Greetings!
There is an interesting phenomenon sweeping over Tulsa. Storytelling. National Public Radio StoryCorps has been in Tulsa for the last few weeks, giving Tulsa area residents a chance to interview family and friends, to get an oral history of events in their lives, Tulsa history and family traditions and important events. This Friday, November 28, is National Day of Listening – a day you can set aside over the holiday weekend to take time to listen to a friend or family about their stories of life and record them for future generations. I actually went to the StoryCorps trailer on Saturday and I now have my story on a CD to share with my family and friends. If you are interested in this fascinating project, you can learn more online.
It could be the beginning of a great Thanksgiving tradition for your own family.
This Friday, Nov. 28, is also the opening of the Arvest Ice Rink at the BOK Center, 3rd Street and Frisco, and the beginning of Winterfest, a month-long celebration of winter in downtown Tulsa. Whole families will be able to enjoy ice skating, Ike's chili, hot chocolate, carraige rides and entertainment on the west side of the BOK Center from Nov. 28 through New Year's Eve. The rink opens at 12 p.m. and other activities will begin in the evening at 5 p.m. You can visit www.bokcenter.com for more information on Winterfest, as well as all upcoming events
Listen, tell a story & enjoy the season!
Sincerely
Kathy Taylor
Mayor
BOK Center Celebrates Winterfest 2008
Visit Downtown Tulsa this winter season for the inaugural BOK Center Winterfest celebration! Experience the thrill of outdoor ice skating beneath the sparkling skyline, enjoy a hot beverage and live entertainment on the plaza, or take a magical carriage ride with your family through the streets of the city.
Tulsa Transit Begins Park
and Save Program
Mayor Kathy Taylor, in partnership with Tulsa Transit, has announced a new “Park and Save” program to provide commuters easier access to public transportation on MTTA buses. This program will help Tulsans save gas money and ride a bus even if they do not live near a bus stop.
“Park and Save” was begun in November 2008 through cooperation between MTTA and locations along bus routes. These locations have agreed to allow bus riders to park their vehicles in their lots and board the bus at the nearest stop.
Mayor's Spirit Award and Tulsey Winners Announced
Three Tulsa businesses received checks from SpiritBank for winning the Mayor’s Entrepreneurial Spirit Award. First place winner, Grocio.com, received $30,000, second place winner, Lidy Mac, LLC, received $5,000 and third place winner, Lundeby’s Eco Baby received $25,000. The Mayor’s Entrepreneurial Spirit Award is designed to promote small business growth in Tulsa by providing networking and other business opportunities to area small businesses.
Redevelopment Program, FORWARD Announced
Last week, city and community leaders announced FORWARD (Franchising Opportunities Reinforced with Assistance Rewards), a program that will bring economic development opportunities to North Tulsa.
FORWARD will obtain 10 local franchises in one building and provide each with financing, coaching, technical assistance and office space. The projected site for the program will be at the corner of north Peoria and Reading Street.
The redevelopment program was initiated by the North Tulsa Economic Development Initiative (nTEDI), in part of their three phase program, with one phase redeveloping the old Banfield site where FORWARD will stand. North Tulsa entrepreneurs can call the Tulsa Economic Development Corporation at 585-8332 for more information.
Tulsans Take
Note:
Trap the Grease!
During the next six weeks, Tulsans will see references to an education program called “Trap the Grease!” everywhere they look. Promotions will be featured at Starworld 20 Theaters, at MTTA bus stop locations, and on Cox Cable television channels.
The program is designed to educate the public about the dangers of pouring Fats, Oils and Grease down the drain. A successful program, known as F.O.G., has been in place for several years to educate restaurants and businesses about backups and clogs created by grease in the sewer lines. Such clogs result in sewer overflows and costly repairs to pipes.
City Offices Closed for Thanksgiving Holiday;
Trash, Greenwaste on Holiday Schedule
In observance of Thanksgiving, City offices will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 27, and on Friday, Nov. 28. Trash service, the City's greenwaste site will be on their holiday schedule.