“Beacon of Light…Anchor of the Community”

Library News: 

POC Library Hours:                        Phone Number: 361-983-4365

Sunday – Monday:                          Closed

Tuesday – Friday:                            10:30 AM  – 5:00 PM

Saturday:                                              9:00 AM  – 1:00 PM

• *PSA: Mark your calendars for the beginning of Daylight Saving Time on March 9th by turning your clocks forward one hour. Spring forward with DST!

Don’t miss out on all the excitement happening at your local library! The library is more than just books—it’s a hub of adventure, discovery, and connection for everyone in the community. Whether you’re looking for a treasure trove of stories to transport you to new worlds or want to learn something new, the library has something special for you.

But that’s not all—our library is a vibrant gathering place where you can connect with neighbors and make new friends. Join one of our many community events, designed to bring people together and celebrate shared interests. From book clubs and craft workshops to family-friendly activities and seasonal programs, there’s always something happening at the library that you won’t want to miss!

Children’s Valentine Party

Stay in the loop by checking our social media pages and website for the latest updates on events, programs, and new additions to our collection. These platforms are the best way to ensure you don’t miss a thing, whether it’s a fun event for kids, a community project, or an exciting new release hitting the shelves.

We’re looking forward to seeing you at the library! Come explore, connect, and make the library a part of your story!

February Children’s Program

Love and friendship were celebrated at the library on February 1st! The children and adults enjoyed delicious cookies, snacks and drinks while making Valentines, decorating T-shirts and creating valentine boxes. All the fun was had along with board games and Mario Kart.

Lauren Griffith donated the delicious Valentine cookies and a huge thank you to our main library, Calhoun County Public Library, for sponsoring this special event with snacks and drinks.

Activities: All events are FREE and ALL are welcome!

Wednesdays: 

• 8:30 -9:30 AM – Coffee & Conversation
• 9:30–10:30 AM – Bingo – The fun follows the 8 AM coffee event every Wednesday!
• Many thanks to our generous sponsors: The Claiborne Family; Dixie Howell; Anne Monnig; Mary Jo Walker; Michelle Marlin, and Harbor Hospice
• Note: LOTERIA (Mexican Bingo) to follow bingo.

1:00-3:30 PM – Mah Jongg

Thursdays: 1:00-3:30 PM – Bridge

Friends of the POC Library: 

The Capital Campaign is in full swing, and we’re excited to announce a special raffle hosted by the Friends of the Port O’Connor Library! Don’t miss your chance to participate and win fantastic prizes while supporting the library expansion project.

To purchase a raffle ticket, please email libraryfriendspoc@gmail.com or contact one of our dedicated Friends volunteers. For more information and a sneak peek at the exciting prizes, visit our website.

Thank you for your support—together, we’re building a brighter future for our library and community!

Submitted by Darla Miles

Friends of the Port O’ Connor Library, Publicity Committee/Historian 

www.friendsofportoconnorlibrary.org

Facebook Page: Friends of the Port O’Connor Library, Inc.

PORT O’CONNOR — Grady Jean Clark, 88, of Port O’Connor, Texas passed away on Tuesday, January 21, 2025. She was born on March 7, 1936, in Alto, Texas to the late John Grady Malone and Luster Lucille Jones Malone. Grady was a member of the First Baptist Church in Port O’Connor, Texas.

Grady Jean was a homemaker. She was a wonderful mother and grandmother who loved her family. She had a passion for interior design, decorating, and loved to bake.

Grady Jean and Kenneth together opened Clark’s Restaurant on May 28, 1994. She was the creator and developer of many of the delicious seafood dishes served at the restaurant.

She was very instrumental in the creation of the Port O’Connor Community Center.

Grady Jean is survived by daughter, Kimberly Clark of Port O’Connor, Texas; son, Henry Anderson (Judy) of Port O’Connor; grandsons, Collin Anderson of Pflugerville and Tyler Anderson of Garland.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John Grady and Luster Lucille Malone; husband, Kenneth E. Clark; son, Steven D. Clark; sister, Billie Fisher.

At the request of the family, all services were private.

Thoughts and memories may be shared online at www.gracefuneralhome.net.

It is with deep sorrow and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Jimmy D Odom Sr, of Seadrift, Tx, who peacefully left us on January 21, 2025, at the age of 75. Jimmy was a devoted husband, a cherished father, an adored and proud grandfather and great grandfather. He was also a proud Veteran, serving our country during Vietnam as a Lance Corporal in the US Marine Corp.

Born on April 30, 1949, in Breckenridge, TX, he was the son of Bernard L and Luella Mae Odom. He spent his life surrounded by family, friends, and a community that loved him. A dedicated Water Well Driller and business owner in the Bastrop area, he was known for his hard work, integrity, and sense of humor.

Jimmy is survived by his loving wife, Linda Odom; children, Kristi Odom, Jimmy Odom Jr and wife Laura, and David Odom and wife Morgan; grandchildren, Kayla Bartsch Voigt and husband Zach, Cheyenne Odom, Presley Bartsch, Kristen Odom, Jackson Workman, Hayden Odom, Lauren King and husband Stuart, Kenzie Odom, Kambrie Odom, Evan Odom, Johnny Osborn, Chucky Bradley and great grandfather to Atlas King, Jett Thomas, Wayne Workman and Silas King, He is also survived by one brother, Vernon {Buddy) Odom.

