The last week of November leading into the first week of December easily becomes the busiest time of the year for many members of the Service Club. But despite the increased activity for these indomitable women, they somehow manage to keep their sense of humor and enjoy each day.

Monday, November 28th was the beginning of their Christmas Season which marked their First Trim the Trees’ Party. And a Party it became. Starting at a somewhat early hour, some members gathered at the Community Center to find not only boxes of ornaments to be placed on the already erected tree, but a delightful repast consisting of mini-quiche, streusel and sour cream coffee cake, various breads, delicious dainty sandwiches, sweet potato pie and an incredible cake. And all to be accompanied with freshly brewed coffee. Also adding to the holiday spirit were many musical CDs, including several of Christmas songs from our neighboring Cajun country state.

Tuesday, November 29th meant the arrangement and decoration of all the tables in the main hall of the Center. And the always present Nativity scene at the entry to lend a note of the reason for our Christmas was displayed on the very large table next to the second tree. Finishing out the foyer were a large and jolly snowman and one that was completely lit from within, all guarded by two semi-stern Nutcracker statutes.

Wednesday, the 30th took care of the hanging of the wreaths on the front door and adding ribbon bows and greenery to the exterior lights. Additionally, the two Chairmen with the assistance of a very creative member placed ropes of greenery on the front area around the dolphin statues before each of these gals decided to rest their weary feet and go home.

Thursday, December 1st marked the last Club meeting of the year, and then all members returned to their kitchens and started cooking for the outstanding Luncheon on Friday, the 2nd of December.
And what a Luncheon it was – a delicious and bountiful meal with delightful entertainment by the children of Port O’Connor School, complete with an impressively attired 5th grader “Santa Claus”.

It’s always difficult to return to business after recounting Club members’ activities and enjoyment earlier this month, but I do want to remind each one that our next meeting will be Thursday, January 5th, 2012, at 10:00 a.m. in the meeting room in the back of the Community Center. Hope to see a full listing of members there!

Seniors’ Christmas Luncheon Service Club members pack “to-go” plates to be delivered.

At first light of dawn on Wednesday, October 12, 2011 my wife, Travis, and I departed Clark’s landing with Capt. Bill Caldwell and as guests of Travis’ brother, John, to seek fish from the deep. The early a.m. was quite still and we could have made it out to the rigs, but enjoyed a delightful sunrise on our way to the jetties, and instead of the gulf, fished the waters on either jetty side with great success. As we moved about in the gulf area beyond the jetties, Capt. Bill pointed out stretches of reddish brown water that he recognized as patches of red tide. We had occasion to pass through some of this surface which caused Bill to cough a bit and my brother-in-law to complain of itchy eyes while he sneezed. It had somewhat the odor of mildew to me; Travis noted no effects.

Travis and John grew up in Austwell, and in all their time on the coast did not recall a red tide ever coming up into this area. Though a native born Texan, I grew up in New Orleans with trips up and down the coast as far as Gulfport and Biloxi, MS with rare trip South as far as Corpus Christi. I had heard reports of red tide from folks who vacationed in Florida but never had known it to appear along this coast where we often fished the waters and reefs of San Antonio Bay.

Capt. Bill, a native of Port O’ Connor, explained that the red tide occurred when there was excessive salinity of the water (in light of our months and months of drought) as well as particularly warm water temperatures. This allowed the algae which formed the tide to thrive vigorously thus depriving the fish of oxygen as well as giving off some sort of toxin that was concentrated in shellfish. A bit of later research indicated the substance to be brevetoxin, a neurotoxin secreted by the algae called Karenia brevis. Human consumption of shellfish from red tide contaminated waters is contraindicated.

On the way back to port and for lunch, we noted some isolated streaks of the reddish brown water piercing into the vigorous tidal flow of the jetties. Well, that’s a good stretch from there down to San Antonio Bay that opens east into Hynes Bay which is a nursery bay. The chain of islands and inter-coastal canal should be protection enough. WRONG. Although another fishing trip of family from Port O’ Connor produced reds and trout and other various species, the seep and creep of red tide worked its way toward the back bays.

On the weekend of October 29-30, friends from Austwell came out to see if we had any dead fish along the shoreline. So far we seemed safe, even though at the city pier in Austwell there were loads of dead shad and a fair number of river catfish. (We went to the shorelines to observe the mess and massive fish kill). By Tuesday, November 1st, there were gasping menhaden (shad) as well as many already dead on our little beach. There were gaff top catfish, an occasional mullet, but we saw no reds, drum, trout, or crabs. A week or so later there is also a significant residue of very odiferous sting rays which delight only our three dogs. All three required extensive bathing before they could make the Thanksgiving trip for a five doggie sleep over. As of this writing on December 8th, there are still fairly fresh new victims of the red tide appearing occasionally along the shores of Hynes Bay. It has been a field day for the pelicans and also for the buzzards. We give thanks for the “clean-up” crews provided by nature.

The photo of the dead and dying fish was taken on November 1, 2011.

Three Dog Beach

Left to right: Krystal Stringham, Suzanne Beaver, Margaret Charnetski, Kelley Lillge, Vicky Brigham.

On Wednesday, November 30, 2011, Seadrift School had a celebration honoring faculty members and other visitors that are cancer survivors or are currently battling the disease. The Pink Heals fire truck and police car, accompanied by the Sheriff, came to the campus and surprised students and staff with lights shining and sirens blaring.

Seadrift’s School Nurse, Krystal Stringham originally thought to have the Pink Heals Fire Truck as a surprise to honor cancer survivor Suzanne Beaver, a teacher at Seadrift School. When planning for the event, she sent out an email to all the staff on campus except for Suzanne to find out if there were any other cancer survivors. On the small campus of Seadrift School there were three faculty members: Suzanne Beaver, Kelley Lillge, and Margaret Charnetski who had all been touched by cancer once in their lives.

