Feb. 1: Seadrift VFD responded to the end of Dierlam Road in Seadrift for a grass fire; Port Lavaca FD also responded but was cancelled while en-route.

Feb. 2: Seadrift VFD responded to Hwy 185 near Seaport Lakes for a power pole on fire.

Feb. 4: Seadrift VFD and Port Lavaca FD responded to Hwy 35 and Haeber Lane for a one-vehicle accident.

Feb. 8: Seadrift VFD responded to Port O’Connor to assist Port O’Connor VFD with a fire off of West Monroe; Port Lavaca FD also responded.

Feb. 9: Seadrift VFD responded to assist Port Lavaca FD with a structure fire off West Main Street in Port Lavaca. Port O’Connor VFD, Magnolia Beach VFD, Six Mile Community VFD, Point Comfort VFD, and Port Alto/Olivia VFD also responded.

Feb. 13: Seadrift VFD responded to Port O’Connor to assist Port O’Connor VFD with a fire off of North 7th Street; Port Lavaca FD also responded; cancelled while en-route.

Feb. 14: Seadrift VFD and Port Lavaca FD responded to the Old Seadrift Hwy for a grass fire; Port O’Connor VFD also responded.

Feb. 15: Seadrift VFD and Port Lavaca FD responded to Tivoli in Refugio County for Standby due to a pipeline incident. Port O’Connor VFD and Six Mile Community VFD also responded.

Feb. 15: Seadrift VFD and Port Lavaca FD responded to Hwy 185 near Ineos Nitriles for a three-vehicle accident.

Feb. 17: Seadrift VFD and Port Lavaca FD responded to West Washington Ave. in Seadrift for an electrical line arcing at a residence.

Feb. 19: Seadrift VFD and Port Lavaca FD responded to Wilson Road for a grass fire; Port O’Connor VFD also responded.

Feb. 20: Seadrift VFD responded to the Sanctuary Subdivision to assist Port O’Connor VFD with a fire alarm; Port Lavaca FD also responded, Cancelled while en-route.

Feb. 25: Seadrift VFD and Port Lavaca FD responded to West Bay Ave in Seadrift to assist EMS with a Bee Call.

“The Way I See It” is an attempt by the columnist to enlighten readers on a subject as he views it, and does not necessarily reflect the views of this publication.
Lessons from History

International Women’s Day

A little research will show that the first “Women’s Day” observance was on Feb. 28 1909 and held in New York City by the Socialist Party of America.
The first “Women’s Day” on March 8 was held in Petrograd, Russia in 1917 by the Communist Party using women textile workers and kicked off the Russian Revolution. 7 days later Czar Nicholas abdicated. Later in Soviet Russia, March 8 was declared a ‘National Holiday’. Thereafter it was predominantly celebrated by Communist countries and the Communist Party in countries that tolerated them until 1975 when the March 8 “holiday” was adopted by the United Nations. The Internet ‘buzz’ is that George Soros and his “orgs” have donated over $250 million to “Women’s Groups” to popularize this latest one. The idea of an “International Protest Against Donald Trump” is a ‘Johnny-come-lately’ idea, but meshes perfectly with the long term history of the agenda of motivating gullible women to support Global Marxist (Socialist) Totalitarian Government.

Government Health Care

There is no “Constitutional Mandate” for “ Federal Government. Health Care”, but there is a precedent. But it is NOT the ObamaCare Model of Federal Mandating competition in the Free Market Health Care System provided by Billions of Taxpayer Dollars to buy “insurance” for poor people with mandated coverage for everything, even abortions and “sex-change operations”. Also, the idea that medical care is a “right” for non-citizens, even illegal aliens, is ludicrous.

First, everyone must realize that ObamaCare was designed to fail. Those that designed it admit it is was a “Transitional system” intended to lead to a total take-over by the Government into a Socialist Heath Care System. Wasting billions on a system that doesn’t work is the strategy to make Americans accept the Socialist Medicine system. The current GOP “ObamaCare Lite” is just a continuation of failure designed to lead to the Socialist model.

There is a much better alternative, and the core already exists- The Commission Officer Corp of the U.S. Public Health Service. It’s history goes back 1798, and went through various names, mostly providing care for injured sailors until 1889. https://www.usphs.gov/aboutus/history.aspx Expanding this into a broader para-military service to provide basic health care for both the indigent and for those that want low-cost basic health care could provide the service without over-stressing or ruining the conventional Free Market Medical System. This could easily be expanded as a para-military service with training provided by existing service schools.

