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.