Val Verde Baptist Church knows who needs our thanks. Members will honor heroes with activities beginning with a service at 10:45 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 9, at the church, 3900 Cleveland Ave. in Groves.

Governor Rick Perry has sent a video presentation.

Val Verde set this day aside to honor the many men and women who put their lives on the line everyday to serve our local communities and country, organizers say. It’s the fourth year they have recognized first responders, public servants, and others who serve communities and country. For information, call 962-8463.



Groves girls squeeze a donation

You go girls!

Nine-year-old Caitleigh Mann of Groves and 5-year-old Morgan Sonnier of Mauriceville raised $36.04 for cancer research from a lemonade and brownie stand during a recent garage sale.

When asked why they were doing this, they both said it was so they could “help people get better and not be sick anymore.”

They presented the money to Dr. Trip Chaudhury of the Walter Umphrey Cancer Center in Port Arthur.



Christmas cloth is here

Rotarians will know what I’m talking about. Ursula Lefkowitz has unveiled the Christmas table cloth she gives away through the North Port Arthur Club. Her project raises money for a big old holiday party at the Hughen School. The party is for students who aren’t going home for Christmas. The embroidered cloth is from St. Thomas.

“This is the 13th year that I have done this,” Lefkowitz said.

You’ve got a couple of months to get your chance at the cloth.



Give blood at First Friday

Kaye Jones says to “Give Blood, Not Excuses.” She wants fans of First Friday in Groves to know LifeShare Blood Center will conduct a community blood drive at the next event, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 7. The bus will be at the corner of Lincoln and Jefferson streets.

 Donors must have proof of identification and should know the names of medications they are taking. Blood donations may be credited to the donor’s church, place of employment or a family benefit plan.



Leadership anniversary

Alumni of Leadership Southeast Texas is celebrating the 15th anniversary of a group that has produced more than 700 leaders spread around the nine-country region as well as throughout the world.

Each year about 60 leaders represent a cross-section of the nine counties that stretch from Bolivar Peninsula the south to Jasper and Newton counties in the north. The group discusses issues affecting the future of the region in the areas of economic development, work force needs, the Big Thicket and other environmental topics, education, water and tourism. Bessie Chisum is executive director.



Do you have a Community Scoop? Contact this reporter at ddoiron@panews.com