“Beggars can’t be choosers”, the Lib/Socialists idea that indigents should be treated by conventional MDs for basic care is unnecessary. even silly. After boot camp, the military can train a Combat Medic in about five months who will be capable of treating most basic health care problems and provide the Triage to refer the more serious problems. A conventional MD takes fou years of Pre-Med college, three years of Med School, plus a couple of years of Internship. Medics working under the supervision of more experienced RN or “Physician Assistant” level personnel in local County Clinics could provide good care at reasonable cost without all the fraud and paperwork of the Medicaid and Medical Malpractice Insurance. Those that can pay are charged reasonable rates. If they can’t pay at that time it can be added to their IRS bill. More serious cases would be referred to regional hospitals or even “Civilian” doctors.

This system could provide employment for ex-military personnel and provide education and practical experience for those willing to “sign up” just like regular military services. This would also provide a large pool of trained people in medical and med-tech fields who might choose to work in the Free Market Medical System after their current enlistment is completed, or sign up for more time with an opportunity for more advanced training and greater job responsibility. This would be a great opportunity for “poor” young people to get into lucrative medical fields without the expense and years of college. Also, this would reduce the demand on the free market system and lower health care costs for everyone. “Regular Doctors” have more ‘paper-shuffler employees’ than actual medical techs to handle all the Government paper-work. This drives up costs for everyone.

The USPHS does come under the “General Welfare clause” because of fighting epidemics, and under “Defense” for its original care of sailors. Expansion of this as a para-military organization would continue both these missions, and provide medical education and training opportunities for those who could not afford “college”, as well as provide a low-cost medical service alternative. Much better than giving Federal money for insurance and burdensome bureaucratic programs that create more waste and fraud. And no Free Ride for Non-Citizens; they pay. Congress needs to address “No Welfare for Non-Citizens”, so the “activist judges” don’t keep adding them in, even illegals.

Malik Obama, Barack’s half brother, has released Barack Oboma’s birth certificate; perhaps this deserves investigation, the “unsealing” of records, and a trial to decide the true definition of “natural born Citizen”. See:
http://www.theamericanmirror.com/malik-obama-shares-photo-brother-baracks-kenya-certificate-birth/

Thank You

The family of Delmer Scott wishes to thank everyone that brought food, barbecued and attended the celebration of Delmer’s life. We appreciate all the love and support you have shown. A special thank you to Dr. Jain and the Detar staff. Delmer will forever live in our hearts.

The Scott Family

BE A HERO

I’ve been delivering Meals on Wheels in Calhoun County for over seven years and have frequently been asked why I didn’t deliver to Port O’Connor. Volunteers (or the lack of) are the reason. I spoke with the director of the Calhoun County Senior Citizens Center (CCSCC) and she said she’d be happy to have Meals delivered in POC but there are barely enough volunteers to cover the existing routes.

I believe there are at least three folks in Port O’Connor who would be willing to give up two hours one day a week to help out their friends. Particularly if they were directly serving a need in Port O’Connor. Are you one of those three?

If so, please call the CCSCC at (361) 552-3350 and let them know. IF you see me around and you have any questions, please stop me and ask. I’m Honey’s chauffer.

Be a hero – give your neighbor a hand.

Jim Hicks, Port O’Connor

NEEDED: WARRIOR’S WEEKEND HOSTS

Mark your calendars! The 11th annual Warrior’s Weekend is 18 – 21 May 2017. Service men and women from all over the country are coming to Port O’Connor for a well deserved weekend of fun and relaxation. Warrior’s Weekend is our opportunity to thank them and their families for their sacrifices. By becoming a host or donating your house for this weekend event, you can show them how much you value their service.

In order for this weekend to be a success, participants need places to stay. Participation continues to grow each year and no one is ever turned away. You can help by donating your entire house, downstairs, guest room, or bunk room; or you can become a Hosting Family and invite these Heroes to stay with you. We are committed to ensuring that check-in / check-out goes smoothly, and your properties are kept secure.

This weekend is a community event and only made possible through sponsorship and a host of volunteers. For some of these service members, this weekend is the only opportunity they have to get away. For others it is a time of healing, bonding and meeting others who have shared similar experiences. They talk of a shared brotherhood even though they may only see each other this one time a year. This gives them something to look forward to.

Please consider participating in this special event. Regardless of how you choose to participate, we know you will, in the end, consider yourself fortunate to have been a part of Warrior’s Weekend. Contact the Tigrett Real Estate Office to sign up.

Warrior’s Weekend events, including the processional schedule, are on the official website: http://www.warriorsweekend.org.

Warrior’s Weekend is a 501(c)(3) non-profit; all funds received/generated are used strictly for support of our Defenders of Freedom.

On behalf of everyone connected with Warrior’s Weekend, we would like to thank you personally for your help and support of today’s American heroes.

Sincerely,

The Tigrett Team Housing
361-983-2671

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 (with exceptions 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.

