Main Street Matters! - Ardmore Main Street

S U M ME R
Volunteers are seldom paid; not because they are worthless, but because they are PRICELESS!
Main Street Matters!
“Biking in Ardmore!”
Main Street’s 19th annual “Red River
Roadkill Rally” was Saturday, June 1st. Many
cyclists from all over this part of the country
took part in this fantastic event that seems to
grow each year. Main Street would like to give
a HUGE THANK YOU to Head Volunteer, John
Sjulin, DDS, for all his hard work and efforts on
behalf of this year’s event. Dr. Sjulin spent untold hours recruiting and organizing volunteers,
soliciting sponsorships and prizes and doing everything from proofreading flyers to taking out
the trash. WOW! Excellent job John, Thank
YOU!
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Come Home to Downtown!
WWW.ARDMOREMAINSTREET.COM
Executive Director Report By Julie Patterson
Executive Report
Upcoming Events
Spotlight on Business
Fiesta Oklahoma
Red River Rally
Around Town
Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to attend the 2013
National Main Street Conference in New Orleans, LA. It was a
thought provoking and inspiring gathering. This year was
‘Cultural Economy’ and New Orleans was a perfect setting to
explore the economic benefits of a sense of place.
New Orleans’s lively, multi-faceted cultural heritage
Julie Blizzard-Patterson
has made it an international destination. Main Streets from all
Courtesy of The Daily Ardmoreite
over the United States are represented at this conference and all are
committed to revitalizing their downtowns. The conference is a place where
‘preservationists’ come together to educate and inspire one another and to address issues
and problems that are common in all downtowns across our country. It is also a great time
to learn what other events and programs work in small towns and what are some new innovative ideas to bring people to Main Street. After it’s over there is a bit of a let down but
the support from other Main Streets continues to grow, the experience strengthens our
knowledge on how to improve downtown, and friendships last forever.
As all Main Street Managers across the country, I am so proud of our downtown and
the continual revitalization and investment in downtown to help make it a destination
Meet a Volunteer
Become
A
Member
TODAY!
Ardmore Main Street Authority
251 East Main Street
Ardmore, OK 73401
(O) 580-226-6246
(F) 580-226-7660
“Fiesta Oklahoma!”
A Multi Cultural, Family
Festival Event
Main Street
Saturday, September 21st
mainstreet73401@sbcglobabl.net
Label and address
8
WWW.ARDMOREMAINSTREET.COM
201 3
Located Behind Sears
Meet A Volunteer!
Become A Member TODAY!!
Daniel Romo is a name that is familiar to many Ardmoreites as he has become
synonymous with the words hardworking, dedicated, reliable and dependable, as we
have seen in the success of Casa Romo. This year we would like to welcome him as
Ardmore Main Street Authority's president for 2013-2014. Danny has had much experience in several of Main Street's committees and he knows what it takes to keep Main
Street engaged in the community and involved in promoting downtown. Danny moved
to Ardmore in 1988, graduated from Plainview High School in 1996, and then attended
OU where he graduated in 1999 with a BA in Political Science. He has worked for
AT&T, Citgo Petroleum, CISCOR and Casa Romo where he is currently General Manager. Danny has served on the Main Street Board of Directors and has been very influencial with such events as Festival Lights Parade and Taste of Ardmore. He also serves
on the Ardmore Tourism Authority board and volunteers for other organizations. He is
married to Stephanie and they have 3 chilMain Street Properties
dren.
Plan Your Event!
Casa Romo, located at 120 West Main St., is one of the
leaders in Mexican cuisine in this region. So please come by and
see Danny for lunch or dinner and also ask about the new menu.
Thank you Danny for all your hard work and dedication to downtown Ardmore!
The Market Place will seat 100 comfortably inside, and
you can use
the breezeway as your
dance
floor! Call
us 2266246
Upcoming Events!
“Fiesta Oklahoma”
Main Street
September 21st, 2013
“Lets Get Souped”
The Santa
-Fe Depot
is a perfect
historic spot
for weddings, receptions, parties, dinners or family reunions.
