Last Saturday evening, I had the pleasure of playing softball with the KNOE All-Stars against the FCS Patriots, (Franklin Community Services Patriots). Located in Winnsboro, LA, Franklin Community Services is an organization of group homes for developmentally disabled men and women welcoming residents from all over the state. They are currently hosting 33 residents in five group homes.

It was an honor to be able to spend the evening with these special athletes who had looked forward to the game for weeks! (Although, I still think I had more fun than anyone! It was impossible to be around these fine folks and not catch their enthusiasm )

After a couple innings a storm blew in and threatened to spoil the evening, but hey--we weren't going to be so easily diverted. The game was moved at 3-3 to the gymnasium of a local church where we took up right where we'd left off with a wild game of wiffleball!

I hope y'all enjoy the photo journal.

Hugs,
Shellie

Me and a new friend, Gail Smith. Her husband plays in that band behind us. Quite the musical family, Gail sang a couple numbers herself and she had a great voice. I was jealous!

Meet "The Country Boys" folks! I enjoyed their music and I just know you would, too! Why don't you give them a call to play at your local event. That number is 318-723-5533. Tell 'em Shellie sent you. :-) And now, let me introduce them left to right:
Huey Stevens
Chuck Smith
James Harber
James Mason
Joel Smith on the drums

Mister Benjamin Mason, son of James and Emmie was celebrating his birthday Saturday. Here he is enjoying his favorite gift, a new guitar, and dreaming of playing with daddy one day...

"Hey guys, can I sing? I mean--I can't sing, but can I pretend?" *grin*

"Who's on first?" Heck if we know! *grin* This is our first team gathering and the game is starting in a matter of minutes.

The introduction of the line-up of the KNOE All Stars, and I use that term loosely.

"I'm ready, fire it in here!"

"Hey! Wait a minute, now!" How about that for a brushback, folks? I reckon I was crowding the plate too much for the pitcher. *grin*

Here's me and my new friend, Faith! As you can see, we've moved the game indoors. I'll let you in on a secret: the quality of play hasn't improved. *grin*

Me and the Cajun Chef Bobby Schwabs! You can watch Bobby stir up his magic in the Good Morning Ark-La-Miss kitchen each Wednesday morning on KNOE TV Channel 8.

Here I am surrounded by some of the special people on the other team. Their enthusiasm should be obvious. I found it very inspiring.

In the tradition of one of his regular features on KNOE, sports anchor Aaron Dietrich chose two lucky athletes to win the coveted "Aaron's Aces" award. This is Bayles.

And this is Ellis, Aaron's other Ace! Way to go, guys!

My happy teamie on the left there is Dr. MKay Bonner. You can catch MKay's "Psykeys" semgents each Wednesday morning on Good Morning Ark-La-Miss. Oh, and fellow on the right is none other than the producer of Good Morning Ark-La-Miss, Eddie Murphy!

Now, of course, while we played someone had to work! Here's a group of hardworking folks manning the raffle table. (Do you think they look interested in the wiffle ball game. I don't know...)

The teamie on my left this time is Cyndi Nguyen, a reporter with KNOE. And that's Aaron Dietrich with his friend, Stephanie Braquet. (Did I mention that I had to bat behind old Aaron TWICE before we got rained out and he was knockin' em to kingdom come...Just my luck. *grin*)

Well, folks, it was fun even though the KNOE All Stars lost out to those Patriots. But, please notice that we're still smiling. We'll get 'em next time.

Hugs,
Shellie