Main Street News: April 10th

Growing up, I was taught the ten commandments at a very young age. Most education programs at a church will expect their student to learn the ten commandments at some particular age. Of course, none of us are ever too old to learn. They are great rules to live by in all aspects of life, but here is a different set you should take a look at…

                                                The 10 Commandments of Human Relations

1.  Speak to people. There is nothing so nice as a cheerful word of greeting.
2.  Smile at people. It takes 72 muscles to frown, but only 14 to smile!
3.  Call people by name.  The sweetest music to anyone’s ears is the sound of his own name.
4.  Be friendly and helpful. If you want friends, you must be one.
5.  Be cordial.  Speak and act as if everything you do is a joy to you.
6.  Be genuinely interested in people. You can like almost everybody if you try.
7.  Be generous with praise and cautious with criticism.
8.  Be considerate with the feelings of others. There are usually three sides to a controversy:    

 Yours, the other person’s and the right side.

9.  Be eager to lend a helping hand. Often it is appreciated more than you know. What counts most  

 in life is what we do for others.

10.  Add to this a good sense of humor, a huge dose of patience and a dash of humility. This  

 combination will open many doors and the rewards will be enormous!

Regardless of our walk in life, in business, in volunteer organizations, in family and in a community like ours these ten commandments are applicable. Start with one and see how easy it is to keep in mind in all you do and to all whom you come in contact with. You just might be surprised how it makes you feel better, by making someone’s day.

Don’t forget the Area Wide Rummage Sales scheduled for May 5 & 6.  If you are hosting a sale, the deadline for placing your ad in the Main Street brochure and the Record Review is Wednesday, April 26.  I’m putting in our request to Mother Nature now, we’re hoping for a weekend of nice weather and a successful selling or shopping!

Main Street News: April 3rd

With spring’s arrival and longer daylight hours, we are itching to be outside more and more. We also start thinking of all those activities we have been unable to enjoy over the long winter months.  Grilling outside, park visits with kids, outdoor ball games, and rummage sales! 

The Spring Area Wide Rummage sales are scheduled for May 5 & 6.  This is a great time for a number of people:  those who have treasures they no longer need and those who are looking for treasure.  It is spring cleaning time -a time to go through those closets, basement, attic and garage. If you’re like me, when I no longer have a use for something, I just can’t throw it away.  I always figure it might be of use to someone.  I try to find a home for it and pass it along or donate it.  For some people having a garage sale is a prime opportunity to move those things right out of the house and make a little money at the same time.  So get busy and organized.  Do that garage & basement cleaning. Sort through those boxes, clean out the kid’s toy box and put together a sale.

The annual City Wide Clean Up dates are scheduled for April 19-21.  This can help with those items you may find in your Spring Cleaning process that aren’t fit for donation or sale. Curbside pickup will be available on certain days in your neighborhoods.  Watch for more information in the Record Review. 

The Annual Rummage Sale days have become a time for some friends and family to join forces and unload some of their ‘stuff’ while hosting a sale.  Contact the Record Review for your ad information.  Deadline is April 26 so don’t wait.  They will print your ad in the paper and the Main Street program will publish it in brochures for shoppers to utilize.  Those brochures will be available at local businesses prior to the sales.  Both publications will have a map of Barnesville featuring your sale site!  Ads are being sold to businesses for print in the flyer and many are running specials those days.  Don’t forget to check them out too.

This event brings carloads of people to our community.  This not only helps those who host a sale, but local businesses as well.  Visitors will need lunch, gas, treats, and will stop at local businesses too.  So get ready Barnesville area…Rummage Sales are coming May 5 & 6.

Main Street News: March 27th

Showcase 2017 happened on this past Saturday. It was another busy day in our community for businesses and residents both. Special thanks to all who made it possible again this year. Without the participation of the businesses and organizations represented, it would not have been held for this the 25th year. I heard many comments from vendors that they had a great day and were glad that Barnesville has a show right here in town.

All of the businesses who participated this year are to be commended for their commitment to Barnesville. They have gone out of their way to have a booth, invest their dollars in the event and reach out to customers and visitors alike. This forward thinking indicates their willingness to do business with you. It indicates their motivation to serve you as their customers and listen to your inquiries and suggestions. It is extra work for everyone at the business for them to be at Showcase and we do recognize that. Barnesville will thrive in today’s economy because of the support of its residents. Let’s continue to support these enterprises with your business – they are here for YOU! 

