“Troubled Times for HCHD?” See First Things First Page 2
Founded January 2010
Groves Standard “A Public Trust” VOL. 3 - NO. 14
MARCH - MAY 2012
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Bishop Eunice Groves Honored As Trailblazer
Trayvon Martin: Shall We Talk ?
By Billy “Hollywood” Groves, CEO I’ve said from the beginning of the Trayvon Martin murder controversy that this case could be a landmark, high water movement, in American race relations. I and many others compared this murder to the infamous slaying of another African American teenager in the 1950s, Emmitt Teal in Mississippi. The comparison was drawn because 17-year-old Trayvon Martin also ended up dead, basically because he was a young black man victimized by flagrant, misguided, vigilantism. This case offered much to whet the public appetite for evidence speculation, conjecture, rumors of who started the fight, who was the aggressor, who was the assailant, why did this happen, and why did that happen. After viewing and reviewing the information made available to the public about this case, the fact re-
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mains--a young, innocent black man is tragically killed in 2012 in Florida, because he was racially profiled as a criminal. Since the murder, the killer of Trayvon Martin, George Zimmerman, has been arrested, charged with 2nd degree murder (although it took over 50 days and many protests) and released on a $150,000.00 (one hundred and fifty thousand dollar bond). Although the circumstances surrounding the Trayvon Martin murder are not the same as the Emmitt Teal murder, the reasoning and the ideology behind these murders are eerily similar. In both cases a young, innocent black man was killed because his killer or killers thought they were justified in confronting and killing one whom they perceived as a threat based on the color of his skin. To cut to the chase and save space, I could simply rant about how African Americans have been done wrong down through the years and how we are “victims” who continue to suffer under oppressive conditions here in America. I am not going there, however, because the issue is not that simple. In my mind, racism is the true enemythe ugly cancer which needs to be removed so that our Nation can heal. I was born and raised American. I know and truly believe that “we” can eradicate the cancer of racism. Once the cancer is gone, we won’t experience the symptoms of racism, like the murder of Trayvon Martin and others. (The Rev. Jessie Jackson recently said on national television, “There have been 16 black people who have been killed by police here in America since “Trayvon Martin).” As a nation, this is the perfect time to have this much-needed conversation about race relations-- some See Trayvon page 5 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
Inside this issue: East Texas News
Stephanie Rhodes pictured above with her mother, is the daughter of Jim and Mary Rhodes. She proudly displays a copy of her newly published book of poetry entitled “My Thoughts”. Her book’s debut was a well attended book signing held at the Crockett Public Library. The book is dedicated to her late brother Rodney. For an autographed copy contact Stephanie at (936) 546-8311.
Editor’s View
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People and Places 3 Commentary
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Sports
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Business World
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Hollywood’s News 8
(L-R) Minister Dr. Ianthia Fisher, Minister Julie Terry, Bishop Eunice Groves Sis. Micelle Spencer and Minister Sharonda Johnson
Bishop Eunice Groves, President of Groves Bible College, was recently honored as one of the foremost spiritual leaders who have served as women trailblazers and pioneers in the field of Christian Ministry. In addition to being an honoree, Bishop Groves also served as luncheon speaker enlightening and inspiring the group with words from the topic Shifting the Atmosphere. Currently, she presides as Regional Bishop, Mid-South Jurisdiction /Adjutant General of the Alpha Omega International Assemblies. The Legacy Luncheon Celebration which feted Bishop Groves among other
honorees was sponsored by Fully Persuaded Ministries International founder Apostle Debora Anderson. It was held at the Greenspoint Hilton Conference facility in Houston, Texas. The above-pictured women from Crockett were among Bishop Groves invited guests who were privileged to participate in a special prayer and spiritual blessing of new ministers by their spiritual “mothers”, their respective spiritual mentors. The special session was titled Releasing of The Mantles and Impartation By Spiritual Mothers to The Sons and Daughters of This Generation”. The event was well attended and many positive comments about the event were expressed by the participants.
