Sunday, May 19, 2024
Diane Long
PECAN PLANTATION BITS
A Mississippi native who has been a Texas transplant for 28 years, Diane Long is a wife, mother and English teacher who has written Pecan Plantation Bits for 14 years cumulatively. She spends her time gathering neighborhood news and teaching students how to avoid passive voice.
The Pecan Plantation Community Gardens is gleaning a bountiful harvest from all its planting and hard work earlier this growing season. On its recent workday, 20 members picked green beans, potatoes, squash, cucumbers, peppers, okra, onions, and garlic, and very soon, tomatoes and okra will be appearing daily.
Neighbors interested in joining this gardening group are invited either to stop by the garden when members are out working or visit the PAC for a membership application. The gardens are located on Plantation Drive near the walking track.
In addition, Community Gardens members donated extra green beans to a recent dinner honoring our neighborhood’s emergency responders. Garden club member Donna Bullis prepared the harvest, and the bounty received comments of praise and inquiries on its origin. Folks partaking were totally impressed and deemed the produce “absolutely delicious!”
DAD’S DAY
Father’s Day comes tomorrow, Sunday, June 18, and reservations for a holiday brunch close soon. Three seating times are available (10 a.m., noon, and 2 p.m.). The menu will boast “lots of meats” for dad to enjoy. Call the clubhouse front desk to reserve a table: 817-573-2641.
STREET IMPROVEMENTS
Multiple road work projects will begin Monday, June 19, says Sam Watts, chair of Pecan’s Infrastructure Committee. Folks will see crews first on Prospect Hill before moving to Brierfield, Bellechase, and Monticello. Completion of the work will provide smoother, improved streets in our community. Work will take several weeks to complete, and residents are asked to be patient and understanding during the construction schedule.
GOOD READS
The Hood County Bookmobile will be at the PAC on Wednesday, June 21 from 10:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. Patrons should bring library cards for checking out materials.
SHARP DESIGN
Pecan is seeking to update its front entrance, and residents with a talent for design are needed. Our community is holding a competition open to all members who would like to have a lasting impact on Pecan in addition to winning a four-course meal for four created by Chef Jordan Ray, a plaque at the newly redesigned front entrance, and of course, bragging rights. Send both inquiries and submissions to Jay Arrington at jay.arrington@ppoaweb.com. Entry deadline is Friday, June 23.
THEATER TIME
Missoula Children’s Theater is coming to Pecan for its annual summer appearance, and this year’s play of choice is Cinderella. Auditions will begin at 10 a.m. on Monday, June 26 at the PAC gym and are open to students entering grades one through twelve. Actors must be available for rehearsals for the entire week, both morning and afternoon, as well as for both performances on Saturday, July 1.
Participation in this event is free, and attendees may sign up for audition times at the PAC: 817-573-7952.
PICNIC OUTING
Pecan’s Widows and Widowers Club enjoyed hearing Broadway hits performed by Ray Scott and Lois Akers at its May meeting, and although the pace slows down in the summer months, the group, which has grown to approximately 40 members, continues to invite and will welcome new Pecan widows and widowers to join its next gathering on Tuesday, June 27.
The evening will begin with a reception at 5:30 p.m. followed by a picnic dinner at 6 p.m. at Pecan’s RV pavilion. Sloppy Joe sandwiches will be provided by Chef Jordan Ray, and attendees will contribute sides and desserts. Guitarist Carolyn Troland will provide music and “campfire sing-along” tunes, and corn hole, golf disc toss, and Chutes and Ladders will complete the evening. Cool and casual dress is welcome.
Folks planning to attend should respond to Caryl Mahaffey at caryl.mahaffey@charter.net before noon on Tuesday, June 20. The club is open to all widows and widowers living in Pecan.
POOL LIFE
With summer having arrived and the clubhouse pool in full operation, food service in the new and improved Poolside Lounge (the former Teen Room) has commenced. Pecan’s youth are welcome to come inside the area to enjoy cool air, games, activities, and food in addition to staff now being able to take orders and serve food and drinks poolside. Cuisine service runs daily (except Mondays) from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
ART EVENT
It is not too early for Pecaners to mark their calendars for the Pecan Plantation Art Guild’s Fine Art Show 2023 coming up on Friday, July 14 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday, July 15 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the Pecan clubhouse ballroom. The PPAG boasts a wealth of talent, and the show will provide neighbors an opportunity to admire the work of guild members.
AWARD WINNER
Congratulations to Mike Barrett on receiving the Firefighter of the Year for Pecan Plantation Station 80.
SUMMER FUN
Activities of the season for the youngest residents of Pecan (“Let’s Sing and Act” and Art Rocks Camp among others) continue each week at the PAC. Visit the front desk for a full schedule of offerings.
SYMPATHY
Our deepest sympathy goes to the family of David Freeman, who passed away June 5.
dianedlong@yahoo.com | 817-579-9360