The entertainment, presentations and activities provided were second to none. We appreciate the time those individuals gave to help make Showcase an enjoyable event for all of those attending. Carol Albright and her art students provided an additional bright spot in our show with the Art Show. By sharing their talents and knowledge, they made a wonderful addition to this event. The food vendors were a hit with tantalizing smells luring us to the old gym for a delicious meal or a treat

I would like to thank the committee for the efforts put forth in organizing the event. Dar Hines, Bruce Albright, Marylin Eaves, Pete Larson, and Shane Raw have spent countless hours in meetings of preparation, soliciting entertainment, food vendors and booths as well as the manual labor in the set up & tear down of the entire gym! We also appreciate having the school as a facility in which to hold showcase. The administration and staff are so cooperative to work with. An event of this size and nature would not be successful without their support!  There are so many others who volunteered in a variety of ways to make the show a success: Irene Schenk, Sally Braton, Kay Lane, Miss Barnesville Alexis Peterson, Ivy Olson and Betty Picard. A HUGE thank you to all! We couldn’t have done it without you!

A special thank you is given to The Barnesville Lions, Barnesville Thursday Nite Lions, VFW Post # 4628 and the VFW Ladies Auxiliary 4628 for sponsoring the Barnesville Bucks door prizes again this year. We do appreciate the generous support from these entities.  

We look forward to Showcase 2018 and seeing you again!

Main Street News: March 20th

March 25^th brings you 5 opportunities by staying right here in town this weekend.

For the curious, the shoppers and the planners out there…over 40 businesses will be offering their merchandise or sharing information about their businesses to help you their customers take advantage of all the businesses in Barnesville and the surrounding area.  Come to Showcase…it’s FREE and who knows what kind of deals and connections you may make.  You may even win a prize, as we will be giving away $25 in Barnesville Bucks every 25 minutes!

For the music lover, the entertainment enthusiast…there is talent galore when you Come to Showcase.  Come of our own local talented youth will share their work with the community.  Students will present an Art Show, piano students of Sarah Leach will share their musical skills, Suz Dance Studio and the Just for Kix dancers will delight us in their creative, artistic and athletic skills and the NW Martial Arts group will amaze us with their presentation!

For the social butterflies…Come to Showcase and spread your wings.  Visit with your friends and neighbors or make a new one. Have a lunch or snack and relax!  Check out the young business people at the Kid$ in Bu$ine$$ booths.  Spend the whole day or make a short visit – either way you’ll have a good time!   

For the hungry…delicious and unique foods from the Barnesville area will be served up all day so Come to Showcase.  From a regular lunch meal to satisfying your sweet tooth with a dessert item or snack, no one will leave hungry.  Between the Purple Goose & Ole & Lena’s and the Country Chuckwagon you won’t leave on an empty stomach. The VFW and Girl Scouts are also teaming up to offer a variety of goodies.

For the generous…This year we are encouraging everyone to bring items to donate for the Barnesville Area Food Pantry when they Come to Showcase. They are currently in need of many items and we want to help stock their shelves. Help us “Fill the Booth” and support this great cause!

Regardless of your needs or time and interests, there’s something for you at Showcase 2017.  Come by and help us celebrate the 20^th year of this unique part of Barnesville.  If you want to join the Main Street Program that day, stop by the welcome table and do so.  A special prize drawing will be held from those who join that day only! 

So, stop on by this Saturday, March 25 from 9 am – 1 pm at Barnesville High School. You’ll be glad you did.

Main Street News: March 13th

I don’t know about you, but while I was in school, I would hear my teachers say “ We have two ears and one mouth so we should listen more and talk less”.  More bluntly John Wayne said it too, “You’re short on ears and long on mouth.”  Either way we are reminded to listen to others.  This is good advice for everyone regardless of our walk in life.  Whether it be our personal or professional life, this is a lesson we can strive to learn.

Many of our local business people will be doing just that on March 25. They are the businesses at the Main Street Programs Showcase event. They are customer driven, forward thinking business that want be successful in their work and often go the extra mile to do so.  They participate in Showcase to see their customers and take time to visit with them – listening and talking to make relationships happen. 

Showcase 2017 is an opportunity for businesses to reach out to their customers – New and Old.  The businesses that come to Showcase are those that want to connect with their customers, thank them for their business, get a chance to visit face to face and explain how they can serve them in other ways.  They will listen to the customers and try to meet your needs.  Perhaps Showcase doesn’t allow enough time for you to sit down with that business manager or owner and work out specifics of your situation, but it is an opportunity for you as a customer to meet them. You can reach out to them and take that first step. 

Whether you are an ‘old’ customer or a ‘new’ perspective one, those businesses at Showcase want to connect with you and are happy to visit that day and in the future. They want you to do business with them.  They appreciate their customers and are committed to our community. Their presence at Showcase is just one more piece of evidence of that attitude of business.

