Children enjoyed an “end of school” party on May 11th at the Port O’Connor Library.

Library News:
Phone Number: 361-983-4365
POC Library Hours:
Sunday – Monday: Closed
Tuesday – Friday: 10:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Note: Closed on Closed on Saturday, May 25th, in observance of Memorial Day.

Tuesday, May 28th Voting Day for the Constable Run-off and the Tax Assessor Run-off at the POC Library Multipurpose Room from 7:00 a,m. until 7:00 p.m.

Libraries often take into account the significance of various holidays when planning their schedules and activities. May has quite a few notable holidays: Cinco de Mayo, Mother’s Day and Memorial Day. They may organize special events or displays to celebrate holidays like Cinco de Mayo or Mother’s Day. They might also choose to close on Memorial Day as a mark of respect for the solemn occasion it represents. It’s a time for communities to come together in remembrance and reflection, honoring the memory of brave individuals who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.

THANK YOU to Our May Donors
Many thanks to Ashley Weathersby for creating the floral arrangements for the Farmer’s Market and to the two winners of the arrangements (Anonymous and Melanie Martinez) for bringing floral arrangements to the library to honor Susan Wallace’s memory. Library staff and patrons were deeply touched by the very thoughtful gestures. It’s heartwarming to see community support and kindness in action.

Wednesdays: 8:00-9:00 AM – Coffee & Conversation – Life begins after coffee, so gather your coffee mates for a steamy session of bean banter. Our friendly group enjoys each other and meeting new people. Please consider dropping by for a free cup of coffee.
9:30–10:30 AM – Bingo – The fun follows the 8 AM coffee event every Wednesday! Special thanks to the generosity of the noted sponsors.
· May 1st: sponsored by Trinity Shores
· May 8th: sponsored by Bethany Senior Living
· May 15th: sponsored by Harbor Hospice
· May 22nd: sponsored by Victoria Hospice
May 29th: sponsored by Bethany Senior Living
Note: LOTERIA (Mexican Bingo) to follow bingo.
1:00-3:30 PM – Mah Jongg – Why did the Mah-Jongg player go to the doctor? Because she had a case of “tile-itis” from playing too much! All are welcome to join us.
Thursdays: 1:00-3:30 PM – Bridge – We don’t just play bridge; we build bridges for laughter and friendly competition! Please join us!

Friends of the POC Library:
The Friends support the idea that a library is a place of many things. It is a truly magical place where we connect through stories and to one another. It’s a place to connect to your community, for lifelong wonder, a quiet escape, or for spirited collaboration. Can we count you in? Please join us! Important Note: Saturday, June 29th is definitely a date worth marking! The Capital Campaign Kick Off and Friends of Port O’Connor Library Branch Annual Meeting will be exciting events.

Super Saturday Children’s Program –
The Children’s Program takes a break for the summer AFTER the end-of-the year party in May and resumes in September. While the FOL children’s events will be on hiatus until September, the library will begin their Summer Reading Program and will have event information available on their Facebook page.

Adult Programs:
Monday, May 20th, 6:00 PM – Powderhorn and Matagorda Island hunts presentation

April’s Adult Program was a fantastic opportunity for nature enthusiasts to immerse themselves in the beauty and diversity of the Powderhorn Wildlife Management Area. With eighteen participants, it was a lively and engaging tour. The four-hour excursion made for an interesting journey to explore habitats and observe both exotic and native wildlife species.

The close encounter with the running oak provided valuable insight into the management goals of the area, allowing participants to appreciate those being undertaken. Spotting the exotic Axis Deer
Spotlight, alongside the native White-Tailed Deer added an element of excitement to the adventure.
The highlight of the bird-watching segment, with species like the American Avocet, Black-necked Stilts, Painted Bunting, and Roseate Spoonbill, was truly captivating. Such sightings offered a glimpse into the rich avian diversity of the area and left participants with lasting memories of their time spent in nature. Indeed, the tour was such an enriching experience.

Submitted by Darla Miles, Friends of the Port O’ Connor Library, Publicity Committee/Historian
wwwfriendsofportoconnorlibrary.org

It was all good because it was all God. There’s nothing like music that makes the heart sing and a good word that’s good for the soul!

The pavilion at Seadrift Harbor was filled with people. The Gospel singer Dwayne Williams did a great job sharing not only his music (he writes songs), but his talent at singing old Gospel favorites such as “Victory in Jesus”, “Because He Lives”, “Amazing Grace”, and “Have a little talk with Jesus.”

Dwayne is not only a songwriter but is a singer and evangelist. He shared that he gave his life to Jesus on July 8, 1977.

Pastor Mart of the Seadrift Community Church shared that he ran from God for 40 years before he answered God’s call upon his life to preach the Gospel. In his preaching he said God constantly loves us, endeavors to bring us all to Himself, and doesn’t give up on us. It was a great message!

Bay Praise is held on the 4th Saturday of each month at 6pm. Currently Bay Praise is being held at the Pavilion down from the boat launch and fish-cleaning station. The public is invited to attend. Ya’ll come!
-Tanya DeForest

Robert Chatham

“It’s my birthday!”

Pictured is a very happy man with a “It’s my birthday!” button on his shirt! The big grin belongs to a long-time Seadrift resident whose birthday brings him up to the BIG 80!

Family and friends came to a local Seadrift restaurant to celebrate Robert Chatham’s big day! Robert was born April 30, 1944, in El Paso and came with his family to Seadrift when he was in the 4th grade. For 44 years he ran offshore crew and supply boats to drilling rigs. He became a licensed caregiver and cared for his wife Margaret for five years before she passed. Margaret, whose maiden name was DeHart, was from Morgan City, Louisiana. Robert and Margaret met while they were both working for the Red Cross after Hurricane Hilda. Margaret later served as Seadrift’s Municipal Judge/Justice of the Peace for fourteen years. Robert and Margaret had been married for 49 years.

Robert cared for Jack Mayfield for nine years before he passed a year ago. Currently he works for the Mayfield family.

Robert entered the legendary Water Safari canoe race four times. Twice he finished second place. Once he was unable to finish the race due to his canoe breaking in half! In 1976 Robert and Butch Hodges finished first, breaking a record with a time of 37 hours and 18 minutes!

By the way, this year’s Water Safari starts on the 8th of June and finishes on Wednesday the 12th.
Robert commented about his life by saying, “The reason I’m still here and still working is by the grace of God! I’m so happy that I’m part of God’s family and it’s all because of Him.”

Robert and Margaret had four children: Glenda (Paul) Gonzales, Bubba (Cathy) Chatham, Missy (Dennis) Wiles, and Robbie Chatham. They have 7 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.

We wish Robert God’s Best as he enjoys his 80th year of living!