Issuu

A guide for Visitors and Newcomers

FEATURING PORT LAVACA POINT COMFORT SEADRIFT PORT O'CONNOR

WINTER 2020

Complimentary Copy - Take One!

Calhoun County Life â€¢ Winter 2020

LaVaca BBQ Thank You to our valued customers for making our Texas Monthly-recognized BBQ the best in Calhoun County! We smoked 16 Best recognitions and 3 Runner Ups. You are LaVaca BBQ!

‘The Sweet 16’ 1st Place

• Best Restaurant • Best Barbecue • Best Overall Service • Best Restaurant Service • Best Family Dining • Best Tortillas • Best Gumbo • Best Tamales

• Best Ice Cream/Yogurt • Best Catering • Best Iced Tea • Best Waiter • Best Sandwiches/Subs • Best Birthday Party Place • Best Date Spot • Best Venue

Runner Ups 2nd Place

• Best Place to Work Under 100 Employees • Best Waitress • Best Dessert

For more information call:

(361) 894 - 2333

Or come try our award-winning BBQ at:

532 N Virginia St

Calhoun County Life • Winter 2020

Moving Forward. Together

Join Our Family & Enjoy Our Full Range Of Services A Few Of Our Products & Services

Savings Accounts • Checking Accounts • Certificate Accounts • Money Market Accounts • IRAs • Club Accounts • Internet Banking • Electronic Bill Pay • Direct Deposit • Payroll Deduction • Mobile Banking • Money Orders Vehicle Loans • RV Loans • Motorcycle Loans • Boat Loans • Personal Loans • Home Mortgage Loans • Visa/MasterCard • Member Telephone Service • Debit/ATM Cards • Notary Service • Western Union Wire Transfers • Safe Deposit Boxes

Your Community Credit Union

1401 N. VIRGINIA PORT LAVACA, TX 77979 361-552-7476

Calhoun County Life • Winter 2020

2807 John Stockbauer Dr. 3802 N. NAVARRO Victoria, TX. 77901 VICTORIA, TX 77901 361-579-9929 361-572-3369 www.calcomfcu.org

“Family Environment”

VISIT US FOR THE BEST SEAFOOD IN TOWN.

Come check out our daily specials!

We have a variety of food. Hours:

Monday - Thursday 11 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.; Friday - Saturday 11 a.m. - 9:30; Sunday - 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.

361-552-7177

2055 State Highway 35 North, Port Lavaca, TX 77979 Calhoun County Life • Winter 2020

What’s Inside ...

On The Cover

Page 10: Port Lavaca • Page 18: Seadrift Page 31: Point Comfort • Page 37: Port O’Connor

Step Into History Page 8

Pieces Of The Past Page 12

Laud His Birth Page 34

Beach Is Center Of Town Page 38

Home, Sporting Home Page 44 6

Calhoun County Life • Winter 2020

ROSS STAPP Editor and Publisher Staff Writers:

Creative Services Director: Advertising:

Graphic Designer: Special Contributors:

Sherry Ficklen DD Turner Jared Van Epps

DD Turner Christy Aguilar

DD Turner Bill Harvey John Foester

Visit us online at www.portlavacawave.com or email us at rstapp@plwave.com.

PORT LAVACA WAVE 107 E. Austin Street Port Lavaca, TX 77979 361-552-9788 PortLavacaWave.com Calhoun County Life Visitor and Newcomers Guide is published semiannually. Additional copies available by contacting the Port Lavaca Wave. For advertising information, call 361-552-9788.

ON THE COVER: Local photographer Bill Harvey captures a tractor in a pasture in a star-filled night sky in Calhoun County. ABOVE: Local photographer John Foester a sunrise near Coloma in Calhoun County.

• Low in-house mortgage loan rates • Rates can be fixed for up to 15 years.

Loan officers who can actually make you a loan!

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361- 983-2508 3675 W. Adams

www.fnbportlavaca.com

Bank by Phone Bank by Internet Bank by iPhone or Android Apps

Calhoun County Life • Winter 2020

Into The WayBack Machine It’s 2020 right now but step through the doors of the Calhoun County Museum to be transported to the time of the mastodon and other stops along the historical path. In 1964, the Calhoun County Commissioners’ Court created the museum, which was first housed in the 1896 Jail building then the Calhoun County Annex before

Calhoun County Life • Winter 2020

moving to its present location at 301 S. Ann St. And, it’s often a surprise to visitor and resident alike that there is a museum in Port Lavaca. “Museums are important to learn about the area and its history,” said George Ann Cormier, director of the museum. The collection, said Cormier, is unique. How unique you might ask? Well …. ➢➣➢The ship the French explorer Rene-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de la Salle rode was discovered in Matagorda Bay in 1995 with more than 2 million artifacts recovered. “There was not a museum large enough to be a repository for all of it,” explained Cormier about the LaSalle Odyssey that takes visitors to museums around the area. “It’s an incredible collection,” she said, noting pieces of wool cloth were found, pieces of leather and so much more. The silt in the bay is dense due to oysters and creates anaerobic conditions that allowed the artifacts to survive. Take the seven-museum odyssey starting with the Birth of an Expedition at the Corpus Christ Museum of Science and History, then check out Daily Life on the Belle at the Texas Maritime Museum in Rockport, see the Native Americans who watched French Come Ashore at the Texana Museum in Edna, re-live the clash of empires in 17th-century North American at the Calhoun County Museum in Port Lavaca, visit La Salle’s doom colony on the Texas Coast at the Museum of the Coastal Bend in

Calhoun County Museum lights a portal into another time and place Victoria, check out the extraordinary excavation that uncovered the Belle at the Matagorda County Museum in Bay City and end it all at the fully-functioning seagoing replica of the Belle, named La Petite Belle, at her homeport in Palacios and the Palacios Area Historical Museum. ➢➣➢The rise and fall of Indianola, once a bustling seaport that was reduced to remnants following two hurricanes, is showcased as well. The museum is home to an Emerson square grand piano that was owned by Freda Nugent Kinlay, who taught music in Indianola. You can see where it sat in water following the hurricane. It survived both storms and was found on the living floor, which was all that remained of the house following the 1886 storm. ➢➣➢There is a diorama of the port city complete with the piers that were serviced by trains. Camels came through the city that had rebuilt itself following a hurricane in 1875 only to be totally razed by a second, stronger, hurricane in 1886. The former county seat could not recover from that one. The museum also tells the stories of the settling of Calhoun County, Port Lavaca, and Linnville. ➢➣➢You can find a third-order Fresnel lens that was used in the Matagorda Island Lighthouse after Confederate soldiers removed the original lens. It was first lit in 1872, after replacing the lens that was removed in 1862. “It’s an art object all its own,” said Cormier of the multi-part lens that was hand-ground. ➢➣➢The history of lighthouses in the area as well including the Lighthouse at Pass Cavallo and the Halfmoon Reef Lighthouse, which top of which can be found on the grounds of the Bauer Community Center. Karankawa Indians and how they lived along the coastline. There also is a cabinet devoted to arrowheads collected in Calhoun County that is part of the Charles Husak Collection. ➢➣➢Now you know the unique and fascinating history of Calhoun County that you can carry with you as you step through the doors back into the 21st century. The museum is open Tuesday & Wednesday from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Thursday and Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Call 361-553-4689 for more information or visit the museum’s website at calhouncountymuseum.org.

The three maps of the LaSalle Expedition are painted onto the cabinets as you enter the Calhoun County Museum; The square grand piano that survived the hurricanes that devastated Indianola; arrowheads collected by Charles Husak in the county and donated to the museum; a photo of the trains serving the docks at Indianola; bits and pieces from the Belle, LaSalle’s ship; and mastodon and mammoth fossils found in the county.

Calhoun County Life • Winter 2020

PORT LAVACA A SLICE OF PARADISE

Port Lavaca is the main attraction for many tourists. From birding enthusiasts to fishermen to families with children, Port Lavaca has something to offer everyone. “Port Lavaca is a quiet little Texas Coastal fishing town with many attractions,” said former Port Lavaca City Manager William A. DiLibero. “We have a campground or a marina where you can stay, as well as a variety of hotels and motels. We have quaint shops on Main Street, a brewery that overlooks the waterfront that regularly has food trucks with Cajun food and shrimp boils. From the fourth of July through Labor Day, we have weekend concerts on the waterfront.” Lighthouse Beach and Lighthouse Beach Park are adjacent to Highway 35, just north of the causeway bridge. Entrance to the park is at the intersection of Broadway Street and Highway 238, near Half Moon Reef Lighthouse and the Bauer Community Center. There is a modest fee to enter the park, which features white sand, picnic areas, and a bird walk with a large pavilion. A short walk from the pavilion sitting on the sand is a bright and colorful playground with a variety of slides, ramps, and climbing areas that will surely attract any child. Halfmoon Reef Lighthouse, located on the corner of SH 238 and SH 35, once sat on Half Moon Reef in Matagorda Bay near Palacios and served seafarers from 1858 until 1942 when it was decommissioned. The structure was salvaged from the bay and donated to the Calhoun County Historical Commission in 1978. In 1979 it was restored as an Eagle Scout service project and was placed atop its current position in 1985, just outside the Bauer Community Center. Halfmoon Reef is the last remaining hexagonal screwpile lighthouse built on the Texas Gulf Coast. About two miles down Broadway Street from Lighthouse Beach and Halfmoon Reef Lighthouse is Bayfront Peninsula Park, which is home to the Calhoun County Veteran’s Memorial. The park is near the Nautical Landings marina at the end of Highway 87. The memorial is a peaceful place to remember and pay tribute to all who served, anyone wishing to honor a veteran can purchase memorial bricks. More information is

Calhoun County Life • Winter 2020

available at Port Lavaca City Hall, located at 202 N. Virginia St. The peninsula also has two larger covered pavilions, restrooms, a newly re-constructed lighted fishing pier, and a boat ramp for those looking to head out onto the water. In addition to the parks in the city, those looking to enjoy time outside with little ones can head over to a brand new, state-of-the-art playground near the Calhoun County YMCA located at 713 Hwy 35 South. KaBoom, Calhoun County YMCA, and Rebuild Texas transformed an empty lot into the playground, based on drawings submitted by Calhoun County’s children. The playground is open to YMCA members and the public. The Port Lavaca Main Street Theatre, located at 315 E. Main St., showcases local acting talent in a variety of live productions throughout the year. The highlight of the summer is the annual children’s production happening in June. This year’s show was “Charlotte’s Web” and featured more than 30 Calhoun County children. The theatre thrived in the 1930s and 1940s and was remodeled and opened its doors for fresh, live theatre in 1994. The PLMST also hosts a variety of events such as the Mister and Miss Calhoun County Pageants, live entertainment, and more throughout the year. Additionally, the Port Lavaca Art Guild is a local resource for artists of all levels. Members work in a variety of media and offer frequent classes and workshops. The art guild also sponsors a summer art camp, which fosters interest in the arts and cultivates talent. A short distance away from the art guild is the Calhoun County Museum, located at 301 S. Ann St. The museum was established in 1964 and continues to bring history to life today. The Calhoun County Museum does this through the exhibition of artifacts relating to the history of the community. Hours of operation are 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday; 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday and Friday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. The main branch of Calhoun County Library is at 200 W. Mahan St. and is filled with something for everyone. For children, an annual summer reading program kicks off at the end of the school year and continues through August.

