The Big Concert

Everyone seems to be in agreement that the annual Rector Helping Hands Concert just gets better every year.

There was something for everyone in the four-hour show, with some of the nation's best gospel and bluegrass performers right here on the Rector stage. Add in one of America's foremost "religious" comics and there you have it -- a night to remember.

All the great volunteers are to be commended for the hard work they do every year, giving a personal touch to the wonderful concert. This attention to detail does not go unnoticed by residents of other communities, several of whom personally have made positive comments to me about the way Rector people step up to the plate to give of their time and talents.

There is no way to begin listing all those who play a crucial role in this concert, but two people should be singled out, in my opinion:

Bill Carter -- Let's just say it like this: there would be no concert without him. His contacts on the national music scene and his commitment to excellence in everything he does are the keys to this magical concert every year. The artists are here because of their relationship with Bill Carter and they keep wanting to come back because of him and also the great "hometown" reception they get every year.

Gregg Sain -- As Harry Trumann once said, "the buck stops here". No matter how many people are involved and what volunteer work is done on any major project, there always is someone who accepts the ultimate responsibility. In this case, it is the concert director, Gregg Sain. He literally works on the concert year-round and he gives a tremendous amount of his time and attention to make it a sucess. Gregg will be the first to say that it couldn't happen without the scores of volunteers -- and he is right -- but it also wouldn't happen without someone willing to accept the role he is in -- and he does a great job.

The performers already are asking Bill Carter about coming back next year -- they believe in the cause and they have a great time here.

Everyone in Rector should be proud that we have this event here every year that puts us on the map and raises so much money for the benefit of our young people.

Now -- on to the Labor Day Picnic!!