Strandz & Threadz is celebrating 25 years on Vincennes Street in Uptown NA.

A bit of trivia: When Strandz & Threadz was known as Beauty World, it was located in the south wing of the NABC Pizzeria & Public House (where the game room is now).

McAfee proves yet again that the local chain newspaper's writers are perfectly capable when given the column inches to explicate a topic. Too bad about the abysmal news room management, but maybe some day it will change.

Strandz celebrates on Friday: "The owners are celebrating the business' anniversary from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Friday with an open house that will feature door prizes, drinks, appetizers and a trivia contest with a prize of a $250 gift card."

I'm not sure I can make it, but congratulations and best wishes from the 1117 East Spring Street Neighborhood Association.

Strandz & Threadz celebrates 25 years in Uptown New Albany, by Brooke McAfee (Hanson's Softening Folly)

NEW ALBANY — For several decades, a family atmosphere has been a key element of Strandz Salon & Threadz Specialty Shop on Vincennes Street in New Albany.

One reason is because it is a family business owned by three sisters, Stacy Tunnell, Julie Young and Stefanie Griffith. Another is the connections among staff and clients at the salon — Stefanie says the environment is reminiscent of the iconic bar in the television show, Cheers, "where everybody knows your name."

Strandz & Threadz is celebrating its 25th anniversary in business at 322 Vincennes S., where the three sisters set up shop in 1994. The family business actually goes back to 1985, when their parents, Betty and Paul Lenfert, purchased the House of Rosemary and Men's Corner salons on Grant Line Road, where Stacy was working as a hair stylist. The siblings purchased their parent's business in 1993 ...

Merchant Meeting next Tuesday morning, Dec. 16, at 8:30 a.m., at Strandz & Threadz.

The last time one of these meetings was held (November 18), quite a few questions were answered ... most of them "privately" following the exodus, and almost entirely to City Hall's detriment.

ON THE AVENUES: Really, the word “progressive” embarrasses you? That’s okay, because political cowardice disgusts me.

... But it was my prodding on two-way streets, traffic calming and walkability that prompted the most memorable portion of the dialogue, and in the process, snapped this camel’s back.

But seriously: If you are doing business downtown, consider attending these monthly meetings. Speak up, speak out, say something, and ponder the extent to which the slightest bit of unified, collective action -- the elusive "working together" -- might make a difference.

The city cannot or will not do very much for the historic business district downtown. That much is clear after all this time, and we know the knee pads are reserved for the industrial park.

What can we do for ourselves?

Stick together -- or hang separately?

The announcement for next week follows.

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Greetings Friends,

Just a quick update to remind you that our next Merchant's Meeting will take place next Tuesday morning, Dec. 16 at 8:30 AM. Strandz & Threadz will be our gracious hosts at 322 Vincennes St.

The meetings seldom last no more than one hour and are always informative and well attended, we hope you will be able to join us. Our meetings are always held the 3rd Tuesday morning of each month, everyone is invited to attend.

In lieu of our monthly Night Out New Albany event, many have voiced an interest in our shops and businesses staying open late NEXT Thursday night, Dec.18 - exactly one week before Christmas. We'll come up with a catchy name and begin to get the word out ... but please plan on staying open late that evening and making your customers aware of our last minute shopping, festive night in New Albany!

Speaking of festive, as discussed in our previous merchant's meeting ... Downtown Franklin, TN will host their 31st "Dickens of a Christmas" this Sat-Sun, Dec 13-14. I am attaching the link with further information.

Franklin is just outside of Nashville, a nice 3 hour drive. We stumbled upon this magical event last year and immediately thought of how perfectly this type of event would fit in Downtown New Albany and how we all could benefit. I encourage anyone who can make the day trip to do so ...Please google images and review -  let's start thinking of something similar for our beautiful, historic district next year.

http://www.historicfranklin.com/events/dickens-of-a-Christmas

New Albany looks so festive, warm and welcoming ... The tree at Bicentennial Park is glistening and business owners have done an amazing job with windows and storefronts. Develop New Albany is hosting a friendly décor contest. You can peek at the windows and cast your vote at http://www.developna.org/about-develop-new-albany/community-questions/viewpoll/14-holiday-store-window-contest.

Thanks everyone, see you next Tuesday morning!

Matters of the facade, 2: Haircut and shave, two bits.

I began Friday morning as above. Then this happened.

A few scissor cuts and random razor swipes later, I emerged like this, all inoffensive and corporate.

It was for a good cause, and I recommend you join me in making a donation to Camp Quality. Give Strandz & Threadz a shout, and they'll tell you how.

Strandz & Threadz in New Albany hosts their annual Cuts for a Cure May 23 (WDRB)

Cuts for a Cure: Roger's hair will disappear on Friday, May 23 at Strandz & Threadz.

On Friday, May 23, the ponytail is coming off, and I'm getting a utilitarian haircut with considerable metaphorical properties.

The act will occur at Strandz & Threadz, 322 Vincennes Street, as part of the salon's 7th Annual Cuts for a Cure. The event runs from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., and here's the program.

• Help us raise Money by taking pledges to have your head shaved, pony tails cut for Wigs for Kids or Hair Chalked.
• All proceeds to benefit Camp Quality, a free camp for kids with cancer and Mrs. Mary Briscoe a local teacher.
• Keith Kaiser with WDRB will be here
• Many area businesses with their mascots will be around entertaining.
• Showtime Photo Booth
• Snacks, drinks and more!
• Call 812.945.5480 for more info or visit Facebook Event

Strandz & Threadz: On the right side of New Albany street grid history.

Strandz & Threadz

My two-way street project and how you can help.

Merchant Mixer tonight 5:30 p.m. at Strandz & Threadz.

(Submitted by Curt and Pam Peters, The Gallery on Pearl)

There will be a Merchant Mixer this coming Monday at 5:30 PM at Strandz and Threadz, 322 Vincennes St., New Albany. These get-togethers are informal meetings for merchants and others downtown and uptown to share information and concerns. We will discuss the upcoming Exclusively New Albany, the Artswalk, beautification, street issues, First Tuesdays and anything else people want to discuss. Please come and invite others who are involved in downtown or uptown. If you want to bring a snack item or beverage to share, that would be great.

Thanks to Allen Howie and New Albany First.

There was a fine crowd at Strandz & Threadz on Thursday evening for NA First's marketing seminar. I had to count heads twice and remember to count Stefanie before affirming that 30 attentive listeners were filling the room. Special thanks to Allen Howie for being informative and entertaining as always.

Develop New Albany's monthly "1st Tuesday" networking event is tomorrow.

Illustration courtesy of Develop New Albany. I'll be there with the beer (note to DB: Yes, Com-Dk).