Calhoun County Life â€¢ Winter 2020

Step Into Cee’s Antiques & Uniques has what you need to fill out the collection

ight in the heart of downtown Port Lavaca sits a one-of-a-kind antique shop that will fill up your need for unique finds. As you drive down Main Street in Port Lavaca, with Bayfront Peninsula Park and Lavaca Bay in sight, on the corner of Guadalupe and Main Street sits Cee’s Antiques and Uniques. Owner Celia (Cee) Clevenger, is a long-time resident of Calhoun County, and after retiring from the chemical plant industry, she created Cee’s Antiques and Uniques to fulfill a dream of hers. Clevenger’s collecting started back in 1971, when she was in college, and over the years, she has accumulated quite the haul of antiques. She got her passion for collecting due to always being on the move as a child. Her father was in the military, so every year and a half they were moving. Therefore, they did no keep much of anything from the past. Clevenger said she was always interested in seeing things and wondering what they were, where they came from and just curious on different types of collectibles. Back to when Clevenger was in college, she would visit and shop in thrift stores. She began to buy dishes, salt and pepper shakers and things alike. In the beginning, she said she would buy just about anything, but then started to turn her attention to depression glass, and the hobby of collecting grew from there. In a time where there was no internet to search things, Clevenger used books to learn and look up certain things she would come across. She is self-taught and has over 100 books dealing with antiques. When visiting her shop, Clevenger is like a walking antique magazine. Any item you ask about, she can tell you the who, what, when, where, how and why. That alone is worth stepping foot into one of the most unique and enjoyable stores in Port Lavaca. Cee’s is at 237 E. Main St. The building was built in 1904, and the first tenant was the First National Bank. The original vault is still in the building and

Calhoun County Life • Winter 2020

nto The Bygone Years

Top: Celia (Cee) Clevenger explains in detail the items on the table to two customers. Below from left: Cee’s has a collection of children’s shoes that date back to early 1900s; Vintage toys lines one of the walls inside Cee’s Antiques & Uniques; and Celia (Cee) Clevenger has an array of collectible and antique glassware throughout her antique shop. Page 12: The building that Cee’s Antiques & Uniques now calls home was first a bank. Cee’s granddaughter painted what a teller would have worn in 1904 on the vault door.

Clevenger is putting it to use and paying homage to the workers of 1904. One of her granddaughter’s hand painted a worker and the attire one would wear in 1904 on the front of the vault door. Cee’s doesn’t specialize in one certain area of collecting, but one thing she has moved out of the store in truck loads is furniture.

“I have probably sold more furniture than anything else. People are looking for it,” Clevenger said. Clevenger mostly wants to help develop and promote local businesses, so when you stop by, she will give you directions to the next local and unique find in Calhoun County. Cee’s Antiques and Uniques is open Wednesday through Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Calhoun County Life • Winter 2020

Serving Calhoun County Since 1956

YOUNG PLUMBING CO. SaleS & ServiceS 552-6733

603 W. Austin • Port Lavaca LICENSE: #M39944

young-plumbing@cableone.net

HAYES

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Lumber | Building Supplies | Nails Nail Guns | Hurricane Straps & Ties

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LUMBER IN STOCK We Carry:

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Calhoun County Life • Winter 2020

INSURANCE AGENCY, INC.

Chris Dobsky, Producer

Personal service is our first Policy. 49 Butler Lane, Port O’Connor

P.O. Box 339, Port O’Connor, TX 77982 361-983-2010 • 800-283-4086 Fax: 979-542-0469 • cdobky@siegins.com

815 North Virginia St., Port Lavaca, Texas 77979

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OUR SERVICES Cardiac & Pulmonary Rehab Diagnostic Imaging Dietary/Catering Emergency Department Infusion Therapy Inpatient Services Intensive Care Laboratory Memorial Medical Clinic Nursery Obstetrics

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Richard Arroyo-Diaz, MD Internal Medicine

Bill Crowley, DO Family Medicine

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CLINIC HOURS Monday - Friday: 7 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday: 8 a.m. - Noon Walk-Ins Welcomed

MEMORIAL MEDICAL CLINIC - HOSPITAL CAMPUS 815 N. Virginia St., Port Lavaca, TX 77979 • (361) 552-0379 Monday - Friday: 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. • Walk-ins welcomed!

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Calhoun County Life • Winter 2020

Where To Dine

RV PARKS

PORT O’CONNOR

PORT LAVACA

Lighthouse Beach and Bird Sanctuary 700 Lighthouse Beach Drive 361-552-5311

CATHY’S RESTAURANT 2581 W. Adams, 361-983-2880 All You Can Eat Buffet Monday - Friday Monday, Wednesday-Sunday: 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. Closed Tuesday. Seafood, Steaks, Burgers

PORT LAVACA BAYSIDE SEAFOOD RESTAURANT

2055 N. Hwy. 35, 361-552-7177 Sunday - Thursday: 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. Friday & Saturday: 11 .m. - 10 p.m. Seafood, Steaks & Burgers

PORT O’CONNOR

For information on how to have your park included in a future publication, email us at lifestyle@plwave.com

OPEN 6 DAYS A WEEK Monday - Saturday: 4:00 am-Noon Closed Sunday 361-552-0936 ——— OPEN 6 DAYS A WEEK 113 N. Hwy. 35, Port Lavaca, TX OPEN 6 DAYS A WEEK Monday - Saturday: 5:30 am-11:00 am Closed Sunday 361-552-6772

LUBY’S INSIDE MEMORIAL MEDICAL CENTER

Family. Friends. Community.

Branch Manager/ Escrow Officer 300 Tiney Browning Blvd., Ste. B, Port Lavaca, TX 77979

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Gingerbread School & Day Care Center " Since 1974" Infants - 12 years Monday-Friday • 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

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TransporTaTion

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Calhoun County Life • Winter 2020

702 N. Virginia St., 361-552-1679 Tuesday - Friday: 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Lunch Specials, Catering, Party Trays, Take-Out

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306 Hwy. 35, 361-552-7300 Inside Walmart on Hwy 35 361-552-6073 Sandwiches, salads & soups

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We’re all in this together. State Farm® has a long tradition of being there. That's one reason proud to Bob Bonar, Agent We’re all inwhy this I'm together. 401 N Highway 35 Bypass support Calhoun County. Port Lavaca, TX 77979 State Farm® has a long Bus: 361-552-4689 Fax: 361-552-6296 bob@bobbonar.com tradition of being there. That's one to reason why State I'm proud to Get a better . support Calhoun County. More than just a feeling... ®

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915 State Hwy 35 North Monday-Thursday:11 a.m.–2:45 p.m. 5–8:45 p.m. Friday & Saturday: 11 a.m.–2:45 p.m. 5–9:45 p.m. Sunday: Noon–2:45 p.m., 5–8:45 p.m. Japanese specialties, hibachi in kitchen. Seafood, noodles,soup, meats.

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Where To Worship in Calhoun CounTy POINT COMFORT ST. ANN CATHOLIC CHURCH 700 Lamar St. 361-552-6140 Mass: Sunday: 10:30 a.m. Wednesday: 9 a.m.

PORT LAVACA OUR LADY OF THE GULF CATHOLIC CHURCH 415 W. Austin St. 361-552-6140 Mass: Monday - Friday: 8:05 a.m. Saturday: 5:30 p.m. Sunday: 8 & 10 a.m. Sunday: Noon in Spanish HOPE REFORMED BAPTIST CHURCH 210 E. Main St., Port Lavaca, TX, 77979 361-552-5317 Gathered Worship: 10:30 a.m. Sunday Bible Study: 6:30 p.m. Wednesday www.hopereformedbaptist.com hopeportlavaca@gmail.com

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH 902 Calhoun St. 361-552-2931 www.fbcportlavaca.com Services: Sundays: 10:15 a.m. Bible Study For All Ages: Sundays at 9 a.m. & Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m.

PORT O’CONNOR ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC CHURCH 101 N. Washington 361-552-6140 Mass: Saturday: 6 p.m. Tuesday: 8:30 a.m.

6 Years In A Row

SEADRIFT ST. PATRICK CATHOLIC CHURCH 310 W. Cleveland St. 361-552-6140 Mass: Sunday: 8:30 a.m. Thursday: 9 a.m. Sunday: 10:30 a.m. in Vietnamese

EVERYONE IS WELCOME!

