ABCDE
Monday Messenger
April 24, 2006
ABCDE – Better Together
Greetings! This is the eleventh edition of the Monday Messenger. Its purpose is to bring you current information about the ABCDE project and area. If you have anything to submit for the newsletter, please send it to me at shannonthom@hotmail.com.
ABCDE Project Progress
I was reviewing the goals and strategies of the ABCDE project this weekend. Most of the strategies are coming along very well. We are so lucky to have good Team Leaders and Board Members who are doing their part. Thank you. The Business Coach committee is meeting with the Enterprise Facilitator from Quad County and Lisa Roberts this week. The Leadership Class will be holding a class celebration on Wednesday night. With everyone working together, we are making a difference.
Bike Race in Atlanta
Atlanta will be filled with bikers on Sunday, May 7th – that’s bicycles not motorcycles. The Lance Armstrong Junior Olympics Race Series will feature a 24-mile loop around Atlanta. It is promoted by the Oz Bicycle Club in Wichita and there will be 200-250 participants, along with race staff, friends and families. Julie is putting together a map of Eastern Cowley County with businesses, events and activities. So if you have anything to include, please e-mail her at countrycookin@sktc.net. They are also looking for volunteers and people to contribute desserts for the BBQ luncheon.
BJN Ranch Tours
Another agritourism business has opened in Eastern Cowley County. Bud and Jan Nitschke have opened up their home and ranch for tours. They live 14 miles straight east of Winfield, just north of Dexter at the big curve. The tours take place on Saturday and Sunday afternoons from 2-5 and include an evening sandwich meal. This cost is $10 for adults and $5 for children. For reservations call (620) 876-5496. I can’t wait to go – I’ve heard that their house is beautiful.
ABCDE Vision
Jean Warta from the Kansas Department of Commerce met with the ABCDE organization earlier this month to assist us with developing a vision statement. She took all of our words and ideas and turned them into something fabulous. It is a picture of Eastern Cowley County in 2011. Below is the first draft – I think that it is great!
ABCDE
Vision 2011 (Draft)
Eastern
Cowley County, the Bridge to the Flint Hills, is a scenic, tranquil
destination for regional visitors, day-trippers, outdoor adventurers, and
those who choose to explore the history and culture of the pioneer
present. It is a perfect place to bask in the beautiful, untouched
natural setting by hiking, biking, hunting, fishing, or simply unwinding
by the creek.
Natural
resources and entrepreneurial spirited people breed innovative business
opportunities that invite others to share in the beloved land. The
general store provides basic daily needs within a tidy downtown that is
energized with activities, live theatre, music, and visitors experiencing
artisans working their craft. The flavor of local food, handmade
gifts, and specialty shops round-out the backdrop of this peaceful rural
community.
Pride
is evident in the clean and well-kept yards and public spaces. High
quality public schools, churches, jobs, the availability of housing,
encircled by friendly, resourceful, and hardworking people, makes this a
great place to raise a family and an obvious choice for entrepreneurial
youth to return to.
United together, community volunteers, local governments, and regional organizations enhance and preserve the region through coordinated efforts, intentional communications, and focused resources with a willingness to adapt and change. The honest and enthusiastic people of Eastern Cowley County are determined to maintain their rural lifestyle for today's and future generations to enjoy the warmth of a close community who cherish their culture and heritage.
Flinthills Aromatherapy
Many new aromatherapy products from Gary and Wanda Headrick are available for purchase at the Stone Barn Mercantile. 100% Pure Essential Oils are a new item which have many uses. Gary told me that Tea Tree Oil would remove ticks from animals in an instant. There is also lavender, eucalyptus, and others. Visit www.flinthillsaromatherapy.com for more information.
Greenhouse Open for Business
The Headrick Greenhouse has plants ready for sale!! They are open Monday thru Thursday from 5:30 pm to 8:pm and Friday and Saturday from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm. They have a large selection of tomatoes, vegetables, herbs, and annual and perennial bedding plants, hanging baskets and potted plants. The greenhouse is located 2 /12 miles north of Atlanta, and 1 1/2 miles east on 2nd road (which is also 240th St. in Butler Co – it is on the county line).
City Council Workshop Scheduled with Larry Baer
Larry Baer, General Counsel with the League of Kansas Municipalities, will be coming to the ABCDE area to speak to the city councils on May 25th at 6:30. The presentation will be held in Burden at the city building. His talk will cover many topics including community maintenance and growth. Leroy Alsup, Cowley County Administrator and Bill Taylor, Cowley County Attorney will also be attending the presentation. Yvonne Stone, team leader for this ABCDE strategy, is contacting each of the ABCD city councils.
Bass Tournament
The
Dexter Civic Club is sponsoring its annual Bass Tournament on Saturday,
May 6th. You can
fish in your own pond or a lake. For
more information contact Brian Kuntz at 876-5845.
Fine Arts Fair
The Dexter school shop class will be
holding its Fine Arts Fair on May 18th from 5 – 7 p.m. to
display the work that the students have done all year.
