On February 8th, 2024, the Calhoun County YMCA held a Ribbon Cutting for the Griffin Early Learning Center, a new venture in early childhood education to Port Lavaca.

Michele Morales, Executive Director of the Calhoun County YMCA, expressed her excitement about the center’s potential impact. “The opening of the Griffin Early Learning Center is a milestone for the YMCA and the families of Calhoun County. We believe every child deserves the best start in life, and this center will provide the resources and learning experiences to make that possible. We are enrolling now at the Griffin Early Learning Center and eagerly anticipate welcoming your child into our exceptional educational programs,” she states. Morales added, “The Griffin Early Learning Center embodies the passion and dedication of Marian Griffin and her late husband Dr. John Griffin. They believe children are our future and believe that all children should be set up for success. They believe in the Y.”

Nestled within the First United Methodist Church at 814 N. San Antonio Street in Port Lavaca, the Center will cater to children ranging from 6 weeks to 4 years of age. The Center is registering children now.

Under the guidance of Tina Pardon, Childcare Director, the center is set to offer a diverse array of educational activities tailored to the development stages of young learners. The programs are designed to lay a foundation for lifelong learning, with a focus on nurturing each child’s unique abilities and interests.

Parents and guardians interested in learning more about the Center or wishing to register their child, contact Tina Pardon via email at tpadron@ymcavictoria.org or by phone at 361-551-2562. Additional information is available on the YMCA website at www.ymcagoldencrescent.org.

Floundering the night of January 6 with Mike Zacko, Donnie Haynes saw what looked like a door mat. He stuck it and brought in this 7 pound flounder!

Driving by Fisherman’s Chapel (or several blocks away, or several miles away on the water) at night will be a real treat for anyone that enjoys a most beautiful sight.

This 63 ft. cross, a reminder of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, was erected in April, 2023.The lighting was completed on December 15th.

When boulders are installed at its base, it will be complete, and a formal dedication will be held.

The cross was made possible by the generosity of many friends.

-Tanya DeForest

We are most grateful for contributions, donations and people who are a part of the garden project. How delightful to see this piece of land put to good use and be a benefit to many. We appreciate community members’ time, local businesses’ donated materials, and fundraising participation.

“Throwing shade” is slang that means a person is criticizing another. However, that term has a positive connotation to us at the garden! Thanks to fundraising efforts, a shade structure has been ordered and will be here soon. A butterfly garden is in the process as well.

An example of community spirit can certainly be found in the fencing project. Many thanks to a great group of volunteers who contributed time to paint the new fence at the community garden. Expect to see a mural by Dawn Ragusin soon.