From the Editor (March 2017)


by Ammie Bryant, Editor

They say March roars in like a lion and goes out like a lamb. I’m not sure that applies as much these days with our wacky weather. As I look back on a March when my kids were little and our neighborhood in the country was young, I remember spending windy days in the field to the north of our house, flying our large dragon kite. We don’t have as much space around our place for flying kites these days and as busy as we all are, taking the time to fly a kite seems like a luxury now.

On the 17th, we’ll be wearing our green to keep the pinches at bay. Nothing delights our kids more than the chance to pinch mom and dad for not wearing green on St. Patrick’s Day. If you are looking for ways to observe the holiday, the Visit Stillwater team has a plan for touring our town while celebrating St. Patty’s Day the Stilly way!

Speaking of St. Patrick, did you know he was actually born in Scotland? Which brings me to our story on the Stillwater Pipe Band. Stillwater’s bagpipe band was founded in 2007 and is always looking for new recruits. So if you have ever thought about learning to play the bagpipes, be sure to check out our story “How Sweet the Sound.” It includes information on how you can get involved.

After we get back from Spring Break, SMAC week will kick off on the 27th. Stillwater High School students have been working hard all year to get ready for the culmination of their efforts to raise funds for MPower. There are a few activities earlier in the month that benefits Stillwater Makes a Change, so be on the lookout for those.

Also that week, on March 29th, Wings of Hope will hold their Gala, “Masquerade: Unmasking the Cycle of Violence.” This is an important opportunity for the community to support those in need by investing in the organization’s programs. We hope you will read our story about this event and more about Wings of Hope and its mission.

With spring beginning to bloom and the wind blowing, we can’t think of a better time to celebrate 60 years of Stillwater’s own Original Hideaway. For some, it may seem like a leap to go from kites to pizza, but those who are familiar with the Hideaway and its history will remember Richard Dermer’s enthusiasm for kites.  Be sure to read our spotlight story on the Hideaway; even if you think you know all there is to know about the Hideaway, we may have uncovered a few tidbits you hadn’t heard before. The Hideaway’s celebration festivities will start on the first day of spring, March 20, with daily customer appreciation specials, kite giveaways for kids, drawings for prizes, and even some live music.

March marks the halfway point for the spring semester and when you still have kids in school you tend to measure time by the way the school year flows. With so much going on in March, from family birthdays (we have several!) to Hideaway’s 60th celebration, St. Patty’s Day, Spring Break, SMAC week and more, I feel like time is slipping away towards the busy end of school year months…  

Maybe I should dig out that old kite of ours and make some time this month to enjoy it again. Slowing down to spend time together as a family should never be a luxury–it’s a necessity.