Issuu

Calhoun County Life â€˘ Spring/Summer 2014

“Family Environment” VISIT US FOR THE BEST SEAFOOD IN TOWN.

Come check out our daily specials!

We have a variety of food. Hours:

Sunday - Thursday 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.; Friday - Saturday 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Come see us at our Victoria location!

361-573-7177

4202 N. Navarro St., Victoria, TX 77901

IN PORT LAVACA

361-552-7177

2055 State Highway 35 North Port Lavaca, TX 77979 Calhoun County Life • Spring/Summer 2014

Cal-Com

Federal Credit Union www.calcomfcu.org

Calhoun County Life â€˘ Spring/Summer 2014

CITY OF

PORT LAVACA

Bayfront Park & Nautical Landings Marina

Port Lavaca City Parks & Recreation Department

361-552-3347

AT MY H-E-B

★ Bakery ★ Bank ★ Business Center ★ Deli 101 Calhoun Plaza • Port Lavaca ★ Floral ★ Main: 361-552-7523 ★ Pharmacy: 361-552-4563 ★ Fuel Store Hours ★ National & Store Brands Pharmacy Hours: Daily Monday - Friday: 8 a.m - 7 p.m. ★ Pharmacy 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. 6 a.m. - 11 p.m. Saturday: ★ Pharmacy Drive Thru Sunday: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Calhoun County Life • Spring/Summer 2014

Welcome to Calhoun County BY TANIA FRENCH PUBLISHER

So you came to Calhoun County for some fun in the sun. You may be surprised to find that Calhoun County offers that and more – and all for little or no cost. In fact, Calhoun County offers several activities from which to choose. Summer in Calhoun County offers an abundance of outdoor activities. There are several summer festivals from which to choose. The Port Lavaca Chamber of Commerce is home to the annual Flip Flop Festival, located at the Bayfront Peninsula each Labor Day weekend. The event features live music, vendors and fun for the entire family/ The Port O’Connor Chamber will host the annual Crawfish Fest May 3, a special fireworks display July 4 and the Labor Day Beach Bash August 30. The weekend of May 17, wounded soldiers will spend a

weekend in Port O’Connor as part of the Warrior’s Weekend event with features a day a fishing and fun for wounded soldiers and their families. Seadrift will host Shrimpfest June 13-14 at the bayfront. In addition to musical acts, there will be several activities for children. Seadrift is also home to two boat races with finish lines in Calhoun County, the Texas 200 and the Texas Water Safari. Each year, both races bring visitors from Texas, the United States and around the world to compete in each event. Cultural enthusiasts will want to be sure to take in a performance at Main Street Theatre, which produces several plays a year featuring local talent. History buffs should be sure to drop by the county museum, which features the La Salle Odyssey. Hatch Bend Country Club is just a short distance away and will appease the golfer in the group. This nine-hole course is played as

HOMECOOKING

• Ding Dongs • • Steaks • • Salad Bar • • Seafood • • Chicken & Dumplings •

234 E. Main •Port Lavaca, Tx 361-553-5555 Mon-Wed: 11-2 & 5-8:30 • Thurs-Fri: 11-2 & 5-9 Sat: 11-9 & Sun 11-2

Air Conditioning, Inc.

Prestige Series

Classic Series 100% Financing * *Call dealer for details

Staff Writers: Lance Catchings Sherry Ficklen Kayla Meyer Melony Overton Jay Workman Creative Director: DD Turner

www.beck.rheemteam.net LIC #TACLB000667C 361-552 6656 in Port Lavaca  361-570-6656 in Victoria Calhoun County Life • Spring/Summer 2014

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 semi-annually. Additional Advertising: Christy Aguilar Betty Birdwell copies available by contacting the Port Lavaca Wave. For advertising information, call 361 Ashley Kontnier 552-9788. On the cover: The pristine Sandy Beach is Composition: Mac Sistrunk one of the hidden treasures of Calhoun County. (Photo by Barbara Goode) Special Contributors: Brush Freeman Barbara Goode Cover inset 1: Birdwatchers find lots of pho Pat Hathcock tographic opportunities throughout the county. Susan Riley (Photo by Susan Riley)

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

want to be sure to stop by Bayfront Peninsula Park, which includes a splash pad and pirate ship park feature or Lighthouse Beach which features and swimming area and splash pad area. Calhoun County has numerous recreational vehicle parks from which to choose. You will surely want to check out all the many attractions that make this a paradise to those who visit and those who choose to call it home. We have excellent schools and health care, friendly churches, great people, rich history, wonderful shops and super restaurants. We invite you to take a tour through our visitor/newcomer guide. We believe it paints a pretty good picture of what we see as paradise, and we hope you will find all the information for which you are looking. We also hope you patronize the businesses in this guide. It is through their support we are able to bring you what we feel is a complete taste of Calhoun County. Welcome to Calhoun County. Whether it is for a night, a season, or a lifetime, we hope you enjoy your stay.

Tania French Editor and Publisher

www.txtraditions.com

Beck

an 18 and is open to the public. Port Lavaca, the hub of Calhoun County, is also home of the Twin Dolphins Theater, playing all of the new hit movies you want to see. Visitors who want to keep in shape while in town should visit the local YMCA. With few exceptions, Calhoun County offers fun in the sun all year around to those seeking warm sunshine, relaxing walks on the beach and the best fishing around. Calhoun County’s long stretch of beaches provides a place for fishing, swimming, boating, beachcombing and fun in the sun. Calhoun County is home to Lighthouse Beach in Port Lavaca; Magnolia, Indianola and Alamo beaches; Seadrift Bayfront Park in Seadrift; and Front Beach in Port O’Connor. Each beach has picnic facilities and places to launch your boat. For the fishermen and women, Calhoun County is the place to be. Our bays are teeming with redfish, trout, flounder, drum and dozens of other species. Offshore fishing expeditions are also available for a fee through one of the many licensed guides. Visitors with youngsters will

Cover inset 2: Brytan Bartels, of Carrollton, and friends Noah Lee Garcia and Fabian John Garcia, of Port Lavaca, enjoy the splash pad at Bayfront Peninsula Park. (Photo by Tania French)

t a k h g

s m

k t o l

d , , r

r r y s l h

e t e a . . a u

Beach not the only play area for kids By KAYLA MEYER PORT LAVACA WAVE Break out the swimsuits. Port Lavaca now has two splash pads for children to enjoy. Located at the Lighthouse Beach and Bayfront Peninsula parks, both splash pads feature waterspouts for children to run through on a hot summer day. “We have two, what I call, water parks in Port Lavaca,” said Bob Turner, city manager. The first splash pad was installed in 2012

at the Bayfront Peninsula Park with several self-controlled waterspouts that shoot up into the air. Turner said the initial splash pad was well received by the public. “The one at the bayfront was our first attempt,” Turner said. “Kids can hit a pad in the center and water will come up from ground in different patterns.” Because of the first splash pad’s success, the city opted to construct a second splash pad. Turner said the pad at Lighthouse

Beach is about three times larger than its predecessor and has more amenities. “The one at Lighthouse Beach has more amenities like a bucket that pours water on child and there are a lot of different activities for kids to have a good time playing down there,” Turner said. “We were looking at putting another one in and making it better with more activities and more opportunities for play,” Turner See page 42

First National Bank

HOMETOWN BANKING AT ITS BEST

Four convenient locations to serve you.

Loan officers who can actually make you a loan!

552-6726 • Hwy 35 Bypass at Half League

Financial Power Right Here At Home!

983-2508 • 3675 W. Adams

We're a strong Community Bank which is locally owned. Some Banks have their Branches here, we have our Roots here!

785-5321 • 101 Railroad

Port Lavaca

Port O’Connor Seadrift Victoria

579-7911 • Main at Mockingbird www.fnbportlavaca.com

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

Calhoun County Life • Spring/Summer 2014

The Matagorda Lighthouse, and the light keeper’s house on Matagorda Island. Andrew Rasmussen(not pictured) was transferred to the island as light keeper in 1888. Rasmussen was the last lighthouse keeper on Matagorda Island. (Photo courtesy of the Calhoun County Museum collection)

Matagorda Island By MELONY OVERTON PORT LAVACA WAVE The 38 miles of Matagorda Island not only offer a fishing and camping experience on one of the most pristine barrier islands in the Gulf of Mexico, but it also encompasses a rich history that dates back to the 1500s. In 1519, Alonso Alvarez de Pineda sailed the Gulf Coast mapping Matagorda for the

U.S. Life Saving Station

Pass Cavallo has proven treacherous over the years as is indicated by the number of wrecks that have gone down in and around the Pass. One of the earliest of these wrecks was L’Aimable, La Salle’s supply ship that grounded as it was coming into the pass in 1685. It became evident that a life saving station needed building to aid these ships in distress. The first of these was the U.S. Life Saving Station at Saluria. The Coast Guard Station on Matagorda Island was destroyed by Hurricane Carla, in 1961 and later moved to Port O’Connor. The keepers of this station were: Daniel Simpson October 7, 1880 – resigned on November 30, 1881 James Hill, January 18, 1882 – resigned February 13, 1882 Lemmel C. McIntire, September 8, 1882- resigned, date unknown Charles J. Brandon, October 2, 1884 – died October 31, 1884 James A. Brooks, November 26, 1884 – discharged June 5, 1886 Henry Tolland, May 17, 1887 – transferred November 24, 1888 Andrew Rasmussen, November 24, 1888 – retired in 1918 as a warrant officer-boatswain in the United States Coast Guard, first formed in 1915.

An aerial shot of the Saluria Coast Guard Station. (Photo courtesy of the Calhoun County Museum collection)

The Life Saving Station Crew in a boat. Pass Cavallo has proven treacherous over the years as is indicated by the number of wrecks that have gone down in and around the Pass. It became evident that a life saving station needed building to aid these ships in distress. The first of these was the U.S. Life Saving Station at Saluria. (Photo courtesy of the Calhoun County Museum collection)

history dates back to 1500s first time. In 1685, Rene Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle set up a camp on the island when he arrived from France. George Anne Cormier, Calhoun County Museum director, said visitors who come to the museum, located at 301 S. Ann St. in Port Lavaca, often have questions concerning the island that particularly deal with La Salle, the Matagorda Lighthouse, the military base and the Civil War. Cormier is also knowledgeable about the two towns that existed on the island—Calhoun and Saluria— now ghost towns. “The first town was Calhoun set up in 1839. It had its own customs house on the northeast corner of the island,” she said. “The customs house was moved to Galveston and the town did not survive.” On March 17, 1847 James Power deeded the site for the future town of Saluria to Sommervell, Denison and Rose. The first post office was established in the town in 1848. A lighthouse was built near Saluria in 1852 despite an outbreak of yellow fever and the first light was lit in the lighthouse on Dec. 31. By 1857, an additional 24 feet were added to the lighthouse tower. Two years later, the first Third Order Fresnel lens was put in place in the Matagorda Lighthouse. On Oct. 15, 1865, the lighthouse tower is dismantled and a temporary wooden tower is erected with a fifth order lens installed. Five years later, the

tower is moved to higher ground and rebuilt. In July 1870, a new third order lens is ordered from Sautter & Company in Paris. In 1882, oil lamps are retired from the lighthouse and are replaced with the new kerosene incandescent vapor lamps. The lighthouse is not fully automated until 1956. In 1977, the lens is removed from the lighthouse by the coast guard and is loaned to the museum where it continues to be on display. The island was home to Confederate troops during the Civil War. Fort Esperanza was an earthwork fortification on the eastern shore of Matagorda Island, and was constructed to guard Pass Cavallo, entry to Matagorda Bay, according to the Handbook of Texas Online. Building of the fort began in late December 1861, when it was determined that the location of Fort Washington, a small fort put up near the lighthouse in 1842–43 on the extreme southeast corner of Matagorda Island, was too exposed. Confederate Colonel R. R. Garland chose a new position farther up the pass, at about the halfway point of the island’s frontage on the pass, and ordered Capt. Dan Shea to begin the construction. Additional fortifications were added by Maj. Caleb G. Forshey in February 1862. The fort, itself armed with nine guns including eight twenty-four-pounders and one 128-pounder, was out of range of the guns of large federal vessels

in the Gulf, but had the same command of the channel as the older Fort Washington. T h e Confederate assessment was that the shallow water, only ten feet deep, on the bar would prevent vessels larger than gunboats from attempting to enter the bay. This proved correct, but the new fort still did not stop the Union navy from forcing the pass. In 1863, Confederate troops abandoned Matagorda after a four-day siege. Residents of Saluria were ordered to destroy their harbor improvements. Confederate troops also burned the Matagorda Lighthouse, all in an attempt to keep The Third Order Fresnel lens, put in the the harbor and the Matagorda Lighthouse in 1889, is on display lighthouse out of at the Calhoun County Museum in Port Lavaca. the hands of the (Photo by George Anne Cormier) federal troops. “After the Civil War, people moved back it was completely destroyed in to Saluria and it was its own 1886 by another hurricane.” “The Confederate trenches county precinct , but in 1875, are still out there,” Cormier a hurricane destroyed Saluria like it did Indianola. The said. townspeople tried to rebuild, but See page 49

Jecker Floor & Glass Co. Your One Stop Shop Flooring - Glass - Screens Window Treatments Hurricane Shutters Counter Tops

Warehouse Specials Every Day ! Installed By Professionals

361-552-2848

1809 Main Port Lavaca, Tx

General Practice Including Criminal Defense - State & Federal - Felonies & Misdemeanors - DWI & ALR Hearings - Occupational Driver’s License Hearings

Estate - Wills & Trusts - Powers of Attorney Probate & Guardianship Juvenile Law

Family Law - Divorce - Custody - Adoption - Child Support

The Law Office Of Jane Lane, P.c. 361-553-8500

CELLULAR: 361-648-9596 • TOLL FREE: 866-553-8500 FACSIMILE: 361-553-8899 janelane@justice.com

225 N. Virginia St., Ste. 4, Port Lavaca, TX 77979 Not certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization

Point Comfort offers fishing and recreation By LANCE CATCHINGS PORT LAVACA WAVE The Town Point Comfort is a small community located just across the causeway from Port Lavaca, TX. Originally built by Aluminum Company of America, now ALCOA, Inc., in 1948 and 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 Point Comfort Harbor and Channel boat ramp is open. The ramp had been closed two years prior to make improvements that included dredging silt to restore its launch capabilities. In addition 3,000 cubic yards of silt was removed to improve access to the channel for emergency watercraft, residents, boaters and those who work on Lavaca Bay. Recreation continues to be a large part of the community. On either side of the boat ramp, located on Lamar Street, there

are two lighted piers. The piers are open to the public free of charge 24 hours a day. One of the piers is handicap accessible and the other has its own 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. Point Comfort also boasts an outstanding city park with 10 cabanas, each with its own picnic table and barbecue pit and a larger center gazebo in the middle. The park features walking/running trails and a playground for children. July 4 celebration is something this community takes seriously. It is put on by the town volunteer fire department. During the show there is a variety of foods, beverages and a host of other activities surrounding the event. The town community center is named in honor of former Police Chief Rick Brush who See page 15

The fishing is good around here. It always is on Matagorda Bay and Lavaca Bay which also just happen to be the destination for hundreds of ships and barges moving valuable cargo through the Port of Port Lavaca-Point Comfort. The Calhoun Port Authority has long been committed to promoting responsible, sustainable development that’s in the best interest of the community, the environment and the economy. We strive for continuous improvement in our environmental performance and pollution prevention measures. That makes the fishing better for everybody.

CALHOUN Port Authority

Calhoun County Life • Spring/Summer 2014

Calhoun Port Authority

Calhoun County Life â€˘ Spring/Summer 2014

Kench connally Insurance

106 S. Commerce, Suite 4 • Port Lavaca, TX 77979 • kconnally@farmersagent.com

Where to sleep magnolia beach

Indian Point Motel

Farmers. Gets You Back Where You Belong.

