Mark this date in bright red on your calendars: Saturday, October 28, 2017! This is the day for the 9th Annual Chili/Gumbo Cookoff as hosted once again by Jim Hooper at his local establishment, Hooper’s Bar & Grille on West Maple Street.

Entries in the past have included some from our local outstanding chefs, winners all, to those visiting prize-winning cooks from other areas of Texas who deserve much praise. And each has had a dazzling, original addition to a recipe that makes it not just tasty but memorable as well. Requirements for each entry consist of preparing and cooking your special dish on a propane-butane stove that you bring with you. And ALL cooking must be done in your special spot at Hoop’s; and in case of slightly inclement weather, as has happened in the not too distant past, Hoop’s sheltered and covered area is a godsend.

Additional requirements are that there are NO BEANS in the chili NOR RICE in the gumbo as prepared. A minimal fee is charged to each entrant; further requirements will be discussed later. As seasoning is the name of the game to enhance the individuality of each lovingly prepared chili and gumbo, a specially formed panel of infallible judges with exceptional taste buds will be deciding the winners of each division. And Hoop is prepared once again to offer nibbles of bread and cheese to “cleanse the palate” of each judge prior to sampling the next entry.

We’re hoping to see once again that winning Showmanship Team of Diane and Jim Cooley and Barbara Sue and Jimmy Crouch. They have followed quite well in the shoes of Showmanship winners as headed by Marie Richter and her stunning teams of helpers. Also expected to be present are the other prize winners of both Chili and Gumbo divisions who will be there not to judge other contestants, but to brag about their trophies and issue a challenge to the newby participants.

Following the awarding of trophies to the winning chefs, Hoop will start the raffle of extraordinary items as accumulated by the Friends of the Library. Under the leadership of both Ursula Price, President and Michelle Lippold, Treasurer and Head Honcho of this event, these members with their assistants have accumulated some very special treasures including a 12 foot kayak, which I understand is the most fascinating way to explore some of our back bays. Also on the list of items to be raffled is a blue heron wall quilt as designed and sewn by Peggy Elliott, a local artisan. I’m thinking that this quilt would be stunning in my guest room behind the antique spool bed. And, yes, I’ve bought tickets!

Tickets for this raffle can be purchased in a book of 5 for $20 or a single ticket for $5. Many local merchants have books of these tickets for sale including Hoop at Hooper’s Bar & Grille; Sister’s Gift Shop across from Froggies; Sylvia’s Hair Salon on West Monroe; Teresa’s Nail & Hair on the highway; Josie’s Restaurant; our Library, POC Rod and Gun on Byers Street; and Hurricane Junction. This is a fund raiser by the Friends of the Library and the sale of these raffle tickets will go to support the building of our new Library. Additionally, as Hoop has done in the past, all monies earned from this day’s events at his establishment will benefit our Library as he has done over the past 8 years.

So, if you’re planning to enter either the Chili or the Gumbo division, do get your recipes with their accompanying spices in order; check your portable stove for fuel; and we’ll plan to see you and your friends and helpers at Hooper’s Bar & Grille on Saturday, October 28, 2017!

Joe “David” Stringo, 69, of Port O’Connor passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on August 3, 2017. He was born September 23, 1947 in Victoria to Jesse Emmanuel Stringo, Sr. and Rose Ramos Stringo Bryant. Joe retired from the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. Following retirement Joe continued to fulfill his position as Assistant Manager of Shoalwater Bay Club in Port O’Connor. He devoted his life to his family, notably his grandloves.

Joe served his country proudly in the Army during the Vietman War. He is a Silver Star recipient for gallantry in action. His bravery and extraordinary heroism bestowed him other numerous medals as well. Joe will be best remembered for his benevolent smile, altruism, integrity, charitable heart, and faithfulness to his family and community.

