Steve Holland to Retire. . .What Memories

One of Plantersville's own most valued 'connections,' Steve Holland had announced last year his plan to retire from his illustrious career in the Mississippi House of Representatives.  My thought was 'I'm not accepting or believing this yet. . .  Just wait.'  He is much too cherished, funny, honest, a good man serving many years in the House--he's much 'too everything' to leave his post at his young age.  I knew he had faced health problems, spending long recovery days at UMMC, but that was over.  He was back taking care of his business and doing his best with the state's (wacky) business.

But the 'just wait' thought disappeared when our nephew called yesterday after hearing this March 2017 announcement: Steve had announced his plan to retire at the close of the current term because of a diagnosis of dementia.   I have to believe it this time. Steve sounds fine, mentioning short-term memory problems but with the expectation of further development in the dementia diagnosis.

I 'tuned in' to several of Steve's presentations available on computer.  There was an impromptu talk to a group of people meeting on health care; he was adamant on the need for health care coverage for everyone.  Another talk had him close to, if not actually, pounding the podium for public education.         

His address to a session of Boys' State, a program he had participated in as a high school junior, was the most dynamic review of his life, career, and political and religious philosophy that I have heard.  He shared wonderful directions to the group about love for fellow man, participation in the community, and contributions to government, whether seeking election or as an 'at-home' citizen.  Don't position yourself too far to the left or too far to the right, he admonished. Look beyond the front of your face in making decisions, he said, summing up with the thought: "Think above and beyond today."  

Steve has always been special to George and me, and do I ever miss George being here at this time.  That July day in 2011 at the hospital when George departed this world, before I could look up his telephone number, Steve was calling me, saying, "Don't do anything.  I can take care of George.  I'm on my way."  

So many memories. . .  Any wonder I am teary just writing this Connection piece. . .

Recognizing Jack Wuichet

The Plantersville Connection has been inactive too long, and I hope that I can post an important thought, recognizing the death last year of Jack Wuichet.  George and I were very much impressed with his life and commitment.  He and Frances were always kind of us and to our family.  I am sorry I am late with this recognition, but I know George would want these words placed on the 'Connection.'

Jacques Earnest “Jack” Wuichet died peacefully last Oct. 24, 2016, at his home after an extended illness. He was 83. A native of Monroe, LA, Jack was born on Dec. 21, l932, to Willie Walker Wuichet and Frances McCormick Wuichet. He married Frances Issac Wuichet on July 2, l954, in Dunn, LA.  He began his working career in a furniture factory and served as a union organizer, working with labor union movements all his life. He was a 20-year member of the United Steel Workers. He and his family moved to Plantersville from Swartz, LA, in l973 and immediately became contributing, involved citizens. A staunch Democrat, Jack loved political campaigns and upheld the labor movement positions with passion and intelligence. He was elected to the Plantersville Board of Aldermen in l997 and served until retiring in 2013. He devoted many hours to the Town Park. The Town eventually named the Park the Grant-Wuichet Park to honor his contributions. Known far and wide as the “Can Man,” Jack for over 20 years collected and sold tin cans to benefit the causes of the Town of Plantersville. Over the years, he received numerous awards for his volunteer work and in 2007, the Mississippi Municipal Association granted Jack and the Town of Plantersville its “Excellence Award for Community Spirit” for his contributions to the good of all mankind. He also won the President’s Volunteer Service Award. A member of the First Baptist Church of Plantersville, Jack enjoyed people, public service, his family and all causes related to the “working man.”  A celebration of his life was held Oct. 27 at the Tupelo Chapel of Holland Funeral Directors. The Rev. Danny Balint officiated, with the eulogy delivered by Rep. Steve Holland.  Burial was at Plantersville Cemetery.