Judges (LtoR): Bobbi Walker, David Walker, Charlotte Fitzgerald, Deedra McCollum, Pam Ray, Dain Wheborth, Lyn Luster

Saturday, October 25, 2014 meant the HAPPENING of the 6th Annual Chili & Gumbo Cookoff as staged at Hurricane Junction. And what a happening that was!

Arriving early in the afternoon one was accosted by a totally unusual wave of many tantalizing aromas; and if that person was semi-cognizant of what those aromas could mean, well, no one is leaving quickly.

Walking further down the outside was the first contestant’s area, “Fly By The Seat Of My Pants” as manned by Ginnie and Gerry Lichac and the tantalizing smell from their chili pot made me look for a bowl, quickly. Ginnie is the President of the Friends of the Library and Gerry, of course, is her avid supporter.

Walking down a line of sites with cooking facilities of all kinds, the assault to my smelling facilities became strong and stronger. While walking and checking and conversing and sampling, I found a chili made with deer meat and lots of beer too. And one gumbo proudly displayed an egg! While another had lots of okra to add flavoring and thickness.

But as the approaching late afternoon soon became a time for judging with a very distinguished panel of specially selected judges, all of whom came prepared to display their fearless talents to render an unshakable verdict on the many bowls of chili and gumbo. This undaunted group may have started this blind tasting with some trepidation, but their votes were lasting and unshakable. Serving on this sterling group of impeccable justices were Bobbi Walker, David Walker, Charlotte Fitzgerald, Deedra McCollum, Pam Ray, Dain Wheborth and Lynn Luster. Our thank yous to all, and we do hope that the results of the necessary seasoning did not require several bowls of ice cream to cool things down.

As Hoop prepared to name the winners, he gave tribute to a special resident who, along with her group, was missing this year. Marie Richter had been the chief at the cooking pot for her group’s entry in the Chili division for sometime. She has for several years, smilingly carried off the trophy for the Showmanship Award as well as placing in the Chili cookoff. Sadly, due to illness, Marie has left our area and is now a resident near Liberty. We will always miss her smiling face, and what a master she was with the many disguises that her troupe wore to gather trophies in the Showmanship Award.

This year the Award goes to the “Bad Boo Chili” composed of Diane and Jim Cooley and Barbara and Jimmy Crouch. Although they had pretty good sized shoes to fill this year, they certainly succeeded. Wonder what group will be up for it next year?

A special award in the Margarita Competition went to Paul McGee and how did I miss getting a taste? Hope Hoop got his fill!

The top three gumbo winners were “Pirates of the Guadalupe” in First place with Dee & Kyle Woodruff from Nursery with a prize winning dish of shrimp, crab and fish gumbo doing the honors with her special ingredient of file; second prize was won by the “Coastal Cookers” with Peyton Martin in control; and Third Prize going to the “Rum Smugglers” with Brandi Briskie as the chef.

First Place Chili Kim Jensen

Dee Woodruff, Pirates of Guadalupe, 1st Place Gumbo with Peyton Martin, Coastal Cookers, 2nd place Gumbo

Chili winners were quite difficult to choose, but the First Prize was awarded to the “Coastal Bend Charters” and Kim Jensen doing the honors for the group that had captured 3rd prize last year. Second prize was cornered by the “Rum Smugglers” with Cooper Knight as the major stirrer; and the Third Prize went to the “Coastal Cookers” with Peyton Martin doing the honors . As we can be assured that all of these winners will return in 2015 to uphold their titles, we can be certain that there will be plenty of new challengers; particularly some who didn’t win this time.

And following the Awards to so many deserving and hardworking Chefs, the silent auction of many items commenced. Competitive bidding evolved on the various pictures and statues and other interesting items and many concerned bidders watched one person after another return to the same item to increase their bid. I noticed with a great deal of amusement my husband bidding against another man seated at the bar as each got up to return to that special statue and change their bid.

But the biggest kudo of this event goes to Hoop, the proprietor of Hurricane Junction. Hoop is known throughout our community for his generous donations for various activities; he has made the Building Fund for our Library the beneficiary of the Cookoff for the past five years as well as this year. It’s the members of our community, like Hoop, who make such a difference in the funding of our various organizations, whether the support goes to the Service Club’s Semi-Annual Garage Sale; to our Volunteer Fire Department; our Library; Scholarships; help for our local School’s activities and other projects here in Port O’Connor. But it’s also those that attend these activities; take part in them; or support them in so many ways. A HUGE THANK YOU TO YOU ALL!

