School & Community News

Groveton News Aug 13 P 1

I spent just about all day Friday watching our freshmen, Junior Varsity, and Varsity girls Volleyball teams scrimmage with San Augustine, Cold Springs and Warren. Our girls are in great shape and played competitively, showing marked promise. The event was well attended. The football boys came in after their practice. I could tell which ones played by their big smiles when they politely stopped and visited with an old Indian and also the way they walked lamely, dragged one foot and shuffled the other one, moved carefully with droopy shoulders and guarded against sudden jarring moves. Then, they saw the girl’s team, and it was all smiles once again.
Our town was blessed for the business these schools brought into Groveton Friday. Several of the ladies attending the tournament ask about getting a pedicure in Groveton. Amie Wilson, Brad Wesley’s wife, Class of 1988 works at Susan’s and does manicures and pedicures. If you wish to have a massage, our own Shawn L Reynolds Porter, Class of 1998 can manipulate, knead, rubdown, stretch and work every reflexology point known to man. Each of these ladies share workspace within Susan Salon where

Groveton News Aug 13 P 2

Susan Thompson Williams, Class of 1981 and Kelli McBride Fails, Class of 1984 team up to help you look the best you can be! I could hear Pig saying, “They did the best they could with what they had to work with.” But, for myself, I always feel better after a massage, I look better with a manicure and pedicure, and folks hardly recognize me in public when I display with flair and style one of Kelly or Susan’s illustrious hairstyles. Granted I don’t to it as often as I should but when I do, it is sheer bliss. The ladies found Amy booked up until seven that night. It was before noon when they called. I heard the comment, she must be really good to stay that busy, I agree!
Our college pick of the week is Brittany Barclay. She wrote, “I plan on attending Angelina College in the fall of 2009, where I’ll be working toward an Associates degree in Science. After I have achieved this goal, I plan on transferring to SFA where I plan on majoring in Fashion Merchandising.”
A few weeks ago, I received an unexpected phone call from Nancy S. Manning. Nancy is the daughter of Dr. James Oran and Mrs. Jimmie Standley. She wanted to talk about an Ex-Teacher from Groveton. Her dad was the Agriculture Teacher from 1939 until 1950. We met Friday morning at “The Indian” café on the square and she unloaded the trunk of her vehicle. She had a 1949 GHS Football Program and I knew a lot of the players. I am going to get copies made at the Groveton News to share with players

Groveton News Aug 13 P 3

She had several GHS Tomahawks ’47-’48 and ’50-’51. She has also written a short bio on her family. She wrote: “We would like to donate these Tomahawk Yearbooks to the Groveton Alumni Association in memory of our dad, Oran Standley. After graduating from Sam Houston State Teachers College in 1937, Oran taught at Redwater and Pennington before accepting a job as the Vocational Agri-culture teacher in Groveton, 1939. Along with him to begin his duties, he brought his new bride Jimmie Hyde Standley. Together they made Groveton their home, had two children, and became part of the community. World War II was in the news and rationing of gas and groceries was part of everyday life. Oran, as a small town agriculture teacher not only taught high school students, but was expected to advise farmers on everything from crops to barn building. He served as an emergency vet and directed community canning classes. Oran and Jimmie loved the beautiful small town of Groveton and made many close friends. Among them were the Rushings, Waltons, Taylors, Dues, Whites, Davises, Willises, Dwires, Womacks and Atmers. From 1939 to 1950 Oran and Jimmie lived and worked in Groveton. When Oran was offered a job in the agriculture department at Stephen F Austin State Teachers College, he saw it as a great opportunity to further his career and to benefit his family. We moved to Nacogdoches, but our parents always spoke fondly of Groveton and loved reminiscing about their years there.”

