Here we are into the last month of 2018.  Chamber of Commerce sincerely appreciates and sends out a HUGH THANKS to each and everyone who has been a member, volunteered, made donations of time or money, to help make the events throughout the year such a success; you should be proud to be a part of this, without you it wouldn’t have been possible, Looking forward to working with you in 2019.

The 1st Golf Cart Scavenger Hunt was a great success, fun had by all.  The weather was also fantastic for the Lighted Boat Parade on the ICW – beautiful weather for all the beautiful boats. We’re so proud of all the people who took time to decorate those boats. On the 7th, the Annual Chamber Christmas Party was another success – fun enjoyed by all. “THANKS” to all who made this a success, to all who donated the variety of food, the wonderful live band.

The results for 2019 directors on election ballot was: Debbie Michalek, John Reneau, Mike Overton, Mary Jo Walker and Ronna Fishbeck. The Chamber appreciates all that Troy Wygrys and Staci Hein accomplished and helped with in 2018 and looking forward to working with them in 2019.

Next meeting January 14th-HOPE TO SEE YOU!!!

Check us out on Facebook & Instagram; 361-983-2898—361poc@gmail.com.
portoconnorchamber.com

New Members:
The Treasure Chest
Sister’s Gift Shop
Coastal Cleaning,Inc.
Connie Barrientes
Margaret Claiborne
Chris & Cindy Hanson
Jim & Amy Severson
Arnold & Melanie Martinez

Wishing all a Merry Christmas and a safe & Happy New Year!

Two months ago, we explored what I personally feel were the best Halloween films and TV specials to watch to celebrate the season and this month I figured we would do the same for Christmas:

1. Scrooged: Although this film is now getting upward in years, it is still in my opinion one of the fresher takes on the classic Christmas story A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens.

Bill Murray plays Frank Cross, a TV executive who cares more about corporate success and money than people and being self-satisfied. The movie is hilarious with Murray’s brand of ‘dead pan’ comedy and the cast is great with notables like Bobcat Goldwaith, Carol Kane and Karen Allen.
If you want to never stop laughing while thinking about what is really important in life, this is the film for you.

2. A Christmas Story: Yeah, as you can see, I drift towards the comedy found in the holiday season and this is another great comedy that also in modern times is as much a Christmas Classic on television as Miracle on 34th Street or It’s a Wonderful Life.

Although the film is a blend of aspects of the 1966 short story anthology, In God We Trust: All Others Pay Cash, by author Jean Sheppard (who also narrated the 1983 film), A Christmas Story has become a welcome part of their Christmas celebrations
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3.Christmas Vacation: Much like Scrooged, some of Christmas Vacation’s humor may not be everyone’s cup of tea and although like most holiday fare it does have a happy ending, this one is just one great scene after another and of Chevy Chase’s best comedic performances in his third outing as family man Clark Griswold.

4. It’s A Wonderful Life: Well eventually we had to throw a ‘classic’ feature in this list and this Jimmy Stewart driven Frank Capra film is the one where the message is still just as strong as it was then in 1946 when it was released.

Telling the tale of a man who thinks the life he leads has no real impact on the world around him, the narrative expresses with aplomb how one seemingly insignificant person is so important to the society around him, even if in day to day life the person feels they are not impacting the world at all.

5. How the Grinch Stole Christmas: Another modern classic, this 1967 cartoon short was a combination of talent that perfectly fit the already brilliant children’s book written by the amazing and prolific Dr. Suess. Chuck Jones of Looney Tunes fame directed the animated masterpiece while the speaking role of the Grinch’s voice was given to Boris Karloff, a legend in film, particularly the ‘monster movies’ of the thirties and forties.

Again the message at the end is clear and Dr. Suess’ message rings true: Happiness and joy, may it be at Christmas or on any other day, are a product of what is in your heart, not in what objects surround you.

Merry Christmas!

All Smiles! Great Times! Life Long Memories!
-Capt. Jeff Larson

Give the gift that keeps on giving……memories in the outdoors. The Beauty about booking Hunting and Fishing Trips is the memories that are so unique to that day you go hunting or fishing. Take a minute and reflect on your outdoor Memories and Activities. Not Football, Baseball or Basketball. Here’s one for ya! Think about the one that got away. For those of you that have fished with me, know that a missed fish was the biggest one I ever seen, the Next State Record. Hey, it makes the other guys laugh. How about those dux that swooped in and not a feather was CUT! Hey, those were all banded, Money Bands.

Lots of Fun Hunting and Fishing, Lots of Memories, Meeting New Friends, Special Times! We all enjoy it because its different and things just happen naturally. There isn’t a schedule or cue.

The first split was remarkable. We had customer limits every hunt but one. Very successful.

Second opener was great as well but is slowly changing due to the massive amount of rain fall throughout Texas.

Brennen and I went Deer and Crane hunting in Hondo, Texas with my buddy, JC McLelland a couple weeks ago. They had creeks full of water that have been dried out for years. Ducks were actually scattered all around that part of the country as well. Hondo is known for Dove and Deer. Not Dux! We saw several duck hunters utilizing the standing water in the grain fields in those counties West of San Antonio. It’s just a wet year.

It’s been a topic of discussion between the local guides and lack of ducks. We discuss the rainfall and the new records set this year. Wet Year Scattered Duck Populations. Hey, it’s part of it. Inland hunting has been really good in the flooded grain fields and we are thankful for that option.

The other afternoon we were on a scouting trip from West Maddy South to the Bayou. It was a ghost town. We saw ducks but not the rafts of birds we are used to seeing on a shorter scouting trip. We almost saw more Whooping Cranes than Ducks. Scary huh? We know Whoopers are numbered and monitored. Lil exaggeration so you get my point. Not many ducks this week.

The key words are “This Week” all we need is another norther and here they come, all back to normal, Red Heads Everywhere.
Hey, it’s a cycle like everything else. Take Flounder for example, Last year was the year of the Flounder this year not so much, Mid Coast. Galveston Flounder Run has been on fire and is still going strong. We have Connections up there if anyone is interested in catching some Monster Flounder.

Trout fishing has been unbelievable. Wading, of course, is the best way to string a limit. All artificial lures are in play. Shrimp are still at the bait stands for the popping cork & shrimp fishermen.

Airboat Redfishing has been off the charts also. My Guide Buddy Captain Pat Lester sent me a video of a triple hook up. I couldn’t tell if he was rubbing it in cause he knew I wasn’t fishing or he was just letting me know that Airboat Red Fishing is on fire. He said they caught and released a number of Reds for an hour. Thanks for the Report.

The weatherman is calling for another front tonight. This is always the game changer. More Dux and Lower Tides. Good Luck and Be Careful out there!

2019 is right around the corner; get with Billy Ryhne to secure the Saltwater Lodge and your next Hunting or Fishing Adventure:
771-907-4796.

***If you find yourself in a Bind due to the Low Tides, give me a call,

Captain Jeff Larson
281-217-0399