Thank You

Thanks to Mary and Marion for helping me sell tickets for the Cemetery Association Fundraiser and also to all the relatives and friends who bought tickets to keep the Cemetery grass cut and looking beautiful.

Sally Ragusin

To the Editor, Dolphin Talk

A JOB WELL DONE

Recently I had an issue come up concerning my sewer tap here in POC. I explained my situation to two of the board members, which could have been a problem, and they handled my dilemma with integrity and true professionalism.

I commend them and the new board for this and for the wonderful job they are doing with our new engineer, John D. Mercer & Assoc., to improve our aging water and sewer system. I understand that even with the big rains we’ve had, there have been only a few minor problems with sewer backup.

I would like to express my personal sincere appreciation for their hard, dedicated work in maintaining and improving our systems. And I hope in the near future we have the finances to install POC customers with the improved self-reading water meters.
Again, my sincere appreciation,

Ricki McKinney

The Dolphin welcomes letters from our readers on any subject that is of general interest to our audience. Letters should be 300 words or less (exception at the Dolphin’s discretion). Letters reflect the opinion of the writer, and not that of Dolphin Talk staff, and we retain the right to determine suitability for publication. It is the policy of this newspaper to promote area interests; therefore, complaints against local businesses should be directed elsewhere. Letters must be signed and include day and evening phone numbers, which will not be published. Your name will be withheld upon request, but anonymous material will not be considered for publication.
Dolphin Talk P.O. Box 777, Port O’Connor, TX 77982 dolphin1@tisd.net

DR. JENNIFER WIMBISH, a 1970 graduate of Calhoun High School, and a former member of the Sunligh Girl’s Club in Port Lavaca, Texas has authored her first book, “Leadership Wisdom For All Generations.” Wimbish, the first African American President of Cedar Valley College (CVC), of the Dallas County Community College District, in her recently released book “Leadership Wisdom For All Generation,” takes you on a journey, including her walk with God, from her childhood in Port Lavaca, to her college presidency, as she shares character and leadership principles gleaned from her mentors –wise authentic leaders. Wimbish provides in each chapter a short autobiography, followed by character and leadership lessons learned from her mentors. Leadership principles learned in Port Lavaca begin the book in a very dynamic manner. Dr. Wimbish concludes the book by presenting lessons derived from her own experiences as a president of a Texas community college. Wimbish says that the book is linked to her commitment to transgenerational learning. She believes strongly that each generation must leave a legacy that includes the learning of wise individuals, thus preparing tomorrow’s world leaders.

Wimbish, dedicates the book to the mentors that positively impacted her life. In Port Lavaca, she notes that her parents, the late Louis Butler and Jenlell Butler, provided character and leadership principles that allowed her to achieve many of her life goals. She further notes that living in a home with her brother Steven Butler, allowed her to live in an environment when love made her feel that she was “rich” because she was endowed with a family that let her know that she was special and bound for great things. The book is also dedicated to the late Mrs. Naomi Chase and Mrs. Majorie Green, who were her teachers when she was a student at Wilkins Elementary School in Port Lavaca. Wimbish share that these teachers, in a segregated school system, along with other professors and administrators at Wilkins, provided her with an education that prepared her not only to excel at Crockett Junior High, and Calhoun High School, but later at Hampton University, Texas A & M, Kingsville, and Michigan State University. Moreover, Wimbish states that the community of Port Lavaca provided her with character and leadership lessons that allowed her to live life in a positive manner; thereby, being a productive American citizen. In talking to community members in other Texas cities about the book, she shares freely that Port Lavaca, Texas was and is the best city in the world for a child and teen to grow up.

Jennifer Wimbish is the daughter of the late Louis Butler, who was the first African American City Councilman in Port Lavaca, and Mrs. Jenell Butler, who at 93 continues to be active in her church and the Port Lavaca community. Wimbish grew up surrounded by many positive role models at Mt. Sinai Baptist Church. Dr. Wimbish is known for her commitment to supporting and mentoring individuals in achieving their goals. As the President of Cedar Valley College, she led the college to recognition as a military friendly campus, and one nationally known as a model for sustainability. During her tensure, record increases in enrollment, completion, and graduation rates afforded many students access to a college education. The college’s Phi Theta Kappa Chapter won the title of Most Distinguished Chapter in the world, contributing to Dr. Wimbish receiving Phi Theta Kappa’s prestigious Michael Bennett Lifetime Achievement Award.

Dr. Wimbish was the featured speaker at Port Lavaca’s June 19th Celebration. On June 22, she will be making a special presentation and signing books at the Calhoun County Library from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon.

Her book, Leadership Wisdom for All Generations, can be found at amazon.com and barnesand nobles.com.

Having fun at Vacation Bible School

First Baptist Church Port O’Connor hosted their annual Vacation Bible School on June 3 -7, 2019. With a daily average of 45 children and 25 workers (adults and youth), the whole congregation really adhered to this year’s motto “Zoom In, Focus on Jesus.” The children learned all about the daily encounters Jesus had with every day people like them.

Along with the daily Bible study, the children all participated in crafts, music, games, and missions. And speaking of missions, this year the children of vacation bible school raised $582.03 that will be given to the South Texas Children’s Home in Beeville and brought 153 cans/nonperishable food items to be donated to our own POC local food bank. The charity shown by each and everyone of these kids is truly amazing.

A BIG shout out to all the workers. Once again, this event would not be possible without your help and it is very much appreciated. If your child attended vacation bible school and would like to continue to come to Sunday school, please contact Candice Stryker at 361-655-8224.

– Candice Stryker

The Seadrift Depot/Museum is almost finished!

All that is left to do is the plumbing! The finish date is just around the corner. Pictured are Billy and Catherine Riley who have worked on the Depot for three months now. Beautiful inside and out, the Seadrift Depot/Museum will be a great asset to our community!

-Tanya DeForest

Service Club meets only once a month during June, July & August. At our June meeting, the heat and humidity turned our thoughts to our wonderful Front Beach area. The Service Club has voted to make “Beach Improvements” one of their projects this year. Club will be consulting and partnering with Calhoun County to determine what Club can contribute towards improving the beach recreational facilities for our residents and visitors. More on this to come as decisions are made!

Upcoming Events:

Garage Sale: Our next Garage & Bake Sale will be held on Saturday, October 5.
There are some changes in what kind of items we can accept for these garage sales. EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY:
We can no longer accept ANY of the following items:
Televisions
Computers & Similar/Related Electronic items
(small appliances such as working toasters or coffee pots can still be accepted)
Telephones
Mattresses
Pillows
Also, all FURNITURE items must be inspected before we can take them for the Garage Sale. To arrange an inspection, please contact Donna Vuichard or Marie Hawes.

Christmas Luncheon: Plan to join us at the Community Center for the annual Christmas Seniors Luncheon on December 6.
Next Service Club Meeting will be on the SECOND Thursday, July 11 at 10 a.m. at the Community Center (enter through the rear door.) All are welcome –members can be full or part-time POC residents and we’d love to have you join us. Your support and participation are what make the Service Club’s work possible!