The Board of the POC Community Garden Club is excited to share an update. Over the last several months, the Board has filed all state and federal forms to secure our Recognition of Exemption under Section 501(c)3 of the IRS code, written By-Laws and Garden Site Rules, as well as secured some funds to start the program. We would like to give a huge “thank you” to the POC Improvement District for allowing us to use four areas of land on the corner of Harrison and 16th St. for the garden and to Willy Ragusin from POC Electric, for clearing the land and helping us to prepare for leveling and building raised beds. Our plans are to have Phase I, which consists of 20 raised beds. ready for spring planting.

Our first Annual Meeting will be held on October 18. Check our Facebook page for place and time. At this meeting we will elect our new Board Members as well as formally accept the By-Laws and Garden Site Rules. Everyone is invited to join the POC Community Garden Club for just $20. The monthly Community Garden Club meetings will provide an opportunity to share knowledge and ideas with gardeners in the community. The monthly programs will focus on a variety of topics including: natural fertilizers, pest control and weed prevention suggestions; canning and food preservation; companion planting; and, appropriate plants and timelines for Zone 9b.

We are excited about our progress and hope you will join us.

Thank You to the Red Snapper Round Up for the generous donation to the Chamber which will be used for projects within our community. We also appreciate the gift from Fishing for Whit Fishing Tournament which will be used for the Community Center Renovation Project.

Speaking of the Renovation Project, we recently participated in the Taco Thursday kick-off fundraising event at the community center. The turnout was great, and the food was wonderful. Thanks to all who attended! We appreciate your support as this is an important project for our community.

Texas Parks & Wildlife recently sent out an email reminding everyone that the new fishing season started September 1st. Make sure you obtain a current license prior to heading out on the water. You can get your license right here in town at Marty’s Landing or POC Rod & Gun.

Here are a few things we are currently working on for the remainder of the year: Our Trunk or Treat event will be held Saturday October 29th and include a dog costume contest again this year. The Poker Run will be held the Saturday after Thanksgiving November 26th, the annual Boat Parade and Toy Run will be Saturday, December 3.

The Board of Directors has made the decision not to host the annual Christmas Party and instead focus our efforts on the Casino Membership Appreciation event which will be held after the first of the year. We will have our annual Chamber business meeting which will be held December 12th.

Our deepest condolences to the family of Rusty Tronicek who recently passed away. Rusty’s Charters has been a Chamber member for several years and Port O’ Connor will miss him dearly.

We welcome our new and renewing members for this month, Port O’ Connor Improvement District and RV Mobile Repair LLC. Business memberships have been discounted to $50 through the end of the year.

Our meetings are the second Monday of the month at 6:30 at the Port O’Connor Library Multipurpose room. We welcome everyone to come out and get involved.

Remember to visit the chamber calendar to stay up to date on all the local events. https://business.portoconnorchamber.com/events/calendar

AUSTIN – Texas hunters headed out for dove season are asked to watch for abandoned or deteriorated water wells, and to report any they find to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.

With as many as 150,000 abandoned or deteriorated water wells in Texas, chances are that hunters could spot these potential safety hazards that also contribute to groundwater pollution. Abandoned or deteriorated water wells can contaminate groundwater by providing a direct conduit for chemicals and other surface contaminants, such as animal waste and pesticides, to directly enter aquifers. Uncapped wells also present a physical danger to humans and animals who can be severely injured or killed when they fall partially or completely into the well.

What does an abandoned or deteriorated water well look like? There could be a plastic, steel, brick or concrete casing (pipe) that extends above ground, or there could be a hole in the ground with no apparent bottom. Some abandoned wells have concrete or brick casing extending above ground or a windmill with missing blades.

Abandoned or deteriorated well casings or pipes may be cut off at ground level, posing an additional threat.

• Wells are “abandoned” when they are not in use, as defined by Texas Occupations Code, Section 1901.255.
• A “deteriorated” well is a well that is causing or likely to cause pollution of any water in the state, including groundwater.

If you’re aware of abandoned or deteriorated wells, please report them to TDLR: https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/abwells/default.aspx. When filing the report, please include an address or GPS Coordinates and any photos or video of the well, if possible.

To avoid problems related to a water well that’s no longer in use, landowners should install a locking well cap or sanitary well seal – not just a cover over the well – to prevent unauthorized use or entry into the well. Septic systems should be pumped and inspected as often as recommended by the local health department. Care should be taken when mowing or working near the well.

Landowners are responsible for abandoned or deteriorated water wells on their property, and once they’re aware of an abandoned well on their property, they must plug it within 180 days. Landowners can plug the well themselves (in compliance with Title 16, Texas Administrative Code, Section (76.104 Capping and Plugging Wells Standards) or hire a well driller or pump installer licensed by TDLR to plug the well or bring the well into compliance.

If a landowner chooses to plug the well themselves, they are required to plug the well in accordance with TDLR’s well plugging specifications (https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/wwd/wwdspecs.htm) and submit a State of Texas Plugging Report to TDLR within 30 days from the date the well was plugged.

All ladies are welcome to join us for Bunco on Tuesday, October 4, 2022 at 6:30 p.m. at the POC Community Center. Dress up for Halloween if you like. $5.00 to play (includes refreshments).

Please RSVP to 281-416-6928 so that the Hostesses know how many to prepare for!
-Alane Haardt alanehaardt@me.com