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Clarksville Chamber's annual awards banquet
By Krista Goerte
Published October 22, 2009
CLARKSVILLE — Some of Red River County’s most community-active citizens were recognized Tuesday during the 88th annual Historic Red River County Chamber of Commerce banquet.
Paul Allen was named Citizen of the Year and received a standing round of applause after a speech by his longtime friend, Alan Hale.
“He’s an amazing guy and he never ceases to amaze me,” Hale said.
Allen has taken part in numerous organizations in and around the Clarksville area throughout the years, including director of Central Rodeo Association, director of Northeast Texas Workforce Development board, member of Texas Rural Education Association, board of directors for the Red River County Historical Society, Paul Harris Fellow recipient and Rotary Club member and others.
“The thing about Paul that you ought to know is that he’s never met a stranger,” Hale said. “I can attest to trips that we’ve been on ... and Paul will walk up to some stranger and just start a conversation. Before long, he’s figured out somebody that he knows that they know. Before he gets through, that stranger’s walking away going ‘how did that stranger know more about me than I do,’ because he always does.”
Joan Vaughan, who died in March, was posthumously presented the George F. Sunkel award.
Her civic involvement began as a youth in high school, serving as the War Bonnet Queen in 1944 after selling more than $6,000 in war bonds. The University of Texas graduate worked for the Texas Department of Human Services and Child Protective Services for many years in addition to volunteering her time with the Pride Association and the Chamber of Commerce. She also spearheaded efforts to restore the Red River County courthouse to its former glory, raising more than $700,000 for the project.
“While Joan has been gone from us since March of this year, we shall always remember her sweet smile, her southern gentility, her gracious hospitality, her classic beauty and the gift that she gave of her time and talents,” said Jim Clark, who gave a moving speech for the presentation of Vaughan’s award.
The Pioneer award was presented to Frances Bachman, owner of Clarksville Florist. Bachman has operated the florist shop for almost 50 years.
“In talking with some of her employees, I agree that [Bachman] is a caring person, a strong, caring, self-made person devoted to the customers and she’s a little bit feisty at times,” said Lee Lindeman, who presented Bachman the award. “It takes a little bit of all of these qualities to keep a business running for almost 50 years.”
The Pride Association was presented with the Organization of the Year award for their work beautifying the downtown area and promoting economic development in the City of Clarksville. The association was formed in 1998.
“This organization has been involved in many projects throughout the years,” said Babe Higgins, the award presenter. “They are known for their endless efforts towards the beautification and maintenance of the Clarksville Square, scheduled cleanups and the development of Pride’s historic creek walk.”
The group provided paint for many of the historical buildings on the Clarksville Square, planted Crape Myrtles, started an adopt-a-block program, provided a Pride yard and business of the month in addition to co-sponsoring an annual Halloween carnival, among many other projects.
Ambassadors chosen for the 2009-2010 year were: Lauren Peek, Avery High School; Ashley Reed, Clarksville High School; Jessica Miller, Detroit High School; and Jesse Ross, Rivercrest High School.
Ambassadors were chosen on academic achievement, character, involvement in organizations and extra-curricular activity. The ambassadors will participate in events such as business grand openings, pancake supper, chili supper, bicycle tour, Christmas parade and other events.
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