SARA ERWIN

Age: 62

Community connection: Groves Beautification Committee member

Fast fact: She’s into growing vegetables and flowers, but is “not much” on shrubs and trees.

Quick Quote: “I love the people,” Erwin says of Groves.



By Darragh Doiron

The News staff writer

GROVES — With a shovel and potting soil as her tools, Sara Erwin has a mission to make Groves “a cute little city.”

She envisions her beloved city as a handsome, historical tourist destination, such as Fredricksburg or Old Town Spring.

“Groves can be a cute little city,” Erwin said.

In addition to the old-fashioned little town feeling of the Lincoln Avenue shopping area, Groves already has draws for Erwin.

“I love the people and I love what we do,” she said.

She urges residents to “dig in the dirt” and take pride in their yards. Projects needn’t involve lots of money to make big improvements, she said. Just cleaning a yard and draping garland on the front will spruce a home up for the holiday season, she said.

Erwin recently joined a batch of Commission members in getting Celebration Park in order for the holidays. The park, on Lincoln Avenue, will be the setting for the Groves community Christmas tree. A ceremonial lighting featuring the Groves Elementary Choir, will be from 6 to 6:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4, at the park.

First Friday in Groves activities are scheduled that night.

Erwin serves on the Groves Senior Citizens Center board and when she’s playing in her own dirt, grows vegetables and flowers. She says she’s “worked the corners,” which is Beautification Commission talk for maintaining city corners with plantings to keep the city sparkling.

Marty Godwin, commission member, said the Groves Knights of Columbus-sponsored gumbo to benefit commission projects was “a major success.” The Knights presented the fundraiser during Christmas Tree Trail to Groves, a Groves Chamber of Commerce & Tourist center merchant open house day.

Other holiday activity in Groves:

Groves 2009 Lighted Christmas Parade

GROVES — The Groves Chamber of Commerce & Tourist Center’s Lighted Christmas Parade will begin at 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5.

Line up will begin at 5 p.m. at the corner of Cleveland and Terrell streets.

The parade will begin at Cleveland & 39th Street and proceed down 39th St., turn right onto Lincoln Avenue, left on Jefferson, continue onto West Jefferson and disband at West Jefferson and Gulf Avenue.

To participate, call the chamber by Wednesday, Dec. 2. For information, call 962-3631.