Showcase 2017 will be Saturday, March 25. Stop by the high school from 9am – 1pm for a chance to visit with many businesses or check out a new business. We have a large variety of vendors that are looking forward to seeing you at their booth.  It’s free admission so you can’t beat the price!

Barnesville is fortunate to have the businesses that are willing to support Showcase, say thank you to their customers and ‘show’ to those in attendance what they have to offer.  Come out and join them in a great day of hospitality, business, entertainment and good food.

You could be surprised at who is exhibiting.  Visit with a business you’ve never been to or worked with before.  Think outside of your ‘normal’ routine and give our local business owners a shot at obtaining your business.  They have committed to our community.  We, as individuals, can give them our business and support the community at the same time.

Main Street News: March 6th

Showcase will be March 25^th from 9 am-1 pm at the Barnesville High School. At this year’s Showcase, we will again host the Kid$ in Bu$ine$$ division. It is an addition to the show in which kids can be the exhibitors.  Kids in grades 4th-12th are welcome to have a booth in which they can sell items which they have made or sell a service which they are interested in providing.

It is a chance for that young entrepreneur, that young business person, to step out into the business world and get their feet wet. Some are truly talented with the merchandise they’ve sold.  Some are very professional and have ‘grown up’ signage, flyers and display methods.  Some are naturally outgoing in personality and greet customers as they pass their booth.  ALL are excited to be doing their business and to be part of Showcase opportunity.

In past years, many kids have had booths hoping to make some money for their savings accounts or that item they have been wanting.  Who knows what products and services we will find this year.  Those attending Showcase should be on the lookout for the young entrepreneurs.  Take some special time to visit with them, ask them questions about their booth and help them learn about being a business person at the same time.

Information on having a booth has been distributed in the schools, but if you missed it, registration forms are available in my office.  If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to give me a call at 354-2479.  I’d be glad to give you more information.  The Showcase Committee looks forward to having a great turnout at the show this year – as Kid$ in Bu$ine$$.  

Main Street News: February 27th

Every day in our walk in life, we have the opportunity to promote Barnesville, to encourage growth of businesses, our school and our entire community. Telling people why we choose to live here, telling them about the things we enjoy about our community, telling them about the school system and about the businesses, services and organizations that we have are all qualities that we share. We do this through our business and personal interactions everywhere we go. Just mention Potato Days and everyone’s heard about Barnesville!    

This past weekend we had a huge opportunity for us to tell others our story. Friday, Saturday and Sunday, volunteers visited with interested visitors to the Barnesville Booth at the Home and Garden Show at the Fargo Dome. Many people were interested in leaving the larger communities for a small, town to raise their families. They were excited to learn more about what Barnesville has to offer and what sets us apart from the other similar size towns in the area.

The volunteers that helped tell the Barnesville story this past weekend include city council members, EDA board members, Main Street Board and committee members and residents. They all have a special interest in doing what they can to help grow Barnesville. We appreciate their generosity in giving their time and enthusiasm at the booth, but it doesn’t stop there. We need your help to continue these efforts all year long! Help us continue to share the message that Barnesville is a great place to call home! 

It’s been said, “Enthusiasm is NOT the same as being excited. One gets excited about going on a roller coaster. One becomes enthusiastic about creating and building a roller coaster.” This quote sums up the attitude of many of the volunteers for Barnesville that we work with. They are building a better Barnesville through their enthusiasm.

Main Street News: February 20th

It is no secret that doing business has changed as technology has advanced. Could you imagine going about your normal day without new technology, doing business none the less? No phone, no calculator, no computer? Think of looking something up in a book instead of doing a simple Google search. Technology these days is supposed to make life easier for us, but for some it has made it more challenging, especially when it comes to running a business. Keeping up with the newest social media platform and successful marketing efforts are things people have said they struggle with, but they know it is essential to make their business successful.

This year, the Main Street Program has gone through a total transformation. We unveiled our new logo and brand, started the Friends of Main Street Program and revamped our membership benefits. That includes our most exciting benefit of 10 hours of social media or marketing help to our gold members. We listened to our members and hope we can help them in these areas they struggle with. There are numerous tools out there to enhance and grow their business. We want to help our members take advantage of these tools and incorporate them into their business.

We are excited to help our businesses out in any way we can. But our business community needs your help as well! I know everyone has heard how important it is to shop local, but have you ask yourself “am I doing everything I can to keep my dollars in the community? Maybe it is more convenient for you to get your items up town or you think you can save a few bucks. Our businesses depend on your loyalty. Maybe you think can’t get what you need in town. I’m sure if you ask any Barnesville business if they can get that item from their store, they would be more than happy to order it in for you!