Kench Connally Agent

Office 361-552-0701 Fax 361-552-0760 Cell 361-649-3843

Auto • Home • Life • Boats • Commercial

1401 N. Ocean Drive 361-551-2161 361-652-8904 Full kitchen, grills, WiFi and Direct TV Port Lavaca

Holiday Inn Express

2629 State Hwy. 35 North Port Lavaca, TX 77979 361-552-5700 www.ihg.com (See ad on this page)

Sands Motel

1207 W. Main St. Port Lavaca, TX 77979 361-552-3791 SEADRIFT

Reel Time Lodging

604 W. Broadway Seadrift, TX 77983 361-785-4335 888-309-3442 www.reeltimelodging.com (See ad page 55)

Motel 6

2621 State Hwy. 35 North Port Lavaca, TX 77979 361-552-3393 www.motel6.com (See ad on this page)

Visit us online at portlavacawave.com

Located Right On The Water!

"We'll leave the light on."

HBO • High Speed Internet • Free Coffee Microwave & Refrigerator in every room

2621 Hwy. 35 N. • Port Lavaca, TX 77979

Complimentary Breakfast

(361)552-3393 • motel6.com

Waterfront Free High Speed Internet Pool & Jacuzzi

2629 State Hwy 35 North • Port Lavaca, TX

361-552-5700 12

Calhoun County Life • Spring/Summer 2014

We’re There For You! Calhoun County YMCA 1300 N. Virginia Street Port Lavaca, Texas, 77979 Phone: 361-551-2562 Fax: 361-551-2504

Lubbock 530 Miles

Austin 150 Miles

El Paso 695 Miles

Houston 130 Miles

Port Lavaca Calhoun County Midland 475 Miles

San Antonio 145 Miles

Dallas 325 Miles

Corpus Christi 80 Miles

Port Lavaca, the seat of Calhoun County, is not too far from wherever you are in Texas. Located right in the middle of the Texas Gulf Coast, Calhoun County is under a three hour drive from five international airports and easily accessible from all major cities in the state. Whether you are planning a short vacation or a long one, Calhoun County with its rich place in Texas history offers a laid back climate for the best in bay and offshore fishing, birding, eating, resting and relaxing. Come to Port Lavaca to find out why “It’s a State of Mind.”

C H A M B E R

www.PortLavacaTx.org 361•552•2959

Calhoun County Life • Spring/Summer 2014

Coastal Refrigeration ‘Service Beyond Expectation’

Residential & Commercial Heating & Air Conditioning Sales - Service -Installation

Reliable Service Since 1969

507 Half League Rd. • Port Lavaca, TX Phone: 361-552-2412 TACL006312C

Calhoun County Life • Spring/Summer 2014

Point Comfort Fishing Pier and Park. (Photo by Tracy Horejsi)

Perfumes Lotions

Point Comfort from page 10 died in the line of duty. The Point Comfort Branch of the Calhoun County Library is located in the Lamar Shopping Center. The library is open five days a week and a form of it has been in existence since 1955. Churches of all denominations line the town with services offered by the Assembly of God, Baptists, Catholics, Church of Christ, Lutherans and Methodists. The Business Boom Expansions to Formosa Plastics Inc. and the liquid natural gas project are expected to bring several jobs and billions of dollars to Point Comfort. Excelerate Energy L.P., plans to bring the country’s first floating liquefied natural gas export facility to the port. The $2.1 billion projected was announced October 2012. The environmental review and permitting process should last through June of this year and the project is to begin by December 2017. The vessel, known as a Floating Liquefaction Storage and Offloading vessel or FLSO, will be fabricated in South Korea and then will be brought by barge to the United States. Construction on land will also take place at the Port of Port Lavaca-Point Comfort. At the facility, natural gas would be brought into it via existing pipelines and would then be used to supercool and condense natural gas to its liquid form. It would be exported via LNG carriers. LNG customers would then transport it to various countries to provide energy. The project is expected to

bring approximately 2,500 jobs to the area during the construction phase and approximately 180 permanent once construction is complete. Excelerate has leased a total of 110 acres from port authority. Formosa Plastics Corp. announced two additions at its Point Comfort plant last year. One addition, is a $1.7 billion expansion expected to bring an additional 225 jobs to the Point Comfort facility. The expansion includes a grass-roots 800,000 MT/Y olefins cracker, an associated 600,000 MT/Y propane dehydrogenation (PDH) unit and a 300,000MT/Y low-density polyethylene (LDPE) resin plant. Formosa expects to bring 1,800 jobs during the construction expansion. Construction is expected to be completed in 2016. The other expansion is a $150 million Hydrocarbon Fractionator Facility. The Fractionator Facility is expected to bring approximately 20 fulltime jobs and an additional 300400 during construction. The Port of Port LavacaPoint Comfort creates more than 16,500 jobs locally. The port generates $2 billion in revenue and another $338 million in indirect revenue from local suppliers, according to a study by Martin’s Associates. The port was named the 51st busiest port in the United States, with cargoes of chemicals, petrochemicals, aluminum ore and agricultural fertilizer, of which a key part is high value chemicals produced by area industries.

Roll

Ons

Mosquito

Repellent

Jewelry Make Hair

Care

Shower

Heather Misener, Owner & Independent Sales Rep. 1106 W. Main St. heathermisener@yahoo.com • www.youravon.com/hmisener

Gels

Foot

Care

KEEP YOUR PROPERTY IN CHECK!

TEXAS PROPERTY CONTROL, LLC

Industrial, Commercial & Residential

Pamela Villarreal * Shrub & Hedge Trimming * Mowing & Shredding * Pressure Washing * Painting * Weed Eating & Spraying Now Offering Cleaning Services for Commercial, Residential & Industrial!

361-553-8423 Fax: 361-553-8421 424 Railroad, Ste. B texaspropertycontrol.wix.com/tpc TEXASPROPERTYCONTROL@YAHOO.COM Calhoun County Life • Spring/Summer 2014

Lavaca Bay R.V. Park For Your Convenience We Offer: e

com l e W to

h Large Pull Thru Spaces h Laundry Room h Lighted Park h Walk to Fishing Pier, Playground & Public Pool h Overlooking the Alcoa Bird Sanctuary h Free High Speed Wireless Internet h Full Hook Ups

h Recreation Room h Showers, Hot & Cold h Flush Toilets h Boat Ramp Nearby & Bait Stand h Pets on Leash h Open Year Round h A Bay View

www.LavacaBayRVPark.com

We accept credit cards

361-552-4814

Calhoun County Life â€˘ Spring/Summer 2014

1818 Broadway Port Lavaca, Texas 77979

FIRST CONVENIENCE 1916 W. Austin Street Corner of Austin and Alcoa streets

Gas ✤✤✤

Ice ✤✤✤

Cold Beer/Wine ✤✤✤

Lottery ✤✤✤

Chips

AT M O NDR old

✤✤✤

U sh/Dry/F LAW a oor Next

Snacks

✤✤✤

Fountain Drinks http://maps.google.com/

361-552-8080

✤✤✤

Picnic Supplies ✤✤✤

Groceries

Wilke & Son Inc. Tire & Automotive Center Serving South Texas Since 1951

1401 W. Main 361-552-5770

Fritz & Cary Wilke - OWNERS

WWW.WILKEANDSON.COM  LIKE US ON

ALL TYPES OF TIRES REPAIRED • WHEEL BALANCING • BATTERIES

Mufflers & Exhaust Systems

Let us maintain all of your vehicle factory schedule maintance * includes oil change

Complete Inventory of Auto & Truck Tires  Alignment System  Complete Tire Repair  Brake Overhauls  Brake Flushes & Carbon Flushes  Coolant Flush  AC Overhaul  Front End Aligning & Overhauls LIFETIME WARRANTY ON MOST AUTO PARTS! “WE DON’T WANT ALL THE BUSINESS, JUST YOURS!” Calhoun County Life • Spring/Summer 2014

Boat not needed Plenty of places to fish in Calhoun County By PAT HATHCOCK SPECIAL CONTRIBUTOR A lot of people come to visit Calhoun County just to fish. Many people drag behind them expensive boats, bear expensive rods and reels, GPS units, detailed maps, and know exactly where they are going. Other visitors may just throw a couple of Zebco light-saltwater outfits in the trunk with the thought of maybe fishing some while they are around all this water. These boatless anglers are in luck, for Calhoun County can be seen as a peninsula surrounded on three sides by water, and there are a lot of places you can park your car, walk a few steps, and put a bait in promising fishing waters. In Port Lavaca, metropolis of the region, there some in-town opportunities to fish anytime, day or night. One is the fishing pier situated on the old causeway that formerly spanned Lavaca Bay to Point Comfort. It is accessed just off Texas Highway 35 from the park on the south side of the present causeway. Lighted, the pier gives night anglers a shot at whatever’s biting. There are also piers at the east end of Main Street near Nautical Landings Marina and at Six Mile about – imagine this – six miles from the Intersection of Texas 35 and Virginia Street, Texas Farm Road 1090. Go out 1090, then right on Park Road and onward until you meet water. In town there is even a little freshwater fishing pond in the park on Little Chocolate Bayou going southeast on West Austin Street/Texas 238. Texas 238 is the path to a lot of great spots for a bank angler. Outbound on your left, just before the bridge over Chocolate Bayou, you will notice a little boat launch with a bench or two for bankside fishing, but the intrepid explorer will push beyond, for there are things to see and water to fish farther on. If you continue straight on 316 when Texas 238 slides off to the right, you are on the way to Indianola, one of the most historic sites in an area that is full of history. Indianola was once one of the busiest ports on the Gulf, arrival point for the German pioneers who settled much of Central Texas. Beyond the fascinating sense of place, there’s not a lot of visible evidence of the port. It was hit by a hundred-year storm in 1875 and then another hundred-year storm again in 1886. People pretty much all moved inland after that, though there has been a human presence since. Texas 316 will take you all the way to

Indianola, but you can catch a scenic route promising some good fishing by following the signs left to Magnolia Beach. Stay on Margie Tewmey Road almost to the water and do a little whoop-de-doo right at Vivian Stevens Street and pick up the beach road, North Ocean Drive, going to Indianola with Matagorda Bay on your left. Targets of opportunity will present as you drive, including even a crabbing bridge not far from Magnolia. To catch crabs, all you need is a dip net and a bit of bait – chicken necks work great – tied to a string. When you feel something scuffling with the bait, lift it gently up and slip the dip net under it. (You will need a Texas fishing license to catch crabs.) You can pull off almost anywhere along the drive and step to the water. There are picnic tables, shaded seats, even some bathrooms along the way. You will see a bunch of piers. Be certain that they are public piers before you use them. Private

Cape Carancahua resident, Wayne Hammock, is an Illinois native but a naturalized Texan. He fishes almost every day and his vehicle stays in a constant state of readiness for an outing to the water. Hammock fishes often at a little spot on Keller Bay just a few hundred yards from the village of Olivia. (Photo by Pat Hathcock) piers are usually marked. You can just cast out a bait and sit and stare out at the bay, but the more ambitious will wade out a dozen yards or so and cast baits or lures to fish working under the birds. Press on southward and Ocean Drive will merge with Texas 316, and you will

Calhoun County Life • Spring/Summer 2014

Anglers can park right by the road on the beach between Magnolia Beach and Indianola and wade out a few yards to work lures under the flocks of birds indicating baitfish activity. (Photo by Pat Hathcock) see the magnificent statue of the Sieur de La Salle, who passed this way in the 17th Century and ended up building a doomed fort on the banks of Garcitas Creek, a feeder to Lavaca Bay. You will pass roads leading off to the west, roads that will take you around Powderhorn Lake, a large and very fishy saline lake. There are lots of places on the lake where you can fish. If you stay on Ocean Drive to the end of the road, you will be at Powderhorn Marina on Powderhorn Bayou, a relatively luxurious spot for fishing, the outlet from the lake into the bay where you can catch tidal movements of water. It’s the ideal spot to put your bait in the way of a good fish. Colorful flags indicate the various baits available – live shrimp, crabs, live croakers – and a boat with a bait license is moored at the side of the parking lot. What is moving depends on the time of year, but it’s a very fishy spot and a place you can sit in the shade of the porch and nip at a beer or a soft drink while you watch your rod for bites. You can even get a meal cooked by someone else. Co-owner Kerry Hanselka said, “Lots of people like our hamburgers and hot dogs, come down here just to eat,” then adds slyly, “But that may be the beer.” Hanselka is an entrepreneurial sort who likes fishing, but says he doesn’t fish all that much these days. It may be like the phenomenon of a good cook who opens a restaurant then See page 36

First Baptist Church

Keep informed about the latest upcoming events by subscribing to:

902 Calhoun Street Port Lavaca, TX 77979 (361) 552-2931 firstbaptist@cableone.net fbcportlavaca.com

In-County

Out-of-County

The Port Lavaca Wave

3 months $16.50

$22.85

6 months $26.75

$38.75

1 year $40.00

$59.50

2 years* $75.00

$96.50

*Best Buy

Call or come by:

107 E. Austin St. Port Lavaca, Tex. (361) 552-9788

Visit us online at plwave.com

“Building Lives Around the Cross” Worship Sundays - 10:15 a.m. and 6 p.m. Bible Study for All Ages Sundays - 9 a.m. Wednesdays - 6:30 p.m.

or subscribe online at:

www.portlavacawave.com

Ministries and activities for the entire family!

HatcH bend country club Treated Lumber • PVC Pipes & supplies • Galvanized Bolts, Nails • Plywood • Millwork Roofing • Hardware • Concrete Eddie Buehring-Owner • Janice Bordovsky - Secretary

552-1263 • 1507 W. Austin

Open to the Public Greens fee play welcome! Wednesday Buffet 6:00- 8:30 p.m.

579 Meadowview Lane, Port Lavaca, TX. 77979 361-552-3037

Tri Wholesale Co.

• Automotive & Heavy Duty Truck Parts • Batteries - Oil - Tires • Lawn Mower Accessories: Belts, tires, tubes • Marine Accessories: For your boat & trailer • Welding Supplies • Mechanic Garage • State & DOT Inspections • 24 hour Towing Service • Unlocking Vehicles HOURS OF OPERATION

8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Friday; 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday Ta k i n g c a r e o f a l l y o u r a u t o p a r t s n e e d s

2705 S. Hwy 35 • Port Lavaca, TX

361-552-3772

rive Ocean D 6) (HWY 31

552-535

www.indianolafishingmarina.com

Live Bait Boat Ramp Fishing Licenses Lighted Fishing Pier Open 24 Hours Cabin Rentals RV Park Kayak Rentals Food, Ice, Beer, Snacks Weekly Rentals for $350

Buy 1 Fishing Pass & Get 1 Free!!

Expires June 30, 2014

Store opens every day at 5:30 am Closes Sun-Thurs at 10pm • Fri and Sat closes at midnight Every Friday Night Ribeye Steak Special

Calhoun County Life • Spring/Summer 2014

Port Lavaca

Bayside Seafood Restaurant 2055 N. Hwy. 35 361-552-7177 Sun. – Thurs. 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. Fri. – Sat. 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. Seafood, steaks, burgers. (See ad on page 3)

Beijing Grand China Buffet 339 Calhoun Plaza 361-553-6862 Mon. – Thurs. 10:30 a.m. – 10 p.m. Fri. and Sat. 10:30 a.m. – 10:30 p.m. Sun. 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. Chinese buffet. (See ad on page 45)

Crazy Fisherman 720 N. Virginia 361-553-9044 Hamburgers, seafood, salads, daily specials. (See ad on page 34)

Habanero’s South Texas Cuisine 2128 W. Main St. 361-482-0379 Mon. – Sat. 5 a.m. - 3 p.m. Closed Sunday

La Antigua

Where to dine

737 N. Hwy. 361-552-7764 Mon. - Sun. 8 a.m. - 10 pm. (See ad on page 35)

Pantry (The)

702 N. Virginia 361-552-1679 Tues. – Fri. 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Lunch specials, catering, party trays, take-out (See ad on page 41)

Shellfish Sports Bar & Grille

Texas Traditions Cafe & Bakery La Terraza Mexican Grill 234 E. Main St. 361-553-5555 Mon. – Wed. 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. & 5 – 8:30 p.m. Thurs. – Fri. 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. & 5 – 9 p.m. Sat. 11 a.m. – 9 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Steaks, seafood, chicken and dumplings, chicken fried steak, salad bar, pies (See ad on page 6)

Wagon Train

145 N. Hwy. 35 361-552-3056 Mon. – Fri. 6 a.m. - 8 p.m. Saturday 6 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. (See ad on page 38)

2615 N. Hwy. 35 361-552-5300 Mon. - Thurs. 11 a.m. - 9 p.m., Bar open until midnight. Seadrift Fri. 11 a.m. - 10 p.m., Bar open until midnight. Sat. 11 a.m. - 10 p.m., Bar open until 1 a.m.. Barkett’s Restaurant Watch your favorite sporting event on one of 12 321 Broadway Ave. flat screen televisions. 361-785-2441 Tues. – Thurs. 11 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. (See ads on page 21 and 39 ) Fri. – Sat. 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. Sun. – 11 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. Taqueria La Finca Closed Monday 2640 W. Main Specializing in seafood and steaks 361-552-6515 (See ad on page 54) Sun. – Thurs. 5 a.m. – 9 p.m. Fri. – Sat. 5 a.m. – 10 p.m. Breakfast, lunch and dinner Bubba’s Cajun Style Seafood (See ad on page 22) 1142 Hwy. 185 E 361-785-2645 Tues.–Sun. 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. Closed Mondays Seafood, steaks, catering (See ad on page 55)

Calhoun County Life • Spring/Summer 2014

702 W. Broadway 361-785-2078 Mon. - Thurs. 6 a.m. - 9 p.m. Fri. - Sat. 6 a.m. - 9:30 p.m. Sun. 6 a.m. - 9 p.m. Daily lunch specials. (See ad on page 48)

Shrimp Shack (The)

302 W. Broadway 361-785-3663 Wed. - Mon. 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. Home of the famous shrimp po=boy (See ad on page 55)

Daily Specials and Happy Hour Daily Specials:

Monday: 50¢ Wings Night Tuesday: $3 Burger Night Wednesday: $3 Wine Down Mosato Thursday: $4.50 Beer Flights Friday: All You Care To Eat Fried Fish Saturday: Reverse Happy Hour - 10-11 p.m.

