Members of the Herald-Star staff are involved in a lot of community projects, sometimes as observers and reporters, other times as active participants. But there is no event that brings quite the same satisfaction to us as our annual Community Stars dinner.

It's a warm and wonderful affair that pays tributes to our unsung heroes, people who do a lot for their friends, family and community but don't usually make the headlines.

This year our stars ranged from a 10-year-old who already is a very active volunteer and a 91-year-old who still teaches band students, sharing the music he loves.

It was a warm and wonderful evening as we watched their humble responses to a request to say a few words. One thing I've noticed down through the years is that these people often don't understand why they are being honored. According to them, they just do what everyone should do - help others.

If I had a guess, I'd say they are perfect practitioners of the Golden Rule ... doing unto others as they would have others do unto them.

And it was wonderful watching the pride in the eyes of their families and friends who turned out in large numbers to join in the tribute.

They come from near and far to see their friend or family member honored. Some members of Mary Barksdale's family rode 12 hours on a train to attend the dinner. Tony Violi had daughters here from Maine and Pataskala, near Columbus. And I'm sure there were many others who traveled far to be there that night. That's how meaningful it is.

I think we had another first this year. I noticed Jane Antonucci, one of our stars, signing to someone at the family table reserved for her. I later found out she was using sign language to share what was going on with her daughter, Carla Antonucci Marx. Carla, who is deaf, is in her 20s and works in the family owned store, Celebrations, run by Jane's husband, Rich.

We always have one table close to the head table reserved for the families of each star. Since we take reservations almost until the last minute, we can't do assigned seating. The 30 people from Charity Hospice attending to support two of our stars, heeded our first-come, first-served notice in our dinner ads. They came early and found seating together.

As always, comments were positive as we left the dinner, especially from the Herald-Star staffers. Jody Powers, our city editor who took over shepherding the dinner planning a couple of years ago, said, "This is my favorite thing that we do." Mine too.

Luncheon Saturday

The Jefferson County Chapter of the American Cancer Society will sponsor a Breast Cancer Prevention and Awareness Luncheon Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the YWCA in Steubenville.

The event is free to the public. Marie Crawley and Helen Thompson are breast cancer mission co-chairmen.

Roberta Woodfork and Pearl Mills, cancer survivors, will be keynote speakers.

The luncheon is held annually and is free to the public.

Each year, breast cancer survivors and community supporters come together to celebrate the beauty and strength of incredible women who defeat the odds. There are prizes for early registration. Reservations are required and should be made no later than Wednesday by calling (740) 282-3518 or 535-0772.

Drawing winners

The Brooke County Pioneer Trail Association has announced Steve Mazzella of Wellsburg was the winner of the Gary Fisher bike donated by Wheelcraft of Wheeling.

Proceeds from the drawing will go to efforts to complete a section of the trail between Beech Bottom and Wheeling.

Indoor yard sale

A large indoor yard sale will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday in the community center in Unionport.

Lunch and refreshments will be sold.

The event is sponsored by the community center board with proceeds going to center building repairs and current expenses.

New members

American Legion Post 557 Auxiliary inducted three new members, Carol Morris, Beth Yeager and Carolyn Anshutz, at its October meeting. Robin Maragos presided and conducted the swearing-in.

The auxiliary is selling cookbooks and planned a Halloween dance. The auction for the children's toy fund will be Dec. 5 at 6:30 p.m., and the children's Christmas party will be Dec. 13 at 1 p.m.

New Beginners

Bloomingdale New Beginners Circle held a luncheon meeting at Spanky's in Wintersville.

Arjanta Mansfield gave the inspiration, and Marian Weeks presided. Plans were made for the Election Day lunch with Viola Miller as chairman.

Relay event

The Buckeye Local Relay for Life's second-annual card party will be sponsored by Family Ties at Buckeye Local High School Saturday. Doors open at 4 p.m. For reservations, call (740) 633-0358 or 275-8967.

Tickets are $6 in advance and $7 at the door. Proceeds go to the American Cancer Society.

Coupon collection

Follansbee American Legion Auxiliary Unit 45 is collecting various coupons, even expired ones, to be sent to the families of service members abroad.

The coupons can be dropped off at Post 45, Raymond and Main streets. The group held a membership tea, and Betty Rea, a member for 60 years, explained the group's purpose and how it can help veterans and their families.

YWCA event

YWCA of Steubenville will sponsor a card party and bake sale Nov. 12 at noon. Lunch will be served. Donation is $7. Reservations can be made by calling (740) 282-1261.