Every year at Christmas time when the Port O’Connor Community Service Club presents the Seniors Christmas Luncheon, some special citizen are honored for their service to the community. The community may be small, but there are so many people who contribute so much to it that choosing who to honor is always a difficult task. This year three valuable community members were honored as “Citizens of the Year”.

WANDA REDDING

Probably best known for her knowledgeable and helpful service at POC Hardware, Wanda is a tireless worker behind the scenes in community projects. This time of year will find her coordinating everything that goes into carrying out the yearly Adopt-An-Angel program. It is her responsibility to put “Angels” on the tree, make sure their needs are known without revealing who they are, do the shopping and gift wrapping for many of them, make sure the toys they are hoping for are set aside for them from the “Toy Run”, and then storing the gifts until time for distribution. This can be a time consuming job, but Wanda, along with several other like-minded ladies, has been joyfully helping our local “Angels” since the program started about 20 years ago.

Wanda has been a Port O’Connor resident since 1969. She and her husband, Virgil, raised their son Jeremiah here. When Jeremiah was at Port O’Connor School, Wanda was involved in PTA and served as President. For many years Wanda was Secretary/Treasure of the Port O’Connor Volunteer Fire Department and Secretary of POC MUD. Wanda also is a regular participant in “Relay for Life”.

MARY ANN CLAIBORNE

Being named a Citizen of the Year came as a big surprise to Mary Ann, as she had been on the nominating committee this year, and the other ladies managed to keep her award a secret from her. Mary Ann is a retired school teacher and active in the Calhoun County Retired Teachers Association, in which she is an officer. Moving here in 1971, there were no teaching positions open at Port O’Connor School, so she taught in Port Lavaca.

Mary Ann can be found helping out at most every benefit and event held in Port O’Connor. In addition to her Service Club membership, she is a member of Friends of the Port O’Connor Library and the Chamber of Commerce, and is a regular participant in the local Bunco club, where she can always be counted on to liven things up.

Mary Ann has one daughter, Margaret, manager of our local Subway.

Pat Ekstrom presents Citizen of the Year plaque to Doyle Adams
-Photo by Bill Tigrett

DOYLE ADAMS
Last, but by no means least, is Doyle Adams. This 89-year-old Navy veteran has resided in Port O’Connor for the past 29 years. Although he came to Port O’Connor to fish, hunt, and relax, he became quite an active member of the community.

Twenty-five years ago, Doyle and his late wife, Bernice, started the “Sweetheart Banquet”, which has become a highlight of the year for many of our residents. He was one of the founders of another popular event, the Easter Sunrise Service. Beginning with members and friends of First Baptist Church, this service now regularly includes about 500 worshippers each Easter morning.

Known by many children (and many now grown-ups) here as Vacation Bible School director and Sunday School bus driver, Doyle is a Deacon at First Baptist and has helped the church in many capacities.Using his experience as a writer and newsletter publisher for his former employer, he has published the church bulletin until recently, and has for many years been a contributing writer to Dolphin Talk.

On Tuesdays you will find Doyle at the Senior Lunch, where he makes announcements and offers the blessing. And if you’re attending just about any event around town and hear a loud “Yee Haw”, you will know that Doyle Adams is there.

Boat Parade photos by Fred Carr

Thanks to all the Captains and Crews who participated in the 25th Annual POC Boat Parade: Jimmy Hall; Jennifer Pfeffer; Colton Pratka; Jason Sims; John Bjorngjeld; Jason Fry; Jerry Karnes; Chris Wolf; Mark Savoie; Sean Porter; Donald Blevins; Marshall Moley; Gilbert Carriles; Kenny Waters; and US Coast Guard.

Best Overall in Lighted Boat Parade
Jason Sims and Crew of Moonshine

Best Large Pleasure Boat – Jason Fry – Just One More

Best Small Pleasure Boat – John Bjorngjeld – Julie Ann

Most Spirited – Kenny Waters – Unreel

Winners photos by Bill Tigrett.

Most Unique – Sean Porter – Bare Necess

Best Medium Pleasure Boat – Jerry Karnes – Slightly Dangerous

Sorting Toys For Distribution
-Photo by Kelly Gee

Did you ever wonder about the children on the Angel Tree? What happens to the toys brought in by the Toy Runners? How do gifts get to the children? Well, here is the true story of one family and what the Angel Tree Christmas meant to them.

A local family whose parents both grew up here was facing really hard times a couple of years ago. The dad had been laid off the week of Christmas the year before and had been unable to find work. Mom tried to work part time, but with 3 young girls, it was tough. They fell behind on their bills and mortgage and were in serious jeopardy of losing their home. The financial problems strained their marriage and their home life. Just before the house was foreclosed on in early December, the extended family pooled their resources and met the mortgage, paid some of the bills. Afterwards they found that nobody had money left to celebrate Christmas. The mom told her daughters, ages 6, 10 and 14 that Christmas was a game and they could not afford to play this year. She explained there would be no gifts and few decorations, but they would try to be happy just being together. The youngest cried, but the older ones tried to understand. It was a tough time.

