration Saturday, July 7th, King Fisher Beach in Port O’Connor