Main Street News: February 13th

It has been an exciting few weeks in the Main Street Office, especially when the mail comes! Between membership dues coming in and people signing up for Showcase, I have been busier than ever.

First off, I want to thank everyone who has already sent in their membership dues. We are so fortunate to have so many people who value their membership and know they are benefiting Barnesville through their commitment. But secondly, I want to thank the new members that have decided to join this year or move up a membership level. This has been the most exciting part, to see names of businesses and people who see the impact the Main Street Program has in Barnesville. You too should be excited about what you are doing for this community! In the past, each member received a plaque indicating they are a Main Street member. This year, each member will receive a window cling to display at their business. Please be on the lookout for these when you are making your stops around town and patronize these businesses!

Also, to those that are still considering joining I would like to encourage you to take part. If you have not been contacted and would like more information, please contact me and I would be more than happy to share the benefits of becoming a member! New this year, members also receive a 25% discount on their booth at our 25^th annual Showcase event. The Main Street program has been in existence in the Barnesville community for 26 years and continues to work very hard to promote our city as a great place to live, work and play though numerous projects and events throughout the year. Our annual membership drive helps us bring in needed revenues to continue these projects and make plans for other ways to help our community.  

If you have any questions about the Main Street Program or may be interested in becoming a member or “Friend of Main Street” for 2017, please feel free to contact me at the office by calling 354-2479 or sending an e-mail to mainstreet@bvillemn.net. Barnesville is great, but together we can make Barnesville better than ever!

Main Street News: February 6th

Although it seems like a long way away, mark your calendars for the 25^th annual Showcase event on Saturday, March 25^th from 9 am- 1 pm at the high school. It will be here before we know it! New to town or have a new business adventure? Maybe your looking to get your business some more exposure or you have a new product to launch? Showcase would be a great place for you to have a booth! We invite local businesses to showcase their products and service. Organizations are welcome as well! A booth at Showcase would be a great opportunity to answer questions or provide interested people with information about their cause. This is also an opportunity for you as a customer to visit with a business about your needs or interest in their products, as well as get more information about joining or supporting a local organization.  Because it is our 25^th annual Showcase event, we are offering 25% off the booth cost to all Main Street Members! Brochures went out late last week, but if you didn’t receive one and are interested in having a booth please call me at 354-2479 or email mainstreet@bvillemn.net.

We are hoping to have area restaurants and organizations managing food booths, set up in the old gym with lunch and treats available for you all day. We have a full slate of entertainment and an art show scheduled as well.  If your organization is looking to raise some money and interested in having a food booth, please contact me and we will get you signed up! 

Sponsored by Main Street, the Showcase brings over 1,000 local residents and visitors to see just what we have to offer.  It is also a time for us to ‘Showcase” our community.  Make plans to attend Showcase for a few hours of fun, food and activity on March 25th.

We also have a number of meal fundraisers and events to offer in our ‘small town’ over the next few weeks which will bring out many residents and visitors.

                                      February 6 – BHS Winter Band and Choir Concert

                                      February 8 – Valley Care & Rehab King and Queen Coronation

  February 11 – Thursday Nite Lions Butterfly Ball

                                      February 14 – VFW Valentine’s Day Dinner

                                      February 25 – Booster Club Girls Basketball Tournament

                                                              

Don’t hesitate to participate and support your local charities, churches and organizations. We have several opportunities to eat out (read… no dishes to wash!)  and support a local group as well.  Stop by for good fellowship and good food:  They are what makes Barnesville home to us all.

Main Street News: January 30th

If your mailbox is anything like mine, besides the usual bills, it is often filled with ‘requests’.  These are requests to support many worthwhile charities and organizations. They may be local, regional or national. I’m also guessing that like many others, your household income is already mostly designated.  The utilities, medical, insurance, car, food, church, school needs, clothing bills, etc. all need paying.  Due to the influx of requests, choosing where to spend our discretionary funds can become an exercise of investigation. We can’t and shouldn’t just give to every request. We are expected to be good stewards of our dollars and should choose wisely. We should take time to give it some thought and serious consideration.  

Of course, the direction that this is leading is for a ‘request’! That means the annual Main Street Membership Drive. Consider becoming a “Friend of Main Street”. In the past, we have had individual and couple’s memberships. We realized these levels of membership should be somewhat different than the business and organization levels, even though they are equally important. That being said, we created the new “Friends of Main Street” program. If you believe in what the Main Street Program does for our community, please consider donating $20 to our program. In addition, you will receive 2 VIP tickets to the Community Picnic in July. When giving it some thought, below are a few reasons to help you decide.

