By Collin Breaux
Given she worked there for 30 years and even served as the postmaster at one time, Pam Shores Cates was happy to visit the Vernon post office again on Feb. 22 to plant trees there with fellow Vernon Garden Club members.
Cates was surprised, though, when one of the trees planted was in her honor.
The Garden Club planted three trees on the front lawn in honor of Cates and two past members, Patsy Herring and Linda Marshall. Herring passed away four years ago, is the sister of current member Rhonda Dickinson, and served as a local school librarian. Marshall passed away last year and was a longtime Garden Club member.
Cates said she appreciated the recognition.
“I hope they grow to be as beautiful as possible,” said Cates, who is also the past Garden Club President.
Reflecting on her career with the post office, Cates said she had the “best job in town” and really misses her customers. She retired in 2005.
“I had the best customers and great employees,” Cates said.
Cates’ family, including her daughters Niki Seley and Allison Brock, were on hand to also celebrate the event.
Hannah Collins 
GARRETT VALCOURT