Thirty-one years ago this December, the Port O’Connor Service Club staged their very first Christmas luncheon for the senior members of this community. Held in the original Community Center, a small portion of the Volunteer Fire Station, Club members devised and prepared an outstanding menu of food delights to share with their guests. That year approximately 20 residents arrived to enjoy this early Christmas celebration of shared food, a decorated Christmas tree, and remembered gifts to each one.

Year after year, the Club has scheduled this event. When the original Community Center became too small, the luncheon was held at the various churches, each in succession. I’ve been told that it became quite a sight in Port O’Connor to see a truck laden with a Christmas tree and various ornaments and other decorations drooping over the sides, schlepping a procession to a Church Hall.

Following would be the cars of the Club members, each carrying not just a member and her husband, but also filled with many breathtaking aromas as the food was making its way to the decorated Hall.

The menu for those early Christmas luncheons would range from chicken spaghetti to chicken and dumplings with many desserts; and you would be correct if you would assume that there would not be a spoonful remaining. With the completion of the new Community Center, the Club was then able to hold an even larger and more extensive luncheon for the enjoyment of their guests, as it will be this year. To add to the honor of the first Christmas Luncheon in the new Community Center eleven years ago, members of the Club had been working for many months to design and prepare the beautiful and unusual shell ornaments that were used for the tree that year. They had decided to use a “shell and nautical” theme to convey to their guests the uniqueness of this community.

Once again Pat Ekstrom has agreed to assume the leadership of setting the menu and assigning cooking tasks to the members. Currently, the entrees will consist of brisket and ham accompanied by sweet potatoes, dishes of corn and green beans, various salads, breads and beverages. This extensive menu will be followed by mouth-watering desserts of all kinds; there is the possibility of several pies and cakes and even a chocolate cheese cake or a pudding. Prior to all sitting and enjoying their food, the children from the Elementary School under the leadership of their talented principal, Ms. Lydia Strakos will arrive to sing a medley of old and new Christmas music. Last year the music was exceptional and the singers were charming, and I’m certain that it will be even better this year.

Last year’s decorations took a complete swing from those of previous years; under the direction and leadership of Joyce Jordan and her industrious committee, the theme created an angelic atmosphere with all sizes and types of angels appearing on every table. Many of these angels, both large and small, were created by Dorothy Fairchild. And continuing the ethereal design were small candle lights placed amid the greenery. The large tree was adorned with many unusual and different ornaments ranging from bead swags to many small angels, and there were also some of the stunning shell ornaments created earlier by the Club members.

This year a different theme will be followed with the advent of snowmen of all sizes and descriptions along with many red birds of unusual designs to help create a “winter wonderland” in the Center. Table decorations will feature these wintry creatures supported by greenery and lit with small candle lights.

Why do the Club members go to this work and expense every year? The answer is a very simple one: this is our way of thanking the residents of Port O’Connor for their support of our projects throughout the year. We do have various projects, some big and extensive such as the semi-annual garage and bake sales, and then some much smaller. Yet we can always count on the residents and business owners of this community for their assistance and their support.

As our event is entitled the Club’s Christmas Luncheon for the Senior Citizens of this community, we have all been asked to define “Senior Citizen”. There is really not an actual definition of a certain age or quality; one would guess that it would be someone over 50. And I would need to take that definition up with our President and other members for a further and more extensive explanation. However, whatever your senior age, we look forward to your presence at this Luncheon; in particular, we welcome the owners or representatives of those local businesses who very kindly let us use your walls and other prominent spots to display the Club’s notice of its latest project.

For more information, please contact either Ms. Janet Johnson, President, 983-4737 or Ms. Pat Ekstrom, 983-2030. And if you need a ride to the Community Center or prefer to have a luncheon plate delivered to your home, call Pat Ekstrom 983-2030 for assistance. We look forward to seeing you on Friday, December 2nd at 10:30 am.

In the meantime do remember:

Christmas is a’comin’; The geese are getting fat;
Please to put a penny in an old man’s hat.
If you ha’nt got a penny; A ha’ penny will do.
If you ha’nt got a ha’ penny, May God bless you!

See you on the 2nd of December!

suekubecka@yahoo.com

361 798-0560

Pull your outdoor decorations out of storage, and – Ready, Set, Go!! The Port O’Connor Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring the Christmas Outdoor Lighting Contest for 2011 and will be handing out plaques for the categories listed below. Let’s put up the trees and tinsel and light up Port O’Connor!

Best Overall; Most Decorated; Best Christmas Theme; Most Colorful; Most Unique; Best Commercial; Best Spirited; Best Religious Theme

In addition, there will be a drawing for a prize of $100. just for entering and having some colored lights glowing during the judging days of Thursday, December 15th and Friday, the 16th. Don’t forget to have your lights turned on – on December 15th & 16th!!!