A teacher at school knew of their difficulties and contacted the Adopt-An-Angel coordinator. The teacher and the girls’ grandmother put a short list together of things the girls wanted and a few things they really needed.  The magic of the Angel tree started to work. Some jackets and clothes, new shoes and school supplies were purchased, wrapped and ready for giving on Christmas morning. Volunteers worked with Marie Hawes and the Toy Run group to select gifts especially for the girls. Bikes just their size, Barbies for the younger, games and books, toys and other gifts were selected from lists personalized for the girls needs and wishes, and tagged with a number identifying the recipients. The parents picked up the gifts a few days before Christmas and looked forward to the surprise of Christmas morning.
On Christmas morning, the family was together at the grandmother’s POC home. When the girls were in bed they put out gifts and toys and presents more than the modest family had ever seen, even on a less difficult year. When morning came and the girls entered their grandmother’s living room, they were surprised and overwhelmed.  They expected a small, slight Christmas. Here were presents with their names and toys they had only dreamed of under the tree. They asked in chorus, “Is this for us?” Jackets that fit, new tennis shoes and cute girly shirts in just the right size were wrapped and then unwrapped with glee. The oldest found a bike with her name attached and the littlest was rather sad. Then, just as the baby was tearing up over no bike for her, she saw her own perfectly sized bike tucked in the corner. The delight the teen took in her selfie stick from Santa was extra special, and her sisters found just what they wished for included in the morning. While their parents looked on in awe and their grandparents dried tears of joy, the girls had the best Christmas ever. It was a bright spot in a dark year for the young family.
The following year life was oh so different. Dad had returned to work and was making ends meet plus a little. Mom required some professional help in coping following the family’s struggle, but she was getting healthy and whole. The girls were growing up fast and found themselves busy with school and other activities. The family had a ‘regular’ Christmas with a few special gifts and lots of love from family and extended family. The parents and grandparents reminisced about the special Christmas provided by Adopt-An-Angel and Toy Run and felt grateful for the blessing. They were unable to buy for an angel on the tree themselves, but partnered with some family members to help someone else. The girls never asked why their Christmas was small, they didn’t wonder why their presents were fewer. They spoke of the special Christmas last year, and counted it a Christmas surprise almost like a miracle. They seemed happy and grateful with their few gifts and family time together.

People ask where do all those toys go. They reach over 2000 children in our area, beginning with our own hometown kids in need. Foster children, children whose parents may be hospitalized, in treatment or incarcerated, children in group homes and children in need because of life’s circumstances will receive toys, games, bikes, skateboards, fishing rods, sports equipment, books, art supplies and other gifts because of the generosity of the Toy Run donors and the organization and planning of teachers, social workers, nonprofit agencies, volunteers and others who collect, sort, shop and distribute the donated toys. Many children will benefit one year only, others may benefit multiple years, but the goal is that whatever the circumstances children who need help will receive it.

Separate but in cooperative effort, the POC Adopt-An-Angel Project provides the practical and necessary gifts in addition to the toys to children in POC. Jackets and sweats, shoes and socks, new shirts and jeans that are long enough are purchased by elf volunteers who select an angel from the tree at POC Hardware and shop specific to size, favorite things and special requests from each child. Those items are wrapped and given to the parents anonymously to be given to their children on Christmas. Volunteers who shop for an angel are given an identifying number, and each child’s identity is protected. Families receive respectful help to enable their child to have a nice Christmas. Some families report putting a few of the generous gifts back to save for a birthday. Some families report helping an angel from the tree in years after receiving help themselves.

So, yes, our angels are blessed beyond measure. We have the donations and volunteers to meet the need and families find a Christmas under their tree that they could never have dreamed about. Many times, the blessing of Adopt-An-Angel/Toy Run Christmas comes along when the time seems so bleak for the family. Just ask the grandmother who shared her granddaughters’ story with tears in her eyes and gratitude in her heart.

Volunteers Unload Toys from Toy Run Boats
-Photo by Fred Carr

Photo by Kelly Gee

14th Annual Toy Run
Boaters arrived at The Inn at Clarks. Locals were waiting to unload the boat-loads of toys.
-Photo by Calvin McIntyre

Thank You, Toy Run!

Twenty-five were planned but seventeen boats made the cold run into Port O’ Conner Saturday morning with tons of toys and bright Christmas spirit loaded on board. Even though they were cold, wet, windblown and hungry, they pitched right in and unloaded toys before returning to their boats to string lights, blow up Christmas characters and prepare for the lighted boat parade. There were plenty of volunteers on hand to help unload as community people, sheriff’s’ department and others got right to work. Box trailers were filled with bags and bags of toys and trailers were loaded with bikes and trikes and scooters. The smallest elf helped his dad unload lots of bikes off their boat and then helped load the trailer. The generous 4-year-old was determined to be a part no matter how cold he was. Early the next morning many of those same volunteers and many others met at the Community Center Pavilion to sort and distribute the toys to Christmas kids in need of those toys.
-Kelly Gee

Little Helper with the Toy Run Bicycles
-Photo by Kelly Gee

Photo by Calvin McIntyre

Judy Anderson leads the Port O’Connor School children in their Christmas musical presentation at the Annual Senior Citizens Christmas Luncheon.
-Photo by Bill Tigrett

The POC Service Club is as busy as always this season. Several important projects are in the works, and we have added several new members to our group in recent months. We continue to welcome interested women of all ages to join us. We meet the 1st and 3rd Thursdays at 10:00 a.m. in the back room of the Community Center.

