Trinity County News - Breakout

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Clarissa Ashworth (left) of Centerville 4-H is presented the 4-H Clubs of Trinity County Scholarship by 4-H Adult Leaders Secretary Treasurer Ruth Wheeler. Courtesy photo

Special to the News-Standard

CENTERVILLE — The 4-H Clubs of Trinity County have awarded Miss Clarissa Ashworth of Centerville 4-H a scholarship in the amount of $500.

This scholarship is funded by Centerville 4-H, East County 4-H, Groveton 4-H, Trinity 4-H and the 4-H Adult Leaders. The scholarship is awarded to a member who is an active member of 4-H and has been involved in a wide variety of 4-H programs and projects. Involvement in school related extra extracurricular activities and community services activities are also considered.

Clarissa has participated in the 4-H Food Show, Photography, Photography Judging, Wildlife Habitat Education Program, Hay Judging, and Forestry. She has shown livestock projects — goats, rabbits, and heifers — as a 4-H member. She helped organize and carry out several community service projects. She also received the 4-H Gold Star Award.

She has been active in FFA, FCLA, basketball and cheerleading. Clarissa has clear goals and is working toward them. She has completed basic courses through Angelina College and plans to enter Texas A&M this fall in the Vet-Med program.

She has represented both Centerville 4-H and Trinity County 4-H in an outstanding way. The 4-H Clubs and Adult Leaders wish all the Senior 4-H members success as they graduate and continue on their journey toward accomplishing their goals.

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By Tony Farkas
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GROVETON — The Groveton ISD Board of Trustees OK’d the cleanup of nearby property as a step toward the future.

At the regular meeting on May 23, the board discussed what the property could be used for, but no plans were made.

Superintendent Jim Dillard said the district purchased the property to have it available for whatever would be necessary since enrollment was growing.

While there are no definite plans for the property, Dillard said the area will be kept up and used as a green area for the students.

In other business, the board:

• approved final District of Innovation plan;
• discussed the annual school health advisory report;
• gave annual approval of instructional materials allotment and TEKS certification for the coming school year;
• approved seeking bids for concrete work to fight erosion back side of high school and for a recreation area near the school;
• approved a bid from Techline for around $200,000 to replace lights at the stadium with newer LED fixtures;
• approved a bid from Spectrum for $12,000 to replace scoreboards in the new gym;
• swore in newly elected board members and held a retirement party for outgoing board member Teressa Ray; and
• reappointed Mark Folds as board president, Bennie Abshier as secretary and named Steve Ecord vice president.

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Representatives from the Houston Lodge and representatives from the Joe Werner Lodge of Trinity present Dr. Arthur T. “Tom” Blackstock with his 60-year Mason Membership pin. Courtesy photo

By Julia McMichael

This weekend was beautiful but quiet. The Boys and Girls Club of Trinity fundraiser was a great success and thank you to all the people who donated to this cause, and to all the people who came out and supported this wonderful organization.

Another event held this weekend was a bake sale for the Future Business Leaders of America. They have two finalists going to the FBLA Convention in a couple of weeks. I hope they do well. I purchased a delicious lemon cupcake and a coconut cupcake, but they had many other awesome items for sale I wanted but did not need.

I wish some of these homemade bakers would enter the bake good competition at the fair in October. It is a shame that Trinity has so many culinary artists that are shy.
One such culinary genius is Lanora Ainsworth. She is so talented, and when she enters her items, she is hard to beat at anything.

Her pies — cherry, peach, blackberry, apple and pecan — are a tough act for anyone to try and match. Her jams, jellies, and candies have kept the Trinity VFW Hall afloat for years, and her cornbread or banana bread is sought after by many in and out of Trinity County. She makes a wicked pot of pinto beans, and if you are really a good friend, she may let you try her grape jelly that is made from the vines in her back yard.

It really is not fair that Lanora can cook, sew, quilt, crochet, paint, grow flowers, fruit trees and anything else she wants to do, and I cannot even grow a cactus plant. I forgive her though, as long as she calls me to be her taste tester.

Last week I told you about my friends who have a vegetable garden in their backyard and the husband, Rossel, can grow anything. They give most of their produce away, but sometimes there is too much to waste, so they try to sell some items to defray costs of watering and fertilizer.

So far, I had eaten tomatoes, salad peppers, onions, cabbage, squash, and fresh yard eggs, so I know their products are good. If you are interested in buying some fresh vegetables, call or text Angie at (936) 355-4100, and she will tell you what she has available right now and will deliver to you upon request. (Tell her Julia sent you.)