Note: the rules changed a bit as of last year compared to all the previous years. In order to win one of the plaques in the categories listed above. or a chance in the drawing, you must complete the form below and send it to the POC Chamber of Commerce, c/o Joyce Jordan, P. O. Box 847 , Port O’Connor, TX 77982 since we will need to have your contact information.

After that, make sure you have your lights on for the judging.

Please note that previous winners receiving plaques in the last two years are not eligible to win in 2011 – in order to give others a chance at the prizes. However, previous winners in the drawing in the last two years are eligible to win in 2011. For any additional information, please contact Joyce Jordan at Cell# 361-655-7999.

Please fill out the form below and mail to the POC Chamber of Commerce to participate:

To: Port O’Connor Chamber of Commerce; Attn: POC Lighting Contest
c/o Joyce Jordan, P.O. Box 847
Port O’Connor, TX. 77982

From: ____________________________________________________
(Name)

Physical Address: ____________________________________________

P.O. Box Address: ___________________________________________

City, State, Zip: _______________________________________

Telephone No.: _______________________________________

All entries must be received by Wednesday, December 14th.

My Two Cents Worth

Just where has this country gone?

The other day while waiting for a take out at Cathy’s cafe, a friend came in and joined me. I told him to look at the two next tables. He did and said, “What a waste.” Both tables had four or five plates of un-eaten large shrimp on them. This will just drive up the cost of a meal at Cathy’s.

While we were talking about this, three kids came by with some small instruments in their hands, just punching at them and not looking where they were going. We waited for them to walk in to the wall.

I bet they don’t get out and exercise by playing ball games like we did when we were that age. They will likely grow up overweight and cost the government money to take care of them.

Overheard at Josie’s the other morning:

Number one: “Times have gotten so tough that a man can hardly make a living picking up trash off the highway nowadays.”

Number two: “They finally reached an agreement in the middle east. They agreed to keep on fighting for another two thousands years.

G. B. Robertson

Dear Editor,

On Tuesday, November 1st, a plant was taken from a commercial building on Highway 35. The plant was over 30 years old. This belongs to someone that received it as a gift from his family when he was challenged with cancer. The cancer motivated this individual to raise an amount over 6 figures for the American Cancer Society.

The plant was a reminder of all the struggles cancer patients have with this dreaded disease. If this plant is returned, I know someone that will give a reward with no questions asked.

Russell Cain
361-920-6313

Dear Joyce,

Thank you so much for your generous coverage of our Texas Rett syndrome events benefitting the International Rett Syndrome Foundation. (Dolphin Talk, September 9, 2011)

While we never imagined that our little girl would be unable to walk, would be unable to talk, and would have no use of her arms or her hands, our lives have been changed for the better because of her. Rachael has taught us that a smile is worth a million words and that you can love someone so much even if you can never, ever hear her voice.

Because of money raised at events like ours, we have found the gene that causes Rett syndrome and we have reversed the symptoms of Rett syndrome in mice in the laboratory. Together, in Texas, this year alone, we raised over $325,000 to fund research to find a cure.

On behalf of Rachael and the thousands of girls with Rett syndrome world-wide: thank you! Your help is their hope.

Kenna Seller
Spring, Texas

Thank You

I would like to thank everyone for your gifts, prayers, visits, love and concern through my recent hospital stay. I am at home now and recovering from my surgery.

Continue to pray for me since I have more recovering to do.

A special “Thank You” to my family for your love and concern.Again, thank you and bless you all.

Nancy Harborth

Letter To The Editor:

A very big thank you to Hoop of Hurricane Junction for staging one more time the Chili & Gumbo Cookoff on the 29th of October. There were many active participants, all extremely talented, who lent their cooking abilities to the Contest. Additionally, a thank you to those who came by (following their noses) to see the activity and those who took part in the Silent Auction.

This Cookoff was for the benefit of our Library, which needs extensive remodeling and addition; we are really “busting out of our seams”! And Hoop, again, has recognized the need for the Library.

Hopefully, soon, we can get the ball rolling for the addition.

Thanks again,

The Library Crew
Shirley & Sue

New Christmas Tradition

As the holidays approach, the giant Asian factories are kicking into high gear to provide Americans with monstrous piles of cheaply produced goods — merchandise that has been produced at the expense of American labor. This year will be different! This year Americans will give the gift of genuine concern for other Americans. There is no longer an excuse that, at gift-giving time, nothing can be found that is produced by American hands. Yes there is!

It’s time to think outside the box, people. Who says a gift needs to fit in a shirt box, wrapped in Chinese produced wrapping paper? Everyone — yes EVERYONE gets their hair cut. How about gift certificates from your local American hair salon or barber?

