http://www.pecanvalleycommunicators.org/

Pecan Valley Communicators, 205 E. Weinert Street, Seguin, TX (2026)

05/22/2026

The Pecan Valley Communicators met on May 20th with President David Caulkins calling on Gwenn Long for an Inspirational Thought. Following the Pledge of Allegiance, Mary Caulkins and Brett Dillon were welcomed as guests.

President Caulkins served as the Meeting Leader and shared the top twenty Texas-born musicians as he led the meeting.

President Caulkins also stepped up as the Training Presenter. His training segment, "The Invisible Prop", was informative as well as entertaining. As he made related comments, he quickly donned three different looks (a mortician, a doctor, and a chemical company representative) to demonstrate the impact a speaker's apparel can have on the message being delivered.

Richard Brewer was the evening's first speaker with "My Best Friend". Richard believes that if you have a dog you will always have a friend. He reminisced about having a dog as a young child and how his dog was there for him no matter what may have been going on. As an adult, he has a dog who welcomes him home every time he returns and is his unconditional friend. Richard suggested getting a pet because of the joy and friendship you can experience by having one. He had a Group Review.

Mike Diaz was the evening's second speaker with "Fancy Phrases and My Friend Dave". He kept the audience listening closely as he spoke about how going snorkeling can give you a variety of issues if you are not experienced. His silent companion "Dave" kept nudging him in a mindset of "Just Do It" and "Fake It 'Til You Make It" even when not being prepared. He urged everyone to take such catchy phrases with a "grain of salt" to avoid unintended consequences. He had a Group Review.

Impromptu Speaking Leader Dina Dillon used a grab bag of varied items to prompt "off-the-cuff" speaking for one-to-three minutes. Those participating were Gwenn Long, David Caulkins, Connly Willmann, Richard Brewer, Mike Diaz, Mary Caulkins, and G.K. Willmann.

Timer Richard Brewer reported everyone did a "good Job" in observing the suggested speaking times. Dina Dillon's Word of the Day, presto (suddenly, as if by magic), which was used at least seven times during the meeting.

Grammarian G.K. Willmann tracked 19 "filler words" with the two-letter "so" being the one used the most.

The next meeting is scheduled for June 3rd at the Veterans Outreach Center, 205 E. Weinert Street, in Seguin Guests are welcome.

G.K. Willmann
Meeting Coordinator

05/08/2026

The Pecan Valley Communicators met on May 6th with President David Caulkins opening the meeting with an Inspirational Thought. He then led the group in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. Guests at the meeting were Brett Dillon and Mary Caulkins.

Richard Brewer served as the Meeting Leader. His theme for the meeting was "Inspiration". Richard shared various inspirational quotes and short stories during the meeting.

Training Presenter G.K. Willmann provided a humorous example of misunderstanding a simple road sign. She reminded everyone to think about the words they use and their intended meaning. Speakers need to consider the audience and watch their body language to see if the correct message is being received.

David Caulkins was the first scheduled speaker. At a prior meeting, a fellow Communicator suggested David challenge himself by speaking without notes. David answered that challenge and entertained the audience with portions of his life history which led up to revealing "the non-family member who impacted his life the most". That person was a gentleman who interviewed him for a company job. David had a Group Review.

Dina Dillon was the second scheduled speaker who expressed heartfelt thoughts about "The Miracle of Birth". Being a mother of four herself, she shared the birth experience of her most recent grandchild born in April. She and her husband Brett are looking forward to their eighth grandchild in the very near future. Richard Brewer was her Speech Reviewer.

David Caulkins served as the Impromptu Speaking Leader. He had interesting topics for participants including "the most famous person you have met" , "Devil's Claw" (an unusual plant), and "what is under your bed?" Those participating were Joe Saenz, Mary Caulkins, Dina Dillon, Connly Willmann, and G.K. Willmann.

Connly Willmann served as Timer and reported that all suggested speaking times were observed. G.K. Willmann had provided the Word of the Day, scrupulous, which was used at least five times during the meeting. G.K. also served as the Grammarian and commented that 17 "filler words" were used with "ah" and "um" being the biggest culprits.

The next meeting is scheduled for May 20th, 6:30 pm, in the Veterans Outreach Center, 205 E Weinert Street, Seguin Guests are welcome.

G.K. Willmann
Meeting Coordinator

04/19/2026

The Pecan Valley Communicators met on April 15th with President David Caulkins calling on Dina Dilllon for an Inspirational Thought. After the Pledge of Allegiance, guests welcomed included Mary Caulkins and Brett Dillon.