Last week I reported on Vacation Bible Schools that will take place in June and July and I will keep reminding you of their schedules as they occur. The first one is Calvary Baptist Church running June 13-17 from 6-8:30 p.m. for pre-k through fifth grades. Registration this week will be over on Wednesday, but late registration will be available on Monday, June 13, at 5 p.m. at the church. Call (936) 594-3611 for more information and details.

Every week I report on news items around town and do not have any trouble supporting fundraisers, children, churches, or other groups, but sometimes I get upset when I learn of abuse to our elderly people.

Right here in Trinity when neighbors feel they cannot change the situation, because they feel they are invading someone’s privacy, sometimes we are stupid and should re-evaluate the situation.

Dr. Arthur T. “Tom” Blackstock was found living in dire need of care and financial help by a concerned resident of Trinity on Lake Geneva Street. He was living in his rundown home, worth half a million dollars, with no water or propane gas.

Thank God for meal delivery or he may have been dead before Jan. 1, when he was placed in Trinity Rehabilitation Health Care Center for COVID-19.
Because of Marilyn Barnes, on June 4 Dr. Tom Blackstone was presented his 60-year-old Masonic membership pin for active service in the Holland Masonic Lodge No. 1 in Houston. He became a member in 1956.

Representatives from the Houston Lodge and representatives from the Joe Werner Lodge of Trinity were present for the award, as well as two longtime friends, Larry Hortman and Marilyn Barnes.

On Sunday, June 26, from 1-4 p.m., Marilyn and VFW Post 6899 of Trinity, located at 400 Caroline St., are sponsoring a fundraiser for Dr. Tom Blackstock to help with his finances to stay at Trinity Rehabilitation Center.

The fundraiser starts at the VFW Hall with a $10 barbecue plate dinner which includes a dessert, drink and a raffle ticket. There will also be a silent auction, a bake sale and a 50/50 raffle. Please come support a local resident, abandoned but not forgotten. For more information, please call Marilyn Barnes at (281) 782-2309.

Don’t forget June 14 is Flag Day. This is the date that President Woodrow Wilson unofficially declared the day as the National Date to fly the American flag. It is still not a federal holiday.

“The Star-Spangled Banner” was declared the National Anthem by President Wilson in 1931. There were many changes to the American Flag in the beginning, but it has remained the same since 1959 when the stars for the last two states, Alaska and Hawaii, were added.

The State Convention for the VFW organization takes place June 15-19 at Durant, Okla. I am a little jealous because they have a wonderful casino there. At press time, I do not know the outcome of the Wall of Honor Veterans’ and the Post 6899 of Trinity’s Fish Fry last weekend, but it looked very busy when I passed by on that day. More on that later.

Applications for the 73rd Trinity Community Fair will be going out soon, so remember first mailed back, first requests honored. Inside booths are the most desired for us old people, but outside booths are good too.

Booth spaces are still the same this year at $75 for each space for two days. The 2022 fair theme is “American Flair at the Fair.” Their flyer is awesome. See the website for details.

The flyer for the second annual City BBQ Cook-Off for the Fourth of July weekend is out now, so call Steve Jones for details at (936) 594-2507.

Sunday, June 19, is Father’s Day.

See you around town.

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By Jo Ann Anderson Beken

During graduation ceremonies at Groveton High School on May 27, the Groveton Ex-Students Association awarded in excess of $80,000 to 16 college students and 10 graduating seniors.

We were honored to present seven new scholarships.

A one-time scholarship in memory of W.B. Due Jr., who served on the Groveton ISD school board for more than 30 years. This scholarship was funded by lifetime memberships purchased this past year through our association. (You can acquire a two-year membership for $10. A lifetime membership is a great deal at $50. Please see our Facebook page for details on how to join.)

New scholarships were added in memory of Patrick Johnson, Marcus Williams and Darlene Pyle. These were funded by friends and loved ones of these Groveton Indians.

Darlene’s scholarship was funded by her immediate family, including children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Darlene served on our board for many years and was the ultimate Groveton supporter.
A scholarship has also been established in honor of George and Betty Whittlesey by their children, Randel, Karen Key and David Whittlesey, all GHS graduates. Whittlesey was a long-time teacher in the Groveton school district and Betty has served on the ex-students board of directors for many years. Their service to our community and GISD is much appreciated, and we thank their children for creating this scholarship in their honor.
We were also the recipient of the Groveton Chamber of Commerce’s generosity as they closed their doors and remembered GHS students with their donation to our scholarship account. An anonymous donor graciously donated to our scholarship fund, and we are thankful for their generosity.

We are so grateful to be able to offer these scholarships and remember and honor loved ones in this special way. Our GHS students are so fortunate to have this support from our community.