Letters to the Dolphin
P.O. Box 777
Port O’Connor, TX 77982
 dolphin1@tisd.net

Joshua Helms

Joshua Helms, 36, was born on April 12, 1980 and passed away on February 9, 2017. He was a native of Port O’Connor, TX and a resident of Choctaw, LA.
Religious services were held at Thibodaux Funeral Home on Monday, February 27, 2017. Interment followed in St. James Chapel Cemetery in Choctaw, LA.

He is survived by his wife, Mandy Helms; daughter, Kortnee Helms; parents, Dale & Diana Helms; siblings, Lenard “T-Dale” Helms, Jeremy Helms, Cornella Kraemer, and Denise Richard; and grandmother, Maurine Ricouard.

He is preceded in death by his grandfather, Elmer Ricouard; and grandparents, Vernon & Ida Helms.

Josh was a devoted father, husband, son, godfather, uncle, and friend. He absolutely adored his little girl, and she and her mother were the center of his universe. He loved fishing, football, family, and friends. Josh left a lasting impression on all those who had the honor of knowing him.

Richard Dale Hindman

It is with a heavy heart we announce that Port O’Connor has lost another longtime resident.

Richard Dale Hindman, Sr. (Capt. Dick) passed away peacefully in his sleep Tuesday evening, March 7.

He was born in East St. Louis, Illinois on May 24, 1934.

Capt. Dick has lived in Port O’Connor for 45 years.

He was an avid sportsman and fisherman. He loved our little community and lived a simple life that many folks would envy.

Dick was a unique individual with a one of a kind philosophy on life. Those that knew him will remember his fantastic dry sense of humor and his giving spirit. He will be greatly missed. A full obituary will be posted at a later date.

A memorial service celebrating his life is being planned and will be held here in Port O’Connor in the near future. The time, location and date will be announced when the plans have been finalized.

Our deepest condolences to Capt. Dick Hindman’s family and friends at this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
-Submitted by Nancy Pomykal

Earl Douglas ‘Jack’ Phillips Jr.

Seadrift – Earl D. ‘Jack’ Phillips, Jr. 88, passed away on Tuesday, March 7, 2017. He was born in Shreveport, LA on August 17, 1928 to the late Earl Douglas and Thelma Phillips, Sr.

Jack served in the United States Navy during WWII.

He is survived by his daughters, Alice Ann (Eddy) Granger and Judy Butler; grandchildren Stacey (Gayland) Lee, Spencer (Carmen) Granger, Heather (Benny) Vasquez, Chris Phillips, Lacey (Trevor) Hull and Lindsey (Marshall) Fenton; great grandchildren Megan Moreman, Shelby Moreman, Owen Hull and Brooklynn Vasquez and great great grandchild Lucas Phillips.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife Ida Ann Morgenroth Phillips; son Earl Douglas ‘Jackie’ Phillips, III.

A funeral service was held on Saturday, March 11, 2017 at Grace Funeral Chapel with Pastor John Fisher officiating. Interment followed at Seadrift Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Joe Beaver, David Blevins, Lynn Carter, Jimmy Davenport, Wesley Blevins and Jimmy Nunez.

Honorary Pallbearers were Eddie Ray Cady, Russell Cady, Marty Dworaczyk, Tommy Henderson, Bobby Henson and Bobby Key.

Memorial donations may be made to Seadrift Cemetery Association, P.O. Box 181, Seadrift, TX 77983.
Condolences and memories can be shared online to www.gracefuneralhome.net.

Marilyn Yvonne Bratcher

Austin – Marilyn Yvonne Bratcher (formally Mrs. Parsons), 86, of Austin, Texas, left this earth on February 23rd, 2017. She was born July 19th, 1930, in Waxahachie, Texas.

Marilyn was employed by Calhoun County Independent Schhol District in 1969. As an educator in CCISD, she taught history and psychology at Calhoun High School, followed by a move to the District Office in 1979 to become Coordinator of Secondary Education.

In 1985 she accepted the position of Principal at Port O’Connor Elementary School, and in her words, felt she had “died and gone to heaven”.

In the course of her time as Principal at POC Elementary, the school received numerous designations and awards, including: 5-Star School by Texas Monthly, Performance Award from Texas Education Agency, Distinguished Performance Campus by Region III Education Service Center, Exemplary Campus 1999-2003, Texas Elementary Principal’s and Supervisor’s Award, Outstanding Leadership Award, Texas Award for Successful Schools given by then Governor Ann Richards, a performance grant awarded by Commissioner of Education, Commitment to Excellence and Educational Achievement, and an “Educational Revolution” award by Texas Co-op Power.

Her greatest joy as an educator was in finding a way to “reach each individual child”. In a newspaper interview while at POC Elementary, she said, “The best teacher is always still the best student. Unless we can see the joy of learning new ideas, new practices or concepts, we cannot possibly hope to inspire others to learn. The key to being an inspired leader in the classroom is to be able to communicate the joy of growing and learning as a person.”