Happy Hour

4 to 6 p.m. Monday - Friday:

$2 Craft Drafts ♠ 2-4-1 One Mix Wells ♠ $5 Cocktail of the Day

Restaurant Hours: Monday - Thursday: 11 a.m.-9 p.m Friday: 11 a.m. - 10 p.m Saturday: 5 - 10 p.m.

Bar Hours: Monday-Saturday Close at Midnight

361-552-5300 5 2615 N. Hwy. 35, Port Lavaca, TX

Like us on Facebook at shellfishsportsbargrill for upcoming special events

RE/MAX

1 31 N. Virginia, Port Lavaca

PortLavacaRealEstate.net Each office independently owned and operated.

Land & Homes on the Bay

Sarah Korczynski - BROKER/OWNER  Veronica McCants - BROKER/OWNER

361-552-5200 Rita Boudreaux

Cissy Sullivan

REALTOR®

Licensed Office Manager

Marolyn Cummins

Lindsey Smith

361-676-3074

361-676-4268

Dallas Franklin

Roxie Stringo

361-220-0326

REALTOR®

Broker Associate

361-230-2267

We are SOLD on Calhoun County!

REALTOR®

361-746-5112

RE/MAX is a proud supporter of: RE/MAX Balloon Program

Children’s Miracle Network

Texas Sentinels Foundation

Susan G. Kormen Race For The Cure

Calhoun County Life • Spring/Summer 2014

A quilt shop to inspire any sewing project from aprons to quilts

*Quilt Shop Only Fabric * Patterns * Notions

* Classes for all Skill Levels *Jim Shore * Willow Tree *Tropical/Nautical Décor * Kitchen Décor

Also Unique Gifts for all Occasions

119 E. Main Street, Port Lavaca • 361-552-1350 Monday-Friday: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. • Saturday: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Taqueria La Finca SPeciaLS everyday Breakfast Lunch Dinner Drive Thru

NOW SERVING BEER & WINE

Sun. - Thurs. 5 a.m. - 9 p.m. • Fri. & Sat. 5 a.m. - 10 p.m.

2640 W. Main • Port Lavaca, Tx 361-552-6515 22

Calhoun County Life • Spring/Summer 2014

Calhoun County: an odyssey of historical markers 1. Alsatian Immigration through Lavaca Bay • 300 block Commerce Street, on bay front, Port Lavaca 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 • 200 Block of Commerce Street, Port Lavaca 8. Civil War Torpedo Works • Live Oak and Commerce Streets, Port Lavaca 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 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 miles 12. First Baptist Church of Port Lavaca • 902 Calhoun, Port Lavaca 13. First Presbyterian Church of Port Lavaca • 1111 N. Virginia 14. First United Methodist Church of Port Lavaca • 814 N. San Antonio Street, 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

17. Green Lake • 12 miles southwest of Port Lavaca on SH 35 right-ofway 18. Half Moon Reef Lighthouse • Bay Front Park, west end of causeway on SH 35, Port Lavaca 19. Hatch Cemetery • 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 terminus at beach, Indianola 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 • SH 316 South to Ocean Dr one mile to Indianola 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 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 SH 35 in Port Lavaca, take FM 1090 north about two miles and turn east onto E. Maxwell Ditch Rd. for about 0.8 miles to Bay Meadow Dr. Go south on Bay Meadow Rd. about 1.3 miles to Meadow Lark Rd. Go east on Meadow Lark to

Lavaca 35 end. Take the private road south at 1593 172 Bay 46 44 45 Point water front. Walk south along 2143 Comfort shore at field area. Marker 28 10 falls in water. 1090 32 31 29. Matagorda Island Light35 house* 27 36 87 • Located approx. 3084 Port 7.5 miles south Lavaca 238 4 24 25 of Port 87 O’Connor 9 1090 2433 Lavaca at 28° 20’ Bay 1679 185 16.44”, -96° 25’ 19 20 26.62” on 2541 Matago48 rda Island, 35 Matagorda 21 26 lighthouse 17 Bay 50 is acces11 2235 sible only by 23 private boat or 1289 238 airplane plus a 22 35 hike to the site. 30. Mt. Sinai Baptist Church 37 185 Port • 419 Center St., Port O’Connor Lavaca 31. Olivia 43 185 • SH 172 at city limits Seadrift 185 32. Olivia Cemetery 39 • SH 172 & County Road 317 on County Road 317, Olivia 42 33. Our Lady of the Gulf Catholic Church • 415 W. Austin San Antonio Bay 34. Port Lavaca 29 • SH 35 between SH 238 & Half Moon Dr., at Bauer Community Center, Port Lavaca 35. Port Lavaca Cemetery • End of S. Nueces St., Port Lavaca 36. Port Lavaca Chapter No. 373, Order of The Eastern 1090 Star 35 • FM 1090, two miles north of Port Lavaca 40 12 37. Port O’Connor 18 34 238 • E. Monroe Ave. at S. Park Ave., at King Fisher 3084 38 Beach 13 38. Ranger Cemetery (2 41 Markers) 2 14 • Harbor St., Port Lavaca 39. Rasmussen, Andrew A. 1 • Main & 15th St., Port 35 O’Connor 5 40. Salem Lutheran Church 7 8 • 2101 FM 1090 6 41. San Antonio and Mexi87 16 can Gulf Railroad • 110 N. Virginia, Port 33 47 Lavaca 42. Seadrift 35 49 30 • SH 185, Seadrift 43. Seadrift Cemetery 3 15 35 1090 • 1273 Cemetery Road; Located 1.273 miles from Hwy 185 on Cemetery Road. 49. Wilkins, Alice O., School 46. Six Mile-Royal Community 44. Six Mile Cemetery • Ann and Alice Wilkins streets, Port • Go 4.1 miles northwest of SH 35 on FM • Go 4.5 miles northwest of Port Lavaca Lavaca 1090 on FM 1090 to Royal Rd. Turn west on 50. Zimmerman Cemetery 47. St. Joseph Baptist Church Royal and go about 0.4 miles. Cemetery • From Port Lavaca, take FM 238 about 3 • 811 S. Virginia St., Port Lavaca is behind Six Mile Presbyterian Church. miles to FM 316. Go south 7.25 miles to 48. Town Cemetery, Old 45. Six Mile Presbyterian Church • From Port Lavaca, take FM 238 south roadside area. • Go 4.5 miles northwest of Port Lavaca southwest about three miles. Then follow on FM 1090 to Royal Rd. Turn west on FM 316 south about 8.5 miles. Go north one * National Registry listing; no historical Royal and go about 0.4 miles. mile on county road to Old Town Cemetery. marker.

Calhoun County Life • Spring/Summer 2014

Spend a da y at Magnolia Beach By MELONY OVERTON PORT LAVACA WAVE Magnolia Beach is a place where a wild turkey can call the grass near the Highway 316 West sign its stomping grounds, one can view a sunrise and sunset from his or her back porch and sit mesmerized by the blue, pink and purple hue

of dusk reflected as if onto a mirror that is the bay. The unincorporated community within Calhoun County, that is considered part of Port Lavaca, boasts a population of 250 residents who can be as colorful as the sky at twilight and at dawn. Magnolia Beach is home to Jim and Tammy Gilbert, Robert

Gingerbread School & Day Care Center " Since 1974"

Infants - 12 years Monday-Friday • 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

Pre-school Classes • 2 1/2 yrs. - Pre-K A BEKA Curriculum

Transportation before and after school (Federal Regulation Bus)

State Licensed - Aged Grouping • Child Staff Ratio

2202 Half League • Port Lavaca • 552-5757

ty i l a u Q ol r t n o C g n i t s e T

Kay McPherson, President

v DATIA Accredited v Drug & Alcohol Testing Servic v DNA/ Paternity Testing Monit es v Maritime/FMCSA Consortiums Tr oring ain v Occupational Health Physical Drug/ ing Alcoh ol v TWIC Location

ON SITE TESTING

Travel 24/7 Call Out! 709 C. Hwy. 35 S.(behind McDonald’s and next to TSC) 361-553-7080 • 361-553-7025 qct@cableone.net

709 C. Hwy. 35 S. Port Lavaca, TX 77979

Calhoun County Life • Spring/Summer 2014

“Robbie” Howe, his nephew Allen Howe, Pam Meier and Robert Thompson to name a few, and a mannequin dressed differently by locals for every occasion known only as “Edgar Magnolia” on La Lucia Street. The community has no post office, a volunteer fire department station, one convenience store, one church and plenty of beach. The Gilbert’s have owned J&T OneStop convenience store and The Saltwater Saloon, both located at 514 Margie Tewmey Rd., since the summer of 2009. They opened both businesses after the community’s only convenience store and one of its bars closed. “It’s an inconvenience to live here and have to go to Port Lavaca to get anything,” Jim said. ”We saw a need.” Since opening, the store and the bar have become the social hub of the community and they double as an informal

information center, Jim said. “People meet and socialize here. We have weddings and receptions at the bar. People come in asking about all kinds of things like employment, rentals and who to call to turn on their utilities,” he said. Now the couple knows most patrons of both establishments by name, especially when someone calls in a familiar order for their popular Angus beef hamburger or any other menu item sold at the convenience store. “We enjoy the people. The locals are our anchor. They come in the door and we know them by name. They are like neighbors, like family,” Tammy said. Patrons, the majority local, also include visitors from Canada, Texas, including Houston and San Antonio, and the rest of the United States. See page 26

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

POJO’S LIQUOR

Hwy 35 & Travis, Port Lavaca • 361-552-0032

BEER-GIFTS-WINE

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

ths i a F l Al d ome c l e W

Our Lady of the Gulf Catholic School Come Grow With Us!

Scho lar Avail ships able

Academics ♦ Advanced Technology ♦ Hands-on Learning ♦ Challenging Academics ♦ Excellence in Instruction

Faith ♦ Strong Moral Environment ♦ High Behavioral Standards

Call today for more information about becoming a Mariner!

Service

♦ Leadership Opportunities ♦ School and Community Pride

Pre-Kinder - Eighth Grade Fully Accredited

301 S. San Antonio St., Port Lavaca ● 361-552-6140 ● www.olgmariners.org

Calhoun County Life • Spring/Summer 2014

MAGNOLIA BEACH from page 24 “We’re not like Port Aransas. It’s nice here. Laid back,” Jim said about the community’s tourist appeal. Knowles moved to Alamo Beach in 1990 after selling dry wall products in the county for a company out of Belton. Knowles was in the middle of a construction project for a friend who lived in Magnolia Beach when the friend asked an important question. “’Where are you going to settle?,’” he asked me. “I said, ‘Port Aransas, somewhere like that.’ He said, ‘I know what you need.’ He showed me some property.” Knowles enjoys the peace and quiet of the area the most. Robert Howe, who was born and raised in San Antonio, began coming to Magnolia Beach at the age of 12 in 1935 with his father who was the engineer for Old Salty, an excursion train that ran from Port Lavaca to Victoria. “We would come here and spend a month during the summer,” Howe said. “The cabin had no electricity. We had one light in each of the two rooms. When the generator went off at 10 p.m. it was lights out.” Highway 316 was nonexistent. Visitors and residents used an oyster shell road instead, Howe said. His father built a house in Magnolia Beach in 1946. “I love my neighbors,” is the reason Howe gave for retiring to Magnolia Beach in 2003. “It was the best move I ever made.” It is not unusual for Howe to ride around Magnolia Beach in his 1929 Model A Ford, waving at neighbors and visitors alike as he honks the car horn, which makes a distinct “AHOOGA!” sound. “When I get a notion, I take it for a spin. I get a lot of looks,” Howe said. Back at the Saltwater Saloon, Meier, who is originally from Belton, talked about Magnolia Beach life. “You know you’re a local when you know all of the cars (in the bar parking lot),” she said. “My only dream is to live at this beach,” said Meier, who has frequented the community for the past 15 years, starting out shark fishing with the Gilberts. “I’m staying this time. This has always been a nice, quiet

Calhoun County Life • Spring/Summer 2014

place to go,” Meier said. “This place has beautiful sunsets. I like relaxing in the sun. This is where I find my peace.” When not working, Meier brushes up on local history and beachcombs for sea glass and coral. “I wouldn’t be anywhere else,” she said. Thompson, who is a local mechanic, opts for a game of pool. Originally from Florida, Thompson came to Blessing 23 years ago. At that time, he went to Port Lavaca to buy auto parts and thought to visit Magnolia Beach. During the visit, he saw a for sale sign in a front yard. He purchased the property. “I still love it here,” Thompson said. “The people are wonderful. There’s no prejudice on this beach. The weather is great. I like going fishing. I ain’t going to catch nothing, but I still like going.” Thompson shared a table with a Thad Hamilton, a regular visitor from Deming, New Mexico, who rolled his own cigarettes, keeping his tobacco in a plastic container next to his iPad. “I come here (Magnolia Beach) for a month to six weeks each year beginning last year,” Hamilton said. On New Year’s Day 2013, Hamilton, who belongs to an RV club, was on his way to an RV park in Corpus Christi when he found out parking on Magnolia Beach is free. “I didn’t leave,” said Hamilton, who is retired military. “I can have margaritas on the beach, smoke, drink and carry on. The law comes through at 4 a.m. and 6 a.m. and at 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. They pretty much leave you alone out here. That’s when you can ride your four wheeler (on the beach).” Thompson agreed with his friend about the lax atmosphere of Magnolia Beach. “We can sit back and relax here,” he said. “The beach gives you a feeling of freedom. We don’t have to worry about people and their problems elsewhere.” Allen Howe, who was also seated at the table with Thompson and Hamilton, has lived in Magnolia Beach nine years. As a baby, Howe played in his bassinet outside while See page 41

Randy’s

Floor Company Wood Flooring, CeramiC, Counter-tops, & more randy’s Floor Company Can Help you Ceiling to Floor! Robin Kacir is a certified decorator & CEU in Chicago

Sales & Installation Free Estimates 220 E. Main Port Lavaca, TX 77979 Out of Town

Randy & Robin Kacir Owners

552-6785 1-800-357-8781

Where Your Inspirational And Spiritual Needs Are Met. 361-573-9464 (WING) 6605-D N. Navarro-Victoria (next to High Brehm) ✧ www.goldenwings2012.com

Store Monday - Friday: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Hours Saturday: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Roberts, Roberts, Odefey & Witte, LLP Attorneys at Law

Wanda Roberts – David Roberts – Sandra Witte Anne Marie Odefey – Carly Wall 2206 State Highway 35 N Post Office Box 9, Port Lavaca, Texas 77979 361-552-2971 • www.portlavacalaw.com Calhoun County Life • Spring/Summer 2014

9 10

Getting to the Beach 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. Olivia 2. Point Comfort 3. Six Mile 4.* Lighthouse Beach 5. Bayfront Peninsula

6. Harbor of Refuge 7. Chocola te Bayou 8. Magnolia Beach 9. Port O’Connor 10. Seadrift Bayfront Park

* A modest per vehicle fee is required for entrance to the Lighthouse Beach Park.

