Dear Chamber Supporters:
Thankful for the natural car wash we got the past handful of days, I’m not sure how many days we’ve been without rain, but we’ve saved it all for now it seems (my gauge had overflowed from the 5 inches it holds). With over 24 hours of rain, the Marias De Cygnes River rose to its second-highest point this year. You can check out how many feet the river is at any given time by using this website here. This data is collected nonstop, meaning you can always check back in if you’re curious (or if you’d like to ask publicly on Facebook, that’s pretty popular too). Though the river seemed like it was about to overflow down Main Street, in reality still needed another 10 feet or so for the city to close the levee. Thankful we have it even if it wasn’t needed… this time anyway!
Picture Perfect After Hours
This week we got treated to a Chamber After Hours at one of our community’s hidden gems, The Gallery (pictures here). Located on 106 S Main Street, this art gallery is filled with pictures from and operated by four local photographers, Cal Lantis, Jeanne Hutchinson, Doug Morris and Anita Pearce. Those in attendance were able to move around the space looking at the art on offer while drinking wine and other refreshments provided by the hosts. The gallery is a lovely place to view art, but also a place to purchase some for yourself! Photos vary from local sunflowers and Kansas fields to photos from the UK and beyond… all really unique in their own way. Mediums vary from framed photos to those with texture and some photos are transferred to metal. Because taking photos is just a hobby for these four, the storefront is only open for minimal hours each week. You can bank on them being open between 10-2pm every Saturday and open between 5-8pm on Third Thursdays each month.
During the After Hours, when asked about how they get inspiration for their photos, Jeanne shared that her brain is hardwired to view her surroundings as if she were taking a photo. This means always being tuned in to an opportunity to capture a moment, and sometimes scouting areas while she waits for the lighting/surroundings to be right. She and Cal both mentioned that finding “the one” doesn’t always come easy, as it can often take hundreds to thousands of shots to find one worthy to print. A specialty store like this might be common in the metro, but it’s great that we have the ability to buy pieces like this in our community. A great addition to our unique and vibrant downtown.
Unwrapping Halloween Events in Ottawa
Trick or treating has already begun in town with several big drive-through events happening last night. Makayla got to participate in Lincoln Elementary School’s candy giveaway on the north side of town. Teachers and staff helped by hosting spots in the parking lot as students’ families made their way through. Here are some shots from Ottawa University’s big trick-or-treating event last night. Campus clubs, university departments, sports teams, and community groups come together to hand out tens of thousands of pieces of candy over the evening event. Great chance for kids to bring home a good haul.
If you’re interested in what opportunities there are around town to snag some candy over the next handful of days, the ORC put together a list of participating houses and groups (here is a list of people who sent their info in). You can also check out this link that has a very detailed list of all the treats around town. Pretty much something going on every day through the 31st, a very festive time around town.
Striking a Chord for a Cause with KOFO
If you’re catching this early enough, you might still have time to listen in to KOFO’s Cancer Awareness Telethon! Tune into 1220 AM, 103.7 FM or online anywhere in the world on KOFO’s online broadcast. This event each year is put together with the help of the Franklin County Cancer Foundation. When you call in, a helpful volunteer will take your call and assist you through the donating process. If you make a donation today during the telethon, you get the chance to choose a song that will be played on air. Some genres we’ve heard so far today include gospel music, classic rock, and modern pop, so really anything goes! All the proceeds go back to the Cancer Foundation, directly helping those in our county.
A great cause, but for Brad Howard and Derek Chappell, it means just a little bit more. As a friendly competition, they have wagered to see who can receive the most donations when they are on air, Derek from 9-1pm or Brad from 1-5pm. Loser has to do a live broadcast on the County courthouse lawn in a turkey costume for their annual Thanks for Giving Food Drive. I’m quite excited to see how this plays out, but really, a win-win for everyone as we get ourselves a turkey either way and the FCCF get donations to help their great mission. Brad or Derek won’t be the only turkey we’re looking forward to this coming November with Thanksgiving right around the corner, thanks for putting the “fun” in fun-draiser KOFO team!
Brewing Up 1-Year Full of New
This morning Chamber members were able to celebrate the 1-year anniversary of Zelda’s Café at 405 N Main St. (pictures here). Katrina, owner/manager of the coffee and custard store, shared that though they’ve been at this location for 1-year, they’ve really evolved so much that it feels almost like a reopening. Some change out of necessity and some change because of what they hear from their clients. And these changes are all across the board, involving menu, staff organization, technology, building additions, etc. One of the new things that’s really taken off is the addition of their weekend buffet options, click here to see times and offerings. Lunch on Fridays and breakfast buffet on Saturday and Sunday, an offering you really can’t get anywhere else in town. They also offer to-go buffet boxes if you don’t have the time to sit and eat. Aside from the buffet, they also serve more lunch options altogether, with the addition of panini sandwiches and wraps. Their desserts are also expanding, with no-sugar-added shakes and malts. Zelda’s has definitely not sat still through their first year and is continuing to adapt.
Katrina shared that these changes aren’t all thought up internally, but many ideas are what their customers have voiced. With that information, Zelda’s then sees what they can do, adding and adjusting their offerings. This flexibility has been at the forefront of their thinking over this last year when addressing additions. Something you might not have known to keep in mind, the room on the south side of the store can be rented out for meetings or parties. The garage door inside allows this to be closed off if desired or opened up for more room. This room can comfortably fit 30 or so. Also if your meeting is on the go, you’re able to buy a to-go coffee carafe from the store as well. The more you know!
Makayla and I are headed to Not Lost’s Halloween Party this evening for their costume contest and some drinks. Come join in on the fun if you’re free, I’ll have pictures for next week if you miss it. Talk to you soon!
Ryland Miller
President/CEO
Ottawa Area Chamber of Commerce
ryland@ottawakansas.org
785-242-1000