Wednesday, May 8, 2024
A Mississippi native who has been a Texas transplant for 26 years, Diane Long is a wife, mother and English teacher who has written Pecan Plantation Bits for 13 years cumulatively. She spends her time bother gathering neighborhood news and teaching students how to avoid passive voice.
Next Wednesday brings Veterans Day when Americans salute the men and women who serve in our armed forces and protect our daily freedoms.
One very special veteran who served Pecaners as a member of our community’s security department was Willard Butcher. Willard passed away on Oct. 8, and his family sends gratitude to the residents and staff of Pecan for friendship and kindness shown to Willard during the years he served as a gate guard. Willard’s family affirms how much Pecaners meant to him, and Pecaners know how special Willard was to our community.
Willard joined the United States Navy at the young age of 16 and served for four years during World War II. After his military service, Willard married and had a family, and after retiring, he moved to Pecan.
A big day for Willard came when he was chosen to be a part of Honor Flight and traveled to Washington D.C. with a group of other World War II veterans.
Willard worked in Pecan until after he was 90 years old and passed away at age 93. His remains were interred at the Dallas-Forth Worth National Cemetery.
Much sympathy goes to the family of Willard Butcher on its loss; may his relatives be comforted in knowing the affection the Pecan community held for him.
PICKLEBALL PLAY
This morning from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. brings a beginner pickleball clinic at the outdoor courts behind the PAC. Additional dinics will happen Friday at the same time and Nov. 17 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. in the PAC gym. The clinics are free, and no registration is required.
TENNIS TODAY
“Teen Tennis at Pecan” debuts today from noon to 1 p.m. for players ages 13 and up. The sessions are $20 each, and sign up is in the tennis pro shop: 817-579-9412.
PAINT PARTY
Pecan resident and artist Heidi Easley will be leading a “Christmas Wine Tree Paint Party” Tuesday from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at the PAC where registration is happening: 817-573-7952.
WOMAN’S CLUB
The next gathering of the Pecan Plantation Woman’s Club comes Nov. 19. Reservations are due by noon Friday. Secure a spot by sending an email to ppwcres@ gmail.com or calling Gerta Howell at 817-964-3139.
UPCOMING ELECTION
Pecaners have received ballots and information regarding the selection of two new members to the Pecan Plantation Volunteer Fire Department and EMS Board of Directors.
The board meeting and election will occur Nov. 14 at 10 a.m. on the emergency services compound on Monticello Drive. Ballots must be submitted before that time. Vying for a board seat are David Budington, Dennis Fringeli, Jim Kahlke, Don McComas, David Stilwell, Randolph Stuart and Terry Winborn.
SUCCESSFUL DAY
Congratulations to Pecan’s Sports and Recreation Committee and the PAC staff on holding a very successful trunk or treat event last week. More accolades go to the Volunteer Fire Department/Emergency Medical Service Auxiliary on selling out of barbecue sandwiches at its Halloween fundraiser.
NEW DIRECTOR
Pecan Plantation welcomes Lloyd Treadwell as a new member of our neighborhood’s board of directors. Lloyd is a long-time member of Pecan and has served on numerous committees in previous years.
MARINA MEETING
Pecan’s Marina Committee is now chaired by John Egerman, Julie Gillett serves as secretary, and Johnathan Jones acts as the board of directors representative.
The group’s next meeting will be Nov. 9 in the Pecan clubhouse ballroom at 6 p.m. Guests are invited to attend.
SYMPATHY
Our sympathy goes to the family of former Pecan resident Russell Meyer, who passed away on Oct. 22.
dianelong@yahoo.com / 817-579-9360