Gwenn Long served as the Meeting Leader. Throughout the meeting she entertained the audience with various tidbits about the events of the day such as National Laundry Day and World Art Day.

Richard Brewer was the evening's Training Presenter. Richard's topic was based on "Speaking Is Selling". He correlated parts of a speech and a selling pitch. For example, the opening of a speech should recognize the audience and get them interested in what you have to say. A catchy opening, perhaps a tasteful joke, can draw people in to want to hear more, not unlike someone wanting to sell a service or a product. Good eye contact and a clear voice will keep them listening. A speech should have a closing that includes a call to action, just like an effective sales pitch would.

Mike Diaz was the evening's first scheduled speaker. Mike told the audience that he was in an unfulfilling job and his health was beginning to take its toll because of it. He knew he needed to do something different. His wife had some excess habanero peppers and told him, "do something with these", and the hot sauce adventure was kindled. He started tinkering with flavor combinations with his goal each time being that his hot sauce was to complement the food, not destroy it. He had brought six bottles of his hot sauce and described the contents of each. Mike is enjoying his hot sauce endeavors and is even attending hot sauce festivals. David Caulkins was his Speech Reviewer.

Ana Trest was the evening's second speaker with "Our Little Blessing". Ana described the surprised finding of a puppy on her front porch, evidently abandoned. Fortunately, the puppy was left with someone who likes canines as Ana and her husband Tom already have a bigger dog who easily became friends with the playful, teasing puppy. A DNA test indicated that the puppy is a mixture of many breeds. G.K. Willmann was her Speech Reviewer.

David Caulkins led the Impromptu Speaking Practice. He brought actual items that he used to prompt the speaker with "this or that"; for example, would you prefer coffee or tea. Those participating in the speaking challenge were Gwenn Long, Richard Brewer, Mike Diaz, Ana Trest, Dina Dillon, and G.K. Willmann.

Timer Dina Dillon noted that speakers observed the suggested speaking times. She also had provided the Word of the Day, fiscal (relates to money), which was used at least five times during the meeting. Grammarian Richard Brewer gave the "Filler Word" report, noting that "pretty much" was used as a filler word too many times.

The next meeting is scheduled for May 6th at the Veterans Outreach Center, 205 E Weinert Street, in Seguin, beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Guests are welcome.

G.K. Willmann
Meeting Coordinator

04/04/2026

The Pecan Valley Communicators met on April 1st with President David Caulkins calling on G.K. Willmann for an Inspirational Thought authored by Mark Twain: "Never argue with a fool -- onlookers may not be able to tell the difference." After reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, guests welcomed were Mary Caulkins, Greg Cunningham, and Brett Dillon.

Dina Dillon served as the Meeting Leader and throughout the meeting she shared fun facts relating to April 1st and April Fool's Day.

Mike Diaz was the evening's Training Presenter with "Body Language and Non-Verbal Cues". Mike told the group that a speaker's body language says more than the actual words being spoken. He emphasized that "stage presence" is quite important, He challenged everyone speaking to move out from behind the lectern to allow the audience to see all of you.

The first scheduled speaker was Paula Cunningham who has a part-time job teaching ISR (Infant Swimming Resource) lessons. She detailed segments of the parental interviewing process which is designed to help determine the ease and success of training the child. Paula mentioned that the training environment is quite structured to allow for optimum outcomes. Her Speech Reviewer was Dina Dillon.

The second scheduled speaker donned a colorful apron and musically danced his way to a cooking table set up for his "Tamale Making For Dummies" session. Joe Saenz shared his recipe for making good-tasting pork tamales. According to Joe, a perfect tamale is one that "cleanly unwraps". He also offered some hints for making successful tamales David Caulkins was his Speech Reviewer.

Impromptu Speaking Leader Ana Trest had topics for communicators to use to practice speaking off-the-cuff. Those participating were Dina Dillon and David Caulkins.

Gwenn Long served as the TImer and mentioned that speakers did okay on suggested times. G.K. Willmann had provided the Word of the Day, absurd (foolish, ridiculous), which was used at least ten times during the meeting. As the meeting's Grammarian, she commented that the group had used at least 38 filler words!!

The next meeting is scheduled for April 15th, 6:30 pm, at the Veterans Outreach Center, 205 E. Weinert Street, in Seguin. Guests are welcome.

