Our veterans’ banners should be up this month, in time for Memorial Day. City Manager Bob Pearman is busily working on a QR code system for this project. The technology is not one I’ve used very much but I know it is quickly taking over how we view things, pay bills, etc. I went to my granddaughter’s dance recital last night and was told I could scan a QR code at the entrance and see the program on my phone.
It’s a great tool if we just take advantage of it. Anyway, the way I understand it each banner will have a QR code (looks much like a bar code) and you scan it with your phone. Once you scan you will be able to read a short bio about the veteran on the banner. This is so exciting and is going to be such a great addition to our banners. By the way, it’s not too late to purchase a banner. You may do so by calling me at 918-527-9833. The person you would like to honor does not have to be a past or present resident of Stroud or even a graduate of Stroud. The person must be a veteran or current service member that you would like to honor. We just need a picture of the person, the name, branch of service and rank if you know it.
The picture does not even have to be of the person in uniform. It can just be a photograph of them. The cost for one side of the banner is $125. Call today if you’d like to have one up in time for Memorial Day/Alumni weekend.
Activities for the week include Stroud Arts 8:00 p.m. Wednesday May 3rd, Hospital Development Authority 7:00 a.m. Thursday May 4th at City Hall, Clothing Ministry Thursday May 4th 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m., no school Friday May 5th, 8U McCammon baseball game in Chandler Friday May 5th 6:30 p.m., Kolache Festival in Prague Saturday May 6th, 100 Mile Yard Sale Friday May 5th and Saturday May 6th, 8U McCammon baseball game Monday May 8th 7:30 p.m. in Stroud, 12U baseball game in Wellston 7:30 p.m. Monday May 8th, Food Pantry Tuesday May 9th from 9:00 a.m. until noon and Chamber of Commerce 5:30 p.m. Tuesday 5:30 p.m.
I love the new orange trash can and benches at the Children’s Pocket Park in the 200 block of Main Street. That property is owned by Pete Sawatzky. Someone asked me why the new items were orange and I thought to myself, they must not know Pete. Pete is Oklahoma State University’s number one fan. Well, it might be a toss up between Pete and David Evans, but I knew right away when I saw orange it was time to shout, “Go, Pokes!”
Today, as I was searching through Facebook to find information for this column I was shocked to find my friend, Ron Drake, had died in August of 2021. Ron was from Siloam Springs, Arkansas and was the author of the book “Flip This Town.” When I worked for the City of Stroud, Ron came to town and spent three days with us giving us insights and ideas on ways to revitalize our downtown. He was a visionary and helped revitalize many small towns in Oklahoma. He held a couple of town meetings while in Stroud. I will always remember the comment he made to me after he left. He told me of all the towns he had visited, both in Oklahoma and other states, Stroud was the only community that didn’t take any of his ideas and run with them. Tina Livingstone was on the Arts Council Board at the time. She did take some ideas from him regarding the Main Street Arts building and quickly put them into action. I kept in touch with him periodically after his visit. He even came back to Stroud one time as a favor to me to look at our American Legion building to give me his thoughts and ideas on restoring that building. He was very beloved by all who knew him. He died after battling melanoma. I just thought those of you who met him would be interested in knowing. Ron was only 52 years of age. He definitely left his mark on small towns all across the United States.
Town Talk offers condolences to the family of Shirley Murfin. Shirley was not a Stroud alum but had been a resident for many years. She was married to the late Stroud graduate Ron Murfin, Class of 1958. Shirley and Ron were the parents of Brenda, Ronnie, Mike and Billy. Both Mike and Billy preceded their mom in death. Her graveside service was held Monday, May 1st at Stroud Cemetery. We also offer condolences to Ted Herber and family in the death of his wife Patricia (Pat) Anderson Herber. Pat graduated with the Stroud class of 1981. Please keep these two life-long Stroud families in your prayers.
Stroud Alumni weekend is fast approaching. This year’s theme is “The Place to Be in 2023.” Check out the Facebook alumni picture to see all the activities being planned. It’s a weekend you won’t want to miss.
Did you see the huge object flying over Stroud this past Sunday? I was standing in Maxine Henshaw’s front yard with my mom and Maxine and they spotted it before I did. With all the reports of foreign objects flying over American skies, I think they were a little suspicious at first. Turned out to be the friendly Goodyear Blimp so we sighed a sigh of relief. We weren’t really afraid; just makes a good story.
Mother’s Day is May 14th this year. We should honor our mothers every day but in 1914 Mother’s Day was made official by U.S. President Woodrow Wilson. He signed a measure declaring Mother’s Day be celebrated the second Sunday in the month of May. So, you have no excuse for forgetting this holiday. We have officially been celebrating it for 109 years. Our local merchants have the perfect gift for your mom. Stop by and see what they have to offer. You can even plan on taking her out for lunch that day at one of our local restaurants. She will be thrilled, and it might even make her confide in you that “you are her favorite.”
Have a great week and thank you for continuing to shop local…………first!