Hello, everyone! Wasn't this a great Labor Day! I have so much to tell you I don't know where to start. There has just been sooo much going on. Did you make it to the Art Exhibit? I hope so. It was fantastic! I was delighted to help them out one afternoon and to get to meet Paul and Jerry Frets. I enjoyed visiting with them as much as I did viewing the artwork.

You know all the people working with the Rector High School Helping Hands Foundation are a joy to be around. It is wonderful that our children have such good support from former students. And they have really found some great fund raisers that all of us can enjoy.

Thank you to Sherland and Barbara Hamilton for donating the space for the exhibit and to all the Helping Hands that helped to ready it and thank you so much Paul and Jerry for sharing your gifts with us. Now we can treat ourselves to a sample of Paul's talent by dropping by the Rector Museum for a look at the specially commissioned portrait of Rector's own Uncle Mose. He is a part of our history.

Among those who came to see the paintings while I was there, was Pat Garrett Tipton from Kennett. She had been a student of Paul's and came to say hello. I was also glad to see Billy Bert Bracken and his son Terry too. Billy Burt, I am glad you are doing so well. Keep getting better.

And the parade! Did you see the Navy band? Weren't they wonderful? Of course our high school band was wonderful too. We may have a small problem, however. The news footage on KAIT8 caught the Navy Band as they passed the old service station on highway 49. When anyone in the viewing area sees the price of gas posted on that sign, we could be mobbed. KAIT8 caught many of us on their camera lenses. Rector got good coverage.

Channel 21, Your Hometown Channel was also in town and has some footage of our celebration including the art exhibit and an interview with Paul Frets. They filmed the parade in its entirety and will be airing that periodically. I hope to be able to have a schedule in next week's column. Also if you would like a copy of the video recording of the parade, just send a check for $20.00 to YHC TV, PO Box 712, Dexter, MO, 63841 with a request for the tape. (A good idea for those of us who were in the parade and, therefore did not get to see it).

Now who all was in town? Where to start. Well, there were Bill and Marlow Carter, Gloria Rust Reed, Donzi Taylor and her husband, Doris Carter, Gene and Martha Beal, Paul and Jerry Frets, Melvin Bridges, George Barker and Jim Marlar, all part of the Helping Hands Foundation. Bill Carter's daughters, Julia and Joanna were here with Jan Carter.

Kay Huggins entertained her son Mark Huggins and his friend, Joe Simpson, who is an anesthesiologist in Knoxville,TN. Allthough we see Sue Riggs around town fairly often we were glad to know that she was sharing Labor Day with us.

I got to meet Sherrie Moseley finally, several times. I swear she was everywhere and was sitting with her friend Bert on Monday. Sherrie is still here and if there is anyone she hasn't hugged yet there is still time. She surprised Lane Wozniak with an impromptu visit. No they had not met before but Lane is living in the house Sherrie grew up in and was delighted to hear some of the old stories. Sherrie, give me a call, I have some questions for you.

Jim Stone was here visiting his daughters Mary Small and Hope Ermert and their families. After driving our Rector Retirees Car in the parade he managed to beat all his local grandchildren playing Tennis at Piggott. I am wondering if they let him win. What do you think?

Doug and Marilyn Shultz were here visiting with Demetria and Terry Shultz and partaking of the Labor Day festivities. I saw Sherry Long at church. It was also good to see Robin and Corey Price over the weekend. We missed you, Barbara.

I got to meet so many people as we served dinner in the Community Center. And I didn't have my pen and paper with me so I will be trying to come up with some of those names by next week's column. I do remember Sandra Brown from Halliday, and a whole slew of Richard Earl's family. I happened to see Jessie McNiel at the picnic too.

Let's keep our troops in mind. They will soon be coming home and the Apache Family Readiness Group is already planning a homecoming. Get in touch with Sarah Burdin if you want to help and I know you do.

Paula Benton's son Chaz Hulett and his wife Kelsey came from Pearland,TX for the weekend. We were delighted to spend some time with them. They loved the Labor Day festivities. They didn't stay long enough though. Perhaps we can get them back before too much longer.

Of course the Malin clan was well represented. Steve, Mika and Margo drove down from St. Louis. They too were everywhere. Sunday afternoon most of them and a few hundred (perhaps I exaggerate) others converged on Rob and Cathy Louder for a fish fry. Absolutely delicious! Of course! Karen Horton from Fayettville was among the guests as was Rob's brother, Larry.

KK Manchester was also one hand and for some reason he thought I should give him credit for cooking the fish. Like I would jeopardize my chances of being invited back! No way, KK! You know I love ya, but Rob fries up some good catfish.

We also had the honor of serving two hurricane evacuees from the Louisiana Gulf Coast who had driven all night trying to find a vacant motel. They ended up in Paragould and heard that they could get a good meal at the Rector Community Center. Let's don't forget those who had to flee Gustav. They will all need some tender loving care.

Oh, my! I really have to get this column turned in. I know there were thousands more visiting this week end. Please let me know who was here and I will mention them next week. I do so love Labor Day here. Thank you to everyone who worked so hard to make it great. Now rest up! Next year is on the way.

My phone number is 595-3173 or you can drop me a note at 514 West 3rd St. My email address is: porchswing@newwavecomm.net. Call me!

A special hello to Dennis, Ruth, Victoria and Nicholas in San Diego.

I love you!