Groveton News Aug 13 P4

When we visited on the phone, she told me she was a neighbor to Fount and Mary Rushing. I remember so well seeing my first �Chalk Talk�. Mrs. Rushing made the �Christmas Story� come to life with music, a piece of black paper and colored chalk. She told the greatest story on earth. Since that day, Mrs. Rushing has been one of my favorite Groveton stories. She told me one time Mr. Fount gave her a birthday card. When he handed it to her, he said, �Mary, you�ll love that picture of the blue bird on the card.� Mrs. Rushing then said he had never read the inside of the card because inside the words, �To my wonderful husband, happy birthday!� were written. She cherished that card because he knew how much Ms. Mary liked to paint and how she appreciated beauty. Ms. Mary Rushing painted my dad a poem when I was small. It was framed and set in a special spot in our house, on the TV. When the time came, I got that picture and just loved it. Mrs. Florine Hamilton�s mom, Mrs. Edna Skains Johnson also gave me one of Mrs. Rushing�s pieces of art. I watched garage sales and by the year 2000 I had collected almost a dozen pieces of her work. In 2002 when the house burned, I lost my little collection. Well, after my visit with Mrs. Manning my collection is on the rise. She blessed me with one framed painting and two smaller canvases painted by Mrs. Rushing. My cup runneth over. I hope you enjoyed this trip down memory lane.
Until next time, Martha

Groveton News July 30 P 1

Have you driven by the Football field lately? We have a brand new announcer's box. Contractor Marty McClain, Class of 1996 and his work crew have replaced the storm damaged box. The filming will be done from the visitor's side this year. I worried about the cameras facing the western sky and the damage the evening sun would have on the film but Alton assured me our school administrators had factored that in when they made the decision and I should not worry. In just a few days and two-a-days begin. It seems strange to be planning for football in July.

Groveton News July 30 P 2

I visited with Robert Ables, Class of 1945, Life Member L-581, Mack Stevenson, Class of 1952, and Winston Dial, Class of 1954 early this morning at the coffee shop. We visited about how many children my grandparents had and yes I can name them all in birth order. They asked how Aunt Roberta was doing. Roberta Thompson Miller, Class of 1945 is battling a form of cancer. She is home at this time and is blessed by having both of her girls ready and willing to help her. Her youngest, Mary Francis Miller Westfahl, Class of 1971 lives in Houston and has been able to double up with her sister Jackie Whitfield of Grapeland to spend this precious time with their Mom. If you would like to send a card of encouragement, or a quick note to let them know they are in your thoughts and prayers, please address it to the following:
Attn: Roberta T. Miller
C/O Mary Westfahl,
9747 Kirkfalls,
Houston TX 77089
Robert graduated with Aunt Roberta and has a vivid memory of most of my fourteen aunts and uncles. I can say one exceptional thing about my grandparents, they raised fifteen hardworking kids and each of them demonstrated strong moral character and they have strong work ethics.
I mentioned last week we would begin the "College Pick of the Week" in this edition

Groveton News July 30 09 P 3

I have chosen Randall Tatum to begin our "Fall '09" update. He has written two letters, I will use both in this article: "April '09 - Thank you for your support in this previous academic year. The funding helped me immensely. I am currently still enrolled at Collins College as a
full time student. I have a GPA of 3.67 and am hoping to increase that. I am in the top ten percentile of my class.
I have enjoyed my classes immensely. I have taken many classes so far. In this time I have been in school I am already in my fourth semester due to
the nature of my advanced curriculum. I have taken many classes so far. I plan on taking JavaScript, CSS, C++, English, Algebra, and many other core
and general education classes in the upcoming semesters. I hope to leave here and go after my Master's Degree in my field.
I would like you to please reconsider my application for this scholarship. If I have this scholarship it would help me concentrate on my work and less on my financial situation which would increase my G.P.A. I could receive
more support so that I could not be afraid of debt when I graduate and move onto my Master's Degree. "July '09 - Thank you so much for your considered support of my future and education. I have learned so much since I have arrived in Arizona. I have learned many things in school and also about life. I believe fully well that I am becoming more and more prepared for life and my future."