Upcoming Activities/Events
May 6 Dexter Civic Club Bass Tournament
May 7 Bike Race, Atlanta
May 18 Dexter School Fine Arts Fair
June 14 Bike Across Kansas, Burden
June 24 “End of the Trail” Prairie Event
July 8 Dexter BBQ
Next ABCDE Meeting -
May 1, 7:00 p.m. ABCDE Membership Meeting, Cambridge, (location to be announced)
ABCDE
Monday Messenger
April 17, 2006
ABCDE – Better Together
Greetings! This is the tenth edition of the Monday Messenger. Its purpose is to bring you current information about the ABCDE project and area. If you have anything to submit for the newsletter, please send it to shannonthom@hotmail.com.
Greenhouse Open for Business
The Headrick Greenhouse has plants ready for sale!! They are open Monday thru Thursday from 5:30 pm to 8:pm and Friday and Saturday from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm. They have a large selection of tomatoes, vegetables, herbs, and annual and perennial bedding plants, hanging baskets and potted plants. The greenhouse is located 2 /12 miles north of Atlanta, and 1 1/2 miles east on 2nd road (which is also 240th St. in Butler Co – it is on the county line).
City Council Workshop Scheduled with Larry Baer
Larry Baer, General Counsel with the League of Kansas Municipalities, will be coming to the ABCDE area to speak to the city councils on May 25th at 6:30. The location is to be announced. His presentation will cover many topics including community maintenance and growth. Leroy Alsup, Cowley County Administrator and Bill Taylor, Cowley County Attorney will also be attending the presentation. Yvonne Stone, team leader for this ABCDE strategy, is contacting each of the ABCD city councils.
Local Internet Business
I had the link to Bud Henderson’s Internet business wrong last week. There is an _ (underline) between Corners and the W. You can't see the underline because the web address is underlined also. Here is the correct website:
http://stores.ebay.com/Coyote-Corners_W0QQsspagenameZMEQ3aFQ3aSTQQtZkm
Old Pickup Auction
Friday,
April 21, is the Black’s “Old Pickup” auction.
They are auctioning off pickups from 1949-1954.
Carol said that many people have inquired about the auction.
One person even flew in from Florida to take a peek.
For more information, contact Roger or Carol at (620) 442-1953.
Kansas Economic Development Conference
ABCDE
will be featured at the state’s annual Economic Development Conference.
This year, the conference theme is “Big Lessons from Small
Places: Kansas Success
Stories”. The 2-day
conference is April 26-27 in Wamego, Kansas.
A concurrent session on the Governor’s Rural Life Pilot Projects
will be presented on Wednesday at 2:30 p.m.
A representative from each of the three Pilot Projects will explain
their projects that address issues critical to rural life.
Bass Tournament
The
Dexter Civic Club is sponsoring its annual Bass Tournament on Saturday,
May 6th. You can
fish in your own pond or a lake. For
more information contact Brian Kuntz at 876-5845.
Fine Arts Fair
The Dexter school shop class will be
holding its Fine Arts Fair on May 18th from 5 – 7 p.m. to
display the work that the students have done all year.
Upcoming Activities/Events
April 21 Old Pickup Auction, Black Farm, Pickups from 1949-1954
May 6 Dexter Civic Club Bass Tournament
May 7 Bike Race, Atlanta
May 18 Dexter School Fine Arts Fair
June 14 Bike Across Kansas, Burden
June 24 “End of the Trail” Prairie Event
July 8 Dexter BBQ
Next ABCDE Meeting -
May 8, 7:00 p.m. ABCDE Membership Meeting, Cambridge, (location to be announced)
ABCDE
Monday Messenger
ABCDE – Better Together
Greetings! This is the ninth edition of the Monday Messenger. Its purpose is to bring you current information about the ABCDE project and area. If you have anything to submit for the newsletter, please send it to me at shannonthom@hotmail.com.
New Downtown Dexter Business
Yvonne and Brian Stone have purchased the building at 101 N. Main in Dexter and are going to start a quilt shop. The shop will have other items for sale also. They have been cleaning up the place and it is looking very good. The business will not be open until later in the year but everyone is excited to have another business in the downtown.
Local Internet Business
Bud Henderson runs an online Internet business from his home in the ABCDE area. The link to his online store on Ebay is http://stores.ebay.com/Coyote-Corners_W0QQsspagenameZMEQ3aFQ3aSTQQtZkm. He says that if anyone in the area wants to purchase items, then he would waive the shipping cost and hand deliver them. He also has reloading supplies.
Burden Chamber of Commerce Membership Drive
The
Burden Chamber of Commerce is holding a membership drive. The purpose of
the Chamber is to promote business and community growth.
Membership dues are $25. For
more information call (620) 438-2930.
Bass Tournament
The
Dexter Civic Club is sponsoring its annual Bass Tournament on Saturday,
May 6th. You can
fish in your own pond or a lake. For
more information contact Brian Kuntz at 876-5845.
Fine Arts Fair
The Dexter school shop class will be
holding its Fine Arts Fair on May 18th from 5 – 7 p.m. to
display work that the students have done all year.
