On Monday, April 29th, there was a lot of activity in the garden as we embarked on spring cleaning. We had various tasks to address, including refreshing small areas. We pulled weeds and cleared around the shade structure, as well as tending to the fruit tree area.

It’s fantastic to see local businesses like Reddico and individuals like Nathan O’Neill and Ed Hall stepping up to support community initiatives like the Port O’Connor Community Garden. Their contributions of materials, labor, and expertise are invaluable in expanding and improving the garden. Reddico brought in sand and spread it for Phase II and Nathan leveled a pad for eight more beds. for everyone to enjoy. It’s also heartening to hear about Sheriff Bobby Vickery and the Calhoun County Work release program lending their support to the project. One bed was completed today. Together, they’re making a positive difference in the community, one garden bed at a time!

We spread a lot at the POCCGC, but safety is always first! Make sure to spread the word about being cautious while driving through the garden and respecting each gardener’s ownership of their bed’s harvest.

What a fantastic, instructional event was held at the POC Community Garden! Terri McGuire, our local gardening expert, is so knowledgeable and such a generous teacher. With her guidance, attendees are sure to have successful tomato harvests.

Dieter Erhardt of Art Center Seadrift announced that EL TORO is completed.

Now a cowgirl is riding the wild one eyed bull, holding a flower with a star blossom in her hand which means a symbol of hope. The hat and boots she is wearing, symbolize a Texas girl.

The girl’s poncho is welded from about 1,000 pieces. She wears a poncho because Dieter did not want to make her “sexy looking”, but to dedicate his work to the strong women in this world.

In June, Dieter is inviting 100 (only) women in order to join the unveiling, with the idea of a fundraiser for the local women’s shelter, to cover some of their needs. So far already $4.800 dollars have come together.

The unveiling speech will be held by Mrs. Mortler, member of the European Parlament. Thereafter, the sculpture, which weighs 15.000 pounds will be for sale.

Claire Carey won 1st place All Around at the Region 3 Xcel Platinum Gymnastics Competition. Region 3 consists of Arkansas, Colorado, Kansas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, and Wyoming. Claire is the daughter of Joey and Breanna Carey and the granddaughter of Joe and Theresa Krenek and Dell and Pam Weathersby.

There’s a lot of changes in store for the City of Seadrift. Because Seadrift is an incorporated City it has a mayor and five people known as Councilmen who sit on the Council. The Council votes on numerous issues that come up on their monthly agenda. The City Mayor oversees this process. The Mayor Pro Tem steps in when the Mayor is absent. The City Secretary plays a big role as well along with the Utilities Secretary, the Municipal Clerk, and the City Clerk.

On May 4th the citizens of Seadrift voted to put some new faces on the City Council. Councilmen Ranier Brigham and Dale Gaines have been replaced by Alysa Jarvis and Paul Gonzales. The current Seadrift Mayor Elmer DeForest is retiring from serving the city for 16 years. He will be missed! Jesse Hubbell is stepping into Elmer’s shoes as the new Seadrift Mayor. We wish him well. He ran unopposed in the city election.

Ranier Brigham had served as Seadrift Councilman for 12 years. While he was in the office, he oversaw four departments, which were the Public Safety, Streets and Drainage, Solid Waste, and the Harbor. He was in the Public Safety Department the longest, which was 8 years. He also served as Mayor Pro Tem.

Dale Gaines served as City Councilman for one term and oversaw the Solid Waste Department.
We will miss Ranier and Dale being on the City Council, and we welcome the newcomers, Jesse Hubbell (Mayor) Alysa Jarvis and Paul Gonzales (City Council).
-Tanya DeForest

Pictured above is the new building that will be used by the City of Seadrift for an office and a lab. Standing in front of the building is (L to R) Seadrift Solid Waste Director Terry Maddux and Seadrift Mayor Elmer DeForest.

Located at 101 S. Orange Street construction for the building began in August 2023. The funds for the building came from Seadrift’s Wastewater Treatment Fund. The new building just needs some final touches, and it will be complete! Drive on by and take a look.