He is survived by his loving wife of 39 years, Rose Mary Vasquez Stringo; daughter, Jessica L. Helms (Jeremy); son, Jason A. Stringo (Paige); sisters, Virginia Marlin; Ruby Jane Wadley and Theresa “Terry” Stringo; brothers, Jesse Stringo Jr., James “Horney” Stringo and Andy Stringo; Grandloves, Jaclynn Lopez, Cole Stringo, Joseph Helms and great-grandloves, Noah, Nierah, and Zaylen.

A Funeral Mass was celebrated Monday, August 7, 2017 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Port O’Connor. Full military honors will follow the service at the Port O’Connor Community Center. Burial will be held on Tuesday, August 8, 2017 at 10:45 a.m. at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio, Texas.

Pallbearers were Jeremy Helms, Leslie “Waddie” Stringo, Marc Stringo, James Prince, Patrick “Pickle” Ragusin, Willie Ragusin, and Jorge Suarez. Honorary Pallbearers were Cole Stringo and Joseph Helms.

Our hearts are filled with gratitude when we give our deepest thank-you to family, friends, and neighbors for all your acts of kindness, support, and sympathy. We will forever be indebted to you all.

With Love, The Stringo Family

Delton Ray Bennetsen of Seadrift passed away Tuesday, July 18, 2017. He was born January 12, 1959 in Hallettsville, TX to Henry and Leona Bennetsen.

Delton is survived by his parents and daughters Jaquita Bennetsen and Sandra Kay Bennetsen. He is also survived by his brothers, Rex (Mittie) Bennnetsen of Victoria and Clint Bennetsen of Matagorda Peninsula Island. Also, sisters Sherry (Rod) Taylor of Seadrift and Darla (David) George of Venice, CA.

Delton was a fisherman, shrimper, construction worker, and enjoyed gardening and traveling to new places. But most of all, Delton loved Jesus. Those close to Delton knew that his heart and disposition was that of happiness, and he was always in great spirits.

Delton’s battle with lung cancer is over, but his joys in heaven are just beginning.

A Memorial Service was held on Saturday, July 22, 2017 at Seadrift First Assembly of God Church, with Pastor Tim Smith, Sr. officiating.

SEADRIFT – Delores Martines Jr., age 55, of Seadrift, passed away on July 22, 2017. Memorial Funeral Mass was celebrated on Friday, July 28, 2017 at Our Lady of the Gulf Catholic Church Gymnasium in Port Lavaca. Burial followed at Port Lavaca Cemetery.

My neighbors Parker and Patty are always telling me how proud they are to be a part of Port O’Connor, Texas. They say it is a great community and so friendly.

Their youngest great-granddaughter is starting Kindergarten this month. The oldest granddaughter’s baby girl just turned five and can’t wait to go to ‘big school with her sissy and bubby.

She was recently at Patty’s house and they uncovered an old keepsake box. Inside was a green and blue plaid schoolgirl dress with a white collar and old-fashioned smocking. Each of Patty and Parker’s four daughters had worn the dress to their first days of school.

Almost 60 years later the style seemed back in fashion and the great granddaughter begged to try it on her little girl. Pronounced a perfect fit, they delivered it to the laundry for washing and pressing in preparation for wearing.

Even at just five years old, little Polly understood the dress had been her Grammie’s when she was a little girl. Her Grammie is a 30+ year teacher, but of course, has not seen the dress since her little sister wore it years ago. Young Polly and her mother came up with a plan for Gammie. They took an early ‘back to school’ photo of the newest schoolgirl in the dress and will be sending a copy to each of the aunties who wore it and to Gammie. They plan to have it in the mail to surprise them just before Patty’s daughters begin their new school year, because when they start next week, #1 teaches nursing, #2 teaches elementary Math and Reading, #3 teaches Science and #4 teaches dance in her own studio. That little school dress must make little girls love school and learning and wow, won’t they be surprised to get that fun reminder from a new generation of schoolgirls just starting out in their days of learning. What a family legacy of learning. I hope you have a special day on the first day of your new school year too!