Memorial Table at POC Muster

At the Port O’Connor Muster there was great food, fantastic fundraising and lots of laughs. Still, the sacrifice made by those who serve is a solemn thing. Many pay the ultimate price while serving, giving lives to protect the country they love. Col. Mike Petrash, Retired, serves as the Warriors Weekend Field of Honor Coordinator and brings a palpable gravity and a meaningful reminder of that sacrifice to the evening’s festivities. Col. Petrash conducted the POW/MIA Ceremony for the POC Muster. All veterans were asked to stand at attention as Col. Petrash explained the memorial table set at the dinner to honor all those who are missing or killed in action. The colonel did a great job of detailing the setting of the memorial table and the purposes for items included. The table meaning is explained in this paraphrased excerpt from the Army Family Support Website:

“A small round table set for one has a single chair leaning against it empty in memory of the one who will never join the family meal table again and symbolizes the frailty of one prisoner alone against suppressors. . The table is set with a white table cloth symbolizing the purity of their intentions to serve their country. The single red rose signifies the blood shed to ensure our freedom; the yellow ribbon on the vase represents the families who wait and the ribbons worn on lapels of thousands who demand accounting of the missing. The slice of lemon reminds of their bitter fate, salt sprinkled on the plate signifies their countless tears, the glass inverted for those who cannot toast with loved ones this night. The candle is a reminder of the light of hope in hearts to lead them home, away from captors back to a grateful nation. The Bible reminds us to pray to the Supreme Commander that all those lost and missing will soon be back within our ranks. The chair is empty, they are not here. They have made the ultimate sacrifice. May we never forget.”

With beautiful authenticity Col. Petrash led the crowd through the tradition of the POW/MIA Ceremony. As veterans stood at solemn attention, the roll call, the reading of the names and ranks of those from our specific area who have given their lives in service, were read aloud with honor and reverence. The somber gaze and focused attention of those veterans standing in respect of the fallen and lost was heartfelt and very impressive. Civilian attendees were silent and respectful, and found themselves profoundly moved by the Ceremony and the lives represented. It was a powerful symbol of the sacrifice and loss that brings passion and purpose to those who work hard to make Warriors Weekend happen.

A custom cooler filled with coastal cooking supplies was donated to the POC Muster by Becky Haynes and the Port O’Connor Service Club.

POC Community Service Club wants to invite you to our annual Spring Garage Sale. Saturday, April 9th from 8:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. We will be selling unique finds and atypical treasures at extraordinary prices. You may find a cute outfit for the summer weather, an undiscovered antique, some much needed fishing gear or even a new chair. The items offered are all donated by POC folks and our neighbors, and never cease to amaze us in their variety and assortment. Plus, don’t forget the Bake Sale where you will find home baked goodies and Service Club Cookbooks for sale. All proceeds go to fund our scholarships and other community service projects, so you can feel good about shopping for a good cause.

At 12:00 noon we will begin our famous $1 Bag Sale. Shoppers will be able to fill up a large shopping bag with whatever amazing assets remain for just ONE DOLLAR PER BAG! Now, if you wait for the $1 bag sale you are sure to miss out on the special treats, but come back at noon and you are sure to find some budget belongings that you simply must make yours for a bargain price. It’s an epic sale and we are looking forward to seeing all of our friends and neighbors there supporting the Service Club and their ongoing projects.

Oh, and don’t worry. There is still time for you to donate your priceless surplus and extravagant extras to the garage sale. You may drop them off at the County barn just behind the JP office or bring them to the POC Community Center on Friday, April 8th before the sale. They will be added to the sale that gives back to our community.

Did you or someone you know attend POC Elementary and now are graduating with plans to go to college, trade or tech school? Then that is all it takes to be eligible to apply for the Service Club Scholarships. Contact your High School Counselor or a Service Club member to submit application for 2016 Scholarship awards. We love helping local kids become successful as they pursue their dreams.

There are many opportunities to be involved in our great little town. Stay informed so you can stay involved. The annual Easter Sunrise Service is a really special experience on our beautiful front beach that you don’t want to miss. Chamber, Lions, VFD, Friends of the Library and many others have activities in the near future.

So, until next time, be safe, live simply, love openly, forgive generously and remember what novelist Nathaniel Hawthorne said, “Every individual has a place to fill in the world and is important in some respect whether he chooses to be so or not.” Come join us, we can help you find your important place.

Happy For Spring and Rain

Greetings from the island everyone. Hope all of you are doing well and taking advantage of this extra hour of daylight during the evening.  I certainly prefer the daylight savings time of the year, and being able to spend those extra minutes outside enjoying the outdoors and island and beach time.  I also like the early morning wake up time when it’s still dark outside, and watching the sunrise while having that first cup of hot black coffee.  Coffee is my friend.

Well, after several months of only spotty rain showers, adding up to under an inch, last week finally brought some much needed rain to the island.  A solid 3” came down and saturated the ground, replenishing the underground fresh water supply for the wells, nearly filling my tanks, and giving everything a drink just in time for the beginning of Spring.