Best Crawfish 2nd Place: Best Seafood, Best Shrimp Best Oysters, Best Wings 1142 State Highway 185 East, Seadrift, TX 77983

Calhoun County Life • Winter 2020

Float on in to

Seadrift

And see the beauty of San Antonio Bay The city of Seadrift is working on big projects for 2020 and beyond that will improve the city for locals and visitors. The city is in the beginning stages of engineering several projects, according to Seadrift Mayor Elmer DeForest. “Some of the projects are going to be starting within probably within a few months and some into next year,” DeForest said. “With completions for some of them next year.” DeForest, a longtime Seadrift resident, talked about what makes the city unique from any other small town in Texas. “I think that we’re unique that we don’t have a high demand for resort property, like other places do, which gives us that small town flair.” Deforest said. “ DeForest said there’s good fishing and oystering in the Seadrift, and it’s in a great spot in San Antonio Bay for people who like that kind of stuff. “It’s tranquil, the property on the bayfront has been there for a long time and it’s got the park [Bayfront Park] out there.” DeForest said. DeForest said the park stretches almost the entire Bayfront with exception of the harbor. “That’s something that people like,” DeForest said. Seadrift Chamber President Tracey Johnson said that Seadrift is a community “where everyone looks out for each other.” “Take a tour, meet folks, you will fall in love just as we all have,” Johnson said. “Come see for yourself, you’ll not be disappointed.”

Calhoun County Life • Winter 2020

Johnson stated that Seadrift is an amazing place to grow a family, and she added they have generations of families that date back when Seadrift was founded.

Japanese specialties, hibachi in kitchen. Seafood, noodles, soup, meats in a family-friendly atmosphere

Noodles Seafood Teriyaki Hibachi Sushi Miso 915 State Hwy 35 North, Port Lavaca, TX 77979

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HOURS Monday-Thursday: 11 a.m.–2:45 p.m. 5–8:45 p.m. Friday & Saturday: 11 a.m.–2:45 p.m. 5–9:45 p.m. Sunday: Noon–2:45 p.m., 5–8:45 p.m. Calhoun County Life • Winter 2020

Best Florist

$10 off floral arrangement with this advertisement Salt Blossom has fantastic customers! We appreciate you selecting us as Best Florist. We love serving you with quality products and timely service. We appreciate your vote of confidence and your business! 215 W. Adams, Port O’Connor | 361-220-1583 |

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A Vacation For Your Pet!

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902 Calhoun St. Port Lavaca, TX 77979 361-552-2931 firstbaptist@cableone.net fbcportlavaca.com Worship Sundays: 10:15 a.m. Bible Study for All Ages Sundays: 9 a.m. Wednesdays: 6:30 p.m.

Seated from left, Carly W. Wall and John Villafranco. Standing, from left, Sandra Witte, David Roberts and Anne Marie Odefey.

Roberts, Odefey, Witte, & Wall, LLP

Attorneys at Law 2206 North Hwy. 35 Bypass, Port Lavaca, TX 77979 Office: 361-552-2971 www.portlavacalaw.com 20

Calhoun County Life • Winter 2020

Call or text to schedule a sleepover! Check Us Out On

361-782-5934

Melstan, Inc. Feed & Hardware

Family Owned & Operated Personal Service Lawn & Garden, Pet & Hardware Supplies

111 N. Ann • 361-552-5441

Mon.- Fri.: 7:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.; Sat.: 7:30 a.m. 4 p.m.

Calhoun County Life â€¢ Winter 2020

The Donut Palace Where the customer is still KING!

Fresh Donuts, Breakfast Tacos, Croissants, Pigs-In-A-Blanket Fresh Coffee, Cappuccino, Hot Chocolate OPEN 6 DAYS A WEEK Mon.-Sat. 4:00 am-Noon Closed Sunday

Photo by Diane Nunley

1 Wildlife Circle Austwell, TX 77950

Aransas National Wildlife Refuge

Open Daily 30 Minutes Before Sunrise to 30 Minutes After Sundown

361-349-1181

www.fws.gov/refuge/aransas

Call in advance for large orders!

361-552-0936

1400 N. Virginia, Port Lavaca, TX

Local Board Local Decisions Personal service Hometown Banking tailored loan Packages

311 North Virginia, Port Lavaca, TX 77979 • (361) 552-9771 • ibc.com MEMBER FDIC/INTERNATIONAL BANCSHARES CORPORATION

Certified Training & Safety, Inc. 302 N. Virginia St., Port Lavaca, Texas 77979 • 361-553-8039

Specializing in MSHA Hazwoper First Aid/CPR Equipment Training

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Calhoun County Life • Winter 2020

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PIRATE COVE

3 bed, 3 bath; pool, boat slip. Units 1, 5, 7, 9, 11, 15, 17.

LA PESCA LODGE

24 rooms, 7 full baths, and two bay boat slings on the IWC.

Owners: Christy & Maria

401 Broadway, Ste. C, Port Lavaca, TX 77979 Christy: 361-484-7022; Maria 361-676-2521

DOLPHIN POINT, 11TH STREET

4 bedroom private waterfront house with 1 boat sling.

UNITS A, B & C Remodelled. 3 bed/3 bath. Bay Boat Sling.

PIRATE COVE

2 bed, 2.5 bath; pool, boat slip. Units 2, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 20.

CANNAH HOUSE 4 bedroom house with a game room and boat sling

503 S. 12TH STREET

4 bedroom waterfront house with 2 boat slings and separate 1/1 apartment.

BIG BLUE, – 1405 W. MAPLE.

Upscale Barnonimium a block to Fishing Center Boat Ramp. Sleeps 13.

BAGBY HOUSE

3 bedroom, 4 bath, updated after Hurricane Harvey, unobstructed water view.

BAYER HOUSE

4 bed/2 bath house with 2 boat slings and a private boat ramp.

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Brenda Carter, Licensed Realtor ◆ Russell Cain Real Estate 361-983-4371 ◆ WWW.POCRENTALS.COM P.O. Box 161, Port O’Connor, TX 77982 Calhoun County Life • Winter 2020

CALHOUN COUNTY: AN ODYSSEY OF HISTORICAL MARKERS 1. Alsatian Immigration through Lavaca Bay Harbor St., Port Lavaca (West side of City Harbor) 2. Beach Hotel Main & Commerce Sts., Port Lavaca 3. Beaumont, Jefferson Port Lavaca Cemetery, South end of S. Nueces St., Port Lavaca 4. Calhoun County Ann & Leona Sts., Port Lavaca 5. Calhoun County Hurricanes Calhoun County Courthouse grounds 211 S. Ann St. 6. Calhoun County Jail 301 S. Ann St., Port Lavaca 7. Civil War Bombardment of Port Lavaca Bay Front Peninsula. (At end of Main St.) Next to Lavaca Bombardment Silhouette. 8. Civil War Torpedo Works Bay Front Peninsula. (At end of Main St.) Next to Lavaca Bombardment Silhouette. 9. Clark Cemetery From Hwy. 35, take US 87 north 3.6 miles. Turn left on FM 2433 and then immediately turn right on FM 1679. After 0.9 miles, turn left on Sanders Rd. Go another 0.9 miles to private road on the left. The cemetery is about 0.4 miles down the road on private property. 10. Cox’s Point Northeast end of causeway, on SH 35, near western city limit, Point Comfort, TX. 11. Eberly, Mrs. Angelina Bell Peyton From Port Lavaca, take FM 238 three miles southwest to FM 316; follow FM 316 south about 8.75 mi. 12. First Baptist Church of Port Lavaca 902 Calhoun, Port Lavaca 13. First Presbyterian Church of Port Lavaca 1111 N. Virginia, Port Lavaca 14. First United Methodist Church of Port Lavaca 814 N. San Antonio St., Port Lavaca 15. George, Wiley S. Nueces at Cypress St., at entrance to Port Lavaca Cemetery 16. Grace Episcopal Church (2 markers) 213 E. Austin Street, Port Lavaca, East side of chapel on Guadalupe St. 17. Green Lake SH 35S one-quarter mile South of SH 185 intersection.

18. Half Moon Reef Lighthouse SH 35 and SH 238, Port Lavaca. Next to Bauer Community Center. 19. Hatch Cemetery (Expected installation – June 2010) From Port Lavaca, take US 35 about six miles south. Then go west about one mile on Meadow View Ln. to golf course. 20. Hatch, Sylvanus From Port Lavaca, take US 35 about six miles south. Then go west about one mile on Meadow View Ln. to golf course. Marker is about in the middle of the bridge on the south side of path. 21. Indianola SH 316 (S Ocean Drive) near LaSalle Monument. 22. Indianola Cemetery From Port Lavaca, take FM 238 south southwest three miles to FM 316. Follow FM 316 about 8.75 miles to Brighton Rd. in Indianola. Follow Brighton Rd. northwest about one mile and then go west on Comal Rd. one-half mile and then right on Orleans St. one quarter mile to cemetery. 23. Indianola, Site of the Town of S. Ocean Drive about 1 mi. before Indianola Fishing Marina. 24. Johnson, Moses, M.D. Six miles northwest of Port Lavaca on US 87 25. Johnson, Moses, M.D. Private, 6.25 mile north of Port Lavaca off US 87 26. La Salle, Rene Robert Cavelier, Sieur de Beach Rd. at SH 316 terminus at Indianola, TX. 27. Lavaca Lodge No. 36, A. F. & A. M. From Port Lavaca, take FM 1090 north about two miles. 28. Linnville, Site of the Town of From Port Lavaca Take FM 1090 north about two miles. On the right side of the road. 29. Matagorda Island Lighthouse* Located approx. 7.5 miles South of Port O’Connor at 28° 20’ 16.44”, -96° 25’ 26.62” on Matagorda Island, lighthouse is accessible only by private boat or airplane plus a hike to the site. 30. Mt. Sinai Baptist Church 419 Center St., Port Lavaca 31. Olivia SH 172 at city limits, Olivia, TX. 32. Olivia Cemetery SH 172 & County Road 317 on