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Class is very hard, especially on this advanced curriculum. I have been able to go to school full time, and work full time and keep my grades up. I wake up everyday knowing that I am coming closer to my dreams and the future I always wanted, and that thought and the well wishes of my friends, supporters and family keep me going.
Randy receives The W.R. and Rose Reese and the Smith Foundation Scholarship. Our thanks to these two fine families for their financial support of our college students! We are truly blessed to have scholarships for the students. I want all the readers to know how fortunate Groveton students truly are in this time of financial struggle. Because of the foresight of past Ex-Students, we have funds on deposit drawing interest to help our kids get a college degree. I have always heard that a degree helps you get your first job. Your work ethic, character, job attendance record and the ability to 'work well with others' (I wanted to put plays well with others) will see you through the rest of your work life!
Please take the time to congratulate and encourage all our college students. Get your season seats for the up coming football games and mark your day planner and calendar for Homecoming October 16th. This is going to be a great school year.
Until next time, Martha
grovetonindians@windstream.com

Groveton News July 23 09 P 1

It was with mixed emotions I left the nursing home last Friday. Mrs. Terry has lost her quick wit but she looks great. It is hard to explain, watching someone you love and respect seem to vanish before your eyes. You know they are in there but you just can't seem to get them to come out and play. I've often wondered if I would rather loose my mind or my health; now I've decided, my mind. She gets around pretty good and seems ready to go; she just doesn't know how to get there. It must be so frustrating for her. She is blessed to be mobile. She is easy to visit. Please stop by and spend a few minutes. She might not reminisce about old times but she will enjoy the moment to the fullest.
All five of my grandkids humored me and went with me, Ronnie McCarty, Class of 1973 and Melissa Mericle Kemper, Class of 1994 to do our little hour and a half of singing and playing. I have made some great friends these past few months and was proud to show off the g-kids and my daughter. All but number one grandson seemed to have a good time. Teenagers are a bane to society. I wanted to twist number one's head off but then I didn't blame him for not wanting to go. I felt the same way the first time I went.

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Just the same, there is that fine line of rebellion verses respect, are you pushing them away to the point they never want to come over again or be seen in public with you or are you opening a door to a new world of self fulfillment? Like I said, it's a fine line and I am getting so blind I couldn't quite make out the boundaries last Friday. Just the same, we'll go every other Friday for a season and see how it goes. The other four seemed to blend in, sing and have a great time. Number two granddaughter even played a couple of songs on the piano. I know exactly how the old peacock felt when he struts. I am proud of all my grandkids.
Treasurer Judy S. Freeman, Class of 1980 is going to be mailing scholarship checks toward the first of August. Almost all of the students have responded timely this year. I wasn't as quick as I would have liked but Monday night I finally got the preliminary file to Judy. She does a great job as does the other members of our Executive Board.
Blessings in disguise are always a welcomed sight. When I checked the mail today, we had received three memorials in memory of Betty Johnson. The partners of law firm Fulbright & Jaworski L.L.P. - Houston and Linda Addison, Partner in Charge-New York sent two generous contributions to the scholarship fund. Also their friend Sylvia Eastland of Chicago Title based in Tomball remembered their mom with an appreciated donation.

Groveton News July 23 09 P 3

Next week I will begin my pick of the week letters from the current college students. We are proud of all of them and naturally we expect great results from our investments.
Again I heard from Connie Ray Wells of Lufkin. Connie, Class of 1973, loves to write and has some great stories to share. I encouraged her to please send some in and help me with this article. She admitted she likes the stories other ex-students have shared and looks forward to reading more from you our readers in the near future. Don't let her down, send some thoughts our way. Just the same, Connie wrote: 'Girl I have so many memories of things my Mom has told me and my grandparents that I could give you years worth of stuff. I really don't care if you print what I sent earlier, I just didn't want you to think that was the only reason I was writing it. I just really enjoy reading your thoughts and catching up. But now look; you know I've never been one to be short on words - that limiting me to 300 words - good grief - I would just be getting started.
I use to write a newsletter for our agency when I worked - you're absolutely correct in that it is hard to do it week in and week out. Mine was more or less giving positive outlooks on things and trying to see the bright side - motivational, etc.