Calhoun County Life • Spring/Summer 2014

YOUNG PLUMBING

Heating Air Conditioning

Since 1956

LICENSES: #TACLA002645; #M79774

(361) 552-6733 Tel. (361) 552-4602 Fax 603 W. Austin St., Port Lavaca, Tx.

Melstan, Inc. Feed & Hardware

Dr. Bill McClellan, DVM

PORT LAVACA VETERINARY CLINIC Available by Appointment

Large Anima & Small l Med icine

ing Board ing om & Gro

820 Porter Road, Port Lavaca 361-552-6959

Port Lavaca Family Dentistry Gentle Dentistry For Your Family

Rhonda Nielsen, DDS

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

111 N. Ann • 361-552-5441 30

Calhoun County Life • Spring/Summer 2014

M Teeth Whitening M Smile Makeovers M Crowns & Bridges M Root Canals M Extractions M Dentures M Patients

of all ages M Emergencies Welcome Insurances Accepted

M Most

361-552-6814 Monday-Thursday: 8-5:30,

Closed For Lunch 621 N. Virginia Street, Port Lavaca

BEACHCOMBING By MELONY OVERTON PORT LAVACA WAVE

Those who beachcomb and collect all sorts of treasures from shells to broken glass worn smooth by waves to other items like toys, buoys and lures will find the same and more along Calhoun County’s more than 500 miles of shoreline. Collectors can find an array of nautical treasures like shells, driftwood, pods and exotic drift seeds, also known as sea beans. Longtime artist Joyce Shillings, of Port Lavaca, who has painted since 1965 and taught art, also does shell art, an art form she began two years ago. “I love to beach comb. I put shells on mirrors, picture frames, boxes and baskets,” Shillings said. “I would like to expose people to shell art and give them ideas on what to do with it. It’s different and interesting to me. I enjoy sharing, and letting people know how they can get involved in arts and crafts.” Shell art was a natural progression for this crafter, who also paints. “I’ve always been a designer of sorts. I make jewelry, too,” she said.

“I’m just a doer. It’s so much fun and the possibilities are endless.” Shillings said the best place to beachcomb within the county is Sunday Beach on Matagorda Island in Port O’Connor. “The island has piles and piles of driftwood, just wonderful pieces,” she said. “There are some seaweeds that wash up on the beaches that dry to a crunchy white in the sun. You can add it to your art as well as crabs, especially the blue crabs because they are so colorful. We have beautiful sand on our beaches. I spread a layer of glue on a base and sprinkle the sand on it.” Beach glass is a popular find, Shillings said. “Some people look just for beach glass, and some of that you can find in old Indianola. It’s really pretty and smooth. Most pieces are a light aqua, or purple. You can incorporate the glass with your shells,” she said. Shillings said oyster shells are abundant on Calhoun beaches and make for excellent decoration for mirrors. “Oyster shell mirrors are getting to See page 43

exposes hidden treasures

Sunday Beach, on Matagorda Island, is a well-known shelling spot for beachcombers. (Contributed photo)

6TH ANNUAL

LABOR DAY WEEKEND! BAYFRONT PENNISULA, PORT LAVACA

Live Bands • Great Food • Art & Crafts • Kid Zone • Beer Garden Visit us online at www. portlavacatx.org or call 361-552-2959 for more information.

Calhoun County Life • Spring/Summer 2014

Cha

Chamber of Commerce 361-552-2959 â€˘ 1-800-556-Port www.portlavacatx.org

Crazy Fisherman f

Hamburgers f Seafood

Saltwater Fishing Regulations SPECIES

To See

Daily Go f Salads f Daily Specials Specials To ers d Or & Like Us f Stuffed Baked Potatoes ery On v i l De

361-553-9044

Open Monday - Friday 7 a.m. to 2 p.m

137 Hwy. 35 North

DAILY BAG

Amberjack, Greater • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Bass: striped, its hybrids and subspecies • • • • • • • • Catfish: channel and blue catfish, hybrids and subspecies Catfish, flathead • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Catfish, gafftopsail • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Cobia • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Drum, black • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Drum, red • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Flounder: all species, their hybrids and subspecies2 • • Gar (alligator) • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Grouper, gag • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Grouper, goliath (formerly called Jewfish) • • • • • • • Mackerel, king • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Mackerel, Spanish • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Marlin, blue • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Marlin, white • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Mullet: all species, their hybrids and subspecies1 • • • Sailfish • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Seatrout, spotted1 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Shark: allowable species1 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Shark: prohibited species • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Sheepshead • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Snapper, lane • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Snapper, red (pole & line - circle hook only) • • • • • • • Snapper, vermilion • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Snook • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Tarpon • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Triggerfish, gray • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Tripletail • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 1

INCH LENGTH (MIN - MAX)

1 • • • 5* • • 25* • • 5 • • • N/L** 2 • • • 5 • • • 3 • • • 5/22 • 1 • • • 2 • • • 0 • • • 2 • • • 15 • • N/L** N/L** N/L** N/L** 10 • • 1 • • • 0 • • • 5 • • • N/L** 4 • • • N/L** 1 • • • 1 • • • 20 • • 3 • • •

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

• 34 - N/L** • 18 - N/L** • 12 - N/L** • 18 - N/L** • 14 - N/L** • 37 - N/L** • 14 - 301 • 20 - 281 • 14 - N/L** • N/L** • 22 - N/L** • C & R*** • 27 - N/L** • 14 - N/L** • 131 - N/L** • 86 - N/L** • N/L** - 12 • 84 - N/L** • 15 - 25 • 64 - N/L** • C & R*** • 15 - N/L** • • 8 - N/L** • 15 - N/L** • 10 - N/L** • 24 - 28 • 85 - N/L** • 16 - N/L** • 17 - N/L**

Refer to Texas Parks & Wildlife site for more detail

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 2 Nov. 1-30 limit is 2; may be taken only by pole and line.

Engineered for Excellence!

www.Testengeer.com

Alamo Heights Baptist Church Alamo Heights Baptist church is a friendly, family centered Bible believing church. We would love to see you!

110 Trinity Shores Port Lavaca, TX 77979 (361) 552-2532 Email: officehbc@tisd.net

Sunday morning: Bible study 9:45 a.m. Worship at 10:50 a.m. Sunday night: 6 p.m. Wednesday night: 6:30 p.m.

God Bless You! 34

Calhoun County Life • Spring/Summer 2014

Where’s the bait? If you are out to catch big fish, then you need to know where to get the best bait. Don’t get caught without the supplies needed to catch redfish, flounder, gafftop, trout, tarpon, snapper or shark.

PORT LAVACA • Big Bear Shrimp 2241 N. Hwy. 35, 553-8091 • Evelyn’s Fish Market 732 Broadway, 552-2882

• Indianola Fishing Marina 8 Bell St., 552-5350

• J&J Bait & Tackle

SEADRIFT • Charlie’s Bait Camp 785-3023

• Chunky Monkey’s 621 Main St., 785-2138

• Dockside Bait Shop 806 S. Main, 785-3344

1374 N. Ocean Dr., 552-2724

PORT O’CONNOR

515 Fulton, 552-6423

• Beacon 44 Seafood Market

400 E. Live Oak, 552-1504

• Boathouse (The)

• Miller’s Seafood

• Poor Boys Bait Stand

1982 W. Harrison, 983-4247 7th and Maple, 983-4764

• Fishing Center (The)

Intracoastal Canal, 983-4440

• Froggie’s Bait Dock

2649 Stella St., 983-4466

• Marty’s Landing and Mama’s Kitchen, 983-3474

HAYES

ELECTRIC SERVICE “Since 1965”

INDUSTRIAL • RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL SERVICE

CONTRACTING • SERVICE CALLS • ELECTRIC FIXTURES & SUPPLIES

LICENSED - BONDED - INSURED

• MANITOWOC AND SCOTSMAN ICE MACHINES • GUARDIAN EMERGENCY GENERATORS

PHONE: 552-9538 “We service what we sell!” FAX: 552-7443 814 West Main Port Lavaca

#TECL 18340 TACLA 004564C

La Antigua Mexican Restaurant (Formerly La Parilla)

737 N. Hwy. 35 361-552-7764

Mexican Food • Seafood • Steaks • Carry out Serving Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Open Monday - Sunday 9 a.m to 10 p.m.

Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority Providing stewardship of natural resources for Texans through our retail and wholesale water supply and treatment operations.

Calhoun County Operations: • PORT LAVACA WATER TREATMENT PLANT

See Freddie, Dorothy and Danny for all your bait needs!

• CALHOUN COUNTY RURAL WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM • CALHOUN COUNTY CANAL

SYSTEM

1064 State Hwy. 316

(Magnolia Beach Road)

(361) 552-9751

Calhoun County Life • Spring/Summer 2014

FISHING from page 18 loses much interest in cooking for the family. beer in April. The brothers had cast-netted “This used to be a place where shrimpers some live mullet for bait and hoped to catch sold their catch. That used to be a walk-in a redfish, would be pretty happy with black cooler there. They would unload here at the drum or whatever bites, and mostly just like dock and there was an elevator that carried being on the water. Rick works construction the shrimp to the trucks. Back then, a boat and lives in Brady the other side of Austin; could go out and drop their nets and catch Jeff is from the Dallas-Fort Worth area. hundreds of pounds on one haul, he said.” “We come once or twice a year, drive High fuel and competition from farm- down, stay at the Poco Loco – they treat us raised shrimp put economic pressure on good – eat at Cathy’s, just take it easy and shrimping. Hanselka recounted the seasonal enjoy things, Rick said. cycles of various species of shrimp available There are boats in the family, but Rick but remarked that some years things do not explains, “By the time you haul a boat down happen as they should. The marina became a here, it costs a bunch for gas, then a lot of more sensible use of the property. Hanselka the time, it’s too windy to take a boat out, also has RV rental spaces. The anglers on the so we just fish off the jetty or the pier.” Jeff dock are obviously having adds, “We really like a good time and appear it here.” These guys not to be stressing out are as interested in under life’s pressure. being outdoors and Hanselka charges $5 per looking at the water person for anglers but and enjoying each will allow more than other’s company as one rod if things are not they are in fishing. busy. If things are busy, They are not “We can’t let somebody frivolous fishermen crowd his neighbors to but are old enough fish a bunch of rods.” to know there’s Standing on the dock more to fishing than and looking southeast simply catching you can almost see Port fish. The Little O’Connor, but you can’t Jetties suits, and get there from here, at they trudge out the least not in your car. To granite blocks of drive to Port O’Connor, the jetty and settle you need to backtrack up Lights at night draw baitfish, baitfish draw in to fish a bit. The Texas 316 and head off big fish, and big fish draw anglers. The pier they mentioned left on Texas 238 going fishing pier in Seadrift gets a lot of visitors is not too much south just before you from San Antonio, who come down in family farther. get to town. A few miles If you do not down the road, you will bands ranging from grandma to toddlers. turn on Washington see signs and a blinking They fish all night, sleep in lawn chairs, to go to the jetty, in light sending you off to visit among themselves, and generally have one block you get to the left to Port O’Connor. North Park Avenue. a good time. (Photo by Pat Hathcock) This road will end you up A left on Park and on Texas 185, just to the four blocks north northwest of the village. Texas 185 becomes will put you at King Fisher Park and the Adams Street in town and runs all the way pier. The park has nice facilities – grills for to the water. barbecuing, shaded tables, a little beach, and There are three great places in Port a pier that goes way out there into the water. O’Connor to fish without a boat, and Adams The view of the Intracoastal is unbeatable, is on the way to all of them. Make a left and watching tugs go by will fill the time off Adams onto North 7th and drive seven waiting for a bite. blocks to West Tyler Avenue, go right on Besides the big spots in Port O’Connor, Tyler and then a left on 3rd, which will take there are some interesting possibilities in you to Boggy Creek, which looks more sandy other places. Jessamy Reed is currently than boggy and not too creeky, but offers running a tourist accommodation in town great wadefishing and a good place to put a along with husband Jim, a fishing guide. kayak in the water. There is also a boardwalk They have the local’s inside info. that will give you a look at some of the many “Sometimes you can fish at the bait birds around. Stay on the sketchy roads, as camps on the water. Something we get lately the sand is a lot sketchier. There are a lot of is mangrove snapper, Jessamy said. “We filet locals fishing at Boggy, which is a good sign. them out. They are really good. And kids If you continue on down Adams and can catch piggy perch ... little fish, not really take a right on Washington a block before eating fish, but fun for them to catch.” A runs into the bay, four blocks will put favorite place she mentions is Froggie’s bait you right at parking for the Little Jetties, stand, owned, with his wife, by a local legend, running several hundred yards out toward Froggie Sanders, a member of a large and the Intracoastal Waterway. distinguished clan. He won the Texas Water On the left side of the jetty, water is Safari way back in the Sixties. Froggie’s is at shallow but often full of wading birds, on 2649 Stella Avenue, on the canal off Scurlock the right, the water is deep and productive. Street going south off of Adams. Rick and Jeff Pennington were in the little Froggie clerk Mary Scott said, “We do not lot, unloading tackle and bait and sipping a mind people fishing here if we’re not busy.

Calhoun County Life • Spring/Summer 2014

The seawall at Seadrift runs for hundreds of yards down the bayfront and offers fishing all along the way, plus the pier runs out a hundred yards into the shallow bay and has a 30-foot T-head at the end and light for night fishing. (Photo by Pat Hathcock) Certain times of the year, we’re too busy, but you can fish by the docks if there’s nobody there.” Scott also suggests the possibility of fishing by the Clark’s restaurant, now closed, where you also might catch specks or reds. An inquiry at the bait shop by the restaurant might get you permission. If you take Texas 185 headed west out of town, you will get to Seadrift in 20 minutes. Take a turn south at the convenience store and you will get to Bay Avenue in eight blocks. The little fishing village has some good places for bank fishing. A seawall maybe three-quarters of a mile long runs parallel to Bay Avenue, to the right. The seawall starts just across the new Bay Avenue bridge and runs to a good spot just beyond a little pier at a boat launch on the other end. In the middle, by the park pavilion, is a new pier that goes out 100 yards and ends in a 35-foot T-head. It’s lighted for night fishing. Kenneth Reese, raconteur, sportsman, sometimes Santa Claus, and author – you can get his book, ‘Boats n’ Blinds’ at Bubba’s Restaurant, Barkett’s Restaurant, both in Seadrift, and at Prasek’s Hillje Smokehouse in El Campo – lives on Bay Avenue right across the street from little pier and launch at the west end of the seawall. “They’ve been catching some pretty nice drum over there just beyond the pier,” this being late in April, the time that drum are moving into the bay for breeding,” he said. “I saw a guy catch a 32-inch red off that little pier there. He fought it for 45 minutes.”

He goes mentally down the bayfront, starting at the flats at the east end where Heron Slough empties into the bay by the bridge. He said that flounder gigging can be good on those flats. Various points along the wall are productive depending on season. A bank angler can even troll in Seadrift. “Louis Colianni used to fish that seawall every morning,” Reese said. “He’d stop and cast and then move on a few yards. He caught a lot of fish. And sometimes, he’d walk along and trail a lure next to the seawall. Flounder hide right by the wall and they’d grab that lure when he drug it past.” Besides the seawall, anglers can often pick up some action at the turnaround by the harbor. Instead of going west on Bay, turn east, go a block to Pine Avenue, right on Pine, and then the quick left that takes you skirting the harbor, turning south past a little dogleg, then all the way to the end by the breakwater that protects the harbor. There are times that big fish show up there, Reese said If Seadrift doesn’t appeal to you, go on north on Texas 185, turn onto Texas 35 nine miles up the road, and go north, past Port Lavaca and Point Comfort.