Calhoun County Life • Winter 2020

County Road 317, Olivia, TX. 33. Our Lady of the Gulf Catholic Church 415 W. Austin, Port Lavaca 34. Port Lavaca SH 35 and SH 238, Port Lavaca. In front of Bauer Community Center. 35. Port Lavaca Cemetery End of S. Nueces St., Port Lavaca 36. Port Lavaca Chapter No. 373, Order of The Eastern Star FM 1090, two miles north of Port Lavaca 37. Port O’Connor E. Monroe Ave. at S. Park Ave., at King Fisher Beach, Port O’Connor, TX. 38. Ranger Cemetery Harbor St, Port Lavaca (West of City Harbor) 39. Rasmussen, Andrew A. Main & 15th St., Port O’Connor, TX. 40. Salem Lutheran Church 2101 FM 1090, Port Lavaca 41. San Antonio and Mexican Gulf Railroad 110 N. Virginia, Port Lavaca 42. Seadrift SH 185, Seadrift 43. Seadrift Cemetery 1273 Cemetery Road; Located 1.273 miles from Hwy 185 on Cemetery Road, Seadrift, TX 44. Six Mile Cemetery Go 4.5 miles northwest of Port Lavaca on FM 1090 to Royal Rd. Turn west on Royal and go about 0.4 miles. Cemetery is behind Six Mile Presbyterian Church. 45. Six Mile Presbyterian Church Go 4.5 miles northwest of Port Lavaca on FM 1090 to Royal Rd. Turn west on Royal and go about 0.4 miles. 46. Six Mile-Royal Community Go 4.1 miles northwest of SH 35 on FM 1090 47. St. Joseph Baptist Church 811 S. Virginia St., Port Lavaca 48. Town Cemetery, Old From Port Lavaca, take FM 238 south southwest about three miles. Then follow FM 316 south about 8.5 miles. Turn left on Zimmerman Rd. and go 1 mi. 49. Wilkins, Alice O., School Ann and Alice Wilkins streets, Port Lavaca 50. Zimmerman Cemetery From Port Lavaca, take FM 238 about 3 miles to FM 316. Go south 7.25 miles to roadside area. 51. Cotton Gins of Calhoun County Moreman Community Gin,

10254 SH 35S 52. Battle of Norris Bridge 452 Buren Rd. near Chocolate Bayou Boat Ramp on FM 238 53. Calhoun in World War II Calhoun County Courthouse Grounds Port Lavaca. 54. Chihuahua Road S. Ocean Drive about 1 mi. before Indianola Fishing Marina, Indianola, TX. 55. Don Martin Deleon Take FM 1090 to Park Rd. at Six Mile. Located at the end of Park Rd. at entrance to Six Mile Boat Ramp. 56. Ed Bell SH 316 to Magnolia Beach. Follow road to Indianola Fishing Marina, Indianola, TX. 57. Edward Fred Knipling 186 Henry Barber Way, in front of Calhoun County Extension office, Port Lavaca 58. German Immigration Thru Karlshafen Ocean Drive at Indian Point, near boardwalk over marsh. 59. German Pioneers SH 316 (S Ocean Drive) at base of LaSalle Monument (Granite), Indianola, TX. 60. Howard Gallemore Hartzog, Jr. Calhoun County Courthouse Grounds, Port Lavaca. 61. Hurricanes of Calhoun County Calhoun County Courthouse Grounds, Port Lavaca 62. Mission Refugio SH 35S one mile south of SH 185 intersection, on the left at entrance to Guadalupe Delta Wildlife Management Area. 63. Port O’Connor Cemetery SH 185 east to Cemetery St, at outskirts of Port O’Connor, TX. Follow to the end of street. 64. Port of Entry - Indianola SH 316 (S. Ocean Drive) at base of LaSalle Monument (Granite), Indianola, TX. 65. Sgt. William Henry Barnes – 38th USCT From Port Lavaca, take FM 238 south southwest three miles to FM 316. Follow FM 316 about 8.75 miles to Brighton Rd. in Indianola. Follow Brighton Rd. northwest about one mile and then go west on Comal Rd one-half mile and then right on Orleans St. one quarter mile to cemetery. 66. Sunlight Girls Club Corner of Ann and Alice Sts. Port Lavaca. 67. The Great Camel Experiment SH 316 at N. Ocean Drive Intersection, Indianola, TX.

Lavaca Bay

44 45

1593

Point Comfort

172 2143

1090

27 36

3084

24 25 9

2433

Port Lavaca

238 1090

Lavaca Bay

1679

185

19 20 35

2541

21 26 59 64

238

1289

Matagorda Bay

2235

54 65 22

56 37

185

63 43

Port O’Connor

185

Seadrift

185

42 San Antonio Bay

1090

3084

18 34

238

5 53 60 61 87

33 35

30 3

15 35

49 66 1090

Calhoun County Life • Winter 2020

Formosa Wetlands Walkway Lighthouse Beach, Port Lavaca, Texas

Photo courtesy of Jody Weaver

Calhoun County Life â€¢ Winter 2020

The Law Office Of Jane Lane, P.c. 1649 W. Austin, Port Lavaca, TX.

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Calhoun County Life • Winter 2020

9 10

Calhoun County Life â€¢ Winter 2020

Take Me To The Ocean A. Lighthouse Beach Lighthouse Beach is part of the Lighthouse Beach Park located adjacent the TX Hwy. 35 North causeway bridge. Entrance to the park is from Broadway St. (TX Hwy 238) just south of the Hwy. 35 and Hwy 238 intersection across from the Halfmoon Reef Lighthouse and Bauer Community Center. There is a modest per vehicle fee to enter the park. B. Magnolia Beach Go west on TX Hwy. 238 from Port Lavaca as it exits town. Continue straight on TX 238, which eventually becomes TX Hwy. 316. Continue on Hwy. 316 for approximately 5.5 miles before turning left when you reach Farm to Market Road 2760. Once on FM 2760, travel approximately one mile, then turn right on Vivian Stevens Rd. Make an immediate left around the curve once on Vivian Stevens, and then an immediate right around the curve. The beach will be on your left in a few feet. C. Indianola Beach Go west on TX Hwy. 238 from Port Lavaca as it exits town. Continue straight on TX 238, which eventually becomes TX Hwy. 316. Continue on Hwy. 316 for approximately eight miles, then turn right on Brighton Avenue. Stay on Brighton Avenue for about a mile, and the beach will be on your left.

D. King Fisher Beach at Port O’Connor From Port Lavaca, head west on TX Hwy. 238 out of town. Follow Hwy. 238 and when you reach the flashing yellow lights at the intersection of TX Hwy 316, turn right, which will still be Hwy. 238. Follow Hwy. 238 for about one mile, then turn left on Farm to Market Road 1289. Continue on FM 1289 for just over 11 miles until it ends. From there, turn left on TX Hwy. 185. Continue on Hwy. 185 through Port O’Connor until it ends. Once it ends, turn left on Park Street. The beach will be on your right. E. Seadrift Bayfront Park From Port Lavaca, head west on TX Hwy. 238 out of town. Follow Hwy. 238 and when you reach the flashing yellow lights at the intersection of TX Hwy 316, turn right, which will still be Hwy. 238. Follow Hwy. 238 for approximately 10 miles, where it will “T” with TX Hwy. 185. Take a left on Hwy. 185 and you will reach Seadrift in approximately one mile. Continue on Hwy. 185 until you reach Main Street, and turn right. Follow Main Street until it intersects with Bay Street. Turn right on Bay Street, and the beach will be on your left.

Public Boat Ramps 1. 2. 3. 4.* 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.

Olivia Point Comfort Six Mile Lighthouse Beach Bayfront Peninsula Harbor of Refuge Chocolate Bayou Magnolia Beach Port O’Connor Seadrift Bayfront Park

*A modest per vehicle fee is required for entrance to the Lighthouse Beach Park. Calhoun County Life • Winter 2020

Randy’s

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Robin KaciR is a ceRtified decoRatoR with caReeR diploma in inteRioR design

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Inside Walmart (on Highway 35) 361-552-6073

Randy & Robin Kacir Owners 361-552-6785 1-800-357-8781

Thank you to our loyal customers & to all of our future customers.

John Bellah,

owner of Bellah’s Cars & Trucks, voted as Best Vehicle Dealer & Best Used Cars in Calhoun County! Home Of The Average $200 Payments! Reasonable Down Payments!

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Calhoun County Life • Winter 2020

Island Liquor & Gifts 11th & Adams (Hwy. 185) in Port O’Connor • 361-983-2747

BAKER’S LIQUOR 1300 W. Main Port Lavaca • 361-552-2866

o T e om c l e W

t n Poi fort Com

Point Comfort offers a homey way of life I

t’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, even along the Texas Gulf Coast. The city of Point Comfort is set to ring in the holiday with festivities on Thursday, Dec.10. In addition to the annual Christmas Lighting Contest, the tree lighting ceremony will be at 6:30 p.m. There will be live music, the lighting of the tree and, of course, a visit from Santa. Change is coming to the small community of Point Comfort, but the town just over the causeway from Port Lavaca still retains all its small-town charm. Permits are now required for events and alcohol can now be served. The city also added camping sites. People needing to use the park for an event that will require it to be blocked off must a use permit for events for more than 25 people plus security personnel. The number of security personnel increases with the number of attendees. The fees include a $100 deposit plus security. If alcohol is to be served, a $50 alcohol permit is required. As for camping, there will be nine numbered sites for tents, but no campers or RVs, each site includes a barbeque pit and covered picnic table. The fee is $25 per night with a limit of two nights. An alcohol fee will be required if it will be consumed at the site. A wooden pier and a dock are available for free, are open 24/7, and have electricity and water at the cleaning table. Permits can be obtained at Point Comfort City Hall; 102 Jones St. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to noon on Friday. Call 361-987-2661 for more information. The park will be closed at 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and at midnight on Friday and Saturday. It reopens at 6 a.m. each morning. For early morning joggers, as long as they are on the track, there should be no problem. The city’s pool is closed for repairs and will be filled in to create a multi-use area with a splash pad in one corner, according to Point Comfort City Councilman George Hernandez. Last year, a grant from Alcoa provided the funds for better security, repaired bathrooms, and updated showers. ---

