There were lots of great posters at Port O’Connor’s Night Out Against Crime. The contest winners were: First Place- Sarah Doggett; Second Place- Matthew Stapp (not available for photo); and Third Place- Kenya Resendiz.

POC’s Night Out photos by Bill Tigrett

Our 2nd Annual Port O’Connor’s Night Out Against Crime was again a success.

I want to give a thank you to the friends, families and neighbors of Port O’Connor for taking the time to be involved in our community.

A special thank you goes to Sheriff George Aleman and his deputies, Commissioner Kenneth Finster, Port O’ Connor Volunteer Fire Department and Firefighters, the enlisted men of the United States Coast Guard, Principal Tiffany O’ Donnell, art teachers Mrs. O’Neil and Ms. Redmond, PTO President April Guevara, the Ladies Club, and Joyce Rhyne; Editor of the Dolphin Talk.

There was an abundance of hot dogs with chili, potato chips and lemonade being enjoyed by neighbors chatting with one another. Kids smiling and running around enjoying the fire department trucks, their equipment and how about those special Junior Firefighter Helmets. New for this year, and so enjoyed by the children, was one of the Coast Guards special boats, the zodiac. The Coast Guard allowed the children to roam all around the boat and ask questions.

Our event could not have happened without the many volunteers who graciously gave their time to support our community. Volunteers like our Hot Dog Team; Kelly Gee and David, Kathryn Windham, Marshall Bradford, Barbara and Jimmy Crouch, Bill Tigrett, June Pitonyak, Mary Ann Claiborne, Debbie Michalek, Ginnie Lichac, Judy Whitworth and Scott and Kelly Wheat.

The success of our event would not have happened without the donors who gave to participate with our community. Our Donors were John Hribek manager of Speedy Stop, Gustavo Argandoa manager of Wal*Mart, Jeremy Dyes owner of POC Ice For You, Port O’Connor Subway and Kelly Fox of H. Fox & Co., Inc.

I would like to give a special heartfelt thank you to my wife, Kathryn, who puts up and supports me in my endeavors within our community.

Please be a part of our neighborhood watch program. Go to our website; portoconnorwatch.com and become a member of a community program that is About Neighbors Looking Out For Neighbors.

My neighbors Parker and Patty are always telling me how proud they are to be a part of Port O Connor, Texas. They say it is a great community and so friendly.

Tuesday night they took the grands to the POC Night Out. What fun. They had food, activities, special guests and some tours of the rescue boat, ambulance and fire truck. The kids really enjoyed it. Leon and Kathryn Brown really did a good job of organizing this event. There is a national Night out against Crime in August, but the state of Texas waits until October to schedule and observe this night. If you are a Texan, you know why. It is still too hot in August, and school often hasn’t started yet. But on cool and clear October evenings, Texans everywhere gather on their porches and patios, driveways and cul de sacs, in parks and community centers to stand up against crime and stand out against indifference. The biggest reason community crime and vandalism occurs is the apathy and indifference about what happens in our neighborhoods. Many of us have become too busy and too disconnected to even know our neighbors much less care about what is happening in their garage or storage building. We need to rebuild those connections and grow that true sense of community that says ‘I am safe because you are safe, When I respect you I respect myself, and In protecting and standing up for others I myself am protected.’ A sense of community brings a sense of safety.

Still, POC is small and we know lots of our neighbors. We have a pretty safe community. But, some random crime still happens. So Parker and Patty wanted to know how to stop the random crime here. Things like break ins and thefts and drug sales have occurred some lately. So, Patty and Parker asked the Night Out Participants how to stand against crime. Patty met a watch member at the Night Out, and this wise community volunteer shared that those who have ‘stuff’ around their home are insulated from random crimes. Those porch swings, dirty ice chests and children’s toys that we did not quite get washed and moved and stored away are signs of life and say someone is busy living here. So, weekenders and part timers need stuff, maybe just a little junk, left near and around their homes. Empty looking homes are a target.

A sheriff patrol told Parker that calls to the Sheriff’s office are often key to tracking who did what, when, and where each time sheriff’s team investigates reported crimes. This dedicated patrolman said he would rather have a dozen reports of minor concern to check out than no reports at all because sometimes those concerned citizens that call in and speak up lay a groundwork of facts and information that make it possible to stop and even legally prosecute those who commit the not so minor crimes. So, the officer encouraged Parker to call and report what doesn’t feel right in his neighborhood.

And one victim of one of those random break-ins in our community last year proudly told Parker and Patty that they now are full-timers in POC and one of the reasons is because not one, not two, but five different neighbors nearby called, texted, emailed and checked in when they noticed damage to their then weekend home. They had taken the time to meet and trade contact info with those in their neighborhood, so when their door was open but no cars home, they got the calls and felt the concern. Then they knew that their neighborhood cared and would make a great retirement spot when they were ready. These victims-no-more encouraged Parker and Patty to plan a block party, send cards, take a walk, do something to know each and every neighbor, trade contact information and then use it if and when you notice anything that doesn’t seem right. You never know what a difference you might make.

