Plano Profile May 2009 : Page 111
my drift Give the kids a turn T here was a time when my son was convinced I knew every- body in Plano. More specifically, he believed I knew everyone’s mother. invariably, when he introduced me to a new friend i would remark, “oh, i know your mom.” He generally responded with his signature eye roll. Knowing the basketball ref- eree’s mom can gain one some credibility, though. Twenty years ago, during halftime of a second grade YMCa game, i in- troduced myself to the high-school-age referee. He turned out to be the son of my friend Pam Barbera, who was well known around town at that time for her presentations on historic Jefferson. You’ve probably heard nathan Barbera’s name lately, since he’s now all grown up and running for Plano independent School District trustee. not long ago i arrived in town for my regular “Plano fix” just in time to meet my friend Mary at nathan’s campaign kickoff event. i couldn’t help but be touched by the full-circle aspect of this former teenaged referee, the son of my friend, accepting the chal- lenge to seek leadership of PiSD. also present that evening was Mary’s son, Ben Harris, who was part of a church youth group i chaperoned on a mission trip one long ago summer. Ben is also ventur- ing into public service, seeking election to the Plano city council. His baby daughter lainey, nathan’s brand new son Palmer, and little Cooper, son of also-Plano-born sup- porters Jessica and Martin Jackson, provided plenty of diversion for those of us who relish the opportunity to rock babies. i just love it that home-grown Plano kids are choosing to raise their families in Plano. What a wonderful tribute to the city in which they spent their formative years. it’s particularly gratifying to see the next generation taking on the responsibility of making sure Plano remains a place young adults want to continue to call home. My generation has done an admirable job; though i can personally take no credit, i salute a number of friends who have faithfully served. one of those friends, Mayor Pat evans, will be retiring this month, being “termed out,” as they say. She has com- pleted the maximum allowed three terms as mayor, after having served several years as a city council member. Pat is living proof that being blonde and pretty doesn’t mean that’s all you have to offer. i’ve admired her since my early days of Junior league of Plano membership. Many past presidents retire from active league service, but Pat continued to serve as a member of the board of directors post-presidency. i remember her reports at meetings being intelligent, concise, and just witty enough to keep listeners engaged. i was duly impressed when she returned to school to obtain her Juris Doctorate from Southern Methodist University School of law and became a practicing attorney. Her many accomplishments include an impressive record of service to the city and to the community. i know the citizens of Plano join me in extending deep appreciation to Pat for her leadership and in wishing her the very best. e ven as the next generation steps up to the plate, don’t be too quick to count my generation out. Though my longtime friend Phil Dyer’s two sons are not currently seeking office, their father does happen to be running for mayor. Those of us who remember the band Paul McCartney played in before he was with Wings (i as- sure you Phil does) can take comfort in that. let’s hear it for the baby boomers! Whatever generation you claim as your own, i hope your plans this month include heading for the polls. Citizen input is critical to the success of a democracy, and local elections are the best opportunity for our individual votes to make a difference. Your vote counts, so make sure you use it on May 9. ■ MAY 2009 Plano Profile 111 patsy morriss
My Drift
patsy morriss
Give the kids a turn
There was a time when my son was convinced I knew everybody in Plano. More specifically, he believed I knew everyone’s mother. Invariably, when he introduced me to a new friend I would remark, “Oh, I know your mom.” He generally responded with his signature eye roll.
Knowing the basketball referee’s mom can gain one some credibility, though. Twenty years ago, during halftime of a second grade YMCA game, I introduced myself to the high-school-age referee. He turned out to be the son of my friend Pam Barbera, who was well known around town at that time for her presentations on historic Jefferson.
You’ve probably heard Nathan Barbera’s name lately, since he’s now all grown up and running for Plano Independent School District trustee. Not long ago I arrived in town for my regular “Plano fix” just in time to meet my friend Mary at Nathan’s campaign kickoff event. I couldn’t help but be touched by the full-circle aspect of this former teenaged referee, the son of my friend, accepting the challenge to seek leadership of PISD.
Also present that evening was Mary’s son, Ben Harris, who was part of a church youth group I chaperoned on a mission trip one long ago summer. Ben is also venturing into public service, seeking election to the Plano city council. His baby daughter Lainey, Nathan’s brand new son Palmer, and little Cooper, son of also-Plano-born supporters Jessica and Martin Jackson, provided plenty of diversion for those of us who relish the opportunity to rock babies.
I just love it that home-grown Plano kids are choosing to raise their families in Plano. What a wonderful tribute to the city in which they spent their formative years. It’s particularly gratifying to see the next generation taking on the responsibility of making sure Plano remains a place young adults want to continue to call home. My generation has done an admirable job; though I can personally take no credit, I salute a number of friends who have faithfully served.
One of those friends, Mayor Pat Evans, will be retiring this month, being “termed out,” as they say. She has completed the maximum allowed three terms as mayor, after having served several years as a city council member.
Pat is living proof that being blonde and pretty doesn’t mean that’s all you have to offer. I’ve admired her since my early days of Junior League of Plano membership. Many past presidents retire from active league service, but Pat continued to serve as a member of the board of directors post-presidency. I remember her reports at meetings being intelligent, concise, and just witty enough to keep listeners engaged.
I was duly impressed when she returned to school to obtain her Juris Doctorate from Southern Methodist University School of Law and became a practicing attorney.
Her many accomplishments include an impressive record of service to the city and to the community. I know the citizens of Plano join me in extending deep appreciation to Pat for her leadership and in wishing her the very best.
E ven as the next generation steps up to the plate, don’t be too quick to count my generation out.Though my longtime friend Phil Dyer’s two sons are not currently seeking office, their father does happen to be running for mayor. Those of us who remember the band Paul McCartney played in before he was with Wings (I assure you Phil does) can take comfort in that. Let’s hear it for the baby boomers!
Whatever generation you claim as your own, I hope your plans this month include heading for the polls. Citizen input is critical to the success of a democracy, and local elections are the best opportunity for our individual votes to make a difference. Your vote counts, so make sure you use it on May 9.
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