Former Head Start Director Stokes Receives SFA Award
(L-R) Burke Center Relations Director Paul Jackson, Charlotte Stokes recipient and Stephen F. Austin Social Work Professor Linda Harris. Work Spirit Award given In memory of Dr. Mrs. Charlotte Stokes, longtime educaLinda Morales, a former SFA Dean of Sotor and former Director of Head Start Comcial Work. It was presented to her at the munity Action Program, who served as Mission Possible Conference by the ConDirector for 29 of her 37 years in education, ference Committee Chair, and Community was recently honored for her outstanding Relations Director for the Burke Center career in early childhood education. She is Paul Jackson, along with Stephen F. credited with moving the Head Start ProAustin University Professor of Social Work gram from a one-room school to a nineLinda Harris. Although retired, Mrs. Stokes site, multimillion-dollar literacy education continues her diligent work in the comoperation for low income children in four munity through her many volunteer efforts. different counties. Her most recent honor Congratulations to Mrs. Stokes on a was as a recipient of the 3rd Annual Social well-deserved award!
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MARCH - MAY 2012
Opinion / Outlook First Things First Troubled Times for HCHD? By Bill “Hollywood” Groves, CEO Recently I had an opportunity to speak at the April 2012 Houston County Hospital District (HCHD) Board Meeting at East Texas Medical Center ETMC in Crockett. I told them that I was there by popular demand, not by the HCHD members, but by the people who are concerned about what’s going on with the HCHD Board. First things first, the HCHD Board members need to understand that the majority of the citizens of Crockett and Houston County are for ETMC and not for the HCHD Board. While I have great respect for the people who are trying to negotiate this situation in a peaceful, civilized way, I truly believe that it’s going to take “We the people” the silent majority here in Houston County, to finally resolve this problem. Secondly, there is a lack of transparency associated with the HCHD in its dealings with the majority of citizens in Crockett and Houston County who depend on ETMC exclusively for their hospital medical needs. At that meeting I made an analogy describing the relationship between the coach or manager of a great sports franchise and the HCHD and ETMC. Teams like the Lakers, the Yankees and the Red Sox have been winning for decades and they have won under different leaderships. The HCHD, the current leadership of ETMC, is comparable to the management of those sports dynasties. ETMC and the patients of their hospitals are comparable to the players on those teams. The coaches (HCHD) are very valuable to the team but without the players (ETMC), not only would there be no victories, there would be no game!” I went on to tell them that Mrs. Earlie Groves of Crockett, who was present at the meeting, was a senior citizen who had worked at this hospital in the early 1970’s. Mrs. Groves told me that she was concerned about what was happening with the current HCHD controversy over whether ETMC was leaving Crockett. I told them that I had received a lot of calls from senior citizens like Mrs. Groves and they, too, were very concerned about any changes to their local hospital (ETMC) and their Medicare / senior citizen medical benefits. I also reminded the HCHD board
members that the senior citizens of Crockett are the people who built the original hospital in Crockett and they have worked hard all of their lives to ensure that a local hospital existed in this community. They deserve to know what the HCHD members plans are for keeping ETMC in Crockett because the hospital was started by the people not the HCHD. In my mind the HCHD board is not reflective of the general population of Crockett and Houston County. There are no people of color on the HCHD Board, there are no ordinary citizens on the HCHD Board and there is a culture of secrecy that has always been part of HCHD’s modus operandi. The bottom line seems to be that the HCHD board has an agenda and ulterior motives which do not take into account the interest and wellbeing of the people of Crockett and Houston County. My personal feelings are that President Obama’s new health care laws dubbed “Obama Care” is the crux of this controversy. I believe some “influential members” of the HCHD (not all of the members of the HCHD) have a problem with the way ETMC has been helping senior citizens and poor people for years. The way I see it, those disgruntled HCHD members are mad at President Obama’s health care policies and they want to “secede” from ETMC, which they consider to be an ally of “Obama Care” and start their own hospital. I will end this conversation by saying that I was around Crockett before ETMC came to town. I am not saying ETMC is perfect, because they are not, but there is transparency at ETMC. When there’s a problem, “we the people” can go inside the hospital and straighten out the problem. When there’s a problem with the HCHD Board, we can’t locate them and in most cases they are not highly visible. The HCHD board members meet every third Tuesday of the month at 5:30p.m., at the ETMC in Crockett. If you are concerned about what’s happening with your local hospital, please attend some of these meetings. Once you have been to the HCHD meetings you will understand what I am saying and you will be able to form you own opinion. God Bless America, Africa and the Rest of the World!