Cabanas along the bay in Point Comfort. Point Comfort was built by Aluminum Company of America, now ALCOA, Inc., in 1948 and was incorporated in 1953. Point Comfort is home to industrial plants, an international port, and many families and retirees that seek a quiet lifestyle in a close-knit community. The Port of Point Comfort is one of the busiest ports in the state of Texas. The Calhoun Port Authority operates the port that is served by the Matagorda Ship Channel and the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway. Recreation is a large part of the community. On either side of the boat ramp on Lamar Street are two lighted piers. The piers are open to the public free of charge 24 hours a day. One of the piers is handicapped accessible, and the other has a fish cleaning station. The causeway bridge is also a popular spot for fishermen. People line the bridge day and night to take advantage of the hot spot. Redfish, trout, and flounder are caught there regularly. Fishing is a major attraction to the community as is Calhoun County, where there is fishing protected from open surf, drawing tourists all year long. Point Comfort also boasts an outstanding city park with 10 cabanas, each with a picnic table and barbeque pit and a larger center gazebo in the middle. The park features walking/running trails and a playground for children. Additionally, the baseball park is undergoing upgrades thanks to a grant that was applied for a few years back and is close to hosting games. Point Comfort also hosts a large July 4 celebration at its

community park to which all are invited to attend. There are vendors and locals in attendance, and all activities are family-friendly. After the event, there is a major fireworks display over the water for all to enjoy. In 2019, Formosa Plastics hosted its first annual Formosa Hook and Cook for Charity at the Point Comfort Bayfront Park. The event was organized by the Sportsmen For Charity Club to raise funds for United Way of Calhoun County. And for more than 40 years the Boy Scouts of American’s FishORee has been held at the bayfront. This year’s event drew more than 100 boy and girl scouts to catch fish and win prizes. The town community center is named in honor of former Point Comfort Police Chief Rick Brush, who died in the line of duty. The Point Comfort Branch of the Calhoun County Library is in the Lamar Shopping Center. The library is open five days a week and a form of it has existed since 1955. On the corner of Lamar and State Highway 35 are two staples of the Point Comfort community and the plant workers. Village Grocery is a hot spot at lunchtime for the plant workers because of the convenience and hot food. The Hard Hat Café in the Lamar Shopping Center provides breakfast and lunch Monday through Friday. Churches of all denominations including the Assembly of God, Baptists, Catholics, Church of Christ, Lutherans, and Methodists offer services to the citizens. Calhoun County Life • Winter 2020

BACK ON THE ROAD AGAIN! •Automotive & Heavy Duty Truck Parts CUSTOM •Batteries - Oil - Tires •Welding Supplies •Lawn Mower Accessories: Belts, tires, tubes •Marine Accessories: For your boat & trailer •Mechanic Garage State & DOT Inspections Hydraulic Hoses & •24 hour Towing Service •Unlocking Vehicles Assemblies Available

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Thank You! We may have to hide our faces, but we can’t hide our love and care we have for each and every family we serve. Thank you for voting Richardson-Colonial Funeral Home best of the best for the third consecutive year.

Standing from left: Funeral Assistants Jerry McClendon, Lydia Aguirre, Renee Behrens, and Allyson Abraham. Seated from left: Funeral Directors: Justin Small and Jamie Kinsfather. Not pictured: Funeral Assistants Bill Myrick, Susan Bryant, David Holford, Pat Farmer and David Farmer.

Richardson-Colonial Funeral Home 123 Newlin St, Port Lavaca, TX 77979 • 361-552-9766 www.richardsoncolonial.com

Calhoun County Life • Winter 2020

Thank You, Calhoun County! “Let us show you what coastal living is all about!”

Capt. Cynthia Alford Realtor/Broker

Mallory Galloway Realtor

361-655-9690 or 361-785-3424

cindy@bbcoast.com; www.baybreezerealestate.com

To become increasingly delighted in Christ To make disciples who are increasingly delighted in Christ 210 E. Main St., Port Lavaca, TX, 77979

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children are people too

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361-552-1982

215 W. Railroad, Port Lavaca, TX 77979

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“Your Extra Touch Florist for 48 Years” 704 N. Virginia, Port Lavaca, TX 552-9758 • 552-4202

The PanTry Daily Lunch Specials

702 N. Virginia, Port Lavaca, TX 552-1679

Taking Care Of Your Pets & Livestock Since 1973

Dr. Bill McClellan D.V.M. Port Lavaca Veterinary Clinic

Boarding Available By Appointment

361-552-6959

820 Porter Road, Port Lavaca, TX 77979 Calhoun County Life • Winter 2020

Away In A Manger ... Nativity Exhibit on display Dec. 5 By Sherry FIcklen lifestyle@plwave.com Calhoun County will be home to its first Nativity exhibit Saturday, Dec. 5, and Sunday, Dec. 6, at The Red Barn located at 3187 S Hwy. 35 in Port Lavaca. The two-day event will showcase Nativities from around the world with its own special memories. The event, sponsored by Veronica and Kevin Koliba, is free and open to the public to view and/or display special nativity scenes. Special appointment viewings will be scheduled after 6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to noon Sunday for members of the community that needs assistance. “We will begin setting up the exhibit early on Saturday Dec. 5, in order to start welcoming guests to view at noon. You may bring your nativities until 10 a.m. that morning,” said Veronica Koliba. There is no formal registration prior to the event, but participants are asked to verify who will be participating so that proper preparations can be made to accommodate all nativity scenes. “We are expecting hundreds of nativities. One nativity makes a difference; we encourage anyone and everyone to participate,” said Veronica. “If family members, groups of neighbors or friends, churches, organizations, businesses and professions display together, this event will be an attraction. There won’t be enough or too many.” Pictured are some of the nativities that will be on display Saturday, Dec. 5 and Sunday, Dec. 6, at The Red Barn. (Contributed photos)

Calhoun County Life • Winter 2020

Christmas Around The County PORT O’CONNOR

PORT LAVACA

The Port Lavaca Christmas of Hope Parade and tree lighting ceremony is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4. Parade participants will line up at Bayfront Peninsula Park and proceed down Virginia Street. Parade winners will be announced Saturday, Dec. 5, during Christmas festivities on Main Street in Port Lavaca. There will be Christmas carolers, a cookie jingle, pajama contest, shopping, photos and more.

POINT COMFORT

The annual Port O’Connor Lighted Boat Parade held at dusk, Saturday, Dec. 5, on the Intracoastal Canal in Port O’Connor. Participants make their way down the Intracoastal Waterway with festively decorated and lighted boats to Port O’Connor with a toy run to benefit children at Christmas time. Awards will be given for several categories.

SEADRIFT

Other events taking place during the holiday season are Seadrift holiday festivities are scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 12. Check for details on the Seadrift Chamber of Commerce’s website, www.seadriftchamber.com or call 361-746-2840.

Veronica said she hopes the nativities will be as diverse as the community and with stories to add value to the exhibit. “Some nativities will be colorful, others unicolor; big or small; elegant or rustic; full sets or mismatched or missing pieces. The expectation is some stories that accompany the nativity will be unique to an experience - bought while stationed in Germany, treasured gift from my grandparents, first nativity, left in the attic by previous home owners, from South America while on a mission, bought while vacationing in Italy - while others as

The City of Point Comfort will have a Christmas lighting contest and a tree lighting ceremony at Thursday, Dec. 10, at Lamar Shopping Center with live music and Santa Claus.

simple as, ‘It’s always been a part of the family, I don’t know where we got it.’ I have several rescues from resale and thrift stores.” The Koliba’s hope the exhibit will provide a unique opportunity to display the hopefulness and hospitality of Calhoun County since it has been a dreary year. The displays will be for viewing pleasure only and will not be judged. “We expect attendees to go to local gift shops and stores to buy a nativity or do other Christmas shopping and anticipate local restaurants to benefit

from the visitors from out of town also,” said Veronica. “We are hopeful that the exhibit helps alleviate the self-imposed stress many get from that time of year, by being an inclusive, spiritual and enlightening event for all to enjoy and to remind us of the Reason for the Season.” The Koliba family plans to make the nativity exhibit an annual event. Participants who would like to display a nativity, volunteer, provide refreshments or suggestions are asked to call or text Veronica at 361-935-8032. Calhoun County Life • Winter 2020

SALTWATER FISHING REGULATIONS DAILY BAG

SPECIES

INCH-LENGTH (MIN - MAX)

Catfish, Channel and blue, hybrids and subspecies.25*12 subspecies .25*12 .... ...............N/L** Flathead .................................................5 ........... 8 ............ N/L** Catfish, Flathead.................................................5 .............................................N/L**..... 14 .......... N/L** Catfish, Gafftopsail .............................................N/L**..... black........................................................5 ............ 14 .......... 301 Drum, black........................................................5 Drum, red ..........................................................3 ............ 20 .......... 281 Flounder: all species, their hybrids and subspecies ..5/22 ...... 14 .......... N/L** Gar (alligator) ....................................................1 ........................... N/L** subspecies......N/L**..... N/L** .... 12 Mullet: all species, their hybrids and subspecies......N/L**..... Seatrout, spotted1 (N of FM457 Matagorda County 10 ......... 15 .......... 25 Seatrout, spotted1 (S of FM457)........ ...................5 ............ 15 .......... 25 Sheepshead .......................................................5 ............ 15 .......... N/L** Sharks: Note: Daily bag limit is 1 fish for all allowable shark species including Atlantic sharpnose, blacktip, and bonnethead. See Shark Regulations for identification tips. bonnethead ......1 ............ 24 .......... N/L** Shark:Atlantic sharpnose, blacktip, bonnethead......1 Shark: Hammerhead (smooth, great, scalloped) ......1 ............ 99 .......... N/L** Shark: Other allowable shark species ....................1 ............ 64 .......... N/L** Prohibited shark species: Atlantic Angel, Basking, Bigeye Sand Tiger, Bigeye Sixgill, Bigeye Thresher, Bignose, Caribbean Reef, Caribbean Sharpnose, Dusky, Galapagos, Longfin Mako, Narrowtooth, Night, Sandbar, Sand Tiger, Sevengill, Silky, Sixgill, Smalltail, Whale, And White ................................................................0 ........................... C&R***

Refer to Texas Parks & Wildlife site for more detail 1 www.tpwd.state.tx.us/regulations/outdoor-annual/fishing/ saltwater-fishing/saltwater-bag-and-length-limits * - In any combination; N/L** - No Limit C&R*** - Catch & Release ONLY

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Calhoun County Life â€˘ Winter 2020