Jimmy is preceded in death by his parents, Bernard and Louella Mae Odom; his brothers, Daniel Leon and Tommy Derrell; his sister, Patricia Annette; and grandson, Jimmy Odom III (Lil Bubba).

Throughout his life, Jimmy enjoyed fishing, camping, trips to the casino and tinkering around in his shop.

His sense of humor and generosity touched everyone he met, especially his grandchildren. He was a guiding light to his family and friends, always offering wisdom, support, and love.

A memorial service and burial will be held later, at Fort Cavazos in Killeen with full military honors. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Wounded Warrior’s Project in Jimmy Odom’s memory.

Although we are heartbroken by his passing, we take comfort in knowing that his love and memories will forever live on in our hearts.

Rest in peace, Pops. You will be deeply missed.

The Port O’Connor Community Garden has had some unexpected visitors! Deer certainly appreciate a well-tended garden, especially in the colder months when food is scarce. New strategies have been put in place to protect the plants and shut down the “deer buffet.”

Gardeners have received much communication regarding cold-weather protection tips for plants during freezing weather, such as hydrating plants before a freeze and using mulch. Gardeners are staying well-informed and proactive in protecting their plants from the cold and animals.

On January 23rd, gardeners met at the Library Multi-purpose room to discuss and learn about “Seed Starting.” January is the month to start our warm season gardens. Gardeners plan a club of “Seed Starters” within the group. Together, we’ll learn as we GROW! This exciting initiative will be a wonderful way for gardeners to share knowledge, troubleshoot challenges, and enjoy the process as a community.   During the meeting, we learned that starting from seeds allows you to grow a wider variety of plants, including many that are not available as transplants from local nurseries. We watched President Val Tiemann present a hands-on seed starting demonstration with the actual supplies needed. Watching a demonstration was especially helpful and made the experience very engaging.  We also learned about the minimal space, time and costs involved. Many attendees found the meeting to be a valuable learning experience, gaining insights on how to prevent issues and achieve successful seed starting.

This story is fictional, but based on scripture found in 1 Samuel 2:30; 1 Kings 10:21; 2 Chronicles 2:16; 2 Chronicles 8:7-10; and 2 Chronicles 9:21-22, 27

The sun was shining and there was a fresh breeze coming off the Jaffa Sea. What a beautiful day, thought Ephraim. He stood basking in the sunshine, thanking his Elohim. While around him, was the usual commotion that sailors made when unloading the king’s cargo. Ephraim stood on the deck of one of King Solomon’s vessels. It was sleek with powerful sails. Its deck and quarters were immaculate. The exterior of the ship was made strong to withstand the rough waters of the ocean. Nothing but the best for the king. Every three years, the king’s merchant ships would bring back strange treasures from far countries. Some of these valuables included gold, ivory, and monkeys. Yes, monkeys. They were funny little creatures, Ephraim thought, and he remembered back to the first time he had seen a monkey. He had thought how weird they looked and the strange behavior they made by jumping up and down while making an excited chattering noise. However, over time, Ephraim came to enjoy their company, and he now thought that they were cute little things. The king had appointed Ephraim as the royal caretaker in charge of the monkeys. They liked to talk a lot, though. If Ephraim wasn’t so used to them by now, they would drive him batty like they once did. Today, Ephraim was in the middle of overseeing the unloading of a new batch of monkeys that the king’s merchant ships had just imported. Yes, thought Ephraim, they had won him over. They had become his companions over the years and every day they made him laugh with their antics. He supposed that was why King Solomon had decided to keep his kingdom stocked with them. They brought joy to those around them. Ephraim had made this discovery years ago and since then, he determined that no job was too small or insignificant. Thus, he did his job faithfully and with a joyful heart.

Days turned into weeks and weeks into years. However, day in and day out, Ephraim was faithful to feed and care for the monkeys. He never complained that the job felt insignificant because he believed that his job was important if for only one reason. The reason being, that he did his job as unto Elohim. One day, the diligence of Ephraim came to the notice of the king. The king was so impressed that he decided to honor the royal caretaker of the monkeys. Thus, the royal couriers were sent out with a proclamation confirming the king’s desire to honor Ephraim before all Israel for his devoted service. Ephraim looked on with curiosity as he was handed the proclamation. Once he opened it and read it, his eyes began to water. He wasn’t crying because he felt he deserved pomp and circumstance. He was crying because he felt humbled. It was at that moment, he knew he had been tested, found faithful, and Elohim wanted to tell him “good job”. That alone was the best prize he could desire. Years went by and Ephraim became an old man. He could no longer care for the monkeys, but he found something useful he could do. He taught children valuable life lessons in his old age. He taught them a very significant lesson that, no matter how small the job, that “small” job is important. He taught them that in whatever they do, if they honor Elohim, He will honor them. Ephraim’s mind wondered and he thought back to the time King Solomon had chosen to honor him. Although he was grateful to the king for his consideration, Ephraim did not highly esteem the praise of man. However, Elohim used it because it felt like a confirmation to Ephraim of his belief that no job is too small or insignificant if you do it as unto Elohim. Ephraim looked into the face of each student. He bent over and picked up a piece of silver lying on the ground and said,

“You see this shiny like stone, children? This is silver, but it was tossed out and is accounted as nothing. However, even this piece of silver has a job. Its job is to bless our eyes with its beauty. It sparkles and reflects the sunlight when shone upon during the day. So, if the only significant part of your job is to do your best as unto Elohim, you bless His heart. Consequently children, by doing your job joyfully, is enough. Elohim will be greatly pleased with you.”

The End.