G.K. Willmann
Meeting Coordinator

04/02/2026

Great night at PVC last night, April 1st.
We learned how to make tamales- sadly no sample to taste….. we were April fooled lol

03/20/2026

The Pecan Valley Communicators met on March 18th with President David Caulkins calling on Richard Brewer for the Inspirational Thought. Following the Pledge of Allegiance, Jessica Dersen, Brittney Watson, and Brett Dillon were welcomed as guests. Mike Diaz was recognized as a new member.

David Caulkins served as the Meeting Leader and chose a light-hearted theme: Pun Fun. He brought smiles throughout the meeting with verbal puns.

Dina Dillon served as the Training Presenter. She suggested our meeting agenda can provide help in preparing a successful speech. She commented that the opening items, the speeches in the main part of the agenda, followed up by the review items to close and recap the meeting, mirror the general parts of a well-prepared presentation or speech.

Gwenn Long was the first prepared speaker with "Who I Want To Be When I Grow Up". She entertained the audience as she chronicled her job history, noting that her various jobs were not necessarily planned, but she learned to make the best of them. Fortunately, her current job brings her much job satisfaction. Her question to the audience was whether or not everyone is growing in their jobs and working toward their goals. David Caulkins was her Speech Reviewer.

Richard Brewer was the second prepared speaker with "Grandpa". Richard shared his experiences with the person he fondly remembers as his grandpa. He noted that his grandpa was generous with advice and sharing time, rather than with material gifts. Richard intends to provide similar experiences and lasting memories with the grandson he is expecting this summer. Mike Diaz was his Speech Reviewer.

Cisco Vicent was the Impromptu Speaking Leader. He asked each person to choose a number that corresponded with a variety of questions he had prepared. Those speaking for one-to-three minutes "off-the-cuff" were Ana Mendez, Gwenn Long, Dina Dillon, Richard Brewer, David Caulkins, and G.K. Willmann.

Joe Saenz served as the Timer and noted that most speakers observed the recommended speaking times. G.K. Willmann had provided the Word of the Day, adroit (skillful, clever), which was used four times during the meeting. Grammarian Ana Trest reported that multiple "filler words" were used.

The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, April 1, 6:30 pm, at the Veterans Outreach Center, 205 E. Weinert, in Seguin. Guests are welcome.

G.K. Willmann
Meeting Coordinator

03/06/2026

The Pecan Valley Communicators met on March 4th with President David Caulkins leading the group in the Pledge of Allegiance. G.K. Willmann provided a light-hearted Inspirational Thought: "Gossip is when you hear something you like about someone you don't like." Guests welcomed to the meeting included Mike Diaz, Mary Caulkins, and Brett Dillon.

President Caulkins informed the members that the By-Laws needed to be updated to include the provision passed in 2025 relating to the dues of Veterans. The officers had approved a paragraph addressing the issue, and it was now being submitted to the membership for final approval. Upon a motion by Connly Willmann and second by Richard Brewer, the following provision, "Membership Dues Exception", was unanimously adopted: On February 5, 2025, the members agreed to welcome any Veteran to become an active member of the Pecan Valley Communicators at zero cost and with full voting privileges. However, if a Veteran has not attended a meeting in three consecutive months, then that Veteran will no longer be an active member of the Pecan Valley Communicators. (Reinstatement could occur by completing a membership form.)

Richard Brewer served as the Meeting Leader and his meeting theme focused around "Questions" and how asking questions can impact your life.

Training Presenter G.K. Willmann's segment involved Oral Reading. She asked for three volunteers. Gwenn Long, Ana Trest and Mike Diaz responded without hesitation. She handed each a short reading and gave them a minute to glance over it while she mentioned pointers relating to effective oral reading. She emphasized that reading aloud is not always easy but it is a good way to gain confidence when speaking.

David Caulkins was the evening's only scheduled speaker with "A Difficult Responsibility". David shared heartfelt remembrances of his elderly parents, especially his father. One particularly awkward task he encountered was having to retrieve his father's keys when his father became unable to continue driving safely. Richard Brewer was his Speech Reviewer.

Gwenn Long served as the Impromptu Speaking Leader. She had prepared thought-provoking scenarios to address in one-to-three minutes off-the-cuff; for example, would you prefer a good boss and a bad job, OR a bad boss and a good job. Those participating were Ana Trest, Dina Dillon, David Caulkins, Joe Saenz, Connly Willmann, Mike Diaz, Richard Brewer, and G.K. Willmann.

Timer Dina Dillon noted that the suggested speaking times were observed. Ana Trest had provided the Word of the Day, diligent, which was used nine times. Grammarian G.K. Willmann commented that although 16 "filler words" were noted, she feels the club is making progress in using fewer of those unnecessary utterances.

