Stroud has many great things going on which always makes me appreciate our small town. I can tell I’m getting older because I find “old things” and tradition means more to me each day. I am proud of our new coliseum but still feel a little sad that we don’t play high school basketball games in Memorial Gym. I’ve always been proud of that gym, having traveled in high school to many other facilities that didn’t compare to ours. I had the privilege of playing there back when I was a basketball star. Well, I really mean I kept the bench warm for my buddy, Sherri Salyer Peckham, who really was a basketball star. Lana Kite was my coach and I absolutely worshipped her and but was scared to death of her at the same time. Stroud Schools take good care of their buildings so even many of our older ones still look nice to me. All that is to say, I went swimming this past Sunday at our public pool. Marsha Thomas Thompson and Sheana Tisdale Newnam have done an amazing job with our “antique” pool. It is wonderful that our City continues to keep it operational even though I’m sure they are not making big bucks off the price of admission. It’s a very positive environment for our kids as well as adults. I noticed there was a sign that sad no vulgar or foul language allowed. There was a picture that showed a skimpy bathing suit bottom that said something to the effect that if you’re wearing this, you’ll be asked to put on shorts. There is “positive” music playing over the intercom. Marsha and Sheana as well as their lifeguards are kind to the swimmers but keep them safe, too, by enforcing the rules. If you haven’t been to Stroud Pool in the last few years, it’s worth a trip just to see the facility and what these ladies have done by adding the TLC the pool needed. Thank you to our City Manager and council members for supporting this “quality of life” activity for our community.
Another “quality of life” amenity we have is our library. August, Lincoln and I visited last week and always enjoy our time there. Those two have a good time before they even get to the books just by taking a ride on the elevator. Even though I tell them the basement is closed, no elevator ride is complete unless we travel to all three floors. We don’t get off but at least let the elevator door open, peak out between the doors and make sure our heads are back inside before the door closes. Our library has computers the kids can play on and books and magazines to read. Marsha Morgan and Lisa Hoover are available to assist you. Best of all it’s air-conditioned. Check it out this summer.
I had the privilege of hosting a Sunday School party for my 3rd through 5th graders this past Sunday. Those attending were Mason Whitson, Emily Whitson, Aryn Cockrum, Brennyn Neeley and Gideon Smalley. Helping me supervise this rowdy bunch were August and Lincoln Smalley. We swam at our local pool, played four-square and dodge ball in FBC’s Family Life Center and enjoyed a McDonald’s dinner together. What started out as an after-church swim turned into a six-hour day of fellowship. A good time was had by all.
I hear Andrea Flatt Thompson did an amazing job of spearheading First United Methodist’s Church decorations for Vacation Bible School. They teamed up this week with First Christian Church and treated their youngsters to “Adventure Island.” First Baptist Church’s young people will be off to church camp next week, attending Cross Timbers.
Don’t forget Putt Putt Kicks on Route 66 Grand Opening on Saturday, July 30th from 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. There will be $2 golf and free hotdogs for everyone. We will have pop, water, candy bars, chips, t-shirts and Johnny Freezes for sale. Lawn games such as corn hole, golf-chipping corn hole and Connect Four, will be available for free so there will be something available for everyone. Come out and see the course. I love it! Town Talk’s volunteers did an amazing job on it, and we want to show it off. Be sure and bring a lawn chair!
Have a great week and do remember to shop local……………………first!