R O N N O C ’ O T R O

Life Beside The Sea

Not just a tiny fishing village, Port O’Connor is all about getting outdoors, no matter the temperature or time of year. King Fisher Beach, located at the end of Hwy 185 in Port O’Connor, is a quaint and quiet beach complete with sandy shores, a fishing pier, boardwalk and a pavilion for family get-togethers. The beach is family friendly, clean and hosts a huge grassy area for play. Parking is on site, and one can easily spot hermit crabs and other sea life amongst the shore. Another favorite in the Port O’Connor area is Sunday Beach, located about two miles off of the shore near the west end of Matagorda Bay. Only accessible by boat, Sunday Beach is a popular spot among residents and visitors alike and is considered one of Port O’Connor’s best-kept secrets. What makes Sunday Beach spectacular is beach goers can experience the best of both worlds on the water. The bay side of the beach is calm, and only a short walk away, the Gulf of Mexico roars upon the shore, a true vision of Mother Nature and the surf she can produce. Big fish tales are not few and far between in the coastal community of Port O’Connor. Boggy Bayou is a well-known fishing spot in Port O’Connor. Flounder, red fish and trout are abundant when the tide is just right, and Boggy Bayou is great for wade or kayak fishing. Spend some time out in the bayou and one might even spot a dolphin or two, but caution is always recommended the ground may live up to its namesake with different types of sediment. Some places are “boggy” and soft and unsuitable for vehicles. Grab a pair of waders and have fish for dinner. In addition to the bayous, the Texas Gulf Intracoastal Waterway parallels the Gulf of Mexico at Port O’Connor, providing ample opportunity for fun on the water. The GIWW is more than 400 miles long starting out in the Sabine River and ending very near the Texas/Mexico border treks through Port O’Connor. It is marked with standard aides for navigation. When residents and visitors are not on the water, they are often found ashore at one of the many festivities celebrated in the tiny port city. Port O’Connor hosts more festivals throughout the year than any other community in Calhoun County. From crawfish festivals and cook-offs to music festivals and numerous fishing tournaments, Port O’Connor never lacks for fun and entertainment. On almost any given weekend, there is something to do in Port O’Connor. Some are invitational only and others are open to any fisherman. Port O’Connor is known for its annual Independence Day Festival. One of the busiest weekends in POC, people from all over Texas line the streets at dusk to view what some say is one of the most spectacular firework displays. After a long

summer day of craft and food vendors, snow cones, funnel cakes and more at King Fisher Beach, the fireworks display is a perfect way to end the Fourth of July holiday. One of the last festivities of the year is the lighted boat parade. The annual event kick’s off the holiday season with brightly decorated watercraft cruising down the GWII. This year, the event is slated for Dec. 7 and set to begin at dusk. Calhoun County Life • Winter 2020 37

Life Of T King Fisher Beach hub of festival BY DD TURNER PORT O’CONNOR - King Fisher Beach is the center of the town here even if it is at the end of road. The beach is the site of the town’s Crawfish Festival – the main fundraiser for the Port O’Connor Chamber of Commerce – a big Fourth of July Fireworks display as well as other events throughout the year. It also boasts plenty of space for beach combing, dog walking or getting your recommended dose of vitamin D from the sun instead of a pill. The chamber recently installed new playground equipment at the park. It has already weathered two storms. “It’s a draw for the beach and gives the kids something else to do,” said Calhoun County Commissioner Gary Reese, in whose precinct the town falls. You can also put into the water for some kayaking or bait up the ol’ hook and see what comes up from the deep. “It’s a tourist attraction that is important to the people of Port O’Connor,” said Reese. “It plays a vital role in the community.”

Calhoun County Life • Winter 2020

The beach, on property donated by King Fisher, who owned Kingfisher Marine Services, is a permitted site for dredge fill, which is how it was built up and out with a seawall to protect the area. Reese and Calhoun County Parks Board Chairman Allan Berger are applying for a grant that would allow them to purchase land at the tip of the beach. “This would allow us to expand public access by 600 feet at the north end,” explained Reese. “It will keep it from being developed and lost to the public. It’s a pretty good project.” They had to pre-apply for the grant and have been invited to submit a full application. It will also allow for additional picnic tables at the beach. Also, in Port O’Connor is Boggy Bayou, a wetlands area that the county is seeking to preserve as people use it for birdwatching, fishing or kayaking. The county received funds from the Coastal Management Program, Cycle 25, for upgrades to the bird watching pier as well as the kayak access point. They are applying in Cycle 26 for further funding to continue the work of fencing off sensitive areas.

The Party & beach life in Port O’Connor Berger said the area is used for educating youngsters in Port O’Connor about the ecosystem of the park from the tiniest things caught in a seine net to birds and animals that inhabit the area. “Wildlife, fishing and hunting are the biggest attractions,” said Berger. The area also provides access to the Gulf of Mexico as well as bays and estuaries, which Reese said is one of its big draws. And it is a popular fishing spot because a boat is not required. There is also kayaking access, which Reese said they want to improve. There is also the county owned Froggie’s Boat Ramp, a free boat launch with its seven acres of parking that fills up regularly, as well as the Little Jetties on the Intercoastal Waterway. The jetties “kind of marks the entrance, I would say, to the Intercoastal Waterway when it comes into land locks,” said Reese. “It’s a popular fishing spot.” “Most people coming to Port O’Connor are getting into it boats and going to Pesca Bayou or Matagorda Island Wildlife Management Area and all those things. Hunting and fishing are Calhoun County Parks Board Chairman Allan Berger and Calhoun County Commissioner, Precinct 4, Gary Reese stand on probably two of the biggest draws,” said Berger. the pier at King Fisher Park. They are committed to keeping the Life rocks at the end of the road in Port O’Connor. county’s parks thriving.

Calhoun County Life • Winter 2020

who’s who AROUND TOWN A GUIDE TO NEWCOMER INFORMATION

ELECTRICITY AEP (877) 373-4858 Reliant Energy: (866) 222-7100 TXU: (800) 818-6132 Victoria Electric Co-op: (361) 573-2428 NATURAL GAS CenterPoint Energy centerpointenergy.com or (800) 427-7142 TELEPHONE Frontier Communications Residential: 855-345-9338 AT&T Residential: (800) 222-0300 Commercial: (800) 222-0400

WATER AND SEWER Port Lavaca Service Billing and Connects 202 N. Virginia (361) 552-9793,ext. 236 Port Lavaca Maintenance and Repair 800 N. Commerce (361) 552-3347 Seadrift Service (361) 785-2251 Point Comfort Service (361) 987-2661

VOTER REGISTRATION Calhoun County Elections Office 211 S. Ann (361) 553-4440

RECYCLING Calhoun County Recycling Center (361) 552-7791 GARBAGE COLLECTION Allied Waste Services (800) 640-2014 DRIVER’S LICENSE Calhoun County Courthouse Annex 201 W. Austin (361) 552-5046

ANIMAL CONTROL 201 Stringham Drive (361) 552-5726 VEHICLE REGISTRATION Tax Assessor and Collector Office 211 S. Ann; (361) 553-4433

CALHOUN COUNTY EMERGENCY TELEVISION SparkLight: (361) 552-9621 Direct TV: (888) 777-2454 Dish Network: (866) 271-3005

Medical Service (EMS) (361) 552-1140

Calhoun County Sheriff’s Department 333 S. Benavides, (361) 553-4646 Port Lavaca Fire Department Station #1, 800 N. Hwy. 35, (361) 552-4620 Station #2, 1501 W. Austin Street, (361) 552-3241 Port Lavaca Police Department 201 N. Colorado; (361) 552-3788

INTERNET SparkLight: (361) 552-9621 TISD.NET: (361) 552-2000 Time-Warner: (877) 646-8994

Point Comfort Police Department, Point Comfort (361) 987-2345 Seadrift Police Department, Seadrift (361) 785-2069

Calhoun County Life • Winter 2020

SCHOOL ENROLLMENT PORT LAVACA Calhoun High School, Sandcrab Blvd., (361) 552-3775 Hope High School, 300 Alcoa (361) 552-7084 HJM Elementary Complexes (361) 552-5253

Jackson-Roosevelt Elementary, 1512 Jackson (361) 552-3317 Travis Middle School, 705 N. Nueces (361) 552-3784 PORT O’CONNOR Port O’Connor School (361) 983-2341

SEADRIFT Seadrift School (361) 785-3511

EMERGENCY NUMBERS All emergencies should be reported by using 9-1-1. However if a particular department is needed not regarding an emergency use the following numbers. The county has the Enhanced 911 system. This allows dispatchers to see the location and phone number of the person placing the call. You must still give them this information when you call.

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Rip currents are powerful currents of water moving away from shore. They can sweep even the strongest swimmer out to sea. Have fun at beach but know the dangers so you can come back. The number one danger is drowning, ranking fifth among the leading causes of unintentional injury death in the United States. Constantly watch children when swimming or playing near water. They need a certified lifeguard or responsible adult within reach. Children under the age of 14, and all weak or non-swimmers should wear U.S. Coast Guard approved life jackets. Rafts, inner tubes, water wings, floaties and other inflatable items are NOT proper safety devices. LEARN TO SWIM Never swim alone. Even the best swimmers occasionally need help. If you get a leg cramp or find yourself in some kind of difficulty, you will be glad there is someone around. When possible, swim where trained lifeguards are on duty. Swimming from unguarded beaches is not always dangerous; it only means you must be more responsible for your own actions. Do not overexert yourself. Swimming when you are tired is asking for trouble. Do not overestimate your swimming ability. Also keep in mind that distances on water are deceiving; the other side of the swim area is farther away than it looks. Learn about the local area before you go swimming. You may be an expert in a swimming pool, yet could

Calhoun County Life • Winter 2020

find yourself in a potential drowning situation in the surf when confronted with rip currents, sand bars and deep holes. RIP CURRENTS A rip current is a powerful, narrow channel of fast-moving water that can move up to eight feet per second. Swimmers can be quickly pulled offshore, suffering fatigue when they fight the current trying to swim straight back to the beach. Once fatigue sets in, the risk of drowning increases because the swimmer is unable to keep themselves afloat or swim to safety. Many people have died trying to rescue rip current victims. If you see someone in trouble, yell instructions on how to escape, throw the victim something that floats and have someone call 9-1-1. The ships traveling up and down the Matagorda Ship Channel can cause dangerous currents for swimmers, particularly at Magnolia Beach near Indian Point. Always be aware of boating and shipping traffic when visiting any beach by a navigation channel. STINGS, BITES AND CUTS Shark bites are rare events and headline news. On the Texas Gulf Coast there is a greater chance of winning the lottery or being struck by lightning than being bitten by a shark. Stinging jellyfish are a much greater danger. The severity of the sting depends

on the species of jellyfish and the reaction of the victim to the toxin. Stingrays often frequent shallow waters and can thrust a sharp shaft into a foot or ankle when stepped on. One good preventive action is to shuffle your feet while wading to scare the stingray away. Broken glass and sharp shell pieces are everywhere. To prevent unnecessary cuts, swimmers, particularly children, should always wear some type of footwear because shoes no not bleed. GOOD RULES A few good rules to follow anywhere along the beach include: • Do not swim in water more than waist deep; stay in even shallower water if you can’t swim. • Do not swim if you’re tired, sick, or if you’ve been using alcohol or drugs. • Do not swim in boating areas or near boat ramps. • Do not swim during thunderstorms or in strong wind. • Stay at least 100 feet away from rock jetties, groins and piers. Strong currents form there, and they cut deep holes in the bottom. • Be alert for sea animals that may stick, bite, sting, cut or even shock you. Get out of the water if you encounter one and seek immediate medical attention if you are injured.