The Top 10 Reasons to become a “Friend of Main Street”.

10.  Help ‘drive’ the organization’s mission of building relationships between residents and  

       businesses

9. Support promotional events like the Showcase, Miss Barnesville Pageant, Community Picnic, Toast of the Town, Show ‘n Shine Car Shows, Rummage Sales, Golf Tournament, Miracle on Front Street activities

8.   Your contribution helps fund enhancements to beautify our town, as well as to welcome visitors and new residents

7. Name recognition at several events and in publications throughout the year

6. Evidence that you support Barnesville’s business community

5. A chance to say “I care about our community!”        

4.   Opportunities to network with other community members making new friends, and possible

      business connections for yourself

3.   Improve & increase community spirit and well- being

2. Opportunities to volunteer for programs, services and events

And the top reason to have Membership in the Main Street Program…

1. Personal investment, satisfaction and pride that you help Barnesville grow and thrive

To all of you who have invested in the Main Street Program with your dollars by becoming a member, we would like to thank you. Your support is so appreciated and needed. We couldn’t do it without your generosity. Every membership dollar counts and helps us to fulfill our responsibilities. For anyone considering membership or who would like to know more, please give me a call. I would love to share more about Main Street with you.

Membership in Main Street Program is a sign of your commitment to Barnesville and making it a better place to live and work, grow and play…Building a Better Barnesville.

Main Street News: January 23rd

The Main Street Program’s Annual meeting last Wednesday, January 18th, was a time to recognize our great volunteers and members. They each do what they can. They do so because they want to. It’s not their ‘job’ and certainly no one pays them. They do it because they know they should. Although we cannot ever begin to thank each and every one of them properly, but I do want to take time to recognize our award winners for 2016. Our Business of the Year award goes to a business that Barnesville would be lost without. In the last year, they have made quite a few improvements and never quit to provide the best for our community. They have also sponsored several Main Street events and help us out whenever we need. This year’s business of the year is Barnesville Grocery. Our Board member of the year goes to Aubree Martinez. Aubree is always jumping in to help and does it with a smile on her face. The Committee Member of the Year award goes to a Lindsay Bontjes. Lindsay has been on the Promotions Committee for too many years to count! She has been such a great asset and also serves with a smile! Our last award for the year goes to our volunteer of the year. This is always the hardest to award. We have so many great volunteers who put in so many hours. This year I made it easy. I totaled up all the volunteer hours in 2016. We had a total of 746 hours! What is even more shocking is the fact that if you times that by the national average worth of a single volunteer hour of $23.07, you would find that we totaled $17,210.22 worth of volunteering last year alone. This year that award goes to the person with the most volunteer hours, Pete Larson. Pete not only serves on the Main Street Board of Directors, but he is also on the Showcase Committee and volunteers his summer weekends to water the flowers on Front Street. Special thanks go out to each of them for their endless dedication as they give of their time and talents to be Barnesville’s Main Street Program!

At our meeting, we also were excited to unveil our new logo that has been in the works for a quite a while! Watch for it in our upcoming Main Street publications!

Main Street News: January 16th

Review and renew. These are two words that are frequently associated with the beginning of a new year.  As an organization, we can and should do both. For schools and some clubs and most churches that happens in the fall. For Main Street it happens each January. We can review and reflect on the events of 2016 and learn from them. This helps us renew our commitment and dedication to our members, our business community and our residents.

Next week, the Main Street Program will take some time to do just that.  Our Annual Membership Meeting will be held on January 18 at the Barnesville VFW. Board Members, committee members and staff will be on hand to share their thoughts about 2016 and look toward 2017.

The Main Street Program is truly a volunteer based organization.  It is structured to utilize volunteers in a variety of ways.  From advisory roles, to guidance and planning, to direct contact with businesses and residents and old fashioned hands on work, there are many tasks needed. As staff, I rely heavily upon the volunteers to complete those tasks and to give direction to the program as a whole. In other words, they are really driving the program in the direction that they see fit for Barnesville.

The Main Street Board of Directors, Promotions Committee, and Design Committee each play a large role in that direction.  They meet monthly to provide all of the previously mentioned skills and more!    Special committees like Showcase and Miss Barnesville meet seasonally as to the need and the event.  Both events are long standing traditions in Barnesville! Without any of these individuals, none of the Main Street events would take place.  They need to work together as a team to make that happen by complimenting each other, working through roadblocks and focusing all toward the same goal.

Main Street is part of a bigger picture as well. We are part of the National Main Street Program. So many communities are faced with the same concerns and situations that we are and learning from others as well as having additional resources available help to make us a stronger organization.