And, if you missed the 6th Annual Chili/Gumbo Cookoff this October as held at Hurricane Junction, don’t mope and be unhappy. Hoop hasn’t quit yet, so get busy and get your team to start practicing those award-winning recipes, and we will look forward to seeing you in October of 2015! And if you really want to try out your expertise in a special gumbo recipe, as opposed by THE CHAMPION, there will be another GUMBO COOKOFF in January. And guess who is entering this time? The Big Man Himself! But will a bottle of Tums be necessary?

Cooper Knight, Run Runners, 2nd place Chili

Brandi Briskie, Rum Smugglers, 3rd place Gumbo

Paul McGee, winner of Margarita Award

Ginnie Lichac, President of Friends of the Port O’Connor Library, stirring her chili.

Note from Sue Kubecka: I had a great deal of fun talking and photographing the many chefs at the Chili/Gumbo Cookoff, howere, I goofed, on naming some persons and winners in the photos. My apologies. I certainly hope I do not make that mistake again. But  it was a good day and I hope to see you all again next year!

BUNCO! Closing out the year in its own style will be the Bunco Group on Tuesday Evening, December 2nd at 7:00 p.m.  Gathering in the Back Meeting Room of the Community Center, these avid players will start the evening with a covered dish repast and then continue to exchange gifts prior to the start of play.  New members are welcomed to come and enjoy themselves and meet some other residents of our Community; expertise or prior knowledge of this game is definitely not needed; just needs a lucky throw of the dice!  Contact Shirley Gordon at our Library for further information.
And following later in that first week of December on Friday the 5th  will be the  34th  celebration of the POC Community Service Club’s Annual Christmas Luncheon for our Senior residents.  This has been a yearly event as happily accomplished for many years beginning with a small group of attendees to the last guest list of 120 men and women who come to enjoy the company and food and entertainment by the students of our school.  We, in the Service Club, look forward to this Happening every year and fondly greet our returning guests as they enter the door.  However, this year there will be an empty place to welcome those who come to enjoy this Luncheon as our beloved member, Agnes Valigura who has served as our Greeter for many years and spoke very fondly to each of our guests at a beautifully decorated table is no longer here.

SHARE YOUR DINNER PROJECT as sponsored by the Lions Club.  As you enter our local Speedy Stop or our Bank, you will see large blue tubs for non-perishable food donations that will be forwarded to the Benevolence Fund.  The Fund is a grouping of all three churches here who work to provide those in need with Thanksgiving and Christmas Baskets.  Also on the counters of both Speedy and the Bank are smaller cans for monetary donations to this Fund.  The blue tubs welcome cans of cranberry sauce or other fruits, vegetables too, and definitely a box of a cake mix or pudding.  Let’s make these tubs as full as possible as everyone has an extra can or box of something at this time of the year.

If you are ambling down Adams Street on your way to the Post Office or the Library on Saturday, the 22nd of November, and you get a whiff of an incredible mouth watering aroma, better stop and look across the street.  You will see the 3rd Annual Turkey Cookoff as hosted by Eloisa and Joe of Josie’s, and many folks at the forefront of a number of bbq pits with lots of turkeys all emitting that wonderful aroma.  Our own Leroy Smith was the Champion once again last year; who’s challenging him this time?  I’ll be on hand with my camera and appetite; at least I would think I’d get a taste!

It looks like WINTER has arrived; at least that was my impression as I was searching for my thermals at 40+ degrees when I wrote this.  And would you believe that my former City of San Francisco was sweltering with a high of 66!  Yet I still keep seeing those brave and indomitable fishermen going out in the morning for that special catch … and not a cold either!

I welcome any comments and ideas and news of what’s happening in our area at any time; please contact me either by email or telephone.  And thank you for your input and the reading of this column.

kubeckasue@yahoo.com
361 798-0560

There has been an abundance of building in all areas of POC. A few new businesses have also sprung up. I’ve seen more people coming into our community than ever before. Some residents do not like this, but in order for Port O’Connor to survive, it’s a must. In the years I have lived here, I’ve seen many changes. In the 60’s there was oil businesses, shrimping and oystering to keep businesses going, then the oil business moved down the coast; then, due to the change in laws, no one could make a living shrimping or oystering. As of now we depend on tourism to keep this community alive. This seems to be our last resource and this is making our community a wonderful place to live and visit.

The Chamber is made up of volunteers. We’re always looking for more help and ideas. If you would like to become a member, go to portoconnorchamber.com or give us a call.

