ATTENTION GOLF CAR(T) ENTHUSISTS: January 1st, 2012 not only ushers in a New Year, but it is the first day golf car(t)s or utility vehicles can be legally be driven on streets of the unincorporated areas of Calhoun County. The change allows the vehicles to be operated on certain streets of Port O’Connor, Magnolia Beach and Alamo Beach, to name a few.

After years of complications, misinformation and misunderstandings, the amendment to Texas Transportation code, Sec. 551-403, allowing these vehicles on streets of the unincorporated areas of Calhoun County will go into effect on Sunday, January 1st. Getting the law changed wasn’t easy. The changes are the result of a huge effort , hundreds of hours of legal research and negotiations by several key figures. A team of dedicated elected officials, law-enforcement leaders , local citizens, and visitors has worked tirelessly to ensure everyone could legally and safely enjoy the vehicles. State Representative Todd Hunter, his assistant Caleb Magee, Chief Deputy Mark Daigle and Commissioner Pct. 4, Kenny Finster all played a key role getting the law changed. The Calhoun County Golf Car(t) Association , Calhoun County Commissioner’s Court and Assistant District Attorney Shannon Salyer played an important role in the process as well.

What type of vehicles can be driven under the new law? A GOLF CAR(T) and UTILITY VEHICLES. The change in the law DOES NOT ALLOW ALL TERRAIN or SPORTS MODE TERRAIN vehicles to be operated on public roadways. The Texas Transportation code (sec. 502.001) defines a GOLF CAR(T) as : A motor vehicle designed by the manufacturer for transporting persons on a golf course. Section 551.401 defines a UTILITY VEHICLE as a motor vehicle that is not a golf car(t) or lawn mower and is A. equipped with side by side seating for the use of the operator and a passenger; B. designed to propel itself with a least four tires in contact with the ground; C. designed by the manufacturer for off-highway use only; and D. designed by the manufacturer primarily for utility work and not for recreational purposes.

An ALL TERRAIN VEHICLE is defined by the Transportation code section 502.001 as 1. a motor vehicle that is: A. equipped with a saddle, bench or bucket seats for the use of the rider and a passenger, if the motor vehicle is designed by the manufacturer to transport a passenger. B. designed to propel itself with three or more tires in contact with the ground; C. designed by the manufacturer for off-highway use; and D. not designed by the manufacturer primarily for farming or lawn care. Again, ALL TERRAIN and SPORTS MODE VEHICLES are NOT ALLOWED to be operated on a public roadway. If a person operates an all terrain or sports mode vehicle on a public roadway he or she can be charged with “operate an unauthorized motor vehicle on a public road way.” The maximum fine for the offense is $303.10.

A resolution adopting the changes to the law was adopted by the Calhoun County Commissioners Court on the 23rd day of June, 2011. Golf car(t)/ utility vehicles may be driven in the unincorporated areas of the county; and has a posted speed limit of not more than 35 miles per hour. A golf car(t) / utility vehicle under this section must have HEADLAMPS, TAILLAMPS, REFLECTORS, PARKING BRAKES, and MIRRORS. The vehicles may be operated by LICENSED DRIVERS only. This means NO CHILDREN or any other unlicensed driver may drive the vehicles. The vehicles may be operated during DAYLIGHT HOURS ONLY. A driver may not operate the vehicle while intoxicated, or with an open container of alcohol in the vehicle.

Please remember operating a GOLF CAR(T) or UTILITY VEHICLE on designated streets in certain areas of Calhoun County is a great responsibility. Please practice safe operation and be courteous to other traffic. These are small vehicles and not all larger vehicles will see them. Be thoughtful in transporting small children as well. The goal of county, state law enforcement, and local elected officials is to ensure residents and visitors have a safe environment in which to live work and play.

Have a safe, happy and prosperous New Year !

Nancy Pomykal
Justice of the Peace, Pct. 5,
Calhoun County

Note: To anyone with questions concerning their vehicle, you may contact Calhoun County Chief Deputy Mark Daigle with your questions or concerns at 361-553-4646.

Example of Golf Cart Allowed

Example of Utility Vehicle Allowed

Friday, December 2, 2011

The 31st Seniors Christmas Luncheon, hosted and prepared by the POC Community Service Club members, was held on Friday, December 2, 2011 at the Community Center. And this luncheon should really take its place in history, as it was a very delightful experience that seemed to be thoroughly enjoyed by all.

When most of the guests arrived at 10:30 a.m. they were greeted by POC’s very special lady, Agnes Valigura. 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. In one corner of the large room was a huge Santa puzzle, displayed in memory of a former member and her husband. And gracing other corners were two original paintings by our member, Ginny Lichac, one of snowmen playing and the other of a charming lady welcoming Christmas.

Agnes Valigura

And then entertainment began with the arrival of the 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.

Following the departure of the children and before the arrival of all the delicious smelling food, Janet Johnson, President, announced the recipient of our Citizen of the Year. To no one’s great surprise, Kay Middleton was named, and she was greeted with a hearty round of applause. Kay has been a member of the Service Club for many years, served as our very capable Treasurer for over ten years and has also been the chairman of a number of committees. There has not been a work project that Kay has ever missed, and she almost becomes a whirlwind moving and stacking boxes in preparation for our garage sales. When in need of help or assistance of any kind, the call goes out for Kay.