COLD BEER * ICE * FISHING TACKLE * SNACKS * COLD DRINKS * GROCERIES

You will pass through a patch of Jackson county, but do not worry, there’s a little island of Calhoun County hanging out there, separated from the rest of the county. They used to get their mail by sailboat from Port Lavaca. It’s Olivia, at the end of Texas 172 going south off of Texas 35. It was settled by Swedes and named for the wife of the leader of the immigrants The park at the end of 172 is Olivia Haterius Park. Aubrey Parker is a long-time Olivian, a polymath poet, artist, hotrodder, and the kind of fisherman happy to pitch out a bait and sit and stare at the water, hoping no bites disturb him. He maintains that he sometimes doesn’t even bait up. He knows where who catches what. The locals observe the custom of frequent fish fries, with everyone pitching in something. Just a block from his house is the estuary of Keller Creek, a wide expanse of water. It offers nice fishing, but is private land. Just at the end it pinches down before it opens out into Keller Bay proper. If you go to the end of 172, the road curls to the right around in Olivia Haterius Park and ends. That point is one side of the opening from estuary to bay.

Walk out on the rocks and fish straight out across the mouth of the bay when a tide is running. It is one of the best spots around, Parker says. If you veer off a little left to County Road 317 just before you get to town, you will pass the Olivia cemetery, a garden of Swedish names and worth a visit. Continue on the road past the cemetery. There’s a big brush patch on your right after you pass the stop sign at CR 314 East. Parker swears there is a colony of jaguarundis in there, spotted cats not usually found this far north. At the end of 317, you will find a bit of firm sand to park on. Out to your right is a little islet. You can drive out there on a low tide. Don’t. You can fish out from the little patch of sand where you are parked. On a fine April morning, Wayne Hammock was doing just that, pitching a mullet he’d netted up for bait. Hammock works as a supervisor at Alcoa at Point Comfort and lives just one bay up, at Cape Carancahua. He says he fishes pretty near every day. His fishing wagon has a back end full of fishing gear, and he says he loves the old car despite the jibes of friends. “I like to wade here. You can catch anything. I’ve caught a lot

of sharks here and a lot of rays, but there are all kinds of fish here. it’s a really good spot.” He opines that he might try to find a recipe for rays, as many as he catches. After a session casting off the point, he says he intends to move on to the point in the park in Olivia. He is a guy who knows a lot of places to fish from the bank, but the one at the of CR 317 is one of his favorites. A person passing through Calhoun County will never collect as many spots as Hammock, but there are so many good places to fish from the bank that a visitor can certainly do well enough ... and remember, it’s called fishing not catching and any day on the water beats a day at work. Pick up a copy of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Outdoor Annual for bag limits and restrictions. The area is patrolled by wardens, and a fine would make the price of a license look cheap. If you do not fish much, you will need to buy a license, but there are oneday licenses available for $11 for Texas residents and $16 for nonresidents. If you can’t have $11 worth of fun fishing for a day in Calhoun County, you are doing something wrong,

J&T ONE STOP 514 Margie Tewmey Rd. at Magnolia Beach 361-552-2913 Located 3/4 mile from public beach

Now serving

BIG BREAKFAST TACOS * BURGERS * FRIES OR TOTS *

QUIT YOUR BEACHIN COME ON IN!! Don’t forget Saltwater Saloon in the back

SUNDAY BREAKFAST SPECIAL: BISCUITS & GRAVY

Calhoun County Life • Spring/Summer 2014

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

Verizon Residential: (800) 483-4400 AT&T Residential: (800) 222-0300 Commercial: (800) 222-0400

TELEVISION

CableOne of Port Lavaca (361) 552-9621 Direct TV: (888) 777-2454 Dish Network: (866) 271-3005

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

GARBAGE COLLECTION Allied Waste Services (800) 640-2014

RECYCLING Calhoun County Recycling Center (361) 552-7791

VEHICLE REGISTRATION Tax Assessor and Collector Office 211 S. Ann; (361) 553-4433

INTERNET

CableOne of Port Lavaca (361) 552-9621 Testengeer: (361) 573-1102 Time Warner: (877) 646-8994

DRIVER’S LICENSE Calhoun County Courthouse Annex 201 W. Austin; (361) 552-5046

WAGON TRAIN RESTAURANT

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

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 Victoria College, Calhoun County Center 900 N. Virginia, (361) 553-4316

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. Calhoun County Emergency 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 Point Comfort Police Department Point Comfort, (361) 987-2345 Seadrift Police Department Seadrift, (361) 785-2069

PERSONAL ◆ COMMERCIAL ◆ INDUSTRIAL

Established in 1961 Open Mon - Fri 6 am - 8 pm and Sat 6 am - 10:30 am

Serving:

Steaks, Seafood, and burgers • Homemade rolls made daily Now accepting most major credit cards

Breakfast served from............................6am-10:30am Lunch Special Mon-Fri from.........................11am-2pm Nightly Specials served from..........................5pm-8pm

TO GO ORDERS AVAILABLE!

145 N. Hwy. 35 Bypass • Port Lavaca • 552-3056

SINCE 1925

Danny Russell & Merrilou Russell

361-552-3986 www.dewittins.com 424 E. RAILROAD, PORT LAVACA Fresh Table

Come See Us Today at

Viking Barber Shop 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday 7 a.m. - 2 p.m. Saturday

361-552-5121

1300 N. Virginia (Memorial Medical Plaza)

Calhoun County Life • Spring/Summer 2014

LIVE BAIT

Daily: 5:30 a.m.-7 p.m. 361-553-8091 Owners: Mark & Terri Dietzel

Now Accepting SNAP Cards

Shrimp Breaded Seafood Items Fish Oysters Scallops Bait Much More

2241 Highway 35 N. Port Lavaca, TX 77979

Things to do in Calhoun County

Halfmoon Reef Lighthouse This historical landmark has been around since 1857 and was placed at the southern tip on the Half Moon Reef in Matagorda Bay. It served as an aid to ships trading in Port Lavaca and Indianola. It still stands and is now located at the Bauer Community Center.

Matagorda Lighthouse This lighthouse was first constructed in 1852, standing 92 feet tall, made entirely of cast iron with no masonry support and was originally painted with horizontal red, white and black stripes. La Salle Monument This granite monument dedicated to the French explorer La Salle is located on the

western shore of Matagorda Bay, between Indian Point and Indianola.

Indianola “The ghost town” It has been written, “Of the many ghost towns in Texas, none died as tragic a death as Indianola.” Founded by German immigrants in 1844, the town was second only to Galveston as a Texas port city at one time. Historical Marker Tour There are over 50 historical markers and places to see in Calhoun County. See marker guide on pages 22 and 23. Lighthouse Beach Fishing Pier Some people pick this beautiful campground in order to be close to Port Lavaca State Fishing

Pier. Port Lavaca State Fishing Pier is a good location to visit on a delightful day; since you might be in a lake visiting mood you can always stop at close by Mud Lake.

Calhoun County Port Port Lavaca was an active fishing port in the first half of the 20th Century. The Gulf Intracoastal waterway reached Matagorda Bay in 1942, connecting Calhoun County to the thousands of miles of channels in the nation’s inland waterway system. The port is located in Point Comfort. Magnolia Beach Magnolia Beach and Indianola Beach are “all in one.” Indianola is steeped in Texas history once being an inland seaport that rivaled Galveston

in size. Many German Immigrants landed at Indianola eventually settling in New Braunfels and Fredericksburg. Driving along Ocean Drive you will see about 50 blue signs that tell the story about how Texas was settled from this once huge seaport. There is a large granite marker where the town of Indianola once stood and a statue of the explorer LaSalle. Formosa Bird Sanctuary The 245-acre Formosa-Tejano Wetlands habitat was dedicated during a ribboncutting ceremony led by the chairman of the Wildlife Habitat Council on Nov. 17, 1999. Located halfway between Houston and Corpus Christi on land owned by Formosa

See page 62

SUNDAYS:

Six Mile Assembly of God Church 5 miles north of Port Lavaca on FM 1090

Sunday School: 9:30 a.m. Puppets for kids: 10:30 a.m. Sunday Worship: 10:30 a.m. Children’s Church: 11:15 a.m. Fellowship meal & Birthday celebration First Sunday of each month, immediately after morning worship (Everyone brings something) Sunday Evening Worship: 6:00 p.m.

WEDNESDAYS: Start with a meal at 7 p.m. 7:30 p.m. Adult Discipleship training, Praise & Prayer, Youth Service Bible training for Children

Call Johnny or Bonnie Kisiah, Pastor, at 361-552-5714 for more information.

Your Port Lavaca Walmart:

Working To Save You Money So You Can Live Better!

400 Tiney Browning Blvd ★ 361-552-4116

Twin DolphinS Cinemas

152 N. Hwy. 35, Port Lavaca • 361-552-6764

NOW PLAYING REAL D 3-D MOVIES! ALL DIGITAL CINEMA SHOWTIMES:

FRIDAY, 7 PM & 9 PM • SUNDAY, 2 PM & 7 PM SATURDAY, 2 PM, 7 PM & 9PM • MONDAY – THURSDAY, 7 PM ADDITIONAL SUMMER MATINEE TIMES MONDAY – FRIDAY, 2 PM

 Consider us for your next catered event.  Private room available  Watch your favorite sports team on one of our 12 flat screen TVs.

Leslie Pfeil Insurance Agency, Inc.

Monday-Thursday: Restaurant - 9 p.m; Bar - Midnight Friday: Restaurant - 10 p.m; Bar - Midnight Saturday: Restaurant - 10 p.m.; Bar - 1 a.m. 361-552-5300 5 2615 N. Hwy. 35, Port Lavaca, TX

Home • Health • Auto • Cycle • Boat • Travel Trailers • Life

Like us on Facebook at shellfishsportsbargrill for upcoming special events

pfeilinsurance@gmail.com www.pfeilinsurance.com

152 N. Hwy 35 • Port Lavaca (located inside Twin Dolphins Movie Theater building)

Office Hours Mon.-Fri. 9-4 552-9403

Calhoun County Life • Spring/Summer 2014

Soda bottles now on display at museum By MELONY OVERTON PORT LAVACA WAVE

The Calhoun County Museum’s collection of vintage soda bottles the likes of which were enjoyed at local soda fountains and carhops will make up a special exhibit beginning in April and ending in October. “The bottles were donated while others were found in Indianola and Old Town Port Lavaca,” said George Anne Cormier, museum director. Vintage bottles include Coca-Cola and Dr. Pepper from different decades of the 20th Century. The untitled exhibit is the brainchild of museum assistant Misty Gregory. “We have a lot of bottles back there,” Gregory said in reference to the museum’s archives. “We needed something to do with them.” “Some of the more unique ones are RC Cola when it used to be Royal Crown Cola and Suncrest, Delaware Punch and (Triple) AAA root beer,” she said.

1870s and found in Pittsburg. It was donated to the museum by Tommy Stellman.” A vintage soda machine that once was in the office of a local sibling dentist and doctor will also be on display, Gregory said. In May, the museum will be a part of the Calhoun County Historical Commission’s first scavenger hunt where seventh grade students will identify objects using poetry verses as clues, Cormier said. Much of the Calhoun County Museum collection deals with the history of Indianola. Indianola was one of the busiest ports along the Gulf Coast until it was hit by hurricanes in 1875 and 1886. The hurricanes largely destroyed the town. A large diorama of Indianola has the locations of a number of the homes and businesses before the 1875 hurricane and a number of artifacts from the town after the hurricane. One of those artifacts is the Victorian Grand Piano, made in Boston, owned by the Samuel Kinlay family. The piano also survived the hurricane of

A vintage soda machine from an office shared by a local dentist and doctor, who were brothers, in the 20th Century in Port Lavaca, is part of an exhibit on vintage and antique soda bottles at the Calhoun County Museum, located at 301 S. Ann St. in Port Lavaca. (Melony Overton photo)

An assortment of donated vintage and antique soda bottles from local establishments from the early to the late 20th Century is on display until October as part of an exhibit at the Calhoun County Museum, located at 301 S. Ann St. in Port Lavaca. (Melony Overton photo) A bottle that once stored mineral oil infused with fruit juices, a pre-cursor to the modern-day soda, will also be on display. Gregory held the bottle in her hand and said, “This bottle was set on its side in order to keep the cork wet. It is from the

1886. It was during that second hurricane that the family wrapped the piano in mattresses and quilts and left Indianola. Upon the family’s return, they found that the only part of the house that managed to survive was the living room floor with

Calhoun County Life • Spring/Summer 2014

the piano still sitting on it. Along with the displays of the town, including a recreation of what the area looked like at the time, are items that have been found on the beaches. The museum also has several displays entitled “The La Salle Odyssey” with items found on the La Belle, a ship used by explorer Robert de la Salle. The ship was found in Matagorda Bay in 1995. The ship sank in 1686. Several items from the ship can be found at the museum. The museum has a petard, or a device La Salle’s crew used to blow down walls and gates, tallow made from beef or bison fat what was in a barrel on the ship used for cooking, tanning leather, soap and candle making and as a wood sealant, Atlantic cod and goose bones and a handmade reproduction of a musket from the 1680s like that used by La

Salle and his crew round out the items on display. One of the most popular items is the Third-Order Fresnel lens from the Matagorda Island Lighthouse. A buffalo head, donated by the Floyd Paige estate, is another prominent feature of the museum. Paige, who was a Houstonite, also donated a rifle and powder horns to the museum. Other items in the museum are unique to Calhoun County, including one of the first wheelchairs used at Memorial Medical Center and hand-crafted bedding and furniture that are over a century old. The museum is open 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. on Saturday. It is located at 301 S. Ann St. in Port Lavaca.

MAGNOLIA BEACH from page 26

The Greenhouse Your Complete Floral Designers

Fresh Flowers ✿ Plants ✿ Balloons ✿ Silk Flowers ✿ Weddings & Parties ✿ Funeral Designs ✿

Jim Gilbert and Tammy Gilbert, owners of The Saltwater Saloon, located at 514 Margie Tewmey Rd., in Magnolia Beach. The couple also own J&T OneStop convenience store next door to the saloon. (Melony Overton/Wave photo) his uncle Robert Howe and his grandfather built the family home in Magnolia Beach. “That house was filled with nine feet of mud after Hurricane Carla,” Allen said. Allen can remember walking to Sam’s Beach Store as a child to get ice. He can remember catching shrimp in seine nets, filling coolers with the shellfish, which is illegal now.

While living in Austin, working for a phone company, Allen’s dream was to return to Magnolia Beach. Now he fishes, raises chickens, keeping them safe from raccoons and bobcats, when not picking oysters by hand. “I always wanted to live here. I don’t see myself living everywhere else. I’ll be here until the day I die,” Allen said.

“Your Extra Touch Florest for over 40 Years” 704 N. Virginia, Port Lavaca, TX 552-9758 • 552-4202

The PanTry Daily Lunch Specials

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

Calhoun County Independent School District “Quality Schools — Successful Students.”

a e

Academics & Leadership

Athletics & Fine Arts

Community Partnerships

CCISD positions currently open. Join our winning team at www.calcoisd.org Mentors & Tutors needed at every campus: Volunteer with our winning team at pie@calcoisd.org

Calhoun County Life • Spring/Summer 2014

SPLASH PAD from page 7

Where Caring Is Our Calling!

ATTENTION

MedicareCardHolders � Have you been released from a hospital in the last 30 days? � Was your hospital stay at least three midnights? � You may be entitled to receive Therapy & Rehabilitation under your Medicare Benefits.

If you qualify*, the first 20 days of your stay with us are

COVERED 100%

UNDER MEDICARE PART A. *Resident Must Meet Medicare Part A Eligibility Guidelines.

Our main goal is to assist in achieving the highest level of functioning, while providing a comfortable environment in which to recover from illness, injury or infections

WE OFFER:

• Physical Therapy • Occupational Therapy • Speech Therapy • Pallative Care

• Respite Care • IV Therapy • Wound Care • Secured Unit

We accept Medicare, Medicaid, Private Pay, Private Insurance, and V.A.