Community Event Website
The
Eastern Cowley County Advocate has a website for community events.
The link is
http://www.freewebs.com/eccrc/index.htm.
Then, click on the lower left under "Guestbook" to see
area announcements. They can add your events or you can post them
yourself. I saw that
Burden is having citywide garage sales on April 22nd.
Dexter is having citywide garage sales and cleanup this weekend -
the 15th.
Upcoming Activities/Events
April 21 Old Pickup Auction, Black Farm, Pickups from 1949-1954
May 6 Dexter Civic Club Bass Tournament
May 7 Bike Race, Atlanta
May 18 Dexter School Fine Arts Fair
June 14 Bike Across Kansas, Burden
June 24 “End of the Trail” Prairie Event
July 8 Dexter BBQ
Next ABCDE Meeting -
May 8, 7:00 p.m. ABCDE Membership Meeting, Cambridge, (location to be announced)
TopTopTTTTop
ABCDE
Monday Messenger
ABCDE – Better Together
Greetings! This is the eighth edition of the Monday Messenger. Its purpose is to bring you current information about the ABCDE project. If you have anything to submit for the newsletter, please send it to me at shannonthom@hotmail.com.
ABCDE Visioning Process
Tonight is the ABCDE Visioning Session. Jean Warta from the Department of Commerce will be leading the hands-on meeting. It will start at 7:00 p.m. at Melissa’s Building in Burden. Jean is using the ABCDE project for her Master’s degree work. She will be developing a Marketing Plan for our area.
A short business meeting will be held at 7:00 p.m. before the visioning session.
Thank
You For Success of Dexter Opry
The
first ever Dexter Country Music Opry was held last Saturday night.
The crowd topped two hundred and the performers were very
talented! We learned a few
things to do different next time (speed up the show, shorten the length)
but overall we were very happy with the event.
It was great to see so many people in Dexter on a Saturday night.
Burden Chamber of Commerce Membership Drive
The
Burden Chamber of Commerce is holding a membership drive. The purpose of
the Chamber is to promote business and community growth.
Membership dues are $25. For
more information call (620) 438-2930.
ECCA New Edition Available
The
new Eastern Cowley County Advocate is out.
It is full of news from the area.
They can be purchased at many locations in the area.
Branding Your Downtown
Through the ABCDE project, we have joined the Kansas Downtown Development Association. Lonnie and SKT have paid our dues to this association. KDDA holds quarterly trainings and we can send up to 4 people to each training. The next one is April 6th from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. in Belleville, Kansas. It is on Branding Your Downtown and will cover the steps to creating a brand image. If you are interested in attending the training, there is no charge for the training but you will have to pay your own way there. Please let Lonnie know if you are interested.
Homemade Meals Delivered to Your Door
Did
you know that Julie Headrick cooks homemade meals and will bring them to
you? All of her entrees are
made from scratch with quality ingredients and are delivered frozen.
You just set them out in the morning and pop them into the oven at
night. You can also get
vegetables, breads and salads to finish the meal.
It is a lifesaver for me – I only have a kitchen because it came
with the house! Her phone
number is (620) 394-2794.
Burden School Mascot
Rex
Branson and Kris Hotchkin are again carving a school mascot.
This time it is for the Burden School.
Last year, they completed one for Dexter.
The carvers are on the home stretch of finishing it up and are now
starting a fundraising drive for "Spirit Boosters".
If anyone is interested in having a name on the plaque, contact
Kris at (620) 438-9663.
Walking Sticks at the Tall Grass Prairie
Kris
Hotchkin’s walking sticks are now for sale at the Tallgrass Prairie
Natural Preserve near Strong City, Kansas.
According to the website, the Preserve has four hiking trails from
3-6 miles long. The walking
sticks are available in the Bookstore.
We are proud of you Kris!!
“End of the Trail” Prairie Event
A new agritourism business in the ABCDE area is Cowboy Creek featuring an “End of the Trail” Prairie Event. Everyone can’t go on a cattle drive, but you can come experience what the last night of the cattle drive would have been like. You will be fed from an authentic chuck wagon served by the Conway crew of Cambridge and be entertained by Cowboy entertainment around the campfire. The longhorn cattle will be grazing only a few feet away as they would have been over a 100 years ago. The first date of the event is June 24th and reservations are being accepted. Other dates are being planned. Cowboy Creek also offers “sleeping under the stars on the prairie” in an authentic Native American Sioux tipi. For more information contact Vicki Drake at 876-3188.
Upcoming Activities/Events
April 21 Old Pickup Auction, Black Farm, Pickups from 1949-1954
May 7 Bike Race, Atlanta
June 14 Bike Across Kansas, Burden
June 24 “End of the Trail” Prairie Event
July 8 Dexter BBQ
Next ABCDE Meetings - TONIGHT
April 3, 6:30 p.m. ABCDE Board Meeting, Burden, Melissa’s Building
April 3, 7:00 p.m. ABCDE Membership Meeting, Burden, Melissa’s Building