She is survived by daughter, Tami Bone and her husband, Barry, of Round Top, Texas, and grandchildren – Bryan, Michael (Kiley Johnson) and Brea Bone – and great-granddaughter Tala, brother Austin Bratcher (Sandra) of Cloudcroft, New Mexico, brother Scott Bratcher (Mary Ann), of Phoenix, Arizonia, and aunt Shirley Bratcher Knight of Fort Worth, Texas, as well as dear cousins, nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her beloved dog, Venus.

Her family is planning a private celebration of her life, and at her request will spread her ashes at the places she loved most.

Memorial donations can be made to the Calhoun County Humane Society, PO Box 1505, Port Lavaca, Texas, 77979, or online at http://www.calhouncountyhumanesociety.org – in memory of Marilyn Bratcher.

Frank Martinez, Jr.

Seadrift – Frank Martinez, Jr., age 69 of Seadrift passed away Sunday, February 19, 2017. He was born June 26, 1947 in Driscoll, Texas to Eleuteria Gomez Martinez of Victoria and the late Francisco Martinez, Sr.

He is survived by his sons; Frank Martinez III of Victoria, Christopher Lee Martinez and Kevin Ryan Martinez both of Seadrift, Amelia Martinez of Victoria, mother of his children, sisters; Emilea Pendergrass, Mary (Julio) Morales of Seadrift, Frances Martinez, Gavina Martinez, Maria (Ricky) Navarro, Esther Martinez of Victoria, Rachel Martinez of Port Lavaca, brothers; Johnny Martinez of Victoria, Julian Martinez of Seadrift, Thomas (Tonie) Martinez of Port Lavaca.

He is preceded in death by his father, brothers; Jesse Martinez Sr., and Oscar Martinez.

A funeral mass was celebrated on February 24 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Seadrift by Father Scott. Burial followed at Seadrift Cemetery.

Pallbearers were Kevin Martinez, Julio Morales Jr., Jimmy Morales, Johnny Martinez, Julian Martinez, and Jesse Martinez Jr. Honorary Pallbearers were Thomas Martinez, and Ida Heysquiero.

Evelyn Augusta Clark
Corpus Christi, Texas – Evelyn Augusta Clark, 74 passed away March 2, 2017. She was born July 9. 1942 in Port Lavaca, Texas to Fred and Rachel Carter Beaver.

She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Gary Clark; sisters, Vivian Sprague and Vandeline Whittenburtt.

She is survived by her children, Arthur C. Smith, Jr. (Gloria Jean) of Seadrift, Texas, Shelia Gianotti (Scott) of Corpus Christi, Texas and Dwayne Allen Clark (Melissa Peros) of Rockport, Texas; brother, Joseph Stanley Beaver (Mary Ethel) of Seadrift, Texas; 11 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren and 19 great-great-grandchildren.

The family will have a memorial service at 11a.m. Saturday, April 1, 2017 at the Old Seadrift Cemetery in Seadrift, Texas. Online condolences may be made at www.charliemarshallfuneralhomes.com

Roy A. Apostolo

Victoria – Roy A. Apostolo, Sr. 76, of Victoria, passed away February 16, 2017. Roy was born September 27, 1940 in Port O’Connor to the late Alexander and Matilda Ragusin Apostolo. Roy retired from Alcoa after 31 years of working in the powerhouse as an operator. Roy enjoyed fishing, gardening, loved going to the movies and traveling with his wife.

Roy is survived by his wife of 31 years, Mary Alice Garza Apostolo; son, Roy Allen Apostolo Jr and wife, Lisa of Lavernia; daughter, Terri Apostolo West of Odessa; brother, Frank Apostolo of Baytown; 5 grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family and friends.

Roy was preceded in death by his parents; son, Marcus Allen Apostolo; sisters, Ruby Zafereo, Stella Lewis; brothers, Alexander, Henry, Tony, Earl Joe ‘EJ’, James and Paul Apostolo.

Following a public visitation on Wednesday, February 22, 2017 at Rosewood Funeral Chapels, a graveside service was held at Resurrection Cemetery with full military honors under the auspices of the Victoria County Veterans Council.

Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.rosewoodfuneralchapel.com

Ruby Marie Frazier

Kenedy – Ruby Marie Frazier, 88, formerly of Port O’Connor, died Sunday, March 5, 2017 in Kenedy, Texas.

The Mass of Christian Burial was conducted on March 9, 2017, at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Kenedy, TX. Interment followed at the Kenedy Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to John Paul II Nursing Home, 209 South 3rd St., Kenedy, TX 78119.

For more information, you can go to: www.rhodesfuneralhomeinc.com

Agnes Belle Crosier

Cade, La – Agnes Belle Pendergrass Crosier, formerly of Seadrift passed away March 4, 2017.

Graveside services were held Thursday, March 9, 2017 at Seadrift Cemetery.