I want to give a special shout out to POC Service Club Member Leslie Morris and her dad and local business owner Charles Harr. Leslie and Charles donated the beautiful new American, Texas and POW flags for the flag raising celebration at our November Veterans Day BBQ fundraiser. They didn’t just buy a set and a spare but three new sets of flags for the outdoor pole at the POC Community Center. Our wind and weather really damages our flags, so this donation should have us looking proud for several months to come. Leslie manages The Office bar and her dad is the owner. When you see them, share your appreciation please.

Our annual POC Service Club Community Christmas Lunch was Friday, December 2, 2016. Seniors, retirees and their guests enjoyed traditional holiday fare and Christmas décor with a theme of ‘O Holy Night.’ The food was delicious and the fellowship terrific. Special thanks to all the cooks, decorators, servers, dishwashers, those who cleaned up and all our extras such as husbands, kids, mothers and others who helped and pitched in to make our luncheon a big success. Huge congratulations to our trio of honorees, the Citizens of the Year 2016: Ms. Mary Ann Claiborne, Mr. Doyle Adams, and Mrs. Wanda Redding. All three are great representatives of those who give selflessly in our community. It was a pleasure to recognize them in this way.

The 2016 Toy Run and Boat Parade was fun and festive despite the weather and wind. The boaters really outdid themselves and all enjoyed the fun. The yard and light décor in our little town was anything but little. Great job!

It is our joy and pleasure to develop and complete service projects for POC, fund scholarships for local students and contribute meaningfully to the community we love. We work hard to raise funds for our work. One of the largest sources of funding is our biannual garage sale. The next one is early April, so we are gathering gently used items now. If you want to donate, we will put them to good use. Please do not leave them at the county barn. We are utilizing another storage site for donated items. Please call Diane Cooley at 903-467-6335 and ask for assistance in donating items. Thanks so much.

So, until next time, be safe, live simply, love openly, forgive generously and remember this quote by NY Times contributor and bestselling author H. Jackson Brown who says, “Remember that the happiest people are not those getting more, but those giving more.”

So, if you are feeling a little down, come by. We have your antidepressant ready!

Even the ceiling was beautifully decorated for the Christmas Luncheon. -Photo by Kelly Gee

Some of the Service Club members who helped to with the Christmas Luncheon. -Photo by Kelly Gee

Port O’Connor Chamber of Commerce Directors
Elected as Directors of the POC Chamber for the coming year are (left to right): John Reneau, Don Haynes, Laurie Junek, Darla Parker, Mary Francis Bauer, Donna Vuichard, Mary Jo Walker, Dawn Ragusin, Troy Wygrys, and Ronna Fishbeck (not pictured). Election of officers will be held at the January meeting.
-Photo by Bill Tigrett

Another year has come and gone. The Chamber always has a lot going on in December. On the 3rd was the 25th Annual Lighted Boat Parade on the ICW. We were blessed with 14 boats; most of these were the brave people bringing toys from Freeport to our community; this was their 14th year. These are some of the most courageous and dedicated people you’ve ever seen. They bring toys, which the POC Service Club distributes in our community and surrounding area. Volunteers from the Chamber fed these amazing people BarBQ sandwiches and trimmings. THANKS to all you ladies and guys.

Next on the list, was the Annual Chamber Christmas Party. Thanks to Joanie Morgan for heading this event. The election for 2017 directors and officers was held (see photo at left), along with live entertainment and snacks- just a good ole’ social get together.

If you have not been by King Fisher Park, please do so. Sharon Sanders volunteered to decorate again this. She does a fabulous job on decorations and puts in many hours, getting all just right. The Chamber “THANKS” to all the volunteers that give so much to this community.

In the works for 2017 is the Annual Crawfish Fest. You can mark your calendar for 2017, April 29th, featuring music by Josh Ward. The Chamber will be looking for sponsors, so when preparing your budget for 2017 hopefully you can add this for a donation. This is the biggest money maker to help make most of the events the Chamber sponsors possible.

Our next meeting will be January 9th, 6:30 p.m. at the POC Community Center–Come out and get involved!!!

New Members:
POCTX
Michelle’s Flooring & Design
Clips and Dips Dog Grooming

If you would like to join our effort contact us: 361poc@gmail.com 361-983-2898 portoconnorchamber.com

Port O’Connor Chamber of Commerce wishes you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!