News : Tree planted in memory of Caroline Frazier at Tilford Elementary

The plaque that will be placed near the tree.

This is what the Princeton Golden Maple looks like after it has grown a bit more

Carolyn Frazier

Danielle Phippen, John Frazier and Sarah Mathis at the planting of a tree to honor Carolyn Frazier

John Frazier stood in the rain, alongside a Princeton Golden Maple tree that was about to stand in honor of two mothers on Earth Day. The first, Mother Earth, because it was the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, and the other was his wife Carolyn who passed away last year after a battle with cancer. He made a few remarks before planting a tree to honor his wife.

Teachers Sarah Mathis and Danielle Phippen had hoped to have a ceremony to recognize Carolyne but of course, like everything else right now that wasn't going to be possible due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Starting his remarks, Frazier joked that he was going to purchase a tree so he checked the prices at Earl May and some other nurseries and he found the greatest deal at Frazier Nursery right here in Vinton. Apparently, the people that work there are a friendly bunch and the prices are great according to Frazier.

For 30 years, John Frazier was the 2nd grade teacher and was an important part of the Vinton-Shellsburg family. Always one to pour his heart into the environmental aspect of his job, this is just another small way to help in that department while remembering his wife Carolyn. John retired from teaching just a few years ago

The Princeton Golden Maple was planted in the northwest corner in front of Tilford Elementary and will have a plaque near the tree noting the dedication of the tree. The Tilford staff contribute to a special fund for projects like this, but there were also contributions made last year in Carolyn's memory, but Frazier told the teachers to put it toward the Farm to School program in honor of Carolyn which they did.

The next time your drive by, take a minute to check out the tree, show your children and remember Carolyn.