A Blessed Encounter For an Elijah Moment By Dr. Ianthia Fisher, Managing Editor A short time ago I had the opportunity to make the acquaintance of a very unique and wonderful family. This chance encounter truly changed the course of my day. I first observed the family as they began filing into a local district track meet. Since they did not come in as a single group, I assumed that each of them was arriving from different locations. The common denominator for the family just happened to be a female student runner, who was niece, daughter, cousin and friend to the group. Did I mention that it was a “big group”? Although I was introduced to part of the family by a family friend, I didn’t directly interact with them until one of the members appeared to be slightly ill. I offered my umbrella to her in an effort to provide some shade. It was extremely hot and humid outside as is normally the case this time of year. After a short time and some general conversation, we all settled in to watch the track meet. Later, I unknowingly met a member of the aforementioned family, Diane and shared a lively conversation with her. Amid our yelling at and for the runners, we were able to have a very insightful conversation, alternately sharing a lot of personal experiences. She informed me of her relationship to the group she was with and how they always traveled to support the runner, who happened to be her niece. But she also mentioned that her father had had a stroke and he wasn’t able to be left alone. She went on to say, “With the number of family that we have, my
(L-R) LaTaisha Calhoun, Jerald Lee and Diane Calhoun. Sisters pictured are talented singers, Community Supporters and Juneteenth Celebration sponsors in Anderson, Texas.
father will never have to go to a nursing home”. This statement caught my attention, and I thought how blessed he is to have a family that has the resources to take care of him in a home setting and the love and desire to actually to do it. Then she told how she had dedicated her life to helping rear three of her younger siblings after her mother had passed and that she had worked with people with disabilities for over twenty years. Lastly, she shared with me how she and her family hosted the Juneteenth Celebration each year in her community. I can’t tell you how enthusiastic I became with this last revelation. Here was a new acquaintance who had already declared her love for God, her love for family and friends, and now her commitment to her community which we mutually expressed by hosting Juneteenth festivities in our respective towns. I felt truly blessed to have encountered a fellow See A Blessed Encounter page 6
Dr. Ianthia Fisher, Minister Julie Terry and daughter Roshunda Vallery, show off their hats at New Pleasant Grove’s Women United in Love 3rd Annual Tea in Crockett.
Crockett Public Housing Authority “We’re Here To Serve The Public” 14710 Hiram Clarke ▪ Houston, TX 77053
(713) 885-4337 / (713) 885-3442 (832) 364-0632
Let Us Host Your Next Event! Victoria Groves Essien, Owner
Bill Holcomb, Executive Director Mandy Nash, Deputy Director 186 East Fannin Ave.
Crockett, Texas 75835
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Hampton Memorial COGIC Crockett Hosts Pre-Mothers’ Day Fellowship
Event Coordinators: Sis. Lillian Marshall, First Lady Maria Hollman, Sis. Daphne Jefferson and Sis. Ruby Berry (Below) Mother & Daughter Attendees
Groves Standard
MARCH - MAY 2012
People & Places The Bean /Jones Families Host 17th Annual Communitywide Easter Egg Hunt/I.T. Williams Park
“ Sister to Sister”
Annie Jones and daughter Janice Lamb Front Row: Lois Lewis, Freddie Jones (Coordinator) Lrena Smith , Woodrow Jones Jr. (Above) Marlon Taylor and Cranston Bean. (Below) Community youth participants
Vera Rhodes and daughter La’Sondra
McKnight Family Hosts “Wang Dang Doddle” The 80th B-Day Celebration for Patriarch “Cowboy” Jessie McKnight
Barbara Berry, granddaughter Jewelissa and daughter Barbara Dianne Decker.
MOTHER’S STRATEGIES Paula Jones and Mother Elouise Wooten
Grandchildren of Sheila Nathaniel (L-R) Sakiya Maxie, Jada Pool and NaTajah Craig
At the Mary Allen Museum’s Tea and Fashion, budding pianist Sha’Driauna Hackett, daughter of Erica Hart, performed a musical selection.
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5 What lessons we could learn and what legacies we could leave if we only pay more attention to the details to be shared with our children. Lessons and legacies of how to stand when the entire world in stooping, how to make lemonade out of lemons, how to persevere in times of difficulty and how to smile when you want to cry. My mothers’ strategy was to tell us a story that gave us hope. We must begin telling our stories, in great detail about lives lived and lessons learned. Even if we have no full picture what the ending will be, we must learn to season the story with grace because the proverbial, devil is always in the details. Simply put, from the cradle to the grave we are driven by the Mission of God. It is easy to chalk up our lives up to a great destination rather than a great life’s journey. However, life is a journey and great journeys generate great legacies to pass on to the next generation. Generational impact can transform not only people, but nations. I enjoyed spending mother’s Day with my mom, Earlie Groves and the opportunity to wish her , a great strategist., Happy Mother’s Day .
