COVID 19 touched everyone in one way or another! As the graduating seniors around the USA prepared for graduation, a flash back of how exciting this time was for me ran through my head. These upcoming 2020 graduates have had this special day taken away in a blink of the eye!

As I was scrolling through Facebook one night I saw a post from a daughter of one of my childhood friends. In the Fort Worth area they were adopting the graduates; I thought this would be really nice to do for our POC graduates. What started out in my mind as a small kind gesture grew into an amazing event for these young adults!

I can’t THANK Denise Sandy enough for jumping in head first and helping me with this as it grew from a small ordeal to raising $4,800.00 for the money tree so we could split this with the 16 graduates. Each graduate was adopted by our great citizens of the community. I can’t THANK each donor enough for stepping forward and making a day that these young folks will always remember so special.

A special THANK YOU to Renee and Jody Hawes that prepared a special table in memory of Carley Rosenboom. It was a beautiful dedication! Also Marie and Robbie Hawes donated refreshments for all that attended.

About a month ago Seadrift School had an online meeting to discuss the 8th grade celebration as they transition into high school. As the school staff brainstormed, they came up with the idea on how to follow safety guidelines and still make it special for the students. It started with each student having a banner posted on the school fence. Then the staff came up with the idea of a parade. (26 students from Seadrift are moving up to CHS.) -Tanya DeForest

A love of surfing and sailing brought Wesley Hunt and his two sons, Geoff and Greg, to Seadrift. That was back in 1995, and that was 25 years ago! Reflecting on those 25 years, Wesley wrote on his facebook page: “After 25 years of staring at the bay I realized I have been watching it 9,125 days..Smile..I never get jaded..the most beautiful place on earth!”

Wesley, and his wife of 17 years, Ziomara, live on Seadrift’s bayfront with an incredible view of the water. Add to this picture their growing family. In addition to their two sons, they have a new daughter-in-law, two granddaughters, and a new grandson.

One of the sons shared his perspective on Wesley’s impact in his life as a father: “The older I get, the more I see that the phrase “you are your father’s son” certainly applies with us. He’s been more of a role model than I think either one of us had realized. He built his entire life starting from nothing and influenced me to do the same.”

Wesley Hunt built his life from the influence of his own father. His dad served in the Navy, was a firefighter, and enjoyed Christian ministry. In Wesley’s own words he describes his dad: “He taught me the importance of the work ethic, love of God and family- values I treasure and have carried with me in all aspects of my life, even more now as a City Judge and Justice of the Peace.”

Wesley Hunt started his work career at a very young age, learning a variety of occupations. He graduated from the University of Kansas KLETC and has more than 10 years of service as a police officer. He did contract work for the Federal Protection Agency, was certified in multiple areas of law enforcement, and holds a commendation for outstanding service.

Wesley currently serves as Justice of the Peace in Precinct 4 and is the Municipal Judge of the City of Seadrift. His oldest son, Geoff Hunt, a boat captain, currently serves on the Seadrift City Council and is over the Seadrift Harbor. Younger son, Greg Hunt, served in the Coast Guard and works at Formosa.

Hope everyone in our community is doing good; seems most have been safe during these trying times our nation has been through.

The Chamber has received many calls, asking if King Fisher Beach is open, yes it is open with many visitors enjoying the sun and fresh air. The restrooms are also open, after being sanitized.

It was decided to go forward with the “Annual Fireworks Display” as scheduled on July 4th, at King Fisher Beach & Park. The display will begin at dark, with vendors at the park during the day. Come out and enjoy a fun-filled day. The community will be celebrating the 50th anniversary of this event. THANKS for all the donations, as you are the ones that makes this possible. If you still would like to donate it’s not too late. You can make your donation to Port O’Connor Chamber, Box 701, Port O’Connor,TX 77982 or online to Chamber website———portoconnorchamber.com –and make a donation.

Thanks to Brent Hart for forming a Port O’Connor Historical Committee, and thanks for this information, from Brent:
The Port O’Connor Historical Committee and the Calhoun County Historical Commission (Robert Loflin – Chair, John Kassner – Vice Chair, Gary Ralson – Marker Chair, Treasurer) are working towards erecting a AT-6 Texan trainer silhouette. This silhouette is approximately 25 feet long and 10 feet high, and will depict the image of the AT-6 Texan trainer aircraft along with an instructor and student. The silhouette will be commissioned from Artist Brian Norwood. Mr. Norwood has a portfolio of several Texas Historical markers that includes “Fortress on the Plains”, and “The Trail Ahead.”

Tentatively the location of the AT-6 Texan Trainer will be placed near the Port O’Connor Community Center. On June 22, 2020 a meeting of the Calhoun County Historical Commission, Port O’ Connor Historical Committee and Board Members from the Port O’Connor Community Center will be called to discuss and finalize the location.

The AT-6 Trainer aircraft was flown at the Matgorada Island Air Force Base. This Air Force Base was built in 1943 and closed in 1975.

A reminder, the Annual Kids Fishing Tournament & Kite Contest will on Saturday of Labor Day weekend, so start making your plans for this end of the summer celebration.

New & Renewed Memberships:

Donn Stringo Lifestyle Solutions
Clips & Dips Dog Grooming
Nancy Pomykal
Vantage Marine
The Texas Fin
Dove Gear LLC
Josie’s Mexican Food & Cantina
DB Coastal Outfitters
Craig & Suzanne Williams
Clint Bennetsen
Sharilyn Carroll
Shirley’s Small Frys Daycare