Community Scoop: Mary Karr's new book

John Devillier wants readers to know Mary Karr, the Port Neches-Groves High School graduate who gave us “The Liars’ Club,” has a new book out, “Lit.”

I can’t wait to get to it.

“Groves' Mary Karr is a PN-G grad whose "Liars Club" made her famous (or, as some Port Arthurans say abut Janis Joplin, infamous).

The Houston Chronicle reports Karr, 54, starts “Lit” at the end of her high school year and takes on motherhood, alcoholism, sobriety, a “nervous breakthrough,” divorce and God.



Get ready to rock in January

Promoter Don Ball has announced the Gulf Coast Music Hall of Fame Show, formerly the Janis Joplin Birthday Bash, will be from 7 p.m. to midnight, Saturday, Jan. 23, at the Robert A. “Bob” Bowers Civic Center.

Rockers will have to anticipate the details, like headline performers.

“I think I’ll wait on that a little while. We’re not ready to release the main information at this time,” Ball said. “We’re going to induct a very local Golden Triangle performer who has had many, many albums.”



The Greatest House on Earth

Jack dressed up for the party. The big, black lab wore a circus hat and collar for the Under the Big Top theme of the Garth House Benefit, Pour Les Enfants. Valero Port Arthur Refinery, Wachovia and Brint Construction Inc. were among sponsors who helped raise money for the house, a center for children who have been abused to tell their stories in a safe place.

Jack, whom I’d never met, is a comforting figure for the children. He sits with them when they visit the house and accompanies them to court. As with so many area benefits, silent auction packages set the mood. A package of “New Moon” goodies featuring the Twilight saga stars got high bids, as did one dubbed “It’s Paula Deen Y’all.” Children offering popcorn and peanuts helped Jack get patrons in the spirit this past week. To volunteer, call 838-9084.



Caution: chocolate

A note painted on a Boston Avenue store in Nederland reads “Coming soon: Never Enough Chocolate.”

I’m sure I’m not the only one keeping my eye out for that one.





Join the parade in Groves

The Groves Chamber of Commerce & Tourist Center’s Lighted Christmas Parade will begin at 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5. The parade will begin at Cleveland & 39th Street. If you want to join in, call the chamber by Wednesday, Dec. 2. For information, call 962-3631.

ddoiron@panews.com