Heritage
Hall is our
October 15th, 2013
Heritage Hall
“Trick or Treat Downtown”
October 31st, 2013
largest venue. It
is great for concert needs, banquets and meetings. Give Patty
Harris a call at
490-1780
Platinum Partner (Corporate)
For your contribution of $1,000 or more per year, benefits include free architectural design assistance, free interior design and merchandising assistance, free
small business consulting services, free marketing assistance, and free promotional
assistance through the Oklahoma State Main Street program, and one free rental per
membership year to the historic Santa Fe Depot community room.
Gold Patron (Patron)
For your contribution of $500 - $999 per year, benefits include free architectural design assistance, free interior design and merchandising assistance, free small
business consulting services, free marketing assistance and free promotional assistance through the Oklahoma State Main Street program, and one 20% discount per
membership year on an additional rental of the Santa Fe Depot community room or
Farmer’s Market.
Silver Patron (Business Level)
For your contribution of $365 - $499 per year, you become a member of The
Ardmore Main Street Authority with all rights and privileges which includes not only local but state benefits. Benefits include free architectural design assistance, free
interior design and merchandising assistance, free small business consulting services, free marketing assistance and free promotional assistance done through the
Oklahoma State Main Street program and one 10% discount per membership a year
on a rental of the Santa Fe Depot community room or The Market Place.
Friend of Main Street
Any donation welcome! Your business is recognized in publications and on
the website. You will receive the newsletter and a Main Street sticker.
“The Market Place, Ready for New Season”
The Market Place is geared up and in full season
with fresh, home grown, Oklahoma produce. Every
Wednesday and Saturday morning, the Market Place will
have growers from all over the area bring in fresh fruits and
vegetables and a lot of extra goodies made and grown right
here in Oklahoma. Also, there might be an occasion or two
to hear live music. Special thanks goes out to the Noble
Foundation for their support of our local farmers!!
Adult Tickets—$50
Available
Main
Street Office
The
Marketfrom
Place
on Broadway
106 EastCall
Broadway,
Historic
580-226-6246 Downtown Ardmore
Open on Saturday, 7:30 am-noon and Wednesday, 7:30
Ardmore Main
Street
Board of Directors
President
Daniel Romo
Vice-President
Todd Yeager
Secretary
Doug Pfau
Treasurer
Judi Elmore
Board Members
Bill Dolman
Derrick Harvey
Rick Baggett
Colin Chapman
Grant Huggins
William Buckner
Justin Ramsey
Ron Parker
Teresa Woehst
Lisa Colston
Maria Wilkinson
Maria's Garden....at the gateway to downtown!
112 Wheeler 223-2500 open till 6 every weekday!
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Around Town….
Cathey and I used to live in Ardmore and we have great memories of friends and family, events large and
small as well as a sense of a community in motion. I now live in South Carolina and Cathey lives in Dallas. So
when I returned to Ardmore for a family wedding, Cathey came up from Dallas to spend a couple of days seeing
friends and revisiting memories. We planned lunch and a late afternoon visit to the Goddard Center. The Center is
closed on Monday, however, a friend of ours curates the exhibits and as he was working on a project that afternoon
allowed us to visit. Where else but in a small town could we impose on a friend to slip us in to a closed museum?
Between lunch and our off-hours visit to the Goddard Center, we had some time to explore downtown
Ardmore. The plan was to start with lunch at Ten Star Pizza and work our way up Main Street to Central Park. Ten
Star was delightful! We shared a Margarita pizza and each of us had a crisp salad. The service was prompt with
good advice on sides and portion size. Friends of ours and our children drifted in with new generations in tow. We
had news of childhood buddies lost and new little namesakes holding tippy cups and favorite toys. After enjoying a
second and maybe third glass of tea, we decided we should move on if we were going
to get to the Park. Our first stop was a few steps away, The Emporium. The manager
was just locking up to run an errand, but happily stayed and showed us around then
left us on our own to discover personal treasure. I came across some letters which
used to advertise a movie theater. There was an E (my initial), an A and a C - the initials of my siblings. No scarf and necktie for Christmas this year! Who wouldn't want
a two and a half foot tall bright red initial? Cathey had good fortune as well, even if
more practical, she purchased a beautiful turquoise bracelet.
