Lawrence children send valentines to troops

Men and women serving in Iraq had a special gift waiting for them on Valentine’s Day from a group of Lawrence children. Second- and third-graders from Pinckney School made valentines to send to troops serving overseas.

The project was organized by the American Legion Auxiliary, Dorsey-Liberty Post No. 14, and handled at the school by special-education teacher Cindy Harrison. The group sent 133 valentines to Sgt. 1st Class Brett Greer of the 129th Transportation Company to be distributed throughout the unit.

The Mail Box gave the group a discount on postage and sent the package in time to reach troops by Valentine’s Day.

History

Lecture to chronicle KU’s early black students

The Watkins Community Museum of History will sponsor the lecture, “Struggle and Success: African Americans and the University of Kansas, the Early Years,” by Amber Reagan-Kendrick, associate director with the Health Careers Pathways Program. The lecture will begin at 2 p.m. Saturday at the museum, 1047 Mass.

The presentation will chronicle some of the early black students at KU and discuss how they pursued education in a hostile environment.

No admission will be charged, but a donation is suggested.

Advocacy

AARP members to meet in Topeka

More than 500 AARP Kansas members, including about a dozen from Lawrence, are expected to travel Wednesday to the Statehouse in Topeka for AARP Advocacy Day.

The goal of members is to raise awareness about issues that affect seniors, such as affordable and accessible prescription drug coverage, long-term care and home- and community-based services for Kansans. Booths on the first floor will give information about prescription drugs and AARP programs.

At noon at the Downtown Ramada Inn, 420 S.E. Sixth St., Gov. Kathleen Sebelius will talk with AARP members about the costs of prescription drugs.

Deadline

Contests promote love for animal companions

The Kansas Veterinary Medical Assn. Auxiliary is looking for budding artists and writers to participate in contests in conjunction with the 2004 National Pet Week.

The group’s poster contest is open to children in kindergarten through 12th grade, and an accompanying writing contest is open to third- through fifth-graders.

The theme of this year’s contests is “Pets@Love.TLC.” Entries should show the importance of animal to home and community life.

Cash prizes will be given in three separate age groups with a $200 grand prize in each of the contests.

The deadline for submission if March 15. Entries must be accompanied by a registration form, which can be picked up at area schools, veterinarian offices, the Lawrence Journal-World office at 645 N.H., or the association’s office at 816 S.W. Tyler, Suite 200, Topeka.

Call (785) 233-4141 for more information.