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USCG Auxiliary Flotilla 5-14
installs new officers
By Kerry Yancey
Monitor Staff Writer
KEMP–Dr. Bill Fackler was ceremonially installed as the
U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 5-14 commander, and David Tanner as
the Flotilla vice commander during the Flotilla’s annual Change of Watch
banquet Saturday.
“The major change in having Bill Fackler assume command,” two-year
outgoing commander David Laing told the gathering at the Cedar Creek
Country Club, “is that he will take Flotilla 5-14 to new levels of
excellence.”
Fackler, a retired pediatrician, noted he had worked in the Auxiliary
more than 29 years before being named commander.
“I’ve avoided it to the best of my ability,” he said, getting a big
laugh.
Tanner noted the Auxiliary was continuing to face a major operational
challenge, due to the record-low water level in Cedar Creek Lake.
In addition to the new commander and vice commander, new Flotilla staff
members were also ceremonially sworn in by incoming USCG Auxiliary
Division 5 Capt. Neal Pugsley and outgoing Division 5 Capt. Mike Coyne.
“I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again. Anytime you have something
happening in Division 5, look to 5-14, because they’ll do it right,”
Coyne said.
“The leadership you’ve given to the Division is outstanding,” Pugsley
told the group.
Laing and Coyne handed out numerous awards to Flotilla members for
achievements during the past year.
A special Coast Guard Auxiliary award was presented to Charles and Betty
Abbott in recognition of their outstanding efforts to save four people
from a swamped boat on Cedar Creek Lake July 25, 2004.
New staff officers for 2007 include vessel examiner Dave Rist, secretary
Helga Nicholas, communications John Steele, communication services
Howard Nicholas, membership training John Griffin and finances Bruce
Ruska.
Also, operations Charles Abbott, marine dealer visitation Royce Brimage,
social chairman Betty Abbott, information services Rosemary Farmer, aids
to navigation Sandy Janow, public affairs Linda Fernald, publications
Jan Harding and public education Al Harding.
Low-cost pet vaccination offered
Special to The Monitor
CRANDALL–Kaufman County Animal Awareness Project will be offering a
low-cost vaccination clinic from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9, at
their new facility located in Crandall.
Rabies vaccinations will be offered for $6 and complete vaccination
packages will be available for $20.
Dog packages include DAV2PPv plus Cv plus rabies and Cat packages
include FVRP-C plus rabies.
Additional vaccinations include Bordetella (Kennel Cough) $10, Lime $10,
Feline Leukemia for $10.
“We have seen a huge increase in Parvo cases at the clinic this fall.
The
warm weather has helped the virus survive into the winter months.
Please keep your pets vaccinated against this deadly disease.” KCAAP
president Bonnie Hill said.
Microchips will be offered at $10 which includes lifetime registration
in the national data base.
Additional services available are heartworm test, deworming, flea
prevention
and Heartworm prevention. Every visitor will receive a free gift for
their pet.
KCAAP is located at 1317 U.S. Highway 175, Suite 1100 in Crandall.
The building is located on the northwest side of U.S Highway 175, four
building down from Farm-to-Market 148.
No appointment is necessary. Contact them at (972) 472-3500.
Van Zandt County toy run
scheduled
Special to The Monitor
WILLS POINT–The Third Annual Butch Adkison Toy Run for Van Zandt County
is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 9.
Motorcyclists begin at Lester Field in Wills Point at noon and ride
through Edgewood, Fruitvale, Grand Saline and Canton.
The ride ends at Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 9171 on I-20 in
Canton for the collection of toys and contributions.
There will be free chili, picture opportunities with “Harley Santa,”
live music, door prizes, and onsite vendors.
U.S. Navy veteran and motorcycle enthusiast Butch Adkison began this toy
run with the help of VFW Post 9171 and the Ladies Auxiliary in 2004 to
bring toys and financial assistance to needy families in the county.
He was soon joined by more than 100 bikers who participated in the first
run.
In the summer of 2005, Adkison had to have both of his legs amputated
above the knees and was unable to ride his motorcycle any longer but was
determined the toy run would go on.
He helped organize the second annual toy ride in December of 2005 and it
raised more than $3,000 and 150 toys. Sadly, Adkison passed away just
weeks later.
Organizers of this year’s event have dedicated the toy run to his
memory.
Anyone wishing to contribute may bring an unwrapped toy or $10 donation
to the Canton VFW or call the numbers below.
All toys and financial donations go to assist needy families in Van
Zandt County, including the families of Soldiers in the Armed Forces.
For more information call Marvonne Land at (214) 676-7282 or Sam Sahami
at (903) 288-6369.
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