Dear Editor,

I remember back years ago as a kid hoeing peanuts on my parent's farm, a job that I truly detested but learned a few lessons from. One in particular was that every now and then even hoeing peanuts isn't fair!

There always seemed to be a particular row that had become thoroughly infested with weeds, grass and an occasional snake or two. Whoever draws this "half mile of hell" knows the exact meaning of "HARD ROW TO HOE". When this July horror occurred it was always nice to have friends in the same field to help you bare the load. So, we would pitch in and hoe that hard row.

Over the years, Jerry and Shirley Benton have given much of their time to our community through public service. Volunteering a priority of their's. When there's a fire they are generally the 1st ones on the scene, last to leave. Same is true with the Stars and Stripes celebration and other community functions.

Today in our little town of Richland Springs, the Benton family has encountered just such a "Hard Row". On January 24, 2009 all of Jerry & Shirley's friends and family will come together to help hoe that row. There is to be a pancake/chili supper, cake and various donated item auction, as well as entertainment and fellowship for everyone! Join us at the Richland Springs Fire Station that night to help the Benton's.

Ricky McKinnerney