Stroud is such a great place and to me it’s an exciting place. There is so much happening in the way of community improvements that it’s hard not to get excited. Kudos to our City Council for thinking outside the box and hiring Bob Pearman as our City Manager. If you love your “product” and love what you’re doing you can make a difference and Bob’s leadership in our community has certainly made a difference. It doesn’t mean we agree with every decision made at City Hall, but it does mean that Stroud is progressing and that should a goal for all of us.
As I always say, you meet the nicest people when you volunteer in the community. Town Talk had a railroad sign that we wanted to put at the Putt Putt course. We needed a post hole dug. I asked on Facebook for a volunteer and Kim Case Gray and Beth Cunningham Young both volunteered to help us. I saw Kim’s post first, so it was her lucky day. She was the one chosen to dig a hole in the heat for our little project. Kim was strong and willing and did a great job. Julie Bivin, my mom and I all met Kim through this project and formed a new friendship and gained another volunteer. Kim lives north of Stroud and if it had not been for her willingness to help us our paths may have never crossed. Thanks to Kim for coming to our aid. Julie Bivin set the post as I did the hard part of “holding it.” It is a charming touch to our little course. Drive east on Main Street and check it out.
Speaking of our little course, a big Town Talk shout-out to Gary and Monica Babinec for bringing eleven of their grandchildren to play miniature golf at Putt Putt Kicks on Route 66 Saturday night. Their granddaughter, Rye Bollman, made a hole-in-one on Hole #2 and had the distinct honor of wearing our hole-in-one hat and having her picture posted on our Wall of Fame. Monica said they all had a great time and Town Talk appreciates their support of our golf course. Justice Martz brought her 4 children to play miniature golf on Monday. We are not typically open on Mondays but we continue to try and get the word out that we are available to open most days, by special request. Her kids not only enjoyed a round of golf but playing on the train and being soaked by our “misting” fan. Justice said she loved to support small businesses and community projects.
We need more of you to come see what we have to offer at Putt Putt Kicks on Route 66. This was truly a gift of love to our community paid for by donations, both monetary and in-kind, from our local community and alums from near and far. We tried to make it an attractive and fun addition to Stroud while trying to keep expenses down, as well. We spent over $50,000 on the project and that was working on a “best deal we could find” budget. We borrowed $10,000 from the Main Street Improvement loan program with the Stroud Industrial Authority to finish the golf course on which we are still making payments. We had spent over two years trying to bring it to fruition and were ready to see it completed. Please come play a round and support this project. We promise you’ll have a good time.
Stroud graduate J.R. Owens recently passed away and his funeral was held in Eufaula where he and his wife Kay resided. I know many of you would have liked to have attended his service but were unable to for various reasons. You may watch his service on-line at https:// youtu.be/FyRPE3-L-Bg His wife asked me to share this link with you for anyone who might be interested. The Owens family is a big part of Stroud’s history. J.R. was a great supporter of Town Talk. He will be missed by so many.
Have you noticed the new way-finding signs on Main Street? One is located at the corner of Highways 66 and 99 and one at Ed. Smalley Centennial Park. Be sure and notice them when you’re in the area. There might be some things on the list that you haven’t even had a chance to visit yet.
Mom and I toured the Route 66 Spirit of America Museum again and enjoyed our visit with owner Steve Brant. Steve has so many interesting stories about the items on display in his museum. Every time I go in I learn something new. This trip I learned about She-Mustangs which was something new to me. If you’re unsure what I’m talking about go visit the museum and learn all about it.
Town Talk Team Trivia is Tuesday night August 22 at 6:00 p.m. at the American Legion building. The cost is $20 a person which includes dinner, dessert, drink, snacks, and trivia. No one is put on the spot – you work together as a team to come up with a collective answer. It’s lots of fun and community fellowship. You’ll be surprised how much trivia you have tucked inside your brain.
The Rock Café has new parking on the east side of the building. Not only will it provide additional parking but really helped add to the improvements that have been made on the east end of Main.
Activities around town include Route 66 Metal Detecting Club 7:00 p.m. Thursday, August 17th, Bristow Western Heritage Days Saturday August 19th, OBI Blood Drive Monday August 21st from 2:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. at Stroud Regional Medical Center and Town Talk Team Trivia 6:00 p.m. Tuesday August 22nd at American Legion building. The clothing ministry is also open every Thursday. Their current hours are 8:00 a.m. until noon until the weather gets a little cooler. They are located on West Highway 66.
Tiger football kicks off this week. The Stroud Tiger Football team will scrimmage Mannford this Friday August 18th at Jack Poskey Field in Stroud. Come out and support the Tigers as they get ready for a winning season.
Stroud merchants are ready to meet your needs. Town Talk purchased heavy duty brackets and concrete this week right here in Stroud, OK. If you take the time to look, you’ll probably find most things you need right here in your own backyard. Have a great week and thank you for shopping local……………first!