Next we scooted across the street to Ashley's Used Bookstore where the
knowledgeable proprietress pointed out mysteries, sci-fi, coffee table and cook books,
as well as first editions. How was she able to keep up with it all? Again we harvested
a treasure each. Cathey found a colorful book on easy to grow Flowers of the Southwest and as she is establishing a garden at her new home this book was just what she
was looking for. I found a wonderful book on Edward Hooper, one of my favorite American artists. On leaving the
book store we wandered in to Antiques, Etc. and spent time browsing the many interesting booths. We came away
arms loaded with soft hand embroidered tea towels and a cut glass vase. The towels to be sewn together for a baby
quilt and, of course, Cathey needed a vase for all those flowers she was going to grow. While checking out we
were pointed in the direction of the House of Stuff where we dove in to
another delightful experience. From the darling pig pull-toy greeting us
at the front door to the smiling owner we found "stuff" galore! My favorite was a book, On the Road to Make-Believe. I look forward to
reading such "classics" as The Bay of Mayonnaise and Prince Pajamapants with my grandson. Who knew? Cathey's favorite? A set of
Oklahoma ice tea glasses.
As we turned a new corner and checked the time, we were
passed due at the Goddard Center. And Central Park no where in sight!
We dashed to the Center where we enjoyed a wonderful exhibit and
personal tour of Carol Beesley's large, colorful "oil stick" works and Carolyn Springer Long's thrown pottery. Just
as an aside: Carolyn and her brother grew up along side my brothers and sister on the Lincoln School playground,
Ardmore Junior High study halls, and Ardmore High School classrooms. You never know what familiar face you
will see around the corner when you return to Ardmore. Next trip we will rise earlier and stay later and still not see
it all. We loved seeing our town move forward yet hold on to what is so rich and special about our unique home.
Thank you Downtown Ardmore.
Article Submitted by Mary Ellen VanEaton Gillespie
Spotlight on Business
Have you noticed the good looking, embroidered
and screenprinted shirts that church members, employees,
students and athletes wear? If so, then you may be looking
at the quality work of Sam and Diana Matheny, owners of
Label Stable Incorporated, located at 102 West Main
Street since the late 70’s.
August 2013 marks 20 years that Sam and Diana have operated Label Stable, a business they’ve built on word-ofmouth marketing and repeat customers. Known for exceptional customer service and quick turn-around time on
orders, Label Stable has a customer base that reaches California and Texas. When asked about how they’ve
achieved such great success, Diana replied, “God has
blessed our business with good employees and loyal customers”.
Sam and Diana appreciate how downtown merchants support each other. They say the Main Street Authority encourages business, citing these are reasons the historic downtown district is a great destination for entrepreneurs.
Sam and Diana are excited about their plans to remodel Label Stable’s façade, so be sure to keep your eye on future
improvements.
Label Stable offers team discounts and has a large selection of colorful shirts, jackets, socks, ball pants, belts, bags,
and helmets. Embroidered pieces can be created individually or by the thousands. Talented graphic artist Gabriel
Williamson can create unique, custom screenprinted designs. Staff members Cora and Brandi are happy to help you
special order golf shirts, ball uniforms, business jackets or other items. So for your next corporate, school, team or
church event, come by Label Stable and let their friendly, dedicated staff create just what you’re looking for.
Help Support the Locals and Have Fun!
If you’ve been downtown on Wednesday afternoon and noticed more crowded sidewalks and people filling up local stores, you may have witnessed the Cash
Mob descending on an innocent business looking for that one item they didn’t know
was in town and is a must have. Local Ardmoreites gather together at the Santa Fe
Community Room and pick a name out of the hat of a local lucky merchant. From
that point on the “Mobsters” gather on the Ardmore Trolley and head over to the
lucky business. As soon as they hit the door they are asked to spend a minimum of
$20 in the store, showing great support for their local small business. Not bad for a
one day sales. If you’d like to join call 226-6246.
