Vera Wiatt; Donnie Klesel and Mary Jo Walker, POC Chamber of Commerce; Allan Berger, San Antonio Bay Partnership; Shelly Plante, TPWD; and Alan Raby, Dolphin Kayaks POC cut the ceremonial ribbon on the new Paddling Trails kiosk on Thursday, July 9.

New Paddling Trail Opens

Port O’ Connor has lots of paddlers. Whether fishing or just enjoying the view of nature, kayaks offer a unique option to enjoy our waters. On Thursday morning July 9th, kayakers celebrated the official grand opening for the new POC Paddling Trails. This joint project of community sponsors including Calhoun County, Port O’Connor Chamber of Commerce, Westside Calhoun County Navigation District, and San Antonio Bay Partnership in cooperation with Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) establishes marked routes that make the POC Paddling Trails some of the longest marked paddling trails in the state. A new kiosk and map located near the Little Jetties Launch Site at Washington and Commerce show the routes available to paddlers.

The POC Paddling Route consists of a series of interconnecting trails. Twelve miles of expansion included two new trails named Pass Cavallo J-hook Trail and Barroom Bay Trail. Existing trails were renamed Fishpond Trail, Big Pocket Trail, Mule Slough Trail, and Matagorda Island Trail. Together they offer 40 miles of paddling fun and opportunity along the shores of Espiritu Santo and Matagorda Bay and through their saltwater marshlands. The trails have routes to paddle several hours, all day or even several days for paddlers from beginner to master level to enjoy.

Free Kayak Lessons were offered after the ribbon cutting Thursday, and Alan Raby of Dolphin Kayaks was on hand to instruct newbies and sign up others for the guided paddle planned Friday July 10 at Boggy Park. The public was invited to hone their kayaking skills at this free event. After these two outings, beginners could participate in monthly paddles in SABP’s Explore the Bay paddling events. For more information on paddling fun, contact master naturalist and local kayak enthusiast AllanRBerger@comcast.net or Dolphin Kayaks on Adams St.     Take a look at the new kiosk and the paddling trails map.

Kayaking is a great way to see a different view of the bays we call home. Try it, you just might like it!

Allan Berer gives Raedyn Gee kyak lessons near the entry to the new paddling trails in Port O’Connor.

Friends of Port O’Connor Library invite you to enjoy a “beautiful night under Texas Stars” on Saturday, September 19, 2015 at The Sanctuary at Costa Grande.

In addition to an elegant dinner in beautiful surroundings, you will enjoy meeting Texas authors and the opportunity to purchase new books.  A silent auction will also be held. Proceeds will go toward building a new library/learning center for Port O’Connor.

Tickets are only $25 per person and can be purchased in advance from The Treasure Chest and at First National Bank in Port O’Connor.

Friends of the Port O’Connor Library Annual Meeting
Directors (L to R): Virginia Lichac, Vera Wiatt, Joe Wiatt, Barbara Crouch, Joanie Morgan, Judy Whitworth, Lynn Luster, State Representative Geanie Morrison, Gerry Lichac, Pam Ray, Anne Monnig, Paula McCauley, Roxanne Ochoa

Our Annual 2014-2015 meeting on Saturday, June 27 was well attended and our special guest, Texas State Representative Geanie Morrison spoke of her support for building the new library/learning center here in Port O’Connor.  Everyone enjoyed meeting her and connecting with her as our State Representative.  New Executive officers were elected as follows:  Judy Whitworth, President, Joanie Morgan, Vice-President, Melissa Doggett, Secretary, and Barbara Crouch, Treasurer.  Vera Wiatt was elected as “Friends” representative to Calhoun County Library Board.  The newly elected officers, along with the other directors, will continue to work enthusiastically toward making a state-of-the-art library facility come to fruition.

DON’T FORGET the Hot Diggity Dog barbecue cookout sponsored by “Friends” on Saturday, August 29 from 11:30am to 1:30pm under the Beach Pavilion.  This event is open and free to the community!
For tickets to our classy fundraiser “Night Under Texas Stars” on Saturday, September 19 at The Sanctuary at Costa Grande, please contact Joanie Morgan at 979.249.7223 or treasurechestpoc@gmail.com.   The tickets are only $25.00/person and will include a delicious meal while dining with accomplished Texas authors and a silent auction which will feature book and literary related items.

Please contact Paula McCauley to update your “Friends” membership for the coming year.  She can be reached at 361.218.1415, 361.983.4910, or pbmccauley@yahoo.com.  and can provide the membership forms to submit your updated membership type.

Soon the community will spot a handsome “Friends” banner around town.  The banner, generously donated by Anne and Mike Monnig, will display our progress toward meeting our fundraising goals and will be updated periodically.  Look for it soon!

Outgoing President Virginia Lichac (left); Newly elected President, Judy Whitworth (right)

Calhoun County Historical Society members Sue Thomae, Mary Belle Meitzen, and John Meitzen receiving the DSA 2014 from Judge Michael Pfeifer. -Photo by Philip Thomae

The Texas Historical Commission honors Calhoun County Historical Commission with the Distinguished Service Award for the 2014 year of service. The THC issues Distinguished Service Awards each year to CHCs that exemplify exceptional service and dedication to the state of Texas. This award was presented during a meeting of the County Commissioners Court to acknowledge the stewardship of our state’s unique cultural and historic sites.

“County Historical Commissions are valued partners of the Texas Historical Commission.” said THC Executive Director Mark Wolfe. “We present Distinguished Service Awards each year to high-performing County Historical Commissions that strive for organizational excellence and illustrate the best of what preservation can accomplish for Texas Communities.

A Small group of about sixteen volunteers completed over 3,403 hours, giving a total of $76,805.71 county monies saved. Activities and photos may be found on calhouncountyhc.com or Indianola,Tx.com.