Seniors receiving scholarships are:

• Caden Alexander: Chandler, Galenor, James and Cook Memorial, Don and La’Nette Hill Memorial, John III and James E. Collins Memorial, Joseph and Patricia Hensley Memorial, Rolland, Ludie and David Smith Memorial

• Carson Antley: Will B. and Louise Dial Donalson Memorial, Walter and Olivia Bowers Dial Memorial, Rolland, Ludie, and David Smith Family Memorial, Mildred Barnett Smith Honorary

• Shelby Arnold: Robert and Arrie Zona Lawrence Memorial, Thelma L. Terry Memorial, W.R. and Rose Reese Memorial, Anonymous Donor

• Katie Blanchard: Clara Ferguson Memorial, Sadie Choate Memorial, George and Enda Mae Dean Memorial, Don and La’Nette Hill Memorial, Marcus Williams Memorial, Rolland, Ludie and David Smith Family Memorial, Mildred Barnett Smith Honorary

• Hayden Lee: Bobby Sam Harkins Memorial, Darwin and Robbie Creasy Memorial, Winston, Velda, and Robert Rush Memorial, Rolland, Ludie, and David Smith Memorial, Mildred Barnett Smith Honorary

• Kayley McCrory: Rolland, Ludie, and David Smith Memorial, Mildred Barnett Smith Honorary, Anonymous, Kate Atkinson Bell Memorial

• Kassie Plotts: 2022 Valedictorian, Patrick Johnson Memorial, WB Due Memorial, Rolland, Ludie, and David Smith Memorial, Mildred Barnett Smith Honorary

• Tuff Reynolds: Hugh Roy Robb Memorial, Wade Williams Memorial, Anonymous

• Camely Shuford: Groveton Chamber of Commerce, Robb Stevenson Memorial, W.I. Stevenson Memorial, Anonymous
Hannah Spurgeon: Barney Callahan Memorial, Band Boosters, Don and La’Nette Hill Memorial, Kate Atkinson Bell Memorial, PD and Florene Johnson Hamilton Memorial, WR and Rose Reese Memorial

College students who were awarded scholarships are:

• Caitlyn Antley: Don and La’Nette Hill Memorial, Winton and Quinton Lawrence Memorial, Rolland, Ludie, and David Smith Memorial, Mildred Barnett Smith Honorary

• Jordan Brooks: Rolland, Ludie, and David Smith Memorial, Mildred Barnett Smith Honorary

• Javier Chavez: Bobby Sam Harkins Memorial, Rolland, Ludie, and David Smith Memorial, Mildred Barnett Smith Honorary

• Hannah Dial: Sadie Choate Memorial, Clifton and Annie Reynolds Memorial, Rolland, Ludie, and David Smith Memorial, Mildred Barnett Smith Honorary

• Canaan Dillard: Sadie Choate Memorial, Rolland, Ludie, and David Smith Memorial, Mildred Barnett Smith Honorary

• Emily Ecord: 2021 Valedictorian, Reba Anderson Memorial, Bobby Sam Harkins Memorial, Rolland, Ludie, and David Smith Memorial, Mildred Barnett Smith Honorary

• Meredith Ecord: 2019 Valedictorian, Reba Anderson Memorial, Mildred Barnett Smith Honorary, Rolland, Ludie and David Smith Memorial, George and Betty Whittlesey Honorary

• Zachary Fisher: Bessie Mae Key Memorial, David and Corrie Benton Memorial, Jerry Don Reynolds Memorial, Rolland, Ludie, and David Smith Memorial, Mildred Barnett Smith Honorary

• Haley Lightsey: Groveton Ex-Students Association, C.E. and Luna James Memorial

• Kadee Johnson: Wade Williams Memorial, Mildred Barnett Smith Honorary

• Lindsay Jones: Winton and Quinton Lawrence Memorial, Mildred Barnett Smith Honorary

• Charles Austin McKinney: C.E. and Luna James Memorial, Mervin, Hazel, Lynn Ray Smith Memorial, Wade Williams Memorial

• Cole Sullivan: Lois Turner Holden Memorial, William and Edna Skains Johnson Memorial

• Lena Taylor: Sadie Choate Memorial, Barney Callahan Memorial, Darlene Pyle Memorial, Wade Williams Memorial

• Teagan Torregrossa: Groveton Chamber of Commerce, Thelma L. Terry Memorial

• Megan Turrentine: Lois Turner Holden Memorial, W.G. and Beulah Ellisor Rosser Memorial

Congratulations and best wishes to all of these Groveton Indians who are pursuing higher education. Thank you to all of the donor families for honoring or remembering their loved ones in this powerful way.

Jo Ann Anderson Beken is president of the Groveton Ex-Students Association.