Here at the Library we have just received another donation of books and dvds; our patrons are the very best anywhere as they continually help us. If these are duplications of existing books on the shelves, they are put up for sale, and the proceeds go to purchase some dvds or books that we do not have. As our purchasing budget has been cut in half, we are extremely grateful for the thoughtfulness of all.

Summer is really here; just see all the kids at the Front Beach! And, Mothers, this also means that your personal time has become quite limited when it comes to settling down with a good book. If you are looking for amusement and a slight distraction from dishes and the never ending laundry, pick up one of the following books. They’re deep enough to involve you personally, but not so much to put the laundry off for a month! And the tube won’t be offering much during the next few months, as re-runs are starting already.

Just had the opportunity to revisit an author I had enjoyed earlier, and that is Catherine Coulter with her FBI series. I found the book Double Take and realized that this is one that I had missed. Written in 2007, the book is set in my favorite city, San Francisco, and for me, the delight was revisiting so many of the streets, areas, and places that I had called home for many years. The main characters in the series are the two agents, Dillon Savich and Lacey Sherlock, husband and wife, who are known as Sherlock & Savich respectively. They have a delightfully computer-literate young son, who becomes a necessary part of each story. The plot this time evolves from the attempted assassination of the young wife of a previously murdered psychic to the later deaths of several other psychics. Well written and very easy to read; also a story that you will want to continue to read long after the dishes call your name.

A new author on the shelves is Dorothea Benton Frank, and don’t let her interesting and “old-timey” first name throw you. Ms. Frank is originally from Sullivans’ Island in South Carolina, a barrier island across from Charleston, and her books are set in those areas. I picked up The Christmas Pearl first and enjoyed it so very much that I was thrilled to find two more of her books on our shelves. The Christmas Pearl is set in Charleston with a charming woman of 92 years young, longing for the return of her Christmas traditions. But with the arrival of her children, spouses and grandchildren for the holidays, their ideas of Christmas are not set in traditions. Further, the back of the book contains some wonderful recipes of foods that are native to Charleston, including red rice. The book is worth reading if just for the recipes alone.

Then I found Return To Sullivans’ Island, and became enthralled with that area once again. We’ve been fortunate enough to have spent time in Charleston and its surrounding areas and visited Sullivans’ Island at the recommendation of someone I met on the streets of Charleston. The Island itself maintains the air and traditions of the 30’s and 40’s, an area still somewhat slumbering and enjoying it with no plans to change. The book reflects that belief in its opening chapters as it introduces a charming family of Beth Hayes. Her relatives have persuaded her to stay in their large home on the dunes and house-sit for a year, while foregoing her plans to attend graduate school. The reader forms the strong desire to know these characters and really wish they lived nearby. But the strongest desire is to revisit the Island; the author states again the Island belief that once you get its sand in your shoes, you can never truly leave.

One day last week Shirley and I had a very pleasant surprise; a charming lady brought in several boxes of books to be donated, and then told us how much she has enjoyed this column. Talk about wow! Just hope we can continue in that vein; and a sincere thank you to all the readers. We have a number of books, both hard cover and soft cover, available for sale; at the prices of $1.00 for hardcover and $0.25 for the soft. They make excellent companions when you go on a trip and don’t want to worry about a due date from our Library. Do come and check them out! You won’t be disappointed.

“When an old person dies, a Library burns down”
Karin Gillespie

Do you like being free? Our freedom is not something that we deserve; it is a gift given to us by the men and women who gave their lives for that freedom. We are free to live as we desire, that is, within the bounds of the laws of our land. For 235 years we have enjoyed this freedom because a people believed in God and lived by His rules and regulations. Are His rules hard and terrible? “Do unto others, as you wold have them do unto you.” “Love one another, as I have loved you.” Are those who wish to obliterate all Biblical teachings from our culture and nation, ready to suffer the consequences of a nation without God? Look around the world and note some nations that have turned their backs on God. Do you think people would like to live there, where there are no freedoms? If living in America around those who follow God bothers the populace, then maybe they should consider trying a country that has only a few who follow God. In some of these countries, those who follow God are being tortured and killed because of their belief. There is good news for those living in the USA who don’t believe in God. They will not be tortured or killed because they do not believe in God. In some other country, people could be tortured or killed because they did not follow their edicts, rules and regulations or believe the way they believe.
Recently, the news reported that a couple had sued a school district because they did not want prayer or anything “Christian” at the graduation ceremony. The lower court ruled in their favor, but a higher court overturned that ruling. How sad it is when folks use their freedoms afforded them by “Christian” principles to fight against the very thing that gave them the freedom to protest. Seems to me that they are “shooting themselves in the foot”. Take God and “amen” and other Christian principles away and people end up threatening their freedom to protest.

Yes, my article has a definite “Christian” emphasis, because I believe that our existence, continued freedoms and happiness are bound up in our belief in God and our service to Him and humankind. 1 Samuel 2:30 says: Therefore the LORD, the God of Israel, declares: ‘I promise that your house and your father’s house would minister before me forever.’ But now the LORD declares: ‘Far be it from me! Those who honor me I will honor, but those who despise me will be disdained. I believe our best course of action is to trust God, honor Him, and follow Him.

Celebrate the freedoms we have in this wonderful country. Remember where our freedoms have come from. Remember we have a responsibility to maintain our freedoms. Remember, when we turn our backs on God and despise Him, we have no one to depend upon but ourselves and we are not dependable without God. Give God His rightful place. Let Him be your Savior and Guide. Let Him be the Lord of our country.

