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!