By DONNA KEATING

LAPLACE – A petite woman with a big heart, Larix Firmin of LaPlace, serves her community well. She is involved in numerous community projects throughout the year including volunteering for cancer aid and research fund-raisers, inspiring patriotism in school students, implementing rehabilitation programs for the elderly and encouraging women to have yearly mammograms to prevent cancer.

Firmin has been a member of the LaPlace VFW Post No. 3337 Ladies Auxiliary since 1991 and has served as president for the past five years. She also serves as treasurer and has held several chairmanship positions since 1993, which include serving as chairman of the VFW’s cancer, youth, community, rehabilitation, Americanism and “Voice of Democracy” programs.

As cancer chairman, Firmin is in charge of organizing the auxiliary’s cancer aid and research fund-raisers, which include a “Sweet Tent” at LaPlace Andouille Festival, a food station at the Krewe of DuMonde Parade and raffles at the VFW’s Monday night Bingo games. Last year, the ladies raised $2,000 to be used for grants to hospitals, doctors and researchers who are helping to discover a cure for cancer.

“I would like to urge all women of the River Parishes to have a mammogram every year because, if cancer is found in the early stages, a life – your own – can be saved,” said Firmin.

As youth chairman, Firmin conducts the Americanism contest for elementary students and the Voice of Democracy competition for high school students.

Firmin said, “These programs take place every school year and are important because students learn the meaning of patriotism, to honor the flag, to show their love for their country and understand why so many young men – our veterans – fought wars to give us the freedom we all enjoy today.”

As community chairman, Firmin and auxiliary members prepare and distribute food baskets for needy families during the Thanksgiving and Christmas season.

As rehabilitation chairman, Firmin has implemented programs, such as, monthly Bingo games and an annual birthday party for nursing home residents. Auxiliary members provide gifts, a birthday cake and other refreshments for the group’s annual birthday party at Twin Oaks Nursing Home.

Firmin is a native of Cuba and has been a resident of LaPlace for the past 25 years. She is married to Lester Firmin Jr., LaPlace V.F.W. Post 3337 commander; has two children, Eileen Coleman of Florida and Andre Firmin of Houston, and seven grandchildren.

Editor’s Note: Each Saturday, L’Observateur will feature an article about a special River Parishes’ resident and the good works associated with the person.

If you would like to nominate someone contact Robert Roan at 985-652-9545 or send an e-mail to lobnews@bellsouth.net.