On May 13th, The Hooked on Books Club reconvened for a meaningful discussion of Away, Megan Freeman Burton’s gripping companion novel to her acclaimed debut, Alone.  As a follow-up to a previous discussion of Alone, this meeting felt especially rich and was a true highlight as members had the unique opportunity to place the spotlight once again on our local literary treasure. Megan is known for her powerful contributions to children’s literature and has captured national attention with her novels.

Hostesses Kim Ballard, Melanie Martinez, Nancy Ladshaw and Megan Freeman Burton served BBQ sandwiches with chips, garden salad with Green Goddess dressing, and assorted beverages while members chatted with each other and shared upcoming summer plans with one another.

After feasting on the delicious food, a lively book discussion followed with many attendees expressing what made this meeting especially memorable, the thrill to learn more about Megan’s writing journey. She generously shared insights into her writing and future publishing experience, the challenges of writing from four alternating points of view and the real-life questions that sparked the haunting story of a state-wide evacuation.

All in attendance agreed that it was an engaging and fun-filled afternoon. They thanked their wonderful hostesses for the ingenuity, expert planning, and hard work put into making it all happen. It was definitely an afternoon to remember and more than just a book discussion—it was a celebration of storytelling, resilience, and the incredible talent found within our own community.

We are so fortunate to have Megan as part of the Hooked on Books family, and we thank her for another unforgettable afternoon. We are grateful for our connection with Megan and truly touched and honored that Hooked on Books was mentioned in the epilogue of Away. Her thoughtful gesture of signing our personal copies of her novel during our meeting made the experience even more meaningful.

As always, the Book Club will take a summer break during the months of June, July, and August. We hope everyone enjoys a relaxing and adventure-filled summer of reading! However, don’t worry—our literary discussions will resume in September with another compelling selection. We will be diving into Run Brother Run by David Berg, a compelling blend of memoir, true crime, and legal drama that is sure to inspire thoughtful reflection and lively conversation.

For those interested in joining the club, the summer break offers a perfect opportunity to read ahead and become a part of this vibrant literary community. Join us in September. All are truly welcome to join us! Interested? Contact alanehaardt@yahoo.com.

Pastor Joane had pulled out all the stops with the planning and decorations, with the help of many servant/leaders. Oh, what fun it is to be 29 again! Recently, the Fisherman’s Chapel Family treated me to a “Roast” complete with some of the greatest stories that warmed my heart greatly! It is so good to have a group of people who love you like you love them. We were treated to a special meal of hamburger steak, mashed potatoes, green beans, with delicious grave! Pastor Steve was the M.C. and had eight (8) speakers lined up! There were tears of joy and sincere appreciation all around. To lengthen the celebration, on Mother’s Day, my sister Ruth Anna and her husband Don came and surprised me during Bible Study. They live in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, and I had no idea that they were in Texas, especially not Port O’Connor. I received many beautiful, cherished cards and several gifts from the congregation! It is an honor to serve in such a great church! Thank you, Port O’Connor Community for welcoming us to join your great community! We trust we can continue being a great contributor to each one! 

 Mother’s Day was also a great day for Pastor Joane and the other ladies of Fisherman’s Chapel. Pastor Joane had her two sons (Monty and Ray) here with their families and one of her two daughters (Vicky) with her family here for a great time of praising the Lord together. Many of our spiritual sons and daughters reach out with well wishes. We followed the morning service with a special meal, with over twenty (20) people present and the food and fellowship were both spectacular! Our older daughter (Crystal) lives in Ohio and could not make the trip, but she and her family were greatly missed! We love our family and friends and always look forward to a time of gathering! Also, Pastor Joane had prepared a special gift for every mom present, and they were a great hit and sincerely appreciated. If we could have a birthday or Mother’s Day celebration every time we meet, it would only enhance our love each for the other. 

 Pastor Joane continues on our “Route 66” Bible Study – preaching through the 66 Books of the Bible. We are in the Gospel of John and she has been be sharing the “I am’s” of Jesus. It is an exciting and informative series, one that no one will want to miss.  I am starting a series on “Church Foundations,” and my first message deals with “Loving Oneself” in order to be able to “Love God” and to “Love Others.”  It will take me at least 20 lessons to complete this task, so our foundations will be complete. We trust that everyone will come and bring their Bibles for this very important series! My next message is going to be about the “Word of God.” Holy Scriptures is where we find our foundation for a growing spiritual life – one that will prepare us from eternity with God! Come join us! 