2011 Vacation Bible School is now history! The School set all records for attendance, number of workers and helpers, and “Parents’ Night”. Candice Stryker was Director of the “Big Apple Adventure”. The average attendance, including workers, was 109. The number of children registered was 79. Teachers in each of the classes were: PreK-Kindergarten- April Guevara, April Chronister and Rachel Redding; in the 1st and 2nd grade were Peggy Macha and Andi Munsch; in the 3rd and 4th grade was Terri Quinn, Holly Quinn and Carissa Shaw; in the 5th and 6th grade were Janet Johnson and Sue Gohlke. Music was taught by Raymond and Rachel. The crafts were taught by Judy Wilson, Holly Dyes and Billie Gerke. Missions was led by Leah Griffin; recreation by Marcos Gohlke and Ray Roberds. The fantastic snacks were by Pat Ekstrom, Biddie Hileman, Mary Ann Claiborne, Emma Jean Dumas, Sally Jones and Debbie LeBouef. Doyle Adams led the worship rally and Bill Moore drove the church van each day. Registration was by Evelyn Lewis and the nursery was supplied by Teresa Scott and Julia Murphy.

The children held a “penny contest” each day between the girls and the boys. The girls were winners by less than a dollar. The contest total donation was $500.14, all of which went to victims of the recent tornadoes in our country. On “Parent’s Night” the total number of parents, grandparents, guests and children attending was 134. Everyone enjoyed the program presented by the children and the refreshments served by the Church.

This Sunday, June 26, is the final service for our Pastor, Brother Marcos Gohlke. Brother Gohlke is retiring as our pastor. This Sunday evening at 6:00 p.m., the Church is having an “ole fashioned ice cream social” honoring Brother Marcos and Sue. Everyone is invited to attend. The Church is also having their “Birthday Bash”, honoring all those who had birthdays in April, May and June of this year. Come and wish Marcos and Sue a Big Happy Retirement!

The Texas 200 has come to Seadrift, Texas. Sailors from as far away as Australia; Spokane, Washington; Green Bay, Wisconsin; Colorado; Missouri and across Texas gathered in Port Isabel, Texas for the fourth annual Texas 200 Challenge. With sailboats as small as 8 ft., mud ducks to as large as 26 ft., cruisers, catamarans to double masted ketches, to challenge the Texas coastal waters for 200 miles and six days.

This year’s 200 challenge was especially difficult with winds in the 30’s and four to six foot seas Traveling for some with compass and chart alone, with stories of demasting, broken rudders, ripped sails, capsizing, running aground, relentless waves and unbearable sun, sailors would recover refit and make do with help from fellow sailors to their ultimate goal of the finish line in Seadrift Texas.

Sailboats would gather at night at predetermined locations to camp. Making repairs, cooking dinners, fishing or going for a late evening swim, then settling for the night in conversations with there fellow sailors.

As the next morning arrived, boats would sail off with sails stretching for miles to the horizon, each day bringing a new adventure, Some sailors sailing alone, some with buddies, and some with spouses.

As sailors arrived in Seadrift, they would speak of the beauty of the Texas coastline –dolphins playing near their boats, the beautiful coastal birds, catching fish in the evening, and watching the clouds of sails move across the bays, One older gentleman stated, “What beautiful islands and water you have here in Texas, long stretches of unspoiled coastline.”

Other sailors would arrive in Seadrift, beach their boats, tired and worn out, saying, “ Can’t wait till next year. I will miss the silent swishing of the sailboat cutting through the water.”

But this Great Adventure could not happen without the hard work and dedication of a few individuals and civic organizations of Seadrift.

When asked why he founded the Texas 200 Challenge, Chuck Leinweber stated, “When sailing, I always try to challenge myself by remembering ‘good decisions come from good judgment, good judgment comes from bad decisions’” Leinweber, who sails a plywood ketch (cat-rigged) named “Pearl” said that the 200 has no rules and no winners, and it is not a race but a challenge. It gives one a chance to sail in challenging conditions.

There are approximately 100 members involved with the 200 and they can be reached at the Texas 200.com .

Other sailing groups joined in, including the Yahoo group Geezers, headed by Bill Tosh of Henderson, Texas and Noel Nicholls who have been sailing the 200 for the last two years.

Many sailors spoke of the welcome they received in Seadrift as members of the Seadrift Sail and Yacht Club headed by Commodore Jack LaBarge, who also completed the 200 challenge himself welcomed the tired sailors with cold water and help with their boats. LaBarge stated, “The challenge was different for every one of us and everyone does it for different reasons.” LaBarge has been working to bring the 200 to Seadrift for the last 2 1/2 years.

A shrimp boil awaited the hungry boaters later that evening “to our Aussie friends” there was Bubba’s Shrimp on the barbie as Bubba’s supplied the shrimp boil. “What a reception in Seadrift!” sailors would say as the Seadrift Chamber of Commerce, headed by Jason Jones, supplied the tables, chairs and bottled water. And the Seadrift Lions Club, headed by Peggy Gaines, turned out in force to serve all the hungry voyagers.

Sailors also commented on the new harbor improvements and the ease of sailing straight in. The City Harbor has been undergoing improvements under the direction of councilman Johnny Mikolas (Harbor Commissioner), who has been working to save the city harbor.

Seeing so many locals deeply involved in the community with no pay, donating their time to inspire fellowship in their community was inspiring.

Many friends were made and adventures shared on this voyage… until next year.

Sailors in the Texas 200 Photo by Vicky Grove

The Port O’Connor Lions Club is sponsoring swimming lessons at Clark’s pool from July 18 to July 28.

Monday through Thursday, 3 to 5 year olds will be given 30 minute lessons at a cost of $25 per week.

Ages 6 and over will receive a one hour lesson Monday through Thursday for $50.00 per week.

The instructor will be experienced swimming teacher, Carla Kurtz.

Call Lydia Strakos at 983-2003 to register.