Happy 80th B-Day Jessie !
Rhonda Williams, daughter of Rev. Norris and Shirley White and granddaughter of the late Tyre and Jewel White of Crockett, shared an inspirational message with the attendees of the First Baptist Church Crockett’s 17th Annual Ladies Banquet .The theme “Sister to SisterBlessings for the Journey” was powerfully presented by her through sharing of personal life experiences and family trainings by both her parents and grandparents. Her message resonated with all present. Rhonda is a graduate of the Houston Baptist University nursing program, a registered nurse, and presently, a full time educator in Katy ISD. She is the wife of Timothy Williams, and a member of the Fellowship of Excitement, Second Baptist Church in Houston, Texas. Rhonda shared her insightful, personal passion for the scripture found in Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ that strengthens me.”
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“Cowboy” Jessie takes a swirl on dance floor with Dr. Edwardlene Wills
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MARCH - MAY 2012
Commentary Where Do We Go From Here? James L. McCullough, M.Ed. On our road to freedom in America, we lost some things as a people from which we have not fully recovered. The following represents a limited view of my personal history and observations from the past to the present I fee will serve as the basis for my assertions in this article. As a fourteen-year old my travels included trips from the confines of rural East Texas to as far south as Mexico. Later I traveled the states of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Arkansas, Virginia, Washington D.C., New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Along the routes, it dawned on me that all of the southern states shared in a residual effect of slavery (what Historian Kenneth Stamp called “the peculiar institution”). This effect was segregation of the races, predominantly blacks and whites at the time. In spite of the evils of the segregated system, however, segregation still contained an inadvertent, redeeming value for our people. It produced and nourished an entrepreneurial spirit among our people, the result being an emergence of Black business districts and Black business persons in the small towns and big cities across the south. These entrepreneurial zones provided many of the goods and services denied us by mainstream businesses due to segregation. Integration was needful to our fight for freedom and justice, but it produced a casualty which affects our lives until this very day. It destroyed much of the economic base of many black communities across the nation. This loss of thousands of black-owned business, both individually and collectively were catastrophic to the extent we have not recovered. Crockett and other communities lost their Jimmy Jacksons, Carl Ards, Arthur Hatches, Woodley’s and McCulloughs, McClendons, Williams, Nooks, Randolphs and other black businesspersons. Somehow, we bought in to subliminal advertising gimmicks which suggested products and services generated by our communities were somehow inferior to those produced by mainstream American business. By buying into this false concept, we helped to preside over the beginning of the ending of our entrepreneurial spirit as a people
and signaled near destruction of Black business life across America in both small towns and large cities. In the above scenario, we must ask ourselves a question. How could we have allowed ourselves to buy into the advice given to us as young people? The prevailing wisdom of those years was that the road to prosperity lay in the acquisition of a good education. A good education ensured a good job. Many of us achieved just that. However, hindsight teaches me this premise had its faults. The downside is most of our education and training was and still is used to economically benefit the few in the black community at the expense of the many, an expensive lesson some are just realizing. Rarely were we taught or encouraged to educate ourselves to own or to control the productive capacity of a job or better yet to own the job. In the process of educating ourselves, still we remained consumer- minded, often little more than hired hands or just cogs in a large business wheel. Our futures, goals and aspirations still are largely determined by whatever direction this wheel decides to roll or turn. Remember, in the majority of instances, blacks are not the owner or driver of the wheel, but a faceless cog among many. Existing as a contributing factor to the above premise is the fact that some business circles view our