Calhoun County Life â€¢ Winter 2020

astaway

For Hunting, Fishing & More In Seadrift 44

Calhoun County Life â€¢ Winter 2020

Castaway Lodge is a “home away from home” for many who come to hunt and fish in the community of Seadrift. Kris Kelley and family formed Castaway Lodge in 1993. Originally, it was made for duck hunting, but later Kelley and company built a lodge in 2006, which houses 16 guests, he said. “We doubled in size in 2015 and doubled the grounds 300 percent in 2015 as well, now we house up to 32 guests.” Kelley said. There are many activities at Castaway Lodge, that include fly fishing, specialty air boats trips, waterfowl hunting, and alligator hunting. According to Kelley, Castaway Lodge is the largest wild alligator hunting activity in the state of Texas. Kelley talked about what draws people to Castaway Lodge in Seadrift, and he said the lodge is the leader in Midcoast fishing, and he added they are large corporate destination.

“We do everything from Fortune 100 to Fortune 500 companies, mom and pop, employee appreciation, client appreciation events and conferences.” Kelley said. “Then we do a lot of friends and family events, and trips.” Kelley discussed the views of the hunting grounds when people visit, and he said it is massive view. Kelley added it encompasses multiple bay systems, barrier islands, and back marsh venues. One of the unique features about Castaway Lodge, Kelley said, when people come in, they feel like they are at home. “Hospitality is number one, clean quarters facilities, amazing food and outstanding guides.” Kelley said. Castaway Lodge is located at 109 W. Austin Avenue in Seadrift, Texas. For more information about the lodge, call 1-888-618-4868 or go to www.seadriftbayfishing.com or to place a reservation.

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Calhoun County Life • Winter 2020

A helpful checklist for birders COMPILED BY BRUSH FREEMAN

PHOTO BY BILL HARVEY

KEY R=Rare P=Pelagic/Offshore H=Hypothetical

E=Extirpated/Extinct I=Introduced or Exotic

___ Black-bellied Whistling-Duck ___ Fulvous Whistling-Duck ___ Greater White-fronted Goose ___ Snow Goose ___ Ross’s Goose ___ Cackling Goose ___ Canada Goose ___ Trumpeter Swan (E) ___ Tundra Swan (R) ___ Wood Duck ___ Gadwall ___ Mallard ___ Mottled Duck ___ American Black Duck (R) ___ Blue-winged Teal ___ Cinnamon Teal ___ Northern Shoveler ___ Northern Pintail ___ Green-winged Teal ___ Canvasback ___ Redhead ___ Ring-necked Duck ___ Greater Scaup ___ Lesser Scaup ___ Surf Scoter ___ White-winged Scoter (R) ___ Black Scoter ___ Harlequin Duck (R) Jan. 29, 1945; Aransas NWR (likely mislabeled to Aransas Co.) ___ Long-tailed Duck (R) ___ Bufflehead ___ Common Goldeneye ___ Hooded Merganser ___ Common Merganser (R) Dec. 23, 1992 ___ Red-breasted Merganser ___ Masked Duck (R) ___ Ruddy Duck ___ Northern Bobwhite ___ Greater Prairie-Chicken (E) ___ Ring-necked Pheasant (RI) ___ Wild Turkey ___ Red-throated Loon (R) Dec. 19, 2004; Port O’Connor ___ Pacific Loon ___ Common Loon ___ Least Grebe ___ Pied-billed Grebe ___ Horned Grebe ___ Red-necked Grebe (R) ___ Eared Grebe ___ Western Grebe (R) ___ American Flamingo (R)

Calhoun County Life • Winter 2020

Just as Calhoun County attracts visitors from all over, it also hosts a variety of avian species. The bird watching opportunities are sure to please even the most experienced wildlife seekers. There are several options for those interested in watching the wildlife. Visit the Port Lavaca Lighthouse Beach and Bird Sanctuary, Magnolia Beach or even Matagorda Island State Park. According to Brush Freeman, coauthor of The Texas Ornithological Society Handbook of Texas Birds, 429 species have been recorded in the county or

___ Black-capped Petrel (PR) ___ Cory’s Shearwater (P) ___ Great Shearwater (PR) ___ Sooty Shearwater (PR) ___ Audubon’s Shearwater (P) ___ Leach’s Storm-Petrel (P) ___ Band-rumped Storm-Petrel (P) ___ Red-billed Tropicbird (PR) ___ White-tailed Tropicbird (HP) Aug. 6-7,1937; Matagorda Island ___ Wood Stork ___ Magnificent Frigatebird ___ Masked Booby (R) 1st county record June 8,1885; Matagorda Bay ___ Northern Gannet (P) ___ Neotropic Cormorant ___ Double-crested Cormorant ___ Anhinga ___ American White Pelican ___ Brown Pelican ___ American Bittern ___ Least Bittern ___“Great White Heron” (R) A pure white phase of Great Blue Heron ___ Great Blue Heron ___ Great Egret ___ Snowy Egret ___ Little Blue Heron ___ Tricolored Heron ___ Reddish Egret ___ Cattle Egret ___ Green Heron ___ Black-crowned Night-Heron ___ Yellow-crowned Night-Heron ___ White Ibis ___ Glossy Ibis ___ White-faced Ibis ___ Roseate Spoonbill ___ Black Vulture ___ Turkey Vulture ___ Osprey ___ Swallow-tailed Kite ___ White-tailed Kite ___ Mississippi Kite ___ Bald Eagle ___ Northern Harrier ___ Sharp-shinned Hawk ___ Cooper’s Hawk ___ Northern Goshawk (R) Pre-1978 record; one in Port O’Connor 2009 reported ___ Harris’s Hawk ___ Red-shouldered Hawk

the counties’ offshore waters, although many of those were single occurrences, or once in a lifetime finds, that will likely not be repeated any time soon. Some of the more popular birds in the area include roseate Spoonbills, reddish egrets, white-tailed hawks and whooping cranes. Use the list below to see what species you can find during your stay in Calhoun County. Special thanks to Brush Freeman for his help with the following listing of bird species that have been previously spotted in Calhoun County.

___ Broad-winged Hawk ___ Swainson’s Hawk ___ White-tailed Hawk ___ Zone-tailed Hawk (R) ___ Red-tailed Hawk ___ Ferruginous Hawk (R) ___ Rough-legged Hawk (R) ___ Golden Eagle (R) Jan. 16, 1993; Mar. 3, 2000 ___ Crested Caracara ___ American Kestrel ___ Merlin ___ Aplomado Falcon (I) ___ Peregrine Falcon ___ Prairie Falcon ___ Yellow Rail ___ Black Rail ___ Clapper Rail ___ King Rail ___ Virginia Rail ___ Sora ___ Purple Gallinule ___ Common Gallinule ___ American Coot ___ Sandhill Crane ___ Whooping Crane ___ Black-bellied Plover ___ American Golden-Plover ___ Pacific Golden-Plover (H) ___ Snowy Plover ___ Wilson’s Plover ___ Semipalmated Plover ___ Piping Plover ___ Killdeer ___ Mountain Plover (R) ___ American Oystercatcher ___ Black-necked Stilt ___ American Avocet ___ Northern Jacana (R) Dec. 10, 1992-April 22, 1993 ___ Spotted Sandpiper ___ Solitary Sandpiper ___ Greater Yellowlegs ___ Willet ___ Lesser Yellowlegs ___ Upland Sandpiper ___ Eskimo Curlew (E) ___ Whimbrel ___ Long-billed Curlew ___ Hudsonian Godwit ___ Marbled Godwit ___ Ruddy Turnstone ___ Red Knot ___ Sanderling

___ Semipalmated Sandpiper ___ Western Sandpiper ___ Least Sandpiper ___ White-rumped Sandpiper ___ Baird’s Sandpiper ___ Pectoral Sandpiper ___ Purple Sandpiper (R) ___ Dunlin ___ Stilt Sandpiper ___ Buff-breasted Sandpiper ___ Ruff (R) ___ Short-billed Dowitcher ___ Long-billed Dowitcher ___ Wilson’s Snipe ___ American Woodcock ___ Wilson’s Phalarope ___ Red-necked Phalarope (R) ___ Black-legged Kittiwake (R) ___ Sabine’s Gull (R) ___ Bonaparte’s Gull ___ Laughing Gull ___ Franklin’s Gull ___ Mew Gull (R) Mar. 4, 2005; Magnolia Beach ___ Ring-billed Gull ___ California Gull (R) ___ Herring Gull ___ Thayer’s Gull (R) ___ Lesser Black-backed Gull ___ Glaucous Gull (R) ___ Great Black-backed Gull (R) ___ Sooty Tern (R) ___ Bridled Tern (P) ___ Least Tern (P) ___ Gull-billed Tern ___ Caspian Tern ___ Black Tern ___ Common Tern ___ Arctic Tern (PR) Sept. 21, 1996 ___ Roseate Tern (R) Mar. 15, 1998 ___ Forster’s Tern ___ Royal Tern ___ Sandwich Tern ___ Black Skimmer ___ Pomarine Jaeger (P) ___ Parasitic Jaeger (P) ___ Long-tailed Jaeger (PR) ___ Rock Pigeon ___ Eurasian Collared-Dove ___ White-winged Dove ___ Mourning Dove ___ Passenger Pigeon (?E) ___ Inca Dove ___ Common Ground-Dove ___ White-tipped Dove (R) ___ Monk Parakeet (RI) ___ Yellow-billed Cuckoo ___ Mangrove Cuckoo (R) ___ Black-billed Cuckoo ___ Greater Roadrunner ___ Groove-billed Ani ___ Barn Owl ___ Flammulated Owl (R) ___ Eastern Screech-Owl ___ Great Horned Owl ___ Burrowing Owl ___ Barred Owl ___ Long-eared Owl (R) ___ Short-eared Owl ___ Lesser Nighthawk ___ Common Nighthawk ___ Common Pauraque ___ Common Poorwill (R) ___ Chuck-will’s-widow ___ Eastern Whip-poor-will