Stop by for a complimentary glass of iced tea and a tour. 524 Village Road, Port Lavaca, TX 77979

361-552-3741

Calhoun County Life • Spring/Summer 2014

added. “The Lighthouse Beach one has all the bells and whistles for children. It has water that squirts out, and so much more. Children can have a great time using it.” Water to the splash pads is only turned on during the day throughout the warmer months, Turner said. He added that it was turned on in April. “It is interactive, but it is set where the water goes off in the evening between 8-9 p.m.,” Turner said. “As long as there is enough light out we’ll make sure the water is on. We turn it off at end of summer, but it is so hot here that we can leave it on until the middle of October to November.” In addition to the splash pads themselves, each park features a playground. “The kids can climb around on them. The one at the bay front is a pirate ship,” Turner said. “And the one at Lighthouse Beach has one of the old jungle gyms where you can hand walk across the monkey bars, and then it has a little area to stand on the top and they can ring a bell and jump around and have a good time.” The area at Lighthouse Beach also features a new sidewalk that allows visitors to walk to the beach without worrying about their feet, Turner said. “The playground is attached

to the water park and there is a concrete sidewalk so people can walk to and from beach without ever getting their feet dirty,” he said. The idea for the water parks came after discussions on what the community had to offer children, Turner said. “There is something for moms and dads to do like go fishing, but smaller children needed something to do,” Turner said. Turner had attended a training session where he saw a vendor who had the theme park idea, he said. “We saw a little theme park and discussed with vendors the costs and options and zeroed in on one that was a good fit for Port Lavaca and that would allow children to have a good time on the bay front,” Turner said. “The one on the bay front was a water theme only and it was big success and got a lot of great comments,” he added. Turner said he is happy to have visitors take advantage of the city’s location on the water. “The waterfront is what we have that separates us from other cities. We have a water theme park on the water. It’s a great amenity for us,” Turner said. “Port Lavaca may be a smaller location, but we can provide that missing piece, a water front view, and there is something for whole family at the beach.”

O.K. Pawn & Jewelry Loans • Jewelry Guns Electronics Sonya Oubre

361-552-9005 • 1414 S. Hwy 35, Port Lavaca, TX

Visit us online at portlavacawave.com

BEACHCOMBING from page 31 be high dollar items. If you look at some of them, they are sprayed with a clear spray and that can make the coloration pretty,” she said. “You can use either side as far as the look you want.” Shillings beachcombs all year. “I do it for the serenity and therapy. You can block out anything with these little treasures,” she said. Beachcombers can find the lightening whelk, the state shell, and other big shells at the base of the big jetties in Port O’Connor. Several prime spots for shelling in Calhoun County include the former site of Indianola; the jetties along the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway in and around Port O’Connor and the Gulf beaches adjoining Pass Cavallo. Sand dollars, horse conch, sundials, cowrie shells, tent olives, oyster and scallop shells, to the rare Scotch Bonnet as well as fossils can be found on Calhoun County beaches. Beachcombers can find sea beans on Sunday Beach, and when the Sargasso grass graces King Fisher Beach in Port O’Connor, a few might be found within it. Sea beans come from plants that grow on tropical islands and in rain forests. The sea beans drop from plants into waterways such as the Amazon River. After reaching the ocean through inlets, these tropical seeds drift until they land on beaches, according to “The Little Book of Sea Beans and other Beach

Treasures,” by Cathie Katz ad Paul Mikkelsen. “Hamburger beans” are the most common and abundant named so for their resemblance to the fast food sandwich. They range in size, color and design, but most are brown with a wide, black band. However, they can also be red, tan and speckled. Tips for the inexperienced beachcomber from veteran shellers: -Wear appropriate seasonal clothing -Protect yourself from the sun by wearing sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen and possibly long sleeves -Wear old canvas shoes to protect your feet -Wear clothes with pockets -Carry a light weight plastic bucket, and a separate container for more delicate finds like sand dollars -Plastic bags for driftwood or carrying messy material -Fill bottles for small specimens -Trowel or other digging tool -Tweezers or toothpicks (wet the end) to pick up tiny shells -Waders, rubber boots and possibly thermal underwear during winter -A note pad and waterproof pen for keeping location data -A friend, especially when combing isolated areas Please remember to never collect living specimens, as they are still part of the ocean’s food web.

17 Years

Barber - Rick Martin Barber •- Cosmetologist Rick Martin - Rhea Harvey Stylist,Nail NailTech Tech&&Owner Owner- -Genny GennyCody Cody Stylist,

CATCH THE WAVE - CALL 361-552-9788 TO SUBSCRIBE Calhoun County Life • Spring/Summer 2014

Calhoun County Life â€˘ Spring/Summer 2014

RV park listing Magnolia Beach

Bayside 316 8530 State Hwy. 316 Indianola, (979) 338-9936 Circle H RV Park 558 Margie Tewmey Rd. (361) 571-7525 Oceanside RV Park 1162 Ocean Dr. North, Magnolia Beach (361) 564-0055 Powderhorn RV Park Indianola Beach, (361) 552-7481

Waterfront RV 94 Bayfront Ln. (855-444-1116

Texas Lakeside R. V. Park 2499 W, Austin Street (361) 551-2267 (See ad on page 43) Lonestar RV Park 1334 Broadway, (361) 553-7808 Sandollar R. V. Park 1103 Broadway Street (361) 552-5150

Port O’Connor

(See ad on page 49) OLIVIA

Keller Bay RV Park (361) 893-5801

Port Lavaca

Gateway RV Park 1620 W. Main, (361) 552-1388

Lavaca Bay RV Park 1818 Broadway (361) 552-4814 (See ad on page 16)

Lighthouse Beach and Bird Sanctuary Park 700 Lighthouse Beach Dr. (361) 552-5311 (See ad on page 11)

2 RV Park 1402 Harrison, (361) 983-4688 Bayou Bridge Rv Park 211 E. Broadway, 361-649-1060 Beacon 44 RV Park Harrison and Druscilla (361) 983-4247 Breezy Palm Cottages and RV Park 101 E. Bay St., 361-550-6069 Dolphins of the Bay RV Park 112 S. 16th Street (361) 983-4802 Fishing Center (The) Intracoastal Canal (361) 983-4440 LaSalle’s Landing RV Park 2699 West Adams Ave. (361) 983-4854 Port O’Connor RV Park 110 Steve St., (361) 983-2484

SeADRIFT

Beacon 7 RV Park West Bay Avenue (361) 785-2717 Captains Quarters 201 N.Hwy. 185 (361) 785-4982 Lost Pelican RV Ranch 107 E. Broadway (210) 262-3991

For information on having your park included in a future publication, email us at rvlisting@ plwave.com.

Bei Jing Grand China Buffet Chinese Food To Carry Out & Eat In

✩ ✩ ✩ ✩✩

Serving Beer

HOURS:

Mon.-Thurs.: 10:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Fri.-Sat.: 10:30 a.m.-10:30 p.m. Sunday: 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

335-339 Calhoun Plaza, Port Lavaca, TX 77979

361-553-6862 Fax: 361-553-6869 Calhoun County Life • Spring/Summer 2014

Birding is big here

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. Photo by Susan RIley There are several options for those interested in watching the wildlife. Key Visit the Port Lavaca Lighthouse R=Rare P=Pelagic/Offshore Compiled by Brush Freeman Beach and Bird Sanctuary, Magnolia Beach or even Matagorda Island State H=Hypothetical Park. According to Brush Freeman, E=Extirpated/Extinct coauthor of The Texas Ornithological I=Introduced or Exotic Society Handbook of Texas Birds, 429 species have been recorded in ___ 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) ___ 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

Calhoun County Life • Spring/Summer 2014

the county or 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 Rosette 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.

___ Harris’s Hawk ___ Red-shouldered Hawk ___ 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 ___ Summer 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 • Spring/Summer 2014

Calhoun County Life â€˘ Spring/Summer 2014

(361)

785-2078

(361)

293-3647

MATAGORDA from page 8 By the 1930s, all that remained of Saluria was a rural schoolhouse, but it was abandoned in 1936. The war effort came to the island once again, but this time it was for World War II. The original airfield was built in 1942 as Matagorda Island General Bombing and Gunnery Range. It supported the USAAF Gulf Coast Training Center pilot training in the southeast United States. The airfield originally had three runways, with a large “L” shaped concrete parking apron. It was under the control of Foster Field, in Victoria, as a sub base. The range had four squadrons (856th, 857th, 858th and 859th) Single-Engine Gunnery Squadrons assigned, flying the North American T-6 Texan. Also planes from other training schools used the airfield. The range was supported by the Matagorda Peninsula Army Airfield, a separate facility north of the range. During the war, an additional three runways were built to accommodate the large

This is the stairwell inside the Matagorda Lighthouse after the lighthouse was refurbished. (Photo by George Anne Cormier)

number of landings and takeoffs. The facility was closed in 1945, and placed in a standby status. The base was inactivated in 1975 after the end of United States involvement in Vietnam. The property was subsequently turned over to the Department of the Interior as a federal wildlife refuge. Today, the runways and taxiways, although infested with vegetation, are in very good condition. There are several structures, hangars, and buildings of various types in various stages of deterioration. Also there is a usable dock and a small port facility. A ferry operated by Texas Parks and Wildlife did take visitors to the island, but the ferry burned in 2005. Now, the only way to get to the island is by boat, Cormier said. “I would like people to be able to see the lighthouse because so many people are interested in lighthouses,” she said. “They come into the museum with their passbook and they get a stamp for seeing the lens.”

Visit us online at portlavacawave.com

BAIT & TACKLE Magnolia Beach, Texas

Daily, Weekly, Monthly — ONLY 10 Spaces Magnolia Beach — Waterfront Location Lighted Fishing Boardwalk Free Wifi & Direct Tv Toll Free: 855-444-1116 ∙ www.waterfrontrv.com

Rod & Reel Repair Inshore & Offshore Bait Vudu Shrimp Shamino Shoes Salt Life Shirts & Assoc. Nautical Gifts 1374 North Ocean Drive Magnolia Beach 361-552-2724 baittackle01@gmail.com Calhoun County Life • Spring/Summer 2014

Grapes grown at the Lavaca Bluffs vineyard and winery, located in Lolita. Lavaca Bluffs also features a tasting room. (Wave file photo) =

Lavaca Bluffs winery features locally grown fruits By MELONY OVERTON PORT LAVACA WAVE The Gulf Coast is known for its beaches, bays and catches of the day, but for its wine? Doug and Beth Reed, who live near Lolita, are the proprietors of the Lavaca Bluffs vineyard and winery, housed on the Lavaca River, have made changing that perception their goal. The retired educators purchased a Frels Landing homestead, which is part of the original Stephen F. Austin Old 300 land grant, nestled between Calhoun and Jackson counties, in 1998 from a descendant of the early settlers to the area because of its view, its history and its people. Little did the couple know that the land would provide a winemaking opportunity. The couple planted their

first grapes in 2006. Six miles south of Palmetto Bend Dam and Lake Texana, hardy grapes thrive in the sun and strong coastal breezes off the Gulf of Mexico and Lavaca Bay, six miles to the south. The Reeds grow the mustang grape, a native North American grape, the Lenoir or Black Spanish grape, the Blanc du Bois, a white grape, and a rare “convent” grape to make their wines. In the 1800s, a Catholic order of French nuns brought the convent grape to South Texas to make sacramental wine. The Reeds make a red wine called “Lost Mission” from the convent grapes as well as a blush called “Sister’s Mission.” Those wines are in limited supply. They also make wines from other locally grown fruits such as peach, pear, mulberries, blackberries and plums.

The wines run the spectrum from dry to sweet. The historic names used in the wine labels reflect grape or wine types. For instance, “Texana” is used for native mustang grape wines and local fruits, “Casa Blanca” for Blanc du Bois, “Lavaca” for Black Spanish or Lenoir and “Navidad,” “La Belle” and others for wines blended with local and Texas fruits. Names for their wines include “Bone Dry Blanc,” “Indianola,” “Lavaca Rose,” “Half Moon Merlot” and “Puerto Lavaca” to name a few. The winery also features a “Port Aransas,” which is a white Merlot, a “Lolita’s Blush,” made with a favorite grape from Hallettsville, and “Indian Point,” another blush. The winery is part of the Texas Independence Wine Trail. The trail runs from Lolita to La

Grange. The winery is also part of the Go Texan Wine Passport Program, a free downloadable application that shows the locations of wineries in Texas. The winery also features a tasting room, which enables the Reeds to interact with the public. Tasting room hours are from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and from 2 to 6 p.m. on Sunday. All other times are by appointment only. For more information, call 361-874-4663 or email dreed@ lavacabluffs.com or bethreed@ tisd.net. IF YOU GO: To get to the winery from Port Lavaca, take State Highway 35 north to Point Comfort, turn left (north) 10 miles on Farm-toMarket Road 1593, one mile south of Lolita turn left (west) on County Road 426 1.6 miles, then right (north) 0.2 mils on Private Road 4261.

Calhoun Air Center hosts numerous events through the year WAVE STAFF REPORT

People might not think of an air center as a way to spend the afternoon, but the Calhoun Air Center has a different flavor than most. Owner and pilot Dianna Stanger and her staff promote community

involvement by promoting a number of events throughout the year. These events include the Women of Aviation Worldwide Week in March, the annual Kids Day in May and the Monster Bash in October. “Calhoun Air Center is focusing on our community involvement by

Full Residential, Commercial & Agriculture Propane Service Sales • Service • Tank Sales Locally owned and operated Open Mon. - Fri. 9 am - 5 pm • Sat. 9 am - Noon beginning in Nov.

(361) 552-4858 361-575-3835

2815 State Hwy 35 South • Port Lavaca,Tx

Calhoun County Life • Spring/Summer 2014

reaching out to our area residents and expanding their knowledge of aviation,” said Steve Plunkett, air center manager and pilot. The air center has been honored multiple times for its promotion of aviation, including picking up multiple awards for three years during the Women of Aviation Worldwide Week. Stanger said the event not only promotes the airport, but also helps to promote aviation. “I hope I have someone come back to me one day and say she became a pilot because of that first flight with me,” she said. “I am so lucky to be able to do this and share a passion like this. It is something I strive for.” Area school children are invited to the annual Kids Day in May. The event provides tours and plenty of other activities throughout the day. The air center hosts the Monster Bash in October, which is a family-friendly Halloween event for children. It features costume contests, games and many other activities. The air center also

hosts discovery flights, which are only $75. Those flights allow those interested in learning more about flying to get a closer look. The flights last about a half hour and can include up to three people. “It’s a great way to spend a weekend,” Plunkett said. “And a discovery flight makes a great gift for a birthday, anniversary or Christmas.” The Calhoun Air Center is a state-of-the-art flight center, offering flying lessons as well as full services for pilots. The center has made millions of dollars in improvements the past few years. The air center features a lobby and pilot lounge for comfort, a refreshment center and pilot briefing room. The airport also features a 24hour self-fueling station with guaranteed fuel prices, hangar space and a full flight-training school. Contact the Calhoun Air Center at 361-552-1228. The air center is located at 4876 Farm-to-Market Road 3084 in Port Lavaca.

n y

m y n

Where to worship POINT COMFORT

Hope Fellowship

PORT O’CONNOR

First United Methodist Church

First Baptist Church

210 E. Main Street 361-552-5317

Fisherman’s Chapel

201 Jones Street 361-987-2710

Services: Sunday School – 9:30 a.m. Sunday Worship – 10:30 a.m. Pastor: Brady Owens

2nd at W. Baltimore 361-785-4621 Church/785-7078 Pastor

311 Main St. 361-983-4240

Services: Sunday Worship - 11 a.m. Feed My Sheep – 4 p.m. - 6 p.m. on third Tuesday of month Pastor: June Cantrell

Services: Sunday Worship – 11 a.m. & 6 p.m. Wednesday Prayer Time – 7 p.m . Pastor: John R. Fisher

Indianola Baptist Church

700 Lamar Street 361-552-6140

617 FM 1760 361-550-4824 (Pastor) Services: Sunday Bible Study – 10 a.m. Sunday Worship – 11 a.m. Sunday Evening – 6 p.m. Wednesday Services - 6 p.m.

Mass:

Pastor: Frank Boldt

St. Ann Catholic Church

Sunday – 10:30 a.m. Wednesday – 9 a.m.

