Benefit Attended By 140 Friends And Neighbors

Have you liked the nice weather we have had this week? Now, if we could just get a little rain along the way to keep things growing and green.

It was a lovely Mother’s Day on May 13. Many families in Viney Grove honored their mothers with their presence or phone calls.

Here are a few examples: H.B, Sue, Roger, Doris and Ronnie Hutchens attended the church service with their mother Helen Hutchens; and afterwards had dinner together at Helen’s.

Mildred L. Carnahan was honored by having son Bill, daughter Kathy and Curtis Rogers of Alicia, Ark., granddaughters Sarah and Shane Helmer and family, Katherine and Jeremiah Thacker and children, Helen and John Bailey and children of Fayetteville, and Jeremiah’s parents Eddie and Lynn Williams of Jonesboro with her on the weekend. It was a houseful, but everyone was so happy to be together. Plus, they enjoyed the opportunity to love and hold the newest addition to the family, Elijah Thacker.

I was happy to have my son Richard drive down Saturday evening and spend Sunday with Sue and me — attending church together and then loving the delicious dinner he prepared for us. I’m so glad Joplin is as close as it is for the drive time is not long.

Recently Wanda Watkins spent several days in the hospital due to diabetes problems.

Everyone was quite worried about her, but thankfully, the doctors were able to get her system under control.

She has been recuperating at home this week and slowly getting back her strength.

Leticia Durham and son Taylor visited mother/grandmother Lu Thompson on Mother’s Day.

Then Lu had a phone call from Christine Bryant of Monticello and later enjoyed a visit from Linda Scott and son Landon of Westville, Okla. How nice to be remembered.

Thanks for reading my column.

Last Week’s Column

Does it seem like every week just whizzes by? No more does Monday get here and you have done your laundry or whatever — then it is Friday and you are enjoying your weekend. I must be getting old, and I am, but I want time to go just a little slower.

To the 140 friends and neighbors who attended the rib and chicken benefit on May 5, we want to say a huge thank you for your attendance and support.

To the musicians of the Gospel Echoes — how much we enjoy and appreciate your renditions of old favorites. To the companies of Tyson who supplied the ribs, to Simmons who furnished the chicken, and to Steve Bartholomew who cooked the chicken — thank you. It was all so very good. With all of your support our community center will be kept in good shape.

It was party day last Tuesday at the center because the Viney Grove EHC entertained the ladies of the Bethel Grove EHC.

At arrival, the guests pinned on name tags and guessed the number of beans in a jar. Then it was time to get acquainted. Karen Roling gave a short reading titled “Attitude,” which hit home to everyone. After a delicious lunch, games were played and won, prizes were given, and all guests received a garden marker with flowers. A great party!

Our community sympathy goes out to Buford Hand and Linda Kelley in the death this week of Buford’s father, Buford Sr., whose service was held on Thursday at Beard’s Funeral Home.

Perhaps you didn’t have as elaborate a Mothers Day as the mother/teacher had on Friday with Emeril Lagasse, her students, school band, friends, and relatives, but I’m hoping it was a very special day for you.

Do you have your Viney Grove cookbook yet?