If you drive through Foster Park you will notice work has begun on the shade awning for the playground equipment. It looks like the City has poured the concrete for the four corners. I’ve taken my great-nephews to playgrounds that had awnings over them and couldn’t believe the difference it made in the temperature. Our kids are going to be thrilled to have this, especially during weeks like this when we’re supposed to have several days of 100-degree temperatures.
Both Mom and I have recovered after having tested positive for COVID-19. We are very thankful that we had what appeared to be mild cases of the virus. Everyone’s first question was, “had you been vaccinated” and the answer is yes. I know the vaccination issue is very controversial and one where everyone feels they should have the freedom to choose, and I agree. After having experienced this illness, I must say though I am glad I chose to receive the vaccination.
Our small community, where everyone is family or feels like family, has suffered terrible losses these last several days. Longtime Stroud residents Roy and Wanda Gilman’s son, David, died this past week.
David grew up here in Stroud and was a graduate of Stroud High School. Patrick and Tammy Niccum Barrett’s son, Adam, also died this past week. He, too, was one of our local guys and an alum of Stroud. Roy Flatt and Norvalene Tuttle’s grandson, Kim Flatt, was killed in an automobile accident this past week. He graduated from Prague High School but his parents, Lonnie and Regina Tuttle Flatt were raised right here in Stroud and both of their families have been members of our community for as long as I can remember. The City of Stroud’s former public works director, Jim Lewis succumbed to cancer last week. Jim and his wife, Angie Patterson Lewis have both played important roles in our community for years, Jim with the City and Angie as a health care professional. Jim was also my dear friend and Jason’s father-in-law. I’m sure other families are going through illness and sadness and our heart breaks for each of you. Stroud has always been close-knit and so we all hurt for each other.
Rick and Phyllis Craig who have owned and operated Sisters Consignments on Main Street are closing their doors.
Rick has been responsible for the daily operations of the store, and he is retiring. Although we will miss having Rick and his business downtown, we wish him happy days in his retirement. You will now have to go somewhere else to find ladies pants “half-off.”
Now that I’m out of quarantine we will get back to work on the miniature golf course. We have five holes ready to move to the course with four more to go. Hopefully we can finish those this week. Watch Facebook for workdays.
As I drive around Tulsa, I see so many businesses that have had to close their doors. I’m thankful our small shop owners here in Stroud have seemed to weather the storm. Let’s help them keep their doors open by continuing to choose to shop local……………… first. Have a great week!