The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, March 18th, 6:30 pm, in the Veterans Outreach Center, 205 E. Weinert Street, in Seguin. Guests are welcome.

G.K. Willmann
Meeting Coordinator

02/20/2026

The Pecan Valley Communicators met on February 18th with President David Caulkins calling the meeting to order. Richard Brewer provided the Inspirational Thought. After the Pledge of Allegiance, President Caulkins welcomed Cisco Vicent, Mary Caulkins, and Brett Dillon as guests.

Meeting Leader Dina Dillon chose "Pants" as her meeting theme. She shared interesting and unusual facts relating to various customs involving pants, including different parts of the world.

"To Note or Not" was the title of the training message chosen by Training Presenter David Caulkins. He stepped up to the lectern with an inch-plus stack of loose papers and began by shyly looking at the audience and then leaning over as he began reading with his eyes glued to the paper. Soon he started shuffling noisily through the papers as he was frantically searching for the next thing he wanted to say. He paused, straightened up, and smiled as he reminded everyone that notes should never be a distraction. David emphasized that bulleted notes can be a quick reference to help a speaker remember all the essential points of the speech; however, a speaker should not rely on reading wordy notes.

Richard Brewer was the only scheduled speaker for the evening. To challenge himself to speak for five-to-seven minutes, Richard asked for a topic from the audience. "The Future of the Internet" was suggested. Richard obliged and began telling the audience about the history of satellite dishes and how the industry has evolved. He mentioned that most people are interested in getting fiber although it can be quite expensive. The fiber itself is not so costly; however, the labor and trucks involved is expensive. This is especially true in rural areas. Fortunately, wireless is still available to accommodate those areas. He had a group review.

Joe Saenz was the Impromptu Speaking Leader. He had numbered questions and impromptu speakers could pick a number and Joe read the corresponding question. Those participating were David Caulkins, Dina Dillon, Connly Willmann, Richard Brewer, Gwenn Long, Cisco Vicent, and G.K. Willmann.

Timer Connly Willmann gave the timing report. Gwenn Long had provided the Word of the Day, cohesive, which was used multiple times. Grammarian G.K. Willmann was pleased that only ten "filler words" were used.

The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, March 4th, 6:30 pm, in the Veterans Outreach Center, 205 E. Weinert Street, in Seguin. Guests are welcome.

G.K. Willmann
Meeting Coordinator

02/07/2026

The Pecan Valley Communicators met on February 4th with President David Caulkins calling the meeting to order and leading the group in the Pledge of Allegiance. Gwenn Long provided the Inspirational Thought. Guests recognized were Mary Caulkins, Greg Cunningham, and Brett Dillon.

Ana Trest served as the Meeting Leader and chose a Valentine Day's theme for the meeting.

Training Presenter Richard Brewer's message focused on doing effective reviews on scheduled speakers. Richard stressed listening for an attention-getting opening as well as a good closing. Speech Reviewers should also look for appropriate eye contact, listen for vocal variety with clarity, and observe the audience's attentiveness. Pecan Valley Communicators provides an environment where speakers welcome candid reviews, and reviewers are ready to provide helpful feedback.

Joe Saenz was the evening's first scheduled speaker. Joe read a four-stanza poem entitled "Butterflies" which he had written years ago. He shared the motivation inspiring the poem and how it opened up new areas of learning, especially relating to native plants. As a strong advocate of planting native plants, he said that "your own backyard is your own national park" that you can enjoy. Richard Brewer was his Speech Reviewer.

Dina Dillon was the second scheduled speaker with "Hooked on Yarn -- Knitting, Crocheting, and More" . Dina mentioned that there are basically two types of yarn: natural and synthetic. She had numerous samples of yarn projects she had created which showcased the differences in yarn, knitting and crocheting. Dina also displayed needles used in working with yarn. David Caulkins was her Speech Reviewer.

David Caulkins led the Impromptu Speaking. To create the speaking atmosphere, he had brought interesting props depicting music through the years. Those challenged with speaking one-to-three minutes off-the-cuff were Richard Brewer, Gwenn Long, Ana Trest, and Joe Saenz.

Paula Cunningham served as the Timer and noted that the Impromptu Speakers observed the recommended speaking times. She also had provided the Word of the Day, fetid (having odor). which was used at least six times during the meeting. Grammarian G.K. Willmann mentioned that at least 22 "filler words" were used.

The next meeting is scheduled for February 18th, 6:30 pm, at the Veterans Outreach Center, 205 E. Weinert Street, in Seguin. Guests are welcome.