communities more as units of consumption rather than as producers. They move into our communities and set up shop which eventually leads to the shrinkage and evaporation of small black businesses that comprise what black business districts we have left. These economic interlopers may possess no interest beyond their profit margin, often sucking out as much of the community resources as possible and placing little to nothing back into the vacuum created by their actions. Therefore, Black communities across the nation are suffering, some have died and many of the remaining on life-support. The socio economic effect of this effect lies in the fact that our communities, both large and small have become open-air markets for drugs, prostitution, liquor stores, gambling dens and zones for other types and levels of criminal activity. As a result, See Where do We go… page 6
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Music Scene Masters When the NCAA’s Women’s college basketball tournament was going on, eventual national Champions Baylor University All American Center Brittney Griner , was asked by a news reporter what was she listening to on her MP3 player. Griner smiled and said “Yung Nation”. After attending Yung Nation’s Crockett concert, I really understand why Brittney Griner likes Yung Nation, they’re great! Johnson Brothers Promoting Big! The Johnson brothers, Brandon Boo, Elbert Wayne “Bev the Barber” and Untwaun Johnson recently promoted the popular rap group “Yung Nation” in its Crockett appearance. High fives go out to the Johnson brothers of Huntsville and Crockett for the super live rap concerts they have been brining to Crockett and East Texas. Dorrough, Foxx, Hurricane Cris, Young Black, ESG, Big Pokey, J Dawg, Kirko Bang, Beat King, D.J. Choose, T. Wayne and Youngest in Charge are some of the rappers the Johnson Brothers have brought to East Texas for a concert. Speaking of the Huntsville rap group, Youngest in Charge, they recently performed as the opening act for a rap show featuring rap music legends Twister and Trick Daddy in Houston. Car Show / Rap Concert Scheduled Bev also mentioned the upcoming car show on July 7th behind the State School in Crockett. Lil KeKe, SUC, and Youngest in Charge, are some of the rap acts who will be performing at the car show. Co-promoter Raunchy Stewart had this to say about the car show. “We need to do something for the community and the kids, we are asking everybody to come out, support this show and enjoy themselves.” For more information on the Car Show and more on the Johnson boy’s productions, check out Fed Up Entertainment on the in-
ternet. You can also go to U Tube and Facebook to see more. Special thanks go out to Chip Francis of Louisiana, who works with the Johnson Boys at their concerts. Chip knows the rap music world through and through his techniques and abilities come to the forefront at every concert in which he is involved. Up-dates on local Rappers Still generating buzz Houston R&B singer Tony Henry, who grew up in Crockett told me that he was getting ready to perform at the Blue Goose Music Festival in Shreveport, Louisiana, when I recently spoke with him. Henry also recently performed in Missouri. He had this to say about the upcoming show in Shreveport. “I’m honored that I was invited, it makes me smile knowing that I’m from a small town, performing on stage with legends.” Special thanks go out to D.J. Mike “Heavy Love” Jones and rapper Joseph “Joe Guns” Senegal, who did their thing at the Yung Nation’s concert. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that I “yours truly” Hollywood will be one of the celebrity judges at the upcoming Car Show in Crockett on July 7, 2012. Not too long ago, I got to hear some of Crockett rapper T. Shep’s music; he is a rising star on the rap music scene. Tyler rapper producer “Hype” was in Crockett recently working with local record label owners and their rappers. Buddha Shaw Host Television Show Buddha Ali Shaw of Hope, Arkansas founder of the East Texas Rap Group Mad Kat told me the new television show that he is involved with is doing well. For more information on Buddha, you can call him at 870-7296086 or call him on Thursdays at 5p.m. on his radio show at 323-410-0101.
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MARCH - MAY 2012
Business World “Misseo Dei” : Strategies of My Mother
James Henry, the son of Jamie Henry and Nita Mask of Crockett is the host of an internet radio show titled “ Just Ask The Pastor.” Henry and wife Cherise and their three children, attend New Covenant Christian Fellowship Church in Pearland where he serves as a deacon.