So, Parker and Patty learned quite a lot at the Night Out Against Crime. They said it was to raise crime prevention awareness, increase support of POC Watch, and build community cooperation. Boy did it do that! The sheriff and his crew were there, our Coast Guard, EMS and VFD helped, neighborhood watch members recruited new volunteers, and many made connections with neighbors and friends they had not met before. Still, it just might be that the connections made count the most. One chord alone is easily broken, but a three strand chord is stronger and can do more. How many strands do you have connected in the chord that makes up the neighborhood network where you live? Parker and Patty are adding new chords to their safety rope this week, all thanks to the POC Night Out Against Crime.

Plan to visit St. Patrick Catholic Church, 311 W. Cleveland in Seadrift for their annual Turkey Dinner and Rummage Sale benefiting the building fund.

The Rummage Sale will feature gently used infant and toddler clothing and toys, lots of household items, fishing gear, hunting items, holiday decorations, and many other items. It will be held on Friday, October 24 from 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.; Saturday from 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. and Sunday from 10:00 to 12 noon.

On Sunday, October 26, the Turkey Dinner will be served in the old hall starting at 11:00 a.m. Plates will include turkey, homemade dressing, sweet potatoes, green beans and all the trimmings. Plates are $8 each and are also available to-go.

The Vietnamese community will also be selling egg rolls and fried rice. There will also be a raffle with lots of great items including a large flat screen TV and a $500 gift card.

Come on over for a great meal and good fellowship. We hope to see you there!

Wanda Redding

I found Wanda Redding to be an extremely interesting person; warm with a very expressive countenance in her dealings with customers and other people.

She was born and grew up in Vidor, Texas, a portion of our East Texas area. She with her parents moved to Port O’Connor in 1969 when they worked with her uncle at the Mobil Station, located where the Fishing Center is now. Finishing her education at Calhoun High School in Port Lavaca, she then went to work for several businesses here in Port O’Connor. Among those was being active as a business clerk at Jeco’s Drive Inn; formerly located East of the intersection of Byers and the Highway.

Marrying another local, Virgil Redding, Wanda definitely became a “Native” of Port O’Connor as her family has since established themselves here. She began working for Teddy Hawes in his business 25 years ago; now becoming the manager of the Hardware Store. And her involvement with the Board of Directors of the MUD (now Improvement Board) began many years ago when she started keeping the minutes and the books for the District.

Wanda was appointed to the Board to fill out the term of a previous relocating member; she has stood for election in 2010 as well as 2014; her current office is as Secretary, continuing to keep the minutes of the Board’s meetings.

When asked what she hopes would happen in her next term of office: she replied that an anticipated upgrade of water lines would be completed.

Marshall Bradford

Marshall Bradford is a very interesting character; one that you really enjoy meeting.  One can see the construction background in this man; which generally carries the strong desire to succeed and also to “do things right”.

Born in Roby, Texas, a cotton farming town that gained notoriety when its residents won the lottery in 1996, he moved at an early age with his parents to the El Paso area where he finished his schooling.  Then, next on his schedule, was a tour of duty with the Marine Corps in Viet Nam, where he was stationed for 28 months.

Returning home, Marshall spent a number of years working with the Santa Fe Railroad, and finally retiring as a supervisor of operations, that made him responsible for over 700 customers and to always keep them happy.  But after retirement from the train industry, Marshall could not be inactive, and so moved to the Lake LBJ area and started his construction company.  He built many new homes throughout that area and other portions of the Hill Country.  When the sales of new homes plummeted, he turned to remodeling and there are now many homes in that area that have profited from his experience and skills.

A sportsman at heart, he has spent a great deal of time on the slopes and skiing as well as much travel throughout the United States while flying; for which he currently holds a license as a private pilot.  A life member of the VFW, Marshall has also committed himself to the goals of the Lions Club.

But one factor of his life concerned fishing and therefore he spent time when he could in our area, just fishing.  And here, he found another project, the development of Coastal Oaks, which he and other friends founded.  Here Marshall’s construction background stood him in good stead as he was responsible for the implanting of sewers and streets, curbs and water lines.  And then he found himself a full-time resident of Port O’Connor in 2001.

Asked what he would be concerned with if elected a Member to the Board: giving property owners who live elsewhere the right to vote for members of the Board; otherwise, this is Taxation Without Representation, a factor our forefathers rebelled against.

John “Red” Childers

John Childers, nicknamed “Red” because of his Irish coloring, has been a member of the Board for 29 years. And, during our interview, he spoke with pride of the improvements the Board has made for the residents of Port O’Connor.

Born in Pilot Point, Texas, John and his parents moved to the Houston area for completion of his schooling. He graduated from Bellaire High School in 1957, and then married his lovely wife, Nancy, following his graduation.

