I had a meeting Saturday here in Poplar Bluff, which brought me face to face with what appeared to be the Mother of All Poplar Bluff Street Jams---the 14th Annual Fall Arts Festival/Art on the Run blowout, spilling forth along the historic red-cobblestone stretch of Main Street with gusto. Simply put (if you happen to be Frank Sinatra): The Friends of Margaret Harwell Art Museum, organizers of the event, really know how to throw a swingin' shindig. There was live music. I saw Toni Becker engage those assembled with her rich vocals and wonderful guitar. To my chagrin, I had missed by a hair Gary Garner's performance on the Chapman Stick---an instrument not unlike a guitar, but for people who

DonorsChoose.org is a non-profit organization that works with people from all over the web, to enrich and enhance the opportunities of students all over the US. According to the site: DonorsChoose.org is a simple way to provide students in need with resources that our public schools often lack. At this not-for-profit web site, teachers submit project proposals for materials or experiences their students need for more effective learning. These ideas become classroom reality when concerned individuals, whom we call Citizen Philanthropists, choose projects to fund. On completion of a project, donors receive a feedback package of student photos and thank-you notes, and a teacher impact letter.

Gentle Reader, prepare yourself: You are about to learn the Best Kept Dining Secret in Piedmont. As is the general rule with secrets, the more exciting they are, the less chance they have of remaining secret for long. And through word of mouth alone, The Lantern Steak House is rapidly building a solid reputation for exquisite cuisine, cheerful service, and a warm, welcoming elegance capable of enhancing any occasion. Elaine Bowles is the owner of The Lantern, an eggshell-and-white colonnaded structure which was once a private home. Wear your jeans, office gear, or evening attire to Bowles's new establishment; bring the children or your fellow club members, or make it an intimate evening for two. From down-home comfort favorites to

SEMO FCA Fall Rally/Poker Run Saturday October 13th GRAND PRIZE - Trip for Two to Las Vegas Registration: Colton's Steak House, Poplar Bluff 9:30 - 11:00 a.m. Finale: Lake Wappapello 3:30 p.m. Barbeque * Prizes * Entertainment ENTRY FEE: $40 per bike Includes: Rally Shirt, Poker Run Drinks and Snacks, After Run Barbecue & Live Entertainment 100% of Funds Raised Stay in SEMO to help FCA Kids For more information contact 573-714-5555 RAIN DATE WILL BE OCTOBER 14th This is a paid advertisement. Advertise your event for $250/week. semo.net Advertising Gets Results.

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Once upon a time in Puxico, Missouri, an eager little 12-year-old accepted a unique challenge from his father. "You know that record you keep playing all the time?" the father asked, referring to a now-forgotten side by the great Chet Atkins. The boy said yes. The father replied that if the boy could learn to play it himself on the father's guitar, he would buy the boy a brand new instrument of his very own. A few days later, young Tom Hemby was holding his own sleek new Gibson SG---the slim, solid-body electric affair that would take him to a whole new level of discovery on the instrument that had captured his imagination.