Now that we’re having some pretty weather, it’s a great time to take a walk down Main Street and see Stroud’s Walk of Honor. Family members, friends and even some veterans themselves have chosen to be a part the Walk of Honor by purchasing a banner. Town Talk had a few banners up last Fall, but the number keeps growing. Our two latest banners are the late Mike Wilson, lifelong Stroud resident and Jonathan Roggenkamp, Jr. who just finished his basic training. The other is Bob Pope, whose parents owned a local grocery store here in Stroud when Bob was a youngster. Bob left high school to serve in World War II but returned after he was discharged to finish his high school education here in Stroud. Dan and Kim Johnson’s son, David Chris Caldwell shares the banner with Pope. It’s not too late to purchase a banner. You may contact me at 918-527-9833. One side of a banner is $125 and the profits from the sale of these banners help fund community improvement projects.
The American Legion donated a portable building to Town Talk to be used as our club house for our minigolf course, Putt Putt Kicks on Route 66. Darrell McGuire of Depew attempted to move the structure, but the wood was far too deteriorated to make the move possible. Needless to say, we are on the lookout for another building. If you know of someone who has one for sale or one they might donate, please let me know. My husband is willing to donate one we have in Bartlesville but the cost of moving it is expensive, so we are trying to find one locally. We have some funds available but are trying to stretch our dollars so we can purchase everything we need to complete the golf course. Darrell was a big help to us so please consider using him for your shed moving needs. The 9-hole course left Michigan on Thursday and is in route to Stroud. We are anxious to begin getting things in place so that we can open Memorial Day weekend. Keep your fingers crossed! Thank you to Mandy Clark, Town Talk volunteer, for putting together the first Farmer’s Market of 2021. Mandy said she had about twenty vendors last Saturday and despite the weather, there was a good crowd and vendors reported they were pleased with sales. The next market will be held in May. Mandy is also the owner of the new restaurant soon to open on Main called Ruby’s. Their first official day of business will be a Sunday brunch April 25th. I know everyone is anxiously awaiting opening day.
T-ball is in full swing in Stroud and my two greatnephews, Lincoln and August, are playing on the same team. It is so much fun watching these kiddos as they learn to play the game. Steven McCammon is their coach and the patience he exhibits with a field full of four- and five-year olds is amazing. Their older brother Gideon is playing baseball for Stroud and a traveling team called the Sandlots out of Oklahoma City. My grandson, Jacob Reed, is playing coach pitch with Oolagah. You might say I’m spending a lot of time at the ballfields right now. Thank you to all the coaches who take the time to teach our young people the fundamentals of sports along with all the other life lessons that come with it. My niece Barbie Smalley Bahner, her husband Drew and their daughter Olivia welcomed a new little boy, Henry, to their family on April 7th. It won’t be long before they’ll probably be joining the others on the baseball field.
Legion Commander Mike Horwath’s wife, Chong Horwath, will be offering free haircuts to veterans and senior citizens at the American Legion building on Saturday, April 24th from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. The Legion is located at 709 West 8th Street. Chong has many years of experience and specializes in military style haircuts, fades and high and tights. Donations will be accepted for the Stroud American Legion Post #257 but are not required. Stop by on Saturday for a great, free haircut.
April is coming to a close and that means Mother’s Day is just around the corner. Check out Stroud’s local merchants to see what they have on their shelves to make your Mother’s Day complete.
Have a great week and remember to shop and dine local……………………………first!