Pinecrest Pioneers Holiday Luncheon

Published on December 07, 2024

In the heart of Pinecrest where a verdant canopy provides shade to sun-drenched streets, a special gathering takes place twice a year honoring Pinecrest Pioneers - Village residents 80 years old and up. 

Pinecrest Pioneers witnessed Pinecrest’s transformation from a quiet wilderness to a thriving community.

“This is one of the most remarkable events the Village hosts because it serves an incredibly special demographic of our community,” said Mayor Joseph M. Corradino. “It’s a living testament to our history, as many of the early residents can share memories of when Pinecrest was mostly agricultural land and had an airstrip, long before it became an incorporated Village in 1996.”

The Village honors the pioneer’s legacy twice yearly in the spring and holiday seasons. The 2024 holiday luncheon took place yesterday at Leslie Bowe Hall in Evelyn Greer Park. Pinecrest Pioneers, their families, elected officials, Pinecrest Garden Club volunteers, and staff filled the hall. Carolers rounded out the festive Friday afternoon with holiday music.

The Pinecrest Pioneers luncheon was initiated by former Mayor Cindy Lerner in 2012 after meeting Village resident Joyce Diehl, who was 89 at the time and still mowing her own lawn. Awed by the treasure trove of knowledge Diehl experienced and recounted, Lerner sought out other residents who were 80+ and began to celebrate their lives through the Pinecrest Pioneers Luncheon.

More than a decade later, the Village continues to honor those whose resilience and love are a reminder that every story shared adds another thread to the rich tapestry of their beloved community.