Happy New Year to each of you from Town Talk volunteers.
The new year is here and things in our community are back in full swing. School is back in session as of yesterday (Wednesday). Additional activities taking place this week are Hospital Development Authority at 7 a.m. at City Hall today (Thursday), Stroud Food Pantry from 9:00 a.m. until noon on Tuesday, January 10th, Chamber of Commerce meeting also on the 10th at 5:30 p.m. and City Council will meet at 6 p.m. at City Hall on January 12th.
In case you need to plan ahead, there will be no school on Monday, January 16th in honor of Martin Luther King Day. Just a reminder, the Community Clothing Ministry is open every Thursday from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. and is located on West Highway 66.
With the holidays behind us, basketball is back in play for the Tigers. The Route 66 Coliseum Classic tournament begins this Thursday night and runs until Saturday here in Stroud.
Game time was not available so if you’re interested in attending, please call the high school for times. On Monday, January 9th the 7th, 8th and 9th grade girls will travel to Seminole to take on the Chieftains and the boys team will play here in Stroud against the Chieftains.
First games will begin at 5:00 p.m. Community elementary games will take place this Saturday at Memorial Gym.
I have a little “shop local” story for you. Mom and I don’t buy everything in Stroud. We have become more aware over the years of keeping our dollars in Stroud and attempt to on most occasions. I must admit, we did buy some Christmas presents out of town.
Mom bought a nice blue women’s cardigan at a shop in Tulsa as a Christmas gift for $27. After Christmas she was in Unique Market and bought herself the same cardigan for $20. Seven dollars is a pretty good savings and once again reminded us we need to check with our local merchants before buying anywhere else.
Our Main Street store, “Welcome Home” has closed its doors. Store proprietor Heather Black is retiring. Heather has been operating her store since May 1st, 2017. It has been a great addition to Main Street and she will be missed. Heather is one of our Town Talk volunteers and even though I hate to see the store close, she did tell me she’d have more time more volunteer work. If you look, there’s usually a silver lining. LOL Did you know Stroud has an Arts Café? It takes place each week from 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. on Wednesdays and Thursdays at First United Methodist Church. Each month will have a difference theme. January’s will be oil painting. You must bring your own art supplies. If you have questions or would like to register, e-mail marilynahudson@ yahoo.com.
Everyone tends to tighten their belt a little after the winter holidays but still have to purchase basic necessities. Stroud merchants definitely can meet those needs – gas, food, laundry services, medical supplies – just to name a few. Let’s keep them busy this month. Have a great week and thank you for shopping local……………..first!