How does one be part of this movement, this vision, this direction for Barnesville’s Main Street Program?  There are many ways.  Interested people can become members either as a business or part of our new Friends of Main Street individual membership. If you are considering a volunteer role on a regular basis or for short term events, I or any board member would be happy to visit with you about your interest in Main Street. Please don’t hesitate to give me a call at 354-2479.

Teamwork is the ability to work together toward a common vision.  It is the fuel that allows common people to attain uncommon results.  It is the Barnesville Main Street Program.   

Main Street News: January 9th

Last week we took the time to honor the people who put their life on the line every day for our safety. Monday, January 9^th is recognized nationally as Law Enforcement Appreciation Day. In our community, we thought this was a perfect time to recognize not only the local law enforcement, but all first responders. Both the local ambulance crew and fire department work very closely with the police department. Thank you to not only these fine folks for their service, but everyone who wore blue and joined us for coffee and goodies in their honor.

This week we get to thank all of our wonderful volunteers and members at the Annual Meeting. We will meet at VFW on Wednesday, January 18^th at 12:00 noon. Our program wouldn’t be where it is today without such a great force behind us.

We are very fortunate in this small community to have such great people to call neighbors and friends. These friends are people we have learned we can rely on and trust to make this community the best it can be. The Main Street Program also relies on our friends to keep providing fun events and elements to beautify the town. That is why we created the “Friends of Main Street” Program. In the past, we had individual and couple membership levels for our program. We realized the benefits of that program were mainly focused towards organizations and businesses. Our Friends of Main Street will not only be recognized in various publications, but you will also be invited to attend the annual meeting in January and receive 2 VIP tickets to the Community Picnic. The cost is $20 per family and can be sent to the Main Street Program at PO Box 550, Barnesville MN 56514. If you have any questions or want more information, please contact me at 354-2479.

Main Street News: January 2nd

2017...another new year, another opportunity for resolutions!  Now I’m not a really big New Year’s resolutions person, however, it does give one time to reflect on the past year and to look ahead to a new year.  I try to take this time of year to think about the changes I want to make.  Be it professional or personal, an opportunity for growth and improvement lies with each New Year.  Perhaps you may think that way as well.  If not consider the possibilities that resolutions or changes may make for a more enjoyable life and more success at work.

Personally, I could list the some of the same items from previous years that you may have on your list:  Lose weight, tackle the undone projects, etc, but I want to focus on the intrinsic characteristics I admire most in others.  I will try to be more patient, and more tolerant and more understanding.  I plan to work harder at my responsibilities and do a better job at whatever I do.  I will try to make the time to “smell the roses” as they say…or in my life that means: spend more time with family, take a walk, take a friend out to lunch or just spend time doing something for others.

Professionally, we can also set goals, both for improving our business and for developing our own capabilities.  We can try to reach out to new customers or learn a new skill, in essence, challenge ourselves.  Success comes to those who actively pursue excellence.  If we focus on what we can do to improve at our job, the possible returns may surprise us.

In 2017, I plan to meet with many of our Main Street members, get to know them better and help you get to know them and what they have to offer. This year I encourage you to invest in this community’s future. Together we can strengthen and support our local economy.  That makes Barnesville a better place to live and work for us all!

Whatever path you choose to begin 2017 on, may it be of benefit to you and others as we in Barnesville strive to enhance relationships between residents and businesses.  Happy New Year from the Main Street Program office!

Main Street News: December 26

As we hustle from the Christmas rush into the rush of a New Year, we should pause a moment to reflect on 2016 and look ahead to 2017. It has indeed been a busy year of accomplishments for the Main Street Program.

The Promotions Committee has coordinated and offered many events for the entire community. Some brought people to town and others were for the residents to just have fun. They included the annual spring and fall rummage sales, community picnic, fall farmer’s market and the recent Miracle on Front Street activities of, tree decorating project and lighting ceremony, Breakfast with Santa, and Holiday Happenings

The Design Committee has been focused on the upkeep of Friendship Park, with added flowers and greenery. Bricks, benches, flower planters & baskets, and Christmas light decorations have also been items the Design Committee has worked on. We have to thank Ruth and Darrell Thomas from Thompson Greenery for their hard work and dedication to the hanging baskets year after year! Our fundraiser to support all of these activities to beautify Barnesville is the annual Toast of the Town. Be on the lookout for more information coming soon! The Design Committee also runs the Show ‘n Shine car shows every month. This is a great way to get people in town and take in everything that Barnesville has to offer.