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 saw pan after pan and large bowls, too, placed at 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 and Cajun yams; green bean and corn casseroles; delicious rolls and butter; salads of cole slaw and potato and at the end of the long table, a huge bowl of fruit, which at times perplexed the guest looking at his plate. Where to put all that wonderful food? Returning to their seats, they were then greeted with various beverages and then the dessert trays were wheeled in with choices of cakes and pies, puddings and chocolate cheesecakes and even brownies. If anyone left that afternoon not feeling totally replete, well, no sympathy from me.

Following cleanup duties in the kitchen, each member then turned to another and wished them a Happy and Joyful Christmas with the additional words, “See you in January — 2012!”

Not everyone was happy to see Santa in Seadrift on December 10.

Breakfast with Santa, co-sponsored by the Seadrift Lions Club and the Friends of the Seadrift Library, was held Saturday morning, December 10, at Seadrift Scool. Thirty-nine children visited with Santa and Mrs. Clause and had their pictures taken while their families enjoyed pancakes and sausage. The Friends of the Library had wreaths and other Christmas gifts available for sale.

We look forward to hosting the event again next year in conjunction with the Centennial celebration of the City of Seadrift.

The Lions Club would like to thank the Friends of the Seadrift Library, the staff of the Seadrift School, Chris and Deb Martin of Bay Flats Lodge, Seadrift Coke, Dick’s Food Store, and the Seadrift Chamber of Commerce for their assistance in making this event a success.

Seadrift Lions

Friends of Seadrift Library

Santa visited with the young and the young at heart!

Island Holiday Time

Greetings from the island everyone. Hope all of you are doing well and enjoyed a nice Thanksgiving with family and friends. Barnacle and I stayed on the island and shared a delicious meal of crawfish stuffed boneless chicken, maple ham and homemade biscuits with islander friends Kristy and Bob. It was very nice preparing dinner with a great cook and I was thankful for their
wonderful company.

Well Christmas is right around the corner. How in the world does it arrive so quickly each year, and every year seems to be sooner? I’m thinking that getting older speeds up Father Time. . . you understand I don’t WANT to believe that, but it sure seems that way. I’ll hit the half-century mark in two months, and I’m quite certain that Christmas will start rolling around about every four months then!

Depending on the weather and if I can cross the bay, Barnacle and I will run in on Christmas day for a get-together at Mom’s. Dog and I are hoping for leftovers abound on the return trip.

I enjoy the holiday time on the island visiting with and sharing a meal with close island friends, and also going to the mainland and spending quality time with family and catching up on everyone. Living alone on this island for nearly six years has a way of turning a man into a hermit, but I’m doing my best to somewhat crack open that shell, baby steps you know.

After retiring from police work and moving to an island to get away from the mainland chaos, solitude has been a very precious commodity for me out here. However I’ve recently been made to realize that family and special friends are just as important and necessary as the rewards of solitude. . . thank you for that. That’s why I’m enjoying this holiday season so much, now bring on the gifts!

Well the flounder are pretty much gone from my area, having made their way into the gulf to spawn. The flat fish will begin making their return trek into the bays around the first of April.

There has been a bumper crop of ducks inhabiting the shoreline in front of the cabin this year. I’m talking hundreds every single day covering the water from daylight to dusk. I’m not a duck hunter, but I could keep the propane freezer stocked if I were.

Beach finds have been scarce lately, only picking up a few sea beans that were washed up near the dunes from previous storm tides. More collectible seashells should start washing ashore pretty soon, a normal occurrence during the winter months, and more sea beans will arrive with the start of Spring.

Well that’s it from the island for now, everyone take care and enjoy your Christmas with family and friends next weekend.

Seadrift Community Christmas Display A gift to the community from the Seadrift Chamber of Commerce

SANTA Will Be At The POC Fire Station

Sunday, December 18 at 1:00 p.m.

Fire truck rides, weather permitting

The children of Bluebonnet Ranch enjoyed a Christmas party at Grace Espiscopal Church on December 10th. This was the sixteenth year the church has hosted this event.

“Majic Party” – 30 children and their parents enjoyed a party with Santa, Frosty and magician Scott Hollingsworth at the Russell Cain office on December 8th.

The Seadrift Community Choir performs at First National Bank prior to the tree lighting on December 3.

The Calhoun High School Sandcrab Band went all out at the 2011 Festival of Lights Parade in Port Lavaca. -Photo by Dale Biddy

In A Little Village

It was in a little village,
on a simple village night,
when a message for the Ages,
was sent in Timeless Light.

The Star that shone above –
the music Shepherds heard,
was all a song of Love,
that carried God’s own Word.

Today we still remember.
Beyond the city’s rush;
beyond the tinsel of December,
the Truth calls forth a hush..

Some will pause to listen,
beyond the noisy throng,
they’ll see the Star that glistens,
and hear the old sweet Song.

Somewhere in a little village,
a simple scene recalled,
still – in simple mangers,
the wondrous Starlight falls.

The Cowboy, and the cattle;
the Shepherd and the flock,
may hear the Angels singing,
and the Truth is not forgot

Today we still remember.
Beyond the city’s rush,
beyond the tinsel of December,
the Truth calls forth a hush.

Some will pause to listen,
beyond the noisy throng,
they’ll see the Star that glistens,
and hear the old sweet Song.

By Betty J. Curtis

For unto us a child is born , unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder:
and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
-Isaiah 9:6

Merry Christmas!

from the Dolphin

Jasmine, Ann, Shirley, Lee, Kim, Sue, Bill, & Joyce

We hope you are enjoying this Christmas issue of Dolphin Talk. This is the final issue for the 2011 year.

Our first issue of the new year will be out January 13. Any news you have to contribute should be received by the January 9 deadline.

We wish you a most blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year!

And, thank you for reading Dolphin Talk!