Becoming a businessman, he participated in a towing and recovery venture for various types of automotive vehicles. He also was a member of the pit crew for six years with the racing team of A.J. Foyt, giving him the opportunity to work with not just cars but motorcycles too as primed for the racing track. Selling his business in the 1980’s, he and Nancy moved to Port O’Connor, building their home and becoming permanent residents in 1985.

However, John decided that being retired could mean sitting on the front deck, an activity that didn’t set well with him, and he therefore started working as one of the major fishing guides in our area from 1985 to 2005, when he really retired.

With the desire to help his new community, he became active with others including Preston Stofer to reactivate the Board of Directors for the MUD 29 years ago. Their aim was to provide good water and sewers for the residents of Port O’Connor; an aim they have fulfilled.

Asked what he considered his greatest accomplishment during the terms of office while serving on the Board, he replied that it was reactivating and reforming the Board to improve those necessary matters for our residents. And his response to the question of what he would like to do in his next term of office would be to find another source of the necessary water for our growing community.

John and Nancy are the proud owners of a 28’ Airstream trailer in which they have traveled in many areas throughout the United States. And they are looking forward to Mardi Gras of 2015 and a return to New Orleans for that occasion and the opportunity to renew friendships with many other Airstream owners.

Leon Brown

Leon Brown was born in Amarillo, Texas, but as an Air Force “Brat” attended schools in many areas of the United States. He and his wife Kathryn, a former school teacher in Houston, moved to Port O’Connor permanently in 2007, living in their home on property that had been in her family since 1924.

Leon has spent many years in the corporate world, primarily in managing roles in financial and business aspects. Dealing with others has never been a problem as he has also been in the supervisory capacity of approximately 100 employees. Additionally, Leon has been responsible for credit and collections programs as well as contract negotiations along with mergers and acquisitions, which makes him completely at home in various types of financial undertakings.

Another side of Leon is shown by his service in the Army as well as a graduate of the Harris County Sheriff’s Academy; thereby bringing to the forefront his role and interests in law enforcement and community involvement.

Since moving to POC, he has been deeply involved in the Neighborhood Watch Program for our community following many home burglaries. This program was to make the community at large aware of each individual’s responsibility to combat these crimes. He is the founder and organizer of POC’s Night Out Crime, as sponsored by the Neighborhood Watch Program and co-sponsored by the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office.

When asked what would you do if elected to the Board: his number one goal would to be active in reducing rates and taxes for our water and sewer. Additionally to be responsible for direct communication to the residents of POC. As the Board is actually a public servant and is dedicated to the community at large, any change of any kind must be communicated immediately and directly to the residents; i.e., shutting off of water for several hours, and often the necessity to boil it to be free of contamination. He strongly believes that the rate payers of the POC Improvement District are not just customers and consumers but neighbors as well.

Opening Cedar Bayou

When you think about it Mother Nature takes her time and usually gets it right. It is hard to say how much time the Mother took to make this Gulf Bend area. But she came up with the barrier islands like San Jose and Matagorda Island in our immediate vicinity. Who knows how long that took:  But she had sense enough to make them two short Islands.

Somewhere along the way mankind came into the picture.  The first we know of were the Kawakawa Indians, then a Frenchman named LaSalle and his group. The Spaniards were busier down South in Mexico conquering those Indians who lived there.  Then folks like us started drifting into the area.

Time is a funny thing when you think about it. Someone who was my current age when I was born was born before the civil war. Someone that age when he was born was born before the revolutionary war.  Three lifetimes are longer than this country is old. All that time is a drop in the Mothers bucket to Mother Nature.

But she had that separation in the barrier island that helped the fish along with the birds like whooping cranes and blue crabs and other wild life prosper. Then along came man and modern technology,  as the saying goes to fool with Mother Nature. We know that’s not nice.

The bad stuff started in 1979 with an big oil spill near Campeche bay. Yes they had big oil spills before the Exxon Valdez in 1989.  That oil started up towards our barrier islands. That threatened all the good stuff that Cedar Bayou and Vinson  Slough were doing for the wildlife.  So the opening between the two was bulldozed shut. It probably staved a bigger disaster for fishermen, whoopers and other wild life lovers.

We have had a terrible time trying to get that opening back open. The net result has been a barrier island that is twice as long as the creatures prefer.  Oh, we opened it a couple of times but silt and sand and other factors filled it back up.

Hopefully this third try will be the charm. It has been a long and expensive journey. There are several folks and organizations involved. The CCA, The Texas and U.S. wildlife organizations as well as Aransas County and untold other volunteers were involved.

The total costs are estimated at over 9 million dollars.

Coast and Harbor engineering designed a better opening system. The Army Corps of Engineers issued all the proper permits. RLB construction from Calhoun County was hired to do the opening work.  The schedule was to complete it by October 15th and they opened the Cedar Bayou on September 25th.

There is still the problem of keeping it open. Several dollars have been pledged by volunteers and Aransas County.  Probably the Cranes are Whooping and the spotted trout are creating their watermelon aroma; the sportsmen and maybe even Mother Nature are smiling.