The Showcase Committee and Miss Barnesville Pageant Committee have both worked extremely hard to once again bring these two special events to our community. The Showcase event brings many to Barnesville and “Showcases” a great number of our fine businesses. The Miss Barnesville tradition continues to feature young ladies in our community with their positive attitudes, skills and achievements by providing scholarships to a number of those participating. The Miss Barnesville Court and Princess Blue Eagle represent the city of Barnesville in many area parades all summer. Theirs is often the only ‘face’ of Barnesville at those parades and each year is a bright example of our special community.

The Board of Directors meets on a monthly basis to oversee the direction of the program but also coordinates a few special things themselves. The program’s annual meeting, membership drive and golf tournament are just a few. 

All of these folks are volunteers and work extremely hard for the benefit of the program and Barnesville as a whole. They put in countless hours, give financially and are a caring, dedicated group. Without them and the volunteers that have come before them, the Main Street Program would not be here. I would like to thank each and every one of them for all of the fun events, successes and accomplishments of 2016. I look forward to working with them all in 2017.

I wish you all a very happy, healthy and prosperous New Year.

Main Street News: December 19th

My to-do list at home is somewhat shorter. At least my holiday to-do list that is. I’ve made a few goodies, wrapped a few gifts and only have one wreath left to hang.  But I still have several Christmas

tasks ahead of me. I’m sure most of you do too.

If you are like me, I’m thinking a little more last-minute shopping needs to be accomplished this week. Consider what can be purchased here in town. Remember you can stop by the Main Street office and purchase a brick, paver or bench to honor that special person.  We will even put together a personalized gift card for under the tree! We also still have Barnesville t-shirts for sale.

Locally, we have several options to help you on your quest for a special gift. Be sure to look in past editions of the Record Review or the Main Street newsletter for the Gift Giving Guide. Plenty of ideas are listed to help you in finding just the right item and helping support Barnesville businesses too. If you can’t where to get that item you have in mind, give us a call and we will try to connect you with that business.

And remember that Barnesville Bucks are just right for anyone. They can be bought at Midwest Bank and used anywhere in town.  They are available in $5.00 increments and are valid for a year. With a ‘One Size Fits All’ advantage you can’t go wrong!

On behalf of the Main Street Board of Directors and I, we would like send you this

Christmas Wish…

           

May Christmas Day bring a bright smile to your face,

            and may life hold you close in its loving embrace.

            May your spirit delight in each moment you spend

            just enjoying the warmth of your family and friends.

            May your new year be blessed with these gifts from above –

            all wrapped up in ribbons of friendship and love.

Merry Christmas from the Main Street Program!!!!

Main Street News: December 12th

It’s not too late…this Thursday you can turn your lights on outside and participate in the Holiday Lights Contest.  A team of volunteers will be out cruising the streets looking at all the wonderfully decorated homes out there. They are giving of their busy schedules, especially this time of year, to judge the annual Lights Contest sponsored by Main Street. I’m sure it will not be an easy task.

It’s always fun to feast our eyes on the colorful lights and efforts of many residents that work on the outside of their homes to spread some holiday cheer to their fellow residents.  It is so enjoyable to see not only the creativity but also the spirit in which the homeowners send their Christmas greeting out to all who travel our streets.

There are always MANY more homes that have done an excellent job in decorating than we can award prizes too. I’m sure the privilege of bragging rights and a yard sign are not the motivation behind their efforts. Honestly, these folks just enjoy the season and find this a nice way to share with others.

This year we will be giving awards to 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd place, as well as Most Holiday Spirit Award and People’s Choice.  If you would like to nominate a home for that – just give my office a call with the address and homeowners name, if known. It is just another way to involve our residents in the process and acknowledge the efforts of those light enthusiasts. 

And another big thank you to all of those who decorated with lights this year. You’ve contributed to another part of the beauty of Barnesville and the holiday season. You’ve reminded us of the bright and cheeriness of Christmas. And many of you have had some fun with it as well. Thanks for brightening our holiday season!!

Main Street News: December 5th

2016 Miracle on Front Street saw plenty of Christmas Spirit! The fun of having the children in grades K-2 and their teachers decorate the tree started the festivities off in a special way. Be sure to take a few minutes to look at all the animal friendly decorations and the pretty tree when you can. The Tree Lighting, Breakfast with Santa, and Holiday Happenings rounded out the events last week.