 Our Retreat Center has been extremely helpful in helping us bring groups to Port O’Connor. We have people, who come literally from many different States to respite here and get recharged for their journey. At the end of the month, everything will be filled with a large university group. They will be learning, relaxing, and encouraging each other and us for several days. We have another group from Bastrop coming in the next few weeks and then still others are trying to get their plans to mix with our facilities so they can come as well.  Be sure, when you see a large group of people that look like they are from someplace else that you greet them and make them feel welcome, as is your normal reaction! 

 Special congratulations to Mrs. Sheryl Haynes on being selected as “POC Teacher of the Year!” Sheryl is loved by many kids, because she was their teacher in years past! She is a vital part of POC and is loved by everyone I know! One kid told me she was thinking for failing the third grade so she could be in Mrs. Haynes class again! We love and appreciate all of our teachers and other school staff members – what a vital part of our community they are! We pray the teachers and staff rest this summer – IT IS WELL DESERVED! 

 June is Father’s Day celebration at Fisherman’s Chapel.  Each man present will receive a gift they will totally appreciate. It will be similar to previous year’s gifts, but totally different! We sincerely appreciate Captain Marty for his generosity for the past many years and look forward to seeing him often at Marty’s Landing for excellent food! 

 Fisherman’s Chapel is an interdenominational congregation – meaning that we are simply Christians without tags! One will always find a warm welcome at our Sunday Services – 10 AM – Bible Class; 11 AM – Morning Service; and 6 PM – Evening Service. We enjoy a fellowship meal at 7 PM each Wednesday, which is followed by a time in the Word. Everyone is urged to, “Come, Grow With Us!” 

Helen Faye West Hawes, 78 years old, of Port Lavaca passed away Saturday, April 26, 2025, while residing at Twin Pines Nursing and Rehab Center in Victoria, Texas.

A devoted mother and homemaker, Helen’s greatest joy was always her family. While she worked a variety of jobs throughout her life, her primary focus was always on those she loved most. She had a lifelong love of reading and watched every western movie ever made.

Though Helen was not part of a specific congregation, her faith was a quiet but constant presence in her life. In her later years, she found joy in collecting crosses during her travels, each one a reflection of her devotion. These crosses, lovingly arranged among family photos on her walls, became a tapestry of the things she cherished most — faith and family.

She is survived by her former husband David Hawes, and their four children: Rachel Jolene Redding of Port Lavaca, Lydia Ann Damon (Dan) of Menard, Christopher David Hawes (Rhonda) of Houston, and Daniel John Hawes of Victoria. She is also survived by her siblings: Virginia Jonckers, Lawrence West (Dianne), John West, seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Retha Mae Orsak and Joe West, one sister, Brenda Smetters; grandson, Richard Clyde Hawes; and son-in-law, Bryan Redding.

A celebration of life was held at the Port O’Connor Community Center on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at 3:00pm. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to C.C.S.C.A. Inc., Heritage Center, P.O. Box 128, Port Lavaca, TX 77979 or the charity of your choice.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Chelif Junor for his years of dedicated care to our mother, and the staff of Twin Pines Nursing and Rehabilitation Center for their patience, kindness and compassionate support during her stay.

Charlie my stainless steel alligator at the 20th anniversary light event in the city of Kronach in Bavaria, Germany.

Pushing one of the two buttons in his nose, Charlie makes alligator sound or plays a sample of crocodile rock.

The eyes glow red and a sensor activates the alligators light wharts on its hide.

Youngsters and adults enjoy this unique creature of 16 foot length.

At this light festival around the Kronach Castle were 60 light installatins to be seen.

About 100.000 visitors come from all over.  -Dieter Erhardt

May 2nd was National Lunch Hero Day

Port O’Connor’s School: Jamie Blanco and Anahi Rodriguez

. Our local schools honored these faithful workers.

Seadrift School has four Superheroes in our cafeteria: Marian Stoddard, Corina Garcia, Maranda Mikolas, and Penny Williamson. Our heroes do not wear capes, they wear aprons!!