By Dr. Brenda Atchison, Business Manager I have often wondered why some people have so many lived experiences. Such people can usually recount a relevant story or experience applicable to almost any circumstance or situation. Then it dawned on me; some people have truly lived life fully-in-the-moment and paid attention to their life’s journey. In other words, they lived purposefully and intentionally. They instinctively knew that life was not series of cosmic accidents but, divine providence at work. I believe my mother is one of these people. I recently had a conversation with her and I was amazed at
how much she had to say on the way to making her point. It was more than most people say in conveying the main point of their conversations. She recalled both lived experiences and Biblical accounts with remarkable detail and clarity. It reminded me of all of the things that I had forgotten about my life’s journey—things that brought to mind wise sayings, cherished memories and rules to live by. The conversation reminded me of the details of a life well lived. We discussed everything ranging from the President’s stance on same sex marriage to local politics, religion and the chosen career paths of my siblings. The
Models Showcased at the Mary Allen Museum’s “An Afternoon Tea With Fashions”
(L-R) Kiera Riley, YLavern Harris, Shemedria Ervin, Roche Jones, Sandra Franklin, Cordelia Horace, Niece Riley and Meagan Houston
recurrent themes of practicality, hope and intellectual curiosity engirdled each topic. Growing up with five siblings, all with distinctly different personalities, I know for a fact that both my mother and my father had their hands full. I am not sure what my mother’s conscious strategy for coping was aside from an unswerving faith in God, however, time has proved it was an effective one. She lived Misseo Dei (the mission of God). She provided us each an opportunity to be creative. She used various stories to encourage us as well as citing scripture to back her up. She always had a natural curiosity about life. Every opportunity was one to learn and to teach. There was a lot of life in her years. Grave markers are usually discernible by a birth date hyphenated by a date of death. As has been pointed out by many writers, it is not the death date but, the hyphen that symbolizes the chasm between life and death. It is the account of the journey – lives well-lived or ill-lived— that fill in the blanks of the whole story; details that reveal the inherent quality of how we lived our lives. See Mother’s Strategies page 3
THE TRUTH ABOUT THE JIMMY FISHER CASE
Mr. Cervantes claims that I dismissed the Fisher case in order to get his political support. Jimmy Fisher did not vote in the Republican Primary.
Mr. Cervantes claims that he based his case on Jimmy Fisher’s written confession. There was no written confession by Jimmy Fisher. Fisher’s letter , which was taken from Christopher’s DPS job Application only stated that he obtained the credit card for his son. That is not a confession.
Mr. Cervantes claims that he based his case on credit card documents. Those credit card documents clearly showed that Christopher Fisher, Not Jimmy Fisher, possessed and was using the credit cards.
Mr. Cervantes claims that he based his case on Christopher Fisher’s statements. Christopher Fisher is still waiting on David Cervantes to call him so he can make his statement. Christopher stated that he never wanted to file a complaint. David Cervantes never once talked to the victim (Christopher) nor gave him an opportunity to make a statement in his case!!
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Trayvon Martin Case really deep discussions about race and how people are treated because of their race. The bible tells us that a house divided against itself can’t stand. Racism is a malady of separation and division. It allows people to negatively view other people and provides the incentive to implement aggressive, misdirected laws like Florida’s “Stand Your Ground” aka “Make My Day” Law. At the end of the day, the Trayvon Martin tragedy should be a teachable moment in America. This is the perfect opportunity to shed light on this subject of racism in America. We can cure this cancer of racism by exposing it for what it really is! Thomas Jefferson once said America is great because it’s good. I say America; will continue to be great, we just need to complete the job of making it “good” by eradicating the deadly cancer of racism from our Nation. God Bless America, Africa and the rest of the world.
Groves Standard
Sports
CHS Track Teams Place At State Meet ! Congratulations go out to stellar track performer Kabroderan “KB” Handsborough of Crockett High. KB won the 100 meter dash at the UIL Class 2-A State Track meet in Austin and anchored the Crockett High School 800 meter relay team to first place. KB recently accepted a track scholarship to South Plains College in Leveland. KB is the son of Beverly Handsborough of Crockett and attends the Church of Christ in Crockett where Rev. Charles Martin is the pastor. Jaderrion Simon, De’Yasim Warfield, Denell Parker, Dominique Wheeler, Michael McKnight, Anjuwan “A.D.” Smith, Marcus Williams, LeMarcus Foreman, Darius Barber, Jordan Washington and Jay English were KB’s track teammates. KB’s winning