We had a lot of people who helped us make last week’s events a success, so please bear with me! The Promotions Committee is a dedicated group that has been planning all the holiday events for the last few months.  I would like to thank the committee of Lindsay Bontjes, Michelle Field, Brooke Fradet, Janet Rasmussen, Katie Van Den Einde, Kallie Frost, Carol Van Brocklin and Cindy Zander for their dedication to all the special Main Street events that they arrange each year. A BIG thank you to the K-2 teachers, Barnesville Bus Company, and Darin Allmaras and Elliot Goheen for all their effort in getting the tree decorating done again this year. Another HUGE thank you goes out to the Barnesville Public Works team for hanging the greens from Designs by Becky once again this year. I also want to thank Becky Eggiman for her help hanging the greens on the gazebo!

We were able to light the tree at Friendship Park on a beautiful night with caroling, wagon rides and treats shared by all who attended. The 6^th grade choir performed a few carols to put us in the Christmas spirit. A big thank you goes to Stoneridge Software for providing cider and hot chocolate and the Barnesville Grocery for providing the cookies. We also can’t forget to thank Polly Thorsness who provided wagon rides and Mrs. Gylland and her kids for the wonderful singing! We appreciate their generosity in sharing their holiday cheer! I also can’t forget to thank Guy Swenson for all of his hard work making such an awesome switch to light the tree. It was so nice to have our Miss Barnesville Alexis Peterson, 1^st Runner-Up Anna Smith and Princess Blue Eagle there to light the tree as well!

We also need to thank Santa for taking time out of his very busy schedule to visit with the children at St. John’s Lutheran Church last Saturday. His long-awaited arrival was a hit for young and old alike. The children certainly gave him a long list to take back to his workshop. Seeing the looks on the children’s faces was indeed priceless and reminds us of the joys of being a child. The children colored pictures and some even wrote him letters that day. Several others helped to make the Saturday morning events happen. The Thursday Nite Lions provided and served the breakfast, everyone at the St. John’s Lutheran Church were such considerate hosts and Wanda Lokhorst Photography took the photos with Santa. There was a lot going on in just a few hours. But a great deal of fun too!

An opportunity to shop for a few gifts was made possible at the Holiday Happenings. We had a few home-based businesses help us kick off the local holiday shopping. Remember to think of all our local businesses – store front and home based when shopping this holiday season. If you have need to find a business remember, to check the Business Directory on the city’s website at www.barnesvillemn.com.  Also, take a look at the local Gift Buying Guide in today’s paper for more shopping ideas!  And don’t forget to register for a turkey at many Main Street member businesses. Maybe you’ll be one of the lucky winners!

Main Street News: November 28th

Now that November is coming to a close, the ‘official’ countdown to Christmas begins! Although I’ve been working toward Christmas for quite some time around the office, it is hard to believe that the days are now numbered and there is much to do. But first a lineup of Barnesville Miracle on Front Street events and opportunities are before us.

Bundle up the whole family and head downtown on this Wednesday, November 30th at 6:30 pm to enjoy the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at Friendship Park right on Front Street. Join in singing a few Christmas carols to warm our hearts, give us a dose of good cheer and start the season out right!   Refreshments are provided compliments of Stoneridge Software and cookies from Barnesville Grocery. Polly Thorsness will again be giving horse drawn wagon rides. The big evergreen tree at the park is being decorated with homemade ornaments by the Kindergarten, 1^st & 2^nd Grade students this year. The Tree Lighting is a nice way to warm our hearts and spread some holiday cheer with your community friends. 

On Saturday, December 3rd, the fun will start again as Santa Claus comes to town!  He will meet everyone out at St. John’s Lutheran Church for Breakfast with Santa from 9:30 am to 11:30 am. The breakfast will be provided and served by the Thursday Nite Lions with a free will donation. Santa will be there during breakfast and will have lap space for children to share their holiday wishes. You can also get your hands on keepsake photos of the moment for optional purchase at a low cost. Surprises for the kids are given from the Main Street Program. Activities are provided for the children as well so that parents can take a few minutes to shop from our local vendors on hand!

Don’t forget to register to win a turkey!  Then Main Street Program will be giving away several delicious birds from Barnesville Grocery on Dec. 19.  You can register until then at the following Main Street Program businesses:  Azure Eye Clinic, Barnesville C-Store, Barnesville Chiropractic & Fitness Center, Barnesville Grocery, Barnesville Record-Review, Barnesville Drug & Hardware, Cenex, Eagle Café, Midwest Bank, Priority Real Estate, Firehall Liquors and Rehab PLUS. 

The Miracle on Front Street promises to be a busy time of activities for all ages. Come enjoy some Christmas spirit! And don’t forget to get those lights up and turned on for the Home Lights Contest.  Turn your lights on Thursday, December 15th, the Christmas Cruisers will be out.  Call the Main Street Office at 354-2479 before then to vote for the People’s Choice Award!