Looking forward to seeing everyone at our Annual Christmas Party & Meeting on December 8th. You do not have to be a member to attend this event. Come out and meet your neighbors. Election for new directors for 2015 will also be held. You must be a member to vote or be a director. 361-983-2898—-poccc@tisd.net

New Members:
2 R Guide Service
Steve Ferguson
Mr. & Mrs. Jack Barry
Scales & Tales Guide Service

For the First Six Weeks of the School Year
A Honor Roll

First Grade:  Layne Brown, Jada Dean, Adyn Garza, Kylee Gray, Courtney Hannah, Zoey Henning, Dayz Hinds, Rowan Holley, Addison Jonas, Jaxson Key, Logyn Middaugh, Layla Myers, Christina Ragusin, Sharinna Rebollar, Kyle Staggs and Kevin Turner

Second Grade:  Jasmin Banda, McKenna Boedeker, Maci Bryan, Caden Clendennen, Briley Christensen, Layton Davenport, Braylyn Galloway, Natalie Hunt, John Jacobs, Alex Mallory, Mackenzie Moncrief, Trevon Ragusin, Neveah Rangel, Katelynn Rosser, Ethan Saenz and Lily Waghorne

Third Grade:  Rhiannon James, Trinity Morgan, Jonathan Nguyen, Braeden Ragusin, Annabelle Thurman and Natalia Zarate

Fourth Grade:  Treston Canales, Eda Gilliland, Vivian Ledesma, Ayden Maddux and Jacob Nguyen

Fifth Grade:  Noah Estrada and Hector Rodriguez

Sixth Grade:  Christopher Salinas & Ireland Williams Gray

Seventh Grade:  Keegan Brumfield

Eighth Grade:  Heather Glover, Krislyn Key, Danielle Morales and Anna Sachtleben

A-B Honor Roll

First Grade:  Kingston Cady, Cody Castillo, Gunner Evans, Cadynce Gonzalez Yuliana Hernandez, Madilyn Webel and Dylan Wright

Second Grade:  Taylor Blevins, Brilee Crittenden, Kylee Green, Mina Harrington, Ariel Henson, Francis Hoang, Karlye Jordan, Kyle Koliba, Dillon Morales, Sabrina Nguyen and Destiny Starkweather

Third Grade:  Andrea Hataway, BreAnn Kelley, Athyn Morales, Edgar Munoz, Nevaeda Munoz, Sydney Rasmussen, Mia Salazar, Tyler Salinas, Diem Tran and Phillip Vazquez

Fourth Grade:  McKenzie Bierschwale, Christopher Boyce, Ryan Cain, Anjelica Cleary, Aron Cleary, Zayda Estrada, Creasie Gohlke, Kathy Huerta, Desi Miller, Tim Pham, Hector Rodriguez and Nate Saenz

Fifth Grade:  Scott Esch, Lysette Estrada, Avery Flood, Nick Guerra, Emily James, Aaron Jonas, Iliana Jaramillo, Maritza Jaramillo, Ethien Nguyen, Jada Nguyen and Natalie Rodriguez

Sixth Grade:  Spencer Allen, William Bales, Karime Castillo Martinez, Taiton DeBoer, Shaley Edwards, Katherine Frazier, Caleb Gregory, James Hartman, Kinley Lowery, Fernie Mendez, Stormy Mills, Matthan Morgan, Jason Nguyen, Jacob Ruiz, Jacob Vivas and Joseph White

Seventh Grade:  Dylan Beaver, Madison Bierschwale, Emily Cain, Ashley Hockett, Brenda Ledesma, Ethan Mikolas, Hunter Mitchell, Danny Munoz, Alyssa Reyna, Morgan Sanders, Liliana Torres, Abigail Vallejo and Casey Wooldridge

Eighth Grade:  Haley Bales, Kellie Blevins, Andrew Chavez, Karley Gregory, Cierra Harper, Ahniwake James, Joseph Thigpen and Chloe White

For the 2nd Six Weeks of the School Year

A Honor Roll

First Grade: Layne Brown, Jada Dean, Kylee Gray, Courtney Hannah, Zoey Henning, Dayz Hinds, Rowan Holley, Addison Jonas, Jaxson Key, Logyn Middaugh, Layla Myers, Christina Ragusin, Kyle Staggs and Kevin Turner

Second Grade: Jasmin Banda, McKenna Boedeker, Maci Bryan, Briley Christensen, Caden Clendennen, Braylynn Galloway, Natalie Hunt, John Jacobs, Alex Mallory, Mackenize Moncrief, Trevon Ragusin, Ethan Saenz and Lily Waghorne

Third Grade: Andrea Hataway, Trinity Morgan, Jonathan Nguyen and Annabelle Thurman

Fourth Grade: Vivian Ledesma

Fifth Grade: None

Sixth Grade: Ireland Williams-Gray

Seventh Grade: Keegan Brumfield, Ethan Mikolas and Casey Wooldridge

Eighth Grade: Heather Glover, Krislyn Key and Anna Sachtleben

A-B Honor Roll

First Grade: Kingston Cady, Cody Castillo, Gunner Evans, Yuliana Hernandez, James Ledesma, Sharinna Rebollar and Madilyn Webel