Fresh water is vital for existence, and out on the island is no different. Even though on a clear day I can see the Port O’Connor mainland from the island (about 4 miles away), it’s endless supply of fresh water might as well be 4,000 miles away from me. A person simply does not realize the importance of fresh water, or how much they use on a weekly basis, until it is no longer available. Being conservative is a huge priority out here, whether it be fresh water usage or 12 volt solar power consumption.

It looks as though, for all intents and purposes, winter is pretty much behind us now. For the most part, it was a very mild winter on the island. Not a single morning did I wake to a freezing temperature reading, nor was there even a frost on the ground. Yes, there were some cold nights, mainly from the strong north winds howling across the bay before slamming into the island, but no bone chilling temps that threatened water pipes or froze the chickens water containers, as has happened in previous winters. And you know what, I’m not complaining one iota!  These are what south Texas winters should be like, as long as there are enough chill hours (between 32-45 degrees), for my peach trees to produce, then I’m very happy.

Before long, the migrating birds will begin making their way across the Gulf of Mexico and the island, heading north to warmer temps. I love this time of year as the various colorful birds stop along the way, and I get to see the beautiful Painted Buntings and Baltimore Orioles and Yellow-headed Blackbirds.  And then shortly after that, the Barn Swallows will begin returning to their mud nests under the deck above the downstairs porch, and hatch out one or two families of baby birds.  This will be the 10th consecutive year that the swallows will be using the same nests under the deck.  Yes, Spring is a good time on the island.

Well, that’s it from the island for now; everyone take care and have a most splendid day.

“THANKS” to everyone who renewed their 2016 Chamber membership. The applications were mailed the 1st of March. If you would like to join the Chamber and didn’t receive an application go to portoconnorchamber.com and join by payment to paypal or give us a call 361-983-2898.

The Chamber sponsors several events throughout the year, and needs everyone interested in the betterment of the community to get involved. Events scheduled are:

April 30 – 4th Annual Crawfish Festival:King Fisher Park & Beach

May 28 – Annual Kids Memorial Fishing Tournement:King Fisher Park & Beach

July 2 – Fireworks Display : King Fisher Park & Beach

September 3 – TBD– Beach Bash w/ Larry Joe Taylor: King Fisher Park & Beach

December 3 – Annual Christmas Boat Parade & Freeport Toy Run: ICW

Here we are into March and Spring Breakers are on their way. We hope all of you have a great and safe time in POC and it being Spring Break means summer is just around the corner. We are looking toward having a busy and prosperous year.

If any of the Business Members have a flyer, ad or just a business card and want your business advertised, please email the Chamber and we will get it put on Facebook and give you an extra plug on the website, along with emails. The Chamber’s job is to promote businesses and community. The 4th Annual Crawfish Festival and Cookoff will be held April 30th, 2016, let’s make it the Biggest and Best, just email Darla Parker– sledgeparker@gmail.com –if you would like to be involved.
Also if you have live in Port O’Connor and have a senior graduating in 2016, now is the time to fill out Chamber Scholarship Application.

Next monthly meeting will be April 11th, 6:30 p.m. in the Port O’Connor Community Center.

Have A Wonderful & Safe Easter! Don’t forget Sunrise Services on King Fisher Park.

Port O’Connor Chamber of Commerce
New & Renewed Members:

Michael & Peggy Macha
POC Hardware & Supply
Siegeler Insurance Agency, Inc.
Gerald & Virginia Lichac
Tom & Pat Ekstrom
Scales & Tales Guide Service
James Vass
Sonny’s Marine
American Inn and Suites
Joe & Susan Cohen
Mr. and Mrs. Larry Vaughn
Donald & Carolyn Goldman
Bugman of Weinar, Inc.
Tigrett Real Estate
Arnold & Keiko Gordon
Bubba’s Smoked Meats
Larry & Sharilyn Carroll
Russell Brhlik & Chyrl Lowe
Captain Bill Wheeler –
Guide & Historian
Ricki & Francey Mc Kinney
Middleton Outdoor –
Advertising Co, Inc.
Steve & Cherise Branch
Texas Saltwater Fishing Magazine
Senator Lois Kolkhorst

March 1, 2016 was a big day for Catherine Wilson (Cat). Not only was it her birthday, but she was also officially “sworn in” as Justice Court Clerk of Precinct 5, Calhoun County. Catherine has been working for Judge Nancy Pomykal since January 6, of this year. She was formerly employed at IBC bank in Port Lavaca where she worked as a teller, and the Calhoun County Sheriff’s office where she served an administrative assistant.

Catherine moved to Calhoun County from the Austin area approximately three years ago.

“I am excited to have Cat working with me. She is a great help, a fast learner and a real people person. She is well qualified and a very talented individual.” Said Judge Pomykal “ “Being a court clerk is a challenging position. Not everyone can handle it. I am looking forward to having this dynamic young woman serve as my clerk. She loves Port O’Connor and our lifestyle. She will be a great asset to my office and our community.” Judge Pomykal said.