Groveton News July 23 P 4

I'm sure I have some of those articles around and if you would like, on the weeks you draw blanks - you could save up some of mine - and I'd be happy to let you use me as your "contributing assistant". Now that would be a new title for me!
When reading over the past few months of the veteran articles, I've started to write a time or 2 about a mother's perspective of sending a child to war. I've sent my son off twice - once to Afghanistan and once to Iraq. Recently, after being out of the Army for 3-1/2 years, he received a letter recalling him to go back to Afghanistan for 400 days. We were devastated. Fortunately after leaving on his due date for his training again in Ft Benning GA, they decided since he was the only 1 who had been twice and none of the other 60 that had been called up had ever been in a war zone, they could go for a change and he got to come home. God answered those prayers.
I've taken enough of your time. I'll write you again - it may be things you can use or not - either way I'm not offended - you know your guidelines and policies. I've enjoyed our little visit.
In closing, send in your tidbits too! See you next time, Martha
grovetonindians@windstream.net

Groveton News July 16 09 P 1

We received a very nice note from Mr. Harry Collett, Class of 1950. He too was an email buddy of Raymond Pixley and misses him just like I do. I also received a very positive note from Connie Ray Wells, Class of 1973. She too has great memories of growing up in Groveton.
Janice Eastepp wrote the following concerning her father and our article: Thank you so much for your mention of my father in your column in the Groveton News of July 2, 2009. I was sorry to hear that you lost your chest in the fire, but it was heartwarming to know how much you treasured it. As the Alzheimer's destroyed his brain, all that was left was his love of building things. That is what he talked about. Of course, when he got bad, he said that he had built almost everything in Lufkin, Trinity County, and Houston County. Less than two months before he died, I took him out of the nursing home and we did one of his favorite things, driving around looking at houses. Even with so much of his brain destroyed by disease, he could still recognize a well designed home. He'd say, "Now there's a nice house." Sure enough, the houses he said that about were well built and symmetrical. He just instinctively knew good proportions when he saw it. And he retained a good sense of humor almost to the very end.

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Over the years, he talked so much about his students in Building Trades. One of his favorite stories was when Brent Lee and others had, against the rules, taken a chaw of tobacco and climbed up on the roof of the building they were working on. My Dad told them that they better not have chewing tobacco in their mouths when they came down that ladder, so they swallowed it. Brent came down the ladder first and warned that the other guy was turning green and might not be able to make it down the ladder. Family visitation night before Brent's funeral was one of the last events that my father attended. Some of his students at West Hardin High School would stop by his house to say hello, and he cherished them all. Mr. John Knierim was the person who recognized that my father would be a good teacher and we have always appreciated him for it. Thanks again for your kind remarks.

Groveton News July 16 P 3

My sister, Norma H. Rasbeary recently traveled to South Carolina to visit her oldest son and bring her grand-daughter back to Texas for a visit. Becky was able to visit through the Fourth of July weekend. Her dad, Jack was busy in South Carolina hosting a talk show which began on Saturday July 4, 2009. The Garage Politics radio show went live around the country on Micro-FM stations. The show also broadcasts on the internet www.themicroeffect.com from 10:00PM - 12:00AM ET every Saturday. I haven't heard his show yet but I look forward to hearing it one day.
Our community has been saddened by the passing of Janell Jones. She was the wife of one of John. E. Jones, Class of 1954. "Johnnny" is the son of Latisha E. Jones who taught English to most of us in Groveton High School. Janell attended school in Centerville ISD. Please keep all of the family in your thoughts and prayers.
Please visit the Obituary for Janell Hutson Jones
www.legacy.com/obituaries/lufkindailynews/obituary.aspx?n=janell-hutson-jones&pid=129673965
In closing, we caught another coon but no one has taken us up on our offer of free coon. Hopefully we won't catch any more and my chickens will be safe.
Until next time,Martha Mericle
grovetonindians@windstream.com

Groveton News July 6 09 P1

Just as soon as I hit send last week, we got an inch rain. I guess that should teach me not to second guess the weather in East Texas. This dry spell has drawn wild critters to water and food sources that are normally reserved for domestic animals.
When I retired, I decided to buy a milk cow or milk goat and some chickens. I still haven't got a cow or goat but last April I did buy six grown layers, and two batches of day old bitties. The dry weather enticed disaster to our house. One evening I had thirty happy healthy chickens and the next morning I had four live grown chickens and feathers. When I got to church that evening, I told everybody about my chicks. I also told them that Kelly Flowers Luce, Class of 1993 related a similar story and suggested I place live traps for raccoons. Several folks said there was no way coons could have taken off that many bodies. Alton had caught a coon last year that was eating our cat food and the hole under the fence wasn't big enough for a coyote, so I believe it was a coon. He hauled the coon to the low water bridge on Kickapoo Creek. Ronnie McCarty, Class of 1973 said they had problems in Woodlake with coons and he just hauled his up to Kickapoo Park. I nearly came unglued. Ronnie brought those coons to live across the street from me and they had killed 26 of my three dollars apiece chicks! When I heard that I wheeled around with intent to do justice for my chicks and what I saw was

