I’m writing to you this week from Southaven, Mississippi where I’ve come to watch Gideon play some baseball and hang out with Lincoln and August at the concession stand.
I’ve watched baseball all my life but never really knew much about the game. I thought golf had lots of rules, but baseball might give them a run for their money. I have learned a lot and can now carry on a conversation with lovers of baseball about run-downs, fielder’s choice, intentional walks, sacrifice bunts and so much more.
About the time I think I might understand the game something new happens and between Google and a conversation with Lincoln, I finally get it!
Things happening around town are Route 66 Metal Detecting Club 7:00 p.m. Thursday, July 20th at City Hall, Guns & Hoses 6:00 p.m. Saturday July 22nd at old high school baseball field, First Baptist Church Bible School July 23rd through 28th 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. and Food Pantry Tuesday July 25th 9:00 a.m. until noon.
Stroud United Methodist Church is having Movie Nights on Sunday nights through July for all middle and high school students. A movie, snacks and drinks will be provided. The next movie will be July 23rd at 6:00 p.m. and they will be showing the classic “The Princess Bride.” Come join in the fellowship.
Prairie Pointe Assisted Living Center is hosting a motorcycle rally, “Rally on the Pointe,” on Friday, July 21st from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. If you have a motorcycle and are available that morning, please come out and show it off. If you have any questions, please call 918-987-1130.
Stroud graduate Lana Place Cooper recently opened a Real Estate Brokerage office right here in her hometown. Cooper’s Landing Real Estate Group is located just behind First Bank and Trust at 301 West 2nd. You may reach the office at 918-987-0289. It’s always great to have a new business in town.
Putt Putt Kicks on Route 66 is open Thursday through Sunday from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. We take our last golfers at 8:30 p.m. Stop by and play a round and enjoy some fun facts about the states Route 66 passes through. We have a special hole-in-one hat for you to wear and have your picture taken for our Honor Board.
Rumor has it that Amber Talley recently made a holein- one on the Texas hole, but we missed getting her picture. We will have to correct that omission.
The Texas hole was sponsored by the Class of 1995. JP Morris was one of the ringleaders in raising money for that hole and he specifically asked that this hole have armadillos on it. I think there’s an inside story there that we might not want to know about. Consequently, the Texas hole is often referred to as the “armadillo hole.”
Did you know Texas’ small state mammal is in fact the armadillo? Stroud graduate Class of 1976 Brad Witty, who now hails from the Houston area, and his granddaughter were in Stroud and visited Putt Putt Kicks on Route 66.
Brad was a donor for his class’s hole and came to check out the course. I haven’t heard if he made a holein- one or not but I’m thinking he just might be keeping it under wraps trying to avoid the hat picture! Brad is the son of the late Coach Charles Witty and Sylvia Witty who still resides here in Stroud.
Bricks are still for sale in Ed. Smalley Centennial Park at the Veteran’s Memorial. The engravers are planning to be in town to begin work on the bricks the week of July 24th. If you want to be in on this first order, don’t delay and place your order today. You may contact Julie Bivin, Aleta Smalley or myself to get on the list. To date, we have sold thirty-one bricks. Don’t miss this opportunity to have your name or business added.
Mother, Larry and I have been together in Mississippi and went out to breakfast one morning. I asked them where they wanted to eat – IHOP, Cracker Barrel or a local favorite, The Country Skillet? Of course, neither of them would make the decision so I said let’s dine at The Country Skillet. Mom said to me, “I should have known you would have chosen the local one.”
I do like experiencing the local flavors of communities we visit but it is a mind-set that you develop when you stop and think about how important it is to support local businesses. Many of our businesses are owned by Stroud graduates or long-time Stroud residents.
They are our friends and neighbors and the people that keep us from having to drive long distances to get the things we need.
Thanks to all of you who do your best to shop local whenever possible. Have a great week and remember to “shop local first!”