Gym membership? It’s appropriate for all ages who are thinking about some health improvement.

Who wouldn’t appreciate getting their car detailed? Small, American-owned detail shops and car washes would love to sell you a gift certificate or a book of gift certificates.

Are you one of those extravagant givers who think nothing of plunking down the Benjamins on a Chinese made flat-screen? Perhaps that grateful gift receiver would like his driveway sealed, or lawn mowed for the summer, or driveway plowed all winter, or games at the local golf course?

There are a bazillion owner-run restaurants — all offering gift certificates. And, if your dearly-intended isn’t the fancy eatery sort, what about a half dozen breakfasts at the local breakfast joint? Remember folks, this isn’t about big national chains — this is about supporting your hometown Americans with their financial lives on the line to keep their doors open.

How many people couldn’t use an oil change for their car, truck or motorcycle, done at a shop run by the American working guy?

Thinking about a heartfelt gift for mom? Mom would LOVE the services of a local cleaning lady for a day.

My computer could use a tune-up, and I KNOW I can find some young guy who is struggling to get his repair business up and running.

OK, you were looking for something more personal? Local crafts people spin their own wool and knit them into scarves. They make jewelry, and pottery and beautiful wooden boxes.

Plan your holiday outings at local, owner operated restaurants and leave your server a nice tip. And, how about going out to see a play or ballet at your hometown theatre?

Musicians need love too, so find a venue showcasing local bands.

Honestly, people, do you REALLY need to buy another ten thousand Chinese lights for the house? When you buy a five dollar string of light, about fifty cents stays in the community. If you have those kinds of bucks to burn, leave the mailman, trash guy or babysitter a nice BIG tip.

You see, Christmas is no longer about draining American pockets so that China can build another glittering city. Christmas is now about caring about US, encouraging American small businesses to keep plugging away to follow their dreams. And, when we care about other Americans, we care about our communities, and the benefits come back to us in ways we couldn’t imagine.

THIS is the new American Christmas tradition!

-Submitted via e-mail.

The Dolphin welcomes letters from our readers on any subject that is of general interest to our audience. Letters should be 300 words or less (with exceptions at the Dolphin’s discretion). Letters reflect the opinion of the writer, and not that of Dolphin Talk staff, and we retain the right to determine suitability for publication. It is the policy of this newspaper to promote area interests: therefore, complaints against local businesses should be directed elsewhere. Letters must be signed and include day and evening phone numbers, which will not be published. Your name will be withheld upon request, but anonymous material will not be considered for publication.

Letters to the Dolphin:
Dolphin Talk
P.O. Box 777, Port O’Connor, TX 77982
dolphin1@tisd.net

The Seadrift Cemetery Association will hold their Annual Candlelight Service on Saturday, December 10th, at 6:30 p.m. at the Seadrift Cemetery Pavilion.

All are invited to join in this service of remembrance. Music will be provided by the Seadrift Community Choir.

Guest speaker at the Club meeting on the 17th was Dr. DiClimente, a new resident here in Port O’Connor. He has established his practice of Obstetrics & Gynecology in Port Lavaca, and spoke of the travels he had taken to finally reach Texas and our unique Community.

Unfortunately, the weather, unlike Club members, cannot make up its mind. We go from a temperature of 47 to a high of 80 day by day. And this intemperate weather does make it difficult for some of us to get in the Christmassy mood. But preparing for our annual Christmas Luncheon has heightened our holiday spirits as Club members are in the final stages of preparation for it.

Pat Turk, co-chairman of the Luncheon Menu reviewed with members for almost the very last time the foods to be served, and passed around containers to each for the foods.

The Decorating Committee, composed of Joyce Jordan, Sue Kubecka and Sally Jones, announced that Snowmen will occupy a prominent position both in the entry and Luncheon tables, creating a wintry display. The tree will be decorated Monday, November 28th at 9:30 a.m. Christmas music will be provided, along with several delicious eatables to get us all in the spirit. And the Committee Chairmen and their assistants will then be decorating the tables at 1:00 p.m. on the 29th following the Tuesday Luncheon and Bingo.

As the children from the School will be providing holiday music at 11:00 a.m., we are asking that you plan to arrive by 10:30 a.m. This will give you the time to find your friends and spot the table where you wish to sit. And, if you are a stay-at-home and wish to partake of our holiday luncheon, please contact Pat Ekstrom at 983-2030 or Janet Johnson, our President, 983-4737 to receive a luncheon plate

The final meeting of the year for the Service Club will be Thursday, December 1st at 10:00 a.m. in the Community Center. That meeting will concern the very final plans for our Christmas Luncheon the following day.