A Blessed Encounter CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2 comrade sharing mutual basic values. So how did this chance encounter bless my day? Let me count the ways. So often, as we experience the challenges that life brings, we began to feel like the biblical Prophet Elijah when he was on the run for his life from Queen Jezebel. Elijah erringly believed that he, alone, was serving God. As you know God quickly reminded him that He had reserved to Himself hundreds that hadn’t thrown in the towel and that Elijah just needed to rest for a bit, after which God sent someone to help him. After my chance encounter with my new friend, I realized that God doesn’t give us a task for which He does not equip us or a task in isolation from others in His service. It may appear that we are alone in our task, but he still has many more at work for Him, some not even of “this fold”. (As the Apostle John recounts in his description of the Jesus Christ the Good Shepherd, He welcomed both fellow Jews and believing gentiles into his flock.) Did I mention that she told me that two of her siblings were on dialysis and had just left treatment and that she was also experiencing some circulation problems and that, in spite
MARCH - MAY 2012
of all the medical challenges she and her family were facing, she declared, “It’s a blessing to just be able to help others and live life and enjoy it one day at a time”. Her statement immediately sparked in me a mental inventory of my own situation leading me to better see the abundant blessings in my own life— good health; personal salvation and a call to the ministry of the Gospel of Jesus Christ; the unlimited opportunities inherent in everyday living; the love and company of family and friends--all of the basic necessities to sustain and enjoy life and other blessings too numerous to count. Prior to this fortuitous encounter, I had mistakenly contracted a slight case of an “Elijah attitude” probably brought on by a self-inflicted, postretirement flurry of activity. So I say thanks to my new friend and her family for reminding me that every day is a perfect day in its own right. It’s another day to establish and/or enjoy our relationship with God, and another day to share his goodness with a hurting world. We are never in “it” by ourselves regardless of our feelings to the contrary. In the words of our heavenly Father, “I will never leave you nor forsake you”. Be blessed my friends and thanks for the inspiration!
time in the 100 meters was good enough to win every other division except the big 5-A division. We also commend the Crockett High girls track team which qualified for state in four events. The Lady Dogs 400 relay team of Kiarah Riley, Shanell Parker, T’Kheyja Simon, and Caitlin McKnight captured the silver medal with a second place finish at the state track meet. “Time to Hoop it Up”, Team C-1 Basketball Camp June 4th -8th at Huntsville High School. For more information you can contact Kelvin Mason at 936-355-5000 or go to kelvinmason@sbcglobal.net or register on line at: www.chosenonesbb.info
Where Do We Go... CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4 many of our young men and women teeter on the brink of self-destruction on both a human and spiritual level. Our future as a people is tied to the success of our young. If we, meaning our current generation, do nothing, we will enter the pages of history as a forgotten people, becoming a modern day version of the biblical character, Methuselah. Noted on our tombstones will be the words… “Here lies a people of once great potential, but all they did was live and die”. How do we turn all this around? Two things stand paramount in my mind. First is to reclaim the entrepreneurial spirit, genius and determination we once possessed as a people. Not only did it build our communities, but also helped to build this nation. We have a proven record of business acumen with roots extending back to the beginning of man’s history as
Former Juneteenth Contestants Alayshious Dixon and Angel Terry show off their “prom attire” as they prepare to Dance! Dance! Dance! at the CHS Prom.
CONTINUED “Where Do We Go….” evidenced by archaeological finds in Africa and beyond. The other, being of equal value, is education. The quality and extent of our educational preparation determines how well we will be able to function as a viable race of people. Education can increase our economic viability and flexibility to the extent we will be able to successfully integrate into the new world order. In conclusion, we are a resilient people who survived 500 years of the slave trade and still were able to make indelible imprints on the life and culture of many nations. If we are to remain a viable and productive people, we must start now helping to inculcate in our young the necessity of becoming the chief architects of their own lives, and to make studied choices to determine how they will survive into the future. If not, someone else will become their architects and their architectural design, judging by history, it will not be pleasant.
Depend on us… To provide quality medical care close to home.
Terry Cutler, Administrator ● Crockett , TX For a physician referral or more information on the programs available through ETMC Crockett, call the ETMC HealthFirst line at 1-800-648-8141 or Visit on the web at www.etmc.org.
East Texas Medical Center Regional Healthcare System
Krispy Krunchy Chicken Good to the Last Bite! 211 South 4th Street Crockett, Texas 75835
Groves Standard
PAGE 7
MARCH - MAY 2012
Crockett
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Groves Standard
PAGE 8
MARCH - MAY 2012
Hollywood’s News
East Texas SHOUT OUTS !
Foundation Fetes Regional Cuisine Fund Raiser The Groves Educational Foundation held its 5th Annual Magnificent Male Menu Fundraiser. Dr. Ruth Watson served as emcee for the event. Several local celebrity chefs and servers were on hand to present scrumptious southern regional delicacies and delicious drinks. Special thanks to all who participated in the event and/or
contributed to the evening’s success. Plans are currently underway for next year. It is our prayer that each year it will continue to grow. Proceeds from the event will be used in the restoration of the Groves Foundation Building and grounds. Chef Mitchell Abbs, Assistant Jr. High Principal, shares a feast of Educational Edibles —BBQ chicken, links and ribs.