Pastor: Rev. Tommy Chen Assoc. Pastor: Rev. Antonio Perez

St. Mark’s Lutheran Church 83 Milam St. 361-893-5424

Our Lady of the Gulf Catholic Church

Pastor: Rev. Tommy Chen Assoc. Pastor: Rev. Antonio Perez

Mon. - Fri. 8:05 a.m. Saturday – 5:30 p.m. Sunday – 8 and 10 a.m., Sunday – noon (Spanish)

Six Mile Assembly of God

Services: Sunday School - 9:45 a.m. Sunday Worship – 10:50 a.m. and 6 p.m. Wednesday – 6:30 p.m. Pastor: Bro. J. V. Helms (Interim) (See ad on page 34)

101 N. Washington 361-552-6140

Mass:

Pastor: Jim Gicklhorn

110 Trinity Shores Dr. 361-552-2532 www.ahbcportlavaca.org

St. Joseph Catholic Church Mass:

Pastor: Rev. Tommy Chen Assoc. Pastor: Rev. Antonio Perez

Alamo Heights Baptist Church

Pastors: Erny and Joane McDonough

415 West Austin Street 361-552-6140

Services: Sunday Worship – 8:30 a.m.

PORT LAVACA

Services: Sunday Bible Study – 10 a.m. Sunday Worship – 11 a.m. Sunday Evening – 6 p.m Tuesday FBI – 7 p.m. Wednesday Services – 7 p.m. Friday Youth – 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.

5 miles north of Port Lavaca on FM 1090 361-552-5714 Services: Sunday School –9:30 a.m., Worship 10:30 a.m., Children’s Church 11:15 a.m. Sunday evening 6 p.m., Wednesday Meal at 7 p.m., Discipleship 7:30 p.m. Pastors: Johnny & Bonnie Kisiah

Seadrift Church of Redemption 602 6th Street 361-576-1407 or 361-676-4388 Services: Sunday - 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Pastor: Derral Humble

First Assembly of God

Marek Lane Services: Sunday Worship – 9:30 a.m. Pastor: Rev. David Bush

Pastors: Tim and Beverly Smith (See ad on page 55)

Six Mile Baptist Church

310 West Cleveland Street 361-552-6140 Mass: Sunday – 8:30 a.m. Thursday – 9 a.m. Saturday – 7 p.m. (Vietnamese) Pastor: Rev. Tommy Chen Assoc. Pastor: Rev. Antonio Perez

Saturday – 7 p.m. Tuesday – 5:30 p.m.

501 South Second St. 361-785-5721 Services: Sunday School – 10 a.m. Sunday Worship – 11 a.m. Sunday Evening - 6 p.m. Wednesday Bible Study - 7 p.m.

(See ad on page 39)

St. Patrick Catholic Church

Hassle Free Printing We Take Printing Seriously…Not Ourselves.

Shweiki Visit us at www.shweiki.com

5,000 postcards $149 • 10,000 flyers $349 • 1,000 magazines $995 (16 pages, 60# paper)

Untitled-1 1

9/30/13 1:29 PM

Calhoun County Life • Spring/Summer 2014

Kayaking

offers year-round coastal views Photo by Kayla Meyer

By MELONY OVERTON PORT LAVACA WAVE Calhoun County has kayaking trails for water lovers to explore this spring and summer if they want to slow it down a bit and switch from a motorized boat to a kayak or canoe. Calhoun County paddling trails The Port O’Connor Paddling Trail consists of three trails totaling a little more than 25 miles. The Fishpond trail (12.3 miles) begins in Port O’Connor and travels through a number of bayous and cuts along the edge of Espiritu Santo Bay to Saluria Bayou, where it joins the 8.28mile South Loop trail. From Mule Slough, the Fish Pond and North Loop (4.82 miles) trails continue east toward Sunday Beach on the Gulf of Mexico and to Lighthouse Cove, near the historic Matagorda Island Lighthouse. Fishermen, bird watchers and kayakers out for the day enjoy these waters. The small islands that border the trail and Matagorda Island support a wide variety of shore and migratory birds and 19 federally listed threatened or endangered

species. The area is also known for redfish, speckled trout and drum. The northern end of Matagorda Island is now managed by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department as a Wildlife Management Area. Camping is permitted. The scene of fighting during the Civil War or the Confederate trench lines are visible. Use of the picnic area near paddling sign No. 35 is permissible for day-use as long as you stay in the campground area. While there are picnic tables at the site, there is no water or restrooms. Branching out from Port O’Connor, the low-lying areas around Indianola contain a number of small saltwater lakes and bayous. The Alamo/ Indianola/Magnolia Beach Kayak Trails were established to allow fishermen and nature lovers to explore these areas. In addition to fishing, the area is a well-known bird watching spot and includes several sites on the Texas Coastal Birding Trail. The Magnolia Loop is about two and a half miles long and loops around Old Town Lake and the adjacent bayous. The launch

Calhoun County Life • Spring/Summer 2014

site is Magnolia Beach. Nearby bird watching sites include Magnolia Beach, Magic Ridge and the Indianola Bird Walk. The La Salle Loop is about three miles long and loops around Blind Bayou and then follows the bayou to Powderhorn Lake. There are two launch sites. This trail is named for the nearby statue of the French explorer, Robert de La Salle. The Powderhorn Loop is about 12 miles long and loops around Powderhorn Lake and through Powderhorn Bayou. Launch sites for this trail can be found at the Indianola Fishing Marina, the Powderhorn RV Park and on Coloma Creek. Powderhorn Lake is also a popular birding area. The trails are short and long to fit a kayaker’s paddling preference, and they are Marked. Signage includes the length of a trail. Paddling Tips Watch the weather closely (before departing and consistently during the trip.) Check the forecast before hitting the water. Dress appropriately while paddling and avoid cotton attire because it will not dry when wet during rain, spills

and paddle drip. Instead, choose quick drying synthetics as well as proper footwear (no flip-flops or sandals; dive/wading boots highly recommended Take at least one additional layer of synthetic clothing in a dry bag along with a lightweight twopiece rain suit, with elastic or Velcro cuffs to keep water out. Bring along sunscreen, insect repellent, ample drinking water and high-energy snacks. Always leave a written and accurately detailed description of where you intend to put in and take out, your paddling route, color of your boat and when would be the very latest the person to whom you give this float plan can expect to hear that you have returned safely. Carry a fully charged cell phone in a dry box or bag especially made for them (a Ziploc bag will likely cause the death of your device). Paddle with a friend (preferably one that can assist you and/or themselves should trouble arise). For information about boating safety and boater education, visit the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department website at www.tpwd.state.tx.us or call (800) 792-1112.

Shrimpfest has something for everyone From food to games to live music, Shrimpfest 2014 is expected to have something for everyone. This year’s event begins June 13 and runs through June 14 with activities that include live music both days, pageants for children and young adults, a volleyball tournament and a karaoke contest for children and adults. By KAYLA MEYER PORT LAVACA WAVE The 2014 Shrimpfest in Seadrift is expected to have something for almost everyone. Shrimpfest is an annual event located at the A.D. Powers Bayfront Park in Seadrift featuring vendors, bands and activities for people of all ages. This year’s event is slated for June 13-14 with gates opening 3 p.m. Friday and 8 a.m. Saturday. One of the event’s highlights is the numerous bands that are expected to perform, said Nan Burnett, president of the Seadrift Chamber of Commerce. “Friday night we will have the Southern Drive Band and Bill Pekar and the Rainey Brothers. Bands Friday play until midnight” Burnett said. “And on Saturday night, we’ll have the Los Kolaches from Shiner and Clay Crocket and the Shotgun Riders.” She added that performances Saturday are expected to last until past midnight. “Saturday we will be there from 8 a.m. until 1 a.m. Sunday morning when the band finishes,” Burnett said. In addition to musical acts, there will be several activities for children, Burnett said. “We’ve got Magic the Clown. He does the balloons at the Calhoun County Fair. He makes the See page 54

Calhoun County Life • Spring/Summer 2014

SHRIMPFEST from page 53

www.barkettsrestaurant.com

balloon art, and he’s going to be there from noon to 6 p.m.,” Burnett said. Children will have the opportunity to participate in boat and “bubble” races, she added. The races are done on water in a swimming pool. “We have rides for children. One is the big bubble you walk in. The bubble is on the water and there are some boats,” Burnett said. “One is called Kids on Water or bubble runners or human hamster balls, but all ages can participate in that. Then there are the kiddie bumper boats.” Saturday’s events kick off with a 5K fun run and a children’s fishing tournament both beginning at 7 a.m. There will be many more events throughout the day, Burnett said. “We have the pageants. They will be Saturday, and they are from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. It will be babies and up, and they have a little boys pageant and Miss Shrimpfest is for the girls,” Burnett said. “We’ll have volleyball tournament, and we will have food and craft vendors. There is kids and adult karaoke planned, too,” Burnett added. “We will

have the pony rides for the kids. They come every year.” Last year, Burnett said more than 40 food and craft vendors had booths at the event. “It was somewhere close to about 45 vendors. That varies every year,” Burnett said. Joyce Amason, a long-time Shrimpfest attendee and Seadrift resident, recalled going to the first Shrimpfest. “It started around 1979, but I’m not completely sure,” Amason said. “It was called the Shrimp Festival, and it was the blessing of the fleet.” Amason said the Shrimpfest started with the Seadrift Chamber of Commerce looking for a way to bring the community together. “We had started the chamber of commerce, and we were looking for something for community service,” Amason said. She said Shrimpfest was originally held in August. “We did it just before the shrimping season,” Amason said. “We got the community together and the men went out See page 61

UCC Seadrift Operations Proud to be a part of the Port Lavaca area since 1954

Like us on 54

Calhoun County Life • Spring/Summer 2014

Dow has partnered with the community and CCISD to develop the Dow Sustainability Center at 900 N. Virginia St, Port Lavaca. It teaches about local industry and the environment, and is open to students and the public M-F 8 a.m.-6 p.m.

www.facebook.com/SeadriftOperations

First Assembly OF GOd

ROBIN THE BARBER traditional cuts to the latest style specializing in men’s hair hot lather shaves women’s short hair

A Local Church With A Worldwide Ministry

Open Monday-Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Pastors Tim and Beverly Smith

Church: 361-785-7611 Parsonage: 361-785-5721 Fax: 361-785-7612

P.O. Box 279 Second and Dallas Streets Seadrift, Texas, 77983

The Shrimp Shack Home of the famous shrimp po-boy Specializing in fresh seafood, Old School Burgers

361-785-FOOD (3663) 302 W. Broadway • Seadrift Open Wed. -Mon. 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. (Closed Tuesday)

“Let us show you what coastal living is all about!”

Robin young baRbeR/stylist

102 Railroad St. Seadrift, Texas 77983 361-785-2400 jefayoung@sbcglobal.net

Capt. Kenny Wood

Toll Free: 888-309-3442 Phone: 361-785-4335 604 W. Broadway Seadrift, Texas www.reeltimelodging.com

LODGING & GUIDE SERVICE: Daily or weekly lodging. Each room is equipped with minifridge, microwave, flat screen TV and FREE WiFi. Book a fishing trip and enjoy a day of fun and relaxation on San Antonio Bay.

Capt. Cynthia Alford Realtor/Broker

Mallory Galloway Realtor

361-655-9690 or 361-785-3424

cindy@bbcoast.com; www.baybreezerealestate.com

Electronic Filing

ERC, ERD, ELECTRONIC REFUND CHECKS PRINTED IN OFFICE AND ELECTRONIC REFUND DIRECT DEPOSITS

Mallory Galloway Cynthia Alford 305 E. Broadway • Seadrift TX. 77983 Office: 361-785-3424 • Cell: 361-655-9690 Fax: 210-892-4941

1142 S. HWY. 185 E. Seadrift, TX 361.785.BOIL (2645) Calhoun County Life • Spring/Summer 2014

A race to the finish By KAYLA MEYER PORT LAVACA WAVE

The Texas coast is home to two boat races with finish lines in Calhoun County, the Texas 200 and the Texas Water Safari. Each year, both races bring visitors from Texas, the United States and around the world to compete in each event. Texas 200 Taking place over five days, the Texas 200 is a sailboat race where participants travel 200 miles north along the Texas Gulf Coast. This year’s event starts in Port Mansfield beginning June 9. Jack LaBarge, commodore of the Seadrift Sailing and Yacht Club, has participated in years past. Each day, sailors make their way to different stopping points and more than 25 boats have been registered as of April 2014, he added “It is people traversing 200 miles up the coast of Texas ending at Magnolia Beach,” LaBarge said. “We boat and camp. There are destinations every night. It’s a (20) to 45 mile trip per day, and you average 5-6 knots or about 5 miles per hour. It’s a pretty good day on the water.” LaBarge added that any day on the water is a good one. “I don’t think there is such a thing as a typical day,” LaBarge said. “Everyday of sailing is a good day. Some days are very calm all day long. Some days are calm in the morning and then howls at night or in the afternoon. I’ve seen it where it’s almost dead calm at 7 a.m. and then 35 knots of wind at 10 a.m. It is a variety of conditions all the time.” The first day, sailors are slated to make their way 26 miles north of Port Mansfield to Land Cut, which is about five miles south of Hap’s Cut. The second campsite is approximately 32 miles from the first campsite located south of Bird Island Basin. This was a stop in the 2011 race, according to the Texas 200 website. The third campsite is at Paul’s Mott, which is about

Texas Water Safari participants Jake Ondreas, left, and Casey Blinka paddle in San Antonio Bay toward the finish line at Bayfront Park. In addition the Texas Water Safari ending in Calhoun County, the Texas 200, a sailboat race along the Texas coast, does as well. Both races bring visitors from all over the world to Calhoun County. (Kayla Meyer/Wave photo) 45 miles north of the second campsite. The fourth campsite is at Army Hole in Espiritu Santo Bay with the final stop for the event located at Magnolia Beach. “It is a beautiful beach there, a sand beach, and a lot of boats launch that way. Some have to have boat ramp but each boat is a little different,” LaBarge said. At the final stopping point, sailors will be treated to a shrimp dinner and refreshments from Shiner. “These guys have been doing it every year. This will be the sixth year for the race. Shiner has supported us for about the last four years,” LaBarge said. “And Bubba’s has done the shrimp boil for us.” Unique to this year’s Texas 200 is an event called the Puddle Duck Racers, which is a boat with a design similar to a box made from plywood. “Puddle duck racers coming in that weekend for the nationals will also be that weekend,” LaBarge said. “As far as I understand, they’re planning on meeting, or some of us, out in the bay somewhere and sailing back in with us and joining us with our shrimp boil and things like that. So, number wise, it will be a lot of people.” Texas Water Safari Deemed the world’s toughest canoe race, the Texas Water

Calhoun County Life • Spring/Summer 2014

Safari is a 260-mile trek down the San Marcos and Guadalupe rivers starting at Aquarena Springs in San Marcos and ending in Seadrift. The 2014 Texas Water Safari is slated to begin June 14. This is the 52nd annual safari. Among numerous rules, the primary requirement is that each boat be only powered by human force. Race entrants are given 100 hours to reach the finish line. Seadrift resident Robert Chatham, who won the event and broke the record in 1976 with a time of 37 hours and 18 minutes, said the safari is one that takes preparation. “We did a lot of running, a lot of sit ups and we practiced on the weekends. We had to go to get in there and do the best we can,” Chatham said. “We would row from 10 to 14 hours a day and camp at night, and the next morning we would take off for another six to eight hours. “We loaded our boat down to practice with the weight because we carried everything with us. People were allowed to give us fresh water, but we carried all our supplies and food,” Chatham added. Chatham is not the only Calhoun County resident to have participated in the Texas Water Safari. Casey Blinka and Jake

Ondreas, who rowed under the team name The Port Lavaca Boys, participated in the event in 2012. They agreed that the race lived up to being tough. They completed the event in 83 hours. “Nights were the hardest for me,” Blinka said following the race. “Jake was really good though. He helped me get my head on straight and let me rest for an hour or two.” “The log jams were tough,” Ondreas added. “We had to carry the canoe like a mile through the brush, up on these trails, just to put back in the river to get past all of the log jams. That sucked. I even said a prayer then.” People from all over the world participate in the event. Chatham said he met people from throughout Texas as well as the United States. “The year that I won we had people from London, Louisiana, Canada, Mexico, a couple teams from the north east, and we had a lot of people from Texas. We even had a couple of professional football players come down and try their luck,” Chatham said. Once the race is complete, dinner and an award ceremony is held. Ondreas and Blinka also had their own dinner following the race. “It was awesome having all of our friends and family there waiting for us when we finished,” Blinka said. “We went to Skillet’s after that with everyone. I had chicken fried steak and Jake had breakfast food.” Blinka and Ondreas said they hope to compete in the race again some day, and although Chatham no longer races, he said he still participates in the race by helping others. “Since we did the race, I’ve had a rescue boat for the bay with other people. We set up day or night, and we go up the river and find out where they are, like if there’s an emergency. That’s’ what we do to support Texas Water Safari,” Chatham said. “It was exciting. I really enjoyed it.”