Second Grade: Taylor Blevins, Brilee Crittenden, Layton Davenport, Kylee Green, Mina Harrington, Ariel Henson, Karlye Jordan, Dillon Morales, Sabrina Nguyen, Nevaeh Rangel and Destiny Starkweather

Third Grade: Eric Anzaldua, Cody Frias, Rhiannon James, BreAnn Kelley, Athyn Morales, Edgar Munoz, Nevaeda Munoz, Braeden Ragusin, Sydney Rasmussen, Mia Salazar, Tyler Salinas, Diem Tran and Natalia Zarate

Fourth Grade: McKenzie Bierschwale, Keaton Cady, Tres Canales, Arin Cleary, Eda Gilliland, Kathy Huerta, Ayden Maddux, Jacob Nguyen, Harley Peeler, Hector Perez and Tim Pham

Fifth Grade: Scott Esch, Lysette Estrada, Noah Estrada, Avery Flood, Destiny Garza, Emily James, Maritza Jaramillo, Ryder Morales, Taysia Navarro, Jayda Nguyen and Hector Rodriguez

Sixth Grade: Taiton DeBoer, Alexander Flood, Caleb Gregory, Caleb Lehtinen, Kinley Lowery, Fernie Mendez, Jason Nguyen, Christopher Salinas and Jacob Vivas

Seventh Grade: Madison Bierschwale, Ashley Hockett, Brenda Ledesma, Hunter Mitchell, Danny Munoz, Liliana Torres and Jasmine Wooldridge

Eighth Grade: Haley Bales, Kellie Blevins, Andrew Chavez, Karley Gregory, Ahniwake James, Daniel Martinez, Danielle Morales, Joseph Thigpen, Enrique Torres and Chloe White

As you read the title of this article, no doubt the Thanksgiving holiday flashed into your consciousness. Your deduction was of course correct, since Thanksgiving Day will soon be upon us.

The practice of giving thanks to God is advocated over and over again in the pages of the Bible. For instance, Psalm 105:1 & 2 says, “O give thanks unto the Lord; call upon his name: make known his deeds among the people. Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him: talk ye of all his wondrous works” (KJV). These verses encourage us to call to mind God’s goodness and graciousness, as we “…make known his deeds,” and “talk…of all his wondrous works.” That’s what Thanksgiving is all about. In short, this holiday is set aside as a time to acknowledge our dependence upon the benevolent kindness and provision of God.

However, let’s be careful not to relegate thankfulness to only one month a year, for Ephesians 5:20 says that we should be, “Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” This verse would seem to imply that being grateful is as much an attitude of heart as it is an action.

I admit that“…giving thanks always…” isn’t always easy. Life can present us with some situations that might seem to defy an attitude of gratitude. Perhaps you’ve heard the following story:
Two men were walking through a field one day when they spotted an enraged bull. Instantly they darted toward the nearest fence. The storming bull followed in hot pursuit, and it was soon apparent they wouldn’t make it.

Terrified, the one shouted to the other, “Put up a prayer, John. We’re in for it!”

John answered, “I can’t. I’ve never made a public prayer in my life.”

“But you must!” implored his companion. “The bull is catching up to us.”

“All right,” panted John, “I’ll say the only prayer I know, the one my father used to repeat at the table: ‘O Lord, for what we are about to receive, make us truly thankful.’” 1
All humor aside; learning to be thankful in everything, as Paul said in 1 Thessalonians 5:18, is both necessary and doable. God would never require something of His children that wasn’t possible by relying on Him. The following true story illustrates my point:

In a sermon at Immanuel Presbyterian Church in Los Angeles, Gary Wilburn said: “In 1636, amid the darkness of the Thirty Years’ War, a German pastor, Martin Rinkart, is said to have buried five thousand of his parishioners in one year, [an] average of fifteen a day. His parish was ravaged by war, death, and economic disaster.

In the heart of that darkness, with the cries of fear outside his window, he sat down and wrote this table grace for his children: ‘Now thank we all our God /With heart and hands and voices; /Who wondrous things had done, /In whom His world rejoices. /Who, from our mother’s arms, /Hath led us on our way /With countless gifts of love /And still is ours today.’” 2
Here was a man who knew thanksgiving comes from love of God, not from outward circumstances.

May God make us truly thankful for His lovingkindness, mercy, and grace, as we celebrate this Thanksgiving holiday. We have so much to be thankful for.

1Acquired from www.sermonillustrations.com.
2Illustration submitted by Don Maddox at www.sermonillustrations.com.