Our community members and our alums are the greatest people on earth. Every time Town Talk undertakes a project to help Stroud, these two groups jump in to make it happen. Since announcing fundraising to build restrooms at the Main Street pavilion we have received donations from Ken Davidson, Class of 1960 and his wife, Sharron Bond Davidson, Class of 1961, Leon Henshaw, a Kendrick graduate but we claim him, and his wife, Vivian Henshaw, Class of 1962, Kevin Garrett, Class of 1982, Debbie Willis Austin, Class of 1972 and George Langley and his wife, Bobbie Unglesby Langley, Class of 1956. In addition to these donations Town Talk currently has $1000 to donate and Oklahoma Beautiful donated $2000. We are almost half-way to our goal!
Mayor Tommy Smith and I were the only two on hand for last week’s Town Talk block party but in an hour, we accomplished quite a bit. I’ve had several people contact me saying they forgot but will be there for the next one so I’m excited about the interest. We have scheduled the next working block party for Wednesday night, June 10th, from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. I usually don’t schedule things on Wednesday due to church activities, but I know all churches aren’t back to their full schedules yet. Tuesday night is a Main Street meeting and Thursday is council meeting so this time it’s Wednesday. Meet at the pavilion and we will assign projects there. One project we will be working on is cleaning up the courtyard on the north side of Main Street across from Stroud Drug. Jeremy, Angi and Emily Jackson said they want to help but their schedule does not always fit the work schedule. They asked to be given a project they could work on in their free time so that is another great way you can volunteer.
Town Talk and Mayor Tommy Smith would like to meet with all Main Street merchants and service providers on Tuesday, June 9th at 7:00 p.m. We would like to talk about putting together a master plan for the beautification of Main Street. If we are all on the same page and working together, we can give it a nice face lift. Please make every effort to attend or send a representative. We will be meeting at the Chamber of Commerce office.
Speaking of Main Street, it just takes so little TLC to make things look attractive and show we care about our community. Clara Hodgens owns the Stroud Laundromat and I noticed she put out two chairs and two flowerpots at the front of the building. It added some color and warmth and it was a small touch but made such a difference. Thanks, Clara, for all you and Jim do for Stroud.
The Treasure Box opens this Friday. Michelle Whitson has been working diligently for some time to make this happen, even with a few setbacks. She has had to deal with COVID, a location change and gall bladder surgery but she has kept pressing on and will be open for business this week.
It will be great to have another new shop on Main. She will be housed in the other half of David Ball’s law office so be sure and check her out. Another new business on Main Street is owned by Lyndon and Lisa Dervin Patton. They have flowers and vegetable plants for sell on the east end of Main Street.
Town Talk is still accepting donations to have your name placed in a drawing for the patriotic flowerpot. For a $5 donation you receive one ticket in the drawing and for $20 you receive five tickets in the drawing. Stop by Unique OK or contact me and we will make sure you get your tickets. All profits will go towards the pavilion restrooms.
Thank you to Julie Bivin, Linda Waller, Marsha Morgan, Aleta Smalley, Debbie Garrett, Vicki Keim and Vicki Morris for helping pick up flags at the cemetery. I know many more of you would have helped but we did it on the spur on the moment.
With so much rain the minute we had a sunny day we had to get it done. I appreciate all the help putting out and picking up the flags. It is definitely a labor of love.
Congratulations to Jaylie Walker of Stroud for winning the title of Rodeo Sweetheart at the Drumright Roundup Club. She is the daughter of Jennifer and John Tipton and Billy Walker and Erika Howard, all of Stroud. Jaylie is seven years old and attends Parkview Elementary. I was told she is normally very shy and had to work hard to win this competition and be able to speak in front of an audience. Way to go, Jaylie.
Stop by the Treasure Box this week and while you’re downtown, check out all our other amazing merchants. Did you know Stroud Drug sells more than just medications? They have all kinds of neat gift items. Stop by True Value and get a unique soda pop from Gary and Monica Babinec and ask for a free sucker. That’s Lincoln and August’s favorite place to shop - they love those free suckers! Have a great week and as always, remember to shop and dine local first!