___ White-collared Swift (R) ___ Chimney Swift ___ Vaux’s Swift (R) Dec. 20, 2010; Port O’Connor ___ Black Swift (R) Apr. 11, 2006; Port O’Connor ___ Broad-billed Hummingbird (R) Dec. 5, 2010; Six Mile ___ Buff-bellied Hummingbird ___ Blue-throated Hummingbird (R) near Seadrift ___ Ruby-throated Hummingbird ___ Black-chinned Hummingbird ___ Anna’s Hummingbird ___ Costa’s Hummingbird (R) ___ Calliope Hummingbird (R) ___ Broad-tailed Hummingbird ___ Rufous Hummingbird ___ Allen’s Hummingbird (R) ___ Ringed Kingfisher (R) ___ Belted Kingfisher ___ Green Kingfisher ___ Red-headed Woodpecker (R) ___ Acorn Woodpecker (R) ___ Golden-fronted Woodpecker (R) ___ Red-bellied Woodpecker ___ Yellow-bellied Sapsucker ___ Red-naped Sapsucker (R) ___ Ladder-backed Woodpecker ___ Downy Woodpecker ___ Northern Flicker ___ Pileated Woodpecker ___ Northern Beardless-Tyrannulet (R) ___ Olive-sided Flycatcher ___ Eastern Wood-Pewee ___ Western Wood-Pewee (R) Sept. 24, 2000; offshore oil rig ___ Yellow-bellied Flycatcher ___ Acadian Flycatcher ___ Alder Flycatcher ___ Willow Flycatcher ___ Least Flycatcher ___ Cordilleran Flycatcher (R) ___ Black Phoebe (R) ___ Eastern Phoebe ___ Say’s Phoebe ___ Vermilion Flycatcher ___ Ash-throated Flycatcher ___ Great Crested Flycatcher ___ Brown-crested Flycatcher ___ Great Kiskadee ___ Couch’s Kingbird ___ Western Kingbird ___ Eastern Kingbird ___ Gray Kingbird (R) ___ Scissor-tailed Flycatcher ___ Loggerhead Shrike ___ White-eyed Vireo ___ Bell’s Vireo ___ Yellow-throated Vireo ___ Plumbeous Vireo (R) ___ Cassin’s Vireo (R) ___ Blue-headed Vireo ___ Warbling Vireo ___ Philadelphia Vireo ___ Red-eyed Vireo ___ Yellow-green Vireo (R) ___ Green Jay ___ Blue Jay ___ American Crow ___ Chihuahuan Raven (R) ___ Horned Lark ___ Purple Martin ___ Tree Swallow ___ Violet-green Swallow (RH) ___ Northern Rough-winged Swallow

___ Bank Swallow ___ Cliff Swallow ___ Cave Swallow ___ Barn Swallow ___ Carolina Chickadee ___ Tufted Titmouse ___ Black-crested Titmouse (R) ___ Verdin (R) ___ Red-breasted Nuthatch ___ Brown Creeper ___ Cactus Wren (R) May 11, 2004; Port O’Connor ___ Rock Wren (R) ___ Carolina Wren ___ Bewick’s Wren ___ House Wren ___ Winter Wren ___ Sedge Wren ___ Marsh Wren ___ Blue-gray Gnatcatcher ___ Golden-crowned Kinglet ___ Ruby-crowned Kinglet ___ Eastern Bluebird ___ Mountain Bluebird (R) ___ Veery ___ Gray-cheeked Thrush ___ Swainson’s Thrush ___ Hermit Thrush ___ Wood Thrush ___ American Robin ___ Gray Catbird ___ Northern Mockingbird ___ Brown Thrasher ___ Long-billed Thrasher ___ Curve-billed Thrasher ___ European Starling (I) ___ American Pipit ___ Sprague’s Pipit ___ Cedar Waxwing ___ Lapland Longspur (R) ___ Chestnut-collared Longspur ___ Smith’s Longspur (R) ___ McCown’s Longspur (R) ___ Ovenbird ___ Worm-eating Warbler ___ Louisiana Waterthrush ___ Northern Waterthrush ___ Golden-winged Warbler ___ Blue-winged Warbler ___ Black-and-white Warbler ___ Prothonotary Warbler ___ Swainson’s Warbler ___ Tennessee Warbler ___ Orange-crowned Warbler ___ Nashville Warbler ___ Virginia’s Warbler (R) Oct. 10, 1999 ___ MacGillivray’s Warbler (R) May 11, 2006; Port O’Connor ___ Mourning Warbler ___ Kentucky Warbler ___ Common Yellowthroat ___ Hooded Warbler ___ American Redstart ___ Cape May Warbler (R) ___ Cerulean Warbler ___ Northern Parula ___ Tropical Parula (R) ___ Magnolia Warbler ___ Bay-breasted Warbler ___ Blackburnian Warbler ___ Yellow Warbler ___ Chestnut-sided Warbler ___ Blackpoll Warbler ___ Black-throated Blue Warbler (R) ___ Palm Warbler ___ Pine Warbler

___ Yellow-rumped Warbler ___ Yellow-throated Warbler ___ Prairie Warbler ___ Black-throated Gray Warbler (R) ___ Townsend’s Warbler (R) ___ Black-throated Green Warbler ___ Canada Warbler ___ Wilson’s Warbler ___ Red-faced Warbler (R) ___ Yellow-breasted Chat ___ White-collared Seedeater (R) ___ Olive Sparrow ___ Green-tailed Towhee (R) ___ Spotted Towhee ___ Eastern Towhee ___ Cassin’s Sparrow ___ Chipping Sparrow ___ Brewer’s Sparrow (R) ___ Clay-colored Sparrow ___ Field Sparrow ___ Vesper Sparrow ___ Lark Sparrow ___ Black-throated Sparrow (R) ___ Lark Bunting (R) ___ Savannah Sparrow ___ Grasshopper Sparrow ___ Henslow’s Sparrow (R) ___ Le Conte’s Sparrow ___ Nelson’s Sparrow ___ Seaside Sparrow ___ Fox Sparrow (R) ___ Song Sparrow ___ Lincoln’s Sparrow ___ Swamp Sparrow ___ White-throated Sparrow ___ Harris’s Sparrow ___ White-crowned Sparrow ___ Dark-eyed Junco ___ Winter Tanager ___ Scarlet Tanager ___ Western Tanager ___ Northern Cardinal ___ Pyrrhuloxia ___ Rose-breasted Grosbeak ___ Black-headed Grosbeak (R) ___ Blue Grosbeak ___ Lazuli Bunting (R) ___ Indigo Bunting ___ Varied Bunting (R) Apr. 27, 1999; Port O’Connor ___ Painted Bunting ___ Dickcissel ___ Bobolink ___ Red-winged Blackbird ___ Eastern Meadowlark ___ Western Meadowlark ___ Yellow-headed Blackbird ___ Rusty Blackbird (R) ___ Brewer’s Blackbird ___ Common Grackle ___ Boat-tailed Grackle ___ Great-tailed Grackle ___ Shiny Cowbird (R) ___ Bronzed Cowbird ___ Brown-headed Cowbird ___ Orchard Oriole ___ Hooded Oriole (R) ___ Bullock’s Oriole ___ Baltimore Oriole ___ House Finch ___ Pine Siskin ___ Lesser Goldfinch ___ American Goldfinch ___ House Sparrow (I) ___ Nutmeg Mannikin (I)

Calhoun County Life • Winter 2020

Join Us For Mass Monday-Friday 8:05 a.m. Saturday: 5:30 p.m. Sunday 8:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m. 12:00 noon en Español CONFESSIONS Saturday 4:00 -5:00 p.m. FIRST SATURDAY TRADITIONAL LATIN MASS 9:00 a.m. Confessions at 8:30 a.m.

Cathy’s All You Can Eat Shrimp & Fish Every Day! All You Can Eat Buffet

Monday-Friday 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Banquet Room Available For Reservations

2581 W. Adams Ave., Port O’Connor

361-983-2880 Monday, Wednesday-Sunday: 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. Closed Tuesday

Calhoun County Life • Winter 2020

Voted #1 RV In Calhoun County

The “Two” RV Park is a small, friendly park on the Texas Gulf Coast that is both quiet & secure. We invite you to stay with us & discover the casual uniqueness of Port O’Connor! 1402 Harrison Ave. Port O’Connor, TX 77982 Phone: 361-983-4688

THANK YOU TO OUR COMMUNITY FOR ALL OF YOUR SUPPORT! PROUDLY SERVING PORT LAVACA FOR OVER 34 YEARS

524 Village Road, Port Lavaca

(361) 552-3741 Calhoun County Life • Winter 2020

Melissa Sterling — Manager LaVon Garcia • Joey Gregory Debbie Baldera • Sariah Flores Missie Landry • Michelle Grubert Sheila Benitez 2121 Sailboat • Port Lavaca, TX Phone: (361) 551-2300  Fax: (361) 551-2312 52

Calhoun County Life • Winter 2020