It’s finally going to happen. Putt Putt Kicks on Route 66 will open this Saturday. We will be adding and tweaking things to the course as we go along. Sometimes the best way to find out what else needs to be done is just to open. We can then work out any kinks we encounter. We could not have accomplished this golf course without the support of the Stroud community and many alums both near and far. Volunteers who have helped out recently are John Owens, Vivian Henshaw, Charles Palmer, Josh Jones, Elbert Wells, Sharla Wells and Lyndon Patton. High school volunteers who pitched in to help were Kaley Bivin, Gage Wilson, Paige Baker, Kenlee Parrick, Makenna Hall, Dylan Baker, Tristan Baker and Mason Wood. We appreciate all volunteers. David Evans continues to work on the clubhouse, the Lincoln County Express Caboose. The outside is finished and looks amazing. He has moved to the inside and is laying flooring this week. We will open the course on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. We have not decided on regular hours yet. We are contemplating being open in the mornings and late afternoon/evenings due to the lack of shade during the heat of the day. As monies allow, we hope to eventually have sail awnings to provide shade.
Town Talk and the American Legion Auxiliary invite you to join us to place flags on all veterans’ graves this Thursday, May 26th at 9:00 a.m. We will meet at the cemetery by the flag poles. Come out and bring your children with you. It is a great teaching moment. We will also hold the Memorial Day Ceremony at the cemetery on Monday, May 30th at 10:00 a.m. A limited number of chairs will be available and bottled water will be provided. While visiting the cemetery I’m sure you will notice the beautiful fence the City recently completed.
Some of you may remember the Bobby Sunderland family who lived in Stroud in the early/mid sixties. Reverend Sunderland was the pastor at First Baptist Church. Bobby’s wife was Wanda Gail and they had four children: Mike, Melody, John Mark and Tommy. After moves to Putnam City and Enid to pastor churches the Sunderlands moved to Georgia where Bobby was employed with the Southern Baptist Convention. Their oldest son Mike was a year younger than I, but we were friends and have stayed in touch all these years. He had returned in recent years to Enid, and passed away there this past week of cancer. Mike was preceded in death by his parents and his brother John Mark. The Sunderlands were beloved members of our community.
Congratulations to all our new graduates, both high school and kindergarten. My great-nephew August graduated from kindergarten this year. In fact, he tried to get out of my truck the other day and I had the childproof locks on. When he couldn’t open the door, he said to me, “Don’t put those childproof locks on anymore. I’m a first grader now.” They grow up fast.
Welcome to all alums who are returning home this weekend. While you’re in town be sure to drive through Foster Park and see the improvements that have been made in the park. Drag Main Street and check out the veteran’s banners. Visit some of our local merchants and see what goodies they have for sale. Thanks to everyone who chooses to shop local………………..first!