For the first time Port Lavaca Art Guild will have special winter arts and crafts classes, in addition to their regularly scheduled painting classes. The classes scheduled to begin in January are ceramics and pottery, leather and woodworking, jewelry making, and crochet. Students may also join regularly scheduled painting classes for the winter. One half of enrollment in each class will be reserved for Winter Residents, local Year Around Residents are invited to join the classes too. Barbara Burkett, who will teach jewelry making and watercolor classes said, “We look forward to sharing our talents and developing friendships with our neighbors from other states who spend their winter with us.”

Equipment and tools for the classes will be provided for use in the classroom. Students will pay tuition and a fee for materials used on their project. Most of the classes have a minimum and maximum enrollment limit. A deposit of $25 is required to reserve your place in class. Go to www.PLArtGuild.com for more information about the classes. Brochures are available at the Port Lavaca Chamber of Commerce. Phone 361/552-5835, 361/550-8057 or email PLArtGuild@hotmail.com if you have questions or would like a brochure mailed to you.

The Port O’Connor Chamber of Commerce cordially invites members and residents of Port O’Connor along with Past Officers and Directors to attend the next meeting and community Christmas Party on Monday, December 12th at 6:30 p.m. President Leah Griffin will preside. Along with the normal business meeting, this meeting will include the all important Election of Directors and Officers for the upcoming year. Directors are elected for a two year term. Door prizes will be awarded and refreshments will be provided. So don’t miss out!

We would like to urge residents and business owners to attend whether you are a member or not. Perhaps you would like to be involved in the community and become a member. However, this Christmas Party is a time to meet and greet the people in our community.

-Joyce Jordan

Paul McGee, 2010 Realtor of the Year, presents the 2011 award to Marolyn Cummins.

Congratulations to Marolyn Cummins, who has been named Realtor of the Year for 2011 by the Coastal Bend Board of Realtors.

Marolyn is an agent for Russell Cain Real Estate in Port Lavaca. She was raised in Port Lavaca and graduated from Calhoun High School. Marolyn attended Victoria College and Colorado Mountain College, studying business.

She joined CBRC in 2007 and in the short time here is a top producer. Her knowledge and reputation in the community keep her involved in many events.

The United Way of Calhoun County is receiving applications for agency partnerships in 2012. The applicant must be an incorporated 501c (3) tax exempt human service organization (IRS designation for a charitable or educational organization) serving Calhoun County residents.

During the fiscal year of April 1, 2012 – March 31, 2013 the United Way of Calhoun County will disperse funds raised to serve the human service needs of Calhoun County residents. This year’s present campaign goal is $235,000.00.

To request an application packet to become a partner agency of the United Way of Calhoun County contact Carolyn Adrian at 552-3630 or uwcc@tisd.net.

Deadline for submitting application packets is 12 Noon, December 15, 2011.

Young Republicans Appreciate Our Veterans in the Port Lavaca Veterans Day Parade Left to right: Catlin Carter, President; Judy Torres; Tracy Massey; Tom Tumlinson, Vice President

The Calhoun County Republican Party is holding a raffle to raise money to support and advertise the candidates (local, state, and federal) for the 2012 election. All prizes except the rifle were donated by members of the Calhoun County Republican Party.

Raffle prizes:

Side of Beef (cut and wrapped to winner’s specifications)

Winchester .30-06 Rifle w/scope

Lovely Upholstered Occasional Chair in neutral colors

$100 Gift Certificate to Bubba’s Boiling Pot in Seadrift

$100 Gift Certificate to Bayside Seafood

$100 Gift Certificate to Harbor Freight

$100 Gift Certificate to Academy

Tickets may be purchased through November 30 at Russell Cain’s Real Estate office at 2025 N. Hwy 35 in Port Lavaca.

Tickets are $5 each, or 6 for $25.

Drawing is to be held at the Port Lavaca Christmas Parade Viewing Stand, approximately 6:45 p.m., Thursday, December 1. Larry Robinson will draw the winning tickets. As the winner is announced, the stub will be put in the appropriate envelope, sealed and turned in to Russel to notify the winners.