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Beuford Rogers, Class of 1980, Kathy Thornton McCarty, Class of 1973 and then rest of our church folk grinning from ear to ear. Ronnie was quick to admit he was just joking. I am such a sucker. It took me a little while to appreciate his humor. Now Alton has caught two BIG coons and if anyone wants raccoon stew, just send us word, we'll gladly send any others we catch your way. Kickapoo Creek's low water bridge might be far enough because there is plenty of water at the bridge. I'm back in the market for laying hens. Kelly gave me some eggs and loaned her incubator. In twenty one days I should have more babies! Thanks Kelly!
Josserand Church held their Fourth of July singing Saturday night. We all chipped in for fireworks. Our thanks to the Groveton Fire Department for standing by as our youth popped until their hearts were content. Also a special thank you is extended to the teenager for helping the little ones in shooting roman candles and sparklers. A good time was had by all! The guest singers were Jeffery Conner and Bonnie Kennedy, wife of Joe Don Kennedy, Class of 1965, Life Member L-237. The Kennedy Family has truly been an asset to Groveton since they chose to make Groveton their retirement home. Jeffery Conner has bought the old hotel on W Front Street, across the street from the old Auction Barn and the current Fire Station. The hotel is being renovated and will be another quality improvement to Groveton's downtown area.

Groveton News July 6 09 P3

Although I still have not seen a schedule for web or grant writing classes this Fall, I intend to sign up. Anyone interested in car-pooling with me? Let me know.
Speaking of Grants, our organization could benefit from them. Our school has been a stepping stone toward college for years. Our location is perfect to commute. This being so, we would like to compile a list of Groveton Ex-Students that attended college along with the type of degree you received. It doesn't matter if you were one that received a scholarship from the Ex-Students but we would like to add that information. When we apply for grants to improve our program, this information will be very beneficial and I would like to insure it's accuracy with your help. Send your info, name, address, type degree and college Alma Marta to the email address below. Thanks a bunch,
Until next time: Martha Mericle grovetonindians@windstream.net

Groveton News July 2, 200- P 3

In closing, we would like to extend our sympathy to the family of Mr. Oscar Eastepp, Class of 1943. Mr. Eastepp taught “Building and Trades” at GHS. He was a craftsman. He loved wood working and he made my favorite knickknack, a beautiful chest. We joked about Alton being a retired fireman when our home burned. Mr. Eastepp said he could make a replacement chest for me but I let time slip away. I never made that special effort to visit or follow up. My loss is insignificant compared to the loss his family suffers now.

Groveton News July 2, 2009 p 1

I love the summer time but even I look forward to some relief in the form of rain. The hay pasture next door, owned by W.B. Due, Class of 1943, Life Member L-165 is suffering. Usually, by this time, he has been able cut and bale it twice. Looks like hay prices will be high again if our area doesn’t get some much needed moisture. When we were little we spent five years in Winnie TX and attended East Chambers ISD. There I learned to eat fish on Friday and found there were hundreds of ways to incorporate rice into a school menu. I had never eaten cooked rice made like oatmeal with butter, sugar and milk. Those folks ate rice with everything. I haven’t missed the rice but what I have missed is the rain. Just about every summer afternoon we would have what momma called “heat showers”. Sometimes they would be hard drenching rains with deafening thunder and brilliant lightening shows and some times gentle rain, just enough to make it too wet to mow and it kept the grass knee high. When we moved back to what Mr. Hoytt Thompson, Class of 1922, calls “Texas” and everybody else calls “Trinity County” I didn’t miss the rice or the Texas size mosquitoes but I sure miss those green healthy pastures. Yep we need some gulf moisture in Trinity County. I have been wondering if I am the only person outside family that misses Raymond Pixley, Class of 1950. Raymond was my email buddy and I miss him. I could always count on him to brighten my day with laughter and joy.
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