120 West Main Street
Ardmore, OK 73401
6
www.casaromo.com
(580) 224-9526
Mon - Sat
11:00am to 9:00pm
3
South Bound for Texas and Fine Art..Whaaaat?!
Each year the Ardmore Main Street Authority organizes a
spectacular trip down to Fort Worth, Texas for their annual Arts Festival. The Main Street Fort Worth Arts Festival has been a winner of
the IFEA's Grand Pinnacle Award for three of the past five years. It
is a showcase of juried art, savory food, live concerts, performance
artists and fun. If you haven’t taken the trip, it is well worth the
ride. Main Street arranges a hassle free ride on the Heartland Flyer
for a day trip to Fort Worth. The train leaves at approximately 10:30
am and returns to Ardmore at approximately at 7:30 pm that same
day. Organize your friends and family to spend the day on the
Heartland Flyer and in Fort Worth and come see the showcase of nationally recognized fine art and fine
craft. It is a wonderful way to kickoff a short spring getaway, call 226-6246.
It’s Festival Time In September!!’
Courtesy of The Ardmoreite
A few years ago during a community visioning process it was determined that Ardmore needed
an annual festival that would showcase what Ardmore has to offer. We knew that Ardmore was poised
for growth downtown and we discussed ways we could get people downtown. There were several great
ideas that came about and much effort was made to try to make these great ideas happen but none
seemed to stick. It wasn’t long till the idea of having a multi-culture event came to Ardmore, which
seemed to fit in well in this part of the State. September 21st will mark the 3rd annual Fiesta Oklahoma.
This event has gotten bigger each year as we have seen the Main Street organization put much over-time
into this event. If you have not attended Fiesta Oklahoma, I encourage you to mark your calendar as you
will see Ardmore host an outstanding multi-cultural festival.
Contiues on next page
Call Us Today!
1-800-456-9169
4
Courtesy of Aubry Harris
Commercial ● Home ● Auto ● Health
1-800-456-9169 ● 580-223-2187
john@johmsullivaninsurance.com
www.JohnSullivanInsurance.com
“Places To Go, Things To Do, People To See”
It’s great to see new folks
who have come here and say they
had no idea that Ardmore was this
kind of place and fall in love with it
right off. This is due in part to the
efforts of so many wonderful organizations in our community that
are dedicated to making Ardmore a
wonderful place to live. There are
so many events and activities
around our beautiful area that it has
just about everything for anybody.
One Saturday afternoon there was
Earth Day, Touch a Truck and an
outdoor concert all in one day last
Courtesy of Leslei Fisher
spring. This summer our community theaters and entertainment venues are full of concerts, musical and plays. We are so fortunate to have a variety of entertainment in our area but
keep in mind that the reason it all works is really because there are
volunteers that have a passion for doing what he or she loves to do
best.
Such is the case with the Ardmore Main Street’s Lobster
Festival. Something unique occurs when well known chefs of
Ardmore
put their
love of
cooking
and mix it
with their
passion
for enterCourtesy of Leslei Fisher
taining
the public. This year’s Lobster Festival was full of seafood
loving folks who just wanted to relax with friends and
family for a lazy Sunday evening. Each year this event
brings many new faces to the table.
Also is the case with the stream of concerts at
Courtesy of The Daily Ardmoreite
Heritage Hall and our community theater performances at
the Goddard Center and the Brass Ring. We are so fortunate
to have well known talent frequent Ardmore and local talent
perform for us live. These activities draw so many people
downtown from around this part of the country which helps
our local stores, hotels and restaurants.
Whether it be those folks that love to run marathons
and spur that into something to help raise money for a good
cause, or our local talent performing in our community theaters, they continue to amaze us all. Ardmore has become
such a wonderful community that our unique small town
vibe is starting to catch the attention of a lot of people nationwide.
Advertise
Here
226-6246
Courtesy of The Daily Brass Ring
Main Street Matters!!
Come Home to Downtown!
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