By Monty Siekerman
They come through ReStore door - the rich and poor, short and tall, with canes and walkers or on their own two feet, some a little puggy or not, the young and old, some very old--to have a meal, socialize, and get a hug from Store Manager Linda Dearth. Now, Linda has announced her retirement.

A retirement reception, with refreshments, will be held in her honor from 4-6 p.m. on Friday at ReStore, 210 N. Main. All are invited.

"I've met some awesome people and have had wonderful people to work with," she said. "I've been very blessed."

She began as a clerk at ReStore more than a decade ago and, within a short time, was named store manager. Thousands of people have visited ReStore during her tenure to eat a meal, buy gently used clothing, or just sit and chat.
Myrna McCurdy said it best on Facebook when she wrote," Thanks so much for making Restore such a welcoming place! Everyone will miss your smile and hugs!"

Linda plans to rest, relax, and travel some. But you can still catch her at ReStore on Crock Pot Tuesdays from 3-6 p.m. as a volunteer during that busy time of the week.

Now, here's the story about Minions. She has a collection of more than 100 Minion items, even candy canes, that have been given to her the past couple of years by friends.

She explained that  "Minion" means slave. When she was over Rob Kanzig on the organization chart, she called him a minion (slave). When he was appointed ReStore director, he called her "Minion" since he was then a step higher than her on the organizational chart. Thus, people began bring Minions to her, in every imaginable size and shape.

Linda plans to auction off her collection of Minions and give the proceeds to ReStore, a gracious gift from a gracious woman.

Again - reception, 4-6 on Friday at ReStore, be there or be a Minion.