Calhoun County Republican Party is sponsoring a Candidate Forum for Precinct #4 Constable Monday, January 27, at the Seadrift Community Center.

Finger food, coffee, tea, will be served from 5pm-5:30pm, followed by debate.

Candidates are Kevin Koliba (incumbent); Lee Jorday and Louis Warren. Public is invited.

Being that the New Year is now upon us and we are all fully settled into it, I thought it was a good idea to reflect on things I have said in this space for nearly eight years at this time, as I feel they are just as relevant if not more then they were then…they helped me through a hard year when I reflected on what I wrote before.  I hope they do the same for you as well:
“There are many things in life that seem to be out of reach; be it a new job you actually love, following a desire to its natural end or even the most elusive of all, love itself.

Through the years I personally have found small amounts of success at the things I do have talent in and although I have yet to actually make enough money to do those things full time or honestly taken them to a point where I am personally satisfied with the results (which at times can mean much more then simple monetary payment), I find myself obsessed with the formula that breeds those positive endings.

Like almost any goal, dream or errant desire, there is only one person to blame if you cannot reach those goals and that is yourself.

This is of course the hard part, the scenes not shown in movies and documentaries, the parts of substantial success we never really see…

There has to be a love of the process of the sweat and hard work that go into really achieving our goals, whether they are tiny or world shaking, when they are completed.”

“This is the time when real change occurs, when you have to stand tall alone. The times when you have nothing to do but face what is the worst thing inside of you and tell it to be quiet, sit down, and shut up. I love you and all but we’re going for a little ride.

You may even have to strap your internal demons into the passenger seat and lock the car doors. Most likely this negative voice is not going to want to go for this ride with you. He is content and comfortable with the way that things are right now and doesn’t want them to change. So out of fear and misguided protection, that negative voice comes out and tells you what you cannot do rather than what you can do or could do…

I think it is ironic that the year starts out cold and then suddenly grows warmer for most people around the world. It’s kind of a sign that the beginning of any Journey starts out rough and cold, the kind of place that you wouldn’t expect to find treasures buried in the ice of your soul.

Embrace that voice; tell it you love it, tell it that it is OK to fear and have doubts, but if you can finally work together rather than apart, the days will warm as the light of the sun draws closer to us and the dark will retreat into the past. “

If you missed the Annual Chamber Christmas Party, we hope you make plans to attend in 2020. No need to be a member to attend; community is invited. Joanie Morgan and Mary Jo Walker were in charge of this event, as usual it was a very enjoyable event. Thank you, Port O’Connor Service Club for letting us enjoy the beautiful “Old Fashioned Christmas” decorations, that they shared with us. Everything from the live music to the fantastic food, was enjoyed by all. It was a Huge Buffet—Thanks to all the Business members that shared the taste of their food with us, what a buffet it was!!!

And as always we appreciate Mrs. Berger for sharing her photo booth with us, so many fun and wonderful pictures.
The election for 2020 directors was held. Those elected were: Dawn Ragusin, Darla Parker, Kacie Skalak, Troy Wygrys and Brent Hart. They will be starting their two-year positions. Hold over directors for one more year are Mary Jo Walker, Debbie Machalek, Mike Overton, John Reneau and Ronna Fishbeck. Results of 2020 officers will be in the next issue.

The 2020 Membership Drive has begun, as membership is now January to January. In the past it had been March. So, if you are ready to pay your 2020 dues, go to portoconnorchamber.com and join online.Come and get involved in your community. Port O’Connor is a great place; let’s keep it this way.

The 2020 Crawfish Festival will be held April 25th. Now available online are the applications for vendors and cookers, so you can now run off and mail in. Looking for a Fantastic 2020 Festival.

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. For information or questions give us a call 361-983-2898 or email info@portoconnorchamber.com. Our next meeting will be February 10th.

New & Renewed Members: Pullin Bar BQ
Vasquez Construction