(L-R) Celebrity servers and themetable designers Beverly Taylor and Pam Wells. Proprietor’s Perfections Chefs Janeta Taylor and Christopher served a house specialty of Calico Beans to the guest.
CISD School Board Member Roy Johnson shares his famous Political Pot Luck delights with guest.
PROJECT SUMMARY:
Substantial rehabilitation of 70 units plus a completely new club house. A total of 31 buildings to be rehabilitated, plus a new club house. The dwellings are currently occupied so work will be phased. This project includes work from the following trades (but is not limited to): Concrete foundation Concrete sidewalks Masonry Framing Roofing
HVAC Electrical Plumbing Termite Treatment
Finish carpentry Insulation Drywall Painting
Jr. High Principal, Johnita Martin, the daughter of longtime educator John Davis and wife Carrie, decorated a table featuring the theme of American Education– A Dream that is obtainable for all of our Children. She also encouraged parents to get involved with their child’s school.
Landscaping Parking lot stripping Ceramic Tile installation Vinyl flooring installation
Access to the building plans: • We have complete sets of building plans available for review in the Pine Ridge Manor leasing office. • We have plans available for review in our office in Port Arthur. Interested parties can call for directions. • We can also email the plans as a pdf file to anyone interested in having their own set of plans printed.
Brittany Ross the daughter of longtime Crockett educator Annie Ross is all smiles as she glamorously starts Prom Night.
$2,000,000 general aggragate insurance is required by each subcon-tractor in order to work on this project. General Project Contractor :
Contacts:
Icon Builders
Cisco Abshire, Vice Pres. of Project Management Email: cisco.abshire@iconbuilders.net
P.O Box 1363 Nederland, TX 77627
President Barack Obama, Harry Jackson The Late Donna Summer, The Late Chuck “Go Go” Brown, James (Palestine) Smith, Quanell X, Calvin and Joyce Hawkins, Shay and Annie Hopkins, Rev. Norman and Linda White, Cartier Martin, Chester Houston, Dr. Lynn Ellison, Richard Groves, Fred Groves, Rev. Norris White, Bishop Detroit and Annie McCullough, Charles and Nadine, Dr. Perry Ramsey, tony Henry, Rosemary Hamilton, Pha Green, Marie Thompson, Rob T. Turner, Gerald Barkley, Lonnie Lipscome, Billy Bannister, The Ervin Family, The Purvis Family, Nita Mask, Sup. Kurt L. and Sis. Thompson , the Late Clarence “Chuck” Williams, Bill Holcomb, Sis. Robbie Porter, Jonitha Martin, Roy and Shirley Molonson, Javan and Brenda Reagans, Brandy Pleasant, Demond Pleasant, Caroline Turner Groves, Maxine and Walter Session, Daphne Session, The Jessie McKnight Family, Dr. Willa Wooten, Barbara A. Wooten, Roy Johnson, Joe Houston, Ken, Houston, Charles Brown, Eugene Lockhart, Rev.Shannon and Sandra Harris, JaGared Davis, Willie Carter and All the Groves Foundation Magnificent Male Menu cooks ,waitresses and participants.
David Sellers : Project Manager email: david.sellers@iconbuilders.net Office: (409) 722-2643 Fax: (409) 724-7951
. . . When the enemy shall come in Kortney KaTrice Hicks, the daughter of Natrenia and Joe Hicks of Crockett, Texas proudly leans for the camera to displays her college diploma from PVAMU.
like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him. Isaiah 59:19 (KJV)
Groves Standard Newspaper
Billy “Hollywood” Groves Founder / Chairman / CEO Dr. Helen King . . . . . . . . Dr. Ruth Watson . . . . . . Dr. Ianthia Fisher . . . . . . Victoria Essien, M Ed.. . . Dr. Brenda Atchison. . . . Minister Earlie Groves. . . Rev. Oscar Henderson . .
Senior Editor President / Editor Managing Editor Cultural /Arts Business Manager Religion / Writer Religion/ Writer
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Sandra Harris Manager We will match your payments up to one month.