G.K. Willmann
Meeting Coordinator

01/25/2026

The Pecan Valley Communicators met on Wednesday, January 21, with President David Caulkins calling the meeting to order and then asking Richard Brewer to provide the Inspirational Thought. Following the Pledge of Allegiance, Clayton Cunningham, Greg Cunningham, Mary Caulkins, and Brett Dillon were introduced as guests.

David Caulkins served as the Meeting Leader and began the scheduled speaking with "The Smiley Express". David mentioned that his interest in trains started at an early age and continues to this day. He has visited the Texas Railroad Museum and is observant about railroad activity, especially In the immediate vicinity where he resides. He showed various pictures of past railroad activity in the Nixon, Smiley and Cuero areas which played a major role in the economy, for example, transporting ginned cotton from the numerous gins. Paula Cunningham was his Speech Reviewer.

Richard Brewer was the second speaker and shared his "Pro's and Con's of Starlink". He mentioned several basics to consider, such as doing a site survey, when choosing any network. Richard also reminded everyone that the amount of network traffic affects the speed. His informative message was well received. Gwenn Long was his Speech Reviewer.

Ten-year-old Clayton Cunningham was the evening's guest speaker with "My Calves". Wearing overalls and work boots, he stepped up to the lectern with confidence and a contagious smile as he told the audience about the three calves he had bottle-fed out of necessity. He shared pictures of his feeding project successes: Julia, Rosie, and Tinker. He had a Group Review.

Ana Trest was the Impromptu Speaking Leader. She had various questions for those participating in the one-to-three minute speaking off-the-cuff challenge. Participants included Joe Saenz, Gwenn Long, Paula Cunningham, and Dina Dillon.

Timer Joe Saenz reported that the speaking times were observed. Dina Dillon had provided the Word of the Day, schmooze (to warmly chat to gain favor), which was used at least six times during the meeting.

Grammarian G.K. Willmann noted that filler words "and so" and "ah/um" were the biggest culprits with "you know" not too far behind.

Secretary-Treasurer Gwenn Long gave a membership update including a brief treasurer's report.

President Caulkins called attention to the training segment at meetings and asked for feedback on topics. The consensus was to continue the training and repeat topics as may be deemed appropriate.

The next meeting is scheduled for February 4th at the Veterans Outreach Center, 205 E. Weinert Street, in Seguin, beginning at 6:30 pm. Guests are welcome.

G.K. Willmann
Meeting Coordinator

01/10/2026

The Pecan Valley Communicators met on Wednesday, January 7, with President David Caulkins calling on Dina Dillon for the Inspirational Thought. After the Pledge of Allegiance, Mary Caulkins, Brett Dillon, and Greg Cunningham were welcomed as guests.

Richard Brewer served as the Meeting Leader and, using "Travel" as the theme, entertained with tidbits of information throughout the meeting.

Training Presenter G.K. Willmann's message entitled "Oh, No! I Don't Know!" focused on simple suggestions for handling a situation when you are the speaker, and someone in the audience asks a question for which you may not have the answer. She reminded members that speakers need to accept the fact that, even with extensive preparation and great knowledge of the subject matter, a question or two can arise that you cannot answer,and you need to know how to handle that instead of panicking.

The evening's speaker was Connly Willmann with his topic listed as "CAD?" on the agenda. He explained that the CAD he was referencing was the Central Appraisal District, an entity that has useful information relating to property values. Although much information is online, availability can vary from county to county. He had a group review.

Dina Dillon was the Impromptu Speaking Leader. Her questions to challenge each impromptu speaker related to the year just ended and the year now underway. Those participating were Joe Saenz, Gwenn Long, Richard Brewer, Connly Willmann, Paula Cunningham, David Caulkins, and Mary Caulkins.

David Caulkins served as the Timer and he also provided the Word of the Day, ostracize (banish or ignore). Grammarian Gwenn Long stated that everyone did fairly well speaking without using many "filler words" like "um" and "you know".

President Caulkins reminded everyone that annual membership dues of $24 were payable to Treasurer Gwenn Long. Veterans do not need to pay membership dues.

The next meeting is January 21st , 6:30 pm, in the Veterans Outreach Center, 205 E Weinert Street, in Seguin. Visitors are welcome.

G.K. Willmann
Meeting Coordinator

Pecan Valley Communicators

05/22/2026

05/08/2026

04/19/2026

04/04/2026

04/02/2026

03/20/2026

03/06/2026

02/20/2026

02/07/2026

01/25/2026

01/10/2026

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