Happy December!
Do you know you have only 24 more “sleeps” until Christmas morning. Don’t put off your holiday shopping any longer.
The holiday season seems to bring stress into people’s lives. One way we can help manage our stress is not to procrastinate the things we can take care of SO, get out and visit our local merchants and see what they have on their shelves just waiting for you.
Shopping always causes me to work up an appetite so when you need a shopping break, stop in and dine with one of our local restaurateurs. I heard “Santa shops in Stroud” so you just never know who you might run into.
I hope everyone had a nice Thanksgiving break. I know three boys who enjoyed theirs. I did ask Lincoln if he was ready to go back to school and he said no, then quickly changed his answer to yes.
He informed me he was ready to go back because he would be “Star of the Week” upon his return. It’s just another great way our teachers motivate their students. Lincoln had a big bag that said “Star of the Week” on it.
He got to take his favorite book to school for his teacher to read, take some of his toys for show-n-tell and pictures of his family to share with his class and many other special activities.
Town Talk gives a big shout-out to Lincoln’s teacher, Amy Mashburn Knoch, and all the Stroud teachers who encourage young minds every day.
Melissa Goodman posts a monthly calendar on Facebook on the Stroud Happenings and Functions page. December’s calendar is not up yet but go to this page to check out local activities.
I do know Stroud’s Christmas parade, sponsored by the Stroud Chamber of Commerce, is this Saturday, December 3rd. This year’s theme is “The Elvis Christmas Parade and there will be entertainment at the Route 66 Pavilion at 5:30 p.m. with the parade beginning at 6:00 p.m.
Prizes will be awarded for the best Elvis impersonator. Also, the Chamber is partnering with local businesses to play Bingo with their customers.
Go to one of the participating businesses located on the Chamber’s Facebook page and pick up your Bingo card. The card is self-explanatory. Good luck to all participants. The Chamber’s new president is Erin Bradley. Let’s all support our Chamber and Erin as they kick off a new Chamber year.
Stroud Municipal Hospital, under the management of AVEM Health Partners, has committed $100,000 to create an endowment fund on behalf of Stroud Community local improvement projects.
Our community needs to raise $25,000 to receive this gift. AVEM is matching donations four to one – that’s right, they will put in $4 for every $1 Stroud raises for this fund.
We are about halfway to our goal, but all funds need to be deposited by December 31 to take full advantage of this amazing opportunity. Estimated earnings of $4000 - $6000 will be returned to the community each year for local projects.
Tax deductible donations of any size made be sent to the Stroud Community Foundation in care of Leslie Hubbell and mailed to 355597 E. 940 Road, Stroud, Oklahoma 74079.
AVEM has already proven to be a community partner. They employ over 150 people at the 25-bed Stroud Hospital. Donations they have already made to the community includes the electronic sign at the Route 66 Pavilion on Main Street, the giant sunshade in Foster Park, a brand-new command vehicle for the Fire Department and so much more.
Recent investments in the Stroud Hospital include high tech beds, two boilers for hot water, flooring, roofing, additional parking spaces, exterior painting and front business offices converted to physical therapy space. Additionally, one operating room will soon be open for procedures.
In a town our size, we are so fortunate to not only have a local hospital but one that is so community minded. Please help us take full advantage of AVEM’s generosity. Remember, if you give $1.00, they give $4.00. If you would like additional information, please call Clara Hodgens at 918-853-2516 or Julie Bivin at 918-625-2862.
As always, remember to shop local, dine local, support local. Let’s support our local businesses, when we can, this holiday season!