The new library building is open and folks are delighted by this amazing place. It’s bright, open and welcoming while a few finishing touches are still in progress, the Kid’s Korner is now adorned with colorful coastal critters and local icons thanks to Port O’Connor artist, LeeAnn Kunz.

LeeAnn’s beautiful creations reside in many homes throughout Texas and beyond. She completed her first paintings at the age of eight, but her aspirations were squelched by a nay-saying teacher. There was no stopping her creative abilities though. After she raised her children and retired from professional rodeo racing, she immersed herself in painting. Now LeeAnn’s creations are in high demand; so high that she stops taking commissions in September just to meet the demand for holiday gifts.

Our community is fortunate to have her works adorn the Kid’s Korner at the new Port O’Connor Library. Dolphins, birds, fish and crabs welcome children to enter the reading house among with familiar sights including the Matagorda Island Lighthouse and a trawling shrimp boat.

This is just one of the remarkable features of the new library. Please mark your calendar for the Grand Opening Celebration on Saturday January 19, 2019, when we will honor our community and supporters for joining forces to complete this beautiful community accomplishment. The ribbon cutting ceremony will be held at 10:00 am. -Brigid Berger, Friends of the Port O’Connor Library

Have you ever been so surprised you were rendered speechless? Well, it happened to me on December 2nd! (and that is rare for me, being speechless, that is!) The Calhoun Co. Republican Club, Calhoun Co.officials, friends colleagues, state officials and even our new U.S. Congressman honored me at the monthly Republican Club meeting and dinner!

I thought I was going early to help Russell Cain, our county Republican Chairman honor our State Representative, Geanie Morrison who was to be our guest. You can imagine my surprise when Connie Hunt came forward and pinned a corsage of 8 yellow roses on my sweater! She said they were actually recognizing my service and dedication to Calhoun County for the past 28 years. Each yellow rose represented a term in office I have served and one for the approaching term.

Our State Representative Geanie Morrison read a resolution of commendation from our Texas House of Representatives. Russell Cain read a proclamation from our Texas Senate and signed by Senator Lois Kolkorst, and a proclamation from Calhoun County Judge Mike Pfeifer, was read by our new Judge Elect, Richard Myer. Judge Hope Mayes Kurtz who is attending her continuing education in Galveston couldn’t be there, but sent a letter congratulating for my tenure and thanking me for our friendship through the years. I was also presented with a United States flag which had flown over the United States Capitol in my honor!

All I can say is, it has been a tremendous honor and privilege to serve Port O’Connor, Calhoun County and this great state of Texas for the past 28 years! I am truly humbled by the recognition and esteem shown for my service as Justice of the Peace at the ceremony that night.

When first elected in 1990, my goal was to make a difference in my community and to help others along the way. I feel I have done that. I believe that everyone deserves a chance and many times when they are given a chance, they turn their lives around. I want to thank GOD and everyone who helped put this amazing surprise together. I will continue to serve my community for the next four years to the best of my ability and from my heart. God Bless! -Nancy Pomykal

Seadrift’s December 4th meeting opened as usual with the Mayor and councilmen taking care of the monthly business. Seadrift Mayor Elmer Deforest spoke on the difficulties of dealing with State and Federal roadblocks slowing and preventing Hurricane Harvey recovery and the use of funds awarded for disaster recovery.

Mayor DeForest stated that the City had been awarded moneys to help with the Harvey damage but the City is unable to use said monies due to the myriad and conflicting rules in place. The Mayor stated that working with FEMA was a little easier now than dealing with State and Federal conflicting rules and guidelines put into place by HUD, GLO, TDA, TDEM and Rebuild Texas.

The City has drafted a Resolution outlining its concerns about conflicting rules and guidelines put in place by the various agencies that hinder and prevent disaster recovery.

This resolution will be sent to the Governor’s office, State legislators and Federal representatives. The council unanimously approved the resolution.
The Resolution can be read in Dolphin Talk’s print edition.

Christmas With Family And Friends

Greetings from the island everyone. I hope all of you are doing well and staying bundled up and warm in this cold and windy weather we have been having. Winter officially starts on the 21st, and I have a feeling that the cold conditions are gonna continue. Just gotta stay warmly clothed out here with extra propane on hand for heating.

I hope that everyone had a nice Thanksgiving with your family and friends. My sister, Sherry, and I joined Mom for an early Thanksgiving dinner at the nursing home the week prior, and the meal and company were great. On Thanksgiving Day, since my boat was on the mainland for motor and steering repairs, Britton and his brother-in-law, David, came out to the island and picked me up so I could spend the day with their families. Thank y’all for allowing me to be a part of your Thanksgiving.

For exactly three weeks I was without my boat on the island, having to catch a few rides into town for necessary supplies and then back out. This is such a harsh and corrosive environment here on the barrier island, and with my boat and motor sitting in the salt water 24/7, there are occasionally going to be problems and the need for repairs. That is just part of my island life, and you learn to deal with it. Thank you very much, Chuck, for repairing my steering and motor issues.

I had a nice island visit from my California niece, Sarah, and her husband, Stephen, a few weeks ago. They, along with my brother, Rex, and sister and brother-in-law, Sherry & Rod, came out to the island for the afternoon. It was a beautiful day as we visited, took a ride on the beach and had a great lunch. Thank y’all for coming out. And then the following week, my sister and brother-in-law from California, Darla & David, came down and we all had our Christmas gathering at Mom’s house in Seadrift. Mom was there and enjoyed being with everyone. We all had a great time.

I attended the annual POC Chamber of Commerce Christmas Party at the Community Center a few weeks ago. The Chamber is a great local organization that does so much for our little coastal town. Please join and support the Chamber, and keep up with events and beautiful local/coastal photos on their Facebook and Instagram pages.

I went in for a few days and helped my good friends, Susan & Britton, with moving chores. There is nothing easy about moving, so I was glad to help them out and get settled into their new place. Aleve for aches and soreness was taken in mass amounts during those days.
I want to say thank you to Sam and Mike for their hospitality and the chance to just sit and relax and marvel at their vast collection of beach combing related treasures. Their knowledge of all things beach-find related is amazing, and the interesting stuff that they have accumulated over the years is beautiful to see.

Well that’s it from the island for now. Christmas will be upon us in a few days, a time of joy and happiness for all the kids. Teach them the association with Christ, but also allow your children to believe in Santa while they are still young. . . please let them hear the ringing of the bell. Merry Christmas to all!