2019 Governors Community Achievement Award Complete

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Lago Vista Celebrates Completion of the GCAA (Governor’s Community Achievement

Award) Project, Turning Attention to Next Community Landmark

LAGO VISTA, TX — The Lago Vista community is celebrating a major milestone with the

official completion of the highly anticipated GCAA Project. This stunning new landmark stands

as a testament to local pride, collaboration, and dedication, marking the culmination of a journey

that began over seven years ago.

Initiated in 2019, the GCAA Project was brought to life through the tireless, outstanding efforts

of local volunteers who donated their time, energy, and craftsmanship to beautify the gateway to

the city. What started as a vision has now been transformed into a welcoming beacon for

residents and visitors alike.

"This Project is more than just a physical structure; it is a symbol of what our community can

achieve when we work together," said Denise Sellers KLVB member. "We are incredibly grateful

to every volunteer who picked up a tool, donated resources, or cheered us on since 2019 to make

this landmark a reality."

Visit the New Landmark

Residents and travelers entering Lago Vista are encouraged to slow down, take a look, and enjoy

the new community landmark. Serving as a scenic welcome to the city, the Project reflects the

vibrant spirit and unique character of the local area.

What’s Next: Expanding the Vision

With this major milestone officially checked off, the community's momentum isn't slowing

down. Attention now turns to the newly awarded 2025 GCAA Project. Building on the massive

success of this first phase, organizers are hopeful that a similar feature can be constructed on the

opposite side of town, creating a cohesive and beautiful entrance experience at both main

gateways to Lago Vista.

For more information about the project, volunteer opportunities, or upcoming community

initiatives, please contact Keep Lago Vista Beautiful (KLVB) at klvbcontact@gmail.com.

In Loving Memory Of

Gordon Eugene Stokes

1934 – 2026

✧ ✧ ✧.

Gordon E. Stokes, age 92, passed away peacefully on June 8,

2026.

Born in Hartsville, South Carolina, Gordon lived a life defined

by dedication to family, service

to others, and a deep appreciation for community. He served in

the United States Army

before marrying the love of his life, Mary Annette Cooke, in

1959. Together, they built a

loving family and shared more than six decades of marriage

until Annette's passing.

In 1970, Gordon moved his family from South Carolina to

Texas, where he established a

successful career in sales. He worked first with Texize

Chemicals and later with The Folloder

Company in Houston, retiring after many years of professional

accomplishment and valued

relationships.

Following retirement, Gordon and Annette made their home

in Lago Vista, Texas, where

they enthusiastically embraced community life. Gordon

especially enjoyed the pleasures of Hill Country living,

including

golf, gardening, social clubs, church activities, and spending

evenings watching the sunset from their deck. Being a part of

the Keep Lago Vista Beautiful Club was especially meaningful

to Gordon, allowing him to serve his community whiledoing something he truly loved.

In 2021, Gordon moved to Treemont Healthcare Center

Assisted Living in Houston. There, he continued to pursue one

of

his greatest passions—gardening. Through countless hours of

dedication, he transformed and nurtured the raised flower

beds that became known as "Gordon's Garden," a vibrant

space filled with flowers, vegetables, roses, and contributions

from fellow residents.

Gordon also discovered a new creative passion through

Treemont's Color Me Calm activity program. What began as a

simple pastime blossomed into an extensive collection of

artwork that became a source of conversation, connection, and

joy. He colored nonstop every day, giving him another purpose:

making people smile. His creations served as expressions

of appreciation for both residents and staff and reflected his

generous spirit and genuine interest in the people around him.

Gordon was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mary

Annette Cooke Stokes.

He is survived by his three daughters, Cile Stokes (Terri),

Phyllis Villanoueva (David), and Janice A. Stokes. He was

proud

of his nine grandchildren: Tracey Matney (Richard), Matthew

Broussard (Cassie), Michael Broussard (Carly), Jonathan

Craige, Jake Craige (Cassandra), Greg Naumann, Brooke

Naumann, Janelle Naumann, and Caitlin Govea (Jesus); and

ten

great-grandchildren. All who knew him will cherish his

memory as an example of kindness, perseverance, and

communityengagement that he set throughout his life.

A memorial service will be held at Treemont Healthcare Center

in Houston at a future date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Keep

Lago Vista Beautiful, 20700 South Ridge, Lago Vista, TX

78645, https://keeplagovistabeautiful.com/donate, or to the

charity of your choice.

Gordon's legacy lives on in the gardens he cultivated, the artwork he

shared, the friendships he nurtured, and the family he loved so

deeply