INDEPENDENT • ASSISTED LIVING • MEMORY CARE

“A Senior Living Community”

201 Trinity Shores Dr. 552-2333 www.trinityshores.com Facility ID# 102951

A place of Hope for those struggling with dementia. Calhoun County Life • Spring/Summer 2014

Port O’Connor hosts Warrior’s Weekend By KAYLA MEYER PORT LAVACA WAVE It all started one afternoon when Ron Kocian, the president of Warrior’s Weekend, was watching television. “I was watching TV on a Sunday and saw a small event take place somewhere else and got some friends together and asked if they would like to be involved, and they said yes,” Kocian said. With the help of those friends and hundreds of volunteers, Kocian went on to found Warrior’s Weekend, an event-filled weekend dedicated to the veterans of the United States, with an emphasis on those who served in the ‘Global War on Terror.’ Warrior’s Weekend’s main attraction is the fishing event in Port O’Connor, where local boaters volunteer to take wounded service members fishing. First held in 2007, the next Warrior’s Weekend is slated for May 17, 2014. Although Warrior’s Weekend started out with smaller numbers, it has grown exponentially. There were just 55 service members and their families that first year, Kocian said. The service men and women, and their families, come from all over the country. Veterans, greeted at the airport, make their way to Calhoun County. One veteran who flew in for last year’s event was Sergeant First Class Victor Birdseye who was stationed in Fort Benning, Ga. “The drive to Port O’Connor is fantastic. You’re being escorted in by Texas police and Patriot Guard Riders. It’s overwhelming as you come through the small towns and

Each year, numerous volunteers take members of the United States military fishing as part of Warrior’s Weekend, a weekend dedicated to the veterans with an emphasis on those who served in the ‘Global War on Terror.’ This year’s event is slated for May 17, 2014 and was first held in 2007. (Kayla Meyer/Wave photo) streets lined with people and even school children. I wish the entire nation could be like that, every soldier received that welcome,” Birdseye said. In Port O’Connor, veterans are greeted by volunteers waiting to take them fishing and hundreds of people waiting to say ‘thank you’ to the veterans for their service. “That’s just the beginning,” Birdseye said. “You have people driving in from all over to sit with these guys, and talk to them and tell them thank you. You have the local FFA and 4-H groups, cheerleading groups, youth organizations, all showing up to help. Everyone is telling them ‘Thank you, I appreciate what you’ve done.’ It goes a long way to heal wounds that wouldn’t otherwise have healed for a long time.”

Calhoun County Life • Spring/Summer 2014

Birdseye, who has been in the military for over 17 years, served overseas in Iraq from 2000 until 2005 and again for a 15-month tour from 2009-2010 with the 25th Infantry Brigade Combat Division. Not only does Warrior’s Weekend give service members a chance to fish and relax, but it also gives them an opportunity to speak with other service members who have gone through similar experiences. Birdseye said he did not experience any kind of welcome home until he started attending wounded warrior-type events, adding that being outdoors goes along way to help the healing process. “I really think that if you take a soldier, especially someone who has traumatic brain injury and put them in a

natural environment, it helps his body to be back in tune to natural rhythm. It is not a natural rhythm in combat having to survive,” Birdseye said. “It takes time and energy and effort, but if you put a guy on a boat in the ocean, or anything with that large natural movement, it helps to bring their body back in tune. It’s a step in the right direction.” Additionally, Birdseye said a lot of returning veterans experience post-traumatic stress disorder, as well as other physical injuries. Being able to speak with other veterans and to see how they are healing helps with their personal healing process. “Warrior’s Weekend really helps them open up and realize other people have gone through the same things. They’re talking to people in different stages of healing,” Birdseye said. “It can be frustrating to adjust to normal society. It’s easy to give up, to turn to drugs or alcohol, but talking to your fellow comrades going through the same kinds of things, it’s an opportunity to get better.” Many service members’ family members also attend Warrior’s Weekend. Birdseye said that families often want the veterans in their lives to attend these types of events, since it gives them the opportunity to interact with other service members who suffer from similar types of injuries. “We’ve had the same experiences, and it also gives spouses a chance to talk to other spouses, to know they’re not alone,” he said. In addition to the Warrior’s Weekend main event in May, smaller events are also held See page 62

SIEGELER INSURANCE AGENCY, INC. Tommy Hardegree

Personal service is our first policy. P.O. Box 339, Port O’Connor TX 77982 Office: (361) 983-2010 Fax: (361) 983-2011 Giddings office 800-283-4086 thardegree@siegins.com

POC RENTALS ON

WWW.POCRENTALS.COM

A View To A Rental

Take A Virtual Tour Of These Properties at YouTube.com and search for POC Rentals:

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

Coastal Boat Srvs. Unltd. MSales,arineService, Electronics Installation GPS, Radar, VHF, Auto-Pilots, Depth Finders, Stereo Systems Chuck Carter Electronic Technician

Give Chuck A Call Before Ordering

LIKE US ON

ROSENBOOM HOUSE

DRUM RUNNER

3 bed/2 bath Sleeps 8 guys on Powderhorn Ranchline

GEISSEN HOUSE 3 bed/2 bath house with a great view of the Intracoastal Canal

Unit C

UNIT B

3 bed/2 bath lodge on the water

3 bed/3 bath condo with a guaranteed boat slip

3 bed/4.5 bath condo with a spectacular view from the back deck

PIRATE COvE #1

PIRATE COvE #14

KUECHER HOUSE

Newly remodeled waterfront condo with a private boat slip

2 bed/2.5 bath two story condo with new amenities

LAFITTE LANDING EAST

2 bed/2 bath condo directly on the Intracoastal Canal

4 bed/2 bath across from Froggie’s Boat Ramp

503 S. 12TH STREET

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

Port O'Connor Rentals Coastal Boat Srvs. Unltd.

Serving Commercial & Recreational Fishermen since 1994.

Condominium /House, Lodge Rentals ... Offshore Charters ... Marine Electronics

2244 W. Adams Ave., Port O’Connor

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

361-983-4371

Calhoun County Life • Spring/Summer 2014

Calhoun County Life â€˘ Spring/Summer 2014

SHRIMPFEST from page 54 and got shrimp to donate for it. We had shrimp and had a band, sack races and boat races in the bay and the boats paraded in bay.” Amason added that the first Seadrift police car was presented at a Shrimpfest. “We got the first Seadrift police car,” Amason said. “The festival was about the hometown, and we would do activities that people here would enjoy. It was old fashioned fun.” Although Amason no longer takes part in organization of the event, she still visits the Shrimpfest along with her husband, Jerry, her daughter Jana, and her son, Jayson and his wife, Nicole. “We go listen to music, and I have had grandchildren and nieces and nephews in the pageants,” Amason said. “I enjoy it for the town, and it’s good that Seadrift has something to look forward to.” This year, Amason said she is looking forward to the food. “We always go down and get some food. They have nice food like egg rolls and chili and the Catholic Church and other booths have tons of different foods,” Amason said. “We all still go.”

2620 Stella St. 361-983-2231

(Corner of Stella and Byers)

NEW ARRIVALS Match Point

Thurs. - Sat.

Yellow Box

10 a.m-5 p.m.

Reef Shoes

Starting June 1st open 7 days GREAT a week SELECTIONS! 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

CostaProperties Bonita “Specializing in Buyer’s Representation in Port O’Connor Paul McGee-Realtor/Owner 361-571-5263

Port O’Connor, Texas www.CostaBonitaProperties.com Bill Tigrett-Broker

Calhoun County Life • Spring/Summer 2014

Warrior’s Weekend from page 58 throughout the year. Brian Noaker, a corporal in United States Army, has attended one of the smaller events held in Port O’Connor. Noaker, who was also stationed at Fort Benning, Ga., served in the Middle East in 2010 with the U.S. Army. Tasked with route clearance, his mission, he said, was to find roadside bombs. Noaker said the southern hospitality in Texas could really be felt. “It was weird because being in military, you’re always doing things for yourself, but in Port O’Connor, they were there to serve you 100 percent,” he added. “I’m not used to people doing stuff to that degree. That was really humbling, to know that there are people out there willing to do stuff like that.” Like Noaker, SFC Antoinette McClain has attended smaller events. However, McClain said that through the smaller events, she has built up relationships with other veterans. Like many other service

members, McClain, who worked in logistics in the military, said she did not experience much in the way of a homecoming, especially since she was at Fort Benning in Georgia instead of her home at the time in Seattle, Wash. In the U.S. Army Reserves, McClain said she also worked in San Antonio for a time between deployments. “My first trip to Texas for this was in 2010. They incorporated me with a small group of people,” McClain said. “I’ve never experience anything like that in my life, people appreciating me, the kids waving the flags, and the young kids telling you thank you for serving. I was speechless. I couldn’t say anything. I was so overwhelmed with the care and concern people had in Texas. It was unbelievable.” None of Warrior’s Weekend events would be possible, Kocian and the soldiers stressed, without the generosity of all the volunteers. One of the local volunteers is Linda Hundley and her family.

“As a family for the past six years we’ve been taking in two soldiers. Our house is very modest, but our downstairs room has two twin beds and it has a bathroom, kind of a little room, so we take in soldiers,” Hundley said. “We had a general and his daughter one year. That was very interesting. She even cooked dinner for us one night. That was amazing.” As volunteers, Hundley and her family try to help where they can, she said, including the fishing the Friday evening before the main event on Saturday. She added that even her grandchildren help out. “We greet them as they come off the bus, and everybody finds a friend or a family and we come over and get them rods and reels and bait and take them and find them a place. We have lots of chairs,” Hundley said. “Everybody sits around and fishes and we talk. It’s amazing…I have five of my grandchildren that come, and they’re little. They’re 12 to six (years old). They’re my baiters.”

Once people begin fishing, the evening slows down a little, Hundley said, adding that volunteers and service members sit and talk with each other. “Some of them are so strong. I had two boys in the service, and they came home. I have to get up and walk away sometimes because they’re so strong about it, but this is just what happened to them. This is their life and this is the way it is,” Hundley said. “Then they have their children with them and they’re having so much fun.” It’s the volunteers that the service men and women thank. Although McClain has been to many different trips for wounded service members, she said that she has never seen them they way they are held in Texas. “We always talk when we get together, talk about our experiences…I always tell soldiers, ‘Go one time to Texas and see the love that the people have for us,’” McClain said. “It’s amazing.”

sightseeing, bird watching and enjoying the harbor area, this area is known for its great view of the ocean.

established in 1964 by the Calhoun County Commissioners’ Court. Originally housed in the 1896 Jail building it eventually moved to the Courthouse Annex Building and then to its present location.

Golf The 9-hole course at the Hatch Bend Country Club facility in Port Lavaca features 3,054 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 36. Hatch Bend golf course opened in 1957.

Live Theatre Port Lavaca Main Street Theatre is a great showcase for local talent. A small group of passionate and dedicated people keep live theatre available in Port Lavaca. Several plays are performed throughout the year, including a children’s production during June.

Aransas Wildlife Refuge The Refuge Complex is comprised of over 115,000 acres including the Blackjack Peninsula (Aransas proper), Matagorda Island, Myrtle Foester Whitmire, Tatton and Lamar units. These areas provide vital resting, feeding, wintering and nesting grounds for migratory birds and native Texas wildlife. The refuge is world renowned for hosting the largest wild flock of endangered whooping cranes each winter. Other native species you can see on the Refuge include the American alligator, javelina, roseate spoonbill, white-tailed deer, armadillo and spectacular wildflowers.

Things to do from page 39 Plastics Corporation, the site provides a “wildlife sanctuary for indigenous wetland species, opportunities for wildlife education, and viewing access for birders and other enthusiasts,” reports Formosa Plastics. Crabbing Magnolia Beach is the place to be for crabbing and has its own crabbing bridge. It is a very popular place for all ages to enjoy. There are several other places along the waterfront to crab but be sure to visit the bridge. Community Gardens A very large community garden where residents can rent a small tract of land which is then theirs for the season to grow what they please. This allows people from the city a chance to grow their very own vegetables and share the experience with children. Wildflowers A drive down Texas Hwy. 238 towards Magnolia beach is a wonderful site to enjoy some Texas wildflowers and take some pictures to add to your memory book or scrapbooking pages. At the right time of year, stretch of highway is flush with Bluebonnets, Indian Blankets and so many more. Port Lavaca Art Guild The Port Lavaca Art Guild features great local talent. They have art classes, art shows and much more. These walls are climbing with works of art. Port Lavaca Peninsula A large area great for fishing, picnicking,

Fishing in Port Lavaca Matagorda Bay, Espiritu Santo Bay, San Antonio Bay, Lavaca Bay and Caranchua Bay are full of redfish, shark, trout, flounder, pompano, gafftops, whiting, croakers, sheepheads, drum, jack crevalle, Spanish mackerel and the silver king of game fish, tarpon. Calhoun County also offers the best natural passes or entries to the Gulf on the Texas Gulf Coast. Six Mile Where Six Mile creek empties into the bay is a prime fishing area as well as a hundred yards either side. This area also has a wadeable bottom and is a good place to find flounder bedded up at night. If fishing at night for trout, throw worm jigs, live bait under popping corks or plastic baits, with or without a popping cork. If reds or drum are your target, dead shrimp or cut bait (mullet, croaker, squid, crab) is good fished on bottom. Live mullet, croaker, perch, fished on bottom are also good for reds and drum, and possibly and occasional trout. If you bring a cast net, the boat slip is a good place to pick up live bait as well the shorelines are also a good spot. A prime spot is on either side of the road over the little creek seen just as you enter the park area. The Harbor A harbor of refuge was also created at Port Lavaca for the protection of boats during storms. In 1963, the Port of Port LavacaPoint Comfort was designated a United States customs port of entry. Calhoun County Museum The Calhoun County Museum

Calhoun County Life • Spring/Summer 2014

was

Main Street Port Lavaca Main Street, Inc. is a nonprofit organization formed in September of 1989 to revitalize and preserve the historic downtown area of Port Lavaca. Due to the efforts of the Main Street Committee, the downtown area is once again beginning to thrive. The area hosts a variety of businesses and is home to the oldest business in Port Lavaca, Melcher’s Hardware, which has been serving customers since 1917 and has been proclaimed a historic landmark. Walking Track Lighthouse Beach Park has a mile long walking track. This track is along the water and boardwalk with a great birding view. Beachcombing Many locals and tourists love to just roll up their pants and walk along the beach. There are many findings along the beach. The fun will never end in the many things and stories people tell of their adventure of beachcombing. Sunrises and sunsets on the beach This is an experience in itself, looking out over the ocean and it seems the water touches the sun. No buildings, no cars, nothing for miles and miles, just you and serenity.

Main Street Gallery This gallery features so many pictures of the true history of Calhoun County, there are walls and walls of pictures featuring all you want to know about the area. Calhoun Air Center The airport was recently named the states most improved by the Texas Aviation Conference. It has been completely renovated and is up and running, stop in and check it out. Indianola Fishing Marina Tucked away at the very end of Highway 316 is a fisherman’s paradise. The marina sits between Powderhorn Lake and Matagorda Bay and is a prime spot for trout, redfish, flounder and even duck hunting. The lighted pier and covered patio are open 24 hours a day for anyone wishing to fish in the wee hours of the morning or even during a rainstorm.

Melissa Sterling — Manager LaVon Garcia Debbie Baldera Jennifer Daniels Wendy Marvin 2121 Sailboat • Port Lavaca, TX Phone: (361) 551-2300  Fax: (361) 551-2312