The students and staff spread the word that the Pink Heals Fire Truck and Police car were coming to their campus and a few other survivors were able come to the special ceremony. Nina Weaver, former Principal of Seadrift School, is currently undergoing cancer therapy and she was joined by her immediate family to share in this special occasion also. Vickie Brigham and Cheryl Blevins are also cancer survivors and came out to sign the Fire Truck.

Nina Weaver signs the Pink Heals Fire Truck

Pam Seay’s words of wisdom rang in my mind well after the interview concluded. She emphasized that family members should be advised of each others’ medical history. In her family, she has two aunts that had breast cancer, but didn’t have much information about their options, choices or outcomes.

“One of the first questions that the doctors ask is if cancer runs in your family,” she stated. Pam wants her family members to be well-prepared. She is now in the process of documenting their family medical history. Since being diagnosed with breast cancer, she’s had the BRCA I and II test plus an additional test that would help inform at that time if she should have chemotherapy. In addition, she has made these tests available for her family. “Knowledge is critical,” Pam said to me.

BRCA I and II tests, are cancer risk and genetic testing which can inform you what the likelihood of ovarian or breast cancer is. It’s recommended to have these tests if cancer runs in your family. The test is able to identify mutations in the BRCA I and II gene which greatly increase the chances of having hereditary ovarian or breast cancer. Sharing and discussing within your family is important.

“I was very fortunate to have ended up with the doctors that I did; I got very, very lucky,” expressed Pam. The clinic has their own wing in the hospital and the nurses have all been trained to take care of these particular surgeries.

Women need to make sure that the facilities in which you are tested have the latest technology. “It’s in our best interest to do that,” she said. “You’ve got to ask about your options and familiarize yourself with those options and seek out the most qualified and highly skilled surgeons. You will deal with your decision forever.”

Pam also advises to take tests and make sure to keep up to date on routine check ups. There’s no reason to put it off, so many of the cancers are able to be treated early on. Pam said firmly, “You have to be proactive and be your own advocate for your health.” Had she asked and known the difference between a screen and diagnostic mammogram; her life could have taken a complete turn. If you know something is wrong, you have to use common sense and get alternative options.

Don’t be intimidated and make sure that your health care professional is properly following procedure. Ensure that your medical professional remains just that. “Make sure they sanitize before they enter your room,” she said. Chemotherapy breaks your body down and it makes you extremely vulnerable to germs and illness. Don’t be afraid to ask!

While her confidence never dwindled, her life in Harlingen is slowly improving and a year later things are slowly returning to normal. When she started the job in Harlingen she thought, “Am I going to be able to do all this? Perform and still be able to go through chemo?” There was a woman who took her under her wing and recognized something in her that needed the extra help. Pam says without her she probably wouldn’t have made it. God always brings people into our lives to help get us through particular times. Pam has always been one to take on challenges. But as independent as she is, she realizes it’s hard to say, “I think I need some help here. Jack LaBarge and Debbie Dugan have been amazing.” It’s important to realize that you are not all alone; there are people who care about each and every one of us.

I hope all of the Dolphin readers are able to greatly benefit from the advice Pam has shared with us. I know since the weeks that have followed our interview, I’ve loyally worn my breast cancer awareness shirt once a week. I hope you have as well! I wanted to share a poem that came to mind when writing this article; it’s always held a special place in my heart. I wish everyone well in the New Year! Till 2012.

Footprints in the Sand

One night a man had a dream. He dreamed He was walking along the beach with the LORD. Across the sky flashed scenes from His life. For each scene He noticed two sets of footprints in the sand. One belonging to Him and the other to the LORD.

When the last scene of His life flashed before Him, he looked back at the footprints in the sand. He noticed that many times along the path of His life there was only one set of footprints. He also noticed that it happened at the very lowest and saddest times of His life.

This really bothered Him and He questioned the LORD about it. LORD, you said that once I decided to follow you, you’d walk with me all the way. But I have noticed that during the most troublesome times in my life there is only one set of footprints. I don’t understand why when I needed you most you would leave me.

The LORD replied, “My precious, precious child, I Love you and I would never leave you! During your times of trial and suffering when you see only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you.”

Carolyn Carty, 1963

Pam with her granddaughter, Ella.

Dec. 15 & 16 POC Christmas Light Judging

Fri., Dec. 16 Open House with School Choir Singing
11:00 a.m. First National Bank, Port O’Connor

Fri., Dec. 16 Friday Night Youth
7:00-10:00 p.m. Fisherman’s Chapel, Port O’Connor

Sun., Dec. 18 SANTA at POC Fire Station @ 1:00 p.m.

Sun., Dec. 18 Fisherman’s Chapel Christmas Party 6:00 p.m.

Wed., Dec. 21 Christmas Caroling through Port O’Connor
7:00 p.m. starting at Fisherman’s Chapel

Dec. 21-Jan.3 School Christmas Break

Sun., Dec. 25 Merry Christmas!

Sun., Jan. 1 Happy New Year, 2012!

Tues., Jan. 3 The Country Opry
7:00 p.m. The Heritage Center (Dinner at 6:00 p.m.)

Tues., Jan. 3 Seadrift City Council
7:00 p.m. Seadrift City Hall

Tues., Jan. 3 Bunco
7:00 p.m. Back Room of POC Community Center

Thurs., Jan. 5 Port O’Connor Service Club
10:00 a.m. Back Room of Community Center

Thurs. Jan. 12 POC MUD
7:00 p.m. 39 Denman Drive

Mon., Jan. 16 POC Sports Association
6:30 p.m. Back Room of POC Community Center